If the Earth was flat, cats would have pushed everything off it by now. Rather more upbeat than I’m actually feeling, for various reasons. I’m getting toward the final throes of a really bad head cold or other virus, and a lovely friend of ours has had some really bad news. To start at the beginning, which wasn’t so bad….

Friday was reasonably warm; bit of a breeze toward evening. Dot has developed quite a bad cold, almost certainly as a result of visiting London. I thought I was getting one too, but I’m not so sure (hah!). She didn’t do much today; so I had free rein. Cleared the decks a lot; tidied the study and the bedroom in a minor sort of way. Got some cash from ATM in order to pay Colin tomorrow. Dot did manage to get to the surgery for the results of her blood test and was given a prescription for pseudo-statins. By the time she got back the street meet was in progress, with quite a few attending: Des, Chris, Sarah, Ciara, Mary, Jonathan, Matt and Angela, who has gone blonde. Looks good. Des got us fish and chips. We watched a couple more episodes of Dr Death and of course the Test Match highlights.

Saturday – Warm again, but with the odd shower.  Colin came early with his son Jordan to cut our hedge. Dot was feeling pretty bad with a streaming cold; so stayed in bed till mid-morning. i made several cups of tea! In the afternoon I drove to North Tuddenham to take some second-hand clothes to the O’dells for their charity fete next weekend. Adrian was in Ipswich; I had a cup of tea with Jane, and we discussed gall bladder surgery; our histories were strangely similar. Also reunions. Cooked lamb steak. Watched Test highlights (England in the driving seat) and Becoming Elizabeth. David and Chrissy’s third wedding anniversary.

Sunday – Mild and dry until evening; then persistent rain. Dot has been ill all day, staying in bed this morning while I went to church for a joint service which attracted a huge number of people – must have been about 50. Played in band with Steve, Simon Snell, Matt and Anna (who arrived late and changed everything – Steve and I could have done it on our own). Good service, but I wasn’t feeling great, and I felt less great as the day went on. Lay on the bed for a while. Have an odd feeling in my throat and a bit of a cough, but it’s hard to pin down what’s wrong. Dot is coughing a lot but says she’s improving.

I cooked meal as usual.  On the plus side I finished reading Dominion, which Paul had given us for Christmas. Very dense and long, but fascinating overview of history from pre-Christian times. Excellent research generally, but how can you discuss Christianity in the 20th century without mentioning C S Lewis? Didn’t agree with the conclusions, but lots of good stuff. Frustrating end to the day when we tried to watch a programme on itvx, but it kept cutting out and then lost sound.

Monday – Felt lousy all day. Dot improving slightly. Had a bath and read a bit of Borges. Managed to cook meal but made peculiar mistakes – wrong oven, wrong time. Fortunately it was edible. I may be cracking up, but how would you tell? In bed most of day. 

Tuesday – Another rotten day. Dot was feeling a bit better and did some cupboard cleaning. I felt bad and didn’t even have a bath. Not easy to sleep. 

Wednesday – hoped I’d feel better, but didn’t  really, though I did have a bath and got a little sleep. Eyes watering , headache. Weather quite good- sunny – and Dot did a lot of work in the garden. Our lovely friend Nikki has had terrible news: her baby is dead in the womb. Dot wrote her a lovely message on WhatsApp. She already has a little girl, India, who is wonderful. Her fiancé was delayed getting to her because his electric car ran out of charge on the way from London. Eyes stinging. Just like the colds I used to get. Hope I feel better tomorrow. 

Thursday – Managed to get some sleep late yesterday and felt I was improving. Mainly sunny today, but the threat of rain. Dot went up to city for pedicure and a couple of other things. I had a bath and got up, but had a bit of a relapse, though it’s not as bad as yesterday. Bridget came to clean. I was confined to my room but very pleased to be quiet. Cooked evening meal but felt very full afterwards, though it wasn’t much. Gunge in stomach. Still feeling far from well. 

Just spent a few minutes trying to work out why there aren’t any notes on my machine(s) about Friday, when I distinctly remembered writing something about the day in bed last night. Have just realised that today is Friday, and nothing much has happened yet. What I was writing about was Thursday. Well, that’s what happens when you get to 78. And 55 years married. Aargh!

Revenons à nos moutons. Sunday was milder with some sun. The test match was rained off in Manchester, with the usual whining from true blue Englishmen and a demand for a new system, all of them forgetting the times that England have benefited from just such a situation. The day ended very badly when I spent ages buying a Railcard, using an awful picture, then one for Dot, via Trainline. Ended up failing to understand Trainline ticket-buying – pricing was very obscure concerning a return ticket: didn’t seem to make sense. It should be really straightforward. Very frustrating. 

So I had a bad night, but strangely didn’t feel bad during Monday, most of which I spent writing articles for Parish Pump on North Korea, J R R Tolkien, W H Auden and Google. In the afternoon drove Dot to  the charity shop and chemist’s, and posted my booking form for Bertie Cottage next year after paying the deposit. Cleared up a bit outside – mainly old leaves and some straggly ivy, then after bacon, eggs and chips watched the original Pink Panther, which was brilliant. Oh, and I bought train tickets on Trainline. It was easier on a bigger screen.

Tuesday was mild and dry in London, but it was raining when the train pulled into Norwich at around 9.20pm, and we ended with a miracle: I had mislaid my debit card, and we searched the house when we got back until we gave up. Then Dot prayed about it and  was led straight to it, lying camouflaged on one of the TV remotes (the card, not her). I had realised earlier in the day I didn’t have it, but thought I remembered where it was. It wasn’t.

Earlier we got the 10am train to London. Dot went over to the station early and bought a coffee and croissant. Ironically there was a buffet car on the train both ways. The train was also bang on time. Got the Central Line to Tottenham Court Road and walked down to Trafalgar Square. We were early for our slot; so we got a scone from the cafe in the Gallery – quite packed; a lovely Chinese family sat almost opposite us. We were still early, but the officials didn’t seem to worry and waved us in.

The St Francis of Assisi exhibition was very interesting, more for the story than for the pictures: quite challenging in terms of Christian response to God. Afterwards we went into the main Gallery and saw a few pictures there, but we were both very tired; so went outside  and stood in the extremely busy Square. Eventually walked over into the beginning of Whitehall and bought a couple of glasses of  wine at an extortionate price. Got talking to an Australian couple: the woman, Erin, was very much like Barbara and extremely entertaining; her husband was a former professional racing driver.

As we were finishing the wine and the Australians were leaving, Oliver arrived, having seen us as he walked towards the Square. We introduced him, and then the three of us went inside (it was a Sicilian restaurant) to have a meal and a chat. He is clearly enjoying London and the work he’s doing. We then all walked up to Tottenham Court Road station again and we got the Elizabeth Line (Oliver waited to get a later train). Reached Liverpool Street in very good time and got on the train at around  7.10. Plenty of room, and we left on time. Had a headache and took some paracetamol. During the journey (there and back) read a book about physics that David got me. 

Wednesday was warm and dry till early evening, then steady rain, which was forecast to continue all night, and it did. Woke late. Walked up to church in the morning and did Bible Study with Judy, Debbie and Steve. Went quite well. Dot picked me up and we had a quick lunch before I walked up to the solicitor’s to talk about Phyllis’s estate. Anna was there too. Saw Hannah, a trainee who was clearly very on the ball, and we signed a couple of documents and had a couple of questions answered. Then walked home. After a while drove to Morrisons and spent over £200, stocking up – probably two weeks’ worth, and including a £42 bottle of whisky. After supper watched a couple of episodes of Dr Death, about a surgeon in America who killed people. Interesting, unless you’re about to go into hospital. Found £50 of money from Phyllis’s estate that I had misplaced.

Yesterday was warm, very humid with occasional light rain. It was our 55th wedding anniversary, and Norfolk Day. We walked up to the Maids Head and listened to Rob Knee do one of his costumed talks – this time as Sir Robert Huntley talking about Octavia Hill, the founder of the National Trust. Greeted by Penny. Interesting info: I asked a couple of questions at the end, and Dot asked one. Afterwards we walked into the city and had an early lunch at Harriet’s tearoom in London Street. Very good. Then on to the White Company, where Dot bought a couple of things on her list. Walked home and watched a comedy drama – Dial M for Middlesbrough. Bridget came and cleaned while I cleared up the study and sorted some stuff out. Had a long FT chat with David in the evening, before watching the cricket. 

Time races past: it seems only yesterday I was posting my last entry. Now it’s Sunday again, we’ve been to church and I’ve been up to the sorting office to post some charity stuff. I’m tired but feeling much better than last Tuesday , when I felt a strain in my abdomen, back and front. Eased off as the day progressed. Sorted out songs – took a while – and wrote blog. DCC  in the evening at our house: Graham, Debbie, Phil, Howard, Dot and me. Not too bad. Afterwards had quite a long chat with Oliver on FaceTime. He showed us his apartment. Seems very upbeat. He sent me some quotes. Later in the week he revealed he got a first in his second year. What a star!

Wednesday – Still fairly mild, but heavy cloud and occasional rain. Dot dropped me at church to do Bible study with Steve, Stacey and Debbie. Leanne has hives (Debbie called round). Afterwards Dot picked me up and we took some stuff up to the tip. Quite easy, because plenty of staff around to direct us to the right bin for each item. When we got back we discovered that it had been raining hard in the city. Not much appetite, but felt better generally, though I had to lie down in late afternoon. Cooked sausages, and in the evening we watched Tour de France and Test highlights, as well as the rest of Alan Bennett’s An Englishman Abroad. Didn’t think much of the Englishman (Guy Burgess), but it was beautifully done – based on a true story involving Coral Browne, an actress who played herself. Oh, and we also watched a documentary about the Great Flood of 1953, which was very good until they dragged in global warming by the scruff of its neck (it was 1953!!). 

Thursday – Dot walked up to Jarrolds for lip wax and I met her afterwards. We had lunch at  Charcuterie there – pate and cheese, very nice. Kim was in the same area coincidentally, and we had a chat. She is off to Coventry tomorrow. Dot and I walked down to M&S and bought me some new slippers and two thin jumpers. Also four new pillows (I’m not going to wear those). Got bus back. Dot has a problem with her ankle that I think may be a ligament, but not sure. Bridget came to clean, and in the evening I drove Dot part of the way to the Greens for handbell ringing. David and Bridget brought her home. I caught up on some reading. 

Friday – Mainly dry but a little cooler. In the morning we took a bus up to the dentist’s to say goodbye to Ross, who is retiring. Enthusiastic greeting from Linda, his wife, who we have known for many years. Others also very friendly – fizz and cake. I walked home while Dot tarried in John Lewis and bought stuff. I felt absolutely shattered at lunchtime, and lay down for a while. In the afternoon Dot went to Dunelm and a garden centre and bought more stuff.

I waited in for BT man, who unexpectedly didn’t do much but confirmed all was in order. Just a new contract, apparently. Contacted stonemason about Andrew’s gravestone and then completed papers and paid deposit of 50%. Confirmed meeting next week about Phyllis’s probate. Street meet went well (four of us plus Ciara and Matt), but it started to rain as Des brought fish and chips. Watched Test highlights, Tour de France and some other stuff. Lots of stuff about.

Saturday – Unpleasant, grey and often wet day, but I managed to get up to the sorting office and Rosary while it was only spitting. Andrew’s grave is now flat. Dot went to chemist and managed to get pills (she was on the last one). Caught up with loads of stuff and watched cricket, Tour de France and episode of Beck. Cousin Ann from Liverpool rang up to talk about her family history. Very complex in the Howard area. He married two sisters and possibly three other people. Not simultaneously, but almost in one case. Ho, hum.

Quite a busy few days. Going back to last Wednesday, my birthday, Dot and I had a perfect meal at Côte Brasserie in Exchange Street. It rained hard while we were in there, but happily remained dry as we walked up and came home. I have decided I love French food – on this occasion a bottle of French rosé wine with garlic bread; chicken liver pate; sirloin steak medium rare; crème brûlée with candle; followed by green tea with peach flavour. To round the day off, David FTd from his office in Cambridge. Afterwards we watched Beck and Tour de France. 

Thursday was overcast, fairly mild but with occasional rain. Dot bought paint in the morning while I finished Translation State – very good SF novel bought for me by David. Later wrote most of my sermon and an article for my website. Bridget came to clean while Dot went to Ofsted feedback at Sutton. Cooked duck. Watched a bit of Wimbledon. 

Friday started grey but dry, a bit windy. By lunchtime it had started raining and turned quite chilly. Rain persisted for the rest of the day. Picked up Alan and June Harrison just after 9am. Alan is a former CNS teacher considerably older than me, and June is a relatively young Asian woman, attractive and very pleasant, dressed in moderately spectacular fashion. I had not met her before.

We drove to Easton College and spent some time finding the right building, then the right room. Huge campus with lots of speed bumps. We were still among the first there for the annual CNS Class of 1961 reunion. Good attendance, including Fred and Roger, plus Neville and Mary and the Houseagos. Autobiographical talk on engineering (Laurence Scott etc) which was very interesting but got a bit bogged down in detail towards the end.

Then we all went in tractor and trailers to a field where the top guy, who was Irish, gave a talk on the farming work there. He was brilliant – an original thinker not interested in all the clichés. He attacked research for research’s sake – just to get your name on a paper, he said. After lunch he gave another talk on the way they were approaching farming at Easton. Really exciting. If only he was Minister of Agriculture! Before that we saw a film on farming in 1945!

While we were out in the fields it started raining and got windy, and I had quite a bad attack of hay fever, affecting my eyes rather than my nose. That got better, but the rain got worse, and it was tipping down when we left. Traffic bad too. Dereham Road very slow, but I got across to Essex Street rather neatly. Food at the college was very good too. Too wet for street meet; watched a bit of tennis and Tour de France, then caught up with newspaper reading.

Saturday was very windy, with a little rain. Moved the car into Chalk Hill Road so that I could get to church the next day when they blocked our road for the Norwich run. Then posted a card to Audrey while Dot pursued her day-long task of painting the dining room chairs. In the afternoon walked up to St Stephen’s Church to take part in a Julian workshop. Received call to say Lucy was held up in traffic; so welcomed them and found room – also bought several mugs of tea. About 12 of us altogether – only one other man. Lucy had to leave again to move her car; so I chatted and read poems. Went ok altogether. Later had delayed street meet with Des, Chris and John, after watching Stuski win men’s doubles final. Women’s singles won by unseeded Czech woman, Marketa Vondrousova. Watched Tour de France. 

Sunday was not quite so warm; windy with a few drops of rain. Had to walk to Chalk Hill Road to pick up the car. Traffic was really bad trying to get to church by devious route, and hard to park too. Martyn turned up unexpectedly to play piano. Anna and Matt away. I did sermon and Dot did prayers. In afternoon watched impressive men’s singles final: Djokovic lost to Alcaraz on five sets. Later watched Beck and Tour de France. Sound familiar?

Yesterday was fairly mild, with a couple of spectacular thunderstorms. Started by going to Morrisons on my own, followed by a trip top to the surgery to have yet another blood test, this time related to my kidneys, apparently. Nurse Linda described herself as a minion, so couldn’t really answer questions. She was very nice though, and called me “Dear”, a definite trend at the surgery. Do they know something I don’t?    

Didn’t feel too great all day but visited my Aunt Thelma with Dot, just after a very heavy thunderstorm in Norwich (but not Poringland). It was Thelma’s 94th birthday. When we arrived Sheila was there. Had quite a nice chat with her. Thelma doesn’t seem keen, but I think that’s because she depends on her. Thelma is definitely deteriorating. Her deafness is really bad, and she can’t really hold anything. A male carer had to give her tea through a straw. We looked at some of her wedding photographs.

Another thunderstorm in Norwich afterwards; so I took Dot to a safeguarding meeting at the Greens’. Afterwards Dot finished painting the chairs. Watched Murder on the Blackpool Express. – very funny – and the new Paxmanless University Challenge. Caught up with Fever, a really interesting radio programme discovered by Dot on the origins of Covid, and the way it was obscured by scientists.

It’s my birthday! I can’t tell you how old I am, but the numbers 7 and 8 are in it. Don’t feel all that much different. Cloudy day, bit windy, seeming about to rain any second but hasn’t yet. Or has it? (Looks out of window) No, it hasn’t. Paul Henderson called in this morning. He is the process of selling his house and buying one a bit smaller. I had to leave shortly after he arrived to walk to church for a Bible study. Debbie, Steve and Stacey. Quite relaxing. Dot picked me up and then went for a blood test. Later we’re going out for a meal. Parcel arrived from David and Chrissy. Two exciting looking books.

Last Friday was warm. Dot went to shop while I had a bath. Window cleaner came. After lunch drove down to Eye to meet Amy, Vicky and Matt. Plenty of traffic. Found car park, but the others were in a cafe. Amy came to fetch us, and we had a cup of tea with them. Vicky and Matt were having lunch. Confusing “Road closed” signs in Eye. Roads were in fact open, though obstructed. Lots of traffic on the road home. All went out for street meet at 5.30pm, as Murray was heading for a loss at Wimbledon. Attending: Des and Chris, Sarah (Mark is in Norway), Jonathan. Amy pretty relaxed. Had evening meal outside (Pizza plus salad), then showed each other recent pix on TV. Eventually watched Tour de France. Cavendish almost won but his gears were faulty. 

Saturday was warm but mainly cloudy. Drove  Dot and Amy to Cromer mid afternoon so that Dot could rehearse for concert while Amy and I amused ourselves in Cromer. Bumped into Adrian Busker unexpectedly, and later the lovely Karen Wimhurst. Went on to the pier for a while, then walked along the prom and climbed steep steps to coast road. After a rest we decided to play crazy golf, which I unexpectedly won 69-73, putting mainly left-handed.

Saw end of rehearsal, then we all went for a short walk before coming back outside church to eat our lunch. Then had cup of tea before concert. Sat with Angela and Rodney. Spoke to Graham Smith, Adrian and Jane O’dell ( she had just had gall bladder removed), Neville and Jaya, as well as one or two others. Gave violinist Nova (Chinese) a lift back to Norwich. Amy watched British Grand Prix practising, which she had recorded. 

Sunday continued warm and mainly dry. Went to church on my own; led prayers and prayed in Communion. Discussed Phyllis estate briefly with Anna. Latish home: went to Gem with Dot and Amy, then watched British Grand Prix with  her. Won by fake world champion Verstappen, but Lando Norris  second. Watched film, 500 Days of Summer, and Amy discovered link to Bob Dylan’s Duquesne Whistle video after hero’s way of walking rang a bell with me. After tea watched Test highlights – narrow win for England. 

Monday was another busy day: mild but slightly windy; rain late evening. Took Amy over to station after breakfast, and made sure she got on the train. Then drove to Denton – delayed yet again by road closure at Saxlingham and then got lost as we approached Denton. Had coffee and biscuits/cakes with Robin and Shelagh, and they showed us round the garden and house. Drove home by different route. Felt a big ropey in afternoon: remembered it was exactly a year since my gall bladder operation. Watched Tour de France – sadly Cavendish out with broken collar bone. Got buses up to Eagle pub for orchestra barbecue – very good after slow start. Spoke to people new to me – Penny, Jenny (wife of double bass), Peter – vicar and trumpeter –plus others I did know, including  Vicky, who was with her new boyfriend Anthony. Seemed a nice guy. Barbecue food was excellent, as was wine. 

It was quite warm and dry yesterday, after early morning rain. Maybe a few drops later. Dot spent all day at a DSSO meeting, and I used the time to catch up on lots of stuff. Posted cards to Phil and Joy (anniversary) and Stephanie ( birthday) and bought stamps from Andrew “ Clown” Partridge. Arranged to update BT Broadband. Watched a bit of Wimbledon when Dot got home. Cake and Compline in evening: all present at 22 except Judy, who has laryngitis. Quite a long session: Phil arrived at 7am and we ended at 10pm. Watched Tour de France. 

So we continue into July, breathing out and breathing in, as Peter Greig mighty say. As we do so, it’s not quite so warm. After the haircut mentioned last time (don’t say I don’t fill you with excitement), I had a bath, and then we went to Morrisons and stocked up. Fortunately the car stayed in one piece. I also caught up on computer and with Telegraph puzzles. Very tired. 

Sunday was windy, and a bit cooler. Led church service in the morning –  Leanne came and seemed quite cheerful. In the afternoon went to Cow Tower with Des, Chris and Ciara to watch The Common Lot do a play about Mile Cross. Charlie Caine was excellent, but it wasn’t their best – too cheaply political. About 400 there. Then went to barbecue at Graham’s   Quite a lot of people from both churches. Had chast with Phil and both Steve’s, Harriet and others. Home to see Beck (excellent) and Test highlights (disappointing). FTd with Amy to fix visiting dates. 

Monday was mainly dry, reasonably warm but with a bit of rain here and there – enough to dissuade Dot from walking into the city. I walked up to Boots to get my new glasses fitted: they were pretty well perfect. Even the girl who fitted them liked them. Later walked to sorting office to post birthday cards to Joan and Holly: sent e-cards too. Caught up with e-mails etc, mended the fan in the bathroom and booked an electrician for the oven. Watched Van der Valk and Tour de France.

Tuesday – Grey all day with spots of rain developing into steady rain in the evening. Coolish. Because the car is still in bad shape, we walked to the Archant pensioners’ coffee morning at Thorpe. In our case, of course, it was a full breakfast, and unusually we had to queue for it, because of an influx of four very hungry and slow young people. This was after we’d said hello to Brian, who was sitting in his son’s car outside: he couldn’t manage the steps. Apart from that, he looked pretty well, considering. Tricia was at an appointment in the city. Spoke to Bill, Richard, Jenny and a few other people. Shelagh and Robin dropped us off on the one-way system going home, and we walked the rest of the way. In the afternoon Dot walked to her violin lesson with Anna, and I caught up with computer stuff, like editing our holiday pictures. Later I cooked lamb steak and we watched tennis and the Tour de France. 

Wednesday  –  Aaargh!  Cloudy with some rain and several nightmares. Took the car up to have the exhaust done and got the bus part of the way back. Then the cooker man came and changed the element on the lower oven because it kept cutting out and  shorting the fuse box. When I cooked the evening meal it did it again!! Walked up to church to do Bible study: two people there I didn’t know; not entirely happy, partly because garage rang up in the middle of it. On the plus side, Leanne came and again seemed quite happy. Walked home and met the legendary Paul Dickson and Neil Haverson on Foundry Bridge.  Had quite a long chat with them.  Dot was in city.

WiFi was down and I spent ages trying to fix it; eventually I rang BT and got directions which seemed bizarre but worked. All very tense. Then the WiFi disc upstairs stopped working. I found a spare one which turned on ok, but it took ages before I was able to get it working with the TV. Suddenly worked just before Dot got home from orchestra. Pretty shattered by it all.

Thursday – Dry and reasonably warm. Another rather frantic day. Cooker man came back and replaced the fan while I was in the bath. No problem so far, but then I didn’t use the bottom oven today: we had sausages done in a frying pan. Phil came and drove me to the funeral director’s, where we had a good chat with Glynn about a tombstone for Andrew  – and Phil asked about funeral plans.

Afterwards we went to the fishmongers on Magdalen Street, and he bought over £100 worth of fish (including some sausages, to be fair). He then drove me up to the garage, where I picked up the car – total cost just under £1000. Fish is cheaper. Car seems fine now: they sent me a video of work they were doing on it, which I rather liked.

Rather stiff at bottom of abdomen/back. Not sure why.  Later Bridget came to clean, and we watched a fair bit of Wimbledon – Brit Broady beat fourth seed. Dot walked to bell-ringing: I walked part way with her, then bought some milk and plums. As you do. Then I cleared up and read a bit. At the end of the day I reversed the cable from the WiFi booster to the TV, and the TV (which had developed a fault again) suddenly started working properly. Both late in bed because we watched Tour de France. 

Back from a few days at Scarborough with Dave and Julia. No wi-fi there (aargh!); so this is a bit longer than usual. As I write Linda has arrived – just after 9am – to cut our hair. And it’s July, my birthday month.

Last Friday was warm and dry. Dot kept coughing during the night. Quite a busy day. I wrote a couple of Parish Pump articles. Dot went to see her boss, Paul Dunning, in the afternoon, which went well Afterwards she took the car up  to the garage – problem with the exhaust. Booked in for Monday week –later changed to Wednesday via a phone call when we were walking near Thornton le Dale – so we decided to go to Scarborough by train. Bridget and David left car in our drive while they visited her sister. New CD/tape player arrived – seems ok. Meet in street – Des and Chris, Matthew, Mark and Sarah. Watched The Magnificent Seven – brilliant film with two plot flaws: why not shoot leader? and why give them their guns back?. Also watched start of new series of Not Going Out. Very funny.  

Saturday was very humid, though not especially sunny.  Extremely tiring day. Finished articles for Parish Pump and manoeuvred the brown table down from the living room to the study, where it is slotted under the computer shelf, protecting the WiFi plug and hiding the wiring. In the afternoon went to Great Hospital church to hear Sine Nomine, a choir that includes David Archer, Simon Snell and Lesley from St Mary Mag. Excellent singing – great female conductor – literally, because she’s pregnant. Sat with Bridget and Michael, from her church. 

Later David FTd, and we had a long chat – all seems to be well. He may be buying a bike. After supper watched a documentary on Sid James – very well done. Scanned document for Des – had to work out how to do it on new iMac. Six attempts. 

Sunday was another full day. Very warm, but windy. Church in the morning, Graham preaching. After lunch drove to Walpole in Suffolk for poetry reading in Old Chapel. Nightmare journey: car in dire straits and a huge diversion. Would have been late but remembered a short cut at the last minute. Sue and Lynne there. Beth Soule did excellent poem involving an angel. Two people brought dogs!  Unbelievable. Drove back direct route via Bungay. Car rattling and blowing. Matt came round when I got home and took away my cassette and CD player. And some wires. Dot had swapped bookcases while I was out and now seems happy with the living room. Cooked salmon and watched Van der Valk. Still following Peter Greig on his three-week pilgrimage from Iona to Lindisfarne, morning and evening. 

Monday was slightly cooler, but very comfortable. Threatening clouds, but no rain. Drove up for blood test in the morning, then after buying train tickets for Scarborough, Dot took me to church for Bible study with Steve and Stacey. Walked home from there. Prepared for holiday. Cut some ivy, and contacted funeral director and Phil re gravestone. Tidied up generally and corrected rota yet again after late change from Heather. Des came over and we had a chat about watering and a few other things. Later watched film Limbo, which was excellent. 

Tuesday –  Much cooler, with a little rain. Spent much of day travelling by train to Scarborough. First leg was Norwich-Grantham: held up by “congestion” at Ely and again just outside Grantham. Thought we were going to miss our connection, but in fact the train we were connecting to was also delayed (some problem around Cambridge), and so we were able to get it. By the time we got to York we were almost on time, and we bought a baguette and tea/coffee before boarding the Transpennine Express. However, while waiting for the doors to open, Dot went to dispose of wrappings at the precise moment that the doors opened. I tried to get both cases and knocked over her coffee. She rushed back to get another coffee and just made it on to the train. We were met at the station and went back to the flat. Later Dave and I went to get fish and chips, which I paid for. I had to wait at the Ordered window for No 93. After the meal we spent the rest of the evening talking.

Wednesday – Warmer again, and mainly dry, though there were lots of threatening clouds about. Rained a lot in the evening. Slept till 9am and had a late breakfast, then we drove to Cedar Barn, near Pickering, where we had an early lunch. I had egg and mayo and watercress sandwich and Dot had a scone. We shared a little of both. We then drove down to the beautiful Thornton le Dale, parked and walked round a small lake and then up through the village and up to a mill, then along a long stream to St Hilda’s Church at Ebberburn, then back by a rather higher path. I had a really nice blackberry crumble ice cream, and we all sat and ate them and then drove back to Scarborough.

Lovely evening meal after a rest and then watched Test Match highlights, which rather favoured Australia. No WiFi, so rather hampered in using internet.

Thursday –  Warm and dry, though quite grey clouds at time. Drove to Bempton and had a snack, then proceeded to Bempton Cliffs RSPB, which was very crowded, but we parked in an overflow and went  and looked at the birds. Spectacular. Loads of gannets and kittiwakes, among other things, and a number of puffins too. Stayed on the cliffs for a while – bit cooler there –  then walked back to the car park and drove back to the same cafe, where we had a latish lunch (sandwiches). Then drove back to Scarborough, where we drove to the cliff top for an ice cream and a walk in a park. Back to the flat for a rest, then walked down to Tuscany Too for our evening meal. Excellent lamb rack for me. Got taxi home, watched Test Match highlights and went to bed. Evetts want to come to Ballater with us next year.

Friday – A bit cooler, but not uncomfortable. Spots of rain as Dave and Julia took us to the station at 10.45, but nothing after that. Crowds waiting for York train seemed huge; so we opted for the Hull route, though it’s slower. It was a few minutes late into Hull, but we switched platforms at a gentle run (together with a few others) and got a seat OK. Nice train (Hull Trains), which dropped us at Grantham. Had to hurry a bit to get over footbridge (via two lifts), and no time for Dot to get coffee as Norwich train came in. Fairly crowded, but got seats OK. By the time we arrived in Norwich (a few minutes late at 4.15pm), Dot was gasping, and so she bought a Costa coffee and sat and drank it, while I bought some milk (not for the coffee).

Very tired, but got ourselves out in the street for the 5.30 street meet (Des and Chris, Mark, Ciara, Mary, Matthew): bit windy, and a few drops of rain as we came in. Des got us fish and chips, and we watched Test highlights and caught up with Dot’s Lindisfarne pilgrimage on Sounds. Very, very tired.

Lying in bed worrying about the car – for more than one reason. A couple of days ago the tyre alarm sounded, and I found the front offside tyre was down a bit on pressure. So I decided to monitor it. Then tonight Dot took it to the Greens’ and it wouldn’t start afterwards – until she rang me and I told her to fiddle with the keys. That worked for some reason, but then she complained that the car had sounded funny. So at least one problem to sort out, and possibly three. We may have to go to Scarborough by train.

Last Sunday was warm all day, but rain in the evening likely to last a few hours. Drove to church in the morning and led service.  Interesting sermon from Heather on Trinity icon. Nice prayers from Debbie. Chatted to Steve, and Judy’s friend Mavis among others. Wrote piece for website on being unable to contact people. Had main meal at lunchtime again. Both of us felt a bit under the weather in the afternoon – Dot having trouble with insect bites on her arm – so didn’t go to concert in evening. Dot wrote report on school visit. Watched Test highlights and Van Der Valk, which was excellent. Like all the main characters. 

Monday – Warm and dry. Rained quite heavily overnight. Dot dropped me off at church and went to Morrisons. I walked home and then in the afternoon walked up to Boots for an eye test. Had no difficulty spotting that ophthalmologist was very striking. And extremely polite. Ordered new set of glasses, because near sight is deteriorating. In the evening Des and Chris came over for a drink and whisky cake and looked at our Scottish photos. 

Tuesday – Rained in the morning, but stopped by the time Anne arrived. She went in the city with Dot, and they lunched at the Ivy while I had fried eggs and sausages at home. Sad or what? Did a bit of reading and computer stuff. Later walked to Budgens to get cash from ATM, then up Rose Lane, over to the river and up Julian’s Alley. Rested in church garden and popped into church, where I bumped into woman on retreat from Bromley. Watched Test, which Australia won by two wickets. Then football, which England won 7-0 v North Macedonia. 

Wednesday – Again warm and quite heavy. Drove up to chemist to pick up pills. Unexpectedly easy. Walked to church to do Bible study. But only Debbie and Steve there: talked to Debbie about silence in church and other things. Then we looked at Philemon. Dot arrived with car for Taize and I left with car, but not before popping into Phyllis’s house. Tyre alarm went on car, checked and found front offside a bit low. Dot went to orchestra in evening. I read some more of Translation State. Amazing imagination.

Thursday – Heavy atmosphere, with constant warning of thunderstorms, but none materialising. I spent a great deal of time and energy removing the Cassette and CD elements of our sound system and recreating it as a turntable  with loudspeakers. As this involved a pre-amp and about a million wires, it was not easy, either psychologically or physically, especially as Dot wanted it the other side of the room. After a couple of false starts  and frustrations I managed to complete the job while she was at Thurton School. Nevertheless felt extremely tired afterwards,not to say disorientated.

While still in that state I ordered a combined cassette player/CD player from Amazon for about £60. It should arrive tomorrow. Bridget came to clean, and we spent a bit of time looking for an injured baby bird I had seen earlier. “We have an injured bird also.” Eventually she did the kitchen (Bridget, not the bird) and Dot arrived back from Thurton. In the evening Dot drove to Golden Dog Lane for handbells and I cleaned up the house and watered plants. Afterwards Dot couldn’t start the car and rang me: i suggested fiddling wit the keys, and it started. Oh, I said that.

Last Tuesday was – not bucking the current trend – very warm.  Dot finished painting walls, and I went to Morrisons and bought lots of food. Later cooked salmon. Watched last episode of Guilt, which was very well done.  In the evening we drove to Golden Dog Lane for DCC, which was a bit trying, despite the Prosecco and fruit salad. I walked home. 

Wednesday was – yes – very warm. Dot went to the Yarmouth school with the brilliant head – Maria. I switched on Des’s solar power (I think). Watched YouTube of Alan’s funeral service as it happened: all very good. Dot went to the garden centre and bought a huge pot for the front garden and a huge hanging basket for the drive. Erected latter with help from Mark.

In the evening we drove to Salthouse for a Private View involving Charlotte Ashenden. Welcomed by Ian Dyble, the vicar, who remembered us from last time (and probably elsewhere – not sure where, but he used to be at St Thomas’s). We’re on the same wavelength. He also paints and writes verse. Also met Charlotte’s husband. Afterwards called in to the upscaled Manor at Blakeney and went to the loo. Beautiful light at Blakeney (not in the loo). Ate mussels at home then watched Ladies in Lavender, a film which was surprisingly good. 

Thursday was, yes, very warm again. Dot’s school visit was cancelled, so she spent much of the day in the garden. In the early afternoon I walked up to Richer Sounds to ask about replacing my aged, old-style sound system; got a lot of chat from Roger, but nothing all that helpful. Bit disappointed. Bridget came round to clean in the afternoon, and David came around 5.30 to meet her. 

Friday was – you guessed it – very warm. Dot and I drove to Bawdeswell Garden Centre and had a snack and cup of tea with Julia Higbee, as well as a discussion about her church, which has problems. After we got home Dot watched Alan’s funeral service, and I watched it again! Then out for street meet – Des and Chris back from Portugal , Mark, John and his eldest daughter; Matthew. Quite hot sun Fish and chips, then watched cricket and football. Former much more exciting. Tired out. 

Had a very bad night: started by feeling vaguely sick (though not ill), then had a very heavy stomach, and couldn’t sleep.  This made Saturday a very odd day. Also a change in the weather, with much more cloud and even a (very) little rain in the afternoon. This was just after Dot had allocated apace for all of her new plants and cleared up, with a little help from me. Mark has also spent hours (literally) on cleaning his car, and I wrote to Rosemary Town, and sent her a couple of pictures. Also posted the letter.

Meanwhile, David had FTd us, and I was able to thank him for a Father’s Day present he’d sent me – an SF book by Ann Leckie called Translation State. I enjoyed her previous ones. We had our main meal at lunchtime, I lay on the bed for a while in the afternoon – may have gone to sleep – and after tea we watched the Test Match highlights, preceded unintentionally by the Trooping of the Colour highlights. King’s Birthday, and all that.

We’re in the middle of a warm spell: nothing too oppressive, but certainly tiring. Nevertheless, Dot has done a lot of painting, including walls and gates, and as I write this on Tuesday morning, she is finishing the wall at the NWT side of the house. I have to say it all looks very good.

Last Thursday was dry and quite sunny; pleasant without being warm. a couple left a car in front of our drive overnight; so Colin and his father could not park their truck in front of the house, and when there skip man arrived he could not reach it. Fortunately he was quite happy, as it was too heavy anyway: he already had a load on. Eventually the owners (Australians) came out, and Colin’s father told them to move. They parked opposite and I told them they might get ticketed. Started telling them to park on Riverside Road, then decided to give them a permit. Felt good. Had been quite angry.

Dot had already been to Taverham School at this point. Anna arrived at just after midday to give Dot a violin lesson. Bridget came to do the cleaning later, and in the evening we took Eleanor and Phil to cake and compline at Judy’s. Phil managed to miss the barriers and notice and came to our front door. Grrrr! Supposed to not use path till Monday. Don’t think any harm was done. Nice meeting. Vicky was the only absentee. 

Friday was warm, but with a bit of a cool wind in the shade. Everyone “panicking” about heat and drought. Man came to take skip away while I was in the bath. Dot and Mary moved cars to assist him. Dot spent much of the rest of the day weeding and cleaning the drive. I finished editing the holiday pictures. Street meet in evening very well attended – Dot and me, Mark and Sarah, John, Ciara, Bob and Mary, Matthew and even Paul at the very end. Sent pic to Des in Portugal.  Watched end of Local hero again and first episode of Guilt, a Glaswegian thriller. FTd Amy and Oliver. O has finished his exams (he “smashed” them) and Amy has three to go, ending on 21st. Both seemed happy. 

Saturday was warm. We were going to meet Kim for coffee, but she had a migraine. I read a bit and entered some poems in two competitions. Dot started her gate-painting with the gate on Mary’s side. I walked to St Luke’s for a ceilidh in the evening; Dot drove. Got a meal there (buffet) but exhausted by the end of the evening. David FTd Dot just as she was leaving home. He was having a meal in Toronto after visiting garden centres. Jaya among many others at the ceilidh; Anna’s friend Alison also played violin. Organisers were Gathering Gates – a  bunch of hippies led by Liz Day. They gave chocs to the band and thanked us, though. 

Sunday was warm again. Oliver has just climbed Snowdon for the third time, as it turned out, with quite a large number of friends. On a less adventurous note, we went to church in the morning and played in the worship band. Also did a song in Communion. Claire came. After lunch we drove to  N Walsham and put flowers on the graves. Then on to Walcott. Sea fairly high. Walked a bit and had an ice cream, then drove home via Wroxham – not too bad. Put flowers on Rosary graves. Cooked chilli con carne and watched some inconsequential stuff – Countryfile, I think, and Antiques Roadshow. Don’t know why. Inertia, probably. David FTd from Caledon, and we had a chat – also with Barbara and Roger. Very tired. Opened access to new path, and we both walked up and down it. Bit worried about the incline. 

Yesterday was – you guessed it – warm. Dot drove me to church and I did a Bible study with Stacy and Steve. Went quite well.  Walked  home. Dot spent most of the day painting doors and wall outside and re-arranging things. I had a blood test at Thorpewood by Emma Richardson: very competent. Nice woman. Watched a couple of episodes of Guilt, which is quite compelling. Dot and I read through DCC agenda and financial statement, then Dot read from her Lindisfarne book and Psalm 91.