A trying day for Diana suffering with her condition, my chores for her and the worry of our visiting French girls but the boys enjoyed the swimming pool and Debbie had a long riding hack as an arms deal talks between Shultz US/USSR Foreign Minister look close to a successfully conclusion, the Royal family attend the Herald of Free Enterprise victims memorial service at Canterbury Cathedral and general election speculation rises
Slept well, but poor Di had started a period and has been most put out with the French girls and all else to worry about. Another awkward and fairly silent breakfast, but at least Della has lost her shyness. Gary stayed the night and also joined us at the meal. After breakfast, I went out to hose down The Lady, then got a bucket of water and leather and washed and wiped the windows and varnish until it looked quite reasonable. Rather tired, I went back in at lunch time and read a little more on conservatories and their plants. I had previously sat out for morning coffee in the sunshine on a warm and muggy day. Daniel and Gary had been swimming and boating this morning and we were all hungry.
Di had gone shopping this morning and was upset at my task for her of opening accounts and transferring money. This afternoon she tried again and was reduced to tears, as she still got the job wrong! After lunch, the children went swimming and Daniel’s friends, Gary, Paul and Jason joined them and had a fine time. Pool temperature was 82degF, with over 60degF outside. I took Di and the girls for a short trip on The Lady later and they enjoyed it. Soon it was time to take Debbie horse riding. I had to go to St Neots first to do the building society transactions, which had defeated Di, and so was a little late to the stables. A fine day and so the ride was outside today, across the level crossing towards Buckden and back. I used the hour to take a walk around Offord and noted a fair bit of new development and housing. Home, but no sign of Natalie and Catherine, who did not arrive back from their London trip until 8.00pm, two hours late. News today is of the IRA letter bombs sent to the homes of Thatcher’s senior civil servants. The final conclusion after the Shultz US/USSR Foreign Minister’s meeting is that an arms deal is close, but much hard work is still to be done. A memorial service has been held on behalf of the Herald ferry victims, with the Royal Family in attendance. The latest unemployment figures and opinion polls are favourable to the Tories and a June election is still favourite (though I think it will be October). Norman Tebbit has been attacking the BBC over their news reporting again and this time they have backed down in what the opposition parties call ‘dangerous interference’.