By late Monday I was getting a bit worried about my pills, which would run out in two days’ time. Nothing from the chemist. Meanwhile I finished the first article of four for Parish Pump –on Blaise Pascal, an amazing man. Dot nearly finished painting the table outside: an intricate job, but it looks good. 

On Tuesday there was an arranged FaceTime with Heather and Simon at 11am, which went well: we made a tentative arrangement to meet them in Coventry on the way to Scotland.. Watched an episode of David Copperfield, then drove to the chemist’s to demand my pills, which they surprisingly had, though they weren’t ready. Then on to Morrisons to buy food. Left Dot to have a look at the shops while I unpacked food and had some cider. She then rang to get me to pick her up, as she had bought eight cushions. I decided I wasn’t over the limit so went and picked her up.

Earlier researched Hong Kong for Pump. Quite complicated. Watched an episode of Blue Lights, which was excellent, and later the film Grease, for nostalgic reasons. Oh, and the opening episode of Malpractice, a thriller, which was very promising. 

Wednesday was still cool, but mainly dry. Only went outside to pump up car tyres (the alarm had come on) and put EDPs through Des’s door. Finished writing Parish Pump pieces (Pascal, Hong Kong, Windrush and Queen Elizabeth’s coronation) while Dot visited two schools – Worstead and Alpington. Upgraded iOS system to Ventura, and suddenly my Desktop items appeared. Dot went to orchestra in evening. Cleared up study. 

Thursday started quite mild and dry, but it began raining in the afternoon and got pretty wet later. I walked up to the Cathedral Chapel of blessed memory in the mornin, to view an exhibition of charcoal portraits by James Kessell, Sandra’s husband. Very, very good. Had a brief chat with him but was interrupted by another guy, who he knew. In the afternoon Dot went to Long Stratton school, and I reorganised the Desktop and installed Google Earth. Bridget arrived to do cleaning shortly before Dot got home. In the evening I drove Dot to handbells because it was raining, and Bridget brought her back. I watched Aftershock, a film about the Nepal earthquake of 2015. Interesting.

Friday was mildish; not actually raining, but some moisture in the air at first. Dot went to Hethersett School, and I walked up to the Britons Arms for tea with Jim Green and a “chat” about various issues, on some of which we disagree. Felt OK afterwards, though. Walked home, popping into the Cathedral and cloisters to add a few steps. In the afternoon Dot went up to her chiropodist’s. Street meet at 5.30, though the weather had turned much cooler. Good time, though, with Des, Chris, Mark, John and Ciara. Watched two episodes (ie one story) of Dalgliesh, which was first-rate. 

This morning was sunny and quite warm, and we cleared up the house in preparation for the visit of Caren and Phil, plus Kim. I cut back a bush that was intruding on the front path. Earlier Anne had left her car on the drive while she went off to London (I think). After tea/coffee, much chat and very little to eat, our visitors left. After lunch Dot went outside and did some more seat-painting, while I walked up to the Rosary. Very pleasant up there: fleeting sight of a deer.

The last few days’ weather has been variable, as if attempting to edge towards summer but then taking a step or two back. Wednesday saw a chilly wind, but it was dry. Wrote piece for website in the morning, and then took Dot up to church Taize. Picked her up afterwards and spoke to Nikki, Leanne, Judy and Debbie. Gave Nikki a lift to pick up Indie from school off Earlham Road and had an interesting conversation with her about Leanne and the state of the world – found ourselves agreeing with just about all she said.

Afterwards Dot dropped me near the Catholic Cathedral, and went to the garden centre. I walked home. Met Harriet in St Giles and had a chat, then Michael and Margaret in London Street. Had a long talk with them about walking and books, among other things. Michael is very keen on Philip Larkin. Dot went to orchestra in the evening: I started writing my sermon for Sunday. 

Thursday was bright in the morning, rain in the afternoon, dry but overcast in the evening. Still writing sermon: not sure about it. Anne and Dot went into city and then had lunch together at Gem. I didn’t feel too good: cold and tired, but improved later. Mark is back from Norway and was making a space in the front garden for his bins – invited us over to look at their back garden and have a cup of tea.

Bridget came to clean as usual but was a bit late and did only an hour. In the evening I drove Dot to handbells – dropped her off in Fishergate and drove to Southwell Road, then walked through Mill Close, round Brian Avenue to Hall Road, up the alley next to my Grandma’s then back down Hospital Lane. Have been given an appointment in June to review my medication after hanging on phone for about 20 minutes. 

Must have been feeling very tired after that, because I forgot to record two days. On Friday we were rather overbooked – cake and compline in the evening, but we had a street meet session at 5.30 and had ordered fish and chips for 7pm. So I pushed the C&C back a bit, which worked fine. Full attendance, including Phil. During the street meet we all visited Mark’s garden to see Colin’s work: impressive. Also told by Ciara that she and Sean had got married! Whereupon Mark revealed that he and Sarah were getting married later in the year. 

On Saturday Amy came up with Vicky and Matt, who were visiting Kerry at Reepham. Amy had lunch with us, and then when Dot went to an abysmal football match (Norwich 0-3 Swansea) I drove to Strumpshaw Fen with Amy and we did a walk down to the river. I explained that’s where her story (Amy and the Lost Princess) was set. Weather was reasonably warm, and it was very enjoyable. Amy spotted a deer, and we also saw a heron, an egret and a marsh harrier. Got back in good time, but disgruntled people were already pouring out of Carrow Road. Had tea and cake, and V&M picked Amy up around 7, stopping for a cup of coffee. 

Yesterday was quite pleasant to start with but then turned much colder, very wet and grey. Went to church, and I preached the sermon I had been dreading all week, but it turned out well, funnily enough. Also played one of my songs in Communion, assisted by Steve. In the afternoon David FTd, and we commiserated with him about Spurs’ rather poor performance against Newcastle (1-6). Funny how Norwich and Spurs are often appalling at the same time.

This morning Dot drove me to open church, where I did a Bible study with Steve, Jude and Stacey – plus Ray for the last few moments. There were a few drops of rain, but I ignored them and walked home around midday. Felt a bit better so far today.

Last Friday it dry most of the day: rain in the evening. Went out for “street meet” at 5.30pm – on our own again. Fell foul of man with dog , who accused me of kicking it when I used my knee to push it away. I told him to get his dog out of here, and he swore at me, but then put it on a lead. Watched Norwich lose 5–1 to Middlesbrough on NOW TV. Not the most exhilarating experience. Discovered how to put a pic on my blog using iPad, which was more exciting. 

Saturday was also dry and quite warm, really. Got up quite late – not sleeping too well. After lunch walked into the city with Dot to see the Dragon Hall stall at Forum. Next stall was the Polish one, and Adrian was going from one to the other. So we had a chat with him. Also ran into David Archer and Ros from Sillars. On the way to the Apple store paused to chat to David and Bridget in St Stephen’s Church having a coffee. Then actually bought a new iMac. Very heavy: Dot waited with it outside the store while I walked home to get the car. Lay down when I got home, and Dot did a bit of browsing in different shops. When she got home David FTd – Spurs had lost again – and he ended up assisting us in setting up the iMac, which was extremely helpful, especially the bit involving Microsoft and Dropbox. Later both felt very tired, but watched a bit of TV.

 Sunday was dry and quite mild: fair bit of sun. Went to church in the morning: I was leading, and thankfully no-one brought any Stop Oil banners. Service went quite well: Dot did the prayers. Afterwards walked up to Phyllis’s house with Anna and Carrie  to look for cash that C thought she had left there. It was in fact still there. Later did a little bit of gardening with Dot, extracting a recalcitrant plant from a pot, and put the old computer in the garage (unfortunately didn’t fit the new box). Des and Chris arrived home from Costa Rica (via Lichfield). Watched some football, plus a couple of IT Crowd episodes and Great Expectations, as well as an excellent 1993 film, Down Among the BIg Boys, starring Billy Connolly.

Monday was bright and fairly mild. My father’s 110th birthday – noted on Facebook with a photo of his wedding: several responses, mainly from relatives, of course. Used new computer quite a lot – very fast. Lots to find out about it, though – for example, having a bit of trouble working with photos. After lunch went to Morrisons. Felt very tired afterwards: not sure why. Watched four episodes of scandinoir. Bit noir. bit scan. Finished IT Crowd.

Yesterday was mainly bright, but still a chilly wind, though warm in the west of Scotland, apparently. Not too bad here: I walked up to the Rosary while Dot was at a diocesan training session, and it was really quite pleasant. Passed Mary and Bob on the way, and had a chat in the cemetery with a woman I think I’d spoken to before – if I remember rightly her name was Pamela: she’s a widow in her 70s or 80s. In the afternoon my stomach was a bit upset, and I felt really tired: had to go and lie on the bed. Dot joined me, and we both went to sleep. Watched a very good old film called The Mouse that Roared, featuring Peter Sellers in several roles. Continuing to watch Blue Lights, about police in Belfast, which is excellent.

End of Easter Week – it’s now halfway through Friday afternoon and sunny at the moment. It’s been a mixed week as far as weather is concerned. Monday started very wet, but cleared out just after lunch, and I walked with Dot down to Carrow Road. Norwich 0 Rotherham 0. Walked back via Morrisons and river bank. Watched TV in evening. Headache. 

Tuesday was bright in the morning: gradually got cooler and then rain. Walked up to Apple shop, but it was very busy because of school holidays. So didn’t get anywhere – partly because I wasn’t in the right mood. Walked back, feeling pretty down for various reasons. Anna came to lunch and then gave Dot a violin lesson. I lay down for a while. Rang Cresta care home to fix a visit with Thelma for the next day. Watched the end of Why didn’t they ask Evans? – a Christie adaptation – very clever and well done. Also some other stuff. Naomi cancelled visit because she wasn’t feeling well. 

Felt very down on Wednesday morning because of poor night and a couple of other things. Barry arrived about 1pm and I left him with Dot to do some work in the bathroom. Then I went to see Thelma on my own. Took big collage of pictures of Andrew, as well as a few others – one of Sandra and two of Joanne (and Eddie) taken from Facebook. Had a bit of a problem on the way there because of warning light re automatic stop/start. Eventually turned it off, but by the end of the day it was back on again and appeared to be working fine.

Thelma was a bit more animated than usual, but still very deaf. Told me about Bob (Sheila’s brother), who came to see her from Loddon. Later went to Morrisons with Dot and bought food. In the evening watched four episodes of The Bay, which was pretty good. Two to go. Received another tanka book from Joy: daybreak. Good stuff.

Yesterday was mainly bright and dry, but with some sharp rain showers, especially in the morning. Vicki Ellis came round for coffee and eventually stayed for lunch, which was very enjoyable. When she left we drove to Foxley Wood, hoping to see some bluebells, but were disappointed. Although we have bluebells out in our garden, there were none at Foxley. Had quite a long walk, which was rather muddy and not very interesting, as well as being poorly signposted.

Arrived home just in time to see Bridget, who we had forgotten was coming initially, though we were in touch by phone from Foxley. Dot gave her some advice on wall paint. In the evening saw last two episodes of The Bay, which remained pretty good. Amy got in touch about her visit on Saturday. Matt is ill, and eventually we decided it was best to postpone till the following week. 

This morning the Sonata alarm man came just before 9am: fortunately I had taken the precaution of getting dressed. No problems there. Later Linda came round, and we both had our hair cut. Des and Chris are still away. Dot is in the garden as I write.

It’s Easter Monday and pouring with rain from a leaden sky. So, to go back a week, at the end of a nicer last Monday we went back to church for an evening Open Mic – I read a couple of poems (Some kind of lamb and Easter Sky), then Dot and I did And the Band Played On  – all well received. Some other good poems – very personal ones – from Steve and Nikki. Matt played hurdy gurdy etc etc. Good evening. At home we watched the final episodes of Unforgotten (superb) and Warship, an excellent documentary. Dot has hurt her knee by falling on way back to car – worried it may give her trouble. Probably pulled muscle.

Tuesday – Blue sky, warm sun but still a chilly wind. Prayed for Dot’s leg last night, and it was much better this morning. We went to the Archant breakfast club and had a full breakfast as usual. Chatted to the usual suspects, and gave Bill Smith’s greetings – Bill is a photographer who I met outside the Cathedral the day before – used to work for Archant. Afterwards we went to Morrisons for food – also filled up with petrol when I realised we were down to 81. Felt odd in the afternoon – lay down for quite a while. Watched a couple of episodes of Blue Lights – good stuff – and some football. FTd Canada and spoke to David, Oliver and Chrissy. Asked about getting new computer. 

Wednesday – Quite nice weather. Dot went to Taize and then up to garden centre. Bridget came to do cleaning and then dropped me off at the Puppet Theatre, and I walked home along the riverside path, taking a detour up into the Lower Close. Very tired afterwards, for some reason, and had a lie down for a while. In the evening watched a lot of TV as well as cleaning house up.

Thursday – Showers, but not too cold.  Caught up with lots of stuff in the morning. Dot went to garden centre at Tasburgh and while she was out, Barry came round to look at some grouting she wanted doing. Later David and Oliver FTd and we had a long and very helpful discussion about buying a new desktop computer and a phone. In the evening Dot went handbell ringing at Howard’s. We were going to walk together, but it started raining; so I drove her. I did quite a lot of steps indoors. Watched Race Across Canada, which has great scenery.

Good Friday – Dry, but still with a chilly wind. Drove up to St Luke’s in the morning for a reflective service – about 30 present but only four from St Augustine’s. Dot made cake for tomorrow, and I went for walk, initially to buy small chocolate eggs for the cake, but then further afield, up to the Cathedral via Bishopgate. Outside Cathedral met Liz Day, and we had a chat. Meanwhile Dot was listening to Norwich beat Blackburn 2-0 away. Booked Baginton, Abington and Blakeney – the last of which was extremely expensive, following its upgrade to boutique hotel. Watched an old film, Laura, which was good for its era, then Beyond Paradise and Would I lie to you?

Easter Saturday – Dry, fairly mild but mostly overcast. Paul dropped his car off around 11.30 to go to London. Kristine arrived from London at 11.45, and we met her at the station. After tea/coffee we took her to Gem for a meal.  Very nice, but I felt decidedly ill during the afternoon after we walked up to the Rosary (see picture). Very tired and odd feeling in stomach. Better later, though. Kristine left at 18.30, and Paul got back at about 21.15 and retrieved his car. 

Easter Sunday – Mild at first, becoming colder around teatime. Went to church for Communion led by Liz. I did the longest Bible reading in the history of the world (all of Romans 8), and Carrie (who chose it) did a nice short sermon. Naomi was there, and we had a big music group including Steve. Told Jim what I thought of climate action afterwards, but we remain friends: he goes on Just Stop Oil crusades. In the afternoon Dot and I went for a walk in what started out as pleasantly warm weather. Riverside walk very busy. Had drink at Wig and Pen, which was very pleasant. Back through Close, stumbling on Cathedral congregation exiting West door for finale of service outside. Watched football, a couple of episodes of IT Crowd and a new Agatha Christie, Why Didn’t they ask Evans? David FTd to wish as Happy Easter. Oliver back in England.

Blue sky today – warm sun but a chilly wind. Walked up to church and, despite the sparse attendance, had a good Bible study (1 Corinthians) with Steve and Stacey and, for the last few minutes Ray, who had been to the doctor’s. Dot picked me up and we had lunch before returning for a brilliant talk by Matt on flooding in Norwich: excellent words and even better pictures.

Wednesday last week was milder, but heavy rain in the evening. In the afternoon we went up to Sainsbury’s to have our blood tested as a cancer trial process. Second year. All very jolly, but left s substantial mark on my arm. Went in to Sainsburys afterwards and spent our £10 vouchers, plus quite a lot more. Bought some nice wine as a present! In the evening Dot went to orchestra. Accidentally got one of my credit cards blocked as an anti-fraud measure. Had been on a dodgy site to get a pdf file changed into Word. Seemed perfectly genuine… Ah well. Getting new card in the post, eventually. 

Thursday was bright and mainly dry, but a few drops of rain as I walked up to Kim’s for lunch. Dot was at Anne’s, but she arrived at Kim’s around 11.45.  Really nice lunch. Got home just in time for Bridget, but while she was here I felt really tired and had to lie down. Very odd sensation. After a sleep I felt more or less OK. Dot had been working in front garden – looks nice (so does the garden). We watched TV most of the evening – Coogan’s Bluff then Ted Lasso and a really good episode of The IT Crowd. 

Friday – lots of rain. Didn’t go out, apart from a pleasant visit to Paul’s this morning, and so very few steps. Fewer this month than last (which had three fewer days), but March has been very unpleasant. Dot did find a dry gap to do some gardening, though. Watched an Oscar-winning documentary about Novotny, which as you might expect was excellent. Can’t really understand why he didn’t think he would be arrested when he went back to Russia.

Saturday – Quite a bit of rain, but not while I walked Dot to the football, which we lost 1-0 to Sheffield United. Printed out some Communion service sheets, and my keyboard ran out of battery power: had to walk down to convenience store to buy some batteries. Cooked some meatless sausages, which I bought by mistake. Not too bad, but both of us had slight stomach upsets. 

Sunday – Cloudy start becoming brighter, but chilly wind. Church – Heather took over lending from Howard and did “sermon” – discussion really, not my favourite. I did the prayers, and several people thanked me; so must have been OK. Palm Sunday, of course. Had chat with Nikki, who is having a girl (18 weeks); Steve; and P, who is feeling very down. Ray seems OK. After lunch Dot and I walked to Rosary. I have a new goal of 4500 steps. Sun quite warm. Watched a fair bit of TV, including Grace and an Arena special on Frank Sinatra. Have finished reading The Lincoln Highway, which I enjoyed very much, including the joke. 

The atmosphere has been unsettled recently. Last Thursday saw a mixture of dry but windy weather, followed by rain in the evening. I finished my Parish Pump articles – on the Tea Act, David Livingstone, Bob Dylan and the creation of Israel – and went for a walk down by the river, picking up some lentil crisps on the way back. As I arrived back I got distracted by Michael and Margaret on the subject of the strange proliferation of Turkish barbers, with a word in passing from Ciara. So I missed Bridget’s arrival. Dot was making a cake for Sunday. Watched the last couple of episodes of Gold – excellent – then a documentary about it (the Brink’s Mat robbery at Heathrow). Also put the previous episode of this blog on the page with pic and drop cap!  

Friday was blustery, with a few drops of rain here and there. Dot did some more gardening, and I paid Phil the second instalment of Andrew’s money. Tried to put my share in my ISA, but for some reason that didn’t work. Kim dropped in on her way to the station and gave us a ticket for Sunday’s concert – requiring us to find someone to give it to. We already have tickets. After lunch we drove to Mannington so that Dot could go to a textiles exhibition organised by Penny. I went for a walk on the estate – mainly on a beautiful boardwalk, where there was a hide overlooking a lake. When I met Dot out (nice to see Penny and Rob) I took Dot down to the boardwalk. Heard that Sam didn’t get the job at Norwich School – very disappointing for him. Quiet evening watching TV.

Saturday was again blustery with some rain, but not too cold. Oliver is in Canada, and Amy FTd us – we talked about her driving and her plans. Dot finished in the back garden, and I sorted out the charity cash.  Took a long time – then walked up to the sorting office to post the cheques.

Sunday was coldish, but mainly dry. Church in the morning, having survived the transition to BST successfully. It was Steve’s birthday – good to have him in the band. Howard did an obscure sermon on Ecclesiastes. Graham looked nonplussed. After lunch watched Unforgotten, which is really very good. Saw a bit of England’s 2-0 win over Ukraine, and later the Boat Race – female and male, both won by Cambridge. Went to Theatre Royal for the aforementioned concert by Swedish Philharmonia – brilliant, especially the Serbian violinist who played Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Sibelius Symphony No 2 was also excellent. Went in a taxi with Mary, who we gave Kim’s ticket to. Remarkably her seat was right in front of me. We walked home. 

Monday was mainly bright and dry, with a chilly wind. Had a very bad night, but got up in time to go to church: more remarkably, Dot got up in time to take me. Chatted to Steve and Ray in particular, but no Leanne, no Nikki and no Bible study. Walked home at 12 (Steve accompanied me to the bus stop at Anglia Square). Wrote several e-mails and did some reading: also watched quite a bit of TV, including Grace. Dot went over and had coffee with Sarah, plus chatting to Colin about her garden plans. Worrying.

Tuesday was miserably wet and cold. Dot went to a headteachers’ conference at the Cathedral – an annual event which always delivers something interesting. Problems arose for anyone coming in on the Trowse bypass, because of more council incompetence with temporary lights. Anne missed her train, but parked here after Dot had gone and caught a later one. I went to Roy Hansell’s funeral at St Luke’s. Sarah Q was there and also the rarely seen Kibbles – Val in some difficulty after a recent spine op. Had a few sandwiches and cup of tea. Wrote a piece for my website and tidied up a poem. Dot brought me home a spicy beef quiche, which was nice. Watched quite a bit of TV, including A Hard Day’s Night and an episode of Unforgotten, plus a documentary on anti-war activists in Russia. 

Saturday was mild, with a few light showers. Drove to Felbrigg Hall and went for a walk round the lake, followed by lunch in the cafe – very good. Earlier Dot got an early Mother’s Day present from David – some special martini+coffee drink and some chocolates. She FTd him in the evening to thank him. Both my websites are now working properly. Dot started listening to football commentary on the way back, and continued when we got home: disappointing 0-0 draw. Some great saves by Gunn, apparently. I watched a bit of the rugby  – Ireland beat England and won the Grand  Slam. Good team. Also watched Harry Wild and some other stuff. Went to sleep while watching David Attenborough. 

Sunday – fairly mild until Dot turned the heating down. Dry. Church in the morning. I preached on Jesus being the light of the world, and the music group was me, Dot and Matt. Carrie led. In the afternoon I pruned half the roses and Dot continued with her weeding etc. Sam arrived with Lucy and Elliott around 5.45pm, and I played “chess” with Elliott while others chatted. After a meal of salmon, Sam went to his room to prepare, and we watched Grace, followed by Songs of Praise. Earlier chatted with Des about looking after stuff during his holiday. 

Monday – mainly dry, with inconvenient light showers. Quite a busy day. Got up in time to see Sam off for his second round of interviews.    Anna came round about 12.20 for a chat, but I left at 1.15 to hear Sian, Graham’s mother, talk about herbalist stuff disguised as a medieval woman. Very informative and funny. Gave a lift home to Ruth and Ray and got snarled up on school traffic. Home to meet Sam – it seemed to have gone well. Lucy and Elliott arrived to take him home. I played “chess” with Elliott while Lucy had a coffee. They were planning to call in on Phil and Joy on the way home, though I think Sam would rather have gone straight home. In the evening went to St Luke’s for the annual parish meeting. I walked some of the way until it started to rain. Dot picked me up and we had quite a pleasant evening, including a meal. Gave Ray a lift home. 

Tuesday – showery, bit of wind, but reasonably mild. Went to chemist’s in response to text and they gave me an extra nose-spray. Then to Chatham Street to check on coin collection, which I don’t remember seeing before. David FTd in afternoon and showed me how to put an image on the blog page and reinstate a drop cap. Dot’s visit to Cringleford was cancelled but she is down for an Ofsted feedback at Old Catton tomorrow. Watched first two episodes of Gold, which were really good. 

Wednesday – Fairly mild, but with a brisk wind and a few drops of rain. Went to Morrisons in the morning. In the afternoon Dot went to Old Catton School for an Ofsted feedback – in the midst of bad publicity for Ofsted. But both the school and the inspector tors were good. Dot knew the head (of six schools), Ashley. I cut the rest of the roses back while Dot practised violin. I also made a start on the Parish Pump stuff.  Dot went to orchestra in the evening – all went well. 

Quite pleasant weather last Sunday, but very cold in church. I went on my own because Dot was headed for Carrow Road, and a poor performance from City, losing 1-0 to Sunderland. Church was Ok eventually. Had lunch before Dot got home. Matt came round with projector and computer and showed me how to work it. Sam arrived around 5.30pm and we had a chat about his forthcoming interview at Norwich School before I cooked  a chilli con carne. Afterwards Dot and I watched the last Endeavour – excellent – while Sam did some preparation in his room. Went to bed fairly early. 

Monday was milder but very windy, with a little rain in the evening. Up early to make sure Sam was all right. Then after he left had a bath. Dot had very successful appointment with the accountants at 11; back just in time to go to church with me for my newspaper talk – and lunch. Managed to set up OK: Matt was ill with vertigo. Meanwhile Sam got back to ours and sorted himself out: all seemed to go well, though there were nine(!) applicants, I found out later from Phil. He left on 13:30 train, just as I was starting my talk. After making bed I went to Morrisons to get some food for tomorrow, when Kim is coming round. Dot checked her info about Hickling School, which is getting Ofsteded tomorrow. Watched an episode of Clarkson’s Farm, then put bins out and had something to eat before walking to the Great Hospital for Cake and Compline. Eleanor made first-class apple cake, and we took wine.    All present except Phil. Pretty shagged out when we got home. 

Tuesday was quite pleasant weather most of day, deteriorating badly in the evening, as Dot was driving back from Hickling in sleet and pouring rain. She had been there to attend an Ofsted feedback which went really well. Earlier she had spoken to the inspector on the phone and was told she had been very helpful. She is a star!  Kim came round in the morning and stayed for lunch (as planned). As always, very interesting conversation. She’s a bit worried about a lecture she’s setting up at St Martin in the Fields, because there seems to be a shortage of chairs. Played through some more En Passant games – am now up to date. Watched a documentary on the Morse/Lewis/Endeavour series, then an episode of Clarkson’s Farm. Planning committee should be sued for being deliberately obstructive. Also watched a YouTube documentary sent by Oliver on someone who walked from bottom to top of the Outer Hebrides.

Wednesday again was not bad till evening. Rain started at about 9pm and continued. Stayed in all day and wrote most of my sermon. Dot went to Taize at lunchtime, and in the evening to orchestra.  She also wrote her report on Hickling yesterday after I found the document for her – it had been filed under the wrong name. Watched what we think was the end of Hotel Portafino – quite good. Norwich drew 1-1 away to Huddersfield. 

Thursday was fairly mild, with a slightly chilly wind. Dot went to Ladies-that-Lunch event at The Sugar Beat on the A140, with Sue Eagle, Helen Lamb and Pam Dons. Meanwhile I finished my sermon and cleared up, then went for a walk up to Tombland and back through to Mountergate and across the bridge. Bridget came to clean, arriving just before Dot. David FaceTimed in evening – long talk about climate etc: he is migrating our websites, possibly in small boats. 

Friday was mild, but quite a lot of rain, especially in the first half of the day. Had our hair cut, and I rewrote the end of my sermon and chose the hymns. Went to Morrisons and stocked up, then to Des and Chris for evening drinks – with Sarah. Mark is in Norway. Fish and chips, then watched Rain Man. Good film. Also start of new series of Ted Lasso.

Last Monday we were still in Coventry, at the end of a chilly day with snow forecast over the next couple of days. Picked Oliver up from his house and after showing him our room at the Old Mill had a meal with him in the restaurant – very good ribeye and excellent waitress. Dot drove him home (with me) as she kindly denied herself alcohol. Very tired. 

Tuesday‘s – breakfast was a bit slow, but the drive home was easy. I drove to Cambridge Services where we had tea/coffee, then Dot drove home. Arrived home about 1pm. Unpacked etc and watched various TV programmes, then went to bed early.  Very tired. Weather quite pleasant, but cold. 

Wednesday was very cold, but hovering just above freezing. Lots of precipitation, mainly rain but some snow. Drove to Phyllis’s house for valuation of her possessions at 9.30pm. Took about 40 mins – very little worth having. Prepared poems for evening and looked at talk for next Monday. Dot went to Taize, then collected pills and went to Morrisons. Bought new hot water bottle – left old one at hotel! Made meal (sausages) and left a bit late for Halesworth. Drove through lots of sleet and arrived about five minutes late, but not last. Lynne in charge. Fewer people than usual. Read two poems about Andrew, one about the White Ship and Near-Death Experience. Couple of new guys and an artist, Ros, who was very pleasant. Quite a bit of snow on verges on the way home, but none on road. Filled up with petrol. Dot had been to orchestra and said there had been quite a bit  of snow in Norwich, but it hadn’t laid. Some snow on windscreens. Watched Hotel Portafino and were rather late in bed. 

Thursday – miserable weather: cold and very wet, but no snow, as there was in much of the country, including Coventry. Got up in good time to prepare for visit by the Goddards at 11, but they had the wrong date in their diary. Spent much of the day tidying up my room and catching up, but we did watch Endeavour, which was excellent, as was the second episode of Unforgotten. However I did go to sleep towards the end of Clarkson’s Farm. Before that had FaceTime with David and Amy, who looked very good. Some competition between Oliver, Amy and David as to what constitutes a blizzard. 

Friday – mixture of snow sun and rain: very cold. Went out twice: early on to move car and post a birthday card for Phil, and later to buy some milk. Pam and Stuart Goddard came round for reschedules tea/coffee and cake. Had quite a long talk. Judging by what they said about their electric car, I definitely don’t want one. Both of us felt a big down in the afternoon : Dot cooked a lovely meal for Phil and Clare and Matt and Amanda. I worked on computer and spent ages trying to find the right leads for the projector – unsuccessfully. At 5.40 we went over to drink wine at Mark and Sarah’s, plus Des and Chris. Lovely meal and chat with our visitors, Matt revealing more of his knowledge of ancient and modern Norwich. Plus much else. They came by tandem. Bed after midnight. 

Saturday – much better day, weather wise. Quite a bit of sun, and not quite so cold. Dot dropped me off at the post office, and I walked up to the Rosary and back, with a few diversions. Dot continued to the garden centre, bought a couple of things and spent some time in the garden. Meanwhile in Ontario loads of snow, as David revealed when he FaceTimed us. Had phone call from Heather Savigny, saying Simon had a stroke and is in hospital for at least four weeks. Upsetting – he’s had a poor prognosis and she is thinking about moving, because they live on the 8th floor and the lift is dodgy. Watched a fair amount of TV, including England losing heavily to France, who scored 53 points. Also refreshing Premier League highlights, because all the commentators have come out in sympathy with Gary Lineker, who was removed after a rather silly tweet about immigrants and Nazis.  Wrote prayers for tomorrow.