Light rain for most of the day on Sunday September 13; reasonably warm. Dot was suffering a bit from diarrhoea as a result of taking antibiotics; so I went to church on my own. Quite a small congregation, though boosted by a Dutch couple who had taken their daughter to UEA. Had a chat with them afterwards. Communion led by Graham, with sermon on forgiveness. Anna had chosen hymns but wasn’t there; Matt played piano. Interesting. Spoke at length to Liz, partly about former Tuckswood head Ann Curran, who she knew through the URF Church in Ipswich Road, and who had recently died.

Took empty jars left  at ours on Thursday to Claire’s and asked her to change Cake & Compline date because Judy had discovered it clashed with a DCC meeting. Nikki and her boyfriend Danny came round in afternoon and left car in our drive so that they could attend a wedding at the Greek Orthodox church on Recorder Road. Very long wedding; they came back afterwards as I was about to cook the evening meal, and we had a drink and theological/ general Christian discussion: Dot told them about her miracle in Paris, and they responded in kind. Really good time. When they left I cooked duck legs for evening meal. Offered to cook them something but they demurred. Hope to see them again soon: Nikki is quite uplifting. Dot went upstairs to pack while I carried on cooking.

Monday – Mainly dry, but with some light rain. Packed for holiday in Blakeney,  put out bins and asked Christine to push them back in after they’d been emptied. Dot not feeling great at first but improved. Same with me, but I had to take paracetamol in the car. We left at about 1.45pm and had to avoid a huge queue on the Cromer Road by diverting via Horsford. Arrived at Blakeney just before 3pm, at the same time as the Evetts, who had also had a difficult trip. Had a chat with them in the lounge after unpacking.

We then went for a walk and returned for sleep. Met for drink at 6.45 then supper at 7. I had a pie, which was ok, and some rosé. Then Eton Mess deconstructed. Afterwards went to Evetts’ room for shot of whisky, following which Dot and I walked down to carnser. Looked as if high tide had been and gone. Fantastic sky full of stars – really beautiful. You don’t see that in Norwich. Walked back and went to bed. 

Tuesday – Mainly dry again; sunny later. Woke up early, as did Dot. Her reaction to antibiotics not so bad today, but she was quite late to breakfast. Had the usual semi-English. Felt very tired but things improved later, after we reached Felbrigg. We went in Dave’s car because he didn’t think he’d get in ours. Had drink on arrival, then went round part of walled garden. Julia is still suffering and walks very slowly as well as feeling cold (it was actually quite warm).  Dave has quite a limp after his operation. Enjoyed some unusual flowers and the odd hen. Then made our way back for lunch: we both had scones. Julia wanted to sit inside! Afterwards made our way back to car after shop and loo, and I checked on new memorial rose garden. Well, you have to, don’t you ?

Took a long route because some brain-deficient idiot had put “Road closed” signs on the coast road when it turned out that it was still saying “Road closed” when we got to Blakeney via Holt and Cley. Goodness knows where it was actually closed. Hunstanton?  After getting back we walked into centre and bought a couple of ice creams – one per pair. Then back to rooms for a rest. Had cocktails before supper – I had a tequila sunrise. Then a large rosé. Not good. Well, good but probably not wise. Had steak frites for supper – steak was delicious. Then another reconstructed Eton Mess. Had a drink (tonic) and chat afterwards, then Dot and I took a chilly walk up to harbour, where water had encroached, but not up to road. Stars stunning again. 

Wednesday – Bit cooler but dry.  After breakfast drove to Bayfield Hall to go round sculpture trail organised by Sarah Cannell of Raveningham fame. Knew her from Paston days, and she recognised me (“Mr Poetry”) when we met. Trail was a bit chaotic but contained some good stuff, including a few little filmlets in a tent, a huge solar-powered butterfly and a number of other things. Quite impressive. Think Dave and Julia got tired fairly quickly; we split up and met back at their car. Part of trail was ruined church on a hill, which was quite spectacular in its own right. The grounds of the hall were pretty impressive, with the River Glaven running through.

Afterwards we went to Normal for  Norfolk, where there is now a new café. Dot and I shared blueberry pancakes, whicb were delicious. Drove back to hotel and went for a walk independently. Dot visited some shops and I walked out through the carnser car park, but not too far because it got muddy.  On my way back to meet Dot I chanced on the Evetts outside Two Magpies, but they were heading back for a rest. Dot then turned up, and she and I did likewise. Eventually I had a bath. Supper was at 6.45: I had another rosé and lamb wth a rather strange assortment of vegetables – largely Moroccan in style, I believe. All right but not great. I followed up with tea, and we all had a chat in the lounge but went to bed pretty early.

Thursday – Bit of rain but not much. More in Norwich early I think. Dot washed hair; we were a bit late for breakfast. After paying we drove in separate cars to Holt, where we stopped in the Budgens car park (£4 on exit). Tried a couple of random shops, then went to Byfords for a drink, which turned into lunch. Very nice too.  Then we said goodbye and split up. Dot and I went to Bakers and Warner’s to see what Dot wasn’t going to buy, then headed home.

Arrived mid-afternoon, feeling very tired again. Dot too. She was near the end of her antibiotic pills. Rearranged bedrooms in preparation for Barry’s painting – easier said than done. Bit of a mess really, though not eaten. Get it? We have moved into the guest bedroom, which is quite comfortable. I thought I’d left my charger plug and cable behind and left a message at the hotel, as well as notifying Dave. But it turned out later that I hadn’t.  Lots of messages to answer.

Friday – Grey and chilly, with rain in the evening. Felt pretty low all the morning, but much better by evening as usual. Ray Fiske funeral at 11.30: good service by Graham, with some nice words by Ray’s granddaughter. Afterwards went to hall for sandwiches and spoke to Nikki, Howard, Stuart and various other people, including Mark Campling, his partner and sisters, plus Sophie, Liz and David and…and…

Left a bit early because Dot had second funeral – or more accurately a thanksgiving service – at 3pm in the United Reformed Church on Ipswich Road. This was for her former head Ann Curran, from Tuckswood. I didn’t go to that but tidied the house up and broke a piece of glass, but “repaired” it. Traffic bad; so Dot was late back, and there wasn’t much time before I had to take her up to the Theatre Royal for an evening meal with Anne before they watched High Society.

Meanwhile I had a sausage roll that Barry had given us when he arrived at 8.30am to do the painting, then went out to street meet in the drizzle, sheltering under the garage arch of No 11.  Present: Des, Chris, Matt, Angela (who is off to Scotland tomorrow), me, Jon and Sam. I had tea instead of wine because I went shopping afterwards for food at Morrisons. Very few people there and no-one on the tills; so I had the horrific experience of trying to get through the checkout on my own. Got some help from a young lad and managed to complete it. Home and unpacked; had light supper and did some puzzles. Earlier I had re-watched part of Ludwig where I had gone to sleep yesterday, and suddenly it all made sense. Sort of. Dot arrived quite late – trouble getting Anne’s car out of car park because she’d forgotten her number plate. She enjoyed HS but said the food was nothing special. 

Tuesday – Rain, and Dot sent me a message that she had left Nice on the train, and they had good seats. I was still in bed. Tuned my guitar, after remembering I had a tuning app on my phone. How could I forget that? Very worrying. Had a bath.

Drove Des to xray place out on Earlham Road near the garden cemetery. Traffic not bad. Parked while he went in – discovered he was also seeing a consultant, which would take longer of course. I had brought the Rodney Green book on Revelation, which I finished quite quickly. Very interesting and generally good: combination of devotional and commentary but, being home published, difficult to handle. Didn’t agree with bit on conspiracy theories for the usual reasons. Perhaps I should write an article on conspiracy theories: need to get together with a small group of other weirdos…

On the way home I gave him practically my whole life story: it started out by explaining about Surrey Chapel – which is getting isolated by the demolition of Anglia Square – and progressed into working in London etc etc etc. Bridget came round to do the cleaning not long after we got back. She curtailed it a bit because she’s going to see The Marriage of Figaro tonight.

Had long exchange of messages with Dot, who was worried that they’d miss the Eurostar (which they caught by a whisker) and then that they wouldn’t be able to get to Liverpool Street in time. I was a bit blasé about the Eurostar bit because I’d forgotten they were an hour ahead (or behind) and thought they had plenty of time….

Anyway, I went up to the sorting office and posted off a cheque, then came back to cook myself a steak and ale pie. Before that I gave Angela the poster for Saturday’s boot sale at St Luke’s. Had to reassure Dot again that the world would not end if they missed the London connection. We’ll never know if it would have ended, because they caught the connection after retrieving Anne’s bag from the hotel she’d left it in and then travelling by tube. Again someone gave Dot a hand with her case up some steps. Train arrived on time in Norwich, and I met them. Anne shot off almost immediately, and we were very late in bed after she gave me a rundown on the holiday. 

Wednesday – Dry, but cloudy and a bit chilly. Had to get up early because Barry came round about 8.45 to discuss some painting Dot wanted him to do. I joined them for discussion in the kitchen and a cup of tea. Then had breakfast and went to Morrisons to stock up with food. Had fruit for lunch. Both very tired in the afternoon and had a sleep on the bed – felt much better afterwards.

Cooked trout for supper – very nice indeed – and tidied food away. Dot had a shower after doing some washing, which we left outside to dry overnight. In the evening we went to Carrow Road and saw Norwich beat Birmingham 2-1. Very close match. Des was sitting in the row behind, and some friend of Jonathan’s next to me (Lesley ‘s brother?). We walked home with Des, then watched the Test Match – Pakistan looked very downcast. In bed very late again and lay down at 12.20 after writing blog. 

Thursday – Mainly dry, but rain in late evening. Felt quite odd most of the day – headache and very tired. In fact had quite a long sleep in the afternoon after cooking lunch – steak and ale pie again. Had a bath in the morning. Dot did a lot of washing, and I moved car into the road so that people coming to Cake and Compline could park. Des also let Judy park in his drive, and David and Bridget couldn’t come (rehearsal, cold); nor did Phil and Nikky. Lots of discussion about Vicky’s children: Amy seems in a bad way. Watched a bit of football on TV. Spoke briefly to David after I FaceTimed him by mistake and he FaceTimed back. Bit worried about Dot’s legs – cellulitis? She is planning to go to walk-in centre tomorrow. 

Friday – Rain overnight, but dry and quite warm the rest of the day. Got Dot to walk-in centre at around 9pm. Rang surgery in response to their call about my test results and booked an appointment for October 2! Hope this means it’s not urgent. A few hours later got a call from a doctor about my blood pressure; he wants to increase my dose of Perindropril. he also said something about cancelling the other appointment, but I’m ignoring that.

Oliver’s birthday today – he’s 24. Unbelievable. I was married at that age and moving from our flat in Stoke Newington to Winchmore Hill. Of course, Oliver is in London too… Sent him a message: he should also have received our card. Anyway, picked up Dot around 10.30  – she may have a mild case of cellulitis. Prescribed ointment, antihistamines and antibiotics. Took her to Boots, but they didn’t have the antibiotics. So took her to Morrisons pharmacy, and they didn’t have the ointment. We’re going back for it tomorrow. Popped into the main Morrisons and ran into Chris and Des, whose car is still hors de combat. So we gave them a lift home. Felt quite tired and achy. Watched Euro football. Street meet well attended: Des, Chris, Matt, Mark, Sarah, Jon, Ciara, Sam, Joe and Sean. And us of course. Des got us fish and chips, and we watched cricket, Vuelta, Ludwig and Would I Lie to You?  Somewhere in the middle of all that Dot did the ironing and I cleared up the house, as well as going for a short walk up to the cinema and back through the station. 

Saturday – Dry and quite warm till evening, when we had some rain. After lunch drove Dot to Morrisons pharmacy to pick up the last bit of her prescription – cream/ointment for her leg. Had quite a long phone conversation with my cousin Barbara, who is surviving through faith while refusing medicine and heart operations. She’s amazing really. Think I might follow in her footsteps. Listened to Norwich City losing in the last minutes to Middlesbrough 4-3, after scoring in the first minute. England bear Pakistan after being 0 for 2 in the first over. Might have been closer if Root hadn’t been “out” to a no-ball.

Dot has been working out how and when to take her pills. Had chicken forestière for supper. Rather nice. Watched usual stuff on TV, including a  Professor T episode and the news. Also caught a bit of the Last Night of the Proms. Holst’s Jupiter is brilliant. Showed Dot how bank accounts on phone work. 

Discovered an amazing piece of music – Country Boy by Albert Lee – one of the all-time great guitarists in my opinion. This links to it, I hope. Pretty good pianist too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zXuZpVin7Hs&list=RDzXuZpVin7Hs&start_radio=1

Reasonably warm on Thursday, September 3: slightly windy but dry. As usual felt tired when I woke up, though I’d had quite a good sleep. Read a bit, then had breakfast and received a phone call from my cousin Barbara, who didn’t sound too sharp. I offered to come to see her on Saturday, but she wanted me to ring her next week, when she hoped to be feeling better. Think she’s getting a bit of aggro from a neighbour.

Had to shorten our conversation a bit as I was due to pick up my chess friend Mike Read, to take him to Bury St Edmunds again to see Owen Hindle.  (Actually Fornham All Saints, but near enough.) Had a good time there, much of it watching snooker (Owen rarely turns the TV off.) Did play through one chess game, though, and for a change he had a cleaner there, who danced round us (not literally). She seemed a nice woman. Journey both ways was fine, if you accept the usual hold-up approaching Norwich on the A11 – no obvious progress being made, but then the workmen are all out of sight. I know that because there’s a sign saying so.

Had mussels for supper, thus identifying with Dot. Watched latest Vuelta stage, featuring a new Slovenian star. Found loaf of bread in the road near Mark’s car, but it wasn’t his. Later Joe announced lots of police outside : they were apparently looking for a knife, though not to slice the bread. Small gathering of neighbours to discuss, and some time later I heard someone had been tasered on Rosary Road. The sunshade in our back garden was out of its holder, but I don’t think that was connected. Went to bed early and read. 

Friday – Very wet in the morning, but dried out by the time I walked to St George’s Street by way of the river path with Des, Chris, Sean and Ciara for lunch at XO, which is sort of Asian. I had pork wontons and a bit of watermelon salad, plus a cup of tea. Quite pleasant. Apparently the restaurant will be closing soon.

I had a bath before I went. We walked back together, and I had a couple of hours’ rest before street meet. Read a bit. Quite a number of people out in the street. As well as the aforementioned, there were Joe, Jon and Matt. Sam is practising for the city run tomorrow morning.  David FaceTimed while we were out there and gave them a wave, but I rang him back for a chat later. Apparently Chrissy’s job is going from strength to strength. Had some mackerel fillets with bread and butter and watched Ludwig. To bed not long after 10pm. 

Saturday – Dry and quite warm. Got up a bit late, feeling a bit strange. Went out for walk – down Rosary Road, along the riverside and up the Close, then into the Cloisters. Back through to Prince of Wales Road. Over 6000 steps by end of the day. Saw Ciara as I went out and when I got back, and had a brief chat. She is putting up hanging baskets, which will please Dot, who seems to be staying in Nice today. During lunch started watching what I thought would be a little bit of snooker, but it turned out to be the longest game I’ve ever seen (well over an hour), with masses of safety. Won by Selby against the odds, and he won the match too. Did some sudoku while I ate supper; for some reason didn’t feel very hungry. Caught up with some other stuff afterwards, sent Oliver’s presents and paid the TV licence and watched EFL football, including Norwich City’s 3-1 away win at Sheffield United. We are now in the top half of the table. 

Sunday – Cloudy at first, brighter later. Listened to Morning Worship. Spent some time debating whether to go to church or not, but at the moment they are running along Riverside (athletes, not the church). Not sure I could get out in the car. There was probably a way, or I could walk, but I didn’t really feel keen. Saw Des and Mark going up to Old Library Wood with gardening tools. Read a bit in old diary and realised it was ten years ago to the month that we went by train to Switzerland and met Peter and Joan.

Anyway, had a light lunch with biscuits and a very nice chicken pâté. Dot went to Cannes and appears to be having a good time. Kim came back from Coventry and said she was “jiggered” after helping her daughter to pack in preparation for moving – so I gave her a cup of tea and a lift home, then went and filled up with petrol at Morrisons – the petrol bit having reopened. Then I had an unusual supper – the other six sausages and two fried eggs with toast. Managed to execute the fried eggs very well for some reason. Was going to have fried potatoes, but I didn’t like the look of them. Played through some EP chess games and went to bed. 

Monday – Girls went to Villefranche and I got a scam call about someone using our debit card. I hope it was a scam call. Did the Monday crossword and some washing, watered a few plants, tied back the roses, refilled the bird bath and took Des to Volkswagen about his car: they were singularly unhelpful. He also got an estimated bill of £18,000 for his knee operation, which hit him just before I tried to teach him sudoku. Tomorrow I take him for an x-ray. Had early supper – two lamb chops grilled. Quite nice, actually. Watched weekend football. Paid some charity money and did the last of my blood pressure measurements. Early to bed after clearing up. Read quite a lot of the Rodney Green book. 

Quite a lot of rain on Saturday, August 28 – heavy in the evening. Linda came and cut our hair just after 11am, and I had a bath. Then after lunch Dot went to the football match: City beat Burnley 4-1, which made her pretty happy. Unfortunately Spurs lost to Newcastle, as we discovered when David FaceTimed in the evening after we’d had steak and ale pie. He seems optimistic, however. Watched cricket – much of it washed out – and the Championship highlights, as well as the end of Paddington 2 again, which we happened on by chance. Sent birthday cards to Kristine and Joy. 

Sunday – Mixture of sun and cloud. Dot spent most of the day doing the last preparations for her holiday with Anne. Gave garden advertising post to Joe, who says he will use the wood for shelves! Later Des came over and asked about our seeing them when Dot comes back, to view their pictures from their rail adventures. I managed to do over 5000 indoor steps, and did some clearing up as usual. Also cooked sausages for supper. England beat Pakistan easily in second Test. One of the Pakistan players got 97, and was caught on the boundary. Thought it would have been nice if the fielder deliberately dropped it, just to give them something, but of course he didn’t. Didn’t go to church, which was a joint service at St Luke’s, but discovered afterwards that Ray’s funeral will be on the 18th. Happily, we shall be able to go, though Dot has another funeral (Ann Curran) later the same day, and a theatre date with Anne in the evening.

Monday – Threatening rain much of the time, but I don’t think it actually did. Strangely slow motion in the morning as Dot put the final touches to her preparations for her holiday. Anne arrived about 11.30 and they went over to the station – with me – just before 12 to catch the 12.30 train. Bit worried about the weight of Dot’s case, but too late to unpack. Anne bought some coffees at the station, and they boarded in good time.

I went home and spent nearly two hours in the garden,  cutting back at front and rear. Got jumper and trousers dirty; so put them in the wash while I had a bath and read a bit. Dot rang to say she’s reached London OK, and we had a couple of other chats, one because I thought she might have my glasses; still not sure she hasn’t.  They went out for a pizza in the evening; I had pea and hock soup. Watched a bit of TV and went to bed early, feeling pretty tired. Several times while I was watching TV I had the odd sensation that Dot was there too. 

Tuesday – Dry and fairly warm. Went to Archant Pensioners’ breakfast as usual and was glad to see Tricia there, so that I could sit in the usual place and have breakfast without appearing to start a splinter group. So I did that, but to be honest the breakfast wasn’t very good. Still, had a long chat with Tricia: neither she nor Brian are in very good health. His nephew is going to sort out a phone for him; so I don’t have to worry about that. Afterwards I went to Morrisons and spent £100, even though there was only one of me.  Noticed the garage is operating normally again.

Had a chat (well, two) with Des: his car won’t be ready till at least Friday and will cost well over £300, but he won’t need a lift from me tomorrow because his daughter is doing the errand in question. Cut some little branches off the tree in the front, because I noticed it was hitting me as I came in. Later sorted out the bins: Des had put some stuff in the brown one and moved it out on to the pavement. Meanwhile I lay down because I was feeling very tired and later read quite a bit of Howard’s brother’s book on Revelation, which is very interesting. Had a lunchy sort of supper and watched Vuelta highlights. Had a sudden attack of violent sneezing; not sure why – perhaps I was sensitive to something in my lunch concoction. Didn’t feel ill. Earlier I had tried to ring my cousin Barbara, with the idea of going over to see her. But she didn’t answer. 

Around teatime I walked over the Julian Bridge to get a few steps – ended the day well over 5000! Had been following Dot’s journey across France, taking in Marseille and Toulon etc, and she eventually arrived at Nice around 7pm. She seemed to be wandering around town; so I sent a message, but no reply. Eventually phoned her about 9.30 (10.30 Nice time), when she was eating in the Hotel Splendid’s rooftop restaurant. She phoned back at midnight Nice time and we had a chat. Think they’ll survive, though Anne left her shower bag in the London hotel. Dot said several people helped her with her case in stations and trains, which is nice. Or is it Nice?  

Wednesday – Rather grey, but still quite warm. Rain from about 5.30pm. Read quite a bit and had a bath. Bridget arrived about 2pm and had a bit of trouble parking her car, partly because of the narrow space and partly because of her wrist. She was able to do the cleaning, though. I had lunch and did a couple of puzzles. When she left, about 4.50pm, she gave me a lift to Riverside so that I could walk across the river and home via King Street and the station. Sadly the rain started when I was halfway back. Not too heavy, but annoying, and not forecast.

Cooked salmon for supper and watched Vuelta – stage won by British sprinter Matthew Brennan (his third). Exchange of e-mails with Dot, who seems to be really enjoying Nice, which is 30 degrees, and with Kim, who is jiggered in Coventry. I think that means tired out, helping her daughter to move. Oh well, as Peter Green would say.

Rather a busy week in the offing. Monday, August 24 was a bit cooler, but not unpleasant. Drove to Diss to meet Barbara and Roger, who were on their way from Clacton to Heathrow and making a much bigger diversion than I realised. We had lunch at the Waterfront Inn, which turned out to be much less sophisticated than it had appeared online, but the food was actually very tasty and its position on the Mere attractive. I had a terrific steak and ale pie with mash, peas and gravy. Dot and Roger had fish and chips, and Barbara had scampi.

Parking in the Chapel Street car park was a nightmare. The machines didn’t work; so I rang the number provided and paid online by card. Good job we weren’t in a hurry. Roger had the same problem, so parked in Morrison’s car park. Really nice chat  over lunch and left quite late (roughly 2-4). Drove home and although we met queues of traffic coming towards us on Hall Road, our journey through Norwich was pretty easy. Didn’t need supper: had a snack later on. Watched what may or may not have been the last episode of Staircase, and Sunday’s Match of the Day. Also another old episode of Death in Paradise.

While looking up something to do with Dot as head teacher on the net, amazingly it brought up a reference to my aunt Dorothy (died in her 90s about 20 years ago) as matron head of boarding at Norwich School. You can die, but you can’t hide. 

Tuesday – Warm, a little windy. Not sleeping very well recently. Drove up to Dussindale for an appointment with Karen Earl, who may have been a nurse. She took my blood pressure and gave me the equipment to provide a urine sample some time soon. Also wanted me to monitor my blood pressure. I was 137/91, and 90 would have been all right. She also took some blood almost without leaving a mark!

Afterwards bought practically a tankful of petrol which gave me an alleged range of 450. Last time I filled up (not there) it was 370. At home I checked the tyre pressures, which seemed fine. Had lunch while watching University Challenge, and then headed – once Dot had decided what to wear – for Maryta’s funeral at Earlham. This went really well. Led by Philip Butcher, and Paul did a great tribute, as did Holly. Jozef also read something by Carl Sagan that Maryta liked. Music included Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen and I vow to thee my country by someone else. Afterwards food and drink at the George. Spoke to several people, including Maryta’s friend Barbara, Paul’s sister, Colin Dowdeswell, Chris Brown, Holly and Jozef and their husband and partner, and of course Paul. (Maryta’s sister Terry was in China.)

Drove home, and Dot changed from dress to trousers. We then drove to Snape  and got there in good time for the baroque concert which was really interesting. The lead violinist was brilliant but needs to make up her mind whether she wants to be a violinist or an actress – or possibly a conductor. Home quite late and watched brief highlights of Norwich beating Cardiff 2-1 away in the Caribou Cup.

Learned today that John Digby and Tara got married on Friday and honeymooned for a few days in the Peak District. Delighted – they’re both really nice. 

Wednesday – Warm and mainly sunny. Felt pretty tired – did a lot of taxi driving. First took Dot to blood test, dropping my urine test off on the way. Then took her to Anne’s because we wanted to protect her leg for their holiday. She went for lunch with her and Anne drove her home. Meanwhile I drove home, where Bridget had been cleaning the house, and took her to her next job off Cromer Road. She too can’t drive at the moment. Wasted the rest of the afternoon but managed to get rid of some e-mails and answer one from Robin about the funeral.

Dot home just after 5pm, worried because her season ticket had disappeared from her wallet. Managed to sort that out and put her credit card in for her holiday. Then we went to Morrisons, noting that the council had put some yellow lines back on Aspland Road, but not very straight and not where Des would have liked them to be. Still none on our side. Bought some food and returned home. I cooked myself  steak and ale pie, and Dot had some odds and ends. Then we watched a bit of athletics and  an episode of Professor T, a detective drama with an unlikely hero. Unbelievable, of course, but sort of interesting in comparing empathy and compassion. My cousin Barbara rang up earlier: it’s her birthday. I had sent her a card, which I think rather pleased her. She gets lonely. 

Thursday – Feels like Friday. Some rain overnight  and more scheduled for tonight, together with a lunar eclipse.  Dot spent most of the day preparing for her holiday, though she hasn’t actually packed yet. She tried on quite a few dresses. I read a bit of the book of Enoch – one of several I’m aiming to get through while she’s away. Bit of pain on upper left chest, but I think it’s trapped wind. I tidied up a backlog in my room and the kitchen, and at 5.30pm went out for street meet – day early. Large attendance, including Jon, Mark, Mary, Ciara and Sean, Matt and Angela, Joe and Sam, plus Des and Chris, with a couple of AA men who were very slowly failing to fix their car. In the end left it to be towed early tomorrow. The small battery appears to be dead. Those of us with 15-year-old petrol cars refrained from gloating in a very mature sort of way.

Interesting conversation about Palestine and Israel with Ciara and Des. Ciara and I perhaps surprisingly very much on the same page. Came in after longish session for evening snack and watched cricket and Ludwig. Cricket was interesting: commentators said England had done well, and News at Ten said they hadn’t. Earlier watched Celtic throw away a four-goal lead and fail to qualify for European Championship. Horrific floods in Nepal. 

Friday – Feels even more like Friday. Mainly dry with the odd shower. Very heavy rain at Snape in the evening. Dot went into city in the morning to buy stuff from Boots and came back with new shoes for holiday. Meanwhile I was tidying up. After lunch we drove to Christ Church to hear Bridget talk about St Brigid (not herself: the Irish one) and her friend Julie on Cuthbert.

After cup of tea and biscuits we drove direct to Snape, if by “direct” you mean via Shotesham. Had plenty of time to spare – had a glass of rosé each and then Dot had a crab and I had a herb and veg concoction involving mussels, which was ok. Heard the London Symphony Orchestra do a rather obscure viola concerto, followed by an unfinished Brückner concerto that was quite vigorous though not especially tuneful. Had ice cream during interval.

At the end emerged into heavy rain. Fortunately (a) we had cushions to put on our heads and (b) didn’t have far to go because we had arrived early and got a good parking spot. Out of the Maltings fairly quickly, but roads were a bit iffy, with the odd bit of standing water. Got stuck behind a car whose driver gave the impression he couldn’t see anything; took the opportunity to go the Beccles route when he turned off to Halesworth. After that it wasn’t too bad, and we were home just before 11pm. 

Incidentally, last night about 4am we woke to catch a glimpse of the lunar eclipse. Quite unexpected.

Wednesday, August 19 – Quite warm but rain in evening. At 6.50pm BBC showed a lengthy piece on the Cromer Carnival, with the reporter and interviewees being drenched and pools of water everywhere, followed immediately by their weather forecast, which said it was still mainly dry, but one or two places had had a few drops of rain. Brilliant joined-up thinking.

Thursday – Cloudy. Quite a bit of rain, but I didn’t go out because I spent all day writing four pieces for Parish Pump – one on St Francis, one on the M25, one on the Jarrow March and one on Winnie the Pooh. Dot made some pavlova for tomorrow. I cooked duck legs for supper, which were very good. Watched cricket, and the start of the new series of Ludwig. Bridget came round late morning for a cup of tea but not to clean because her wrist isn’t quite good enough. 

Friday – Mild in Surrey, cooler here. Second very busy day in a row: ended up feeling extremely tired with a headache – not something I get often. That was because I drove well over 300 miles in over seven hours, quite a bit of it in awful traffic on the M25. That sandwiched about 4.5 hours at Sue and Bob’s house in Ashtead, Surrey, with others of Dot’s college friends for the annual reunion.

The middle bit was very enjoyable; the driving not so much, especially when it started pouring with rain south of Newmarket. Satnav took us via Baldock and the A1, going clockwise round the M25, then back via the Dartford Crossing. Not much difference in time – or in distance. Dot couldn’t help with driving because I suspected it might aggravate her leg problem. When we got back we watched the cricket – an easy win for England against Pakistan in three days. 

Saturday – Woke late after bit of a restless night. Spent most of day catching up on things like editing photographs and other admin. Dot did similar things in a different room. Weather dry and little movement from neighbours. Had a bath. Cooked cottage pie for supper, and we accidentally watched the Tour of Spain highlights, in which the usual suspect beat a Briton by a couple of hundredths of a second, which is beyond a joke. Norwich and Spurs both lost 3-0 to London clubs (Millwall and Brentford respectively), following which we had a FaceTime with David and commiserated with each other. Then watched a bit of Bergerac that we’d watched before but had forgotten, causing us to wonder why we watch such programmes in the first place. Then watched EFL soccer and Alan Partridge, which we’d also seen before. Ah well. 

Sunday – Warm after coolish start. Drove to church and found parking very conveniently and unusually on Sussex Street. Passed David Cannon on the way in and after getting tea had chat with him, Liz and Eleanor outside. Graham led service and preached – extremely well, as usual: this time about how we saw Jesus and how he sees us (in a positive and loving way). Afterwards dropped off Graham’s iPad, which he left at church and was retrieved by Anna.

After lunch Dot prepared material for her holiday and paid M&M credit card. Discovered Kim was arriving just after 6pm from Huddersfield; so after posting birthday cards to my cousin Barbara and Prof Julia I went to meet her (twice, because train was delayed). Some kind of police activity at station: guy being searched in waiting room and some loud bangs outside. Took Kim back home for cup of tea and biscuits and gave her baked beans to take home (we did offer her a meal). Eventually we drove her home with her stuff. She was very grateful.

Earlier I had long chat with Jon Sissons about medical issues – largely the way he’s been treated by the NHS over heart problems and spent a huge amount on private treatment. Cooked a fairly late supper of salmon, and we watched Match of the Day. Also listened to computer talk on history of Palestine and Israel – going back a long way. The Crusaders did not come across well. 

Signs this week that hot weather is coming to an end. But last Friday (14th) it was still hot. Dot went in to city by bus to return trousers, get out some euros and buy earrings. I read quite a bit of the Susie Dent book and we had mainly fruit for lunch, then watched a bit of the film Yesterday. Had lasagne for supper and watched quite a lot of athletics. Bit annoyed by commentators who pretty much ignore Jemma Reekie , who came fifth (almost fourth) in the 800m, but spent some time on Thompson-Johnson, who came last in the decathlon 200m. Sadly Keely Hodgkinson was pipped for gold by Werro, and Zarnel Hughes suffered a similar fate in the 200m.

David FaceTimed and we had a long chat, partly about the Cambridge professor who has just died. Earlier there was a big attendance at street meet: Dot, Tim, Sam, Joe, Ciara, Sean and Matthew, plus a quick hello from Mark and Sarah, arriving home from the airport. 

Saturday – Mild; cloudy but dry. Call from Fred to say he was going to football match; so he called in to see us on the way (having got off bus in Tombland) and we walked to Carrow Road together after Jonathan called in with spare ticket for me. Lost 2-1 to WBA, but their first goal was handball. Draw would have been a fair result. City still can’t shoot. Gerald not there. Fred has left his church in Banbury because of theological differences (I think). Found it hard to do. Cooked sausages for supper, and we watched European athletics. Some good results for UK, especially in sprinting. Watered Des’s flowers quite late and had chat with Mark and Jon, largely about the road. Saw brief highlights of Norwich match before going to bed. 

Sunday – Still no rain, but cloudy and not quite so hot. Went to church in the morning. Small congregation, Eleanor leading Communion. Absence of Ray palpable but unspoken, for some reason. Howard spoke on Revelation without benefit of projector , which seemed to have broken but hadn’t.

After lunch drove to North Walsham. Bought a few things from Sainsbury’s, including a new water filter jug and of course flowers for parents’ and Doreen’s grave. Drove back via Wroxham – always a busy road. Helped Dot with watering. Earlier saw guilty couple arrive back to find car on unmade chunk of road. Cooked pies and had trouble eating everything. Bit odd. Watched Songs of Praise from Royal Norfolk Show, then crime/comedy series called Murder in Benidorm, which made us determined never to go there – and not because of the murder risk. Rest of evening watched final day of European Athletics from Birmingham, which was really good. Over 5000 steps – me, not the athletes. 

Monday – Cloudy but pleasant. A few drops of rain. Drove up to Rosary and put some flowers on mum and dad’s grave, plus the odd one on Andrew’s and grandparents’.  Later Dot and I did quite a bit of work in the garden, cutting off old roses and ambitious ivy stalks (me) and cleaning up the drive (Dot). Turned on electricity in No 11 and later watered the flowers. They are due home tomorrow. Had light tea (soup) and watched an episode of Van der Valk and the last two episodes of Bergerac. Both worthwhile, though Bergerac can be a bit irritating. Good ending though. 

Tuesday – Dull but not cold. Some rain overnight, and a few drops during the day. Drove to the Foundry, near Tasburgh, and had a late breakfast with Robin, Shelagh and Tricia. Brian didn’t make it. Tricia is having a hard time with him and with her health. On the way home we stocked up at Morrisons. Later felt very tired and had to lie down for a while. Nevertheless managed to finish Susie Dent mystery – Guilty by Definition – which is very clever: serving intellectual circles in Oxford, but still accessible. Had smoked salmon on bread. Greeted Des on his return from Europe – he was very pleased with his garden, which we had been watering.

Then gave Jude a lift to Claire’s for Cake and Compline: Claire had cooked a rather dense brownie, but I managed to consume it. Nikki had said she would come, but didn’t make it, and I think Phil is still away. Quite a good evening, despite a lot of neurodiversity talk early on.

Sunday, August 9 – Very warm and dry. Again. Drove to church: had to park way up Oak Street, but dropped Dot off first. Graham led and preached: liked his idea of Jesus smiling when he called Peter “you of little faith”! Mysterious Scotsman in kilt at service – friend of Graham’s. Afterwards Steve came down and gave us long talk about what had been happening to his father, Ray. This and a later WhatsApp message gave us the impression he was on the brink. Anna did very nice blackberry and apple cake as a congratulation for Steve B for completing his degree: he got a 2:2.

Had quite a long chat with David on FaceTime in the afternoon, reminiscing about Yelverton days. I sent him a selection of photos from yesterday’s celebration at the Wheel. Mouth is still a bit annoying: may be part of the process, or may not.  Dot did some washing and after a very light lunch I cooked pizza for supper.  Watered for Des, with commentary from Jon, then watched the end of Bridget Jones’ Diary, plus Songs of Praise and Staircase, a True Crime drama. Then this week’s Van der Valk. Too much TV really. 

Monday – Warm again. Dot spent quite a lot of time tidying up the garden. I felt very tired at first but recovered later and walked nearly 5000 steps. Ray Fiske died about 7.30am – a huge loss. He’s always been part of St Augustine’s. A kind and funny man. Put a piece about Maryta on Archant Facebook page and got some responses. Her funeral is fixed for later this month. Cooked pies. Saw last two episodes of Ride or Die – very good if you can ignore the fact that it’s about killing people.  Am halfway through Susie Dent mystery, which is very unusual. Put bins out. 

Tuesday – Pretty warm, but cooler in the evening. Dot worked hard in the garden and did a long list of things, including violin practice and feeding the birds. We both went to Morrisons and stocked up, and later I went over to Des’s and watered the flowers. Got a note through the door saying the road would be resurfaced tomorrow, but judging by the number of cars parked on it as we came to bed, this might be tricky. Dot had a violin lesson with Anna at 5, and I went round at 7, parking on Sussex Street and walking in. Had a really nice meal and chat; then I walked back to the car and drove back to pick Dot up. Talked about church and our families. Their daughters are both under stress of different kinds. Earlier saw Oliver’s university score 300 in University Challenge. 

Wednesday – Very warm. The council did resurface the road; by the time they came, there was only one car parked on it – unfortunately outside Mark’s house, directly opposite. I think they should have removed the car,  but instead they went round it.

We got the bus up to the hospital for Dot’s physio appointment, which went well. (Had a drink in the café first.) Good bus driver, as opposed to the one waiting outside when we emerged, who pulled away just as we and another family were approaching it. Had to wait in the sun for some time, and then got an 11a instead. Got off at St Stephens and I walked up to the dentist while Dot walked down to get another bus – oddly, the same driver who took us up there.

Equally oddly, I was able to see the dentist, who had a look at my teeth and said the place he’d taken it out was still sensitive because of exposed bone. Also he put something on it, and just said it needed time. Apparently it could take three months to heal completely! Dot was also reassured by her physio. I walked home and managed nearly 5000 steps altogether. Had late lunch and felt very tired, but saw some of R E Grant’s Odyssey documentary –  though it was more like an advert for Sicily.

Anyway, later on we had a near-total eclipse of the sun. Very well advertised; so I was outside making sure we could get a view when Sam and family came out with some viewing equipment they’d made. Then I went round the back and saw one of the cleaners at NWT with her husband and son getting a good view from their car park. He had a welding mask that was great for looking through, and he was quite happy for us to try it. I sort of knew them from a previous passing encounter. Also tried dark glasses and shaded eyes, which sort of worked. Got quite dark around 7.30, and I went in and cooked salmon, and we watched European Athletics. Gold for Hudson-Smith, 400m, and a 400m hurdles silver for Emily Swainson. Reached 6484 steps in the end. 

Thursday – Very warm. Tea/coffee outside, then mended sink plug. Took card round to post office. Anne came round after lunch for a chat. I had a lie-down afterwards for some reason. Leftover salmon for supper – I had fried potatoes; Dot had salad. Watched European Athletics: Amy Hunt got 200m gold to go with 100m; Irish girl came second. Irishman Mike English won 800m. Amy L FaceTimed, and after I rang her back we had quite a long chat. She seems well. Resurfaced road looking a bit iffy. Several cars parked on it today when asked not to. Small fire on Mousehold Heath, apparently.

Monday, August 3 – Sunny and warm. Up early after a predictably bad night so that I could get to the dental consultant by 9am. In the end Dot came with me (in case I couldn’t park) and stayed in the car (I could park). I was 20 minutes early but spent most of that time filling in a form about my illnesses, medicine etc etc. Eventually saw the dentist, who may have been South African and was very good, not to say thorough. He eventually decided one of my teeth needed removing and has let Adam know (my actual dentist). I am seeing Adam tomorrow; so he may take it out then.

The receptionist ran after me as I walked back to the car in Sussex Street and made me come back to fill out the details again: something had gone wrong when transferring them to computer. Long time since an attractive young woman chased me down the road. Actually, probably never. After all this we drove up to the chemist to get my pills, and I made an appointment at the surgery for an annual  review of my flaky health in three weeks’ time. Then drove home and had breakfast. Watched second half of Van der Valk episode from yesterday, and it was satisfyingly good. Had a very quiet afternoon, lying down for some of the time and not feeling great for some reason; did an indoor walk up to 3000 by 5pm (ended day with over 4000), and Dot read quite a lot of her book. Put bins out too.

Supper was meat pies, which went down well, and we saw the end of the Commonwealth Games. David FaceTimed after that: he’s quite happy with the heat. Sophie is home. Watched a documentary about Odyssey settings – Malta and Turkey – by Richard E Grant, followed by University Challenge.  

Tuesday – Hot.  Not a very good night. Drove to Thorpe for Archant pensioners’ breakfast. Tricia there, plus a number of others. She wasn’t feeling too good – bruised feet – and Brian was also low in the heat. Afterwards drove to Morrisons to stock up and saw Janet Smith, whose grandson has been very ill with seizures etc. Really hot outside. As we were preparing to pay, got a call from dentist asking if I wanted my tooth out today. Obviously I said yes.

Unpacked at home but didn’t feel much like lunch. Dot dropped me off on Ber Street, and I walked down through Chapel Loke. Extraction was pretty straightforward, but uncomfortable for a few hours, while pad was on. Went to sleep. Was able to have a light supper – fruit and bread and cheese – and we watched first two episodes of Ride or Die on Apple – excellent, especially Hannah Waddingham – as well as a couple more episodes of A Man on the Inside, on Netflix, which is light but also entertaining. Bed fairly early after cleaning up. Helped Dot water flowers. 

Wednesday – Warm; some cloud. Recovering from tooth extraction. Not in pain; just uncomfortable and having to be very careful with eating and drinking. Stayed in bed late and then had a bath. Later watered Des’s flowers: tomatoes doing well. Forgot to take pills in morning; so took them in evening. Watched a couple of new Ted Lasso and a couple more episodes of Ride or Die – both very good. Dot had bad back last night, but it seems to have improved during the day. 

Thursday – Warm but a bit windy. Better night, but mouth still a bit uncomfortable. Got letter from dental consultant re what he had found/recommended. Basically, that taking my tooth out was probably a good idea. Hope it was. Walked over to bus with Dot, who had a meeting in Jarrold’s with Bridget and Janet. Then after clearing up drove up to Rosary and put some roses on Andrew’s grave, because it’s his birthday. Also tidied up parents’ and grandparents’ grave a bit and walked round for a bit of exercise. As I got home Mary arrived from visit to her friend’s in Recorder Road, and we had a brief chat.

Had a light lunch and received some Amazon chocolate. As usual my tracker couldn’t find Dot in Norwich; so I sent her a message. She didn’t get that either. Same old same old. Dot had met Eleanor in Jarrold’s: she must be tracking them. Dot bought a couple of tops which are extremely attractive. She got home shortly before her new plastic greenhouse arrived. Had an interesting time erecting it. Cottage pie for supper, and we watched a mix of Ride or Die (highly recommended), Ted Lasso and A Man on the Inside. Have started mouth healing thing, but it’s feeling quite odd in there without being particularly painful. Managed 5000 steps.  

Friday – Warm but with a refreshing wind. Tooth seems to be improving, but the other suspect one at the front is niggling. Have been doing approved rinsing. Organised poem and picture for Bridget – will see if she approves. Dot likes it. Basically an old tanka with pic of Outer Hebrides. Street meet included Matt, Mary, Dot, Ciara and me. Passer-by took pic which I posted on WhatsApp group. Cooked salmon and we watched an episode of Bergerac, plus a couple of other things, including Ann Droid. Watered Des’s plants. They are on the border of Poland and Slovakia. Des and Chris, not the plants.

Saturday – Warm. Busy day after a bad night with acid reflux after forgetting to take my pills. Got up late and had a bath, then drove to the Wheel of Fortune for Denise and Peter’s 60th wedding anniversary buffet. Sat with Pam Feeke and Pat Barter and spoke to most people. Peter seemed a little distracted: he finds it hard to hear. Denise and children all right though: Elaine made great cake. Also spoke to Pitts, Paul and the Minns children.

Meanwhile Norwich were beating MK Dons 4-1 in Carabao Cup. Avoided traffic by delaying drive home, then drove to St Cuthbert’s Church to see a scratch (very lightly rehearsed) version of HMS Pinafore featuring David Archer in the men’s chorus. Had a chat with Bev, who did all the accompaniment on piano – brilliant. Pretty brilliant all round, actually. Lead singers superb. Bridget was pleased we made it.

On a much, much lower note, Maryta died today of a chest infection, and Ray Fiske is on the brink, having had a brain bleed. Puts my teeth into perspective. 

Tuesday, July 28 – Quite warm, except in Morrisons. Had to go back to car to get a jumper (which I’d just taken off). On coming back I ran into Madeline Jary, with Peter’s older brother and his two sons – or possibly grandsons. Had quite a long chat. Then when we came out we ran into Steven from St Augustine’s. Did some shopping too.

In the afternoon wrote three pieces for Parish Pump – on John Wisden and his Almanack; Buddy Holly; and Frank Hornby of Meccano and Dinky fame. Meanwhile Dot cleaned up the house in preparation for visit of Oliver and Sophie tomorrow. Felt quite down after writing Pump pieces, but recovered during evening as usual. After cooking and eating salmon en croute we went over and watered Des’s plants. Watched Commonwealth Games and were not enthralled. Watched most of a programme on finding Egyptian cities lost under Sahara because of global warming – I blame Bedouin emissions. Slept during much of it, but Dot enjoyed it.

Wednesday – Hot. Oliver and Sophie arrived at 11.20, and we managed to get to the station to meet them. Had a really good day with them – first a lunch at home, then they went into town and bought some books. After that we looked at some pictures and had a chat before walking down to Gem and having cocktails and a main: I had garlic mushrooms and tiramisu (separately) followed by Turkish tea, which was a bit strong. They both seem happy and relaxed. I saw them off on the 8pm train and saw that they had arrived home at Stratford. Watched Commonwealth Games and a bit of a Netflix series, The Man Inside, which was quite funny. Still very warm as we went to bed at 11pm. 

Thursday – Warm and dry till evening, when out of the blue it rained – quite heavily. Very welcome, of course. Anne came round at 11am and went into city with Dot.  They had lunch, and Dot bought some sandals and a dress – very smart – but her leg is still bad. Not sure about her next move. I read quite a bit of Clown Town and took my last antibiotic pill, after which I felt odd. Better later but still have some pain in my jaw, more irritating than agonising. Because Dot had lunch in town we had bacon and egg for supper, watched Commonwealth Games highlights and first two episodes of Staircase, a true crime drama. 

Friday – Pleasantly warm and dry. Got Dot up to walk-in centre by about 9.20 and there was no-one waiting! She had been having trouble with her leg, and she was diagnosed with what I suspected – a pulled tendon. She has to cut down on exercises and do short walks on smooth surfaces! Also got some pain-killing ointment from Boots and a heel-raising insert. The latter turned out to be too large; so after having our hair cut (and a bath for me) we called in at Boots again to change it. That was ok, but the traffic was horrendous; so we were a bit late for the talk at Christ Church on Julian. Quite good, though we weren’t sure if the speaker was male or female. Mainly female characteristics, but name was Josiah. Ho hum. Had an interesting talk afterwards with a bloke who worked at the EDP in the 80s – though at the Thorpe printing area. Also had chat with Bridget and David of course.

Forgot to take birthday card for Linda S which I had intended to drop off afterwards; so after a brief break I took the bus up to St Stephen’s and dropped it off, having a short chat with her and Reg. Walked back to Red Lion Street and caught 26, arriving home a couple of minutes before going out for street meet, in our drive where we all sat down: Matt, Angela, Ciara and Mary joined us, and we had a good time. Afterwards I cooked Lasagne and we watched the Commonwealth Games followed by Murder Benidorm, a crime comedy which improved just in time to stop us turning it off. 

Saturday – It’s August! Pleasantly warm. Colin arrived before 9 to cut our hedge, and I took him out a cup of tea. Discussed future possibities re hedge, ivy and roses, basically involving a drastic cutback in all cases. But that won’t happen till late autumn or winter. Walked over to station to get cash for ColIn – pretty busy over there. Paid Colin £170. After lunch spent an hour- plus tidying the garden, cutting back roses and sweeping up. Dot still looking after her leg; so I wouldn’t let her do much. Cooked salmon for supper with potatoes and courgettes. Watched Bergerac and Endeavour, plus Commonwealth Games (earlier). Got some nice pictures of a dragonfly, and a spider in its web. 

Sunday – Warm and dry. Had a quick bath before going to church. Smallish congregation. Liz leading; excellent sermon from Eleanor about Jacob wrestling with God. Greens away. Chat with Amanda afterwards. After lunch went to St Luke’s for celebration of Al’s life (Carrie’s husband). Bit odd because we didn’t know many people there – just Carrie, Judy, Sophie and Graham. I didn’t know Al very well but had met him a few times.

Home about 5pm – finished reading Clown Town (excellent), then went to sleep till nearly 7pm. Dot did cheese on toast as we’d had food at St Luke’s. Watched Commonwealth Games then Staircase and a new Van der Valk, which was very good. As it was a two-hour story we had to break off in the middle to go to bed.