Thursday July 18, 1985

 Moorhouse Inn

Dull, overcast, &c. Samuel fell out of bed with a bump in the middle of the night and Ally rescued him. This morning he ran in, like Steve Cram, clutching his blue elephant. By 9:30 all our little jobs were done and Sam and I walked up Dewsbury Rd. It's Pancrack Day. I saw most of our customers queuing at the post office. We bought chocolate buttons and ate them on the way back. Janette phoned to say she might be in the early stages of labour. Ally ordered her to go immediately to the Clarendon Wing but when I phoned John at 8 Janette answered and reported that she was calmly watching 'Top of the Pops'. Ally was livid. Sue is feeling better. A 'flu bug. Margaret is looking after the Nason 'terrorists'. Dad has phoned Janette and has decided to venture homeward tomorrow to be around for the birth. I am looking forward to seeing him.

Pancrack: This phrase is slang for being on the dole or in receipt of social security benefits. It is believed that "on the pan crack" originates from the coal mining areas of Yorkshire. 

-=-

Wednesday July 17, 1985

 Moorhouse Inn

Day off. Dawn chorus, &c. We went out at 9 to pay MM £62 for Samuel's mattress. They were having a day off and so we spoke to MM's Dad. A pleasant man. We went to Guiseley to take flowers to the cemetery. We haven't taken flowers since the funeral. It was awful. Desolate. Dead flowers on the grave from Dad's last visit. Samuel was interested with desecrating a neighbouring grave with marble chippings. To Sue's. We found Margaret N looking after the children and Susan was in bed  looking bright, but running a temperature and feeling weak and wobbly. She complained that she hadn't seen a doctor and so Ally phoned the surgery and ordered him to attend. She may just have a chill, but coming so soon after recent gynaecological problems Ally felt a doctor was required. We went on to Bradford before the doctor appeared to see David Gaunt at Appleyard's. We agreed to buy the Maestro for £3,995, and they are going to take Mandy Metro in part exchange for £1,800. We can accept delivery of the vehicle next Thursday. Chuffed. On to Club St. We took Sam for a walk in the park but he fought the idea of sleeping. I had fish and chips and Ally went for her hair doing. 'Mad' Norman has been in our garden tearing up the flowers. We have a new neighbour called Gladys. Phoned Susie. The doctor says she has a touch of 'flu and has been ordered to stay in bed for a few days. To Bradford. Bought Susan a vase for her birthday. Heavy rain. ______. Ally mislaid her Barclaycard and so we re-traced our steps to Appleyard's and found it in the possession of Mr Gaunt. Town was busy and the traffic hideous. Samuel squealed on the way home. Evening off. Ally set fire to the top kitchen burning mince. Booby Ewing died in 'Dallas'.

-=-