Preparing breakfast again before an easier day at the office on Comart company affairs as Diana starts improving and Marilyn helps out. Lawson raises taxes and cuts spending

Up at 6.30 and to prepare breakfast and drinks for the family. I persuaded Diana to take a glass of fresh orange juice before rushing off to the office. A busy day of office work and catching up on the work of the last two days, starting with an interview of the new Purchasing Assistant who is potentially very good. The GPO are in changing the telephones and, with both Helen and June now working their own computers, the corporate office is beginning to hum again. Useful base-touching with John, Ian, Carlton and the two Dereks as the company’s affairs progress. The last months financial results have Comart breaking even and the group reliant on the Byte Shop profits. November is trading slowly with the effect likely similar.

Home early after collecting the Rover from Marshalls who report that the suspension ball joint had nearly fallen apart and that I had just got the car in on time. Diana was a little better this evening. A mid-wife had been in for an hour this morning with sympathy and reassurance. Marilyn and a friend had dropped by and, appalled by the state of Diana and the house, had offered titbits and persuaded Diana to start eating fruit.

By request, off to a fish and chip shop and to return with sausages and chips for all. Surprisingly Diana ate a large plate and was well for the evening. Marilyn is now popping in regularly and was back tonight in her black figure-hugging slacks and jumper (which perked us both up). With the kids helping to clear up all rooms and clear the backlog of washing up during the first time I have had at home for days.

Today a mini-budget by which Chancellor Lawson signals tax rises and further expenditure cuts. The popularity of the conservative government takes a dive. The weather today slightly damp and reasonably mild. To bed at a reasonable time for the first full night’s sleep for a few days