New Year’s Day I read 1663 Pepys on a very wet and windy day as I tend the ducks and the Family deal with their illnesses whilst getting used to the idea of me selling upfar from the Nigerian Coup and the terrorist bombs in France

A good lay in again and Daniel even longer after our late night. Diana up and about but now is smitten by cold as the rest of us and ill of humour at our laziness whilst she works. For me the entire morning reading in bed before washing my hair and bathing in time for a lunch of lamb. After both, Daniel and Diana retire to bed, and I face the choice between starting my new year’s paperwork or watching the holiday television.

I fall to the latter and resolve to start work tomorrow at the office; Bank Holiday or no. Both Daniel and Diana become more ill during the day and spend the afternoon and evening in bed. Poor little Debbie’s chicken pox has also developed and she is now spotty all over but being very brave with it but I have to spend a fair time consoling her with everyone else in bed. More reading of 1663 Pepys today but also loitering preoccupation with the future year ahead, stimulated by television films and a panel session on the change of our Institutions and need to adjust. Although Daniel and Di are upset by my decision to dispose of my present business interests I am beginning to see a future path and perspective that could follow. In the past I have often had periods of profound thought between intense activity and I am sure that the process is vital to me. The weather very windy and showers wet but still fairly mild for the season. The ducks responding to husbandry again but yet to start laying eggs. News today of yesterday’s military coup in Nigeria with an ex-Aldershot trained commander now in control in all senses of the word. Also of terrorist bombs in France. In Britain, though, the nation is still much asleep with this unnaturally long Christmas and New Year’s break continuing