Thursday November 24, 1983

 Thanksgiving Day, USA

Chillandham Cross, Itchen Abbas

Rain. We decided to torture ourselves and go back to Southampton. We were up early and managed to get away before 11 or so. We had breakfasted on boiled eggs, but I was still stuffed from last night's feast. We had difficulty parking in town and drove around aimlessly for half an hour. Visited Habitat and bought Christmas presents for Graham, Gill, & John &c. This really set the ball rolling and we moved on writing endless cheques at Tyrrell & Green, Owen & Owen, Plummers, Lilley & Skinner, & Debenhams, &c. A frantic shop but by 4pm we had completed our Christmas present buying. Both of us were damp and exhausted. I managed to buy next years journal. They cost over £3 now. Back to Winchester. ______. Avril Hargreaves called in to say hello, and did just that. No sign of Frank again this evening and we dined on chicken casserole at 8. Bessie would like a quieter life. Bed at 11.

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