Monday April 21, 1986

 Moorhouse Inn, Leeds LS11 5NQ

The Birthday of Queen Elizabeth II

Waltergarth.

Over to Guiseley for 9:30 and found Sue ready and waiting. Her washing blowing on the clothes line. A bright, blustery day. We arrived at Dad's at about 11, but by this time we had drizzle. Dad is so morose. It's difficult to have any conversation with him. He has lost interest in the children  and looks utterly finished. Neighbour Frances called in. We watched TV and although Dad doesn't approve of daytime viewing we insisted because it is the Queen's birthday and the media has gone to town. Daffodil waving schoolchildren singing on the Mall, &c. Andrew and Fergie on the balcony at Buck House. Later a service at St George's and tonight - when we were back at Club St - an appreciation of HM by Ludovic Kennedy and a gala at Covent Garden. Phew. We are knackered after our exertions and had a Chinese take-away tonight. Returned here at 12. We left Dad's at 10 by which time everyone was hysterical. Poor Dad. His reason for living is gone.

-=-