posted by sooyup
on
Courting days
[Wednesday, 20th January, 1960] Shame and humiliation. Invited to Emma’s last night to celebrate her parents’ wedding anniversary. Earlier, my Uncle Albert had visited us at home, newly returned from Moscow, where he had been a CPGB (Communist Part of Great Britain) delegate at an international conference. He had given me a large glass of vodka - “The real stuff!” he said. So I was already tipsy when I got to Emma’s. Drank only pale ale all night just to be on the safe side. Knew I had had enough - i.e. too much - but Emma’s brother Percival insisted we drink a final toast before I went for the bus. Thought I could risk a small sherry - favourite tipple of visiting clergy. Watched, as if in slow motion, as Emma poured her large whisky into my small sherry. Knocked it back and made it to the bathroom before collapsing. Emma’s father ran me home in the car and propped me up against the front door, before beating a hasty retreat. Later this morning was sent home from work for being over-familiar with the boss. But at least I still have a job. Whether I still have a girl-friend remains to be seen.
[Wednesday, 20th January, 1960] Shame and humiliation. Invited to Emma’s last night to celebrate her parents’ wedding anniversary. Earlier, my Uncle Albert had visited us at home, newly returned from Moscow, where he had been a CPGB (Communist Part of Great Britain) delegate at an international conference. He had given me a large glass of vodka - “The real stuff!” he said. So I was already tipsy when I got to Emma’s. Drank only pale ale all night just to be on the safe side. Knew I had had enough - i.e. too much - but Emma’s brother Percival insisted we drink a final toast before I went for the bus. Thought I could risk a small sherry - favourite tipple of visiting clergy. Watched, as if in slow motion, as Emma poured her large whisky into my small sherry. Knocked it back and made it to the bathroom before collapsing. Emma’s father ran me home in the car and propped me up against the front door, before beating a hasty retreat. Later this morning was sent home from work for being over-familiar with the boss. But at least I still have a job. Whether I still have a girl-friend remains to be seen.
