This seems a long time ago, but late last Thursday (19th) I picked up Dot and Jaya from Greens, where they had been handbell-ringing – and drove Jaya home. Watched Marie Antoinette, which is pretty good. The Greens leave today (27th) for India. I do not envy them, except that it should be warmer.

Last Friday was still very cold, with some rain. Quite unpleasant, really. Dot’s DSSO school interview was cancelled via phone at 7.45; so Linda came earlier to do our hair. Had time for a bath afterwards before Phil arrived to take me to the funeral director’s, where I paid £4000 deposit for the funeral and saw Andrew’s body. Strange experience. Long time since the three of us had been together. Wrote a poem about it later.

Phil came back for cup of tea just as the plumber (Evan) arrived to fit a new shower pump. This one seemed to work ok – and no extra charge! Message from Joy that meeting had been arranged at Eckling Grange next Tuesday with Surrey Chapel reps re funeral service. Managed to write a Parish Pump article on Christopher Wren, then went to Cake and Compline at Claire’s. Got a lift from Phil Kerrison: Jude and Eleanor went with Dot. Afterwards watched Death in Paradise. 

Saturday was cold. What’s new? Up fairly late – watched  Norwich beat Coventry 4-2 away on NOW Tv, on my iPad – couldn’t get it on television.(Oliver was there, but we didn’t see him.) I felt very tired afterwards and lay down for a while. Dot wrote prayers for tomorrow after having a long conversation with Carrie on the phone. Practised hymns. Watched walking programmes. Des and Chris came over for drinks for a couple of hours, which was very nice. Then started watching Bank of Dave on Netflix. David FTd us and we had quite a long chat, partly about the funeral. He said he might come over! 

Sunday was bright but very cold. Windscreens bad. Drove to church and played guitar. Pretty cold in church. Good sermon from Graham on unity as opposed to uniformity. Played one of my songs in Communion (All will be well) and got some good response. Also to Dot’s prayers. I felt pretty cold all day. Dot reorganised the airing cupboard and her room – great job. Watched a bit of football but not much else.

In the evening drove on my own to Lowestoft for Seagull poetry. About a dozen of us. Got complements from Sue and others about my poetry book: Lynne said she had a copy by her bed! Read two new poems – Unfinished and Last Men Standing, plus four from my book: the fish dock one, Anne Boleyn’s Window (which Sue said made her cry), Liturgy and Failing Fire. Late finish: got home about 10.40pm despite clear run. 

Monday was busy. Cold night, but up a few degrees during the day. Dot dropped me at church. Had interesting Bible study /conversation with Judy and Steve. When Dot picked me up we dropped stuff at dry cleaners, then did a massive shop at Morrisons – £150. Still, we were about to run out of just about everything. Dot also picked up pills – went to chemists twice because they “didn’t have time” to check them first time.  Also got eye drops from pharmacist for her red eyes. I cleared up leaves – pretty tiring – and we watched the first episode of Silent Witness, which is getting a bit obsessed with a side character who does sign language. Other than that, good as usual. After supper I finished off my address for Andrew’s funeral, then watched an early Transatlantic Sessions. Amusing how young they all look – some almost unrecognisable. Guest appearance by Rufus Wainwright, who looked about 12, if that.

Tuesday was slightly less cold; quite pleasant in fact, but still a bit icy between Lenwade and North Tuddenham. Drove to Dereham to meet Andy Rees, pastor of ex-Surrey Chapel, and discuss forthcoming funeral. Nice bloke, but he left his coat behind. We took it with us and I returned it to his house in the evening. Spent quite a long time with Dot looking at pictures and discussing frames. Later watched Silent Witness and Call the Midwife, which was a bit mawkish. Ended the evening with Detectorists, which is brilliant. Wrote second one of three Parish Pump pieces.

Miserable weather again on Wednesday. Misty, damp and cold, with the bonus of actual rain in the late afternoon and early evening. Have managed to put together an order of service for Andrew’s funeral, and finished Parish Pump articles. Dot went to Taize at church, and I picked her up and we took several pictures to get framed. Quite expensive, but they’ll be well done. David FTd while Dot was at orchestra, partly to discuss his bank card. Lots of snow and wind in Waterloo, but everyone is well. Geoff Jary has died, and so have Jane Flatt and Linda Brady, commonly known as Brady. Both the latter worked at Prospect House. Watched Happy Valley, which is tense. Me too.

Yesterday we both woke up very late. I was still in the bath when Dot went into the city, partly to check about funeral food at M&S and partly to buy some boots. I had a phone call from the funeral director about order of service and established that Phil and Joy wouldn’t need a limousine. Later spoke to Jenny Baxi on the phone about the funeral – they hadn’t seen a text message I’d sent a few days ago. Death notice in Coventry Telegraph yesterday (can be viewed online).

Finished Phantastes, an amazing book like nothing I’ve read before. Really deep fairy tale, praised by C S Lewis. Dot arrived home with Nikki, who she’d bumped into, and we/they spend a long time talking about how she was feeling about the future. During this Bridget arrived and did the cleaning. Posted a letter to Jenny Baxi and a card to Debbie Sands from Dot (Debbie’s husband Neil died recently). Felt very tired for some reason and went to bed early, but not before watching a couple of episodes of Bad Sisters on Apple TV, and Marie Antoinette on BBC. Former outshone the latter, despite what I said at the beginning.

Thursday 19 Jan – still, and hovering just above freezing. Today we travelled to Hempnall for lunch with Sue and Roger Eagle. As always it lasted a long time, because we had lots to talk about. Delicious meal from Sue , especially the soup and paratha. Had to go a long way round because of roadworks in The Street at Saxlingham Nethergate: my avoidance system was better going than coming, and we ended up in rush-hour traffic too. Still, after a break we were off again, picking up Jaya and taking her to handbell ringing at the Greens. After dropping them I filled up with petrol, using Dot’s precious voucher. After writing this I shall fetch them.

Last Friday was also dry, but with a cold wind. Up early because Barry came to touch up paintwork in the kitchen. He arrived at 8.30. I had late bath and Dot went to Morrisons. Hospital rang about 12.15 with news that Ray would be ready for collection after his eye operation by about 1.15.  Bridget was here cleaning, and Barry had left by the time we went. We picked Ray up around 1.20 and took him home. He was rather nervous. Saw Christine and Derek and Lindsay.    

Dot dropped me at Kett’s Hill roundabout and went up to Dunelm. I walked home and then to Morrisons to pick up Amazon parcel – vitamin pills – from locker. Got a call from the funeral director, but no date. Everything else ok. At 5.30 we went over to D’Souzas for wine and chat. John also there: Tara still very poorly – long Covid or reaction to vaccine, or something else entirely? At 7 Des got fish and chips, and we took them home to eat. Watched Marie Antoinette and Death in Paradise. 

The Saturday weather was not very inspiring – lots of rain again – but the day was inspiring in that we had our granddaughter with us. Vicky and Matt dropped Amy off (and had tea/coffee) before going on to Reepham to see Kerry. Dot did a complex salad, and raspberry cake dessert, which was delicious. Afterwards we watched Local Hero after I told Amy about the book I’d been reading. Happily she really liked it. We also looked at her Canadian pictures and some others. She was picked up about 5.30pm. We cleared up and watched football and another film, King of Thieves. Norwich beat Preston 4-0 away under their new manager, David Wagner, and Liverpool lost. No message from Adrian. 

Sunday was damp and cold, but with dry spells. Took Heather to and from church. Played guitar. Anna did lectio. Chatted quite a bit afterwards, then dropped off Water into Wine book to Leanne, who was barely up. She said she would come tomorrow. Spent much of the day watching TV, I’m afraid. Saw quite a bit of football, both episodes of Mayflies, a rather good drama about ending life, then the first episode of a new series of Vera – very well done as always. 

Monday was cold, wet later with a dusting of snow. Dot drove me to church in the morning. Discussion with Judy and Graham about music on Sundays. No Bible study because Leanne’s daughter has tonsillitis, and Steve wasn’t keen. Dot picked me up later and we called in at the picture-framing shop to get an idea of what was on offer – very wide selection. Watched a lot of TV again, I’m afraid. Football, Call the Midwife, Happy Valley, Mayfair hotel reconstruction. Plumber came in afternoon to replace the pump. Everything works now, but the pump was not as strong as previous one – Dot rather disappointed because shower not as powerful. She has now rung the plumber, who will replace it.

Tuesday was very cold. Dry. Barry came to finish off the kitchen painting. While he was here Dot and I walked to Morrisons to buy food for specific events. Barry finished about noon, and Anna arrived shortly after 12.30 to give Dot a violin lesson, but we spent half an hour discussing the music “problem” at church. Anna is going to talk to Carrie. Ho hum. Felt tired in afternoon and went to sleep for a while. At 5 Dot cooked a ready meal for Ray, and we took it up to him. I had to scrape the car windows first (had already made a start earlier). Lots of traffic on the way home. Watched the first episode of Silent Witness but didn’t join in poetry Zoom. David FTd us for a chat, and I was able to tell him that Andrew’s funeral is tentatively scheduled for February 15 at 12.15pm. Earlier I wrote a piece for my website on the need to listen to minorities. 

Cold again yesterday, but car windscreen was OK. Bad night. Paul Henderson came round at 11am and stayed till just after noon. He is heading for New Zealand next month. Dot was due to go to North Elmham for Ofsted feedback at 3.45pm, but at 1.20pm Paul Dunning rang to say it had been brought forward to 2.15 – so she left immediately, but still managed to get there in time, and all went well. Meanwhile I had another call from the funeral director, giving the funeral date definitely as February 15 at 12.15pm. At last! Then a call from Phil to say that an elder had e-mailed him, giving the date as Feb 22. I suggested he put him right.

Later I rang Barbara to tell her Andrew had died. She seemed quite perky (generally, not at the news: I have the “happy” knack of making her laugh loud and long). Dot got home before the original time for the feedback, happy that she had avoided driving in the dark. In the evening she went to orchestra, and when she got back we watched the next episode of the excellent Silent Witness. I am reading Phantastes, which is very, very unusual but compelling.

Sunday was cool, windy. Dry in the morning, but very wet from mid-afternoon. Went to church and did sermon and prayers as well as playing guitar. Seemed to go well. Chatted with Steve and Nikki afterwards, as well as Carrie, who is not physically well – may have hernia – as well as worried about other things. Vicky was there: children not doing too well. Phil there but not playing guitar.

Latish home: football traffic. Norwich under new manager David Wagner lost 1-0 to Blackburn in the FA Cup but had 20 corners! Felt a bit under the weather. Watched some football and Call the Midwife. Longish FT with David interrupted initially by call from the Baxis in Coventry. I had left a message that Andrew had died, and they were deeply shocked. Also e-mailed Central Hall and Hearsall Baptist in case anyone there knew him. Rang Phil and Sylvia Ford to fix visits tomorrow and Tuesday respectively. 

Monday was quite pleasant, but chilly. Dry. Dot dropped me at church in morning, and I did a Bible study with Steve, Judy and Debbie – Acts 1. Not too much trouble with Debbie. Cold in hall and I didn’t feel particularly well, though I suspect this may have been something I ate. After lunch we drove to Phil’s with some of Andrew’s stuff and discussed the funeral arrangements. Home, watched some football and Happy Valley, plus Far from the Madding Crowd, a very good film.  Felt considerably better. 

Very wet on Tuesday. Rained quite hard for much of the day, which made transferring Bibles and pictures to Sylvia Ford in Framingham Earl quite difficult. Dot and I went together, and we had quite a nice chat, not to mention scones and tea. Lots of water on the country roads. Didn’t feel particularly well in the afternoon – head clogged up and pressured. Lay down for a while. Funeral director rang up and said Andrew was in Norwich; will be seeing him (FD, not Andrew) on Thursday. He said the funeral would not be till February in all probability. Passed this on to Phil. In the evening watched Silent Witness: excellent as always despite the odd improbability. Des came round and invited us over to his on Friday if the weather was too bad to be out, as seems likely. Mark has left for Mobile, where he will be stuck with the Memphis Blues again, until the ship sails to Europe.

Wednesday was an odd day. Mixture of rain and dry, but pretty grey all round. Finished reading Local Hero, which is excellent, but then I think the film is my all-time favourite. Dot went to Taize at church at lunchtime, and I caught up on computer, preparing for my visit to the funeral director tomorrow. Phil called in about 3.30 after having his hair cut: brought a card with notes I’d left at his. Had a brief chat. In the evening I started off to go to Swan Poets at Halesworth, but traffic in Norwich was bad and there was a road closure at Saxlingham Nethergate. Ended up on several country lanes and then road works traffic lights near Bungay before taking the wrong turn. All felt wrong; so I went home – had been on the road for 90 minutes. Meanwhile Dot went to orchestra. Watched final episode of Series 2 of Slow Horses – really good. 

Drizzle at first yesterday, then dry in a wet sort of way. Chilly breeze. Plumber came to look at shower pump – is going to replace it. Dot drove me to funeral director’s and I spoke to Debbie, Glynn’s deputy, for about an hour. Nice woman. Walked home, partly by riverside path, where I had a chat with a litter picker. Watched football, then Dot realised her planned meal for Ray couldn’t be cooked from frozen. So she got a new one from Morrisons, which she cooked just in time. I drove her and she took it in. Christine seemed very peaceful. 

Came back for our own meal and then watched all three episodes of Stonehouse, which was amusing but left questions unanswered, like how he could be so stupid and why women were attracted to him. 

Monday was a pleasant day, though a bit on the chilly side, with a cool breeze. Walked to church in the morning, but very few people there, and nothing much happening. Chatted to Steve and Judy, and eventually Dot picked me up around 12.20pm. We had lunch, watching a bit of an old film, then I walked her to Carrow Road for Norwich’s match against Watford. Spoke to Steve Fiske on way back: he has a jaw infection, and his parents are in dire straits. So are Norwich, who lost 1-0.

I played through En Passant games, put blog on this website and read some more of the Local Hero book, which is extremely interesting – on how that great film got to be made. Transferred chunk of Andrew’s money to Phil (similar amount transferred to me). Watched Alice through the Looking Glass, which is quite something, and the final episode of Vienna Blood, which is well done, but I don’t like one of the main characters. 

Miserable weather on Tuesday – wet, cold, windy and grey. Went to the Archant “breakfast” as usual, but had only tea/coffee as the normal breakfast was not available. Egg and bacon sandwich was, but we didn’t realise that until too late. Afterwards went to chemist to pick up prescriptions, which took ages: they were supposed to be ready on Saturday, but the place is clearly understaffed and hanging on. Had to wait about 15 minutes. After lunch went to Morrisons to restock, which went reasonably well. No phone call today re Andrew (or anything else), which was a bit disappointing. Watched  a very good two episodes of Silent Witness and some football.

Wednesday provided much better weather. Quite mild, dry and some sun. Had another really bad night, but managed to get some of my sermon written, though not much else – however, I was looking after Dot, who was feeling very dizzy. After much trying, got a helpful response from both the doctor’s receptionist in Coventry and the coroner’s office (replying to an email I sent after hanging on for 20 minutes).  It seems that there will be an inquest, but I will know more tomorrow. I hope. Felt pretty tired all day. Spurs beat Crystal Palace 4-0. Watched more episodes of Tinker, Tailor, which is really good, and the opening episode in the new series of Happy Valley – also pretty good. 

Thursday – Dry and fairly mild. Guess what – 2022 was the warmest year in living memory. Apparently. Ho, ho. Got a call from the coroner’s office in Coventry – Georgette, very nice. She asked me a lot of questions and asked me to send a statement about Andrew, which I did straight afterwards. Apparently there will be a formal inquest which we don’t need to attend, where the coroner reads out his findings, which are recorded.  This will happen fairly soon, they will register the death and be in touch to tell me where I can get a death certificate. Rang Phil  to let him now. Finished my sermon. Bridget came and did some cleaning. Decided to go to Coventry tomorrow to clear Andrew’s stuff. Watched the end of Tinker, Tailor, which was terrific, and the first episode of Marie Antoinette. Earlier watched some football. Notoriously pro-Liverpool BBC put Liverpool last on MOTD because they lost 3-1 to Brentford. FTd David at the end of the day to let him know about progress on Andrew. He had pictures of Amanda – allegedly.

Friday was a really nice day – mild and dry, which was good because we spent much of it on the road. Left about 10.15 and called at Cambridge Services, where Dot met Anandi in the loo: quite a coincidence. Phil rang to say he had spoken to the pastor at Surrey, and it was ok to hold the funeral there.  Then on to Coventry, where we sorted out Andrew’s room, leaving all the books and records, plus the clothes. Brought home pictures etc, much of which will no doubt be thrown away. Dot sorted out CDs – but many were missing either the sleeve or the CD itself. We were given his money and his watch by Joanie (in charge) and Chantelle.  Little Arthur said he missed Andrew – apparently they spent quite a lot of time together. Journey home went well: stopped at Cambridge again, this time for KFC, which was ok but not nearly as good as it used to be. Got home just before 7 and watched TV – Marie Antoinette, Death in Paradise and a couple of others. 

Yesterday was cool and damp, especially later on. Very tired, and both of us had a lie-in. Worked out the state of Andrew’s money and applied for Pension owing. Wrote prayers for tomorrow.  Amy FTd – she may visit us next Saturday. Has gone for Southampton University and seems quite enthusiastic about what she may do in her gap year. Watched some FA Cup football as well as a film, Pawn Sacrifice, about Bobby Fischer. Reasonably accurate, but didn’t like the portrayal of Fischer. Also a very moderate and over-long programme about the big snow in 1982. A couple of maps indicating the extent of it would have helped enormously. Got Andrew’s stuff in, ready for sorting. Christmas decorations now in loft apart from fairy lights above fireplace. 

The Wednesday after Christmas was pretty wet and miserable. Again failed to contact hospital, but did speak to Geo Bush about a funeral. Phil is speaking to Surrey Chapel about the service. Caught up with emails and started writing an article about Andrew. Watched Enemy of the State, which was compelling and rather well done, but it requires belief in the impossible. In the evening we went over to Des and Chris (and her brother Steve) for cheese, wine and their Canadian photos. Also finished Keiron Pim’s book today.

Thursday was dry, fairly cool but with some sun. Made some progress with Andrew eventually. Got through to the hospital and established that he wasn’t there. Checked again with Minster Lodge and eventually tracked him down at a funeral director’s. Still haven’t established where his death certificate is, but had a mysterious call from a doctor this evening. Only rang a couple of times, but she left a message saying she would ring tomorrow morning. Meanwhile registry office said they would ring back but didn’t, and Glynn from Geo Bush rang to see if I’d found out where Andrew was. Gave him the phone number of the Coventry funeral director. Aargh! Dot went shopping in the afternoon, and Bridget came to do the cleaning as usual. In the evening watched a thriller, Vienna Blood, and a documentary on the making of Doc Martin.  Both very good. David FTd to say Oliver and Amy were back in England. I sent him a gift card and The Radetsky March. Oh, Dean Smith has been sacked as City manager. Did I mention that?

Friday was mIserable and rainy till midday, though mild. Dry later. Dot went out to do more shopping, and after lunch I spoke to the Pensions people, telling them Andrew had died. Had to hang on for a long time, but it was worth it. Phil is making arrangements with Surrey Chapel, and everyone is waiting for the coroner. Earlier – when I was in the bath – I got a call from Dr Newbold in Coventry, whose colleague had tried to save Andrew. She told me that the papers were going to the coroner, who would contact me in due course. Not much for me to do, as far as I can tell. Dot went to the match in the evening. I walked with her and posted a letter, then walked to meet her. Norwich drew with Reading 1-1 and played well. 

Saturday was another miserably wet day. In the morning we visited Anne and Philip, the latter definitely showing his age, mainly through what he said. Nice time with them, though. In the afternoon Des came over and showed us a couple of guitars he had been left: he wants to find good homes for them, possibly at a school. We’re going to ask Vicki. While he was here Kim rang to say Kai and Kaian were on their way but might be ill with a cold or something, and did we want to cancel? After some discussion we decided to go and see Kim and Kavana and leave when the others arrived; so that’s what happened.

Very wet: had to find a parking space, which cost me £3. First time we’d met Kim’s son: he seemed very nice. But of course we were just passing in the night. Had fairly quiet evening after that; watched most of Yesterday – brilliant film – then football and a bit of Jools Holland, which is not as good as it used to be. FTd David briefly and went to bed by 12.30am. Drank most of the Prosecco the Evetts bought us. 

Sunday was mild, mainly dry, but here we were in 2023. Tiptoeing in because of fears of what might lie in store. Finished off Prosecco, but before that went to church, feeling a little tired after last night. Played guitar and chatted to various people, including Anna about Phyllis’s grave.  Howard did a rather academic sermon on Ecclesiastes  which turned out to be quite interesting. At home, did a lot of clearing up, as did Dot – in her case jewellery – otherwise very quiet. Watched Vienna Blood, which is bit weird, and Call the Midwife, which went a bit self-righteous but turned out OK.

One of those weeks that catches you unaware, just when everything seems mapped out and organised. On Friday I had paid one of my visits to my aunt Thelma, who is in her 90s and lives at a care home just outside Poringland. She is hard to talk to because she is quite deaf and forgets things you’ve just said. As always, I updated her on the family, including our recent visit to Andrew at the beginning of the month. I think I said he seemed reasonably well.

A couple of hours later I received a phone call from Minster Lodge to say that Andrew had died, after choking and suffering a cardiac arrest. Nothing since then: no-one will answer the phone (except Minster Lodge); so I can’t make any progress. All very sad.

The previous day had been miserable as far as the weather was concerned: thick mist all day, light rain and very grey – just when the days are supposed to be getting longer. Drove to Phil and Joy’s to leave presents. Phil seemed a bit worse, but not drastically so. Joy seems to be shrinking. Afterwards went to Angela’s and had sausage roll and mince pie. Feeling a bit under the weather today – stomach funny. Suspect I may be a little allergic to eggs.

On the way home called at my cousin Mark’s and returned a photo album I’d had since Paul’s funeral. He seemed happy but much older – reminded me of his father. Bridget was here when we got back. Managed to finish the four Parish Pump articles – on St Clare, the patron saint of television; Crick and Watson; the Munich air disaster; and the Columbia shuttle disaster. I am tempted to say NASA are a waste of space, but that would be too funny. Watched football, a documentary on Holkham Hall at Christmas and an Inside No 9 that, unusually, didn’t really work. 

Friday, appropriately enough, was dark grey and very wet day. After receiving the news about Andrew I rang Phil and David to let them know. Rest of the day was a bit of a blur, but we went to Morrisons in the afternoon, and in the evening we hosted the Cake and Compline crowd (less Vicky, who is ill) for a Christmas party: David and Bridget, Eleanor, Judy and Claire. Earlier had paid house insurance for Phyllis. 

Saturday was cold but mainly bright. A long day. First attempt to contact funeral director failed. Dot walked into the city, and I walked up to Rosary with flowers for parents’ grave, then down Gas Hill and into city, meeting Dot, Kim and her daughter Kavana in Jarrolds, where we all had a glass of Prosecco. Dot bought a long cardigan and got her boots fixed. Walked home. Felt very tired. Cousin Ann rang from Liverpool, and later David FTd – but before that we went to Paul’s for nibbles – Holly and Jo there: really nice kids. Spoke a bit to the Foxes, who are train fanatics; he was Maryta’s doctor.  At the end of the evening went to church for midnight communion. Gave Nikki present for her daughter India. Quite a full church: very cold – no heating. Home around 1am. Nice service. 

Sunday – Christmas Day! – was cloudy but dry; bit of sun in the afternoon. We went to church at about 11 and helped serve lunch to an extended family from The Lathes, including some very young children. Had some ourselves of course, and it was very good. Carrie did most of the work, assisted by us, Jude and Elaine, from Sprowston, who we didn’t know but who just volunteered. Very nice woman. Good atmosphere all round. Home just after 3pm. Very tired. Opened presents – some excellent books, as well as other things. FaceTimed with David and Oliver – bit tricky because WiFi pretty awful at Caledon. Quite surprised they travelled there, because roads were bad (some closed) in the aftermath of the storm. But of course Chrissy is very experienced in Canadian winters. Watched television quite a bit, including Four Weddings and a Funeral (still brilliant), an episode of Slow Horses (likewise), and the first part of the very last Doc Martin ever. Andrew’s death still doesn’t seem real.

Monday  – Boxing Day. Chilly but dry. Didn’t go out. Had the full Christmas dinner, which we cooked between us. Very nice. FaceTimed with David and Chrissy and Amy (Oliver out at gym with Sophie). Also had longish chat with Phil and decided (we thought) on cremation for Andrew. Read quite a bit of Pim book and caught up a bit on emails. Watched end of Doc Martin and Death in Paradise. 

Tuesday was not too cold.Dry at first; ran from mid-afternoon. Not getting any further with Andrew. No-one answering phone except Minster Lodge, who said Andrew wanted a Christian burial. So that’s the cremation plan out of the window. Told Phil. Took presents for Vicky (from C&C group) up to Archers so that Bridget could transfer them to Vicky via Janet. Had cup of tea with them; and with David’s mum, who was quite perky.

On the way back tried to call in at Geo Bush funeral director, but no one there. Also called in at Phyllis’s house to check that all was in order, as per insurance demands (every 15 days). Rest of the day mainly watched television and read. Had full-scale Christmas meal in evening again. Watched Detectorists, which was absolutely first class: great script, brilliant ending; and Call the Midwife, which is one of the few dramas that has an idea what Christian love is about. Dot had a very bad night on Monday and was feeling under the weather all day, but this morning (Wednesday) she feels better after we both had a much better night.

Incidentally, I put Andrew’s death on Facebook and received (at the time of writing) 70 sympathetic comments. Aren’t people nice?

Signs of improvement last Saturday, but still very cold. Walked into city to buy a few more cards and some sweets. City was heaving with people – escaped quickly. Dot spent most of the day writing cards and preparing stuff for Christmas lunch at church tomorrow. We both decided not to go and watch Norwich City, mainly because of the cold, but they played abysmally, lost 2-0 to Blackburn and were booed off. FaceTime with David and Oliver. Amy should be joining them tomorrow. They have a little snow, but more on the way, apparently.

Checked over Alternative Carol Service and practised carols. Impending doom. Haven’t been feeling too good today, but I probably had too much to drink, if that can give you cold symptoms. Watched last episode of Granite Harbour: not very good. Oh, and I put together my Canadian poems into a kind of booklet to send to the Murrays and David. 

Sunday was cold to start with, but became slightly less cold in the afternoon, and it rained from late afternoon into evening. Amy flew to Canada and is now in Waterloo. All a bit hectic first thing: got to church early and sorted out who did what in the Alternative Carol Service. Graham took over on piano; so I didn’t have to play guitar. Dot and Anna on violin. All went pretty well; got lots of compliments. Several people from St Luke’s. Afterwards had the Christmas meal – about a couple of dozen for that. Pretty good, but I had a dodgy stomach later in the day. Come to that, I was feeling pretty odd generally, but there’s nothing new in that. Missed first quarter of an hour of World Cup final, which Argentina eventually won on penalties after drawing 3-3 with France after extra time. Watched final of Young Chorister of the Year, which was impressive, and a documentary on Quentin Blake, which was pretty good. 

Dramatic change in temperature on Monday. Up about 12 degrees or more. Also rain, unfortunately, but not too bad. Dot dropped me off at church in the morning – plenty of people there, but not Nikki or Leanne. Had long chat with Steve. Dot picked me up and we got Bibles from Phyllis’s house.  Then dropped cards off at Fiskes’. Chris looked very ill. After lunch watched Strike, which was good, and an episode of Slow Horses, which was brilliant. Caught up with a few presents and electronic messages. Walked to Kim’s for supper. Her partner Kai was there – nice bloke,  Norwegian of course. Lovely meal and chat. Arrived home just after midnight. Had been raining for about ten minutes. 

Tuesday was slightly cooler with a breeze, but sunny. Finished wrapping presents after driving to North Walsham  and putting flowers in cemetery. Bought a few things in Sainsburys, including a turkey breast, but appalled to find no trace of lentil crisps. Lots of traffic at Wroxham coming back.  Watched last episode of Strike, which was very good indeed, and the next two episodes of Slow Horses, which were brilliant. Caught up with e-mails.

Yesterday it rained till mid-afternoon: reasonably mild. Very busy, but managed to write two Pump articles and watch another episode of Slow Horses – still brilliant. Started day with hair cut, then after lunch Anne came round, and later Roger and Debbie. Meanwhile Carrie called in to pick up a music book, and Jonathan to drop off a present. Got an e-mail from solicitor asking about insuring house: had to deal with it because Anna is away. Spoke to Sophie and Kim on phone.  Copies of my poetry book I ordered on December 1 (and posted the same day) finally arrived. 

It’s still very, very cold; so I won’t repeat that every day in this post. Just assume it is. Hardly any snow in Norwich, but loads of frost – white roads, the sound of frantic scraping, car engines running to heat the screens and the occasional scream as someone falls over.

On Sunday, Dot had a cold to go with the cold, and that’s continued as well, although after Sunday she was not disabled by it. However, I went on my own to church after much window-scraping. Played guitar, with Matt on piano – went quite well. Went to play one of my songs during Communion, but they saw me coming and started singing Ubi Caritas. So I waited till the end and sang it then. Don’t think anyone noticed.

Quite cold in church. Stuart said at the end that the temperature inside hadn’t got above 13C. Gave out Christmas cards. Car had iced up again while I was in church!! After quick lunch (soup) took Dot to practise handbells at Great Hospital church, then returned home, did some quick jobs and returned for the concert at 3pm. Dot also played violin with Anna, and Bridget read a poem. Had tea and mince pie afterwards. Walked home and arrived home before Dot, who got a lift with Bridget. Cooked elaborate meal of duck legs, courgette, mashed potato, yorkshire puddings and gravy(!). Afterwards watched some football and then a film, Anna – complex story about a KGB assassin, very well done. Bed early.

On Monday there was snow over much of country, but not here. Oliver managed to get to   Gatwick for his flight to Canada. I gave Blofield and the church a miss and took the sugar to Swafield – a lone journey because Dot’s cold hadn’t improved, and I was worried I was getting one and might not otherwise meet the deadline (Fri). Very sunny out N Walsham way and unloading sugar proved straightforward. No one about. Drove home – Dot was getting up. Later I cleared up some leaves – with care, as pavement was icy in places. Dot was doing her DSSO paperwork, but I helped her get some Christmas stuff out of the loft.  Sent out most of the electronic Christmas messages after cooking sausages, mash and leek. Watched a couple of episodes of Lucy Worsley on Agatha Christie, which were really very good, and two episodes of Strike, likewise. Oliver has arrived in Canada and reached Waterloo.

By Tuesday Dot’s cold was gradually improving. Thought I was succumbing, but rallied later, and we both eventually went to the DCC meeting with refreshments, giving Howard a lift. Earlier finished off writing the Alt Carol Service with a few adjustments and even put an order of service together. Watched a documentary on Big Ben reconstructed – fascinating – after listening to a Radio 4 programme about bells, produced by Kristine’s company. Also filled up the car with petrol and did a mammoth shop at Morrisons – about £200! Short FaceTime with Amy. 

Wednesday saw a sprinkling of snow in the evening. Paul came round in the morning looking rather tired. He coincided with Bridget, and shortly before she left Dot went to the shops to buy a few presents. I printed off some stuff and sent off a few more electronic cards. Postal strike again today and tomorrow. Phone call with Lucy about possible Julian project: she’s been in touch with Howard. Rather alarming. In the evening Dot and I drove to Bowthorpe for Sillars Christmas meal. Excellent food. Chatted to Vicki and Janet and Graham. Also briefly with Catherine about Florida devastation. She has property in Fort Myers, but had only minor damage. Watched an old Christmas special of One Foot in the Grave, which was very clever. 

Hard frost all day on Thursday, like 1963.  As so often nowadays, felt under the weather during morning and early afternoon, then improved. Naomi came round at 10.30 with football tickets: brought dog, but it was well behaved. Walked up to Maids Head to buy books from Paul – had whisky in the bar. Pavements icy. Prepared some presents and cards. Watched some football and accidentally Escape to the Country because it was in Norfolk. In the evening thought we’d ordered a taxi to go to the Greens, but it didn’t turn up. Started to walk, but Dot fell over – fortunately nothing broken. So defrosted car and drove. Jaya’s birthday, and to celebrate we read through The Importance of Being Ernest. I was Algernon, and Dot was Cicely. Perfect! Great play – really enjoyed it. Had veggie Indian, which was ok, but meat would have made it so much better. 

Pavements lethal yesterday. Slipped three times on way down to post office to mail parcels, but fortunately didn’t fall. Also posted a few cards and bought a few things. Most of the day was spent preparing for our neighbours’ party in the evening. Had phone call from Ray to say he and Chris both very bad. Then later call from Carrie to say she was being overwhelmed, having organised so many things and helpers all going down sick. Meanwhile Phoebe came round  because she had forgotten her key and couldn’t get in – Sean and Ciara were on their way back from London. Party went very well – people brought lots of wine and one of two other things. Present: Des (Chris had a cold and didn’t come), Angela and Matt, Mary and Bob, Sean, Ciara and Phoebe, Mark and Sarah, and Jude Sayer. John didn’t come because his father was in hospital with a broken ankle. Most left by 9.30, but Des, Sean & co hung on till the bitter end – roughly 11pm. Cleared up in about half an hour. Pretty tired. 

This has been a cold week. Monday started with showers, but I managed to walk to church and actually did a Bible study: Leanne turned up, and Alison and Steve were quite keen. Lots of people around, preparing for some kind of Christmas thing. Bought some cards from Alison and had a serious talk with Steve, which I hope helped. Dot came and picked me up, then after lunch she went to Taverham, getting caught up in quite a lot of traffic. Realising rather belatedly that our Mazda European Assistance had lapsed, I arranged roadside assistance with Green Flag, starting tomorrow. Felt very tired in the evening. Sent electronic cards and Christmas cash to Oliver and Amy, and birthday card to Joe. Getting quite a lot of low-grade pain in my teeth, for some reason: ears popping too.

Tuesday was again cold with showers. Dot went to Worstead School quite early: I was planning to walk to the Archant Christmas meal, but in fact Dot arrived just as I was about to leave; so we went together. Very good meal. Chatted to Robin, Shelagh, Brian and Tricia, plus a few others. Bill, David and Richard all there. Carvery. Later Dot wrote up her reports and I lay down, not feeling  too good. Think I went to sleep. Watched a bit of football, Morocco beating Spain on penalties and Portugal slaughtering Switzerland 6-1. Watched another episode of Slow Horses: very good. Then a good episode of Motherland. 

Wednesday was very cold but mainly dry. Dot went to a DSSO meeting followed by their Christmas lunch. Safeguarding meeting for 4pm postponed, but she went to orchestra in the evening. I stayed in but racked up 5000 steps. Also reworked alternative carol service and printed out sheets. Chose hymns for Sunday.  Read a bit and did a few Christmas cards. Watched final episode of Slow Horses, season one. Very good except for  language. 

On Thursday we woke up to a dusting of snow. Had to de-ice car for Dot, who was off to the Yarmouth school with the brilliant head teacher. I decided to have a bath after she went and read quite a bit of Keiron’s book. We had soup for lunch because Dot was cold. In the afternoon I wrote a Christmas message which I hope to send to a number of people after I run it past Dot. Still waiting for copies of my poetry book, which were posted to me on December 1. Bridget came to do cleaning after Dot had left for Catfield for an Ofsted feedback. I gave her some questionable legal advice as we had a coup of tea and biscuit. Dot got back just after she left, having been held up by traffic between A47 and home. We had eggs, and watched Grand Designs before I drove her to the Greens for handbell practice. I read some more of Keiron’s book; felt very tired. David and Bridget brought her home. Watched another episode of The English.

Yesterday was very cold, but dry. Wrote a lot of Christmas cards and finished off the Christmas message, which Dot seems happy with. Read a bit more too. Dot picked up more sugar from Brooke, and I helped her sort it. She also went to Thurton school. When she got back she spent a long time compiling her Ofsted feedback report, but finished just in time to go over to Des and Chris’s for wine and talk. Too cold to drink outside. He got us some fish and chips later and we watched Argentina v Netherlands, which the former won on penalties after the Netherlands got back from 0-2 to 2-2 with almost the last kick. Despite Messi, Argentina succeed mainly by falling over every time an opponent goes near them and relying on the referee being hopeless. He was. Most of them are. Earlier Brazil had gone out on penalties to Croatia. Watched second episode of Granite Harbour, which continues to be badly acted, directed or scripted – possibly all three. I was itching all over at end of the evening – possibly because I had drunk a lot of Merlot. 

Today was also very cold but dry. Ice on birdbaths. Got up quite late. After lunch I walked into the city and Dot took the bus, because she’s not feeling 100%. She has a slight sore throat, and is feeling tired. We went to Adnam’s shop in Westlegate and then to Lakeland, and bought several presents. I walked home via City bookshop and bought a book for Andrew. Dot took the bus again. Before this we had talked about a gift list and more or less got it sorted out. Then Dot packed a lot of the presents while listening to Norwich beat Swansea 1-0 away, just as Morocco beat Spain 1-0. Later England lost to France 2-1 but played very well. Sadly for Harry Kane, he missed a penalty. Dot practised her violin for tomorrow, and I bought a few items online.

Wednesday was dry and fairly cold. The head of Brooke school rang while Dot was in the shower, asking her to come to see him a bit later than planned, which she did. I did quite a bit of work during the day, including our charity giving and putting together a Christmas card list, deciding which to send online, and which to stay traditional. Also put rota in diary and online, prompting Anna to e-mail and change three Green dates, which was really helpful. Watched a bit of Poland v Argentina and some University Challenge and Grand Designs.  Earlier Dot practised violin and did a report on Brooke. While she was at orchestra in the evening I walked up to post office to post cheques and put some more books in the little library. Managed 5000 steps a day during November.

Thursday was chilly but quite pleasant: dry with some sun. It was the day of Phyllis’s funeral. Dropped Dot off at church and had trouble finding a parking spot – eventually found somewhere on Oak Street. Dot was playing violin during the service with Anna (Martin Wyatt on organ). I gave a tribute, Anna read from Psalms and Sophie gave an excellent account of her friendship with Phyllis. Graham did the service very well. Sylvia Ford, Phyllis’s niece and Davids’ former primary head teacher, came with her daughter. About 35 in all.

Afterwards took Howard and Anna up to the cemetery – off the ring road – for burial. Phil brought Sophie, Matt came by bike, and both he and Sylvia arrived too late. Afterwards drove back for refreshments at the hall and spent some time talking to Nikki about her feeling inferior. Tried to encourage her: she is really lovely and quite talented. After lunch watched a bit of football and chose a Compline for the evening. We walked to Cake and Compline, which was at Eleanor’s and very enjoyable. Excellent mince pies from Bridget, who had come and cleaned our house while we were out – Dot had forgotten to leave a note. 

Friday was very grey, with some rain. Sorted out a few Christmas cards and wrote to Oliver. Window cleaner came, but it just seemed like more rain. In the afternoon Dot went to Alpington School while I went to Revelations, but their selection of Christmas cards was nowhere near as good as usual. Bought some anyway. Later met Dot at Morrisons and bought considerable food. I put it away while she did her school report. No meet in street because of bad weather and absence of D’Souzas. Watched new Aberdeen police series – not brilliant but ok. 

Dry and chilly on Saturday. Drove to Mulbarton for brunch with the Gazleys, American style. Very nice. From there drove to Coventry, stopping at Cambridge Services for sandwiches etc to eat later. Also had croissant and cup of tea. Bought Andrew a photography magazine with some great pictures in it. Arrived at Baginton just after 5pm after going astray because of roadworks and finding ourselves on the A46 instead of the A45. Very nice room, and excellent bath, but  BBC1 on TV packed up half way through Argentina v Australia. Watched the rest on iPad, but after Argentina went 2-0 up switched to watching programme about Scotland on BBC 2. Final result 2-1. Went down to bar for glass of wine each, which was very pleasant. Bad night for both of us.

Sunday was overcast but mainly dry or with very light drizzle. Had good breakfast at the Old Mill, then drove to see Andrew. He is having real trouble standing up straight but says he is not in pain. Responses very slow and he is forgetting more. We left him with a video playing after Dot managed to find the connection.

Then on to pick up Oliver: again had problems finding our way – this time went down wrong road, and Oliver came and found us. We drove back to the Old Mill using a new route and had a really nice lunch together – roasts. I found it hard to eat it all after the big breakfast!  Afterwards walked round the back, then drove back to Oliver’s house, where we had a look round: looks comfortable and well situated.

Drove home, stopping at Cambridge Services for a toilet break, and for some reason I took the wrong turn at Barton Mills, and in trying to retrieve the situation found myself in a MacDonalds drive-through queue from which I couldn’t extricate myself without waiting for quite a while. Drove on and stopped for petrol at Thetford; got home around 6.30pm. Watched England beat Senegal 3-0. Mixture of very boring play with exciting attacks – mainly the former. Watched the first episode of Slow Horses, which I think we’d seen before.