Saturday June 18, 1983

Gill, Matthew & Frank

 Warm and sunny. A fried repast. Frank and Bessie were eager to leave for Coleford and we dashed around in the kitchen like a circus act. We left at 10:15 down the 'boring' M4 to Gloucestershire. Over the Severn Bridge but the view was spoiled by the mist. Into Wales and at Graham & Gill's for 12:15. Graham was away in Monmouth but he appeared after half an hour. Matthew is much gown and is a Dixon except for the Lynn eyes. He is placid and good natured. We had a good gin and then drove to Ross-on-Wye and sat outside a pleasant tavern and had a good lunch. Matthew in a blue bonnet. I had trout and snapped away photographing like Patrick Lichfield. Frank paid for everything and it came to £35 ___________. Afterwards back to Graham & Gill's where we sprawled in the sun and consumed two carafes of the Lynn white wine. The dog, Tara, is an an attractive canine and not horribly yellow like some retrievers. More white. Frank giggled with the dog like I have never seen him do before. Perhaps he should get one. It might work well on his temper. Still hot when we left at 6:30. An arduous 2 hour journey. Ally looked sick throughout and only her great presence of mind prevented her spewing. At home she went to bed and I joined her at 10. F & B were sipping brandy and watching a film.

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