Wednesday November 7, 1984

Chillandham Cross, Itchen Abbas

We were up at 7am. Ally splashing violently in the bath. I lay in bed listening to the news of President Reagan's much predicted victory. My knowledge of US politics is nil though with my temperament I tend to side with the sitting chief executive of whatever political colour. I do not feel comfortable with upheaval.

Rack & Manger.

After breakfast we took Bessie to Bournemouth where Samuel had his first view of the sea. He didn't enthuse.We then headed for the shops buying Christmas presents from 10am until 3. Samuel was an angel sitting in the seething restaurant of the British Home Stores, large eyes, feet straight out in front, watching shoppers devouring fish and chips at £1.49. Bessie did very well on her padding around on her feet for so long. After all, she is 62.

At home tonight we put the Bear to bed and decided to go out for a drink. Ally in a very wicked mood. We went to the Rack & Manger at Crawley, where the lager was warm and then we drove around the country lanes in search of a pub for half an hour without success. Villages with pretty thatched cottages, but no pubs. Home after one at the Plough.

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