Erecting the Pole Dovecote by the river with Debbie before collecting Daniel late from his party conquest of Christine as the Pit Deputies strike gathers pace
A slow start to the day, reading the FT and laying in until breakfast; then sitting in the lounge with Debbie keeping her company whilst she drew and then learnt to write letters. Eventually, in mid-morning to get washed, dressed and go out to erect the dovecot pole by the river. Debbie insisted on helping as we first let out the ducks, removed the mail at No 39, and then laid wooden planks over the soil border and dug a deep hole. The weather was bright but very windy today – the barometer has been riding a switchback for several days – but we eventually had the pole in position, cemented in with steadying rocks holding it upright. The hole was not filled and we had to buy another concrete mix bag later on. A little later we all set off for St Neots to buy seafood, vegetables and collect Daniel from Readwells. Diana took Daniel to get new jeans for his party tonight. Then all off to The Happy Eater for lunch, then home for me to finish the cementing job and make sure, by spirit level, that the pole was upright. Somewhat tired, into the lounge to read the rest of The Economist and Investors Chronicle, and to worry about Freda’s response to my offer of loan. It seems she might have been offended or put off by my business-like tone and we are resolved to make another try with partial gift. A very fidgety Debbie prompted me to take her for a long walk to the swings and back and we tried to see some locally kept doves, but failed.
My tea of prawns and a relaxing evening reading and scanning teletext. Close to bedtime we were just preparing the bed time drinks when Diana suddenly realised that we had not collected Daniel from his party at Pauls. I went off in the car, collected him and found that he had had the time of his life. They had laid on some wine punch (!) with six boys and six girls to dance, play games and have fun and, for many of them at the age of 12/13, it was their first experience of this. Excitedly, Daniel told me of his conquest of Christine, an American with whom he danced and had three dances and two kisses. From his description and my better experience I said that he had ‘done well’ to get a blonde with large knockers (as he described the poor girl). News tonight of support for the NACODS strike strengthening with a Nottinghamshire meeting voting to follow the recommendations. Also of a number of other industrial problems and no let up on unemployment, but the government will not change course.