More than 40 years, told day by day
After a good time with Sam and my daughters, some election and dog training planning before watching some Test cricket and enjoying an evening's rest.
The Irish Prime Minister was in The White House today with President Clinton who endorsed the Downing Street Declaration and the major British charities link for yet another humanitarian appeal for funds to aid the war victims.
Slow to get going this morning but still managed to have breakfast with the family. Daniel was in a better mood today and had a better day at work as a result. Debbie seemed back to normal after her recent illness and Della, though recently eyelash plucking again, was in good form and rude health. She is now evidently far from quiet at school and is one of the loudest in the class!
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Due to Diana's Hinchingbrooke appointment, I went with her and then opted to stay in Paxton and fortunately her tests showed no malignancy, and the surgeon was recommending no serious action. Buying a newer and more compact palm-held camcorder for us to use in France for our forthcoming holiday.
Yet more IRA bomb scares and Britain is again at loggerheads with the other countries in the European Union
I had tentatively planned to drive over to Horning today but, having much to achieve at home, I opted to stay in Paxton instead. Two shortish walks with Sam today, me being short of time and not wanting to be out in more very windy and chilly weather, but he still had a good obedience lesson walking to heel with Della on the way to the school bus stop and then swimming in the gravel pits tonight.
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Our usual Cambridge trip to meet up with Di’s parents before visiting local farms to talk about shooting and crop protection and then a Bedford cinema trip to see On Deadly Ground a Seigel/Cane film which was far too violent and crude for our taste
After a good night’s sleep, we found the day mild again but wet and rainy to start with. This did not put me or Sam off of embarking on our morning training run and I took him straight to the gravel pits to do some waterwork. I am still struggling to get his first entry right without delay or deviation, but he did a lot of good work afterwards including one at distance.
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After catching up with outstanding office jobs, and with Debbie at home ill, I called Jim and then attended a CFSA meeting about their Sutton shoot on the Ouse Washes for winter fowling.
I sat next to John Humphreys, long-time fowler, author and columnist in The Shooting Times
It was back to work in my office this morning as I went through all my outstanding jobs to see what needed to be done. Diana was out putting cards into the local shop windows advertising for a handyman and, once I had separated these jobs out from my list, my life activities seemed possible after all! I was out with Sam this morning, first doing the customary water work and then some quartering around the gravel pits.
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After an unfortunate start to the day for Sam, off for Norfolk gun-dog training with Jim where my dog did quite well and then a fine meal with Jim and July Bird before home to Paxton to watch Chelsea’s F.A. Cup quarter final football match and then to read my comprehensive new book on the German Short-haired Pointer breed called Der Deutsch Kurzhaar
I found out this morning why Sam was unsettled in the night. He had a tummy upset and had messed his kennel and run, poor thing, which he knew was wrong but I had not let him out! I slept well and enjoyed the rest. Quickly ready and then a breakfast of cereal before packing up ready to go.
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Out early to arrive in Norfolk in time for The Wroxham Boat Auction, which was a disappointment.
Later to Carrow Road to see Norwich City whose injuries led to them losing against QPR 3-4. Sam did not settle as easily as usual in his Norfolk kennel and whined a bit.
I had stayed at home, tired, last night and so was pledged to get up early and make the trip to Norfolk after breakfast. I used the time before the meal to clear up my office and plan the things that I needed to take so that I was ready to leave directly afterwards.
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