More restful time on a damp but clearing family day as the children behave better and we go shopping in Cambridge but sadness as the Provisional IRA Harrods car bomb kills seven people and injures scores of others
A long and restful morning in bed catching up with reading of the newspapers and trade journals generally. Not to rise until just before 12.00 noon and then everyone much amused as I duff over Daniel for his toothbrush being dry until I realise that he had, in fact, cleaned his teeth many hours earlier! Up quickly and off with the family by car to The Happy Eater for lunch. Father Christmas visited the tables and presented Debbie with a yoyo and Daniel with a puzzle.
Afterwards by the direct and scenic route in and across country to Cambridge and, after parking the Rover at the car park, by foot across Parker’s Piece. In the shopping centre we get a new camera for Di’s Christmas present that has the maximum of automatic loading, flash etc. Then three computer program cassettes for Daniel from W H Smiths, Heffers and Cambridge Computer Store at Heffers. I get the 1664 Samuel Pepys, A Guide to Local History Sources and a heavy book for holiday reading on Competitive Strategy. We rendezvous with Di and Debbie at the CCS and go on to the Wimpy Bar for refreshments before driving home. Shocking news on the car radio of a monstrous car bomb at Harrods which killed seven people, injured scores of others and damaged 10/20% of the store and its environs. United condemnation later from all the political leaders of the British Isles with the Irish PM suggesting the time is right to consider the status of Provisional Sinn Fein. Opinion Polls are now showing the Labour leader catching up with Margaret Thatcher because of the nuclear debate, common market and continuing unemployment. Weather still damp but clearing up slowly. The kids are growing more mature and can be quite good company on days outings if they are not too naughty!