Saturday January 31, 1981

 _. Sunny day. Out at lunch at 12:30 with Ally, Graham and Gill to the Ship at Sutton something or other [Bishops Sutton]. I couldn't eat. Still a spot of diarrhoea. They all found room for mounds of dead fish and vegetation and I struggled with a small loaf and an innocent looking lump of Cheddar. The chutney proved fatal. Afterwards, to Southampton on a furniture hunt for Graham & Gill again. They are extremely disorganised.

Back to Chillandham Cross at 5:30. Frank came in from his boat from Guernsey, munching on a pear. He approached me and said bluntly: 'so you've named the day, have you?' The cat is finally out of the bag. I found the ring and placed it upon Ally's finger. We are well and truly engaged.

Just the two of us to Winchester for a drink this evening. We get on so enormously well. Called at the Plough at 10:45. Midge scampered from behind the bar to view the jewels. Graham was banging on about buying a CB thing. Ludicrous. Tony and Neil had a fight. Back at Chillandham Cross we had steak and chips at 12:30am. Bed 1:30.

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Friday January 30, 1981

 _. A day of recovery at Lidget Green. Phoned the office at 8:30 and asked Sarah for cut flowers only, preferably orchids, and definitely no mourning. Ally went off in Audrey Citroen to the AHA and I sat listening to ghastly Radio 1, reading Agatha Christie. Later I had a bath, and ironed my jeans, and banged the hot iron down on my left hand. I didn't like it. 

Ally came home at 4. We packed the car, dashed to Leeds and collected the rings. The engagement ring is perfect. On to Winchester. Thick fog and ice after Northampton. We had to stop at Brackley for Ally to compose herself.

Walked in Chillandham Cross at 11. Frank is fogged up in Guernsey until tomorrow, and so we broke the news to Bessie, who had been warned of a coming surprise by Ally on the blower this afternoon. She was pleased, in her own sweet way. Graham & Gill fully expected it. Had a whisky. Bed at 1am.

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Thursday January 29, 1981

 _. Diarrhoea. I suppose it had to happen. I put in a brief appearance at the YP and after swigging a chalky potion made up by the YP nurse I obtained 'leave of absence' from Sarah and headed home. Well, in fact I headed for the place that soon shall be my home, 5 Club St. Saw Ally briefly, and then disappeared to bed with a mug of revolting arrowroot, clutching a volume of Agatha Christie. Not one of Agatha's better works. Something about a Christmas pudding. As always, I feel much better away from the YP. 

Ally was back from work at 5 and I attempted to join her downstairs but felt weak and uncomfortable. Returned to bed.

Dave G phoned but I didn't speak. Ally passed on my good wishes. Ally came to bed at 10. A restless night watching the clock and jibbering away to myself. All very melodramatic, but when I'm ill I certainly know I'm ill.

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Wednesday January 28, 1981

 _. Decidedly weak. To the YP 9-12. It was easy sitting in the office and not letting anyone know of my affairs. Mouth tightly shut, saying nothing. 

It was an awful journey on the bus. Looked at lunch but didn't touch the food. Too dangerous.

Went to bed until tea time. JPH woke me, playing with my foot, went downstairs feeling cold, tired and lifeless. Ally joined us and we two sat by the fire whilst Mum, Dad, John, Maria and the babies foraged next door.

It wasn't long before I was wanting my bed. It must be a chill. Poor Ally went home to Club St.

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