Today has started rainy, but the last few days have been very pleasant: warm and often sunny. Last Wednesday, for example was very warm – but also frustrating. BT were due to come and install Full Fibre between 8am and 1pm; so I got up early. The times and date had been confirmed half a dozen times by text and e-mail, but no-one turned up. I rang at 1.30pm and was told the job had been outsourced, and the engineer would be with me shortly. He still didn’t come. Rang again about 4.45pm and received apologies and promise of compensation. He still might come: he didn’t. At the time of writing, five days later, he still hasn’t come, though I have had three messages variously saying he is coming this morning or this afternoon. I am not holding my breath. I have got £50 compensation off my next bill, though. Apparently.

Still, last Wednesday I got quite a bit of work done, including a piece for my website and putting the rota online. Dot went to Sillars in the evening and I watched a documentary on the Band, which was quite good.

Thursday was also warm and also busy. I wrote four pieces for Parish Pump while Dot went to Morrisons and worked in the garden (not simultaneously). Bridget came to clean as usual, and we walked to Cake and Compline at Eleanor’s in the evening. This was not as straightforward as it sounds, because the gate to the Great Hospital was locked, and we only got in because a car came out. Eleanor then went and stood by the gate to let by people in, which would have been fine if the Archers were not 45 minutes late. For some reason I had quite a headache later.

It was still warm and dry on Friday. Went for a walk up to the Rosary while Dot was visiting Saxlingham School after lunch. Did the extra bit down Cintra Road and up the steep path through Lion Wood. Then caught up with e-mails and chess games, and found an article of mine in En Passant with three games. Booked car in for MOT and service – both in November!! Drinks in the street at 5.30pm, then watched The Graduate, which was not as good as I thought because the hero was basically an idiot. Then an episode of The Chosen. Dot did a lot more in the garden – it looks very good.

On Saturday Norwich continued their perfect start to the season by losing to Everton 2-0 and making it six losses in a row (16 if you count the last time they were in the Premiership). Another warm day – Dot spent most of it transforming the rest of the garden: I contributed in a very minor way by helping to clear up and deadheading a few roses. Also prepared for leading the service tomorrow and have checked my next poetry book, which I hope to send for printing soon. This evening we listened to a video on the pointlessness of PCR tests and other contentious Covid-related matters. Then a discussion between a rabbi and a vicar, mainly on Israel. Found myself agreeing with the rabbi (not that the vicar was disagreeing). Also watched the first day of the Ryder Cup, in which Europe did very badly – a trend that was to continue in spades.

Yesterday was again warm but a little dull. Led church service in the morning – went very well: only one person in a mask! Liz preached: she had a good story about children hugging. David and Chrissy FTd to say Oliver was ensconced at university, and Amy was sad – as well as having a very bad cold.

In the evening we went to the Theatre Royal to see Jack Dee –- tickets supplied by Janet Bower because she couldn’t use them. The support comic was pretty average, but Dee was brilliant – so much so that I almost had to leave early, as my head was close to exploding (I have this problem with excessive laughter). But I made it through the crisis. His delivery is superb: I believe his secret is to say what most people think about contentious issues but are drowned out by what we are “supposed to think”. Later we watched Hamilton win his 100th Grand Prix with a little help from sudden rain, which deprived Lando Norris of a deserved victory.

Just back from a couple of days in Suffolk with the Evetts, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Last Wednesday was a bit cooler, especially in the cinema , where we saw The Courier – pretty good without being great. A true story of Greville Wynn and his link to a spy in Russia. First visit to the cinema for a very long time. Earlier tried to watch a Paston talk, but no link had been sent. Dot went to Sillars in the evening and found it hard, while I went for a shortish walk to bring my steps up to 6000. Watched some music on YouTube and, when Dot got home, another episode of The Chosen.

Thursday was fairly warm, with some cloud. Drove to Beeston Regis to spend time with Fred and Sue at their new caravan – most impressive. Also there: Adrian O’dell and Jane, and their blind border collie, Tuds. Had a very pleasant time, including an excellent  barbecue. After the O’dells had gone we had a walk round the site with Fred and Sue; it seemed to have expanded quite a bit. Dot drove home so that I could have some wine. Watched The Man Putin Couldn’t Kill – very brave Russian opposition leader. He’s probably dead now. However, I have a feeling Russia will take a big step away from communism soon. I don’t know why.

Friday was cooler. Colin arrived at 8.30pm to cut back the inside part of the hedge, put in some little steps and sorted out the entrance to the back gate. Which he did; he was here till nearly 3.30pm, with his father, Richard. Cost £480. While he was here Dot went to the shop. I made cups of tea. Drink with very few neighbours at 5.30pm – Des and Chris, and later John, Mark and his visiting Dad, then Dot – but not all of us together. Oliver and Amy arrived about 8.30pm and we had pizza, then played poker. I lost miserably. Spent much of the day trying to write an article for my website, but it’s still not in. I may abandon it.

Saturday was warm. Dot had a coughing episode during the night, but was ok by morning. Latish breakfast, then watched video from Canoe Man to prepare for our trip tomorrow. Oliver and I walked down to check out Canoe Man river site, then played table tennis. I lost heavily. Showed Oliver some photographs, then after lunch he and Dot went off to the football match, Norwich v Watford. Norwich lost 1-3. Amy showed me some photos and played me some songs. Then we walked up through the crowds and the Close and met Oliver and Dot outside the Ivy, where we had dinner. I had my favourite tangerine duck liver parfait, then lamb shepherds pie, which was ok. Walked home, had a rest and watched Three Men in a Boat again. Brilliant, and the kids seemed to like it. Dot cooked a banana dessert and then we played poker (Texas Hold’Em), which I won narrowly. 

Sunday was quite mild; threat of rain in the afternoon, but didn’t arrive till evening. Had a brunch at 11.30am after Oliver and I watched MOTD, where Norwich were dismissed as not Premiership standard. Walked down to river at 12.45pm to start our canoe journey. All went well as we travelled up to Jarrolds Bridge and back until Dot found the seat position very painful and had to stop paddling. Still we continued downriver and eventually reached Thorpe Old Hall, just past Cary’s Meadow.

On the way back we dropped Dot off where the riverside path started, and she walked the rest of the way, taking some great pictures and meeting the Canoe Man, who said we could continue till 4.30pm if we wanted. We didn’t, not least because it was threatening to rain but mainly because we had to cook dinner and get Oliver and Amy on the road home. After a pause for breath and to complete the defreezing of the salmon, this was what happened, and they left about 6.20pm. We did some packing for tomorrow and watched Endeavour, then Dot had a bath and we went to bed.

Monday started dull but became warm and mainly sunny later. Left for Southwold at 10.15am and followed satnav by route I’ve never taken. Met Dave and Julia by accident in old area by boatyards. Walked down dusty road and had tea at fish stall, then to loos by the harbour, then back across the common into town, where we had lunch at Coasters. Delicious smoked salmon sandwiches and chips, of which Dot had most. Walked back down prom to loos and then up dusty road to cars. Drove to hotel, following Dave. Met Angela and Rodney for a drink with the Evetts before supper and more briefly afterwards on our own. Supper with Dave and Julia of course. Fantastic room. 

Today was warm and mainly sunny. Both woke early. Saw Angela and Rodney at breakfast. Afterwards checked out and gave Evetts a lift into Woodbridge. Parked using new app, but had problem registering at first. Walked into main shopping area and had tea/coffee. Dot bought a rather nice top. Walked down to the river and walked through boatyard area, then looked for somewhere for lunch: the place planned by Dave and Julia was not open for some reason. Eventually had basic lunch at a restaurant by the station, then walked further along the river. Beautiful views.

Walked back to move the car (parking ran out after four hours), then walked into the main street and had excellent tea and cake at Honey and Harvey. Afterwards drove Evetts back to the hotel and then drove home via Halesworth and the traditional back-road route. Hold-ups as we approached Norwich because of City cup match v Liverpool. Eventually found a way through. Unpacked, had blackberry and apple crumble, and started listening to match, then Dot decided she ought to go to the PCC, and so she did. I prepared for the visit of the Full Fibre Broadband people tomorrow.

Things are changing in small ways, though the Government and its graph-ridden scientific advisers don’t seem to have noticed. They are apparently determined to introduce new measures in the coming months, even though they say they’d rather not. Freedom, anyone? Apparently not.

This was probably why everyone was so ecstatic about the amazing and uplifting achievement of tennis star Emma Radicanu, who is British, even though she was born in Toronto and has an Eastern European father and a Chinese mother. I’m not being cynical: I’m all for the rights of adopted children, and Emma is clearly British deep down. Rarely is so much attractiveness and talent combined.

It came at good time, because last Saturday evening I was feeling quite groggy after supper and had a lie down on bed. But I got up and watched Emma win the US Grand Slam final 6-4 6-3 in New York against a Canadian who also seems to have star quality, although she’s definitely grumpier. Emma is younger than Oliver, and she did it on his 19th birthday. We had a nice message from him.

Sunday was warm again, and I felt better. Had a bath and went to church. Howard, being Howard, preached from the Apocrypha – anticipations of Jesus. Before that there was a long discussion on the development of Anglia Square. This has been going on so long I’m surprised it wasn’t mentioned in the Apocrypha. Anna had coughing similar to Dot. Dot is not so bad – she walked over to Boots in the afternoon after we’d watched a rather dull Match of the Day. David FaceTimed – he seemed well. We watched the Grand Prix – Hamilton and Verstappen thoughtfully collided, so that McLaren could get a 1-2. Then a new series of Endeavour, which was good. Went to bed early.

Monday was warm again, with occasional cloud. Busy day. We drove to North Walsham in the morning – visited an exhibition in the church, but it turned out to be mainly Paston stuff we’d seen before. But we were able to congratulate Rob on its birthday. He was on counting duty. Dot asked him about Doreen’s cross. To Sainsbury’s for food and flowers, then to cemetery. “Assisted” by a lady who had five graves to look after. Drove home; after lunch drove up to John Lewis to pick up vacuum cleaner – £149, AEG – a very quick transaction. While Dot was opening it and charging it I ordered Full Fibre broadband and then some Naked Wine. Walked up to the Rosary with Dot and put flowers on parents’ and grandparents’ graves. After supper we watched Vigil, a new thriller called The North Water, which I’m not sure about, and another episode of The Chosen. Stunning.

Yesterday I took Dot up to the hospital for a chest x-ray and called in at Earlham cemetery to look for my grandparents’ grave – unsuccessfully, but I got in well over 3000 steps before the rain started. After that it rained nearly all day. Dot came home on the (very slow) bus. I did rota and discovered that Anna now had a bad respiratory tract infection, but on the plus side was getting her eye operation next Wednesday.

One of Dot’s orchestra colleagues came round with music for her and revealed that her autistic grandson was in a bad way and had been excluded from school. Linda arrived early to cut our hair; so we had a late lunch, and I had a reading bath. Oliver FaceTimed in the evening and seemed in quite good spirits: he and Amy will come on Friday evening, all being well. We watched two episodes of Silent Witness – almost too clever, but it worked – and a film, Out of Sight, starring George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez, which was very good indeed, almost Fargo-like in places.

This morning it’s cooler, but dry. We received our BT parcel of goodies and endless e-mails and messages about what was going to happen. Dot’s coffee also arrived; so a good morning for parcels. We have Des’s courtesy car in our drive – a gigantic SUV which he doesn’t think his wife can get into their drive and anyway fills it up. It will have to go by Friday evening!

It was very warm on Monday. I had a headache, and Dot was still coughing a lot. Nevertheless, life continued. Kim sent us a book via Amazon about Christianity  and Covid. Had a reasonable night’s sleep. Tried to send pictures to Fred by text, but the technology didn’t work. Had lunch, then did a bit more gardening and put the bins out. Felt very tired and dozed on the couch while Dot did puzzles, then I walked to Morrisons via the track by the railway and met Dot, who came by car. Did a fair bit of shopping. Later we watched Vera and then England losing the fourth test to India – not very good, as we had won the toss and put them in to bat.

The Evetts rang halfway through Vera, and we updated each other medically. Dave seemed to be quite a bit better, but they have booked a January holiday in Barbados. They are mad. I mislaid the blood pressure monitor, which Dot needed as she has discontinued her blood pressure pills, suspecting it of causing her cough.

Tuesday was probably even warmer. Sunny too. Dot seemed quite a lot better. She found the blood pressure machine and has made several tests: marginally high, but nothing to speak of. We went for walk before lunch up to the cemetery, and I pretended to take a picture of a woman with dog (dogs are strictly forbidden in the Rosary), which to make it worse was chasing birds. She disappeared when workmen arrived.

I have read (partially skip-read) a book on Covid 19 that Kim lent us. It’s like the Great Pumpkin: I believe it! Had a rest while Dot went up to Dunelm to buy bath mats like the one Clarissa had and which impressed her by its quick-drying. Watched the first two episodes of The Chosen – very good indeed. David recommended Lupin when he FTd later, but we’re having problems with anything that needs Broadband. Had a long chat about his work. Watched the second episode of Silent Witness – quite good. Changed our hair appointment to fit in with going to Suffolk. 

Wednesday was warm again. Spent quite a bit of time catching up on e-mails and fallout from them. Drove Dot up to garden centre, we bought a couple of things and then we we went for a walk in Harrison’s Wood. 

Thursday was also warm. Entered some poems for a magazine and filmed myself in a hat reading two for a website (if accepted). Caught up on many e-mails again. Wrote a letter to Oliver and sent it with a card for his birthday.  Then walked in the Rosary and a little way out the back. Meanwhile (in the morning) Dot went to see Anne and had quite a long walk.  Des came round to ask about Dot’s hospital appointment and stayed for a chat. Also a few words with Mark. Watched two more episodes of The Chosen – brilliant. Then completed Deceit – about the Rachel Nickells murder at Wimbledon where police targeted the wrong man – Colin Stagg – and tried to trap him. Devastating for Stagg, who was cleared, but everyone thought he was guilty until another man confessed years later. Meanwhile the guilty man had been killing other women. Don’t you love the police? Had some twinges that I thought might be gall bladder, but in the end I decided it was gas. Oliver and Amy have said they will come up next weekend.

Yesterday was pleasantly warm in the morning – but there was some heavy rain and thunder in afternoon. Have managed to edit most of my photographs today. Dot and I walked up to the Bridewell Museum for noon, intending to look at the Nick Stone/Crome exhibition, but we also looked at a lot of other things in the museum – some of it very interesting. Had to wear masks and do Track and Trace – seemed archaic. Afterwards I went to the Exchange Street health shop, where no-one at all (staff or customers) were wearing masks. Ditto at the market, of course: we picked up some Victoria plums and some other things. The Rainbow whole food store, surprisingly, was all masked.

After a quick lunch Mike Read came round to look through my EEN chess columns and picked out a couple of games that he could use for En Passant. He also brought me an annotated Cubitt game that I had given him the bare score of. He had barely gone than Bridget arrived to do cleaning – after we gave her an extensive rundown on our Welsh holiday. While we were doing so there was a thunderstorm, but it had stopped by our scheduled Friday drinks time, though we were half an hour late after talking to Bridget. We were joined later by Tara, John’s girlfriend, who is Canadian, from Nova Scotia. We discussed residency / citizenship difficulties. After supper we watched a very interesting documentary on 9/11 – despite frequent buffering on iPlayer – and then a fifth episode of The Chosen, which continues to be brilliant.

Saturday was warm and dry. Colin and his son Jordan came to cut the hedge this morning – £150.  While he was here, Paul came round for a cup of tea and stayed till after Colin went. The blind in the downstairs toilet broke, but I eventually fixed it with the aid of a video. Meanwhile both Spurs and Norwich lost (City losing 1-0 to Arsenal), and the Canaries are now firmly bottom of the table. They can’t create goals and can’t shoot. 

Late last Wednesday we went to Morrisons after having tea with Des and Chris, and I may have lost the door key there. David and Chrissy FaceTimed us as we were cooking our supper – salmon. Watched Death in Paradise, and Adrian texted to say they’d won their bowls match and he was top of the season’s averages. Dot decided not to go to the Cathedral service for her diocese job, or to Sillars, because of the risk of disrupting proceedings by coughing, and late in the evening Janet called with her orchestra music.

Thursday was grey but slightly warmer. Walked over to Morrisons to see if anyone had handed in the key, but no luck. Wrote sermon, chose hymns and tidied up suitcases while Dot did the washing. Anne rang: things not good – Philip is going downhill physically. Watched the test match and England beating Hungary 4-0 in Budapest.

Friday was grey and warm again. Dot walked to Morrisons, got some food and some new keys cut. These didn’t work; so she went back in the car and got them redone. Kim came round for a delicious lunch prepared by Dot and stayed till just after 5pm. Interesting conversation as always. Showed her Wales pix. Usual Friday street drinks. Des bought fish and chips as usual, and I did myself ham, eggs and assorted potatoes: mash left over from yesterday, four chips from shop and a pile of potato sticks. In the evening we watched the cricket again and finished watching Baptiste – quite good, actually.

Saturday was quite warm again. We walked up to the Castle Museum to see John Crome exhibition (pre-booked). Very well done. Also saw that the Paston Treasure picture had been moved into a much better spot, and the striking pietra dura table top was there too. Home for lunch via Julian Bridge. Lots of people about, including a wedding party in the Museum and what appeared to be hen parties in the city. Spoke briefly to Ciara and Mark.

Wrote a piece on Wales for my website and a favourable review of the Crown Hotel for Trip Advisor. Read Alfred Jenner’s book, Home for Christmas, borrowed from Jenny Downing. Mainly about his war experiences as a POW, but partly about Thorpe St Andrew, where he lived. He was the man who gave me my job on the EDP. In the evening we practised hymns  and then watched cricket, where India were gaining the upper hand. Happened on a documentary about Only Fools and Horses, and watched that, then made the mistake of watching a rather random episode – not so good, because it had been featured in the documentary.

Then we watched the first episode of The Chosen, recommended by Kim. I wasn’t all that impressed until it was explained by Dot – possibly because I had dozed off in the middle.

Had a really bad night and was pretty tired all day on Sunday. Warm again. Went to church and played songs and gave a sermon. Afterwards, refreshments outside – spoke to P, who’s a bit shaky, but who led the service, and Anna, whose eye is pretty bad, though you can’t tell from looking at it. Carrie was organising help for a medieval service in a couple of weeks time. Aargh. 

After lunch we did some work in the garden after Dot had walked to Morrisons again and bought food.  Cut back lots of ivy. Artistically, obviously. Watched football (England 4-0 Andorra), then cricket, then a rather boring Grand Prix won by Verstappen, followed by the next episode of Vigil, which is excellent. Unbelievable, of course, but excellent anyway.

Just thought I’d note down the current tree in the Roberts family of Corwen. Adrian, Gloria, Nigel and Tish (Julia) are Dot’s cousins. Their mother Margery was Dot’s father’s sister. She married Bill, around whom much of Corwen seems to have revolved at one point.

Adrian is married to Clarissa (Pugh), and they had four children:

Alex is married to Becky, and they have three children: Tanwen, Gwenllian and Eli.

Gareth (a former Welsh football international) is married to Nicky, and they have two children: Gracie and Max.

Menna is married to Dan Lewis, and they have three children: Maddison, Olivia and Isobelle.

William is married to Jess (a hospital sister), and they have three children: Frankie, Polly and Billy.

Gloria (who I barely know) was married to Eifion Ellis. They had a daughter, Amanda, who was married to someone called Tees, and they had a son, Liam. Both Amanda and Liam have had serious problems, and are not closely attached to the Roberts family for what sound like very good reasons.

Nigel is married to Rona, who has suffered a major stroke and is restricted in what she can do. They have two children: Bronwen, who is married to Hywel Lloyd and has a daughter, Sophia; and Stephen, who is single.

Tish (Julia) was married to Peter Aldridge, who died. They had a son, Nathan. Her partner is now Glaves (Roberts). Tish was one of our bridesmaids.

On our recent visit to Wales we met Adrian, Clarissa, Alex, Gareth, Rona, Bronwen, Sophia, Hywel, Stephen, Olivia, Isobelle, Tish, Glaves and Nathan.

So here we are again, back in real life. It’s much cooler, and Dot has just had a call from the doctor – actually about her cholesterol, but she managed to talk to him about her cough, and he was very helpful and reassuring. He has given her a nasal spray and booked her in for a chest x-ray, just in case. She’s actually OK now most of the time but coughs quite a lot during the night. We’ve also popped over to see Des and Chris and had a cup of tea with them, shortly after listening to a Zoom talk on The Paston Treasure, which was OK, but not exactly inspiring.

Back in Wales, last Thursday started grey, but it was sunny and warm by the end of the day. We drove to Snowdonia, by Llyn Ogwen, but there was absolutely nowhere to park; so we proceeded to Bethesda, where we cut across towards Llanberis. Stopped at a tea shop on a roundabout outside the tourist area, and I had a lovely scone; Dot had cake. Tea and coffee excellent.

Drove through Llanberis – nowhere to park again. Eventually stopped on the Beddgellert road, at first in a shallow lay-by and later at the viewpoint. Kept waiting for Snowdon to come out from the clouds, but eventually had to give it up. Bought ice cream and returned through Betwys-y-Coed, which was still packed. Got back to the hotel  just after 4pm feeling very tired. After resting, walked up to Adrian’s along the A5 and up the short cut. Had a delicious meal of roast chicken, sausages, runner beans, cauliflower, carrots, roast and boiled potatoes, followed by Eton mess. Got names of all the Roberts family for future reference. Walked back to the hotel up the Crescent and down the road. Identified Alex’s house. Watched some Proms while resting. 

Friday was very warm. Dragged the cases down the steep stairs and outside hotel, then went to fetch the car while Dot guarded them. Saw Adrian and Nigel (separately) on the way. Bought cards from the craft shop. Decided against climbing Pen-y-Pigin and drove west. Traffic was extremely heavy near coast. Found the caravan park all right after stopping to look at the turn. Narrow road: problems with tractor and other vehicles, but the caravan was spacious – except our room. Drove back to Criccieth Spar to stock up on groceries, then had lunch and walked round site.  Sorted out clothes and put everything I probably wouldn’t need into the big case and put it in the car. Dot still not totally sorted because she really isn’t feeling well. Very tired and coughing quite a bit.  However, no temperature or any other symptoms. I did some boiled eggs that we ate with ham and tomatoes. Watched cricket and Endeavour before going to bed.

On Saturday Gareth came by to pick up the parrot cage (Adrian’s parrot has gone missing), and have a chat. He’s a nice bloke. Directed us to an art gallery/cafe at Llanbedrog, which turned out to be excellent: we had lunch there, bought a couple of things and tried to walk up to the cliffs, but the directions were very poor, and Dot was not feeling great; so we ended up doing a circular walk that didn’t get us to the top. I was rather disappointed.

We headed south-west, found thousands of parked cars in every available space and ended up in a National Trust car park, which had a view but not much else. We then proceeded further south, came up again a dead end and headed inland, eventually finding ourselves at the furthest point south – a beautiful spot, high up, with a great view of Bardsey Island. The weather was very clear, the sun low. Walked a bit, then headed back to the caravan, stopping in Nefyn for bread and one or two other things. Again, very awkward parking: I had to stay in the car.

In Chwilog put rubbish in bin and achieved a run up the narrow lane to Parc Wernol without meeting anything. Norwich lost 1-2 to Leicester, but Arsenal have identical record from first three games. Watched cricket, a couple of other things and then MOTD. Bed at midnight.

It’s a bank holiday weekend, of course. Had a good night, and on Sunday Adrian and Clarissa arrived about 10am. Adrian showed us around the site, and we had a chat with Gareth and Nicky. After lunch we all went back to Llanbedrog and finished the climb we started yesterday. Great walk, but very steep in places. Dot and I found a short cut to catch up, and I added a short summit. 🙂 Had tea and cake back at the art gallery, and then drove home. Belgian Grand Prix abandoned because of rain: Spurs won to go top of the table. Adrian fetched fish and chips. Risked it. Excellent. Watched first episode of Vigil, a new thriller set mainly in a submarine.

Bank holiday Monday, and it was still warm. After breakfast Adrian went off in search of the parrot. Dot and I drove to Morfa Nefyn and parked free in the NT car park. The shortish path to the beach was shut; so we walked up hill to the golf club and then over the golf course and down to the beach by the famous beach pub, Ty Coch (Red House Inn). Shared a sandwich and had ice cream ( I had a watermelon lollipop), then decided to walk the narrow path around the headland at beach level.

Reached the lifeboat station and then climbed up to the headland, from where we could see seals in the water far below. Beautiful spot. Walked further up to the Lookout point, then back across the golf course and back to the car park cafe, for a scone and tea. Nearly 9000 steps – and on returning to the caravan we discovered we would be walking to the pub and back tonight (about two miles). Aaargh. Before that, filled up with petrol. At the caravan for some reason I developed an attack of hay fever, but Dot seems much better. Phone call from Des with alarm problem (quickly solved): he said weather had been poor in Norfolk. Managed walk to pub and back ok. Had monster pizza.

Yesterday Dot still had the cough but has tested negative for Covid. We spent most of day travelling, after Clarissa cooked us a breakfast of scrambled eggs and bacon. Dot drove first: we went south of the Berwyns and stopped at alleged services near Oswestry that had coffee but no toilets. Useless. I then drove: heavy traffic around Shrewsbury, then stopped at Telford Services, which are excellent. Ate sandwiches in car. I continued driving. The M6 was pretty bad, but we got through it, and the A14 wasn’t too bad, despite HGVs multi-overtaking.

We eventually stopped at Cambridge Services, which was not at all full, and had tea and hot choc at Costa after buying stuff for evening meal (shoulder of lamb) at M&S. Dot drove the rest of the way. Traffic fairly light. Bought petrol at Morrisons and unpacked after watching Vera. 

At the end of the day last Friday David FaceTimed, and we had a chat about David Coomes’ wives. As you do. After that I had a bath, and we had a pizza for supper, then watched Endeavour. That seems many moons ago now. For instance, Dot was quite well then.

Saturday started off dry and reasonably warm. Woke at 8.20 after a poor night and thought it was 5.45 because the landing clock was slowing down and needed a new battery. Threw me out, but I had another bath, and we got away by 10.30, bound for Banbury. Very heavy traffic on the southern bypass turn-off, but I jumped it. Heavy traffic continued – long queue at Barton Mills, and Cambridge Services was overflowing, but luckily we found a space. Dot got coffee but I continued driving till past Grafham Water. Then she took over, and the rest was fairly straightforward, but the satnav left us short in Banbury, and I had to use Google Maps to work out the last couple of miles.

By then it was raining. We were first there, and in due course we had a good celebration of Fred and Sue’s golden wedding anniversary. All the children and grandchildren were there, plus Graham and Janet and several others we sort of half knew. It stopped raining in time for speeches and cake-cutting outside. Dot started feeling ill with cold. Graham and Janet were also staying the night, and we all helped clear up while Dot went to bed early. 

Dot and I both had a bad night. In the morning she decided to stay at home while the rest of us – Fred, Sue, Graham, Janet and I – walked to church. Nice Communion service, not unlike St Augustine’s, but including cake distribution. Had bacon and egg for lunch (bit risky), then we left for Corwen. Filled up with petrol before hitting M40, and the journey was not too bad, but heavy traffic most of the way. Dot drove a few miles at the end.

We were met at the hotel by Adrian, who showed us where to park behind Nigel’s. Met Nigel’s two children and granddaughter. Called in to supermarket and bought sandwiches etc, and Adrian dropped us at the hotel. Small room but comfortable – at top of stairs. Both of us pretty tired. Too many dogs. Later went to the Royal Oak for drinks with Adrian, Tish, Nigel, Nathan and assorted locals. Had two red wines. Very pleasant conversation.  Walked back to the hotel. 

Monday was a bit grey at times, but warm. Drove along main Arenig road, then up to Blaenau Festiniog, then to Betwys y Coed and back across country to Bala, where we had coronation chicken on jacket potato. Then to the Berwyn Mountain, where we went for very short walk and back to Adrian’s house to have scone and tea with Clancy. Two of Menna’s girls were there: Olivia and Isabel.

Back to the hotel, where we asked for our room to be made up. Went for a walk, then to shop and bought some food. Very hard to get anything low fat in Wales. Back to hotel and FTd Amy, who I’d contacted by mistake on the mountain. She is doing psychology, biology  and physics, with an eye on marine biology. Oliver apparently has got his accommodation at Warwick sorted out. Discovered Olivia went to Weymouth with the family. Later went over to the Harp for drinks with Nigel, Tish, Adrian, Clancy and others, including Menna’s two girls. Had cider. Dot seems a bit worse than yesterday.

Tuesday was a bit cooler, but dry. After breakfast Nigel MBE kindly drove us up over the south Berwyns and Horseshoe Pass, into Llangollen and back down back roads, with expert commentary. Rona was with us, but spaced out and often asleep. Very sad. Dropped in briefly to look at Bronwen’s house – very nice.

We then bought steak pies and drove to Llyn Cerwyn, parked by the reservoir and ate them. Then drove round the real Arenig road, and I climbed up to the lake below Arenig Fawr  while Dot read and slept. Pleased with how far I was able to go without feeling too bad. Gall bladder is holding up too. Drove back to hotel and I wrote a bit more for Parish Pump while we listened to Norwich beating Bournemouth 6-0 in the League Cup. Then to the Royal Oak for drinks with Adrian and Clancy and Tish. Discussion with publican over lack of customers. Hotel was locked: had to use fire escape to get in.

Wed was warmer in the afternoon, with sunshine. But before lunch I finished my Parish Pump pieces and sent them off; then we climbed Caer Drewyn, a hill fort to the north of Corwen that had somehow escaped our attention before. I took the steep path, and Dot diverged halfway up, but we met near the top. Good views. Legs ached on the way down. Met Nigel and Rona in their van near the bottom – he was on his way to give his horse a pill. Had lunch at very slow cafe – so slow that they didn’t charge us for tea and coffee. I had a coronation chicken sandwich, which may be a mistake.

Back to hotel for loos and rest, then drove by circuitous route to Lake Bala, where we read for a bit. Lake looked terrific. Dot is reading The Snowdonia Killings, and I read 40% of Mystical Hope, by Cynthia Bourgeault, which I like very much. Dot is still suffering with her nasal passages, and a slightly iffy stomach. On the way back, when we stopped for petrol, she bought a couple of Twisters, which we consumed in a lay-by. Later we had an Indian with Adrian, Clancy, Tish and Glaves, which went down pretty well, together with a fair amount of red wine, supplemented by a quickish visit to the pub next door. I hope we will be able to sleep all right.

The house is very busy today. As I write (coming up to 4pm), Bridget is just finishing her cleaning and Linda is drying Dot’s highlighted hair, having cut mine. Earlier Anne came round for a chat and tea. Philip is not so good, causing her a lot of worry. It’s dry and fairly warm. I put water in the piano.

I last posted on Tuesday morning. Towards the end of that day Dot picked up her pills, and I managed 4000 steps by walking up and down in the evening.  Watched The Producers – not impressed – and a couple of episodes of a documentary on Hemingway, which was very good indeed. Decided his secret was the poetic rhythm of his writing. Quite chilly.

Wednesday was dry but grey; cool. Tidied up in preparation for Kristine’s visit. Dot went to Morrisons, and I “mended” the bookcase in the hall by replacing tape with screws. Trickier than it sounds, because it was not easily accessible. We watched a Paston talk on Constance – illegitimate daughter of John II adopted by John III. Fascinating. I was asked to act as question answerer for Paston Q&A next week, but will be in Wales. Watched final four episodes of Hemingway documentary – very well done. Not sure H was a very nice man, though his (four) wives seemed to be good women.

Spoke to both ex-wives of David Coomes yesterday. Anne e-mailed first thing to say she couldn’t get Parish Pump info to me till Saturday; I wrote back to say I was going away, which made her ring me. I was in the bath. I am going to try and do the stuff while I’m away, but if not, the day I get back.

Then of course Kristine came up by train for the day. We took her to the Maids Head for lunch, and I just about managed to restrain myself from having steak. Went for monkfish again.  All very nice, and we showed her some Israel pix afterwards, but she had to get the 5pm train back.  Watched The Great Gatsby in the evening: rather strange characters, but quite well done. Very reminiscent of Hemingway, funnily enough.

Surprisingly chilly today, and some rain in the air. Drove up to Oaklands this morning for a reinstated Archant coffee morning. Usual suspects with the addition of Su Lee and David Wakefield. Cake. Went pretty well, I think. Dot and I popped next door into the farm shop afterwards and bought a couple of things, including something for Fred and Sue’s wedding anniversary. Trying to resist turning the heating on.

However, I’m feeling better. Last Friday I was groggy, but not groggy enough to stop me carrying on as usual. Took a Covid lateral flow test – negative. Took paracetamol. Walked up through the Close to the Ivy and had a lovely meal with Angela and Rodney. Included possibly the most expensive bottle of wine I’ve ever had – a Provence rosé, £56. Split between us, but still possibly a bit excessive. I had two starters instead of a main course: their fabled duck liver parfait and some smoked salmon, followed by creme brûlée.

Afterwards walked home while Dot did a bit of wandering. Lay down for a while but felt worse. Got up and felt better. David FTd us, and we discussed some difficult political scenarios, among other things. After that we went out for our Friday night street party – Mark, Sarah, Des, Chris, John. Watched a documentary on North Uist and their £3m lottery win; then cricket v India; then Endeavour. Before we got into bed Dot massaged my shoulders and neck, which was very helpful. Ears popping like mad. Not quite so warm, but pleasant enough.

Saturday was warm – quite close, in fact, with some dark clouds. Still feeling groggy. Drove to North Walsham in the morning to receive Carrow Rd tickets from Jonathan. He said his mum went to the doctor with a stomach ache, hadn’t been feeling ill and was told she had extensive cancer. She died a few weeks later. Makes you think.

We continued to Sainsbury’s and the cemetery, then home via the Rosary, leaving flowers as we went. Took more paracetamol and acidophilus and felt better. Went to watch Norwich lose 3-0 to Liverpool – saw some familiar faces, but not Janet or her husband, who has Alzheimer’s. Cantwell got man of the match, which was ludicrous. He and Aarons did not impress. However our new French star looked brilliant, as did our Greek left back and our new American guy, when he came on – far too late. Still no-one can shoot. Des and Chris came round for supper afterwards. Went to sleep watching Match of the Day, but slept quite well, though not long enough.

Sunday was again quite warm but becoming cloudy. Sang a couple of songs at church and preached the sermon. Guitar playing improving, oddly. Anna is not at all well – almost continuous migraines. I was still feeling below par, but better most of the day. Had a fairly restful afternoon – spoke to Andrew on FT. Jonathan and Lesley called in for the season tickets. Des came over to check on arrangements for flower-watering. Watched some football, cricket and a good Montalbano. Spurs beat Man City 1-0. Goal by Son.

Yesterday was cooler, with a bit of rain in the morning. Drove to Poringland to deliver Thelma’s documents to Sheila – she seems OK. Had a bit of difficulty finding her house (and got a bit wet). Chatted a bit. Home for lunch. Caught up with some e-mails. Dot went to Verena in the afternoon, dropped me off on Plumstead Rd and I walked through Lion Wood, up Cintra Rd and through the Rosary home. Felt a bit better today. Dot cleaned the inside of the car and walked to Morrison’s to get some milk. Watched England lose Test to India – very exciting. Then watched The Untouchables, which was pretty enjoyable, though not subtle.