one gains a certain hold

[ajan VW päevikutest vetsuplaneeringute jälgi (töö!); tore on tõdeda, et ka tema on lihast ja luust]

They were powdering & painting, these common little tarts, while I sat, behind a thin door, p—ing as quietly as I could.
[..]

Food becomes an obsession. I grudge giving away a spice bun. Curious—age, or the war? Never mind. Adventure. Make solid. But shall I ever write again one of those sentences that gives me intense pleasure?
26. veebruar 1941

Suppose, I bought a ticket at the Museum; biked in daily & read history. Suppose I selected one dominant figure in every age & wrote round & about. Occupation is essential. And now with some pleasure I find that its seven; & must cook dinner. Haddock & sausage meat. I think it is true that one gains a certain hold on sausage & haddock by writing them down.
8. märts 1941