Wednesday November 14, 1984

 Waltergarth, Station Rd, Horton-in-Ribblesdale

We got up feeling daring and frivolous today and decided to visit Morecambe on Sea, the coastal town that is the butt of endless cruel jokes and besmirchment. We were surprised that Mum was up to it but we decided that the bracing sea air would be a tonic. At least it didn't rain. Dad took the scenic route, up hill and down dale and went straight to Heysham cooing at the ocean as we drove past but not stopping until  we reached the (blank) inn. The yellow peril was despatched inside as a forerunner to see if they would allow Samuel inside whilst we lunched. All was well. We sat feasting in a corner and Samuel had something cold and sticky from a jar. Dad is a great entertainer and Samuel was bedazzled. Then we walked on the miserable concrete promenade and stopped at a shop to buy a windscreen wiper for ailing Mandy. Mum was cold and tired and we ventured back to the car and home. I remember little of Morecambe though Mum says we stayed here when I was a child. Very cold. back home for tea. Later Ally and I walked to the Crown for the last hour but it was darts and dominos night and very uninspiring. We sat watching the solitary barmaid at work. 

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Tuesday November 13, 1984

 Waltergarth, Station Rd, Horton-in-Ribblesdale

Mum stayed in the precincts of Waltergarth leaving Papa to take us to Settle on a shopping expedition. It was of course Settle market day. Mum is very self-conscious about her colour and thinks that Settle is not yet ready for her yellow skin. She is far too soft about illness and doctors. She phoned her quack today for results of a blood test and he told her bugger all, and she has fretted about what he might say for days. It's cruel of them. I have the blackest fears. I am illogical and pessimistic. I blame the twentieth century and the pressures that modern times have imposed on us simpletons. Two hundred years ago I would have been toddling around in a ploughed field without a care in the world and not fretting about gall bladders. Collapsed by the fire tonight. Rest, perfect rest.

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Monday November 12, 1984

 5, Club Street, Lidget Green, Bradford

Veteran's Day Holiday, USA

A wet morning. We pottered about on Duckworth Lane taking money from the Provincial Building Society. Ally was tetchy because a cheque had 'bounced'. We went to Horton-in-Ribblesdale via settle taking three litres of Laski Riesling in a box and chocolates for Mummy. At Horton we were shocked by Mum's appearance. She is very yellow, even to the whites of her eyes, and much thinner. Poor oriental mummy. Dad, dotty as ever, still wearing mum's specs, and magnetic as ever to children. They all adore him. Mum says Lynn has told them that grandparents are absolutely no good for children and that they only disrupt everything that the parents have instilled in them. __________. An evening in front of the TV. Samuel has captivated them and was so jolly this afternoon. That boy will sleep anywhere.

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Sunday November 11, 1984

 5, Club St, Lidget Green, Bradford

21st Sunday after Trinity

Remembrance Sunday

After breakfast we looked in on the Cenotaph. The usual Nimrod, Flowers of the Forest, and parading geriatric veterans of the Somme, &c. It is so touching. Ashamed I haven't bought a poppy this year. 

Phoned Mum again and she was bright and cheerful and insisted we should carry on as normal. She has spoken to her doctor who assured her that Samuel will be in no danger as he is breast-fed. If the doctor is happy then so am I. We have decided to go in the morning. 

My ex-sister-in-law Maria was delivered of a daughter, Sarah Jane, on Guy Fawkes night.

This evening I went and bought a curry take-away bur from the Chinese, and a bottle of Emva Cream sherry from the off-license, and we demolished this ghastly concoction with rellish. To bed tipsy, yet happy.

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Saturday November 10, 1984

 Chillandham Cross, Itchen Abbas

Frank took me to Winchester in the Merc to get me a radio aerial for the car. I was set back £7. F didn't get out of the car at the garage because he was in his work overalls, like Churchill. He is quiet, but so well-meaning. Ally has been infuriated by his behaviour this week. She feels that Samuel has not been fussed over enough. ____________. We cleaned the car, packed and left. Home for 5:45. Phoned Horton to finalise next weeks little venture only to hear that Mum is ill with jaundice and doesn't know whether we should allow Samuel to come into contact with her little, yellow skin. Obviously, the orgy planned for next week is now terminated. Mum was cheerful and connects this latest illness to the gall-bladder trouble of two years ago. We took no time to deliberate, and decide to go see them.

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Friday November 9, 1984

 Chillandham Cross, Itchen Abbas

To soggy Winchester. Took Ally to have her hair done. Outside the trendy music-filled hairdresser she stood, knees knocking, trembling with fear, for some reason. Bessie went off with Samuel and I held Ally's hand as she went inside. They gave her a coffee and I sat watching, reading last Christmas's Vogue. We emerged after an hour. Ally looking like a glamour girl. _________. Tonight we had a drink with F & B and watched a documentary on the life of Billie Holiday, the black jazz singer. What an exxceptionally dreary voice she had.

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Thursday November 8, 1984

 Chillandham Cross, Itchen Abbas

Full Moon

_____________. To Basingstoke of all places. Bloody concrete. Bought a few more presents include Johnny Mathis's awful biography for mummy. 

(Large redaction).

Tonight at 9 Ally and I went to the Bush at Ovington where we cringed at the prices. A pint of Stella Artois is £1.06. A fog from the river. Home at 11. Supper with F & B.

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