Disorganisation first thing as Diana oversleeps and the family struggle to get ready and out and then I stay behind to catch up with work as Diana goes to Cambridge on her own. This until Daniel comes home and completes his homework and revision under my supervision after which Amy comes round and the children enjoy their swimming despite the cooler and fresher weather. Disappointment for England in the World Cup against Portugal but the postal strike is settled today
A poor start to the day, as Di oversleeps and the whole family are put out of their stride. Dan forgets certain of his books on his way out in a hurry and I am still wandering about in my pyjamas at 8.30am after breakfast. Di fed the doves for me, as we intended to go to Cambridge together, but as I showered, I decided not to go. I have so much work to do at the moment and so I spent the morning at my desk instead, clearing up all manner of paperwork. Phone calls to Vinters on the purchase of the last riverside plot and also to the same solicitors to decide on the type of investment accounts to open for the children’s accumulation and maintenance trusts.
Joan brought me a morning coffee that was welcome and Pete worked on outside, with the drizzle falling down. After his week away, he has to catch up with the garden. I made my own lunch of ham/salad rolls and special Darjeeling tea, before returning to my endeavours and clearing up most outstanding paperwork chores. I could not decide on an alarm system for the workshop/boat and have to leave the order until next time. Worked until Daniel came home from school, when I cleared everything away and held him to his homework. I am now making sure he revises, with the exams less than 3 weeks away and, though lazy, he is trying as best he can. Tea with the children of a type of shepherd’s pie and then an hour working outside, connecting up the lighting circuit for Bill’s shed, which is a good improvement. In to watch the second half of Northern Ireland’s World Cup opening match (a 1-1 draw) and then, later, I stayed up late to watch England’s first match against Portugal. After dominating the match and having all of the goal-scoring opportunities, against a team happy to play for a draw, it was disappointing to see them lose 1-0 through a surprise defensive error. They now have to win their remaining two matches to make sure of qualifying. Late to bed and some trouble getting off to sleep. There was a settlement in the postal strike late this evening and more details will be available tomorrow. The weather has turned fresher and cooler again, but it did not put the children off of swimming this evening with Debbie’s friend, Amy.