Some work on my share transfers and then collecting Debbie from her ballet before driving to St Ives for the auction viewing and then home to collect Daniel who had to cycle home by Diana, miffed at us not having a Happy Eater lunch and then with him to see Rocky IV in Bedford as landslides kill 9 in the French Alps, SOGAT still fight Murdoch and the wet weather endangers my swimming pool excavation
Awake first for a change at 7.00am as Di seemed to want to lay in. To the radio and, like each Saturday, a very interesting farming programme on Radio 4. This week was about a dedicated Farmer/Warden of some Nature Conservancy ancient Downs and his wife, who continue to farm the land in the old way in memory of the former owner and his predecessors. It now remains just about the only Downs unspoiled through ploughing and clearance down the ages. Up to a dull toast and juice breakfast and only then did my paper arrive, late probably because of the News International dispute.
Showered, dressed and, whilst waiting for the post, I went out to let the ducks out and try to find Roger Gorringe. He is still not at home. Back to the house to find the postman had been and the majority of my contract notes had arrived. Quickly to open, check and sign them, so as to get them ready for return by first post today. Quickly away, collecting Debbie from her ballet, and then on to St Ives for the viewing for Tuesday’s antique auction. A few things of interest, of which best liked was a child’s rocking chair, a model boat and a Victorian mahogany wardrobe. Back to St Neots after to collect Daniel, but Di made him cycle home in the cold and wet as she remains very upset about us no longer going to the Happy Eater for Saturday lunch. We go home for a sandwich lunch and I light a log fire after and settle down to the Rugby Union on the TV. Out for some more logs at half time, but no sign of the ducks to put away. Daniel persuades me to take him to see Rocky IV in Bedford tonight and we venture out on a wild and wet evening and enjoy it. The late evening watching snooker. News today is of the extreme weather, as blizzards and landslides hit central Europe and the Austrian Alps. At least 9 have been killed in France. More petrol bombs and violence in South Africa after Botha’s speech, but for once a greater accidental scale of deaths in South Africa, as 39 died in a railway crash. In the investigation into the crash at the East Midlands airport it seems that pilot error may be to blame. Good escape and emergency procedures allow the airport to complete 21 years without a fatal accident. SOGAT, the print union, has spread the News International dispute to Manchester and, as they refuse to print the News of the World, fewer copies will be produced from the new works at Glasgow and Wapping. The forecast is for more clouds and wind tomorrow, but I hope it will be dry, because if the verge gets any wetter I will have to call off my swimming pool excavation for fear it upsetting my neighbours and the council even more.