Freezing day of poor shopping with my new doves struggling and chocolates and good news of my mum at Papworth giving good cheer as three are in court charged with murdering the Polish Priest, Popieluszko and the oil price plunges
A fair lay in and the return of the paper delivery. Not much news advance on yesterday. A normal breakfast of toast, honey and juice and after, a hair wash, shave and wash. Out to the birds and both ducks and doves feeding well, though the cock, 4338, is still weaker and being occasionally driven off by the others. Eventually to get changed and, leaving a note for Dad, we set off for Bedford to do our shopping and see the sale bargains. Daniel and I walked to two model shops at opposite ends of the town, but both were closed. An awkward shopping day with many stores open and closed in a confusion of custom. I get some things and an anniversary card for Diana against tomorrow. Then to St Neots, but find the pet shops also closed and so no pigeon grit for the time being. Home to feed and put away the ducks and cast away my things after a last adventure. The pigeons roost restlessly, but 4338 finds its normal roost eventually and all settle to another cold night. In to light the fire and eat a slow tea whilst sitting beside it. Mince pies, Ferrero Rocher chocolates, Christmas cake and drinks of tea, brown ale and sherry in time.
We watch the recorded film video of the comedy, ‘Airport’, and enjoy it and I also look through the illustrated Pepys. The 17th century remains fascinating to me and I will pursue more works of art of the period in due time. Dad joins us in mid-evening and confirms that Mum’s operation is scheduled for the 4th January and she will remain at Papworth in the meantime. Splendid news. She is therefore in good spirits and we phone Freda to tell of this encouraging development. News today of three members of the Polish secret police appearing in court on charges of murdering the Polish Priest, Popieluszko. They hope to be protected by higher authority. On the 5th anniversary of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, both the USA and Britain renew condemnation and introduce it as a possible obstacle to world peace. Tens of thousands of people are fleeing from Kampuchea to Thailand as Vietnamese troops pursue them. Worries about oil price send the pound down to a record low of $1.1625 and Sheikh Yamani warns against a British/Dutch oil price war. Fog and ice is causing problems on roads throughout Britain and freezing conditions are again forecast for tonight.