Boxing Day – A visit to my parents in Stanton as they proved unable to drive to us and very pleased they were to see us too as we tuned in their new television and showed them our videos. The river is rising but we had raised our shed contents and the West Country is worse than us as the West African troubles escalate
A sound night and a lay in at the end of it. I hope I can get as much sleep again tonight. Up and to another fine fried breakfast and then my shower room to wash, shave and get ready. I still appreciate the luxury of it after several days! Out to the doves in weather still wet with rain. The river comes up still and I return with Daniel later to tend to the sheds. We have to put everything up on tables etc. and away from the rising floodwater. We also bring up the lawnmowers and put them in the garage. Dad phones and has to decline our invitation to come over. Mum has had a wakeful and painful night and the very windy and wet weather has deterred them from trying to make the trip. I phone them back after morning coffee and we offer to go over and see them after an early lunch. A nice lunch at the breakfast table of cold turkey, sausages and crisps from yesterday. But some nice fresh Christmas pudding and cream to follow.
More checks on the riverside land, birds and buildings before we left and the river was rising inescapably. Off then by car in the wind and rain and the journey to Stanton. Somewhat deterred on the way due to roadworks and diversions due to the new Bury St Edmunds bypass, but we eventually found our way. Arrived to find Mum & Dad delighted to see us, and so obviously so. They had been depressed this morning and they ended up so pleased. We exchanged presents, drank tea & ate cake and things and then I showed our latest video films on their new TV. Daniel had re-tuned it for them and I had taken along our video recorder so as to play them back. Della was very good whilst there, but a bit of a trial on the way there. Daniel was perfect and I enjoyed the visit. Home then, with the wind a bit less and rain abated, but I found the river well up on our return, as I expected. I also think it will be higher still in the morning, as the buildings are still clear of it. The girls to bed and Daniel to his room, now I have let him take his stereo tower back up with him. Di was tired and rather sick after the tension of our visit and the dietary excesses of the last two days and settled in front of the TV. We are pledged to return to our moderation and work schedules tomorrow. I sit with her and write my journal as she watches the Tenko reunion. Main news tonight is the ending of the Northolt incident, as the knife-man is shot and hostage injured during the process of the police storming the building. The police will be criticised, but say they had no choice, as the girl was threatened. The floods are also featured, with the West Country the worst hit. Escalation of the West African trouble, with neighbouring states still locked in battle.