Thursday December 5, 1985

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

A sad note in a Christmas card from Edna and Nellie this morning. Dad's cousin Vera Dean, 76, was struck by a car and killed on Nov 24 when leaving church in Bramley. She was on a pelican crossing . She has a brother, Arthur Dean, 73, and is the only daughter of Polly Dean (née Ross), sister of my great-grandmother, Christiana Rhodes (née Ross). We sat in bed with tea and biscuits. Dad was very saddened and he phoned Edna, who filled him in with the details. We went out. Wet, fog, drizzle. We bought a potted Christmas tree for  fiver. In the hustle and bustle of Leeds Market Dad says Dickens characters abound, and looking around they most certainly do. Dad loathes cities, especially Leeds, which he finds squalid. At 3:30 we went down and decorated the (Christmas) tree in the lounge and put up lights. Samuel's face was a picture. He sand 'Happy Birthday' at full throttle for some reason. _________.A night off. Dave L phoned from South Elmsall. He spoke about bees and aquaria, &c. Very chatty. He says he's coming here at Christmas with MM & Marita.

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Wednesday December 4, 1985

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Wet. Sue phoned at breakfast and spoke to Ally. She's suffering from morning sickness too. Dad appeared at 11am and went up for a coffee with Ally. She went to her hairdresser in Bradford and came back looked groomed and healthier. I worked until Liz came in at 8:30 from her cleaning job at Schofield's or Lewis's. She thinks she is three months pregnant______. Mad Scots were in the tap room celebrating their win, or draw, over Australia, to put them through to next years World Cup in Mexico. Dad walked up the road and bought Chinese take-aways (£10 for three), and we dined upstairs at 8:30. Dad says that Janette is planning the wedding for March 14. He is doing nothing for Christmas. All his descendants are to receive a fiver. No Christmas tree at Horton, and he's sending no cards. Very sad. He has lost his spirit.

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Tuesday December 3, 1985

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Samuel and his grandad

Poor little Samuel must wonder what is the matter with mummy. When should she see a doctor? She says she'll see one at 12 weeks which takes us to January 1st. I went over to Hunslet and had a haircut. Samuel found a little girl to play with in the barbers. It's obvious how outgoing he is. A little leader. The girl was at least twice his age and yet he bossed her about. This afternoon we completed our Christmas cards - 41 or so, and Ally wrapped presents. Samuel and I climbed into the bath together. He washed my knees and I washed his. I worked from 5:30. People had to wait. The British are famed for queuing aren't they? It was quiet. I managed nicely. Dad phoned to say he will come for a couple of days. He seemed concerned at Ally's condition.

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Monday December 2, 1985

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

Ally nauseous and completely washed out. I went down at 5:30 and did both bars on my own whilst Ally lay above. It was quiet. Pool knockout. A lad from 'the Cut' brought me a garden gnome. Wernher keeps a list for Audrey tomorrow. He'll have to go. 

John & Janette (1985)

Janette phoned this morning. People can ring in but we cannot ring out. Hopeless really. She wanted a copy of John's birth certificate because he's insuring her and Charlotte Nora___________and cannot find his copy. I do not have one and suggest Maria. She went on to say that she and John had been discussing 'the wedding' last night with the 1986 diary, and they plan to marry at Leeds Register Office in March. The thirteenth of that month will be the 10th anniversary of his marriage to Maria. Surely, this month is a bad omen? Janette has also spoken to Dad. 

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