Editor's note: If readers wonder why few entries by George have been transcribed, it is mostly because they are all nearly the same, consisting of lists headed "Impressions of the Day", and containing things like: "(i) Sun (ii) Dogs (iii) Beer (iv) LH". In addition, many of the words are indecipherable*. However, for the sake of completeness, here is an example of one of his better entries:
S
unday, March x?A very direct and well planned walk through Southey Woods. We shall remember
(i) L.L. was still in season Max showed his interest throughout the journey
(ii) Mud
(iii) L.H. giving the reasons why he didn't invite ??? ??? ???* them for drinks last night
(iv) A splendid game of stones
(v) J.B. has a cold
This is the 1st time that George has introduced the article in the Book. Maid M. showed LH how to handle all 4 dogs. 3 in one hand 1 in the other. L.H. held Max for 1 minute. During that time my Uniform was filthy (Clean on today)
At the time of writing the Dogs are being trained around the White Hart Patio.
Over now to LH
The route was devious to say the least
The weather was mild. The spring plants were flowering, snowdrops, crocus. The primroses were showing and GB was suffering from CORIZA VULGARIS or the Englishman's Sangue - Froid!
M 2 - No comment. Annalou said enough for both of us this morning due to her delicate state of health!
8th March!
Certainly a strange morning: myself very grotty with a cold; Max with lovers' nuts; Annalou vocal and . . . . teasing.
Weather supposed to pour, but didn't ~ extremely mild.
Walk through the unexplored reaches of Southey Wood, down the private road to the roilway and back.
George invented the game of "Stones": he made a move exchanging two stones; Harris moved next, replacing one stone with a piece of apple; M 2 jumped three stones in a row, as in draughts; I had to 'knock'. (I am not very good at games.)
Vicci came out without her lead. She had to wear my belt.
Back in the dear White Harte. All our old friends.
Extract from Good Friday 17th April, 1981:
George, Harris, Jim-the-Vet & I walked to Oundle.
It was a superb morning, sunny, warm, with a light cool breeze just right for walking.
We met outside my house at seven o'clock, and walked into the town, then up the footpath along the Nene Valley to Alwalton. Thence to Brown's Mill, Water Newton, Elton, Ealgethorpe and Ashton.
George insisted that we went to the Black Horse on the west side of Oundle, and it was agony to walk past the Chequered Skipper knowing the goodies inside. When we got there the simple little pub we remembered had been gutted, carpeted and served morning coffee! We got our return journey driver to drive us back to the Chequered Skipper for a drink.
J-t-V: Footsore & weary two large blisters on the balls of my feet & one on the left heel . . . Its either now or never for Oundle, but not again - 7 am - 1 pm with 20 min stop on the way. A fair walk I think. Ashton is a pleasant village with a large green - good pub & beer.
