Monday July 5, 1982

 Up at 6:44. Bath. Toast. Bus. ASLEF on strike, but no ill effects. Went to buy John another [Rolling] Stones ticket at 11, and went to see Jacq afterwards. We joked about the journey to Bradford and I told her to have the enterovioform tablets ready. She is also going to see the Stones. This gave me an idea. Why don't I ask everyone I know to join us at the concert? Rang Dave G. He was encouraging and will let me know tomorrow.

At home I sat for a couple of hours patriotically watching England v. Spain. It was a 0 - 0 draw which knocked us out of the World Cup. We needed 17 goals to remain in, or something. Ally, like a mad beaver, cleaning. Bed after 11, hot and restless.

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Sunday July 4, 1982

 4th Sunday after Trinity - Independence Day, USA

A day of rest. Out of bed for a full-English breakfast with lashings of hot tea. We laughed about Jill. She should be on the stage. John took a torch and climbed up to look in the loft, but threw it down to me saying it wasn't needed because there is plenty of daylight coming in through the roof. It is going to have to be re-pointed. Not too drastic though. Watched TV: 'The Avengers' and a football match, Northern Ireland v. France. We avoided Wimbledon, much to Ally's chagrin. [Jimmy] Connors won his match.

Chicken for dinner. John lapses into long silences. Maria phoned to discuss finances. Ally and I left the room so that they could talk without witnesses. Corner House Cottage has been sold to Molly and Jim. I spoke to Catherine but couldn't understand what she was saying.

To Guiseley at 8 and had a burst tyre en route, not 100 yards from the scene of our last puncture. Fucking roads! Why do we pay rates? Hilda and Tony with Mum and Dad. Janette phoned John and Mum sat tight lipped. Nothing was said. We left at 11:30 in the middle of a Rod Steiger film. He was playing W.C. Fields.

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Saturday July 3, 1982

 Hangover. John demolished ths sitting room [in fact the only room] and we are now midst rubble and plaster. The scene is strongly reminiscent of the Christian sector of Beirut. He did an excellent job, and already the room looks better. The fitted cupboards were unsightly objects. Went off to the tip with the waste and spent an amusing half hour throwing the debris over the fence.

Chilli con carne for lunch. Phoned Jill to see if she wanted visitors for a night on the town in Pudsey. She enthused. At 8 we went to Valley Rd and then to the King's Arms at Tong for a riotous session. Jill is the greatest comedienne since Mae West. I find her a delight to be with. John, who barely knows her, was fascinated. Poor Tim still much out of it with his leg. Drank gallons of Stones bitter [ale]. Back to Valley Rd and then home at 2am.

John is angry with Mum and Dad about the Toyota. When they gave him the car three weeks ago they implied it was his if he could get in fixed and back on the road. He has achieved this remarkable fete and now they've taken the car back from him. Oh dear. He wants another [Rolling] Stones ticket for Janette, his lady friend. Where will she stay when she comes down from Scotland? Guiseley is definitely out and so I suppose Ally and I will be hosts to this adulterous liaison. Mother will be livid.

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