Tuesday January 5, 1982

 Had a restless night because of Ally's indisposition and at 7, we lay sweaty and tired, trying not to listen to Mike Read on Radio 1.

Ally shouldn't have gone into the office, but Derek and Gillian are similarly indisposed. I left her at 7:45 looking drawn and wobbly.

At the office: Kathleen is insane. When I asked whether she had spent a merry Christmas she merely shrugged and said it was so far in the past she couldn't remember. Obviously, they've had a dreadful and busy time without me.

Honours?

I spent the day looking at the New Years Honours list to amend the files. Far from interesting. Those dreadful athletes who went to Moscow against Mrs Thatcher's wishes have been awarded the OBE. Yet another 'U' turn. Sir Charles Forte has been given a life peerage, and the palace press officials come away with DCVOs and KCVOs. I am no as sympathetic to the honours system as I once was. Just reading the small print you come across recipients, such as: 'Evadne Maud, Mrs Jenkins, BEM for services to lawn mowers, West Sussex'. I think it might be more of an honour to be ignored.

I spent some time combing the births, marriages and deaths announced in my absence. Sir Jim Holland, Bt, died on Christmas Day, and Lord Kenilworth died on Boxing Day.

Rain all day. I got a soaking at lunchtime when I went out to buy mince beef at Kirkgate market. It could be worse. Heavy snow is forecast once again, and floods have devastated York. 

Phoned Mum who sounded hideous - full of cold and speaking from her bed. Dad is similarly laid up. Cancel our proposed visit.

Escaped the office at 4:45 because the snow forecast filled me with alarm and despondency. Home at 5:45. We ate our mince speciality and watched 'Picnic at Hanging Rock', a good Australian film about the mysterious disappearance of a party of schoolgirls whilst picnicking in 1900.

Phoned Lynn. We arrange to go see 'Eye of the Needle' with her and Dave at the Bradford Odeon on Friday. Afterwards they'll spend the night here. Frances will be deposited at Guiseley in the capable hands of Granny. David was in one of his soulful moods. Ally dreamt last night that Lynn gave birth to hairy baby called 'Silver'. What could this possibly mean?

Dave Reed phoned to say he and Carol are getting engaged in Middlesbrough on January 16 and are to marry on August 14. 

Listened to Debussy. Bed late.

-=-