Monday September 3, 1984

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds

Labor Day, USA & Canada

Very wet later on. Torrential in fact.  Who cares about 'Labor Day'? It's also the anniversary of the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939 and of the marriage of Eileen Byram and Michael Robertshaw in 1977. We spoke to (uncle) John in Lanzarote. Everything sounds quite marvellous. Afterwards we  fret about Sue's decision not to join us. As one last act of desperation we went to Guiseley to see Susie. She gave us coffee and trimmed my hair and spoke of Peter's nightmare that he is going grey. I offered to lend then £340 for the flights to the Canaries and accomodation (Christopher and Ben go free) and she sounded willing, but on phoning Peter he grumpily declined my offer. We went away dejected. Bugger them, anyway.

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Sunday September 2, 1984

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds

11th Sunday after Trinity

Sunday again. Disorganised as usual. We sat upstairs not knowing quite what to do with ourselves. Ally in a vitriolic mood, pacing around like a puma. From the window we spied Marlene, Frank, Mabel and the children drinking in the car. They assumed we were out because our car was nowhere to be seen. (It was locked in the garage). They came up. Samuel showed them his tricks and how he can now clap hands, &c. Auntie Mabel dotes on babies. Marlene invited us to a barbecue tonight and we went over to Hough Side Road at 6 to partake in the outdoor feast. (Auntie Mabel was at at home at St Lawrence Close). We sat in the garden until 8:30 and then returned to to the busy pub. We saw the wilting staff afterwards.

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Saturday September 1, 1984

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds

We went shopping to town which was revoltingly busy. What fools we are. Afterwards we drove to Guiseley to see baby Thomas. I was close to collapse with hunger and stopped for fish and chips en route. We bought some (just for me) and Ally drove along whilst I ate them in the car. Samuel began to yelp with hunger too, and Ally was swerving all over the road helping herself to chunks of my hot, tempting fried fish. At Thorpefields we were herded together in the dining room. The lounge, or sitting room, is now declared 'out of bounds'. Frances and Katie were having hysterics about having to wear matching kilts, presents from Chris and Julie. I don't blame them. Kilts should only ever be worn by Scotsmen. I am very clear cut about this. They gossip. John has bought a £4,000 car. I hope this doesn't affect our Lanzarote plans. I held the baby. He makes Samuel look like a giant. You should see Samuel sitting in his car seat. Hi sits like the Queen Mother in a state landau. Enchanting. Just Mavis in tonight. So tiny, like the figure on a wedding cake.

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