Sunny weather leading to boating congestion through The Paper Mill Lock as I divide the day between researching my stock exchange investments and painting my garage as Reagan makes some arms control offers with the Daniloff row continuing, David Owen addresses the LibDem conference on arms control and Thatcher’s stooge now seems set on closing BL’s Cowley works as her latest assault on British manufacturing industry
An unsettled night, but slept eventually. Arose early to shower and shave, and then dressed in time for breakfast with the others of wheat flakes. The children had failed to tidy their rooms, as usual. Out to feed the doves, who fed well, as I watched the line of cruisers opposite, stranded by the congestion on the river last night. The early dusk and sunny afternoon had brought the boats out in droves, then lured them into complacency over the amount of daylight left for them to get back to St Neots.
They had started filing through again at first light and had all gone by 10am. Then out to the garage to put on the final coat of blue gloss paint. A laborious process due to the size of the garage door and the need to get the final coat thick enough to cover the dark brown underneath, yet thin enough to avoid the paint running. It took about four hours for the coat. The side door was easier. I did not go in for lunch, but had a couple of beef salad rolls and mugs of tea outside as I worked. After, I sat in the lounge for half an hour scanning the CEEFAX news. A slight recovery on the stock exchange and the dollar’s value today, and FISONS go up 10p after a successful takeover. Out again and this time up and down ladders to scrape off lose paintwork on the back of the west wing, brushing away dust, dirt and cobwebs at the same time. Time only for a preservative primer to the bare wood before the darkness called a halt to proceedings. Tea of pork chops and then supervised Daniel’s prep, before relaxing with my journal in front of the TV in the lounge. The news today is of a surprise offer by US President Reagan to delay deploying the ‘Star Wars’ weaponry by 7 years. However, development and production do not seem to be covered and the technology would take that long anyway. The aftermath of the Stockholm security deal ratification sees the US spokesman criticising the agreement for not going further, but all else are pleased with the outcome. More tub-thumping as well over Nicholas Daniloff. SDP leader, Dr David Owen, has addressed the Liberal Party Conference in a conciliatory vein on arms control, but there will be a key vote tomorrow from delegates, who are far keener at getting rid of nuclear deterrents altogether. The youngest ever patient, a 2 ½ month old baby boy, has received a heart/lung combined transplant at Harefield Heart Hospital. Luton Town FC are kicked out of the League Cup because of their refusal to accept away fans for their tie tomorrow. They now have a policy of Home Fans only, after recent violence at the ground. Plans to close part of BL’s Cowley Works have caused trouble with the unions, who fear that new Chairman, Graham Day, a Thatcher appointee, is on the verge of a deal to hand over the plant for Honda manufacture. Large numbers of Israeli troops are massing on their border with Lebanon, in what could spell trouble in the making. Ian Wood, a 37 year old Sheffield Solicitor, is wanted for questioning about the double murder of his wife and daughter, who were found dead at his home today. After today’s fine weather, more is forecast for tomorrow. To bed tonight, shattered by the effort expended on painting and decorating, but pleased with the results.