Last Monday (September 25) was pretty nondescript at first, but this changed when Oliver and Amy arrived at 12.30pm for lunch. Was feeling pretty tired. In the afternoon Oliver went into city and Dot followed later with Amy while I had a rest on the bed. Oliver then drove me up to the doctor’s to deliver the TIA letter, and we had a chat with Des when we got back. Then I cooked a salmon meal. Afterwards we looked at each others’ photos on TV and ended up by watching an episode of Outnumbered. (The Dinner Party.) In bed about midnight. 

Tuesday was quite pleasant: warm and dry. Had our hair cut in the morning. Also the window cleaner called. Oliver and Amy drove up to Asda for flu shots at the pharmacy. After lunch we all drove to the hospital, and I returned the contraption I’d had round my neck. Then on to Caistor St Edmond and a walk round the walls. Felt pretty tired of course. Had a lie down when we got home. In the evening we walked up to the Ivy for a meal, which was really nice. Afterwards watched the last James Bond film, No Time to Die. Bit late in bed. 

No change in the weather on Wednesday. Dot was at Costessey from 9.30 to 4, assisting with a curates’ course from a DSSO perspective. Meanwhile Oliver drove Amy and me to Roman Camp and then to Felbrigg Hall. Went for another walk, but the path near the lake was blocked; so we diverted along Weavers’ Way and the road near where we recorded for Paston. Had nice lunch at the cafe, then browsed in shop and went home. Dot and I went to Morrisons when she got back,  and later we had a full-blown roast beef dinner with dumplings requested by Amy, followed by pavlova. Watched Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which was much more risqué than I remembered. Bed late after clearing up. 

Thursday was a bit cooler, but dry. Oliver drove us to Urban Jungle, and we bought a couple of plants. O and A also made small purchases. Had cup of tea and cake. After lunch at home Dot drove to Sussex Street, and we managed to follow my old church mystery trail from 2004.  One or two things had changed, but it still worked. Came home and watched bits of TV – songs and odds and ends. Then Dot drove me to the fish and chip shop, and I picked up her order for the four of us. After eating it, O and A left about 9pm and by the time we were in bed – just after 11pm – they were nearly home. Bridget came earlier to clean, but she did most of it while we were out. Had great time with O & A over three/four days: really enjoyed it. Happily David also seems to be getting better.

Friday was coolish but dry, and quite pleasant. Aroused Dot from her reading and puzzling just in time for her to get to the surgery for a scheduled blood test. I went with her, and she then dropped me off at Tombland (roughly) so that I could deliver a document to Bethany – and have a word with her. Also rang Anna so that she could deliver her document; also asked Bethany for our invoices to be paid. Walked home, pausing only to try to rouse someone who had left a key in the door; but it turned out to be a painter working in the courtyard. Ho, hum. Spent most of the rest of the day writing my sermon for Sunday, while Dot worked in the garden putting her Urban Jungle plants in and fixing up a fallen birdfeeder. Street meet a little curtailed: Des and Chris left for Reepham for a meal, and John, Matt, Ciara left earlyish. Spoke to Jonathan about NWT signs and trees. Almost finished The Inheritance: quite good. 

Really bad few days. David is ill, and have just heard that Rosie appears to be on her last legs. I had a nasty turn, and after spending the day at the hospital TIA Clinic yesterday, they decided on practically no evidence (all the tests were normal) that I’d had a mini-stroke and lumbered me with acres of medication. Still trying to decide which to take. Not allowed to drive for a month. Bastards.

Last Wednesday was the calm before the storm. Quite a lot of rain, but not too cold, though it continued windy. Dot drove me to church in the morning for Bible study. there was a new  member, Ellie, who asked a lot of questions, but I think it went ok. Walked home. Watched quite a bit of TV  – finished one thriller and nearly finished another one. In the evening walked in light rain to football with Dot and Des. Lost 2-0 to Leicester. Heavier rain on way back. 

Thursday was cooler but dry. We drove to Helen and Chris Lamb’s for a meeting about the sugar charity. Eagles there. After lunch went to Morrisons for food and petrol. Later in the afternoon, as Bridget was arriving, I had a medical problem – couldn’t get up easily from study floor (where I was picking something up) and was very unsteady and apparently not making much sense. Dot and Bridget insisted on calling 999 and a couple of paramedics (Megan and Hannah) came round and did several tests. I felt better quite quickly but they rang the doctor, which took ages, and fixed an appointment for me for 10 am tomorrow. Bit of a relief, as one option was taking me to A&E. Bit shaky, but got back to normal quickly and cooked meal. Bit annoying really. Dot got in touch with David, and I went to bed early. Weather dry. 

Friday was cool. Went to doctor’s in the morning and was in with Dr Ranasinghe for very long time, much to annoyance of other people waiting. He was thorough and spent ages filling in a form online so that I could go to TIA clinic some time next week. Meanwhile I can’t drive and have to take aspirin. Don’t know which is worse. At first decided not to take aspirin, but am now taking half prescribed dose, plus extra Lansoprazole to avoid side-effects. Just the sort of thing I hate. Have been feeling fuzzy and tired. If I have another episode I have to call 999 again and will probably end up in A&E. Nightmare. Also feel cold and have a heavy head. Still, managed to do street meet with Des, Chris, Sarah, Matt, John, Sean and Ciara. Dot cooked toad in the hole, and we watched a film, Manhunter, which was ok. 

Saturday – Dry, not too bad. Slept in. Dot drove us to Costessey to see where she has to go next week. Costessey is horrible – all closed roads, speed bumps, 20mph limits, cameras, chicanes. Nightmare. Quiet day after that. Discovered David is not well – more worried about him than me.  Watched film Don’t Look Now. Not sure why. And ODI cricket v Ireland, which was mildly interesting. Norwich lost 6-2 at Plymouth, which wasn’t at all interesting.

Sunday was fairly mild. About to leave for church when I got a call from TIA clinic, asking me to go in straight away. Made a few phone calls and Dot drove me up – she decided to stay with me. Went pretty well until the technology failed – couldn’t get the images from the CT scan because they’d been mislabelled; so bit of a wait. In the end the doctor said all my tests were normal, but despite that he prescribed loads of pills and said I couldn’t drive for a month. Over cautious, in my opinion. Felt very down, especially as David is still ill too. Dot took me home, then went to Cathedral to assist with special service. I watched Scotland beat Tonga at rugby then went for short walk. When Dot got back at about 7.15 we had something to eat and then watched some TV. Got up in night to eat bread and jam and drink a little wine. Alarm went off, but Dot didn’t notice.

The tide is turning. Last Friday (the 15th) was pleasantly warm. Sue and Roger Eagle came for lunch. Sue had a heart operation a week ago; so she did well to make it. Dot did an elaborate series of courses, which seemed to go down well. They brought some nice rosé. They left just before 5pm, and we managed to clear up almost everything by the street meet at 5.30pm. Des, Chris, Sarah, Matt, Angela and John, who met Tara off train at 6.30pm. She had been submitting papers concerning her stay in Britain – 29 years on. David FTd, and he suggested she employ lawyers. Had quite a long chat with him. Then watched end of Screw – very good. 

Saturday was again pleasantly warm. Drove up to church at midday and sat in church as part of Heritage Day duty. Quite interesting. At 1pm Dot returned home for lunch and then went to the football. I stayed another hour, then ate sandwiches in the church hall and walked to Carrow Road along King Street. Got there in good time. Met Steve outside, and he asked us not to say anything about his father until he came along to church after the service. HIs father (Ray) is very ill with cancer and may not last more than a few weeks or less. Met Dot in Carrow Road lounge, and we watched the match, which Norwich won 1-0 against Stoke. Could have gone either way, to be honest. Walked home together of course. Tried to contact Howard about service tomorrow – unsuccessfully – but spoke to Judy. Oliver and Amy are back in Aylesbury.

Sunday was a bit cooler, with some rain in the afternoon. Went to church in the morning: Howard leading, Carrie preaching. All waited afterwards for Steve to come over and tell us about his father. It being Steve, this went on for some time. 

Monday was pleasant in the morning, but heavy rain in the afternoon. Discovered we hadn’t locked the car, and some items had been stolen, including the leather bag in the boot and my driving glasses. No damage, though. Dot and I went to see Ray, and he seemed a little better than I’d expected, though obviously quite bad. Had quite a long chat with Lyndsey, and to a lesser extent with Derek. Called in at church on the way back to pick up bag I’d left there, and ran into Leanne and Nikki. Nice to see them. Dot went to chemist and garden centre while I had lunch. Got calls from police about thefts, and eventually a forensics woman came round – very pleasant, very young. She took fingerprints and checked various points in the car as we were having supper. Earlier I had looked around the area to see if anything had been thrown away: Dot’s glasses on pavement. 

Tuesday was cooler. Bits of rain. Dot drove me to Magpie Road, and I walked the rest of the way to Ray’s. Derek was there with a couple of nurses. He thought I wasn’t coming because his sister had told me not to. But she hadn’t. Ray not too good – is getting hospital bed tomorrow. Alex, Derek’s girlfriend, came – very nice, good with Ray – then Ollie, Lyndsey’s  (possibly) ex. Then Nikki, from church, who got on well with Ray. Two more nurses came, and Nikki and I left. Walked with her to Magdalen Street – she was really inspiring; felt that she was already in heaven with her (dead) baby at the same time as living here. She got £20 out to pay for something she and Leanne were going to. I gave her an extra £20, then was a bit worried it looked bad! Walked home; quite tired. Dot got back from visiting Anne and we had lunch.  In evening we drove to Golden Dog Lane for DCC, which went quite well. Debbie and Carrie not there. Turned heating on for short while in afternoon. 

Last Saturday (9 September) was hot, and a very quiet day. Didn’t go anywhere except for taking thank-you card to Mark and Sarah for their wedding party the previous day. Watched athletics and cricket. Cooked a light meal (omelettes) in the evening because Dot had diarrhoea suddenly. Later she recovered and prepared prayers for tomorrow. Watched the end of Danish noir DNA, which was exceptionally good. Forgot to mention earlier that Dot has decided to end her diocesan schools work at Christmas. Their loss: she is brilliant at it. 

Sunday was hot again. Drove to church and had to park quite a way away; extra steps! Led service, and Dot did the prayers. Good sermon on forgiveness from Graham. Visitor from Huddersfield on holiday. Ray still quite bad. both of us felt very tired during the day and dozed off. Watched rugby, Scotland v South Africa, which was  a bit of a mistake. Later watched half of a thriller, The Tower, which was actually quite good. Sent e-card to Oliver for tomorrow and did a transfer.

Monday was still very warm, despite Amy warning  us about a storm. Don’t know where she got that information  from… Oliver’s 21st birthday, and again a bit quiet. Dot spent a long time in the garden, and I helped her cut back the ivy. Drove out to see Thelma in the afternoon. She seemed in good health but was very grumpy – then apologetic for being grumpy. Many times. Discovered she was being visited quite often by Sheila and Bob, though she denied it. Spoke to manager about her hearing, which is terrible. In the evening went to St Luke’s to discuss Christmas services – bit previous to my mind. Lots going on. Finished watching The Tower, which is very well done. 

Tuesday was not cold, but from around 3pm there was a lot of rain, much of it quite heavy. It caught us on the way back from the supermarket.  I had been in favour of going earlier, but Dot had a number of essential things to do first… Anyway we got a lot of stuff, some of it for a meal with Sue and Roger on Friday. Met Linda Shingles and Roger in shop. Read quite a bit of a commentary on Revelation in preparation for our session at church tomorrow. Watched a war series and Scotland v England football. The latter wasn’t very exciting, despite the 1-3 scoreline  No word from Scarborough. Judy left her car in the drive while she met a friend in London. Booked our car in for service and MOT on Nov 2. 

Wed was not as warm as recent days, but quite pleasant. Dot dropped me halfway to church, and I led the usual Bible study, this time on Revelation. Usual group.  Discovered from Judy that Ray has terminal stomach cancer, with a prognosis of 4-6 months. Very sad. Walked home and spoke to Des, who also got soaked yesterday! Path up to Rosary Road closed all week for repairs. In the evening Dot went to orchestra and I drove to Halesworth for poetry reading, which was displaced to local Co-op, a move that turned out to be better. Met Ian Fosten in the car park. Read three poems – Incoming, Sky Space and Where You Stand. Last was best received. Sue and Elizabeth Bracken in charge. No Lynne.

Thursday was quite pleasant, weather-wise. Drove to Catton Park and walked round it, then proceeded to Gunton Arms by a devious route and had lunch – a toasted sandwich and small glass of wine. Walked round a bit, then drove into North Walsham – Sainsburys for food and flowers, then on to the cemetery; quite hard work, for some reason. On the way we called in at Rosie’s – to find she was in quite a bad way. We were greeted by Alan (relative on the father’s side) and Daniel (gardener) and told that she’s been behaving erratically , and carers were coming in. Spoke to the carer who was currently in – very nice woman who knew Rosie previously – and found Rosie had UTI, though whether that’s all she has I don’t know. We had a chat with Rosie and the carer for about 20 minutes and then had a look at the garden before moving on to North Walsham. Dot rang Angela in the evening and found she had spoken to Rosie on the phone just after we left!

After North Walsham, drove back to Norwich and put flowers on Mum and Dad’s grave (and Andrew’s). Then Dot prepared stuff for tomorrow, and I got a phone call from Howard to say he’d (unsurprisingly) found Phyllis’s original will, over which there had been a lot of problems because Anna had submitted a copy instead of the original (thinking it was the original). E-mailed Bethany, who responded. Hope Howard will deliver will to her. Watched end of World on Fire.

Very warm week. On Monday drove to Morrisons and restocked; also filled up with petrol. After lunch walked up to solicitor’s and showed Bethany my copy of Phyllis’s will; but it wasn’t any improvement on Anna’s version. Don’t know what Howard did with original. Felt pretty tired; watched football and cricket on TV. After supper (Dot did blackberry and apple crumble) we watched a couple of other things, and David FaceTimed around 10pm. All seems well.

On Tuesday drove to Town House for Archant Pensioners’ breakfast. Not as many as usual – Robin has an “improving” infection, and Brian’s son Nigel broke his femur so couldn’t drive him there. Sat with Richard, David, Jenny. Afterwards drove Des and Chris to Urban Jungle to buy some ferns for Mark and Sarah, who are getting married today. Took in a parcel for Mark – it was sitting on their porch. Caught up with some computer stuff and some tidying. Watched next two episodes of DNA, a Danish noir that is particularly well done.

Wednesday – Even warmer; so of course the BBC gets very excited and says some pretty stupid things. Back in real life, Dot and I watched the cricket, in which England lost to New Zealand, making it 2-2 (T20). Then I walked up to the church. Dot would have taken me, but we were awaiting a wine delivery. Had a good Bible study, with Jude, Debbie, Steven and Stacey. Then I fell over while I was walking through the churchyard. Fell quite hard, and twisted my ankle slightly and cut my knee. Nothing broken, though. A young lad rushed over to help, but I was Ok and could even walk home without much trouble. Fortunately my face hit the grass and not the path.

Arrived home just before the wine, and Des and Chris came over so that we could all give the ferns to Mark and Sarah as a wedding present. Earlier Sarah had picked up the parcel I had removed from her porch yesterday. Late lunch, which meant neither of us was really ready for supper, but Dot had a shot at it, because she had to go to rehearsal. I put mine aside to heat up later. I drove Dot up to orchestra because her usual lift was not available, and she was worried about parking. Came back and laid down to listen to one of the sessions from Kim’s conference, which was largely about prophecy. Quite moving. Ate my food afterwards. Vicki gave Dot a lift home, and we had a drink to celebrate!

Thursday – Very warm again. BBC goes into full panic mode. (I’m just guessing. I haven’t listened to it.) Actually I didn’t feel too good, but later on things improved. Dot did an imaginative card for Oliver, and I posted it – to Scarborough. What could possibly go wrong? Wrote a piece for Square One about sham consultations, among other things. Tried to help David with a gift for Oliver, but had the same problem with Amazon as he did. He sorted it later. Bridget came and did since cleaning while I laid down and read some of Labyrinths, which is brilliant. Cooked pies and watched a bit of athletics while we ate them. Also watched the first in a Channel 5 series about Norfolk and Suffolk: this particular episode majored on Peter Beales Roses and featured Ian Limmer very strongly. Dot drove me and Jude and Eleanor to the Archers for compline.  Everyone there except for Phil. Told them about prophecy talk. Felt better at end of day. 

Friday – still warm, bit of cloud but not much. Mainly quiet, but in the evening went over to Mark and Sarah’s to celebrate their wedding. Nearly all neighbours there – except Bob and Mary but including Nina and Neil from Chalk Hill Road. Really good time: drinks and nibbles Had interesting conversation with Scottish Angela, among others. Lovely atmosphere. Neil is insulation expert; Nina works in Jarrolds. Handbags at the moment, but she’s been there a long time.

Today is very warm. A week ago it was reasonably warm, but with a cool breeze. Put my jumper on, then took it off. Put heating on. Read quite a bit in the bath. Put rota in the calendar and on website (correcting a couple of mistakes). After lunch walked up to solicitor, which was shut. I realised later in the day it was a bank holiday. Posted document through the door.  Looked in Cathedral shop for birthday card for Joy but without success – they were selling Christmas cards! Eventually bought card and chocolate in Jarrolds and some sweets for Dot.

Very tired on the way back. Couple of young teenage boys asked me directions to the Riverside Arcade. Think they were surprised I was pleasant to them. Quite cheeky! Watched final two episodes of Wolf, which turned out to be better than I thought it would. Also two episodes of DNA – a second series of the Danish thriller. Also good. 

Tuesday was reasonably warm, but cooler and some quite heavy rain in evening. Have now written five poems in a few days, which is quite satisfying. Sent three entries to Twelve Rivers magazine. Got my new pills from the chemist, after waiting while a woman told everyone about her father dying at 94. Collaborating with Des and Chris about buying a wedding present for Mark and Sarah. Watched documentary on failure of Cornwall space launch, then got cases and pillows out of loft. 

Wednesday’s weather was mIxed. Bit of a chill in the air, and some heavy showers. Busy day too. Had our hair cut (mine very short) , and then Dot dropped me off at church for Bible study, together with pillows for Steven (not to go to sleep on during Bible study) as requested. Dot then picked me up (with a sandwich), and we drove to Dereham with parcels for Joy’s birthday next week. Phil and Joy both quite cheerful, but obviously not well. We got back a bit late for Bridget, who was cleaning a day early, but no problem. Paul Henderson came round at 6pm to return our exercise bike (aargh!) and he stopped for wine and pizza plus. Had quite a long chat. 

Off to Blakeney on Thursday. Fairly warm, but quite cloudy and with some cool wind. Paul left his car in the drive while he went to London with  a friend. We left just after 2pm, and after the usual slow journey arrived in Blakeney just after 3pm. Evetts were ready there. Had checked in online, so we were soon in our room, which was quite superior to how they used to be. Said hello to Evetts then unpacked and met them at the Two Magpies around 4.15pm. Then back to our room to relax before meeting them at 7pm for drink. Meal was at 7.30pm and extremely good. I had steak frites, as did Dave. After meal we walked down to the quay to catch high tide, but it had gone down quite a bit, though it had obviously been pretty high. Back for final drink in bar, then bed. 

Friday was grey and drizzly at first, but warm. Very high tide: went to take pictures before breakfast. Dot and I both had a very bad night. Later drove to Holt to check train times, then parked at Baker & Larner and bought a little food while Dave and Julia went to Byfords. Caught train to Sheringham and walked into town. Had lunch at The Kitchen – good food with excellent toilet! Then walked to seafront and visited Upcher lifeboat. Walked back through town (recognising where I used to go with Mum) and got train back. Lots of kids and dogs. Quite funny. Dot drove back to Blakeney from Holt. Relaxed and had bath. Anna rang from solicitors’ about Phyllis’s will. Evening meal (8.15) at The Moorings. Steak again. Last drink back at hotel. Quite late in bed. 

Saturday was warm, sunny and dry. Walked down to the quay before breakfast and found tide high again, and still coming in. Afterwards we all went to have a look, but it soon started falling. We were going to  Wiveton cafe, but the path was shut, possibly for a wedding. So we walked out through freshes and joined coast path to Cley. Enjoyable but tiring. Went to cafe at Cley, and Dot and Julia bought stuff in the attached shop. Bus back to Blakeney: walked down High Street and called at another hotel (Blakeney House) to look at prices, but they were having a private wedding. Lot of it about. I went back to the hotel while Dot shopped: found they hadn’t cleaned our room. Picked up teas, coffee etc and made do. Later FaceTimed David, who was cleaning the compost bin but seemed happy. I felt very tired and had a coolish bath. Cosmopolitans the at bar before going to the Moorings for meal. Sea bass. Ok. Back for drink before bed – felt very tired. Had trouble keeping balance, but wasn’t drunk. New pills?

Sunday was very warm. Packed and checked out, then drove up to Felbrigg Hall, where we met the Evetts, sitting at a table in the sun. Had cup of tea and felt very hot. Decided to look round the house, then had lunch (egg mayonnaise sandwich), again in the sun. Walked round the walled garden, getting tireder and tireder; eventually Dot and I left, and I drove home. Felt pretty rotten. Lay on the bed for a while, then had sardines on toast. We drove to Lowestoft for a Seagull session. Wanted to go because I’d missed the previous one. Read five poems – Not Phoenix, Oystercatchers, A Question (of Time), Where you Stand and The Sands of Time. Ivor did a piece on following his lay preacher father around – very similar experience to mine in Coventry. Drove home after chatting to Lynne and Ivor, and Ian. Felt considerably better. Quite a bit of mist on the road.

Last Tuesday it was still warm in the evening. The Murrays were safely in the Heathrow Hilton. I worked out the rota, and we FaceTimed with David. The next day it was warm again. I walked up to the church (feeling very tired) and did a Bible study on 1 Corinthians 13 with Steve, Judy and Stacey (after a while). Went quite well, I think. Walked back home and had lunch; then rested on bed. Dot walked to Morrisons, and I picked the shopping up in the car while she walked home.

After supper (mussels) we watched world athletics from Budapest: Josh Kerr won a surprising gold in the 1500m. Also saw a couple of short programmes about island people (Hebrides and Welsh). Amazingly, Dr Hampsheir himself rang me up in the early evening about my blood pressure results; apparently the lower readings were a bit too high. He is putting me on new, improved beta blocker tablets at a very small dose for a month’s trial. The Murrays got in touch to say they were home.

Thursday was sill warm, but cloudier. Humid. Walked up to funeral director’s for 10am – on my own because Anna had migraine again, though she recovered enough to give Dot a violin lesson when I drove her down there in the afternoon. Spoke to Glynn and sorted out what the headstone wanted, but have to drop off the deed of burial rights that Anna had. Dot picked it up for me in the afternoon. She walked home. Both of us feel exhausted for some reason. Des and Chris also not fully recovered from “cold” after two weeks. Bridget came and did cleaning. Watched two episodes of The Chosen and some athletics.

Friday was (you guessed it) still pretty warm. Mixture of cloud and sun. Kim came round for lunch and we had a long talk: she is going away on Monday until the beginning of October. Spoke of devious goings on in Hawaii concerning the fires there. After lunch took the certificate to Glynn at the funeral director’s so that he could proceed with Phyllis’s gravestone. Street meet with Des and Chris, Mark, Matthew, Jonathan. Drank Barb’s Prosecco. Watched athletics again. 

Saturday was a bit cooler. Lunch date with the Gazleys was cancelled because Phil has a stomach upset. Caught up on editing pictures (quite a few of them) and wrote a new poem. Norwich beat Huddersfield 4-0 away. Watched more world athletics – surprise bronze for Ben Pattison in 800m, and less surprisingly for 4x100m women. Started watching a very weird thriller called Wolf.

Yesterday was definitely chillier, but warmer in the sun. Went to church and played in worship group and gave sermon, which I think went over quite well. It made me think, anyway. Watched football over and after lunch. Wrote another poem and a bit, then – after an omelette – the last day of World Athletics and another episode of Wolf, which I wish we hadn’t started watching. Now of course we have to see what happens. 

It’s warm and sunny with a nice breeze, and the Murrays departed on the 1pm train, which was about a quarter of an hour late because Greater Anglia had to replace it for some reason. Pretty annoying, because we were at the station nearly half an hour early, which meant they had a lot of hanging about. Still…I think we all had a pretty good and busy time apart from that.

Going back to last Wednesday, it was again warm and dry. Dot felt a bit better, but we both  felt very tired. The carbon monoxide alarm went off during the night, but of course it was just because it was getting old – why does this always happen in the early hours? Was awake quite a long time. I went up to the chemist to fetch my pills and found it eerily quiet. Also they had the pills. Odd, Holmes. Walked to church (and back) to do Bible study with Steve, Stacey, Debbie and Judy – went quite well. Had a light lunch in view of what was going to happen later.

Dot felt increasingly better through the afternoon, and we left just after 4pm for Blakeney, where we picked up the Murrays and went to Morston Hall. Being the driver, I couldn’t indulge myself, but I had one glass of wine as well as a non-alcoholic gin and tonic, which tasted exactly the same as an alcoholic one. We arrived at 6pm and left about 9.30pm. There were seven courses, plus canapés, which sounds a lot and is – especially as I wasn’t feeling very hungry to start with, for some reason. Obviously the courses were very small, but they were pretty intense. By the fifth and sixth I was flagging, but the seventh (greengage and almond tart) was excellent. Altogether a memorable evening. A young couple sitting quite close to us had clearly just got married, which was nice. Afterwards we dropped off the Murrays at Blakeney and drove home. Nice to have nearly empty roads. I tried a diversion near Norwich, but it didn’t really work. Straight to bed. 

Thursday – Seemed a bit cooler; mixture of sun and cloud. Felt decidedly better. Amy got her place at Southampton with an excellent A, A and B. Spoke to her briefly on FaceTime. So pleased for her – she deserved it. Wrote a positive piece for Square One – not on Amy’s A-levels, but on other matters – but I wasn’t sure how good it was! We went to Waitrose to buy some stuff for the next few days; but it was a trial getting there. Not sure the shop is as good as it used to be. Bridget came round to clean, especially guest rooms! Watched another French thriller. They’re really rather good. 

Friday was mainly dry, though very cloudy and spitting a bit; so when we picked up the Murrays at just after 10am, we decided not to go to Felbrigg but drove straight home. Barb wasn’t feeling too good but improved during the day. Stayed in, except that Dot took me to Anglia Square to meet Steve and give him a pep talk. Then ran into Anna and her grandchildren. At home, the TV went wrong and I couldn’t fix it despite numerous attempts. Frustrating. Went outside for the street meet, by which time the weather was warm and sunny. Des not well, but Chris came out: also the four of us, Mark and Sarah; John; Jonathan; Matt; Ciara. Then walked to Delia’s and had nice meal, which Roger paid for. Shattered by the time we got home. Straight to bed: felt a bit sick. Heavy rain during the night. 

Saturday was warm and dry. Spent much of day walking round town, starting along the riverside path and having lunch at Jarrolds. Met Stephanie Caine in Bedford Street and Adrian the busker in London Street. Called at market and Forum, where I began to feel very tired. Back to the Cathedral, where we caught a bit of Evensong, then home. Brief chat with John’s partner Tara, who’s also Canadian. Des seems better. Had to lie down for a while. Various attempts to fix TV failed until Roger restarted box. Now seems OK. I cooked salmon and we watched a few episodes of Outnumbered. 

Sunday was warm again, unless you’re Canadian. Spent most of the day at Houghton Hall, home of the Cholmondeleys and built by Robert Walpole, the UK’s first prime minister. One of my favourite places, and not too many people there, possibly because the Lionesses were in the world cup final (losing to Spain). Norwich were beating Millwall 3-1. Saw the house and grounds (including the famous Sky Space), and enjoyed food from the cafe, then explored the walled garden and the brilliant flame fountain. Saw the deer. It’s a marvellous place. Highly recommended, though I wasn’t too impressed by the Scully exhibition – but that didn’t matter.

Drove home and had Prosecco in the garden; then I cooked chilli con carne, which we ate with the rest of the blackberry and apple crumble from yesterday. Finished the evening by watching another couple of episodes of Outnumbered, and (after the Murrays had gone to bed) West Ham beating Chelsea 3-1 on MOTD2.

Yesterday I walked more than 12000 steps; it was pretty warm. Had early lunch at about 11.30, and after clearing up drove to Strumpshaw Fen. Walked the full circuit , stopping at both hides. At the first, ran into Ken McEwan and his wife – top Norfolk chess player of many years standing. We were  waiting for Dot, who had left her phone in the car and had gone back with Barb to fetch it. Slow progress round main path – very tired at the end. Dropped Dot and Barb off at Rosary, and they walked home. In evening walked to the Ivy for our last meal together. Excellent meal – I had superb duck pate, sirloin and crème brûlée and the service was excellent. Quite expensive, though. About £250 altogether. Outside gave a man £10 to buy food and suggested he come to St Augustine’s. Walked home and watched another two episodes of Outnumbered. 

An odd week, alternating between very busy and very quiet days. Mainly warm and dry. Have been watching a series of French thrillers with subtitles (obviously), which are very good. Last Thursday I was not feeling great – very tired – but managed to finish four Parish Pump articles – on Landseer, the Marshall plan, Beatlemania and Paddington Bear. Dot went to Morrisons in the morning, and had the car cleaned. Afterwards a warning light came on in the car, but I think I’ve sorted it. Seemed to be something to do with the battery.

After lunch drove up to the Rosary and did a cleaning job on the two main graves – quite strenuous – as well as putting flowers on both of them and on Andrew’s. Then filled car up with petrol. Watching some old episodes of Outnumbered – really very good. At bedtime thought I might be feeling better, but next morning I was not so good again. Warm weather, though, and dry.

Roger and Barbara arrived about 12.30. We put luggage in our car, and I travelled with Roger to the airport while Dot drove Barbara to the airport hotel. After we dropped off the car (handily ran into Avis guy in the car park – not literally) Roger and I walked to hotel, and I drove us all to Blakeney in painfully slow traffic. Parked in Blakeney Hotel car park and located their flat, then had snack at Two Magpies. Afterwards unloaded luggage and drove home. Street meet at 5.30 – usual four plus Johnathan, Mary and Bob, who are selling the Bongo. Des bought us some chips. Watched a bit of TV until Oliver and Amy arrived about 9.30. After snack and chat, went to bed. 

Saturday was mainly dry, but a cool wind in the evening. Dot did a special breakfast, and we walked into the city, then split up. Oliver bought me a book as a birthday present – The Outsider, by Camus. Great choice. Amy had already given me blackberry jam and whisky marmalade! Amy got us some charcuterie as a snack before we left for Blakeney, Oliver driving. He is very good. Arrived about 3.45, and Oliver and I parked at village hall. Chatted and had cup of tea: rained for about half an hour. After it stopped, we walked to the Moorings for an excellent meal. I paid for wine. All of us walked out on to the marsh, but Roger and Barb turned back because they were cold. We looked for a promised meteor shower, but no success. Even tried at St James Hill on way home. Watched highlights of Norwich City’s  4-4 draw at Southampton, then a couple of episodes of Outnumbered. Bed late: 9736 steps. 

Sunday saw a mixture of sun and cloud. Mainly dry. After breakfast Oliver drove us to Winterton, which was unexpectedly attractive. The old cafe which had been falling off the cliff was replaced by three wooden stalls. After we walked down on to the beach and back Oliver bought us drinks and an ice cream for me (probably a mistake). We drove back on Acle road (the A47 outgoing had been very busy), and that turned out to be very pleasant. Dot cooked exotic lunch, but by then I wasn’t up to eating much – finished it later. O & A seemed to like it. They left about 4.30 and I went and lay down because I was feeling very tired. Dot watered the garden. Checked O & A progress, which was good. Watched Becoming Elizabeth (two episodes) and a bit of comedy and football.

Yesterday was mainly dry. Anna called in to talk about music at church: we were pretty much in agreement. Watched last two episodes of Clean Sweep, which as anticipated had an unsatisfactory ending, largely because there was no way to end it well. Finished off yesterday’s fish and then watched A Spy Among Friends and a follow-up documentary. 

Today has been another quiet day. Dot was not feeling too well; so we didn’t too much except change the bed in preparation for Barbara and Roger coming at the end of the week. The weather was quite mild and dry. Mark is home. The Bongo is gone: sold by Mary and Bob to an academic couple. Quite pleased: it’s a bit of an eyesore. Managed at last to cancel my BT Sport, and also rang the surgery about my urine test: no problem, apparently. Think I’m feeling a bit better, but still heady and tight-chested. Finished The Outsider: liked the style a lot, even though the narrator clearly has something missing in his personality – hence the title. All-round very readable.

Last Friday was a sort of return to normality, without the feeling well. Dot’s college friend Jacqui and her husband Brian came for a cup of coffee and stayed for lunch, which included rosé wine – possibly a mistake. Held it together while they were here, and we got on really well, but at about 4pm felt awful. Lay down for an hour and managed to go out for street meet – with water. After that gradually improved, but still feel very clogged up and delicate, if that’s possible. Spoke to David briefly on FaceTime, which was nice, and watched some TV. Three drunks were sprawling all over our wall earlier; Dot had to clear up litter.

Saturday – Rain all day, and I mean all day. Cooler too. Dot drove over to Poringland in the morning early to pep up Anne – successfully. I caught up with e-mails and other jobs. She went to match in afternoon with Des. I wasn’t really feeling up to it, though quite a bit better. Airways still not quite clear: some frightening coughs. Norwich beat Hull 2-1, scoring in 96th minute. Earlier we watched a bit of downhill cycling, which was pretty amazing in dreadful conditions (Fort William). David FTd as I was cooking mussels, and we had another brief chat. Watched a bit of football and Becoming Elizabeth. Dot prepared prayers for tomorrow, and I looked at leading the service. Nikki still in labour.

Sunday – Much better day: almost entirely dry. Still feeling far below par, but was able to lead service. Woke at 5.30 with I Dreamed I Saw St Augustine in my head. Felt I needed to use it in the service; so started by reading it. By then I knew Nikki had given birth to Hope at around 2am. Great relief, but still much sadness of course. Also read a bit from Water into Wine about the black lamb. Good service generally, with a lovely sermon from Liz about struggling with God. Leanne organising a basket for Nikki. Cut a few branches of ivy in afternoon, and we remade the bed. Not feeling great but cooked some fish. Watched a bit of netball and a couple of episodes of Clean Sweep, an Irish thriller, and one of A Spy Among Friends.

Monday – Woke about 6am and eventually got up at 7.30am and had a drink. Drove up to surgery for blood pressure and urine test. Apparently blood pressure too high (early in the morning) and apparent blood in specimen – but I think there may be a reason for that. Pricked my finger on needle just beforehand…? Anyway, drove home and woke Dot up. Had a bath and sent e-mail complaining about family history company retracting £229 from my account. Got call back attempting to sell me special five-year deal for large amount… ended up getting an extra six months. Have cancelled automatic renewal… Phone call from Howard to say Anna has another migraine. Still feeling very stuffed up. Have to do blood pressure tests for a week. Later Howard came round and fixed hole in door. I had a rest after lunch then went outside and hoed all along the front wall: got rid of quite a lot of weeds. Message from Joy, who is in High Wycombe, that on the way there Phil had an attack – possibly a TIA or something Parkinson’s related. Ambulance called. Recovered and could remember nothing about it. Meanwhile Leanne is ill…

Tuesday – mainly dry, but quite cool. Wrote one of my Parish Pump pieces. On Landseer. Dot went to see diabetes nurse and pick up pills, then garden centre. Again. I walked into city, and Boots woman mended my glasses. Then went to market and bought rather a lot of fruit. Tried to help an oldish couple find a pub near the river – the Mischief, or possibly the Ribs of Beef. Very nice people, staying at Dunston Hall, offered to buy me a drink, but I declined – got home for lunch. In the afternoon felt very tired and cold. Turned heating on. Later watched last episode of Dr Death – very well done and quite frightening. True story about arrogant incompetent surgeon who killed people. In the evening walked to Eleanor’s for compline. Everyone there except Phil.

Wednesday – Mainly sunny. Still feeling shaky but walked to church to do Bible study with Debbie, Judy, Steve and Stacey. Went quite well. Leanne popped in and didn’t seem too bad – saw her again afterwards when she was talking to police about drug use outside her flat. On way home saw Carrie and Nikki, who was still very down of course but wanted to come to church (Taizé). Bridget was still finishing off cleaning when I got back. Felt so tired after lunch that I lay down on bed and slept for some time. Dot is still working her way down a long list of house-related tasks.