Extract from Sunday, 5th September, 1982:
A misty morning ~ the sun never came out. George at a young persons' party at Creake; we elders did the Grimsthorpe walk, starting out at eight o' the clock.
We started with the road part, and were asked to keep Vicci on the lead because of the young game birds about. And so there were, everywhere.
M 2 has never done the whole of this walk before, and thoroughly enjoyed it. We kept up a cracking pace and arrived back at Edenham at 11:50, so made for the White Harte, where we were greeted like long~lost brothers and made really welcome.
Returned to the fold for a splendid walk this morning. Lots of happy banter punctuated by LH's 'CANTANKERUS' behaviour.
Translation:
CAN - is able to (LH)
TANK - olde English for "talk", later obtuse comments
ER - directed towards
US - poor long-suffering JB and myself
Poor Harris was lectured and sworn at and generally abused. M 2 insisted on carrying some bracken to keep off the flies. Harris reckons this attracts them.
Extract from Sunday, 17th October, 1982:
A fine morning, but somewhat subdued. Little Harris had a heart attack on Wednesday, and so he has decided not to come with us. Fortunately it was a mild one, and the vet said he would not have to be destroyed.
George intends taking LH an oak tree instead of flowers
M 2 also missing, possibly with post-flu depression ~ or has she been nursing a secret passion for LH and has been disconcerted by his plight?
George and I walked to Bourne Woods, which were surprisingly green for the time of year. Very muddy underfoot, due to the rain we have had. Up to last Wednesday we had twice the mean rainfall for October.
Extract from Sunday, 7th November, 1982:
I requested a "walk with trees and leaves". The trees were very much in evidence, but sadly the leaves have almost all fallen. Everywhere has a winter brownness about it.
M 2 - What a dull morning, it doesn't seem properly light.
G - Funny you should say that, but LH rang me to say what a bright morning it was for a walk!
LH, though sadly missed is never forgotten - he frequently crops up in conversation . . . . . for one reason or another!
Extract from Sunday, 14th November, 1982:
"Oh what a beautiful morning . . . . etc.
There's a slight drop of rain on the medder (repeat)
The rain seems as wet as you'd think it could get,
But I reckon it's going to get wetter yet!"
Reprise:
"Old Maxi stands just like a statue
But, missus, don't let him get at you ~
There's part of you into his mouth would just fit,
And I tell you he's fond of a little tit-bit!"
Extract from Sunday, 19th December, 1982:
A very wet morning, persistent drizzle, but sometimes heavy with a strong wind.
We walked through Wakerley Woods, George, M 2, Jim-the-Vet and me with a heavy cold. Yesterday had been very cold but sunny, and there were bits of ice under the pools of water which were quite treacherous and caused some anxious moments.
On return to the car
M 2 was ordered to drive, while George 'directed' her into some muddy ruts caused by logging machinery. She got well and truly stuck, and was only released when I found some strips of bark to place under the wheels, and we three men heaved the car out.
Back in Y e Olde White Harte ~ as good as ever, but some changes. J-t-V was in fine fettle, and produced his castrating knife. There was a Christmas Tree behind us, and I had to restrain him . . . .
Extract from Sunday, 19th December, 1982:
We returned early to go to Little Harris's party, which was very enjoyable, and was attended by J-t-V and J.
