Dot has just driven off to visit Anne, and we are into the 54th year of our marriage. Yesterday (of course) was our 53rd wedding anniversary, as well as Norfolk Day, and we celebrated it by having lunch in the Maids Head, reputed to be the oldest hotel in the country. The meal was excellent, as was the Provence rose. It was quite warm, and we dodged the rain – including a torrential shower while we were eating. On the way home we met Eleanor by chance outside the Cathedral, then went inside and thanked God for our 53 years. We would have seen Dippy the Dinosaur, but he closed early: a put-upon curate was turning people away.

Later we collapsed on the sofa and watched quite a lot of Olympics and some Mayan MC, in which an awful lot of people are getting shot. The Olympics are more interesting than we expected. The surgery has now put off Dot’s telephone consultation till Aug 8!! Unbelievable. I have threatened to send them an e-mail saying she has passed away, but the repercussions might be unacceptable. Dot is threatening to move surgeries.

We had messages of congratulation from David and Angela, and after I had put Dot’s picture on Facebook, more than 50 other people.

Returning to a more orderly turn of events, last Friday was definitely a bit cooler, but we met outside at 5.30 for the usual street chat – there was a good showing. In the evening we watched the last episode of Fargo – bit mysterious. Keep feeling we missed something. Also Death in Paradise. Very low steps today.

Saturday was reasonably warm but overcast. Caren and Phil came for lunch. We started with drinks in the garden and lots of good conversation. After eating we walked up to the Rosary, then into  Lion Wood and round by Cintra Road. Tired. Dot and I slept for a while after they left.

Sunday was mainly overcast with occasional sun, but none of the forecast rain. Heavy on clergy at church, with the Rev Graham leading and the Rev Simon preaching (very well). Had long chat with him afterwards and encouraged Graham, who did very well at adapting to our idiosyncrasies.  Greens away, also Cannons and Phil. Took glass frame to Matt’s house afterwards in Christchurch Road. Watched the film Yesterday again (good, but better first time: great ending) and an episode of Beck. Lay down for a while, then got the big ladder out and cut ivy back on back wall. Watched some Olympics and walked with Dot up to the sorting office to post a birthday card for Christine Fiske. Went to sleep while watching Baptiste. 

Monday started with a dark sky but was quite warm. Caught up with emails and wrote website piece and poem – the latter while sitting in Morrisons car park as Dot was shopping. Earlier I had updated the car sat nav at a cost of over £100 – but at least it has the right roads on it. Can’t turn radio off, though, without losing directions. Drove up towards Plumstead to check. Also checked car tyres after the tyre alarm went off the other day. Down a bit, but not much. Prepared old novels to take to Adrian for his fete. The gas man came and serviced our boiler, and we watched Olympics again. Gold in swimming, diving and mountain bike race. Yippee. The mountain bike gold was particularly impressive.

The warm weather continues, but we’re getting thunderstorm warnings, which is a bit worrying in view of the horrific flooding in Germany. Nothing much going on today, by which I mean that I’m catching up at the computer. (finishing Parish Pump, etc). Dot is preparing for the visit of the Gazleys tomorrow.

Sunday afternoon was very hot, and after church we were pretty inert. Had quite a long FaceTime with David, during which Chrissy told us all about her new book. We watched a couple of episodes of The Killing 3, plus the end of the Tour de France and the British grand prix, where Hamilton won controversially, though we felt his move was ok. 

Monday was hot again. Mary and Neville Thrower came for  lunch – avocado, then salmon. We had a drink in garden first, tea upstairs afterwards. Graham wrote asking me how he should do Communion; gave him some hints after ringing Jude, but mainly passed the buck. Not sure we can get into the safe for the Communion vessels, but I have a cunning plan if not.  Anyway, Carrie is apparently better (not sure she ever had Covid). Watched several more episodes of The Killing 3, and our blackbird came indoors.

It was still hot on Tuesday, but slightly more bearable. Dot was not feeling too good with labyrinthitis; so I drove her to Worstead School, where she was attending a farewell celebration for the cook after 50 years! While that was happening I repeated my walk and added a bit on: felt pretty tired in the heat near the end, but most of it was fine. On the way back to Norwich we took a slight detour in Horstead to see where Lucy is now living. Watched the last two episodes of The Killing 3, which were very good. Had a sneaking feeling we might have seen it before. What a terrible memory I have. Afterwards I went to Morrisons to buy some Kwells for Dot – searched the main store without luck, then discovered the pharmacy was open. Watched an episode of Beck after I cooked kippers, then went to bed early: I had had a bad might the previous night, but much better this time.

On Wednesday the Hello Fresh delivery man made me get out of bed. Had a quick bath then drove Dot up to the surgery for her “diabetic” eye test. Apparently all good. I went for a walk while she was being seen, without straying far from the surgery. Had HF meal for lunch, and I left at 4pm for Snape and a private view of the Lettering Arts Trust/Suffolk Poetry Society exhibition. Arrived at Snape early enough to go to the loo (they locked them as I emerged) then went for a short walk. Idyllic setting. Found cottage where we’ll be staying in October.

The exhibition was quite small. Poets present that I knew: Lynne Nesbit, Beth Soule, that Dutch bloke, Kaaren Whitney, Sue M… No readings, but then I didn’t think there would be. Drove home after an hour. Diversion near Halesworth. Arrived home about 8.15pm. Another very warm day. Dot feeling a bit better. Watched another Beck.

Yesterday was warm and dry again, and Dot was still feeling a bit better. She had asked online for a consultation with the doctor, but no call came. No surprise there. Eventually she got an e-mail telling her to respond if she’d not heard; so she responded this morning, and she still hasn’t heard. Wrote most of my stuff for Parish Pump, and Dot discovered after some angst that she didn’t owe the Inland Revenue anything: in fact they owe her about £400. We went to Morrisons and bought food and petrol, dropping papers into Des first. Bridget came and cleaned; Dot and I watched webinar by Nick Stone on photographs and John Crome. Quite good but not brilliant. Later we watched Endeavour and the penultimate episode of Fargo (fourth series).

Well into my 77th year and starting to feel it – or maybe I’m just not getting enough sleep. Yesterday my chest felt tight, and I was extremely tired. Still, it is very hot. Carrie claims to have Covid, but her symptoms sound like hay fever to me. Anyway she’s self-isolating, and so I had to preach instead of her today. I was also leading the service and organising the hymns; so it was all a bit much – for the congregation, anyway. Still, it went all right. Only 13 of us: Howard and Anna are in London, and Phil’s mum has just died. Afterwards a couple of people from The Lathes joined us for coffee and biscuits, and Dot and I had quite a long chat with Sophie, a kind woman who is having a really tough time through no real fault of her own.

Very hot now – and in Coventry too, as I discovered when Andrew FaceTimed. He’s not entirely reliable, of course. He said he wanted a new record player for his birthday, but then changed it to a new record. I may have to make further inquiries. Last Wednesday, however, was cool and breezy at first, becoming warmer. Dot had a DSSO zoom meeting in the morning: I walked into the city with Oliver and Amy. Oliver tried to buy me something from Vodafone on David’s behalf, but was unsuccessful. Apparently they only sell it online.

Amy bought chocolates for the Evetts (and us), then Oliver bought books from Waterstones. Dot made a lovely lunch, then there was much discussion about where to go. Eventually we decided on Ranworth and had a lovely walk and ice cream / sorbet. Home just after 5pm: Colin came round to discuss garden projects and showed us his Jaguar – extremely impressive. Had pizzas for supper, then played pic quiz, then Cluedo, then the most amazing game of Dixit in the history of the world. Amy was amazingly inventive, and we all collapsed laughing.

Thursday was cool and breezy, unlike the rest of the  country. Had brunch with O and A at 11am, and they’d gone by 12.  I collected a book from the parcel office – it was a birthday present from Joy McCall with insufficient postage. Started on my sermon but had trouble copying from iPad to Desktop. Dot went to a sudden Ofsted feedback at Hainford, and Eleanor delivered some cakes for Compline. The latter was switched from the Archers’ garden to our living room at the last minute because the Archers felt it would be too chilly. All present except Eleanor. Good session! Watched Tour de France afterwards. 

Friday was warm and sunny, with a slight breeze. Bridget came to do the cleaning, and we left her to it so that we could drive to Houghton Hall for my late birthday present: Tony Cragg sculptures in the grounds. Went a bit astray getting there, but arrived just after 11am. Had a drink then walked round the grounds and looked at the sculptures, which were brilliant – also took in some of the permanent sculptures, including Sky Space, which we loved last time. A few sculptures were inside the hall – just a couple of rooms. Went back for lunch at the café – I had pea and mint soup, with sourdough bread, which was surprisingly good. When we finished the sculptures we looked round the walled garden and saw the flaming fountain, then returned for a final cup of tea before driving home. Brilliant day, crowning a lovely birthday week. Had our usual drink in the sun with the neighbours when we got back. then I cooked a Hello Fresh meal, and we watched Endeavour and Death in Paradise. Very tired. Chose hymns for Sunday.

Yesterday was another warm day – quite hot, in fact. Spent most of the morning writing sermon. In afternoon went to Morrisons to buy food, some of it gluten-free for Monday. My CNS article was in the EDP. Caught up with one or two other things, but was feeling extremely tired. Watched the new Formula 1 Sprint gimmick, then a couple of episodes of The Killing 3. Also the Tour de France. Received an email from Lucy saying she’d moved to Horstead. He house is called Mole End, which is almost guessable.

Oliver and Amy are with us. But before that… Last Wednesday was dry and fairly warm, though windy. I spent the morning catching up with e-mails, rejigging the rota and putting it in the calendar and on the NCMC site. Helped Dot prepare for Des and Chris, who came round at 6pm for a meal, beautifully prepared by my wife. We watched England beat Denmark 2-1 AET in the Euros semi-final (og and Kane), which turned out to be the high point. Federer was knocked out of Wimbledon in straight sets.

Thursday was warm but breezy at first; rain later. Julia and Allan came over for lunch. Sat in the garden to start with, then transferred indoors. Bridget arrived to do cleaning about three minutes after they left. Later Sean left his car in our drive because the road was packed, but we didn’t know that till the next morning, when Chris was hit by a car coming out of a garage at the bottom of road. These two events are unconnected. Had a good time with the Higbees.

Friday started warm, but very heavy showers in the afternoon as we drove to Dereham to see Phil and Joy’s new bungalow at Eckling Grange. Heavy traffic meant it took ages to get out of Norwich, and we were half an hour late. No 19 was very nice, spacious and well furnished. Now all they have to do is get rid of stuff from 36 Anchor Street and sell the house. Earlier, Paul came round: he seemed a bit better than a last time, but very uncertain as to what to do about M. Earlier still Dot went to have her feet done in the city, then walked to Anna’s for a violin lesson. I picked her up, but again heavy traffic caused by a lane closure on the flyover that looked totally unnecessary.  Meanwhile I walked up to St Stephens post office in attempt to sort out renewal of my driving licence, which DVLA have totally cocked up. But this was fruitless too. 

Saturday was fairly warm, but with drops of rain in the air. Did a lot of catching up on the computer in the morning, and as a result did a very low number of steps. Kim B came round for cup of tea at 3pm, and we had a long and fascinating conversation, telling her most of our life story. She didn’t go till after 6pm. David rang later and we had another long conversation. Watched first episode of Time, which was well acted but pretty grim. Then a bit of cricket. Bed late.

Sunday was again quite warm, but with rain in the evening.  Led service in the morning with new assistant priest (Graham) in congregation. Howard was late for first choral song because he was fetching Phyllis. Afterwards we had a discussion about future Covid restrictions – Graham very nervous because he has only been vaccinated once. Judy also wanted to continue wearing masks, and Debbie was so convoluted no-one knew what she wanted.

Lot of preparation in afternoon for Oliver and Amy coming tomorrow. I cut a lot of ivy down,  and Dot prepared beds. Djokovic won Wimbledon again and England predictably lost on penalties to Italy In Euro final because after scoring early on they didn’t press. They then brought on two penalty specialists two minutes from the end, and both of them missed. Bad management. Texting David, Oliver and Amy throughout. Elements of crowd pretty unpleasant.

Some rain on Monday, but nowhere near as much as forecast. Warm again. My 76th birthday. Sorted out stuff preparatory to visit of Oliver and Amy, then went to Morrisons, filled up with petrol and stocked up with food. Put bins out, and O & A arrived about midday. We walked up to the Ivy for lunch, a birthday present from Dot! Had duck liver pate and fish cake, plus two glasses of wine. Then to Lakeland and bought a very expensive frying pan; home via Book Hive, where Oliver bought book for Amy. David FTd, and we had conversation, but I felt quite ill and went and lay on bed for over an hour. Dehydration maybe. After tea went outside despite drops of rain and had a drink – whisky in my case.  Others played table tennis,  and then we played YouTube songs to each other. (Dot bought me  some books and a clock for the study. O & A bought me an Owl.) Oliver has sorted out Word and a couple of other things on my iPad.

Today was grey at first, but when we got to Winterton the sky brightened, and it was warm with some blue sky. Walked towards Hemsby and then had a picnic. Beach cafe has vanished, but toilets have vastly improved. Then walked the other way. Oliver drove us. Called in at Hemsby on the way home. In the evening Dot went to a meeting at the Coach and Horses on safeguarding with Howard, Graham and Fran from St Luke’s. Oliver and I went too at a separate table, but Amy stayed at home. Lost to Oliver at table tennis, then cooked supper and cleared away. Pretty tired.

Weather has been unreliable the last few days. On Thursday last week it was cooler, with dampness in the air.  Dot and I went for a walk in Harrison’s Wood, which was more interesting than I thought it would be, before picking up her pills from the chemist. Later Bridget came and brought us fish cakes, as well as cleaning the oven. We watched tennis and cycling, and the last episode of Before We Die, which was pretty good, though not for the Croats involved. Also Fargo, which is getting harder and harder to follow. Had FaceTime with David and Amy together: Amy seems to be growing before our eyes. Oliver meanwhile is in Padstow with three friends and his girl friend, Olivia.

Friday was a bit warmer. We had our hair cut, but before that I posted Joan a birthday card and my poetry book.  Later we walked up to the Great Hospital and left a birthday card for Eleanor (with one from Bridget). She was enjoying a rare visit from her son, Sam, so we didn’t stay. Felt very tired afterwards, for some reason. Our usual street rendezvous later was alcohol-free for me, because we were going to Philip’s 80th (81st) birthday do. Which we did, driving to Stoke Mill for a really excellent meal with Philip, Anne, Brian, Pat, Louise & Dave, Sophie & Rich and Charlotte & Chris. Was as careful as possible with meal, but probably had quite a bit of fat, because it was super-delicious. Moules mariniere, chicken, creme brûlée. Girls all lovely, and Philip did well in view of his recent rash and other problems. Anne was understandably a little worried.

Discovered Brian and Pat were members of Surrey Chapel and knew David and Myra Green quite well: sadly it seems Myra is housebound and David is becoming very forgetful. Murray lost, Spain beat Switzerland on penalties and Italy beat Belgium. Home about midnight.

The next day it rained at first, but by the time we got to Mulbarton (through very heavy traffic) it had become dry and warm. We went for a walk with Caren and Phil round Mulbarton, then had tea and cake and a long talk with them, which was quite refreshing. Returned home by a devious and less busy route. However, Dot has not been feeling well – dizzy and a dodgy stomach. She watched tennis while  it rained hard outside, and I caught up with computer stuff and prepared prayers, and later we both went to Morrisons. England beat Ukraine 4-0 and we FaceTimed David briefly before watching the Tour de France.

Sunday started off warm, but there was some rain in the afternoon. Church in the morning, of course: I led prayers, and Howard used his new liturgy for St Augustine’s Way – pretty good. Phil was back, sans guitar. Had a long talk with Kim, just returned from Scotland. Later watched a fascinating YouTube talk between a Rabbi and vicar in London, which saw Christianity as the child of Judaism, interrupted by a FaceTime talk with David and Chrissy. Oliver had a good time in Cornwall, apparently. Watched Grand Prix, Tour de France and the final two episodes of The Killing 2 – partly on iPlayer because one episode failed to record. Bed late. 

Monday was warm, with a breeze, and rain in the evening.  Rejigged the rota to include our new assistant priest, then walked to the Rosary after lunch – Dot went into the city to buy ingredients for lunches later in the week, then later to Morrisons for the same reason. Watched some Wimbledon, but nothing very exciting. Big hope Emma Raducanu retired in the second set with breathing difficulties. Watched programme revealing Mountbatten to be the villain I always thought he was. Bad influence on Charles (that’s just my view).  Ordered wine.

Heavy showers yesterday, which we managed to avoid. We walked up to John Lewis for reinstated coffee morning with Robin, Shelagh, Brian and Tricia, then back via Julian Bridge. After lunch drove to Blofield and helped Peter with3D photography in the church while Brenda did the new walk until halted by cows and calves on path. Also chatted to Barbara Pilch, who is off to Scotland this weekend.  Watched some Wimbledon and, after an omelette, Italy beating Spain 4-2 on penalties to reach the final of Euro 2020. Cavendish won third sprint stage in Tour. Not feeling great: took two lots of paracetamol and acidophilus. Head swimmy and stomach dodgy. Had a bad night on Monday– but last night wasn’t so bad. Wrote this while Dot went to Morrison’s. Des and Chris are coming round tonight, and the wine has arrived. I’m about to have a bath.

The sound of violins is wafting down from the living room: Door has four friends from Sillars round to rehearse, and they sound pretty good, I have to say. Meanwhile I can’t watch TV, of course; so I played through some chess games from En Passant (I do this once a month on computer) and did just enough steps to make this month the best for a year. I did it inside, mainly, because it’s cool and windy, with intermittent spots of rain. Not much fun, though I grabbed a couple of dry minutes earlier to hang Dot’s new flower basket above the garage door.

Also earlier I edited quite a lot of Paston stuff while Dot visited a school at Brooke. I did this on my new keyboard, which David bought me to go with my iPad, and I have to say it’s brilliant. New worlds are opening up. FaceTimed him to thank him. It’s very warm in Canada, through not in his basement.

 You’ve already heard about the start of last Saturday, but later on we watched Wales lose 4-0 to Denmark. After ten minutes I said: “This looks quite even – which means that one of them will win 4-0.” Prophet or what? It was also the first day of the Tour de France, which is kind of reassuring, and Dot saw the episode of The Killing that she missed by falling asleep. We both watched the next one. Dot did a lot of work in the garden, which looks terrific.

Sunday was quite warm but a bit breezy. I led and preached at church. Dot led prayers. My sermon seemed to go down well, but for some reason I’ve been feeling a bit down. Our new assistant priest is about to be licensed in a joint service, and Nicky at St Luke’s has accused Carrie of trying to take over the music, which seems true enough. Walked up to post a card to Margery, who is not at all well, then walked a little way into the Rosary. Watched several episodes of The Killing (yes, it’s compulsive), the Tour de France, which featured several crashes, and a rather boring Grand Prix, as well as some football. Spoke to Andrew on FaceTime. 

The next day was dull but relatively warm. I wrote an article on the CNS event for the EDP and sent pix from Geoff Smith. Also wrote a piece for my website and posted books to Adrian and Fred. Dot rearranged the living room for the violin group already mentioned, and of course it’s Wimbledon! Usual stuff: Murray almost throwing away win after leading by two sets and 5-0, but despite losing th third set 7-5 he managed to recover and pull it off. Also watched the Tour de France of course, and later highlights of two great Euro games, Switzerland beating France on penalties after being 3-1 down. Late in bed. 

It was a bit cooler yesterday, with some rain in the afternoon. Drove to Blofield at 10am to meet Peter Stibbons, but he didn’t show up. Rang Barbara Pilch, and she said he had a chest infection. So I did the Blofield walk and found there was a new route. Later checked with the Paston website and discovered that the walk there was quite different to mine anyway. I am definitely getting to be redundant.

Back home, Dot walked to Morrison’s, and I met her in the car and took the food home while she walked home along the river. Watched an episode of Fargo, then England v Germany, which we left after soup to go to the licensing at St Luke’s. Howard told us the England result, 2-0, which was annoying. Watched what we hadn’t seen when we got home, then Cavendish winning a stage of the Tour de France and Ukraine beating Sweden 2-1 in the last minute of extra time. All this paled into significance against my fitting a new toilet seat in the shower room, only hours after it arrived and only a day after we’d ordered it.

Spent most of the day on Wednesday writing four Parish Pump pieces – on Sir Walter Scott, the first ascent of Ben Nevis, the Calcutta Killing and the 1931 India floods that nobody remembers. Quite warm. Dot went to Jarrolds to have her lip wax, and I posted my poetry book to Rebecca. Then we walked to Jude’s for wine and nibbles – first in the garden and then indoors. Amazing furniture. Lovely nibbles, too, mainly fishy. Talked till about 10pm, then I watched Death in Paradise while Dot went to sleep (unintentionally). 

Thursday was cooler, with spots of rain in the afternoon. Spent most of the day writing my sermon and choosing hymns, then edited some pix, did the next rota and read some newspapers that had piled up. Bridget came to clean while Dot was at the Garden Centre. Had a chat with Des and Chris while delivering EDPs to them. Decided not to go to licensing rehearsal at St Luke’s – partly because we had left supper late and partly because we weren’t sure what we would be rehearsing and didn’t fancy two hours in masks. Don’t think there many there from St Augustine’s.

Watched a bit of T20 v Sri Lanka, but it was rain affected and boring, because it was live instead of highlights. At the end we couldn’t turn it off because of a technical glitch. Earlier we watched the penultimate episode of Before We Die, which sounded appropriate. Philip Robinson is in hospital again with a severe skin disorder – they can’t quite work out what, though today (Saturday), they seem s bit nearer tracking it down. David FaceTimed – he’s had his second jab and is feeling a bit drowsy.

Earlier in the day my keyboard broke – it wouldn’t print e. I found David’s old keyboard with a USB connection, and it works fine. Still getting used to the Delete Forward key.

A damp start yesterday, and I woke early. We walked to the Maids Head through threatening skies and the occasional raindrop for CNS reunion day. It was the 60th year since we left the fifth form. Good lunch. Spoke to Fred and Sue, the Gartons, Richard and Louise Percival, Neville and Mary Thrower, Adrian and Jane, Tony and Doreen, the Houseagos and several others. Tony gave a talk on his history (too fast) and Adrian almost showed a film on retracing the steps of his father’s escape from Poland, but was thwarted by technical problems. In the end we tuned into it on YouTube, and it was excellent. I took four of my poetry books and gave one to the Houseagos, Tony, Neville and Fred (who lost it). On arriving home, we found the usual suspects drinking wine in the street, and we joined in. it was by then warm and very pleasant. Felt very tired at the end of the day.

Today has been quite warm after grey start. Dot dropped me quite near Phil’s (not near enough, but I miscalculated), while she went to the Garden Centre and supermarket, and Phil and I had a chat for  over an hour: he seems much better, though he has to be tested continually to see if the bladder cancer (the least aggressive type) remains gone. The Parkinson’s is not too bad. Walked home via city centre and bought acidophilus and eye treatment, though my eyes have been OK for the last few days. After lunch I rang Ray, who can’t see out of his left eye following his operation. It might take 2-8 weeks… Cleared up the kitchen while Dot prepared prayers, and Des put some cuttings in our brown bin.

Arrived back from Blakeney mid-afternoon and attempted to watch an episode of The Killing II over a cup of tea, but Dot went to sleep. So we emptied the cases (after she woke) and tidied up. Tiredness was not surprising, because we have walked over 9000 steps today.

Dave and Julia left Blakeney after breakfast – a bit later than usual, as Dave doesn’t have much energy at the moment. Dot and I walked into the town and visited a couple of shops before driving to Morston and walking out to the edge of the channel – pleasant under a blue sky despite the very chilly wind. After that we drove to Holt, squeezed into a parking place and tried to find a cafe for lunch. All had queues, however; so we went to Bakers and Larners, which has the air of a 1950s department store with a canteen (Dot’s word).

Nevertheless, I like it, and I had an egg and mayonnaise sandwich. Over the weekend it was brought home to me how difficult it is to eat out if you’re on a low fat diet. Fat gets in all over the place. I’m hoping my gall bladder doesn’t notice. We then bought Dot a necklace and drove back to Norwich, where it was cloudy but not quite so cold.

The weekend as a whole was very enjoyable, and the threatened rain did not really materialise, though it was cold for a summer solstice. We arrived at about 3.15pm on the Sunday, the room was excellent, and we went to the Two Magpies (a new cafe) for a pleasant tea and cake/biscuit. Dot had a substantial rocky road: she ate some of it and wrapped the rest carefully, then forgot to take it with her when she left. I had gingerbread folk. Not man, obviously. That would be sexist.

Both evening meals at the Manor Hotel were excellent. That first night I chose a cod loin on saffron rice with little shrimps in it – something I would never have considered pre-gall bladder incident. It was lovely, as was the apple crumble and mango sorbet. The second night I went for duck, which was a bit risky but similarly delicious, with blueberries and raspberries imaginatively mixed in with the potatoes and gravy. As usual we had a little too much alcohol, and I didn’t sleep too well. After the Magpies, Dot, Julia and I had walked along the front, round and down the Blakeney Hotel road. I added a little with a stroll out towards the sea while Dot and Julia went back to the hotel.

Earlier in the day on Sunday we went to Holy Communion – only 14 in the congregation including Liz, who was leading. Left quickly to have lunch and prepare for driving to Blakeney.  David FaceTimed just as we were about to leave to wish me Happy Father’s Day, and Andrew FaceTimed just after we got there. Wales lost to Italy 1-0 but went through. Saw the second half.

Yesterday, as today, I had boiled eggs for breakfast. We drove in separate cars to Cley NWT, but the few cafe tables there were all full, so we moved on to the Muckleburgh Collection near Kelling/Weybourne (£12 each), which turned out to be very interesting. We started in the cafe, then did the tour, then returned to the cafe for lunch. Fascinating visit – glad we got there at last: the models were outstanding and the instruments of death strangely beautiful, which can’t be right. We then returned to the hotel because Dave was feeling tired, but later we went with Julia for a walk along towards Wiveton then back out toward the sea– but not far because of the cold wind. 

Returning to last Wednesday, which was the final very warm day of a welcome series, we didn’t do much till 3pm, when we had drinks with Des and Chris in their garden. Later we watched Notting Hill, which is lovely, and I caught up with some with computer work. We also watched an episode of Before We Die. Very low step count today, but on the plus side we FaceTimed with Amy.

Thursday was cloudy, with rain overnight but mostly dry during the day, contrary to forecast. We drove to Blickling and met Dave and Julia.  Walked over to the cafe in the main building and had tea and scone, then walked round the lake. The notice said 1.9 miles, but it was nearer three; as a result Dave was on his last legs when we got back, so ate at the Buckinghamshire Arms instead of the cafe (it was nearer). Very nice, but a bit high in fat. I had wine; so Dot drove home. In the evening we drove Eleanor to Vicky’s for Cake and Compline round the fire pit. Watched an episode of Fargo when we got back, plus some football. Rebecca de Saintonge, who should know what she is talking about, said she loved my Lost Princess book, and I should get it published.

Friday was very wet. I caught up with Paston editing while Dot went into the city to meet Janet Bower in Jarrolds. She got very wet on the walk home. In the evening watched England and Scotland draw 0-0 at Wembley in a boring game. Des got Dot fish and chips from a place in Plumstead Road while I cooked chicken, potatoes and peas for myself. After football we watched Masked and Anonymous – a film with Bob Dylan. It wasn’t all that good because he can’t act. The others could, but there’s a limit to what you can do. Rob said he liked my poetry book. FaceTime with David about getting a keyboard for my tablet, which is very kind of him.

Saturday was overcast, with water in the air not quite turning into rain. We shopped at Morrison’s and filled up with petrol, then I sorted out some chess games from my cuttings for Mike Read, had a bath, and after lunch Dot dropped me near his house and I took them round. Had cup of tea with him and walked home. He is planning a book on Norfolk chess – may get a couple of my games in it! The games I took him were by Clive Cubitt. While looking for them I found a cutting of David winning a tournament with 7/7. Sent a pic to his children, who were impressed. Later watched a bit of football and a film, Days of the Bagnold Summer, which was quite good, despite the strange title.

Still pleasantly warm, but this could be the las day of it: the forecast is for rain over the next few days, which is bad luck for the Evetts, who should have arrived at Blakeney last night, though we haven’t heard from them. Lots to do today… but back to last Friday, when it was warm, though with a bit of warmish wind. I finished editing Dot’s p4c pack while she kept an eye on me. It has now gone off to David.

After posting a card to Phil K, we drove to North Walsham to put flowers on the graves (the next day being the anniversary of Dot’s mum’s death). Afterwards we walked by the North Walsham and Dilham canal and saw two herons and a wild swimmer. Back home after supper we watched cricket then Wind River, an excellent film that it turned out we’d seen before, set in wintry Wyoming. Dot had a long phone call earlier from Carrie concerning Robert, during which Dot sat on the toilet lid and broke it. Then the Evetts rang – Dave has quite bad heart problems resulting in tiredness. But they are still coming to Blakeney. We arranged to meet at Blickling.

Saturday was dry and very warm in the sun, slightly cooler out of it. I had a bad night. Walked up to the Rosary with Dot before lunch and left flowers we had bought the day before. I also “repaired” the flower-holder on my parents’ grave, then (at Dot’s suggestion) switched it fo the one on my grandparents’ grave, which I bought recently. After lunch watched the second half of the Wales-Switzerland game in Euro 2020, which ended 1-1. Wales were a bit fortunate. Dot spent some time in the garden reading. and I submitted some poems to the Crabbe competition. Watched Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool, a very good film.

Another very bad night. Watched half of Notting Hill at 5am in a futile attempt to go to sleep. Dozed late and woke at 9.30, feeling shattered. Stayed in bed while Dot went to church. It was very warm. After lunch Debbie House called with a friend who was heading for the bus replacement service. Took her along the path and released her in the direction of the station. Then watched England beat Croatia 1-0. The pundits were much more excited about this than I was, though Phillips was excellent. David FaceTimed as we we were getting ready to go out and we had long talk, then walked to the Greens and had a lovely meal – smoked salmon, salmon, prawns, mussels, haggis and strawberries with lots of wine. Very interesting talk about church and Orkney, in the garden till 11pm. Walked home, not as tired as we should have been.

Monday was not quite so warm. Paul came round – didn’t seem at all well. Looking after M is getting him down.  Dot left at 3 to go to see Verena – a successful session. Later Des and Chris came round with bottle of white (as an unnecessary thank-you for watering flowers) and had a cup of tea.  Unsurprisingly, relaxation of restrictions postponed from June 21 to July 17. Getting very annoyed with Boris, or more particularly the gloomy scientists. Watched first three episodes of The Killing 2, which is similar to The Killing 1, but shorter. Short of steps. Watched cricket and football.  

Yesterday was warmish, but not excessive. Went to see Lily at Hickling: 45 mins each way, going through Ludham and coming back through Acle. Loads of traffic about. She seems fine, though surrounded by a fair number of unpleasant people, apparently. E-mailed Denise and Ella in Scotland. Dot and I walked up to the Rosary, and I FaceTimed Amy by mistake. We watched a bit of football, then three episodes of thriller serial Before we die. Quite good, actually.

The Killing came to an end for us on Sunday afternoon.   In this case it was not so much a spontaneous massacre of everyone who disagrees with me (though that’s tempting sometimes), but the Danish 20-episode series series that was actually pretty brilliant, though the ending could have been sightly better. It was definitely a lot better than Formula 1, where Hamilton contrived to throw away the 18 points that had been gifted to him when Verstappen’s tyre fell apart; and the Test between England and New Zealand was not particularly inspiring. Too much TV really – in bed after midnight.

High cloud on Monday: quite pleasant, very warm at times. Caught up with office backlog and spoke to Barbara and Lily on the phone. Also had an e-mail exchange with Phil K, who is on holiday in West Norfolk. Dot sorted out the garage, and we took a lot of stuff to the tip. Quite a queue. Put other stuff in car ready for charity shop, and the Paston banners ready to leave at North Walsham. Watched Inside No 9, which was brilliant as always. Then two episodes of Fargo – pretty weird. It’s set in Kansas City in the 1950s, and centres on gang warfare.

Tuesday was warm and dry. Dot walked to Anna’s for a violin lesson while I filled the car up with petrol and checked the tyres – to my astonishment they were almost fully inflated. Must be six months at least since I checked them. Also did half-hour walk along thee river and up the Close, then round by Recorder Road. 

After lunch we drove to North Walsham to look at Roger’s bungalow. He showed us plans for quite big changes: so it will be some time before they move in. Afterwards dropped off Paston banners at the Knees and stayed for a cup of tea. Had a longish chat about the Paston Heritage Society and agreed to do a final magazine. After supper watched Tea with Mussolini, with Cher, Judi Dench etc etc – very, very good. Lots of traffic around today, especially on Riverside Road because of a temporary Thorpe Road closure, and this continues as I write. Wrote to EDP about  western link and other road issues.

Wednesday was very warm indeed. I drove up to the chemist for pills, then to Sainsbury’s to recycle cardboard. Then to Postwick, but couldn’t find the river: many years since I’d been there, and lots of house-building. Last time I went you could drive right down to what used to be the ferry.

Dot was zooming Barbara, so I walked up to the Rosary, met a woman called Pam and had quite a long chat. She lives on Cintra Road and has a grandson in Canada. In the afternoon Dot walked to Morrison’s and I drove. Got lots of shopping because Des and Chris are going away. Had some drinks outside in the sun, and I felt a bit ill so went in after a while. Started cooking Hello Fresh while Dot went over to Des’s and was told which plants to water. Watched two out of three episodes of Anne Boleyn, with very good black woman in title role. Have now seen all of them: very well done. Philip R is in hospital with heart and lung problems. 

Thursday was humid, warm but cloudy a lot of the time. We drove out to see Anne in the morning, and I proceeded to see Thelma at Cresta Run, her care home, while Dot chatted with Anne. Philip is still in hospital: apparently the pacemaker operation nicked his lung. Thelma seemed well.

After lunch Freddie came round to wash the car for £10 – a project inspired by Des.  While he was bringing us change for a £20 note, David FaceTimed, and they had a chat. Bridget turned up to clean for us while Dot weeded in the front garden, apparently a job I should have done. I ordered fish and cheese from Cley and some jelly from Amazon. Later we watched The October Man, an old film which was good in many ways but as so often with old films, stopped before it should have done. Old films are not good on after-effects and implications.