Late to rise but then to resume work on The Lady, installing a shower-tray pump and bilge pump as Debbie goes to the Evangelical Church with Amy’s family and I then start sorting out the drawers full of mechanical and electrical parts. The news is of possible miners’ strikes resuming. After the recent French landslides and floods, the latest problem is in Italy where 17 are dead as a result of a hotel being swept away and pressure mounts on Reagan
Slept well enough and had my morning tea in peace, as Daniella slept in for a change. Called late and sat a while and so went down in my pyjamas and dressing gown, so as not to be late for breakfast. Sat and read the papers for a while until it was ready and then enjoyed a fine fried breakfast. Just shaved this morning, as I had showered last night. Out to tend the ducks and doves, then went on board The Lady and resumed work on the pumps. I installed the shower tray pump and wired it up to empty the tray without the repeated and difficult hand-pumping we have been used to. In to lunch of roast beef (silverside) which was delicious.
The children spoilt it a little by tending to argue at the table. Little Della is getting quite difficult lately and is a trial for Di. Debbie went to the Evangelical Church in St Neots with the Laws again this morning and wanted to go again later for a 2 hour baptism service, but we had to draw the line at one visit a day! Back to The Lady this afternoon and worked to the background of sport on Radio 2. An exciting open golf commentary from Murifield all afternoon, with Nick Faldo of England trailing the 22 year old American, Paul Azinger and making par on each hole and not being able to get a birdie to reduce Azingers three shot lead. In the boat, I installed the bilge pump in a new position and serviced it and trust that it will now work well if needed. Then the longer task of sorting out the drawers containing mechanical and electrical parts, which was only half done at tea time. Daniel’s friend, Steve, kept phoning wanting me to tow his boat and trailer to launch it in the river, but it was pouring with rain (as it had been all day) and I was busy getting The Lady ready and following the golf. Had a rest after tea and watched Nick Faldo on TV play the entire 18 holes of the last round at par. The nerves got to Azinger on the last two holes and he was in the bunkers and lost the match. The first British Open winner in a long time and a nice end to the day. The rest of the evening, until dark, finishing The Lady’s lockers and relaying the floorboards and carpet. I tried out the water, bilge pump, heating and engine and all seems to be well. A bit more loading and servicing is needed tomorrow, but it should be all right. The ducks fed and away at dusk and it was still raining. In to write up my journal and review this last two day’s news. Main story is of the threatened coal strikes. The NUM and Yorkshire executives are counselling against a strike, but the Finchley branch area seem intent on action over disciplinary procedures. Another soldier killed in Northern Ireland by a sniper from across the border. An Iranian was nearly killed by a car bomb by Ayatollah Khomeini terrorists. France and Iran are negotiating to exchange diplomats after the mutual break of diplomatic relations. Amongst the 45 Iranians in Paris is the terrorist suspect, whose future is at the root of the problem. After the recent French landslides and floods, the latest problem is in Italy where 17 are dead as a result of a hotel being swept away. More trouble in Austria, Switzerland and elsewhere on the continent as the bad weather continues. Thatcher is urging the Soviets to offer progress on the arms talks, but they are balking at the latest US demands and will take their time as the Irangate pressure mounts on President Reagan.