Sunday June 5, 1983

 1st Sunday after Trinity

Another day of quiet repose. We do not phone any family for fear of letting the cat out of the bag.

Bacon and eggs. Ally has read somewhere that bacon is full of protein. Bessie phoned to thank us for the flowers. She has also received a bouquet from her sister Joan. __________. Graham and Gill have been to see them. Graham, she said, didn't think much to our family planning at a time when I am unemployed. Such things cannot be planned. We thank God for them. Later Gill phoned and was excited about our news. She says Graham is in a mood because of a marketing exam planned for tomorrow. Matthew is just about crawling. Bessie says her grandson is 'quite bonnie'. We plan to go see the Dixons of Coleford in Bessie's car sometime next week.

We ate half a chicken and a rich chocolate cake. Ally, pale and washed out, disappeared to bed at 10. I looked in at the first five minutes of the news and retired cheerfully rejoicing the demise of the Labour Party. Is Roy Jenkins going to be leader of HMs opposition on Friday? Mrs T certainly has nothing to fear. I have inserted a 'Vote Tory' poster in my bedroom window. I haven't done such a thing before. Ones political leanings are essentially personal but no way could I sleep with ease at night thinking that the woman at number 18 assumes we are Labour voters. Tom Torney is our MP which is bad enough, but Pat Wall is only five miles away in the adjoining constituency. To bed with Jane Eyre.

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Saturday June 4, 1983

 Bessie is 61 today. (She phoned last night and I had a good chat with her). Graham and Gill are supposed to be going to the rectory for the weekend.

Sunshine. Up after ten. Bright and cheerful. If Sam Smith's give us the push we'll go off on a residential course and get a diploma. We shall not be defeated. We are made of the stuff which sent Hitler packing. Vera Lynn and all that. 

Boiled eggs. We book tickets on a fast bus to London and back (£25 for the both of us) and can now tell Lynn and Dave that we'll be at Winchester from June 11-19 and if they want to join us they can do so. Feeling bright and optimistic today. I was so proud of Ally yesterday. She interviews remarkably well and turns on the charm. People are always impressed by her independence and the way she returned to Yorkshire in '79 and bought a house. __________. We went to market but were driven home by the sights and smells which turned Ally's stomach. Walking through the fish market proved to be a test in self-control for poor Pig, and we had to walk hurriedly through the stalls of red, dripping meat. An arduous shopping excursion to be sure. We returned home and had strawberries and cream. We dined early on soup, trout (grilled), new potatoes, garden peas, and more strawberries and cream. Ally finds it hard to hold on until evening and has to eat to ward off feelings of nausea. She went to bed early missing 'Dynasty'. I stayed up late watching a '73 movie based on the life of John Dillinger, the gangster of the '30s. Seen it before, of course. I had seen every film ever made at least twice by 1976. Just imagine how bored I'll be by 2017? Crept stealthily to bed so not to disturb Ally but it is quite impossible.

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Friday June 3, 1983

 Overcast day. Ally in a groggy condition and moody. _______. Poached eggs. Her sense of smell has increased and she hates the aromas from cupboards and drawers and thinks that everything she eats and drinks tastes 'off'. It must be ghastly. Workmen are digging up the road and everything in the house is vibrating. Ally went off to the AHA looking peaky, yet resolute. 

Denis Healey has apologised to the PM over his 'glorifying in slaughter' remark. It was beneath contempt. Princess Helen of Roumania is engaged to an English professor. The mother of the Duke of Roxburghe is dead. She was married to a Hambro. I phoned enquiring about coaches to London on June 11, and worry because it is the official birthday of the Queen on that day and packs of tourists might be cluttering up the transport heading south to witness the Trooping the Colour. A bad tempered receptionist at Wallace Arnold told me that they 'haven't turned anyone away yet' for bookings on that day.

Ally came tearing in at 12 and after splashing in the soapy depths we left, once again, on bus, boat and train for Tadcaster. The train part of the journey was quite peaceful until a band of Vietnamese refugees carrying screaming babies came and sat close to us. We were deafened by the time we hit Leeds. To Tadcaster for 3. We were ushered up to the top floor to see Mr Tyne. It was clear from the outset that we were going to be offered a position. Ally was sensational. She did something which immediately captivated this middle-aged executive. He said he could picture Ally behind a bar more than he could picture me, and added that I am the youngest looking 28 year-old he has ever set eyes on. However, he approved, and said that we can begin training in Middlesbrough on July 18 after Ally's one month notice to the AHA. We left in a state of shock and discussed our plan of action. We did not mention the baby but will go back to see Mr Tyne after having written confirmation of our appointment. Everything is falling into place. Will the baby bring a halt to our ambitions? This Tyne person was very reasonable and very Geoff  Hemingway-ish. Are we mad? Is our point of view completely crazy and we cannot see it? We shall not be downhearted whatever. Life has taken on a whole bright future. Home. Ally to bed at 9. I watched the news and a ghost story and went up to bed at 10:30. Denis Healey is shit of the week.

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Thursday June 2, 1983

 Ally's first ante-natal session with Dr Duck (can that really be her name?) at Paternoster Lane. A sunny and warm morning. We went together hand in hand. I sat in the garden of the methodist chapel until she emerged after about 20 minutes. She is still too early to be inspected and the doctor put the date of confinement at January 8. The birth can probably take place at the Bradford Royal Infirmary, and Dr Duck sees no impediment in our taking on a pub though advises Ally to give up work before the birth and earlier than she would have to do working at Chestnut House. We walked back to Club Street and I saw her onto a bus. 

Denis Healey, now grasping for survival, has accused the PM of 'playing in slaughter' in her reaction to the Falklands victory. This really is lower than anyone has ever stooped in pre-election muck raking. Mrs Thatcher has never, to my mind, taken on a gloating, victorious attitude at our defeat of the Argentinians, and always looks incredibly sad at the very mention of the Falkland isles. Labour is doomed. I'd love to see the SDP in second place, and Roy Jenkins says Labour will poll the lowest vote since 1922. I have told Ally that if a disaster somehow catapults Michael Foot into office then we will be taking the first boat out of the country.

Ally came in this evening close to collapse. The afternoons are not her best time she says, and she rapidly goes off at tea time. We had pork pies and peas, but Ally only had a sparrow's portion. She sat afterwards reading about stretch marks and baby feeding problems. Her condition makes her glum and emotional and at the slightest excuse she'll weep. She could easily get into a state about childbirth. It's so easy for me, isn't it?

Her Majesty was crowned 30 years ago this day. Watched a programme on BBC2 about coronation day. I always find the newsreel of the solemn anointing to be incredibly moving, and if anybody thinks that the Queen will one day abdicate they should take a look at the film because she could never lay aside that crown after making such vows and dedications before God and people. We are not Belgium. Bed at 10 o'clock.

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Wednesday June 1, 1983

 Thunder, lightning, rain. Sit looking out at the poor garden, yet to be touched this year. Ally out of bed feeling sick, but she went off to the AHA for the first time since her birthday. It was odd having nobody to talk to, and I passed the day bottling beer and tidying around. You'd be surprised just how long it takes to keep this humble yet comely house in a decent shape. Ally came home looking wan with a juicy piece of red steak in her handbag. I ate it like a wolf. Ally had a well-done morsel (rare meat being banned now for her, of course). She is nervous about seeing the doctor tomorrow and we lay in bed discussing the past, the present, and the future. ________. TV miserable. Coronation Street drama. Hilda Ogden is battling for her deceased brothers fish and chip shop. We also watched a documentary on contraception. In Thailand millions of eight year-old schoolchildren inflate condoms like balloons as part of their sex education. Odd.

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Tuesday May 31, 1983

 Sunshine. Slept until 10. Mr O'Brien phoned and asked us to return to Tadcaster on Friday at 3pm. Ally is horrified at this date until she remembered that Derek is off and she only has Patricia 'to get round'. I went out for a newspaper. The YP looks thin. The palace is denying that the Princess of Wales is pregnant. It is only a matter of time.

Ally padded around all morning in a dressing gown. Over cheese on toast we discussed why we want a pub. I then sat and watched her take a bath. ______________. 

We set out at 3 and arrived at the Tetley HQ at 4:15. Just in time. We sat in the lobby surrounded by silver cups which have down the years been awarded to the great dray horses. Ally admired the quaint lift. We went in and saw a Mr Drake. It was a waste of time really because although he approved of us and found that our personalities were not wanting he could not pass us on to see an area manager because of my non-existent bar experience. So why the hell did they bother interviewing us when they could clearly see from our application form that I am green and inexperienced? I also didn't like the way that everything at Tetley's is geared towards the man whilst Ally and her experience was brushed aside. Sam Smith's on the other hand regard the man and wife as a a joint inseparable partnership with one joint wage. At Tetley's I would receive £5,500 per annum, and Ally £1,500. We left after 20 minutes and returned to Bradford. We do not feel glum. If  I returned to Tetley's after having 6 months bar experience I think we'd crack them. Ate spaghetti. Ally eating a green ice lolly and then taking great pleasure showing me her green tongue. Phoned Mum. Sue and Peter are staying at Horton for a few days. They have been busy and had a visit from the Scottish branch of the family - just recovering from German measles. They also had Lynn, David, Hilda and Tony yesterday. Tony is working in Edinburgh and might not be back for our June 9 spectacular but will try. Dad is preparing to paint and needs all the help he can get. Saw Mrs Thatcher interviewed by Robin Day. She is so dynamic. I do love our PM.

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Monday May 30, 1983

 Bank Holiday in UK & USA

A filthy wet day. We lay in bed late and ate mounds of scrambled eggs when we eventually got up. Ally has spots on her arm and accuses the tiny occupants of the mattress of biting her. I think it's just a rash. We have over indulged on eggs lately and we are reminded that Frank insists that eggs give him a rash. Perhaps it's hereditary. Ally found a suitcase full of baggy, frilly clothes which she thinks will make suitable maternity wear, only if shorter. I took up a needle and thread and took a good 6 inches off everything in sight. A proper little David Emanuel. Two more Erroll Flynn films gave Ally hours of pleasure. The Elizabeth and Essex epic quite ghastly, followed by General Custer, or was it 'They Died with their Boots On'? We almost died with our boots off. Cheese omelette for tea. Just to keep our egg quota up. Then, yet another film The Goodbye Girl starring Richard Dreyfuss, which was good. Up to bed where we shivered beneath the quilt. Ally squealing at my cold extremities which happened to collide with hers ... our feet that is. I think we can say that a baby boy is to be Samuel. Joshua is now off the list for some reason, and Samuel is a family name after all. I have a cousin Sam incarcerated in the confines of a Carlisle hospital. Poor Sam. _______.

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Sunday May 29, 1983

 Trinity Sunday

Horrible bank holiday weather. A day of inactivity and quiet domesticity. It's hard to write vast amounts about doing nothing. All my powers of elaboration and embroidery are going to have to be called upon. Ally sat knitting her tiny lemon creations. It's hard to believe we are going to become parents. Exhilarating to say the least. We dined on bits of fish in plastic bags and swamped in sauce. Ally is eating better but still pulls a face at the mention of Yorkshire puddings and pink roast beef. We were preparing for a quiet evening in front of the TV when Karen and Steve came marching in to disturb the tranquility but still it was good to see them. Karen is large and expects her offspring to come at the August bank holiday. We told them of our interviews and Steve filled us in on the details of a recent car auction. Watched a documentary by Ludovic Kennedy on the Queen's first 30 years as a backdrop to our conversation. No doubt the BBC will show it again for the Golden Jubilee in 2002. They went off to see Jill and Tim at the Royal and then Bessie phoned. She is pleased to hear of our interviews which surprised Ally. She didn't think her Mum would approve of pubs and babies.

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Saturday May 28, 1983

 The smell in the kitchen is worse. Ally set about and gave everything a wash down. Dull day, overcast and cold. We decide not to go to Guiseley to see John and the children. He may prefer to spend some time with them alone. It's not often he gets the chance. I went out for another self certification form for Ally. Later, watched Dame Wendy Hiller in 'Pygmalion' followed by Erroll Flynn's 'Robin Hood'. We always giggle about Erroll Flynn. I think you know why. Ally has no vast appetite. Toast. I made an egg custard tart during 'Pygmalion', a simple operation to be sure. 'Where Eagles Dare' came on and we did nothing to stop it. It's a regular Bank Holiday feature film but we always forget the ending. Sat feet up on cushions watching Richard Burton grappling on the top of a cable car. All good stuff. Val Doonican ... snore ... zzz ... snore. To bed with square eyes.

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Friday May 27, 1983

 Ally feels so much better today. No nausea. We lounged in bed until late. Janette phoned to say the children are coming from Scotland and that they will be at John's on Victoria Rd tomorrow evening if we want to see them. John's taking them to Horton-in-Ribblesdale on Sunday. We really should go. I went out and collected a self certification form for Ally but I made a mess of it and threw it away. By 2030 we'll be buried beneath 18 feet of rotting printed gobbledygook. Ally later sat knitting tiny lemon baby clothes. She already has a bag full from Bessie which we were told to keep for our progency. She was also watching a corny, old film starring someone called Andrée Melly, of whom I know nothing. Is she perhaps related to George? Ate steamed fish. Ally had an afternoon nap and ate with me at 5:30. Something smells funny in the kitchen and we know not what. Like a body beneath the concrete in the cellar. Repugnant. Watched a ghost story which was slow. Bars of chocolate. Cocoa. Bed after 10. Slept well for a change. We discuss the pub/baby thing. Can the two go hand in hand? We think so but what will the brewery think? Let us see.

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Thursday May 26, 1983

Ally: spectacular

 Ally fought off the vomit for the day and off we went by bus and train to Tadcaster and Samuel Smith's brewery. We waited for ages in a clammy waiting room and were seen by a 17 year-old Mr O'Brien, an area manager. We seemed to please him, but it's hard to tell, and he sent us off to the pub until 3 when we returned to see another area manager who asked us to go away and not take up any offers from other breweries. Our ordeal was over. We have to go back and see a Mr Tyne, the managed house director. In the pub next to the brewery the landlord there says we've cracked it, but we refuse to enthuse. We have witnessed Mum and Dad build up hopes only to see them dashed. Ally was a brick and must have felt awful, but she didn't show it. She looked spectacular in a white jacket (bought on Tuesday) and the blue dress she bought for Dave Reed's nuptials last August. A hot and slow journey home from Tadcaster and we fell through the door sweaty and wilting at 7pm. Ally took to her bed and I had fish and chips and watched the FA Cup replay. Manchester United beat Brighton 4-0. Watched the election stuff and retired to bed feeling confident that Sam Smith's will make us an offer. Can we accept knowing what we now know?

Ally: May 26th

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Wednesday May, 25, 1983

 Ally's sick worsens. She can keep nothing down and is a wreck. I feel quite helpless and can only stand by and she grovels around in the bathroom. I have never known Ally to be off her food and my appetite has come out in sympathy. She stayed upstairs for much of the day. Mum phoned to discuss Dad's 50th birthday party in January. I was gripped with excitement. If only they knew of the little bundle we will be presenting them with at Epiphany. Mum chatted for half an hour and was in good spirits. They had a good week at Horton and wished us the best of luck for tomorrow. Whilst we talked Ally was being sick upstairs and there I was saying 'Oh yes, Ally is very well'. Throbbing headache continues. Most odd. I suppose it's the pressure. A night tossing and turning like some guilt ridden character in Shakespeare.

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Tuesday May 24, 1983

Ally: Thatcherish

 Ally still very sick and horrid. I pace silently around the house. I went out to the shops to buy a newspaper and called at the doctor to collect a self certification form only to find the place locked and bolted. One could be dying. A drab day. 

The general election news is getting me down. It's a drawn conclusion that Mrs Thatcher will be returned to power and so all this fuss seems futile. Mrs Thatcher will be the longest serving prime minister this century. 

Sarah phoned and I had a chat with her and Eileen. It feels so good not having to go into the office.

I'm in no mood to write. Throbbing headache. Warm afternoon. Ally and I into town where she bought a white jacket costing £16. Smart. Very Thatcherish. The vomit held off and she wasn't really with it.

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Monday May 23, 1983

 Ally stayed at home today. I phoned Patricia and told her she wouldn't be in. We have a letter from Tetley's also asking us to attend an interview on Thursday. I phoned a Mr Drake and altered the appointment to Tuesday May 31. Ally stayed in bed until after 11.

(Gynaecological deletion)

It's odd that Bessie hasn't contacted us since Saturday. I know they were tied up at Windermere, but have since returned to Winchester, and I expected some contact this evening. Ally is their only daughter after all. Such odd behaviour. These Dixons are a cool lot.

We watched the general election stuff on the TV and Ally returned to bed after the nine o'clock news. The Queen has gone to Sweden. The Waleses are going to Canada from June 14 to July 1, and will be away for Prince William's birthday. He's too young to know.

I watched a Raquel Welch film and joined Ally at 11:20. I was far from sleepy and passed a restless night listening to Ally grinding her teeth. She does this often.

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Sunday May 22, 1983

 Whit Sunday

Puzzling about Auntie Hilda's birthday card to Ally. The wording on the front .... 'Just Wait ... Worry settles nothing ...Just Wait for things to mend ...Fret not over problems ... Life solves them in the end'. It's not the sort of thing she'd do in fun. Only Dave L would do something like that, but he seems to have stopped.

We didn't get up until after 10. Ally feeling sick and so I gave her biscuits and milk. A glass of milk first thing on a morning prevents morning sickness, so says Miriam Stoppard. We had scrambled eggs and toast afterwards.

At 4:30 Lynn, Dave and the girls were here quite unsuspecting. Frances, in pink trousers and woolly cardigan was in a naughty mood and was smacked. Katie, fat and red, is a miniature of Lynn. They gave Ally a Hessian waistcoat. She didn't move until bedtime. Watched a JB Priestley play and read Brideshead.

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Saturday May 21, 1983

 Alison Mary's 25th anniversary today. A peaceful, happy and contented day. Ally opened her presents and birthday cards in bed. Mum has sent her a fiver and Bessie £10. John and Janette had left her a box of chocolates, and I handed over my little bundle of gifts. She especially liked the baby book and sat reading about diet in pregnancy and morning sickness, &c. We work out on a chart that the baby is due at Epiphany as we surmised. Mum and Dad phoned with a singing telegram, and so did Lynn and Frances later. Lynn says Frances has been singing 'happy birthday to you' all day.

We had eggs and bacon and went into town at 12:30 where we went, unashamedly, into Mothercare to inspect cots and prams. To the Berni Inn at 2 for rump steak and all for £11.88 - very reasonable. We then went to the market and returned home at 4:30. Ally was done in and took to her bed for a couple of hours. I sat reading about babies. I intend to become a very good amateur gynaecologist. The evening brightened up and I sat quite alone outside admiring Miss Whincup's geraniums. She had me over to mend the flex on her kettle yesterday afternoon, and I did it too. Ally was back downstairs at 8 and we had coffee. She's had a quiet birthday but a joyful one. It's the first such anniversary we haven't celebrated with an orgy since she moved back to Yorkshire four years ago.

Watched 'Dynasty', and Ally went back to bed with profuse apologies. I watched a dismal film and went up at 1. (Bessie phoned at 11pm from Windermere, where they are staying with Barbara and Frank Makin, and I roused Ally to speak to her. They were in a jolly mood. Ally told her Mum our news and they were delighted. Frank sounded thrilled. Squeals of delight down the phone.

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Friday May 20, 1983

 Up at 6:44. Ally has back ache and sits with a poached egg looking pained. What are we going to do about bloody pubs? We have an interview with Sam Smiths at Tadcaster next Thursday. I phoned them to confirm we can attend and contacted a few estate agents for leaflets for small shops in the N Yorks area. We shall have to see.

Sue and Pete came at 5:30 with Christopher - a little peril who insisted on demolishing the bookcase. Sue has had a perm and looks well. We itch to say something but don't. Drank lager and wine. They left at 8. On arriving home Sue phoned to say John Sumpton was killed on his motorbike at the end of West End Terrace this evening. Peter had been out with him and the usual Thursday mob last night. I put the phone down and burst into tears. I knew him quite well too, but hadn't seen him since September last.

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Thursday May 19, 1983

Dexy's Midnight Runners

 A glorious, historic day of joy. We had breakfast attempting to think pessimistically so to lessen the disappointment. I spent a fretful morning chewing my finger nails and pacing the room. Steve O'Connor sends a man to do the pointing. He looks like someone who has escaped from Strangeways. Ally came in at 12 and immediately phoned the doctor before taking off her coat. The waiting seemed an eternity. I stood in the kitchen cringeing, but what a delight to hear that her urine sample is positive and Ally is well and truly pregnant. We fell onto the settee in a state of shock. Hard to believe. Ally went back to the AHA and told Patricia and Derek (who says 'this is a very special time'). I snatched up my cheque book and marched into Bradford smiling at old ladies, patting dogs, and bouncing with glee. I suppose they all thought that I am perhaps a prospective parliamentary candidate. I bought Ally a large glossy baby book for £7.95 in WH Smith's and the Dexy's Midnight Runners LP. I tore round town on a cloud. I wanted to scream my news from the rooftops. I came home on the bus and wrapped her presents in gay, floral paper, and deposited them atop the wardrobe. But first I played the Dexy's LP to ensure it was in pristine condition. I posted a birthday card to Isobel Clara Smith, who is one on Saturday, and sent invitations to Jim, Margaret, Hilda and Tony for our general election supper. Ally came in at 5:10 still stunned and we ate a large fish pie swamped in cheese sauce. We wanted to share our news. Should we phone Bessie? No, we resisted. She later sat with her feet up and with a cup of cocoa complaining about the noise made by Top of the Pops. 

We went to bed at 9:30.

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Wednesday May 18, 1983

 Had a good nights sleep and woke up feeling better. But the mornings are always better. 

Ally feeling faint. ___________. Bessie has posted an early birthday card which I have hid on top of the wardrobe. It's adressed to Mrs M Dixon. She is a case. We have received an application form from Bass. We cannot concentrate on breweries at the moment. If Ally is pregnant then I suspect we will have to do something completely different because no brewery would employ a woman heavy with child. 

Susan phoned. The Nasons will be calling upon us on Friday with Ally's birthday present. It's awful that we haven't seen them since that day last month when we sat in the garden at Thorpefields with them. 

Tonight Ally is home looking bushed again to find John and Janette here. They walked in at about 2. The boy had taken her out to lunch and they thought they would come over and entertain me.  They were not fiery or brutal and were very pleasant together. Janet (who soiled John's sheets and disappeared with them) is selling her flat and John would like to break through and add it to his. He has raised the floor giving it a disco effect. They left and we had a curry. Ally irritable and she aches everywhere. Bessie phoned. We said nothing of our forthcoming news. Andrew takes his driving test on Friday. To our beds after the nine o'clock news. I read Brideshead Revisited. The TV series stuck very much to the book.

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Tuesday May 17, 1983

 Feel hot and 'heady'. My cold worsens. I got out of bed and stood puffing and panting in the bathroom. My face is awful. I look 40. Ally feeling bilious. What a mess. She went off to the AHA looking like a rose. I am sure she is pregnant because she looks so good. I sat with a runny nose reading Brideshead Revisited. I then made some scones and Ally came in at 12 to eat them, along with bananas on toast. Like feeding time at the zoo. We then walked to the surgery on Beckside Road and she disappeared inside. I bought a loaf of bread and sat on the wall. After half an hour Ally came out. Dr Duck thinks she is pregnant but that it cannot be confirmed until the results of her urine sample come back on Thursday. You would really think that in this day and age a doctor might be able to carry out this test 'while you wait'. After all, it is 1983 the year of the Space Shuttle and the high speed train, Roy Jenkins and the £1 coin. Ally says Dr Duck is 'sweet' and seemed embarrassed. She offered Ally her congratulations and told her she holds an anti-natal class at Paternoster Lane every Thursday. We walked home hand-in-hand but refusing to enthuse. It wouldn't do to go wild with celebrations only to have a negative result the day after tomorrow.

I felt rotten and went to bed with Evelyn Waugh, paracetamols and a hot water bottle. I dropped off (to sleep) and only woke when Ally was unlocking the door three hours later. She made a chicken stew, but felt done in. The electioneering on the nine o'clock news drove her to bed. Michael Foot has borrowed Jim Callaghan's spectacles for the campaign, or so it would seem. I lasted until about 11 watching part 2 of an epic on the American Civil War. Gregory Peck was Abraham Lincoln. 

Steve Sanderson is 25 today. We have heard nothing much from Pudsey recently and have missed two birthdays. A hot night.

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Monday May 16, 1983

 Ally felt sick and was uncomfortable all day. I spent the morning doing the washing and hanging it out in the sun. All the old girls on the street are doing the same. Ally came home at 12:30 feeling nauseous and phone the doctor and made an appointment for tomorrow, with Dr Duck, at 12:50. She will go armed with a urine sample. John and his friend Ray called in. They're on the look out for a job after being laid off. He's been earning £3.25 an hour. At the YP I'm sure I only earned about 60p. I gave them a few beers and they went off at about 2. A bashful house husband I ironed for several hours with the curtains closed and then it started to rain and I was amongst the tulips taking in the washing. I roasted a chicken and fed my wilting wife at 6pm. She has been so very uncomfortable all day. She feels hungry then has no appetite once she starts to eat. Queer. 

News: Michael Foot says that if he is victorious he will have everyone back to work by Christmas.

Ally was in bed at 8:30 and I took a hot bath, watched a film, and climbed in to bed at 11:10. 

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