Saturday, November 30 – very full day, mainly bright; dry and not so cold. Dot spent the morning sorting out music for ceilidh in the evening at St Luke’s. Finished soup for lunch and she walked to Carrow Road, where City beat Luton 4-2. Naomi was there, surprisingly after her recent illness, and so was Jonathan. I cleared up house and wrote blog, among other things. Chose hymns for tomorrow.

We had a bit to eat and then went to St Luke’s amid football traffic. Thought we’d be late, but in fact only Phil of the group was there when we arrived. Music was a bit tricky, mainly because the light was dim, but it all went well: Matt, Anna, Alison, Dot, me and Phil. Some of dancers a bit weird and pretty young too (compared to us). Carrie and Judy there, but left early. Band members got a rose each. Home just after 10pm with aching legs. Watched a bit of football. Most steps month of the year, and today walked over 4000 steps, which I did every day this month. This is a first…

… and a record I have already failed to maintain for December, having achieved only about a mile today (Sunday). Ended up the day itching all over, for some reason, and with my feet hurting quite a bit. Nothing too serious, but annoying. Not a very pleasant day, with plenty of rain in the afternoon and evening, though not too cold. Went to church in the morning: Advent Sunday. I led the service, which went quite well. Liz Cannon did a sermon-slash-Godly Play. Dot did prayers at the last minute because Anna didn’t make it (arranged last night). Chat with Matt about incoming cash from Phyllis: revenue v capital. He thought C of E might be collapsing, which is a point of view. Gave Ray a lift home as usual: Angel Road open, but more road works. Sent quotes to Oliver and Amy, and David FaceTimed us: they all seem fine. Also caught up with editing pix. Watched a couple of things on TV, including football, Mayflower Murders and Wolf Hall. 

Monday – Wet. Relatively mild. Grey. Finished off Alt Carols blueprint and sent it to Graham. After lunch went to Morrisons with Dot and did extensive shopping – Dot got additional stuff for her assembly at Wreningham on Friday. Cleaned out freezer drawers in main fridge to give more space. Watched a bit of TV, including two train journeys – one in New Zealand South Island and the other from Bergen to Oslo in Norway. Excellent, both. Started watching a New Zealand serial but disliked central character so much that we abandoned it. Highly unusual. Oliver’s first day at work. 

Tuesday – Quite cold but dry after a wet night. Went to our first Christmas meal this year – with Archant pensioners at the Town House, where they are very welcoming, and the food is good. Carvery and Christmas pudding. Sat with Tricia and Jennie. Ian Bullock put in an appearance. About 15 in all. Robin is in hospital following a severe chest infection and delirium following a holiday on Dartmoor. Spoke to Shelagh at length afterwards.

For some reason very tired after meal – we started watching a rail documentary.  but both went to sleep. Eventually drove to Graham’s house for mulled wine and snacks – members of PCC and DCCs. Spoke to most people , including Graham’s mum, the Wimhursts, the Pittam-Smiths and Judy and Carrie. Not sure why Carrie was there: she’s not on the DCC or PCC. She didn’t seem too well. Absent: Howard, Phil, Sharon, Debbie. Watched programme on Royal Scotsman when we got home. Dot looked up price for trip – cheapest ticket £4500 each for two nights. Decided to give it a miss. 

Wednesday – Cool but mainly dry till late evening. Judy came round as usual to see The Chosen, and we progressed to church for Bible study with Debbie, Steven and Ellie. Went very well: Ellie – soon to leave for Wales – was quite emotional about what the group meant to her. Afterwards I dropped Dot in Tombland and she walked down to Jarrolds to get her chin done, then took my glasses in for a slight mend. Chose hymns for Sunday.

Cooked salmon and then, while Dot went to orchestra rehearsal,  I caught a bus up to Unthank Road, then walked to Hilary’s. She was in a very bad way: confined to lower floor with broken hip (screwed together) and breast cancer – treatment of which has left her with leg fluid problems and a few other things. We spent a lot of time trying to find obscure pix on her iPhone, which she seems a bit frightened of. Walked home just in time to be there for Dot, who had a long final rehearsal for Saturday. Watched Shetland. 

Monday Nov 25 – Bit cooler but dry and fairly still. Bad night, felt pretty tired all day. Evetts left around 11am and apparently had an uneventful journey. I spent much of day writing Parish Pump articles on Jan Breughel the Elder, T S Eliot and Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks. Also went out with Dot and cleared up the leaves: too much for our bin; so borrowed Sarah’s. Light meal of fried eggs, veg and tomatoes, then watched some football, Wolf Hall and Mayflower Murders. Late on Des rang to warn us of lorry dangerously close to our car. Went out and had a chat. Impossible for guy to deliver car in NWT without hitting our wall or a car. Put our car in the drive, but he eventually gave up. Electric car on flatbed was out of charge; so couldn’t unload it and push it because it wouldn’t move out of Park. Eventually manoeuvred out and went off to a charging point. Jonathan came out to watch. 

Tuesday – Lovely day, but quite chilly in the evening. Dot went to shop to buy food for Thursday, and I finished off my Parish Pump pieces with a bit on the millennium bug. After lunch we took the bus up to Boots for our glasses fitting – done by Tony or Toby, who was very pleasant. Quite like the glasses, though they don’t seem hugely different to the last ones.  Dot’s are nice. She did a bit of Christmas shopping in Boots while I walked home. Had chat with Chris, who delivered Private Eye as an excuse to find out what happened with last night’s lorry – on Des’s behalf. Dot arrived not much later. I cooked duck wings in hoisin sauce and Dot went to football. Norwich beat Plymouth 6-1. Meanwhile I cleared up and caught up on e-mails and added to my steps. When Dot got back we watched University Challenge. 

Wednesday – Very, very wet and dull. Judy came round as usual to watch The Chosen, and as usual I drove up to church for the Bible study – they followed. Just the three of us plus Debbie and Steven. Went quite well. Dot didn’t stay for Taizé, as she had a lot of cooking to do for the visit of the Bowers tomorrow. They are just back from Hong Kong. Nevertheless we watched Return to Paradise first: an Australian version of Death in Paradise, and in fact pretty good. I cooked a pizza, and then Dot went to orchestra. Poet Hilary got in touch: I had been thinking of going round, but will probably do so next week. She is confined to the ground floor, but she is fairly upbeat about it.

Thursday – Clear and dry. Quite cold. For some reason, felt tired most of day, and it did turn out pretty busy. Phil and Joy came round at 11 to bring Dot’s birthday present, and for tea/coffee and cake. Stayed till after 3pm, and we had a good talk, a lot of it about their family.  Bridget came round about 3.45pm to clean, and I did work on The Alternative Carol Service, getting it in some kind of order. The Bowers and Vicky were delivered by Jared about 7pm and we had a really nice meal, prepared by Dot. Soup, salmon and pavlova. We also had a good talk – I got on well with Derek especially. Jared picked them up about 10pm, and we spent an hour or so clearing up. I then ran through Alt Carols for Dot. Wrote this just after midnight.

Friday – Bright, dry and very cold. Drove to North Walsham for funeral of Pam Yarham. Parked in  Sainsbury’s car park, went to the service, which was good, and spoke to Jerry (Jeremy) and Andy (Andrew)., as well as a couple of other people who knew Dot. Went to the shop and bought flowers for Dot’s family, and by the time she got from there to the Chapel, she had missed the committal. Meanwhile I was parking the car in the cemetery (two-hour limit in Sainsbury’s). So we walked back and put flowers on the graves, then drove home: went the long way to avoid traffic hold-ups in North Walsham, but hit a minor one in Old Catton. Had some of last night’s soup for late lunch (delicious) and watched a programme on rail travel in Taiwan, which revealed some things about the island I didn’t know. Very high mountains, for instance. Dot started to prepare her talk about sugar next week. Went out for street meet in the evening despite cold: Des, Chris, Matt, Angela, John. Tara has pneumonia and John’s Dad has cancer of bowel and lung. Watched another episode of Return to Paradise.

Sunday Nov 17 – part two – Heavy rain in afternoon and evening. Marie-Lyse asked me to print a letter off for an asylum seeker and then came round to get it: she stayed for a cup of tea, which was nice but meant I was a bit rushed getting to Lowestoft for the Seagull poetry evening. Lots of people there. I read four poems: Pieces of Darkness, Bugsworth, Falcon on the Spire and A Friend from the Past. Sat with Sue, Joan and her friend Bridget. Lynne and Kaaren also there, as were several of the usual suspects. Finished late but had a remarkably clear drive home. Saw highlights of England’s 5-0 win over Ireland. In bed after midnight. David at Gatwick. 

Monday – Sunny and cold till late afternoon; then heavy rain. David is back in Waterloo. Up a bit late. Dot had call from surgery about her blood test: all ok. Later I had a blood test. Drove up early and walked half a mile, then in and out in less than five minutes. On the way home I walked out to St James Hill and took a couple of pictures. Beautiful day at that stage. After lunch Graham came round and discussed the alternative carol service with me: he is going to do a funny Gabriel but wants me to do a structure first. Ho hum. Started planning for Evetts visit with Dot – meals, visits etc. Watched documentary on 2004 tsunami and next episode of Wolf Hall sequel – really good. Also next episode of Mayflower Murders – good but convoluted. 

Tuesday – Very wet at first, but dry in the evening. Cold. Braemar -11 today. Snow quite widespread, including Aberdeenshire and Buxton, but not here. Anne and Philip came round for tea/coffee. Lovely to see them, but Philip’s conversation very strange, leaping from one thing to another. Anne keen to go on holiday with Dot next year. After lunch watched second half of tsunami documentary then adapted a compline Graham did at DCC for use at Cake & Compline tonight. Had an unusually complex meal – sausages, mashed potatoes, parsnips and Yorkshire pudding with gravy, largely thanks to Dot. Really nice. Walked to the Great Hospital for C&C. Bridget, David, Phil and Vicky absent, Bridget recovering from tooth extraction. Amazing cake by Claire. Watched news at home: big farmers’ demo against inheritance tax. 

Wednesday – Bright at first, then snow and sleet from lunchtime until teatime, then dry but very cold. Dot drove me up to church for Bible study, then went to Morrisons to get food for the next few days. I walked soggily home. In the afternoon we did some preparation – I caught up on the computer and tried to contact Anna about Phyllis’s will (again), but she didn’t answer. Janet rang after supper to say her car wouldn’t start. I’d had a drink; so I couldn’t drive Dot to orchestra rehearsal. Instead I went with her to make sure she could park and then walked back. Pretty chilly but dry, and no real problem until I got home, when my legs started aching a bit. Wrote some more e-mails and cleared up in kitchen, though not in that order. Dot drove home with Nova and we watched a bit of Shetland; then Oliver FaceTimed and showed us pictures of his new flat. Looks very nice. 

Thursday – Very cold but dry. Bridget came to clean, suffering from after-effects of having a tooth out – no hot drinks for two weeks! Sounds horrific. Put together new rota, but haven’t sent it out yet. Dave and Julia arrived at 2.30pm precisely, and we had a cup of tea and discussed what we might do, among other things. In the end we got a bus up to Castle Meadow at 5.15pm and walked down into the arcade. Not as exciting as expected, though we had our photos taken by a photographer from Norfolk magazine. Walked up to Haymarket and round the top by the Forum. Some lights, but nothing startling, except a picture of Dot and some of her colleagues advertising Sillars. Walked on down to Jarrolds, expecting to be able to access delicatessen area as advertised online, but it was shut. So instead went and had meal at Ivy. Very nice chicken dish, though I wasn’t particularly hungry. All had mains only, plus bread and wine! Walked back painfully through Close: extremely cold, below zero. Back home by around 8.30 and had some spirits followed by tea and coffee for Dot and me, and interspersed by stories, mainly health-based. Bed after 11pm. Earlier had spoken to Joy on phone to arrange present delivery, but hard to fix: nothing definite yet. Also brief chat with David on phone at lunchtime: websites being moved. 

Friday – Dot’s 79th birthday! Not quite so cold: dry and bright. Bought Dot some flowers that were supposed to arrive by 10.40am: they got here mid-afternoon while we were at Blickling. Fortunately I’d asked Chris to take them and left a note on the door, and when we got back about 5pm they were here, together with a couple of books from David. A plant from Oliver and Amy had arrived earlier. At Blickling had coffee in pub then walked to bookshop, where Dot and I bought two books for £5: a Shardlake one and a Slow Horses one. Then went on “highlights” tour of house – all with Dave and Julia, of course. Very interesting tour. Had late lunch afterwards then headed home. Had “street meet” at ours: Mary and Bob, Matt and Ciara. Des ill with cold and Chris preparing meal for visitors. Mark still away of course, and Sarah seeing her mum in hospital. Good chat. Then I drove Dot, Dave and Julia to Delia’s, drove home (I had abstained from drink earlier), then walked back. Anne arrived before me of course. Lovely meal: I had pâté, then steak, then ice cream with ginger in brandy basket. Had bad pain in leg as we walked home: not sure why. Home around 11.15pm. 

Saturday – Very wet and windy. Not quite so cold. Julia decided she needed Beaujolais Nouveau from Waitrose: so I volunteered to drive them there. Have never seen city so crowded with cars. Eventually reached Waitrose and found final six bottles: bought them all. I bought bananas and croissants and lost the dynamic duo, who I thought would have made their way to checkout. Instead I took my small purchases out to the car and returned to find them, after a phone call. Tried unsuccessfully to avoid traffic on road back by going round southern bypass and up Bracondale. But no good: had to turn round and go down King Street, then past Carrow Road before turning right and getting home via Rosary Road. Dot had been making lunch. Very nice: after it I stayed at home while others went by bus to UEA and Sainsbury Cenre. Had bath – mistake, because I felt tired afterwards. Read a bit. Norwich drew 2-2 away to West Brom. After return of the terrific three I made a meal of salmon etc which seemed to go down well. Whisky afterwards. My left leg started aching. Bed. In the middle of all this Liz Cannon said she couldn’t lead tomorrow because David had had a fall and was in pain; and Mike could not do prayers because he was ill following an operation. Eventually sorted – Carrie leading and Anna doing prayers. Should be interesting.  

Sunday (24th) – interesting day, as predicted. Mostly mild and dry till we returned from Gem around 10pm. Very windy, though. In the morning walked along river to Costa. Julia bought jacket in charity shop. I had sudden and very unusual attack of acid reflux/indigestion, which took a while to go away, with the aid of Gaviscon tablets from Boots. After small lunch (I had toast) we got bus up to Turner exhibition, which was very good. D & J tired a bit so we walked home – possibly a mistake, as Julia later had a diabetes issue, which delayed our getting to Gem. Dot went down to secure table, and I drove D&J down, then took car home and walked. Earlier both Dave and I had rest on bed – I slept for a bit. Very good meal at Gem – four mezzes  and a main each. Too much really. Home around 10pm and watched Spurs beat Man City 4-0 away after watching Norwich City goals. Earlier Graham’s grandmother died. 

It’s halfway through Sunday, November 17, and almost dark. Cold today, but quite bright most of the day. Now a few drops of rain, just after Des popped round with Private Eye, which he lends me regularly. He is just back from Lichfield, where his grandson is rather poorly. Here in Norwich we went to church this morning, and it was surprisingly mild inside the hall. Dot and I played in the band, and I preached: most people seemed to like it. Nice atmosphere generally: Nikki and Phoebe both there, as well as Alison, who hasn’t been well. Chatted with a number of people, including Amanda, who I told about last night’s film (see later on). Amy is back in Southampton, and David is in London. Heading back to Canada tomorrow.

Last Tuesday (12th) – A few showers but mainly dry. Some sun. Linda came round to cut our hair, but we got breakfast in first. Showed David some more pix, but he was doing some work before lunch, and immediately afterwards we went over to the station with him to watch him catch the 13.56 to Peterborough for his dinner and conference. He stayed not too far from Norman Cross, home of his great-grandfather and great-great grandfather.

I had a longish bath and went to sleep. Helped Dot clear up. Watched The Chosen before evening meal, after which we left for DCC. Only just quorate: Graham, Dot and me, Judy and Debbie. Went quite well: compline afterwards (except Debbie). When we got home I did a few steps, then we watched a documentary on Until I Kill You, which wasn’t much different to the series itself. Got e-mail from Louisa at Leathes Prior admitting they hadn’t paid any beneficiaries. Told her to do so. In the nicest possible way. 

Wednesday – Dry, not too bad. Judy came round to watch The Chosen (4:5), and as usual I went to church for Bible study, followed by other two. Had chat with Steven before they arrived. Did quite a lot of Acts with the addition of Debbie, who arrived late. Had disagreement with her at end over Israel and Palestine. Oh dear. Dot didn’t stay for Taizé. David messaged to say he was coming back for the night. I contacted solicitors and several other people. Didn’t get through to insurers. Dot made banana bread. Kim is having problems in Cape Town – stolen bag and poss money taken from account. David came home just after 7pm. I had cooked chilli con carne. Nice. Had expensive bottle of red between three of us. David enjoyed conference – he talked to us about it and it was quite encouraging, especially compared to average newspaper fare. Afterwards watched Shetland after David went to bed. 

Thursday – Bit chilly, but dry. Had breakfast with David but then we went up to Boots for eye tests while he got the 11am train to London, where he spent the day. Oliver appeared to be in London too, but their paths did not cross. David stayed in London, and Oliver returned late to Aylesbury. We had tea in Jarrolds and then I returned home, hoping for a call from the solicitors. In the end we had another exchange of emails. She (via an assistant) said she would make Phyllis payouts next week. I then wrote several essential emails, and Bridget came to clean. Dot went back up to Jarrolds later and bought herself some birthday presents – trousers and a jacket. It was a customer evening. Meanwhile I contacted the house insurers and managed to get the renewal premium reduced slightly. It’s now just under £1000! I then wrote to Judy about charities she might contribute to (she asked) and wrote most of my sermon. Oh, I had chosen the hymns earlier. Quite a busy day. Tidied room, and when Dot returned we had smoked mackerel fillets. We then watched some of England beating Greece 3-0 in Athens, and much less of a national parks documentary. Both very tired. 

Friday – Not unpleasant, but getting colder. At least mentally. Had a bath and finished James Knox Whittet’s book on Islay. Very atmospheric, but don’t think I’d have enjoyed his childhood. Finished sermon and helped Dot a bit with clearing up, making bed and redirecting stuff in preparation for Evetts’ visit. Eventually Dot went to shop while I awaited a call from Louisa at Leathes Prior that never came – though she did e-mail me later. I think we’re gradually getting there. Had longish phone call with Val Gemmell (Smith) about Luke and life generally. She’s having a hard time, and so is he. Saw Oliver, Amy and David have reached Aylesbury. Went out for street meet not thinking many would join us as Des and Chris and Mark were all away. However John, Ciara, Matt and Angela all came out, and we had a really good talk, despite the cold. Afterwards I cooked lamb chops for me, and Dot did the leftover mince with pasta for herself. Watched really good documentary on the Fens , and then one on another National Park, this time in Turkey (Cappadocia).

Saturday – Bit damp and grey. A little rain. Stayed in all day. Dot had been intending to go to church thing, and I was going to Yeomen of the Guard, but neither of us felt up to it. Instead we watched a film, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, which was brilliant, especially Anton Walbrook as a Prussian officer. It was beautifully directed by Powell and Pressburger, very subtle and emotionally compelling. Highly recommended. Later we watched Airplane!, which was not subtle at all, but very, very funny. Also Mayflower Murders, a series based on a book by Anthony Horowitz: also excellent, especially Lesley Manville. Somewhere in there I cooked salmon and walked over 4000 steps. Also prepared poems for tomorrow. David, Oliver and Amy went to Waddesdon Manor Christmas event and sent us some lovely pictures. 

Wednesday (Nov 6) was cloudy, quite mild. Judy came round to see The Chosen (4:4) as usual, then equally as usual I drove to church and they followed. Bible study reached Acts 9: Dot and Judy, Debbie, Steven, Phoebe. Went quite well. Drove home while Dot stayed for Taizé. I watched FA Cup football, then walked up to meet her in the Close. At Bread Source van, while Dot bought a pain au chocolat, we met a man who pointed out a peregrine falcon on the Cathedral spire.

Later drove Dot to podiatrist, where she was told her feet were good. Booked me in for a check-up later in the month, after I had taken a short walk round the block and bought some milk from the Co-op. Heavy traffic on way home. Cooked braised beef for supper, which was lunexpectedly good. Dot got lift with Janet to orchestra. I lay down for a bit, and then David  Facetimed and we discussed his forthcoming visit. Also a bit about politics and how we felt about life at different ages. (Trump won US election today.) He sent me one of his Diderot  entries – his first bike and learning to ride. I have been putting. a lot more slides on the computer. When Dot got home we watched a new series of Shetland. Very well done. 

Thursday was very grey but not too cold. Got up very late after writing a couple of poems and reading a lot of newspaper articles. Dot baked a couple of cakes. Bridget cancelled because she had a headache.  Kim’s birthday; so we took bus up to Castle Meadow and walked down to Jarrolds. Got a table in wine bar with Kim, Kavana and their friends Dick and Jenny. Dot and I shared a cheese and charcuterie board and we also had wine – two large glasses for me.    Walked round store afterwards – Dot and I bought cheese and some earrings, plus Milton and Brown shower gel. Met up again with K and K and walked to Dyers Yard – Dick and Jenny’s house – for a delicious cherry cake and drink. Walked home and watched a programme on Snowdonia, during which we went to sleep. Des and Chris seem to be away. 

Friday was still very grey and dry, but chillier. David and Oliver on way to airport. Dot spent much of day preparing for David’s visit. At lunchtime I walked to Morrisons via Boots, where I met Dot, who had driven there. We bought a lot of food – so much so that we couldn’t get it all in the fridge. Also filled car with petrol. Felt cold and tired during afternoon, and lay down for a while, then cooked evening meal – salmon. Afterwards we watched the first episode of a new thriller, Until I Kill You (based on a true story). Also a documentary on the making of Rumours, by Fleetwood Mac, which was really good, as was the album. In the middle of that went out for street meet: bit chilly but could have been a lot worse, and no doubt will be. Des and Chris were back from their trip to sort out a relative’s house; Mark, Matt, John and Jonathan also there. Mary popped out momentarily. I think Sean and Ciara are away. 

Saturday – no change in weather, though it was a bit colder. Hectic morning, working out when David would arrive and whether we should have lunch or cake, and who should go to the football match … Also got call from Sylvia Ford asking why she hadn’t had the money from the solicitors. Have written an e-mail to them after consulting Anna. Also saw an e-mail from Carrie to the diocese about Phyllis’s house that contained a couple of important inaccuracies re expenses incurred; so checked again with Anna and wrote back to Carrie pointing this out. Then got message from insurers saying our house policy was increasing from £394 to over £1100!! Have sent them a message asking why. 

Then I remembered I had to read the meter and put a new cartridge in the water purifier. And make the bed. Meanwhile Dot was preparing food and cleaning the bathroom, and Oliver was already in Aylesbury. Letter from Martin to diocese, copied to me, questioning the making of the will and suggesting that clergy shouldn’t decided on clergy housing. Not helpful. Not sure why he is so interested. David arrived just before 2pm, put on extra clothes and went to Carrow Road. Dot already there. City lost 2-0: bit of a slump. Had lasagne for supper, followed by pavlova. Watched a bit of football on David’s link, then the end of the Remembrance service. 

Sunday – Difficult night: indigestion. Had to get up and walk round for a bit. But reinvigorated by an almost forgotten weather phenomenon in the morning: the sun was shining. For a while. Rang Ray to remind him we weren’t coming to church: he seemed quite perky. All three of us (not Ray) did the C&C trail – quite successfully. Walked back through Close in time to watch football on David’s Canadian app: Spurs lost 1-2 to Ipswich. Aargh! Showed David some of the pictures I’d transferred to computer, then had dinner. For some reason I was not hungry and couldn’t even manage blackberry and apple crumble! Had it later. Went and lay on bed for about an hour feeling cold and a bit achy. Then came down and watched first episode of new series of Wolf Hall. Brilliant. David explained to me a bit about coding and the need to update constantly. Short FaceTime from Amy, Oliver and Chrissy. Amy arranged to come and see us in late December. 

Yesterday was mainly dry with some sun but also some occasional drizzle later. Dot drove me to hospital for a flow test. Usual nightmare. Drank pints of water but failed to produce much when asked. Fortunately the nurse didn’t seem worried and was quite happy with the ultrasound. Got bus home and just made it to the toilet: produced copious amounts of liquid during the afternoon. Grrr. Dot had been expecting a call from a nurse about her medicines – possibly while driving home – but it didn’t happen. She rang the surgery later and discovered she had the wrong week. My next interaction with the flow people is next July – on the phone!  Yippee.

After lunch David went into city to buy a bow tie for his dinner in Peterborough. We watched Episode 2, 3 and 4 of Until I Kill You, which is quite disturbing, partly because the victim is so obnoxious. In the evening David went to the Coach and Horses with Kevin, who is wearing well. Had a chat with them both when they returned. Felt cold during the day but better in the evening. 

Last Friday (November 1) was grey but dry. Dot went to see Anne for a walk and a chat. I used the opportunity to try to ring my cousin Barbara again, but still no reply. So I rang poet Hillary, and she did reply. I had thought she was at death’s door, but apparently she’s not so bad, though she does have cancer. She’s still giving workshops at Unthank Road.

In the afternoon I took a roundabout walk to get to Morrisons, where I met Dot and did some food shopping. TV is playing up, which is irritating. Street meet in evening: two of us plus Des and Chris, Mark, Matt, John and for a few minutes Sean and Ciara, who has a bad shoulder. Sarah has a slipped disc. Des fetched us fish and chips. Watched a programme by Brian Cox on the solar system, and The Cleaner. 

Saturday – Sunny at first, then greyer, but not too cold. Transport Day for Dot – she received her new driving licence and bus pass in the same post. She also did some more work in the garden, and after lunch I drove her to a church meeting and walked back. She stayed and then drove home in time to hear second half of football on radio. Sadly Norwich lost 2-1 at Cardiff after being 1-0 up. Both their goals scored very late after inadvisable substitutions.

While Dot was out I rang my cousin Barbara again, and for once she answered. Had a long talk, during which I discovered that her husband Roy had died. No notice in paper. Probate still not sorted, but her son Jason is looking after things. She has no mobile phone or computer. Cooked thin steak and then we watched a couple of episodes of Apples Don’t Fall, a rather odd crime mystery. Facetimed David and had a chat: getting cold in Ontario. Realised earlier that Waterloo is south of Minneapolis, which came as a bit of a shock. Oliver is staying with Sophie in Kingston, which is also south of much of North America. 

Sunday – Dry; cloud and a bit of sun. Bit of a chill in the air, but no real wind. We drove to church in the morning: I was leading, and Dot did the prayers. About 20 in congregation, including Nikki and Phoebe. Spoke to Marie-Lyse about her son at Warwick University. Liz did one of her Godly plays, this time about the Saints of the Church (it’s All Saints/Souls Sunday). Afterwards had a visitation from the Archdeacon, who seemed friendly enough. He came down with Graham after St Luke’s Church service. Took Ray home as usual – Angel Road closed again”: unbelievable.

After lunch Dot cleared up the Utility Room and the rest off the garden. Not sure where she gets the energy. Offered to take a few people to a Common Lot event because Carrie was incapacitated with post-viral frozen shoulders, among other things, but no takers. Bit of a relief, really. Watched two more episodes of Apples Never Fall; compelling enough to keep watching but without any likeable characters. Also a documentary about how much money the King and Prince of Wales have, plus a brief interview with new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. A good choice, I think. 

Monday – Mild and dry, but a bit overcast. Dot went into city to get birthday presents for Kim and Bridget, and after I had a bath I posted her cut-up old driving licence and caught a bus into the city.  Met her in Jarrolds stationery, and we then bought me some new shoes from Hotter. Completed present-buying and walked to Cornish bakery for tea/coffee. Then to Boots in Mall, where we both booked an eye test and Dot bought some shower gel.

After a late lunch at home we watched some football (Spurs beating Aston Villa 4-1) and then drove to surgery to book a blood test for me and pick up pills from chemist. Dot also got blood test results, which were good. Coincidentally saw Carrie at the surgery – driving, so she must be a bit better.

Earlier in the day Anna rang up about Phyllis’s house, which the Diocese has put on the market. Carrie and Debbie concerned about Phyllis’s wishes, and Anna will explore further. My feeling is that the will has been followed, whether or not it reflects Phyllis’s intentions. Howard wrote it for her. Ho, hum. My conversation with Anna was while she was on her way back from Belper by train and I was in the bath. Fortunately not FaceTime. After sausages and good mashed potatoes (first for a long time) we watched final episodes of Apples Never  Fall, which really wasn’t very good. Didn’t like anyone in it and the direction was clunky. 

Tuesday – Again cloudy, and it seemed chillier to me. Gave Jenny Downing a lift to the Archant pensioners’ coffee morning. Not such a problem as I thought it might be. Lots of people present; we chatted with Bill Woodcock and David Newham. I suggested Bill write a book about the London office of the EDP, where he worked for a long time; he has some interesting stories, but I don’t think he’ll write anything. Robin and Shelagh absent. I rang them afterwards and after a brief conversation with Shelagh I had a word to two with Robin, but he clearly didn’t want to talk and sounded really depressed. Cancelled his booking for the Christmas meal next month.

Mark’s new solar panels are now up, and I believe he has a device that monitors all the power in his house (and enable him to adjust use). Saw him showing it to Des and Jonathan this morning. I can see how it could become compulsive, which is why I don’t want one. Same gores for Sky TV. 

Quite a grey week. I posted about part of Saturday 26th last time, and that was a dull and damp day, but only a few drops of rain. Took Dot to church after lunch for meeting led by June – this one on domination of one group by another (first of a series). Then walked up to meet her as she walked home – met at top of the Close after I was delayed by an encounter with woman who parked across our drive. Turned out she was only dropping something off. Wrote first of my December Parish Pump pieces – on the origin of Dec 25 as Christmas Day. In the evening watched a couple of episodes of D I Ray – quite good really. 

Sunday was calm, with blue sky, mild until evening. Went to church as usual after waking early because of extra hour. Communion with Graham, who did a good sermon on the Bible (it was Bible Sunday, apparently). Played guitar. Left fairly soon after because I was a bit worried about football traffic – but there wasn’t any. Graham gave Ray a lift home.

Paul came round to use Jonathan’s ticket, and I used the other spare one. Pretty exciting game against Middlesbrough. We scored first, then conceded three, and were down 3-1 at half time and looking beaten. Then gave away dubious penalty, but it was saved by Long. Later scored two more, and despite McLean being red-carded (rightly) held on to draw 3-3. Dark by the end, of course, and quite cool on the way home. Paul came in for cuppa, then got bus home. I cooked chicken in port – very nice. Dot did parsnips. Watched some TV – including another episode of So Long Marianne, one of DI Ray and England losing at cricket. 

Monday was a very grey day with a little rain in the afternoon. Morning had a few bright periods, notably when we were putting flowers on Rosemary’s grave at Erpingham with Angela and Rodney. Met them there after buying flowers at Morrisons. Later we all went to the Gunton Arms for lunch. Brief walk there, then home as rain began to fall lightly. Had light evening meal and watched another DI Ray.

Tuesday – Another very grey day. I only went out to get the bins in, though Dot went to surgery for a blood test. Spent almost all day writing then other three pieces for Parish Pump – on Noël Coward; D L Moody; and the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004, which killed about 230,000 people. Also watched the end of DI Ray, which was very satisfying, and another episode of So Long Marianne. Many good points, but I don’t like the way Leonard Cohen is portrayed. I can’t imagine him being petty. 

Wednesday – Still grey for the most part, but not too cold, except in the evening. Woke late, but got up fairly soon, and as usual Jude came round and watched The Chosen with us. We are now in uncharted territory –  Series 4, Episode 3. Found it very moving, although we had previewed it the night before. All very well done as always. Have a look! Left a bit early to get to church in time for Bible study: we are now up to Acts 8. Usual crew: Dot and me, Debbie, Judy and Steven. Had quite a good discussion. 

Afterwards I drove home and later, after Taizé ,Dot walked home (steps). By then Bridget had arrived to do the cleaning, and I’d had a cup of tea with her. Dot and I later had a discussion about the possibility of doing the Bible study in the evening so that more people could come. We’ll see where that goes. Had a call from Jenny Downing, to see if I’d pick her up next Tuesday for the Archant coffee morning, and we agreed that would be OK. In the evening I drove Dot to orchestra, because Janet was away, then picked her (and Nova) up after writing a piece for my website. Watched last episode of Ludwig. Brilliant. 

Thursday – Bit of a change: sunny with a bit of a chill in the air. Got up early for a bath, then after a brief chat to Mark we drove to UnCafé to meet Brian and Tricia. Had a nice breakfast and chat then bought some fresh fish from a van. Back at home I cleared up acres of leaves and helped Dot with some other stuff in the garden, as well as checking the tyres (which were fine) and turning off the tyre pressure warning (which wasn’t). Felt exhausted afterwards, but after watching a programme on the dark worlds in the solar system Dot went out for more in the garden, where I collapsed and slept a bit before making the bed. Then cooked salmon we’d bought from a van earlier – very tasty. I chose hymns for Sunday, then we watched another solar system episode and the final two parts of So Long Marianne. Quite good on the whole. 

Saturday afternoon, October 26 – Rather dull, but not too cold. Still. Dot is at church, attending a talk/discussion on a theme by Brian McLaren. I drove her there and on the way back called in at the Rosary to check on Andrew’s grave, which now has a neighbour – Claire somebody. Also looked at Mum and Dad’s grave and his parents’ of course. Earlier we had Colin and his son Jordan round to cut our hedge and trim back the ivy. They also cleared the gutters for Mary next door, and in doing so had to cut back our roses pretty severely.

Years ago, last Monday, it was cool and a bit windy. Was expecting to be able to pick up my car from the garage, but it needed extra work, specifically a wheel bearing; so it had to stay in overnight. Looked at Scotland photos in preparation for Cannons’ visit tomorrow. Caught up with computer stuff and watched various things on TV, including another episode of Leonard Cohen drama. Good in many ways, but too many irritating adverts – and Cohen is presented as being much more depressive than I feel he was. Maybe I’d just like him to be more like me. Running out of food – had intended to go to shop tonight, but no transport. 

Tuesday – Mild: quite a bit of sun. Phone call from garage around 11.30 to say car would be ready at 1pm. So walked up through Close and caught the 36 to Reepham Road, walking through to the garage and arriving just before 1pm. Car was ready, and Ingress went through details. Drove home in good time to welcome Liz and David Cannon for 2pm. They came to look at our pictures of Scotland, and Dot cooked a couple of cakes – one fruit cake and one sponge. Fruit cake delicious! Probably the other was too. Cannons stayed till 5.30 and caught bus home. Then after I’d cooked chilli, Eleanor and Judy came round for a lift to Claire’s for cake and compline. Bridget and David also there. Watched next episode of The Chosen after problems getting into it. Wanted me to sign in and then wouldn’t let me. Bed late. 

Wednesday – Mixture of sun and cloud: dry. Usual Wed morning: had a bath before watching a bit of The Chosen with Judy. Then headed off to church for Bible study – Debbie and Steven, but no Ellie. Dot and Jude, of course. Before that, though, finished reading Steeple Chasing, bought for me by my grandchildren and really interesting. After Bible study, Dot stayed for Taizé, but I picked her up after 2.30 for a big shop at Morrisons. Also filled up with petrol. Later of course Dot went to orchestra rehearsal with Janet.  

Thursday – Dry and quite a bit of sun. Fred got in touch and suggested we meet up; so we’ll be going over to Beeston Regis tomorrow. Loss of a rare free day, but it will be nice to see them. Chose hymns for Sunday. In the afternoon went to memorial service for Rik, who lived in The Lathes and died suddenly. About 20 in hall. Dot and I played for the only hymn – Lord of the Dance. Some interesting occasional music, including Pink Floyd and Adam and the Ants. Stayed for tea and sandwiches, then took Dot round to Anna’s for violin lesson and went home, where Bridget was cleaning: she had had to borrow Des’s key to get in!

After she left I walked up to meet Dot but didn’t get very far : met John Drake at bus stop. Later cooked fish and watched some TV: football, cricket, a documentary on the Cairngorms and a new crime series – DI Ray. I say new, but as usual it was about drugs gangs and not only that, one of the characters was an actor from another series with an identical role. Eventually we’ll have one big all-encompassing crime series about a massive drugs gang, which never ends. 

Yesterday – Lovely day: mild and sunny. Woke up fairly late and had a bath. Dot drove us to Beeston Regis by main Cromer Road, partly because entrance to Spixworth Road was blocked at lights. Arrived marginally early – would have been earlier but followed selfish tractor for miles. Had tea, cakes and chat in Fred and Sue’s caravan, then walked up Beeston Bump. Beautiful – new railings and improved steps. Back a bit late. I drove and we arrived home about 15 minutes late for street meet. Held up on Riverside Road; so Dot walked last bit. I put duck legs in the oven then joined them : Des, Chris, Ciara, Mary, Matt, Angela, Jonathan. Afterwards watched another episode of So Long Marianne, as well as cricket and The Cleaner. David FaceTimed and we had talk with him and Oliver. They had been canoeing and golfing on driving range. Amy is apparently doing well and enjoying university. 

Today (Monday 21st) is a little better than yesterday, in that it’s dry, though very overcast, a little windy and not too cold. I have just taken the car in for servicing and MOT, and had a chat with Ingress, the receptionist, who we’ve known for a long time. She’s aways very helpful. Walked back past the Boundary and then caught a 38 to Tombland. Dot saw me walking down Prince of Wales Road, and got up before I arrived.

Back to last Tuesday, when it was dry and mild. Up quite early to have breakfast with Brian and Tricia at Un Café on N Walsham Road. Good food and service and had quite a long chat: Brian on good form. Dot bought steak pie from farm shop, and we had it for supper.  In the afternoon she went to take Joyce’s watch back and had another longish chat with her. I was feeling a bit shivery; so had a bath. Felt a bit better afterwards.

Had paracetamol before going to Theatre Royal in evening to see Come from Away, a brilliant musical based on the people stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, when planes were diverted after 9/11. Beautifully done by a cast that sounded largely Irish. Standing ovation. Highly recommended. We took the bus up there and walked home. Before going to bed we watched the rather disappointing ending of Joan. Could have been carried off better. 

Wednesday was sunny, dry and even milder. Judy came round to see the first episode of the fourth series of The Chosen, which is still excellent. As usual I left early for church and met up with Steven on his way. Eventually we had Dot, Jude, Debbie, Steven and Ellie for Bible Study, which went very well. Afterwards Dot and I left for Fakenham, which should have been an easy journey, but encountered loads of slow traffic on the Fakenham road, and arrived on the dot for James Knox Whittet’s book launch at the Library, after working out how to use the parking machine.

James did an interesting talk on how he had written his memoir, and Dot and I both asked questions. This followed some beautiful Gaelic singing by Anna McCrae, who I had heard before: couldn’t remember where, but she remembered me, as did a couple of other people, including Kay Hathway. I wish I could remember names – I got them off the programme. Also there was Mike Bannister, now 88 and suffering from heart problems. Had interesting chat with him: we get on very well. He’s a good poet and read three of his poems. I read one of my Orkney poems – Westray – and I think it went down all right. Three or four people said they liked it.

Forty or fifty there altogether, I should think, but not James’ wife, Ann, who had an appointment with the Bishop. Drove home after an encounter with Fakenham town centre, from which I began to think I would never emerge. Road home was slow again, with long queues, until we reached the NDR. Discovered (via text) – that Bridget had come and cleaned – thought she was coming the next day as usual.

Des and Chris are in Suffolk for a few days. Had a fairly “easy” tea of eggs and mushrooms before Dot left with Janet for orchestra: we’d discovered on the way home that Silver Road was partially closed, but thought we’d worked out a way of them getting there.  In fact it did work, but they had to come back via Mousehold Avenue and Gurney Road. Watched Ludwig, which continues to be excellent. 

Thursday was again dry and mild. Wrote my sermon for Sunday while Dot went into the city to buy a present for Bridget and David’s 20th wedding anniversary. Got a call from her some time later to ask whether she should buy a coat. She tried FaceTime so that I could see it, but it didn’t work – signal not strong enough. So I went into the city by bus to have a look. Didn’t like it at first, but it looked so much better on that we eventually decided to buy it. Also bought a heart-shaped dish for B&D and some fruit from the market, then walked home together. Was quite tired afterwards and lay down after I’d finished the sermon. Felt a bit cold and discovered the window was open. Contacted Oliver earlier to get Amy’s address, and have sent her a birthday card. After supper watched a fascinating documentary called Helljumper about individuals evacuating people from the front line areas of Ukraine, and one in particular who died doing it. 

Friday – Bit cooler, but still dry and quite pleasant. Sue and Roger Eagle came with us for lunch at Gem. We met them in the station, because Sue’s legs are a bit dodgy – she’s waiting for an operation in a couple of weeks. Dot walked to Gem with her, and I went with Roger in car to park at ours. Very nice lunch – we all had cocktails, then I had battered prawns followed by pork belly. Turkish tea to finish. Restaurant pretty full. Had quite a long chat at home about books and other things.

After they had gone we had street meet – Des and Chris back from their Suffolk break, Jonathan, Mark, John and Mary. Lot of talk about solar panels and such things, which wasn’t very interesting. Later had cheese on toast and watched quite a bit of TV, including first two episodes of The Tower and a good Sounds piece on the song Diamonds and Rust. Also end of cricket, losing to Pakistan. 

On Saturday it rained at first, but was dry by the time we went out – caught the bus and then walked to Salvation Army Citadel on St Giles to hear St Gregory’s Orchestra play to raise cash for Ukraine. Dylan Latham (again) played violin – this time Beethoven’s Concerto in D. Saw Graham and Janet, Neville and Mary, Matt and Amanda and Les Pye and his wife, as well as Mary Cozens and the dreaded Georgina. Nice venue: good view from upstairs.

Walked home and bought a sandwich (among other things) from Tesco Express. Dot walked down Prince of Wales Road and I walked through the Close. Needless to say, she got home way before I did. In the evening we gave Eleanor a lift to the RC Cathedral narthex for Bridget and David’s 20th wedding anniversary. It was a ceilidh with buffet food. Sat with Claire and spoke to one or two other people , including Ros, the woman training to be a priest at Christ Church, who seemed pretty anxious. Watched a bit of Match of the Day, including Spurs’ 4-1 win over West Ham. Earlier City drew 1-1 away to Stoke after being all over them in the first half. I rewrote the end of my sermon. Sent Amy an electronic card and transferred her some money. 

Sunday was Amy’s 20th birthday. She is at Southampton and very quiet, though she sent a message thanking us for her card and gift. Pretty miserable day in Norwich, weatherwise. Very grey, with rain showers, which we largely avoided. Drove to church as usual. Bit of a panic when Carrie, who was leading, arrived very late. Was about to take over… anyway, did a sermon which got a lot of favourable comments. Took Ray home as usual. watched a fair bit of TV including last two episodes of The Tower, which were very good. Later some football and the first episode of Leonard Cohen drama, So Long Marianne, on ITVx, which was ok but spoiled by too many adverts. Also another documentary on the Yorkshire coast which had quite a lot on Scarborough and Whitby.

In the evening went to Taizé service at St Luke’s which was a bit disappointing in terms of the music, which was too complicated. But that’s just my opinion. Had long chat with Debbie Sands, whose husband died not long ago. Also Vicky and her mother. They didn’t die; they were just there. Also Ros from Christ Church, who I keep running into.

Last Thursday (Oct 10) was a pretty dull day, and damp too. Janet left her car in our drive to go and visit the set of Call the Midwife in South-East London – returned around 10pm. Later Bridget came to clean, which was a bit complicated because we were transferring the rug from the kitchen into the study, and in the process (if that wasn’t hard enough) sorting out all the stuff that had accumulated in there.Almost finished the heavy stuff but need to sort out a pile of papers, as well as putting my old Paston stuff into the garage. Should probably just throw it away.

Strenuous work because it involved getting on to floor and reaching stuff under the main tops. Ironically I achieved less than half the steps than I had managed on any other day this month, though the energy expenditure was much higher. Meanwhile England scored over 800 against Pakistan, with Harry Brook hitting over 300 – not quite matched by our footballers, who lost 2-1 to Greece at Wembley – a record of another kind. Oliver is now in Canada – staying at Kingston, presumably with Sophie. Meanwhile Captiva has been hit by the hurricane, with the Mucky Duck apparently badly damaged. 

Friday – Weather much improved. Bright sunshine, though temperature down slightly. Apparently impressive northern lights last night.Missed them. Finished sorting out stuff from my room with help from Dot, though Thelma’s box is still in the living room. Not all that much in it except for some jewellery and photos. Dot went to shop for food while I waited in for Amazon, delivering a music book for Dot and some cleaning liquid. Oliver now in Waterloo. Street meet as usual: Des, Chris, Jonathan, John, Matt, Mark (for a while, till he went out for meal with Sarah and his son). Sean and Ciara confined to barracks with bad colds. Tara in quite a bad way, according to John. Mark may be getting solar panels. Angela mended Dot’s jeans for free (allegedly because I let Matt have some cassettes for nothing). 

Saturday – Dull but dry at first, then heavy rain in afternoon. Dry again in later evening. Coolish. Dot spent much of day cooking and preparing for visit of Mary and Neville in the evening. Cooked fish pie. I did a bit to help here and there. Put Thelma’s stuff in the spare room wardrobe and wrote a bit for Diderot based on a couple of T’s photographs. Then converted a boxful of slides into pix and imported them on to Photos. Felt a bit shaky but took paracetamol and was much better for rest of day. Neville and Mary arrived about 7pm, bringing very nice red wine. Dot had cooked a fish pie, and we also had starter and pavlova. Very enjoyable evening. They left about 10.15, and Dot and I did our usual lightning clearaway.  

Sunday – Light cloud; dry; a little cool. Felt a bit fragile but managed to complete a normal day! Drove to church in the morning – Communion service, which I led, with Graham preaching and presiding. Good attendance, including Nikki and Phoebe: average age coming down a bit! Took Ray home as usual. Angel Road remains thankfully open.

After lunch we dropped a couple of birthday cards off for Heather and had a brief chat. She seems to have a type of long Covid or ME. Very frustrating. We continued through The Close and Dot did the part of the treasure trail she missed last weekend when she went to the football. She was pretty good at it. In Queen Street we met Paul Henderson – and at first neither of us recognised him! Just out of context, I think. He was on his way to Cathedral Evensong. After finishing the trail we walked down the rehashed Haymarket, which looked ok but not spectacular. Then we called in for tea/coffee at the Cornish Bakery… and walked home. Watched Finland v England, which finished 1-3 and was less than compelling. Later finished yesterday’s fish pie.

And watched the penultimate episode of Joan – after chatting to David and Oliver on FaceTime. They both seem fine, but Amy is not too well and is lying low. 

Monday – Wet start, but improving. Uneasy night. Linda arrived slightly early for haircut. In afternoon quite bright so walked by a circuitous route to Morrisons to buy some tea. Very tired when I got back. Watched The Big Sleep and a documentary about finding the wreck of a U-boat and a Q-boat that sunk each other off the Channel Islands during the First World War. Oliver and David at Palmer Circle, then later Oliver was in Toronto. Mysterious. Amy texted to ask how to cook tender roast chicken, as she and her flatmate were having a Thanksgiving Dinner in Southampton. Happily she’s feeling better.