Some early trouble with the kids not tidying their rooms and then my contractors were being disorganised but a better day for working outside and so I painted the shed windows, dug the soakaway and then finished the plumbing before we enjoyed tea outside by the pool, which had dropped to 60degC due to boiler problems. This as South Africa strikes at three neighbouring countries, claiming it was against ANC camps, with Thatcher a lone supporter, Ian Botham is dropped from England for drug-taking and 80,000 power workers start an overtime ban
Another wakeful start to the day, but still only just made breakfast on time. The children had not tidied their rooms before breakfast and then did not do so afterwards, even after being pulled up and so I had to smack them both. This poor start to the day continued as the landscapers did not bring the gate and clear up properly and the pool men did not come this morning to turn the heating on. Still, a gloriously warm and sunny morning and, whilst Di did some shopping, I painted the window frames and eaves of the sheds to protect the wood and putty and dug and commissioned the soak-away for the overflow from the new water butt. My parents phoned this morning and announced their decision to visit this afternoon for the rest of the day.
I put out the garden furniture onto the riverside lawn and set out its cushions and the oblong parasol. Then I persuaded Di to let us eat our lunch salad outside and it was blissful. Back to my work this afternoon, cutting and altering the water supply to Bill’s shed so as to connect it to the outside water tap. I was troubled by the progress with my pool and boat and phoned both this morning to progress these matters. Buckden Marina undertook to look at The Lady after lunch (and I do not know whether they did) but I waited most of the afternoon for Elm Leisure to arrive. They did so as I was trying to prepare the barbeque for my parents and I phoned the proprietor to complain about the delays and lack of priority in completing the works. After tea, the family sat round the pool as Dan & Deb braved the 58degF. Mum & Dad stayed quite late and that only left time to put the things away as darkness fell. The pool to nearly 60degF. Up late watching an abdication film. News today is of turmoil in Southern Africa after South Africa strikes at the three neighbouring countries of Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. These were aimed at ANC camps and they have caused outrage amongst the Commonwealth leaders. And this at a time when the Commonwealth ‘Eminent Peoples Mission’ was negotiating with the S African government to try to enable diplomacy to succeed. Thatcher having refused sanctions at Nassau, is under intense diplomatic and political pressure to change her mind. More violent unrest in the black townships as a result. Ian Botham has been dropped from the England test team for his past misdemeanours of drug taking. The ban applies to the two one-day internationals against India, but a TCCB committee will be investigating the charges further. At the Cannes film festival, the British film, ‘The Mission’, won the best film award and our actors also did well. 80,000 power workers are to start an overtime ban in a week’s time. The weather forecast cloudy with rain tomorrow, which is disappointing and I may miss my antique auction, as I have too much to do.