A morning began by telling Della a host of stories before Debbie went off with the Brownies for a trip to Whipsnade Zoo and Daniel cleaned the Range Rover as I worked on The Lady’s water system before letting the ducks out after 11am and working on until we went to Marilyn’s 40th birthday barbecue this evening. Nick Faldo was the only British golfer up with the leaders in the golf Open Championship
Awoke to the morning tea and Della routine. I told her a half-dozen stories that made me late in getting washed for breakfast and she still wanted more and ended up crying. You just can’t win, can you? Breakfast in my dressing gown as a result and just about kept order in an exuberant meal. Debbie was off with the Brownies to Whipsnade Zoo today and so got Daniel to vacuum and wash the Range Rover whilst I went down to The Lady and worked on the water system. I re-filled the main water pressure pump and then installed the water purifier in line with the galley sink cold water tap.
I feel that I could tell the difference when I tasted the water after. The design incorporates a micro-mesh filter and then activated carbon to remove chemicals, tastes and odours, in the form of exchangeable modules for recharging. It was quite enjoyable working on The Lady and listening to a full programme of news and current affairs radio programmes on Radio 4, ‘What The Papers Say’, The Week at Westminster’ etc. There was also a holiday programme on ‘Holidays Afloat’, about the waterways that was very relevant. At 11.00 I let the ducks out, fed the doves and went inside to review the mail and get changed for lunch. Di returned from the shops at midday and collected Daniel and I for our lunch at The Happy Eater. We had invited Di’s father to join us, as Di’s mother was staying in London for a few days with Chris and Charles. He seemed to enjoy his meal with us and had looked forward to the variety from his daily routine. This afternoon, I watched a lot of golf from Muirfield in the Open Championship, but did get back to The Lady later on. Nick Faldo was the only English player up with the leaders and was making quite a show of it. Tea with the others and a light one in view of our evening ahead. More golf and, with the rain pouring down, at 8.30am we made our way over to Marilyn’s house opposite to celebrate her 40th birthday. A barbeque and drinks party, rather spoilt by the weather, but we met and talked with our neighbours until quite late, which was nice. Home by 11.30 to have a bedtime Bournvita and update my journal before Diana came to bed.