Today, Monday June 17th, was a bit of a muddle. It was largely dry, though we had occasional threatening clouds blowing over. We were both up in good time for Linda, who came to cut our hair. I had pretty much decided that the central heating was causing the trip switch to go off, and so there was very limited hot water, but light and working fridge and freezer. We were awaiting the gas man, who was due between noon and 6pm. Bit awkward, as I was due to go for an eye test at Boots halfway through the afternoon, and Dot wasn’t quite as au fait with what exactly I’d worked out the previous evening. But I needn’t have worried. At 5.45pm I got a call from British Gas saying they’d been swamped by emergency calls and couldn’t make it. They are now coming tomorrow morning. I hope.

Meanwhile I had been looking for my slide copier – unsuccessfully as yet. Also spent a long time with the eye doctor, who said there was basically nothing wrong with my eyes, but of course I needed new reading glasses, having destroyed most of the ones I had. I eventually ordered three: the second one was half price and the third was free. In the evening Dot made a cake for tomorrow (Cake and Compline), having gone to the shop to buy ingredients, and we watched Belgium v Slovakia (1-0), which was a travesty and made me want to stop watching football altogether.

Last Wednesday (June12) was mainly dry. Cool. Walked to church for Bible study, dropping a signed document in at solicitors’ on the way. Dot followed later by car as she had momentary diarrhoea. Quite a good study – Steve, Debbie, Judy, Dot (eventually). Afterwards I drove home and had lunch, as well as publishing my blog. Back to pick up Dot – trouble starting car again; so we drove up to the garage, who fitted a new battery in key fob. In the evening walked to St Peter Mancroft Octagon to hear Malcolm Guite, who was quite good. Trip arranged by Bridget, and Eleanor came too. Coincidentally also the Cannons. Naomi Tuma was helping to organise. MG’s poetry is very different to mine – quite didactic, but very well done. He also sang a couple of songs. Afterwards Bridget gave me and Eleanor a lift home. Dot went to orchestra and was late back because she helped with putting stuff away. Watched an old Death in Paradise before bed. 

Thursday was quite warm, becoming more overcast and cooler in the afternoon. Intended to write my sermon, but things intervened. Accompanied Dot to Dunelm to replace dryer that didn’t fit the hole. New one seems successful. Bridget came early and we showed her our holiday photos instead of her working. Spoke to Des, who is going up to Lichfield again. Watched documentary on Mississippi and then first episode of new series of The Outlaws, which is very funny. Got some ideas together for rota. David FaceTimed us and told us Oliver had got a first on his dissertation. Had quite a long chat. Entered Crabbe competition with Long Lens poem. 

Friday was mainly dry until time for street meet, when it rained heavily. Had Mark and Jonathan round for drinks and had long discussion on politics, on which we were pretty much agreed. Earlier Dot did quite a bit in the garden, and we went to Morrisons. I did a bit of walking by the river. Spoke to Fred: Ivan’s funeral is the same day as the CNS reunion. Before Dot got up Des came round to say he was off to Lichfield. Car is working ok. At Mark’s instigation we are starting a WhatsApp group for street meet. 

Saturday brought sun and showers, one of them a heavy thunderstorm. Got a couple of pix of lightning. Wrote my sermon in the morning and did a lot of catching up in the afternoon, including editing pictures, managing to register my phone screen protector, sorting out loose papers and researching a new printer for Dot. She almost lost the prayers she’d written for tomorrow but I managed to retrieve them and print them on my printer. Watched a bit of documentary on Charles’ birthday. Don’t know why. Started on rota – most key people will be away, it seems. I may take over. Got chess book from David for Fathers’ Day – John Emms’ Simple Chess – Looks good. 

Sunday started very wet, but later warm and dry. Went to church and had to park a long way away again. I preached. Took Ray home afterwards and got home in time to welcome Fred and Sue. I cooked salmon. We had a good chat and then walked up to Tombland with them, where they caught a bus back to Beeston Regis. Walked home and felt exhausted. Had to lie down while Dot cleared up. FaceTimed with David, who was at Caledon. Spoke briefly to Murrays. Fathers’ Day. Watched England win their first match of Euro 24, beating Serbia 1-0. Not very impressive. Then downstairs lights went out for third time, and after experimenting, I think I’ve tracked it down to the Central Heating, which I’ve turned off. Bit of a relief – could’ve been without fridge, freezer and WiFi. Still not certain. Gas man required.

Thursday, June 6 – Quite cool. Sun and showers. Walked into town to buy stuff from chemist, gift shop and butcher’s. Rained a bit. Drove to Braemar and had warm scone and tea in Gordon’s – very good. Then drove to Linn of Quoich and walked up to the bridge, where we found someone working on the house, and a van parked outside. Remarkable. Rained a bit.

Walked back over the top through the Caledonian pines and down to the car. Realised that shiny white building we could see in the distance was in fact Braemar Castle, dominating the valley. Tried to work out how the van got up to the house. As we were about to drive back, the van appeared – it had obviously come down a track on the other side. As we drove along to the Linn of Dee the van appeared again – and yet again, as it took a short cut through the Mar estate. We stopped for a while above the confluence of the Quoich and the Dee, and again at Braemar, where I went to the loo. Stopped for a read near Balmoral, but we both kept going to sleep.

Had pies for supper. I finished London Rules, a Slow Horses story, which was excellent. Dot is just finishing To Kill a Mockingbird. Feeling very tired. Forgot to mention that at the Log Cabin the other day Dot bought me a book about the Scottish islands, with some great pictures. 

Friday – Cold, quite windy with showers. Called at Larks Gallery then drove to Cambus O May and walked across bridge, plus a bit on the other side. Then drove to Log Cabin via Strathdon –  lovely road over hills. Had small lunch then drove back to view of Lochnagar and stopped for a while to read. Then back to Ballater and after a while drove to riverside and walked along path next to golf course. Trees being uprooted on opposite bank as river cuts into bank. Sorted our stuff out and in the evening walked to Crannoch Grill for another very good meal. While at Log Cabin Fred rang to say Ivan Lincoln had died, but I had already texted him that news, having been apprised by Joyce. Sent Des & Co pics of us with whisky in street, and they reciprocated. 

Saturday – Mainly dry. Becoming a bit warmer as we travelled south. Left Ballater at about 10.10 after chat with cleaner and visit to petrol station and (Dot) to Grocer to buy whisky fudge. She drove to Glen Shee, where we stopped for tea and doughnut, then on to Kinross services, where I bought crisps and took over driving. One slight error while bypassing Edinburgh, but not a big problem. Eventually stopped in lay-by near Berwick for sandwich and then on to the Lindisfarne Inn, where we arrived just after 3pm and checked in. Room very hot, but we got it fixed. Meal at 6pm – trout not bad, but Dot really liked her venison moussaka. I slept for a while afterwards, then we drove over damp causeway to Holy Island and back. Problem with starting car – maybe keys have packed up. Locking still works though. Rather worrying. Dot did some walking to make up steps. 

Sunday – Sun, cloud and very windy, but dry. Had a bad night thinking about car key problem. Good breakfast at inn after checking and finding our breakdown coverage was pretty comprehensive. Managed to start car and drove to Holy Island. Paid for three hours’ car parking: four would have been better, but I didn’t realise we were going to walk to the castle and go round it: quite an experience. By the time we got back to town and Dot had eaten a crab sandwich we had only half an hour to spare. Again car was reluctant to start, but we stopped on way to causeway – rather foolhardy in the circumstances – and read for a while. Car did start again and we got back to Inn, then read/slept for rest of afternoon. Had venison pie for evening meal, which was adequate. Both had liqueur to follow. 

Monday – Mixed weather. Some rain as we travelled south, and very windy. Again. After another full English we were last out, and the car started. Dot drove down the A1, which was quite pleasant, and we stopped at Wetherby, which was crammed and confusing. Found our way to fuel and filled up. I drove next, following Google Maps recommendation to avoid congestion on A1, but it went slightly wrong, though we were able to stop at Ferrybridge services on M62, which were very good: Costa girls very friendly and helpful. Also bought food at M&S, and on emerging circled roundabout twice without finding the right route, then headed east on M62 until it joined the M18. This added a few miles but avoided the congestion altogether; so it was a Good Mistake.

Continued south amid fairly heavy traffic and ended up at Cambridge Services, which has been made more confusing by fencing off the area we usually stop in. Nevertheless we reached it by ignoring a No Entry sigh. Dot took over again and drove the rest of the way. The Highways agency have excelled themselves on the Newmarket bypass by not only failing to complete work there after several years, but by parking one of their lorries so that it blocked half of the inside lane, leading to a delay of at least 15 minutes. After that we had to wait for Norwich for the next ridiculous delay on Riverside, where poor traffic light sequences led to unnecessary delays for traffic heading for Riverside Road. An ambulance parked for no apparent reason by the lights didn’t help.

We got home just on 6pm. Very tired, unpacked a bit and ate a bit before watching the final episode of Red Eye, which was very good. Also had long chat with Amy, then Oliver and David. Amy is doing well at the Zoo, and Oliver has finished his exams. David is working hard in many areas. Tidied up, shaved off beard and had a bath. It was midnight.

Tuesday – Plenty of rain and chilly. Dot drove me to hospital for 11am appointment to check my flow! Found this quite difficult: you have to have a full bladder but not go too soon. Anyway, after several cups of water I made it, and the nurse seemed to approve. I have another appointment in three months. Got the 26 bus  to city centre during a heavy shower: horrible bumpy journey as always. Told woman Dot said it would be fine in July and August…

Got off in Orford Place and went to Apple, where I bought a new screen protector for my phone: £34! Woman had three attempts to fit one. Then to Boots, where I booked an eye appointment for next Monday. Then walked home, feeling extremely tired. Cleared up and wrote some essential e-mails etc; emptied cases; paid a couple of bills. Watched a bit of TV – couple of episodes of Rebus, Scottish river documentary in Sutherland, for instance. Had fish pie we bought in services on way home – M&S, very good. Spoke to Jonathan briefly; intended to take car to garage, but it started OK, and I was very tired. Earlier it had locked us in car for a few moments at hospital. 

It’s Wednesday June 5 – the first day after Dave and Julia returned from Scotland to Nottingham – and the weather has turned much chillier. With showers. We had lunch with Ella at the Boat Inn in Aboyne, and she insisted on paying. Very good fish and chips. Ella looked well, and was greeted by several people as we sat there.. After we drove home we managed to get some washing dry by keeping an eye on the weather.

We didn’t do much the rest of the day except read and rest and watch the rain and hail, but we managed to reach our steps goal by walking inside the house! When we went to bed just before 11pm the sky was blue (oh yes) and the rain had stopped.

A week ago, the first full day of Dave and Julia’s visit, there was lots of rain in the evening but it eased up a bit as we walked to the Clachan Grill for another superb meal. Veal chop this time. Started with Cosmopolitans. All very relaxing.  

Thursday was dry but very windy and quite cool. Drove to Drum Castle, which was quite a trek, and did the guided tour, much of which I remembered from last year. Then, after lunch, looked round gardens and then drove home via Ella’s house, Tarland etc. Too late for Cheese Company. Had fish and chips for supper, plus battered Mars bar. Watched some cricket on TV, then had discussion which included some politics. Went to bed. 

Friday was dry, fairly warm but some wind. Drove down to Loch Muick and parked free because the ticket machine was broken. Walked down to the loch side, taking it fairly slowly. Got as far as the bridge, which was apparently made of the wrong wood, then walked slowly back. Dave had a couple of breaks. Saw deer in the glen bottom. Clear view of tops. Then drove to Cheese Company and had a toastie. Nice place. Drove on via Pass of Ballater to look at Glen Shiel Bridge, then over the tops to Balmoral. By now very misty over Lochnagar, so no great view. Down to Lochnagar Distillery, where Dot bought a couple of glasses and some chocolate. On by back road to Ballater, where we had a long rest. Meal at Green Inn: very nice duck. 

Saturday was dry and quite warm. Walked to various shops; Dot got some plasters, and we visited the Wood and Wool shop. Almost had coffee at corner cafe, but didn’t. Drove to chairlift , had lunch after parking at new area (free if you were using chairlift), then all four of us took chairlift up. Dot and I walked to the summit – quite difficult – while Dave and Julia waited for us. Had brief chat with couple of woman climbers and a foreign guy ( I offered to take pic of him and his son). The latter understood what I was saying, and he seemed quite pleased. Afterwards drove down into Braemar (traffic lights where repairing Callater bridge) and we had a look round Fife Arms hotel before  sharing a pot of tea (£3.50). Split up and looked round shops. Had call from Fred to say Ivan Lincoln was on last legs and Joyce not too well either. Went to chocolate shop and bought a selection, then we all drove home. Ate in after visit to Co-op. Dot and I had pie with fried-up vegetables. Cheese and chocs to follow. 

Sunday – sunny in morning; overcast later. Dry. Went for shortish walk to end of road and back through golf course. Then drove to Cheese Company for coffee and out to the Lecht. On the way back stopped at The Watchers, then at the Log Cabin, where we had lunch. Very pleasant. Then drove back to Ballater, where the Duck Festival was in progress. Split up for walk through. Dot and I saw winning giant duck being escorted by pipe band. Also watched very good R&B group on village green, then Dot and I had ice cream and returned to Bertie’s. Julia and Dave had been there for some time. 

Monday was mainly sunny and dry, but with a lively wind. We filled the car up and drove to Balmoral, where we spent most of the day. Lots of construction work on old restaurant site and behind ballroom. Had drinks and later lunch at a temporary cafe in the old mews; temporary loos behind. Visited ballroom, with watercolours by the King – several of them of Norfolk. Later split up to complete tour of grounds and met by the gate at 4pm. Popped into new gallery at car park and bought some cards, then drove home.

Dot spoke to woman opposite who had been laying gravel: she bought the house last September. Discovered that what we thought was a practice by the fire brigade last time had been a real fire, started by the grandson of the previous owner who had been disinherited. He is now in jail, apparently. Later we got Indian takeaway, which was OK. 

Yesterday it rained at first, then mostly dry. Cooler. Had quick walk down to the river before leaving.  The other three had a drink in the corner cafe, but I wasn’t thirsty. Left about 11.30 and drove to Aberdeen airport, where we dropped off Dave and Julia. We then drove back to Crathes Castle by a somewhat circuitous route and had lunch: soup for Dot and scone for me. We then walked round the grounds and eventually the gardens, which were superb. I got some really good pictures and a video of some oystercatchers. Dot drove from there. Eventually we went to the Co-op, and I bought a pie. Dot bought something Indian to go with leftover rice. After supper we watched a bit of TV, and I did some clearing up. Spoke to David on FaceTime. Message from Evetts revealed they’d got home in six hours door to door.

Sitting in Bertie Cottage, Ballater, at 16:40 on Wednesday, 29 May, and the rain is pouring down. If it wasn’t, I would probably be somewhere else. Julia, Dave, Dot and I have been walking round the town today, stopping for coffee at the cafe on the corner and for lunch at the Rothesay Rooms in the former station. We then visited a number of shops and bought some clothes – I got a secondhand shirt for £8 and Dot got a bag and top from Byzantium. For instance. We also booked meals for later in the week at The Fish Shop and the Green Inn.

Back nearly a week ago, on Thursday 23rd, it was overcast, threatening rain that never actually materialised. Made final preparations, delivered newspapers over the road, then left for our journey north. Dot drove to Boxworth services, where we ate a bit of food we’d taken with us and got rid of scraps, including a bottle of coke that was leaking. Dot lost car keys temporarily, but we found them in the car. Had tea and coffee at Costa, then I drove along A14 and up M1 to Donnington services, which were very smart (refurbished?).

Then Dot drove rest of the way to Matlock Premier Inn through sometimes heavy traffic on M1 especially. Quite a nice room. Went out for walk in the wind and discovered a path by the River Derwent, plus a railway line. After a rest had a nice meal: Dot had fish and chips and I  had steak; both had prawn cocktail, wine and whisky (Taliesker). FaceTimed David for progress report.

Friday – Had full English breakfast – which was ok. Left by about 10.30 in overcast weather, with the occasional bit of blue creeping through and then retreating. I drove first, travelling through Buxton and on by a familiar rout along the A6, past Lyme Park and so on. painfully slow. Eventually skirted Manchester airport on a new dual carriageway with ridiculous 50mph limit. Eventually with help from my excellent navigator found our way on to the M61 and made good progress most of the time. It eventually merged with the M6 further up than I expected.

Stopped at Lancaster services, which was pretty terrible – not enough parking, too many people – and got a plug to enable Dot to charge her phone. Had forgotten to bring one. Also filled up with petrol and Dot took over driving. Called in at the wonderful Tebay and had a bite to eat. Parking there now more extensive. After resuming and crossing Shap it started to rain quite heavily, but we made it to Scotland. Quite a good room at Lockerbie/Annandale Water. Had a bite from Cornwall bakery, then later a bit more from Costa. Wrote a poem about the wildlife visiting McDonalds. Walked round lake a bit and took a couple of pix. Early night after failing to get Scotland TV on set in room. Bit chilly outside. 

Saturday – Dry and fairly warm. Left Annandale Water at around 10.30 and I drove north. Made good time, but left M74 too early and found myself on the M8 heading to Edinburgh. This would have been OK, but I tried to get back on the M90 and got in a muddle, even more so after I swapped and Dot drove. Tried to avoid congestion at Queensferry Bridge but went round in circles and visited some very uninteresting places. Eventually I decided to follow the guidance of Google Maps and eventually found ourselves on the Bridge – bit of a hold-up, but not too bad.

Then suddenly we were on the M90 heading for Perth and stopped at Kinross – services familiar from the past. On to Perth, where we joined the A85 and then the A93, stopping at Starbucks just outside Blairgowrie as usual.  I drove from there over the familiar route, hampered by a couple of cars most of the last few miles. They even turned into Golf Road ahead of me! After a rest, we got food from the Co-op, and later walked around the town in the sun, finding that the ATM had been removed and the bank shut. Booked a meal tomorrow at the Clachan Grill. Felt very tired. Had some food, but failed to make the TV work. Nevertheless we watched Rebus and the TV Cup Final highlights on Dot’s computer.

Sunday -Lots of rain morning and evening. Low cloud all day. Got up just in time for church. Very few there – probably more at St Augustine’s. Trinity Sunday.  Woman preacher quite good, but no anecdotes. Five hymns: organist very slow, congregation very quiet. After lunch drove to Log Cabin and looked round, then up to Lecht. Read a bit on way back. Stopped by tree. Drove over new bridge. In evening had dinner at Clachan Grill – or in fact Angus and Ale, which is a side part. Brilliant meal   – steak and brownie for me. Watched programme on Shetlands on Dot’s computer, then started watching what we thought was an hour’s programme on Morecambe and Wise’s 30  best bits, but it turned out to be two hours, and we couldn’t stop watching. Ended up watching final few in bed at midnight. 

Monday – Warm but showers later, some quite heavy. Slept in quite late. walked into town to see if Tourist office was open: it wasn’t. Then on to petrol station: it was, and got some petrol later. While I was checking Dot went to charity shop – I joined her and we bought three books and a top and necklace. Then to Byzantium, where we bought Dot two scarves – yellow and green. Then across road for lunch – bit early for me after late breakfast but I managed cheese and onion sandwich.

Then drove down to Loch Muick – heavy rain, but got nice pic of deer. Back to Aboyne, where we got cash from ATM (I forgot my Pin) and some food from Co-op, much bigger than Ballater’s. Then located Bridge Inn for meal with Ella next week and on to favourite spot on South Deeside road with view of Morven. Rain had stopped. We read for a while. Later had meal and contacted owner because TV didn’t work. (The husband rang back today, and we sorted it out.) David FaceTimed. We’re going to Oliver’s graduation ceremony (streamed). For some reason felt a bit ill towards end of evening and lay down for a while. Think it was a temporary thing. 

Tuesday – Yes, feel better today. Quite warm. Walked into town, bought food from Delicatessen, then went over to Tourist Information and then had scone and tea in corner cafe, followed by a walk down to the chemist, who diagnosed Dot’s boil and sold her some ointment etc, then over the road, where I bought a new shirt. Discovered crack in my iPhone screen – or hopefully in screen protector. Drove up on road above Balmoral and read for a while: took a couple of pictures. Then on to Braemar, where it was raining so heavily that we didn’t get out of the car. Then home via the back road beyond Balmoral.

Walked down to get some wine, then later walked up Golf Road to end and then back along edge of golf course. Prepared evening meal, and Dave and Julia arrived in taxi from airport about 7.15. Had evening meal – toad in the hole – chatted a bit and went to bed. 

The end of last Friday (May17) was also the end of David Wagner as manager of Norwich City. His departure will coincide with that of a number of players, including Sam McCullum and Ben Gibson. We had a street meet with Des and Chris, John, Jonathan, Ciara, Matthew and a bit of Phoebe. Watched Masterchef and the end of Granite Harbour, which was quite good.

Saturday was sunny and warm. Cooler late evening. John helped by putting our hanging basket back a peg or two, and Dot and I cleared up drive a bit. I removed weed from ladder alley. In the evening we went to St Luke’s to play in the Hippo ceilidh band for Carrie’s birthday. My finger was hurting when I practised, but it was OK on the night. Quite tiring, though. Band = Matt, Anna, Dot and me, Phil, Jaya and Alison. Oh, and Graham on drums.Lots of people there, including the Eastons, who we hadn’t seen for some time. 

Sunday was David’s birthday! Spoke to him early (for him) on FaceTime and watched him unwrap his parcels. Sunny and pleasantly warm. Drove to church and unloaded before parking – fortunately, because I had to park a very long way away. In the end didn’t play guitar, because we had a superfluity of musical talent: Matt, Anna, Dot, Phil and Steve. Did do the prayers, though: Pentecost theme. Heather did meditation – good, but she didn’t seem well. Phoebe there. Took Ray home – he was more cheerful but didn’t look too good. Had note from Des to say he’d taken our parcel in – pills and iPhone connections. In afternoon Dot read in the garden while I did a big clear-up in the house. Bridget and David arrived on train just before 6.30 and had a cup of tea before Dot took them home while I cooked duck. Over 4000 steps. Man City won title; Spurs 5th. Arsenal two points short. 

Monday was a bit cooler, but dry and quite pleasant. Rang up solicitors first thing to arrange a meeting with Anna – they rang back and we fixed Wednesday afternoon. Linda came and cut our hair. I paid her and Mr Prinsley. In the afternoon drove up to get my pills, and Dot got chemist to look at spot on her leg. He wasn’t sure but didn’t think it was anything bad. Afterwards we drove to Mousehold Heath and had an ice cream and a short walk. Felt quite tired. Cooked sea bass and later watched quite a bit of TV, including end of Spy/Master thriller, which was clever, and Blue Lights, which was brilliant. Had band on at end – Dea Matrona – who I really liked. Discovered Paul H is in Madeira. Started getting ready for holiday. 

Tuesday was cooler, but dry till early evening, when it started raining. Got most of my stuff ready for holiday. Drove up to Paul’s to drop in his present and card. Des came over to check on flowers that would need watering etc. Later Jonathan called to say courtesy light in car was on. Watched film – The Lavender Hill Mob – which was very good. Also the first episode of The Responder, which w as disappointing. I don’t think I liked anyone in it, but then it was set in Liverpool. 

Wednesday – Overcast , threatening rain (predicted), but it never came. In the morning Jude came to watch the next episode of The Chosen, following which she drove me to church for Bible study. Dot followed a few minutes later. Steve, Debbie and Ellie also present, and Phoebe came for the last few minutes. She had been to therapy (CBT) following a car crash as few weeks ago. We finished off Colossians 1, and then Dot and I drove home.

I finished off preparations for our holiday, while Dot went to get the car cleaned and buy a few things from Boots. Found water in the bottom of the boot: can only assume it came from a bottle that leaked, but there was a lot of it. 

Later in the afternoon I walked up to the solicitors to meet Anna and have a longish chat with Bethany to try to expedite Phyllis’s estate. Agreed just about everything, and were given a date for the money to be distributed – September 14 – which is 22 months after Phyllis died. And then there will probably be a further delay because of the minuscule US shares held (tax, etc). This is roughly the same date Bethany is due to deliver her baby, which means Fiona will be in charge. Can’t wait. Nothing against Fiona, but…  In the evening Dot went to orchestra – picked up by Janet –after we watched School for Scoundrels. Watched the end of Masterchef when she came home.

Sunday May 12th was warm and mainly sunny. Went to Cathedral in the evening to listen to Ashley Grote playing Messiaen on the organ. It was as if someone had created or come across this amazing machine that made a variety of interesting sounds if you learnt to use it. Unfortunately no-one had invented music yet: so there was a limit to what they could do with it. Or possibly like prog-rock, which showed people how clever you were without producing anything worthwhile. Watched an old episode of Hancock’s Half Hour, which was brilliant. 

Monday was still dry and mild, though clouds looked a little threatening during the evening. Caught up with just about everything – sent David some stuff for his birthday and booked a hotel at Matlock. Dot did a huge amount of work in the garden. She seems well now: I was a bit achy in my legs and feet. In the evening we gave Eleanor and Judy a lift to Claire’s for cake and compline. No Phil. Apparently his e-mail arrived late. For some reason Jonathan has power-washed our outside wall, which now looks a bit flakey, though clean. 

Tuesday was mainly overcast with some rain. Got bus into the city and bought a new iPhone from O2. Took some time, but Eurowoman was both friendly and efficient. Left phone there to charge up with apps etc and walked round M&S, but couldn’t find anything for Dot, though she tried a top on. Had a cup of tea and returned to O2, but still had to wait. Didn’t complete loading up till later in the evening. Had supper and went to Morrisons. David FaceTimed us later: his birthday parcels had arrived. Told us Oliver has a bad cold in the middle of his exams. Earlier Dot had long phone call with old college friend Christine Highmore, who moved house about six years ago and now lives near Aylesbury. 

Wednesday was overcast with quite a bit of rain, mainly light. Judy came round to watch another episode of The Chosen, and after a snack she left for church, and Dot and I walked up to the Octagon for a violin concert by Geneva Lewis, who was very, very good, though I liked some of the pieces more than others. It would also have been nice to be able to hear what she said when introducing the pieces, but apparently this had not been given a high priority. Maybe something to do with the fact that it was being recorded for Radio 3. Anna was in the audience, but downstairs and beyond reach.

Afterwards Dot and I walked up to meet Kim at Jarrold’s – at least that was the intention until I fell heavily on St Andrew’s Street, tripping over a road works sign. I cut my head and was quite shaken, though not as shaken as Dot was. She took me up to Boots, who were singularly unhelpful, refusing to even give me a glass of water. We had to buy paracetamol, plasters and wipes, and no-one on the staff wanted to get involved. The pharmacist was on a break. It was quite painful, but I was relieved that I hadn’t broken a limb, which could easily have happened and would have jettisoned our holiday. By contrast to Boots, when I was on the floor several young women showed a lot of concern and were anxious to help. I said I didn’t need an ambulance. The guy in charge of the roadworks was also very solicitous.

Anyway, we sorted ourselves out enough to walk down to meet Kim at Jarrold’s, had a cup of tea/coffee and talked for some time. She then accompanied us up to the top of London Street before parting ways. We continued down through the Close and home. Strangely I felt quite Ok to walk – better than I had for a few days.  At home we watched the excellent Blue Lights and I cooked a meal (salmon) before Dot headed off to orchestra with Janet. She had a good evening, and we watched Red Eye when she got home. Two excellent thrillers in one evening. 

Thursday – Head and finger no worse, though I felt a bit dizzy when I tried to open the loft. Actually feel reasonably well. Very wet morning: decided not to go to North Walsham, but got suitcases out of loft in preparation for holiday. Caught up with emails (again) and wrote an article for my website after a long gap. It was about falling over, and attracted about a dozen comments, though not all on Facebook. David FaceTimed us: Oliver is doing well with his exams despite his cold. Dot sorted out loads of stuff from the music basket, including the school song and a poem I had written set to music by someone. Bridget came and cleaned – concerned about my head! Later struggled to get into NOW to watch Norwich lose 4-0 to Leeds in playoff. They were pretty awful. Watched Masterchef to take our minds off it. 

Friday was ,much nicer: quite warm and dry. We drove to North Walsham via the recycling tip and left some glass and other electrical stuff – but forgot one big sheet of glass which was flat on the floor to the boot. So we called again on the way back: tip far less busy then (early afternoon). At North Walsham we bought flowers at Sainsbury’s, using our vouchers from the cancer research bloodletting a few weeks ago, then indulged in a meal deal (sandwich, crisps, drinks), which we consumed in the cemetery before putting flowers on graves.

Afterwards we called in at the garden centre on the way out of North Walsham and bought a new hanging basket, which John (over the road) helped us to put up later. Good garden centre, with coffee shop (we didn’t indulge this time). Bearing it in mind. Watched a bit of a spy thriller later in the afternoon.

It’s Sunday, May 12, sunny and warm, as it has been for a few days. There have also been some Northern Lights in the vicinity, and a rather large geomagnetic storm originating on the sun is about to hit us, though with what effect no-one really knows. Musk is worried about his satellites. We have just been to church, where Howard continued his sermon series on Ecclesiastes, and after the service we had a rehearsal of the ceilidh band for next week: I was a bit late for that, as I had to take Ray home. I’m not particularly good at ceilidh music anyway, but I disguise the fact quite well. Present: Dot, who is now much better vertiginously speaking, Anna, Phil, Alison, Jaya and Matt. So three violins, a cello, two guitars and a piano.

When we got home, we discovered that Jonathan had power-washed our front wall. The wall looked good, but the surroundings were a bit messy. Still, nice of him. While we were out, Norwich drew 0-0 with Leeds in the home leg of the Championship play-offs.

Going back to Monday May 6 , it was mild with some sun. Dry. The Bank holiday weather forecast was completely wrong. Dot was feeling quite a lot better, but I felt very tired with pains in lower body and upper thighs. Hard to get up from a sitting position on sofa. Caught up with lots of stuff in the afternoon. Dot drove up to Homebase and Garden Centre, and I walked up to meet her at Ketts Hill roundabout. We then called in briefly at the Rosary. Longish phone call with Paul, partly about his June 3 party, which we had failed to tell him we can’t to go to because we’ll be in Scotland. Watched a bit of snooker world championship, won by Wilson. Also Blue Lights, still brilliant. Cooked duck again. Pretty good. 

Tuesday – Sunny and mild. Dot much better: I felt really tired halfway through the day, but not too bad generally. We both went to the Archant pensioners’ breakfast, which was sparsely attended. Most of the time sat with Richard Batson, then David Wakefield turned up, but no-one else from editorial. Robin and Shelagh at home with suspected Covid/flu. Afterwards went up to fetch my pills – Heartsease roundabout open after many months. Then drove down Thunder Lane to buy stamps – all post offices near us are shut – and on to Morrisons, where Dot bought a few things and I went to Boots to make sure my loyalty card remained activated. Bought water, Coke and some eye-soothing stuff.

Dot did quite a lot in the garden, having bought a new plastic greenhouse which she erected. I cleared up in the house, booked the Lindisfarne Inn and applied for my next driving licence (every three years after you’re 70). In the evening we drove to Sussex Street, parked and walked to DCC meeting at Howard’s. On time for 7.30 – unfortunately it was 7pm. There you go. Judy was late too. Longish meeting but all went well. Walked back to car and drove home to watch pigs dying on Clarkson’s Farm. Very sad. 

Wednesday was another mild and dry day, with plenty of sun. Dot was feeling quite a bit better, and so was I. Went to church together, and I led Bible study. She had a bit of a turn during it, but not too bad. (Debbie, Judy, Ellie, Phoebe, Steve: finished Philemon and switched to Colossians.) In the afternoon she spent quite a time in the garden, creating a new seating area. I cleared up indoors. We watched another episode of Red Eye, a rather good thriller that takes place in an aircraft. In the evening I went to Halesworth for poetry. Nice to see Lynn, Elizabeth, Sue F and Sue M, Kaaren, Marianne and others, but it’s a long way to go to read two poems, one of them without an introduction (because of time constraints). Good journey both ways, though, and home well before 10pm. Dot now has a very sore finger – something else to worry about. However she put something on Diderot and spoke to David about it. 

Thursday dawned mainly sunny, mild and dry. Just right, really. Drove over to a Poringland to see Anne and Philip and deliver Anne’s birthday presents. Had tea/coffee, then went to visit Thelma, who is now bedbound but still fairly cheerful. Very hard to communicate because of her deafness. Showed her a couple of pics of Joanne, Eddie, Sandra, Phil and Joy, but she didn’t really recognise anyone. Also showed her some old family pix (on my phone), in which she was more interested. Bridget was cleaning when we got home; had a chat with her in the garden. Had quite a late meal (yellow haddock), then tidied room up, including updating Cornerstone sheets and cutting driving licence in half as requested – part of the process of getting a new one. Watched a bit of TV – on coastguard rescues, which I find strangely fascinating, and Vegas/Gibson comedy. Dot not feeling too bad: same with me, given moments of fatigue. 

Friday – you guessed it: sunny and warm. Took Dot up to Spire Hospital for appointment with Mr Princely about her vertigo. Half an hour – pretty thorough. He felt her balance was a bit off, but no BPPV at the moment. As it seemed to be improving he suggested leaving it for a couple of months, with the option to come back if it got worse. She had a walking on the spot test, in which she veered markedly to the right, to her astonishment. Nice surroundings. In the afternoon I posted my driving licence (cut in two) back to DVLA. The new one had already arrived. Watched quite a bit of TV and went out for street meet – big gathering (Des, Chris, John, Jonathan, Sean, Ciara, Phoebe, Matt, Angela, Sarah – and Mary for a moment). Fish and chips. More TV. Very tired. 

Yesterday was – yes – warm and dry, but failed to go out because I was writing Parish Pump pieces on Tolkien, Gideons and York Minster. Also practised ceilidh songs and hymns for tomorrow with Dot and watched a fair bit of TV, including more of Clarkson’s Farm. Spurs won for a change. Had four-way FaceTime with David, Oliver and Amy. Everyone seemed pretty jolly. Dot did quite a lot in the garden after buying some clematis from the garden centre (Highways). She also had very long phone call with Angela. 

Tuesday April 30 was fairly mild, and dry till mid-evening. Decided to do some tidying up on parents’ and grandparents’ graves; so I drove up to  the back entrance of the Rosary with tools and stone cleaner. Took a while: was feeling pretty tired by the end. When I got home discovered that Dot had had really bad vertigo and rang the doctor. She fixed an appointment for tomorrow afternoon (“I am desperate”) and has been pretty fragile the rest of today. So I hung out the washing and later got it in  (it was raining) and dried it. Watched a bit of TV (Blue Lights is really excellent), then I cooked duck and sweet potatoes for Dot – I had fried ordinary potatoes. I then cleared up – had run the dishwasher earlier – and made sure the kitchen was OK.  Went to bed quite early. Des not back from Lichfield – bit worrying. 

Wednesday  was warm and mainly sunny. Tried to start on sermon, but didn’t get very far. Dot not too good in the morning. Bridget came at 11.30 to do the cleaning and at 1pm I zoomed into a Norfolk Record Office talk on St Benet’s Abbey mill, which was fairly interesting, but I would have like a bit more on the Abbey itself. Took Dot to see doctor in afternoon – took two hours altogether, including about 45 minutes waiting in surgery and about half an hour with Dr Hampsheir, who was very good and sort of recommended she should go private. Dot will ring tomorrow. He also gave her a pill that has helped.

On the way home Riverside Road was badly gridlocked – took us about 20 minutes from roundabout. When we went to Morrisons about 90 minutes or more later it was still quite bad: appeared to be some kind of holdup beyond Carrow Road. Still, shopping was fairly easy and Dot seemed much better. Later Des and Chris got home – they’d had a rough time helping their daughter at Lichfield with her new baby (Archie) after an emergency Caesarean. Des popped over and got the whole vertigo story. Watched Professor T, which included the death of my favourite character. Great. 

Thursday was another warm and dry day, which I failed to take advantage of because I was writing my sermon, which I did manage to finish. Took Dot up to get her usual pills, then she spent much of the rest of the day – despite her vertigo – preparing the meal for tomorrow. Des came over again and gave us an alfonso mango, which was delicious. Harriet also dropped by, but I dissuaded her from speaking to Dot. My head was very poppy all day, and I had an on-off pain in my side which may have been gas. Watched the film Widows in the evening – not what I expected, but well done, though it didn’t make you feel good. 

Friday was grey and wet. Anne and Philip came round for lunch. Philip managed better than I had imagined, though of course he moved very slowly. He certainly hasn’t lost his appetite – Dot did a lovely salmon dish with potatoes, tomatoes and asparagus, followed by a sticky toffee and pear pudding. Really nice. Philip got upstairs ok and we had quite a long talk. Then cleared away, and it was too wet for street meet; so Des and Chris came over here for a couple of hours. Had a very early night, and Dot went to sleep quickly. I have finished my The Rest is History book. Dot’s vertigo was bad in the morning, but better for quite a while after she took her pill – both times. Philip thinks she’ll be all right if she takes her medication and drinks two glasses of water. He said that several times. 

Saturday was quite pleasant: dry and reasonably warm. Dot still suffering with vertigo off and on. Went up to church for clearing out in the morning as I was feeling reasonably well, but there really wasn’t anything to do – at least there probably was, but I couldn’t work out what it was. Spoke to several people who inquired about Dot. Back to watch Norwich’s final match of the season on NOW: had a lot of trouble getting it on big screen and then wished I hadn’t bothered, because they played really badly, losing 1-0 to Birmingham, who were relegated. No apparent effort. Later updated sermon slightly and went for a walk over Bishop Bridge, down to the Great Hospital and across to the lawn in The Close, then home. Cooked sea bass but was very tired and not hungry. Watched a bit of TV, including Clarkson’s Farm series three and The History Boys, which is brilliant. 

Sunday was quite mild, with a fair bit of sun. Dot has been feeling much better, but didn’t go to church. I played in the band and gave the sermon – on love – which went down quite well. Took Ray home as usual. he is going a bit downhill.  Had a problem with my stomach and lower back later on, but we went out for a walk round the riverside path to the Adam & Eve, then back through The Close. Des took my air rifle to see if a guy he know can do something with it. In the evening watched a few things. Ate while Amy FaceTimed us. Later on, when we were in bed, David FaceTimed us. Earlier had almost gone to Lowestoft for poetry, but realised in time it was next week. At least, I think it is.

There was still a very cold wind on Wednesday (24th), with a mixture of sun and showers. Judy came round to watch The Chosen, and then all three of us went to church for Bible Study – joined by Debbie, Steve and Phoebe (for the first time). Did most of Philemon! Afterwards Dot and I drove directly to Salthouse to see the Christian artists’ exhibition; had a chat with Charlotte Ashenden and bought a few cards. Also spoke to Ian Dyble’s wife. Afterwards called in at the Manor in Blakeney for tea and cake – it’s getting very smart – and got home around 5pm. Had pea and ham soup for supper, watched Masterchef and then Dot went to orchestra rehearsal with Janet. Neither of us was well, but we were pretending we were. 

Thursday – Same old weather. David Archer left car in drive while he went to London. I felt good when I woke up but went downhill: felt very cold again. Better by evening. Dot still stuffed up, but seems to be recovering. I finished Parish Pump articles: last two on Mallory and Sudan. Bridget came to clean: I sort of said I’d do a new treasure trail for C&C group for September, starting at the Cathedral and ending at the Assembly House. Des got fish and chips instead of tomorrow, when they’re going to Lichfield to see their new grandson. Difficult delivery for daughter. Rang Annette to check on arrangements for Saturday. 

Friday was still cool and grey, but mostly dry. Dot felt very under weather this morning: so I drove her up to the surgery, and amazingly she was able to get an appointment for 4pm. This meant I had to get the bus home from my 3pm hospital appointment, looking at my flow. That didn’t go too well as I find it hard to perform on demand, but it was helpful in that they told me I should be reducing my catheterisation to once a week. I was already reducing it, but will now do it faster. Should be getting another flow appointment in June. Yippee. Meanwhile Dot got a good going over by a nurse practitioner and was given some nasal spray as well as instructions on how to do the special manoeuvre to stop her vertigo. Also told her she no longer had chest infection. She did the manoeuvre later and it seemed to have worked – for a while anyway. My skin has started itching again, and I’m very tired. Can do stuff ok though. 

Saturday was overcast and cool but mainly dry. Dot has been having lots of trouble with vertigo: we tried the manoeuvre described by the nurse practitioner, but it didn’t seem to work after all – in fact it was worse for a while. Annette rang to say she had an ear infection and couldn’t come to Caroline Gilfillan’s memorial afternoon at Hempton Memorial Hall. As I’d been intending to pick her up, that made it much easier for me : sad for her though. Despite her condition, Dot went to match – Norwich drew 2-2 –and I left around 1pm with my box of books and CDs and plate of food, which I’d remembered to cook at the last minute when Dot reminded me.

Traffic was heavy getting out of city, but I got to Hempton in time. About 25 people there altogether – several others were ill – including organisers Dave and Liz Easley, Kay and David Riggs, Di Griffiths, and Elizabeth Bracken from Beccles. Almost everyone contributed – I read Rebecca Clayton, from the Oxnead book. Songs, poems and so on. Even a couple of recordings of Caroline reading and singing. Left at just after 6.15 and got home just after 7pm. Cooked salmon ( though I didn’t need it). Amy FaceTimed to check on our health. We watched  some TV including a short documentary on the Yardbirds and a bit of Match of the Day. 

Sunday was still wintry: mainly grey and quite a bit of rain. Bad day for Dot: her vertigo was giving her a lot of trouble, especially in church in the morning. She sat at the back with Liz and didn’t play in the music group. Graham led and Howard preached on Ecclesiastes again. Took Ray home: he was not too good today – got a helping hand to car from Amanda. Tried the Epley manoeuvre again with Dot. Doesn’t really seem to work. Best when she sits quietly watching TV. All very unlike her usual bubbly self: quite worrying. Didn’t feel particularly well myself: head, teeth and eyes not at their best. Watched last Montalbano and a couple of other things. Carrie came round because Dot was bad and had a chat and cup of tea. 

Yesterday was a much nicer day. Lots of sun, and milder, though still windy. Dot and I decided to go for a bluebell walk in Lion Wood. Drove up to back of Rosary, then walked through Lion  Wood – plenty of bluebells on the west side. Eventually emerged at Pilling Road and met a couple of people looking for Barrack Street. Then back to car and a brief excursion into Rosary to look at graves, which need some TLC. Back home, felt very tired and lay down after lunch. Then went into garden to cut back ivy. After supper watched Night Mail – a brilliant little film that made you feel good. Later David rang and we had a really long talk about various things, including Dot’s vertigo problem (which seems to be improving) and Diderot, especially how we remember our past. I have a bit of a pain around my right groin. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. 

Sunny spells on Thursday 18 April, with more rain in the evening. Dot hasn’t been at all well, with her head/ear problem recurring. But she improved towards evening, as did I – I had been feeling pretty ropey, but not too ropey to function. Had a bad night and was up early – probably my speed awareness course was on my mind. This started around 9.15 and was run by Natalie, from Suffolk, who did a pretty good job. There were about nine of us.

It was pretty predictable, but the stuff about recognising speed limits and types of road signs was good. The stopping distances stuff was nonsense because it ignored visibility and anticipation, and there was general acceptance that driving slowly is safer, which it isn’t. However she came across well and did as good a job as she could given the circumstances. Dot had a at very quiet day, but had a distanced chat with Bridget when she came to clean. Needless to say we watched a good bit of TV, including Masterchef, Professor T and a Palin documentary on Nigeria. Printed out a hymn for Sunday (Cornerstone).

Friday started off wet, then dry but with a cold wind from the north. Got up early to be ready for the guy coming to service our alarm, but he didn’t come till nearly 10am. Had a bath afterwards and felt tired out as a result. Felt pretty ropey most of the day, but went out for street meet ( all male – Des, young John and Mark) and despite the low temperature felt better, though I was out for nearly 90 minutes. Dot didn’t feel up to it: she is halfway through her antibiotics. Cooked salmon afterwards and we watched TV. I fell asleep during Beyond Paradise. Earlier Dot and I looked at ceilidh music. 

Saturday was dry, coolish, windy. Strange day. Dot had a bad night. Got her a drink around 4am. Neither of us got much more sleep. Wasn’t feeling great, but went to church to help with spring-cleaning. Very little energy, but I did a bit. Found some old treasurer’s files, which went out, and some of my poetry books – and my cousin Adrian’s – which I brought home. Felt very tired and went to sleep after lunch: woke to find Dot, amazingly, intending to go to Carrow Road.

I took her in the car – slow because of Morrisons-generated queue. Came home and watched episode of Beyond Paradise that I had largely slept through yesterday. City drew 1-1 with Bristol City. Cooked venison grillettes, then we watched a couple of episodes of This Town – a drama series based mainly in Birmingham at the time of the IRA troubles, but brilliantly done and with good music. In between the two episodes, wrote prayers for Sunday. 

Sunday was a similar day, weatherwise. Cold wind becoming tiresome. Dot stayed in bed while I went to church and played in worship group with Steve and Matt. Also did the prayers. Afterwards took Ray home after fetching car from way up Oak Street. Watched quite a lot of TV, including end of Wisting (Norway noir) and more of This Town. David FaceTimed and we had a slightly shorter talk than usual. Cooked eggs and bacon – Dot had a rather more exotic egg concoction. 

Monday was still chilly and overcast, but mainly dry. Felt pretty lousy in the morning and toyed with taking my random antibiotics, but Dot didn’t mention them when she came out of the shower, so instead I went to the ear clinic (now on St Augustine’s) and had a microsuction clear-out.  Left ear was bit painful – wax stuck to eardrum, but felt better afterwards. Before that Dot went to Morrisons for food, after I’d checked with Joy that she and Phil could come for lunch tomorrow. I wrote two out of the four pieces for Parish Pump, on D-Day and 1984. Too much information! We decided not to go the parish AGM: Dot was definitely improving but was not right yet. I cooked salmon instead. We watched some TV, and Dot finished her Peter May thriller. Mark has gone to Australia.

Yesterday (Tuesday) the weather was pretty much unchanged: cool, overcast, some rain. Neither of us felt particularly well in the morning, but we didn’t want to put off Phil and Joy again; so we went ahead, and it worked out very well. They arrived just after noon and had coffee while I cooked chilli con carne and mushrooms. Dot had bought poppadoms, and we had mango chutney etc. All went down well. Cheesecake afterwards, and quite a long talk after that – found we had similar opinions on some critical issues.

They left around 5pm, and I dozed for a while, then we watched the last three episodes of This Town, partly because the penultimate one lost about half an hour in recording; so we caught it on iPlayer and then watched the last one, which doesn’t broadcast till next week. Excellent production and a good ending, despite a negative review in Private Eye.