The US/USSR arms talks conclude in Geneva with optimism and my building work goes well at home but supervising Daniel’s homework was a struggle and the St Neots Ekins Pig Auction looks to be finishing in the New Year and so I went to take a look
Awake to my morning tea and then the normal routine for these disorienting times. Washed, shaved and dressed after breakfast in the lounge and then, after a little reading, I watched the arms talks press conference live on TV from Geneva. The Swiss host introduced the two leaders in French and then Gorbachev spoke first and Reagan second. They had not achieved much by way of agreement – Reagan had stuck to his space weapons plans – but they had achieved a lot in terms of their relationship and rapport. Reagan jetted off to Brussels to brief his NATO partners, then on to the US Congress, whilst Gorbachev stayed behind and held a long press conference, telling of his disappointment at the SDI posture, but hoping for more progress in the arms talks to come. Then to open up the house for the builders. Today the two decorators arrived looking for work, Mr Cheeseborough came to put the lead flashing around the new chimney, and the labourers cleared up and took down the scaffolding afterwards. The plumber put on the radiator thermostats and completed his pipes for the link building and then the carpenter came, at last, to put the outside door on the ironing room. The doors for both ends of the upper link building will arrive tomorrow and he should be back to put them on and start sealing in the warmth. When ready, I took Diana and Della into town and, after coffee in the Cross Keys coffee bar, we went our separate ways for an hour. I paid some cheques into the Abbey National, bought a power lead for my outside lights, and then went to the Handyman to buy a whole host of security locks and Chub fittings. On after to the Shawes auction hall, stopping on the way to see the Ekins Pig Auction, which will not be going for very long into the New Year.
Nothing at Shawes of interest and so back to Di and home for lunch. More sandwiches again. The kitchen fitters did well today. Most of the wall units are now up and they glued down the Formica surface, edging the work top with solid oak and routing it to match the oak surface of the end dresser. This afternoon I fitted window locks to the lounge and dining room and this evening, locks to Daniel’s balcony door as well. Still much to do. Diana’s parents were here to look after Della this afternoon as I worked. I also returned a couple of phone calls on BMMG business, to no great purpose. More sandwiches for tea and then a great trouble helping Daniel with his homework, as he refuses to put a proper endeavour into it and only completes his work satisfactorily after I shout at him and lose my temper. It drizzles today and sleety rain and poor weather is forecast again for tomorrow. I confirmed our carpet and vinyl order to the St Neots Carpet Company today and discussed the order of building work with Mr Cheeseborough. TV news tonight was repeating most of the same views on this morning’s Reagan/Gorbachev press conference, with more analysis. Also the Liverpool financial crisis comes even further to a head as local Councillors reject an aid package from other Labour metropolitan councils and Trade Union leaders. Kinnock disowns them as a chaotic situation will develop over the next few days.