The weather continues to be unpleasant, as does the atmosphere, news broadcasts and the performance of Norwich City strikers. I wonder if it’s possible to hibernate for a few years. It’s now the start of a new week, wet, cold and dark, and Dot is shopping while I make a vain attempt to catch up with many things I have to do.

Going back to last Wednesday, it all ended up pretty wet, miserable and cold. Dot went to orchestra practice and I played through the best games on the Norfolk chess championship, after clearing up. 

Thursday was cold and showery, and we got an early phone call from the Diocese asking Dot to go to an Ofsted feedback at Worstead school. Awkward, as we were about to travel to Swaffham for lunch with the Higbees, but it transpired that the feedback would be at 5pm: so we felt we could do both. Drove through heavy rain with a touch of snow to Swaffham but arrived 5 minutes early.  We had a lovely meal – chicken etc – and left about 3.15. Heavy traffic in Swaffham, because it was school-out time, but ok the rest pf the way.

We picked up stuff from home and continued to Worstead. Did a bit of walking while Dot was in school, but it was damp and very cold; so got back in the car. The school did well. we got home just after 6pm, had a quick cup of tea and a couple of episodes of Friends, and Dot was off to PCC, while I made the bed and put on the dishwasher. Cakes and coffee served by Graham; so Dot was quite late back. 

Friday was grey and damp, but warmer and not actually raining most of the time. We walked up to the Maids Head for the CNS reunion Christmas dinner (second Christmas dinner in two days). Chatted to Ray Houseago and signed a poetry book for him. Sat on a table with Alan Harrison, one of the speakers, plus Cindy and Michael Huggins, and Ros and Les Pye. Meal was good, but a bit too much of it. Turkey and Christmas pudding for me. Two even older boys than me were interviewed by Adrian about their life stories: Alan Harrison and Joe Parfitt. Walked home – very tired afterwards. Des, Chris and Mark came over for drinks in the kitchen for a couple of hours. 

Saturday was cold again, though there was some sun at first. Drove up to the chemist to pick up Dot’s pills. The chemist has gone downhill since it was taken over. Very slow. Then on to Morrisons for shopping. Extremely busy, especially at the tills. After lunch watched a bit of Buxton v Morecambe F A Cup (0-1) then we walked up to city to meet Kim for drinks. Failed to get in Cosy Club or Jarrolds but ended up at Bill’s, where Kim is well known and we got a free bottle of wine for no good reason, plus tea, coffee and some bits of bread and olives (and a cocktail for Dot). Had a good conversation about this and that. Walked home through the Close and had a Hello Fresh supper which, unusually, was only average. Felt very tired. Watched some of MOTD.

Yesterday was cold again, with rain later. Nice service at church. Norwich lost 3-0 to Spurs. Watched Songs of Praise Chorister of the year and got it right again. Hamilton deservedly won the Grand Prix despite dubious tricks by Verstappen. Sorted out some Christmas plans and bought some presents for Amy. Feelings running a bit high by e-mail about leaving the church door open for ventilation, with a bit of climate change and other stuff thrown in. I stayed clear of it, but there’s a DCC meeting tonight which could go badly wrong, despite the promised mince pies.

At the end of Friday, David FaceTimed us to say he now had a bank account and a credit card, helpfully called Infinity. Good news, but followed in the next few days by bad. There is a new variant of Covid called Omicron, which almost no-one can pronounce. This means of course that we must cave in and start introducing new restrictions, because eventually someone might die of it. Or be tested positive for it and die of something completely different, which is of course the same thing.

As if in sympathy, the weekend came up with some really bad weather, especially in the north, where there was loads of snow. In Yorkshire people were trapped in a pub for three days, which must have been awful, especially as they had a band with them. Saturday in Norfolk was very unpleasant – cold, windy and loads of rain from early afternoon. We went for tea and mince pie with Paul Henderson in the morning, and I accompanied Dot to the football in the afternoon, dodging most of the rain. Norwich drew 0-0 with Wolves and should have won. They played well, especially Brandon Williams. Pukki missed two or three fairly easy chances.

Sunday was another unpleasant day with lots of rain, and snow in other parts of the country. We had a small amount early on, but nothing lying. Preached and did prayers at church, where Carrie insisted on having the door open. Very cold. I delayed sermon so that people could put their coats on. Several people liked what I said. Later we finished off watching Showtrial, which was very well done. Unusually, had an evening Advent meditation service at 6pm led by Graham. Played guitar: Phil came but was unable to play, possibly because of Parkinson’s, possibly lack of practice during his illness. Anna and Dot played violin. It was a joint service, but only 14 came, unsurprisingly. I read one of my poems (Compline, temporarily renamed Advent). Heather Cracknell was there: she is now coming regularly. Also the Eastons. Pouring with rain afterwards.  Later in the evening I slipped on the bottom stair and landed on my heel. Got a very strange hot sensation in my head and couldn’t balance for a few moments. Haven’t experienced anything like it before. 

Monday was sunny, but very cold to start with. The heating failed again, though I had turned down the thermostat rather than turning the heating off. Took the car up to be serviced and did a reasonably long walk while it was being done. All good, except that we need a new offside mirror. Did a lot of work on the computer in the afternoon, especially on Paston material and editing pictures. Had a late evening bath after watching the final episode of The Outlaws, a brilliant series. 

Yesterday was dull, but much warmer. Showers. Busy morning: Linda came round to do our hair, then Rob and Peter called in for a PHS meeting. This was just ending when the gas man arrived to fix our boiler. It now seems to work properly. In the afternoon I did a Covid test (ridiculously complicated) and an associated survey. Also wrote to Mike Read, thanking him for sending me one of his chess annotations. Then I wrote up the PHS minutes, after walking up to the post office. Edited pictures and paid a £4000 Barclaycard bill (£3000 of it for boiler). Later watched Newcastle v Norwich on Amazon Prime. Newcastle had a man sent off after nine minutes, but we were losing 1-0 till Pukki scored in the 79th minute. We didn’t create very much. Watched several episodes of Friends to lighten the mood. Still, Norwich are now in double figures and third from bottom. Will it last?

Today is pretty miserable: grey and wet. I took Dot up for her violin lesson with Anna just before 10am, and arrived back as Naked Wines delivered our box that should have come yesterday. Between showers I walked up to meet Dot around 11.30am, after the Hello Fresh box had arrived. Had a bath, and later Bridget arrived to do the cleaning. She is still here as I write, at 2pm, and it’s raining.

Monday was Dot’s birthday. Quite cold, but not unpleasant, with a bit of sun. Went to Blakeney to stay two nights at the Blakeney Hotel. Outrageously expensive: £380 a night. The Evetts were delayed by a car problem and didn’t arrive till 5.30, more than an hour after us, in a hired Qashquai. We were late because we were waiting for a delivery from Amazon (David’s present). In the end Mary collected it for us about half an hour after we left. In defence of the hotel, it had a terrific room with balcony and view of the estuary. Nice meal too. I risked some cheese, following pigeon and trout. Dave looked tired, unsurprisingly. I felt tired, but didn’t sleep well. Woke up a couple of times feeling hot. 

Tuesday morning was amazing, with stunning views from our balcony. Took several pix and a video before breakfast, at which Dot lost her mask (never found it). I had scrambled eggs and mushrooms. We decided to walk to Morston: good decision because it was a beautiful day. Went to the Anchor Inn for a glass of wine (in my case) and some crisps. The Evetts shared a BLT sandwich and chips. Walked back to Blakeney and just caught the Two Magpies before they closed (at 3pm!). Had tea and doughnut. We were last out, and they gave us some cakes, scones and cheese sticks – about £25 worth between us. Amazing.

Evening meal was excellent as before: I had lamb, liver pate and fruit salad. All really good. Dave, Dot and I popped out to see if high tide had covered the car park, but it hadn’t. Ended evening with tea and coffee in lounge. Discovered Phil K had bad news about his bladder cancer. Further tests necessary.

Wednesday was a big contrast: low cloud deteriorating into a slight drizzle by the time we left Blakeney at 3.15pm. Started the day after breakfast by booking out, then walking to Wiveton fruit farm, where we had tea in the cafe. Bit early for me! Then continued into Cley, where our usual cafe was shut on Tuesdays. Of course. So we went up to the George & Dragon pub, which has been transformed into a very pleasant pub / restaurant. Had smoked haddock chowder with sourdough, which was delicious. Dot had exotic rarebit. All had mulled wine.

We had intended to go back by bus, but instead walked back the way we’d come and said goodbye on the hotel car park. As we emerged on to the main road, the bus we would have caught appeared. The Evetts moved on to the Manor for the rest of the week – sadly the weather deteriorating as they went.

We arrived home to find the house freezing cold: the heating clearly hadn’t come on the morning before. Spent some time trying to warm house up – eg Dot lit fire. Had a fried egg each, and Dot went to orchestra while I cleared up. Gradually the house did warm up. I created a new password for Facebook, which had been hacked, then printed out some stuff for Sunday. Later had a bath. Dot home late after going for a drink, and David FTd her about her presents, which Mary had brought round earlier. New light for her music stand and a couple of interesting-looking books. 

Yesterday was cold, with a mixture of sun and showers. Busy day. Wrote four Parish Pump articles on Shackleton, Vaughan Williams, Bowie and Desert Island Discs. Picked up pills from chemist, which was chaotic under its new management. A couple of irate customers. Bridget came to do the cleaning. and I sorted out the Advent songs, requiring a bit of research, and tried them out with Dot. Watched the final episode of Shetland and penultimate one of The Outlaws, both of which are first-rate. Also a Grand Designs programme, which was quite interesting. 

Today (Friday) was just as frantic, largely because Dot had an online Jessica retreat with a Leonard Cohen element. Between sessions she went to Brooke to collect some charity sugar from the school, and later went to Morrisons with me. As I write this (coming up to 5pm) she is on the last leg of her retreat. Meanwhile, I’ve managed to write my sermon for Sunday, made the bed, put water in the piano and dealt with the dishwasher. Tonight I’m trying leaving the heating on, to see what happens. The gas man is coming on Tuesday: I had a conversation on the phone that wasn’t very helpful, as the display on the boiler didn’t do what he wanted it to do. I’m now wondering whether we will be crazy enough to go outside for drinks at 5.30pm. (We didn’t.)The forecast for the weekend is pretty terrible, though mainly further north.

Strange situation: I am at home while Dot has gone to church (Christ Church, New Catton) for a joint service for the new benefice, of which we are part. Many people ill or not going for other reasons. Dot is helping to lead a small part of the music. I am cooking supper for when she gets back. It’s pretty cold tonight, but the rain from earlier in the day seems to have departed. Earlier spent quite a long time talking to David on FT: he has bought a ticket for Amy to go to Canada over Christmas, which she is pretty thrilled about. She has had a jab and tested negative.

We went to church this morning and I led the service, with Liz Cannon doing Godly Play, which worked very well: the parable of the mustard seed. Surprise member of the congregation: Heather Cracknell, now director of Fresh Expressions for the Church of England (or something like that). She started with us before becoming ordained many years ago and may now be coming back to us on a fairly regular basis. Her daughter Rhianna is at university in The Hague. Later Kim Bywater dropped a present off (it is Dot’s birthday tomorrow, and Anna made her a rather wonderful cake, presented at church). We persuaded Kim to stay for a cup of tea.

Last Tuesday was dry and still: a bit overcast. Went for a walk after lunch and called in at Revelations to get cards. On the way back watched a Norwich School team playing rugby. Dot went to a Jarrolds special event in the evening with Anne, and met Kim (before Anne arrived). Dot and Anne had a meal. Philip is not so good. While Dot was out, joined Jurnet poetry event and read a couple of poems: Riverside Path and Finding my Grandparents’ Grave. David FTd during break to say Amy was very keen to go to Canada at Christmas. How quickly her dreams come true! Dot back at 9.30, just as the poetry event was finishing. We watched The Outlaws, which is getting a bit serious.

Wednesday saw some sun, and it was dry, but a bit chilly.   Went to Morrisons with Dot in the morning. My iPhone went dead. After advice from David, I made an appointment at Apple. Dot went to orchestra in the evening, and I accepted an offer to be part of a Covid study. We watched Shetland when Dot came home.

Thursday was cool but quite pleasant, with some sun. Most of the day was taken up with the visit of Angela and Rodney for lunch (12-5.30), but before that I went up to the Apple store to see about my phone. Problem solved fairly easily, but I don’t know why it happened. Had a bath when I got back because I was quite sweaty, then helped Dot prepare lunch. Bridget came at 3.50 to do cleaning – for the second week running, mainly washing up. Zoom Meeting with Judy and Graham, who had a bad cold or Covid – discussed Advent service. Watched Dalgleish after supper. 

Friday’s weather was quite pleasant, though chilly. Went for walk in Rosary after lunch while Dot planted some things in the garden. Went out for drinks at 5.30 with Des, Chris and Mark. Wrote an by Advent poem. Watched second episode of Dalgleish and two episodes of Showtrial. Both pretty good.  

Saturday’s weather was much the same. Caren and Phil Gazley came to lunch in the sense that they brought it with them, and Caren cooked it. Quite nice, especially the first course. Dot went to football, and they left shortly afterwards. Norwich beat Southampton 2-1 under our new manager, Dean Smith. Looked at hymns after tea, then watched quite a bit of TV, including Naked Gun 2 1/2, which was very funny in an extremely unsubtle way. Very late in bed after watching MOTD. Norwich were the penultimate game. David FTd to say he and Chrissy were going to see the Murrays for a meal.

On Thursday Dot spent all morning preparing for the visit of Sue and Roger, who arrived about noon. Weather wasn’t cold, but not very exciting either.  Dot did quite a complicated but very nice meal – fish curry, among other things – and we had excellent conversation. After we told them about Maryta, we found they had been told the same things by someone completely different – we think the GP that the Hendersons know. Small world!

Bridget came to clean before the Eagles went and did the washing up! Great planning, or it would have been if we’d planned it. The TV went wrong in the evening: we could watch things like Netflix but not regular terrestrial TV, except on the direct channel which ignores the BT box. Means we couldn’t arrange recording of anything, but it seemed the box was recording, because the red light came on. We managed to catch Dalgleish live.

Next day I fixed the TV box after going online and doing a factory reset. All seems to be well. Mixed weather – quite a bit of rain, but I managed to get in a walk to the Rosary while Dot was visiting a school at Long Stratton in the afternoon. I’ve also got the outline of the Alternative Carol Service prepared. Had our 5.30 drinks with Mark, Des and Chris. Lot of political talk but no blows struck. After HF meal watched England beat Albania 5-0 and then the second episode of Dalgleish. Excellent. 

Saturday was very grey at first with drizzle, becoming lighter and drier as we drove to Aylesbury. Stopped at Caxton GIbbet (tight parking) for tea/coffee, and swapped drivers. I drove the rest of the way. Arrived slightly early and had lunch with Amy and Oliver, who has finished his quarantine and is returning to Warwick tomorrow. (He didn’t get Covid). Vicky and Matt arrived afterwards, and we had a chat. Left about 4.20pm and drove pretty much in the dark to our hotel in Baginton, arriving around 5.45. Checked in and had pre-booked meal at 6.30pm. Very slow service but friendly. Food quite good. Watched film – Fallen Angel – an action thriller that was pretty good of its kind. 

Sunday was Remembrance Sunday. Had a rather too large breakfast, including scrambled eggs. After breakfast (extra £15.98) we drove to Minster Lodge after avoiding traffic/parking jam outside Memorial Park, where there was clearly going to be a memorial service, as I should have realised. Andrew seemed pretty good: we showed him how to use his DVD player, but I doubt the information stuck. We had to take a lateral flow test, but it wasn’t very rigorous. Drove home, stopping at Cambridge Services Costa for snack. Arrived home about 3.30, feeling very tired.  Watched last episode of Angela Black – not bad, but could have been better.  David FTd: he has had confirmation of his residency and is now planning to get other things, like library card, driving licence etc. Another greyish day.

Yesterday saw more pretty nondescript weather. Dot went to a couple of schools in the morning – Tasburgh and Saxlingham – and got back late for lunch. I cleared up quite a lot of leaves, but there are still a lot on the ground. I rearranged the Christmas Cake and Compline because Claire, rather predictably, couldn’t make the arranged date. In the evening we watched England beat San Marino 10-0 and earlier watched Lewis Hamilton drive superbly to win the São Paulo Grand Prix.

Rather a grey and dismal Wednesday today, with what you might call wet air occasionally morphing into drizzle and then back into relative dryness. Heavy grey skies. We did some shopping at Morrisons this morning – partly general and partly for our lunch tomorrow, when we have visitors. Dot also did some preparation, going back to Morrisons when she realised she had forgotten a vital ingredient. Something strange happened with our Hello Fresh delivery, which ended up down the road outside someone else’s door. I tracked it down and brought it home. Dot is now at orchestra.

Last Saturday was a bit strange. I felt odd (and have continued to do so on and off) – possibly a reaction to my booster jab; like a very minor flu-type virus. Anyway… Watched the second episode of Dalgleish, which was very good. Listened to Brentford v Norwich, and City got their first win (2-1) for about a million years – this was followed fairly quickly by Farke being fired. Odd, Holmes. David FTd as I was cooking supper: he seemed good, and his app is going well. After supper Dot and I went to St Andrew’s Hall for a concert by the Philharmonic, with Paul singing bass. Quite unusual – Rossini’s Petite Messe Solonelle, with two pianos and a harmonium, but no orchestra. Female soloists and choir excellent. Quite enjoyed it. Happily the earlier rain had stopped, but there was a chilly wind.

Sunday was still cool, but dry and some sun. Went to church in the morning: Dot led prayers. Walked to Kim’s for 6.30 for her 60th birthday party. Also present: her daughter Kirvana (26, postgrad at Warwick, studying gut bacteria); Jenny (a neighbour who seems to be a bit of an activist for the local community); Julia, a former neighbour now living in Cringleford and an artist (she’s also 60 and like Kim, looks much younger); Alaric, an American High Anglican in charge of St George Tombland and St George Colegate; and his partner Mauricio, an Italian researching esoteric music from the 1960s and 1970s; myself and Dot (who looks much younger too). Really good evening in terms of both food and conversation. Walked home, arriving a minute or two before midnight.

Could have done with a restful day on Monday, but it didn’t work out like that. At least the weather was good – dry, some sun and not too cold. Linda came round to do our hair, arriving at the same time as Debbie, who was parking her car in our drive and going by train to Yarmouth to see Ellie, who is quite ill. Afterwards I drove up to the MOT station in Heigham Street for a test, and walked upriver while the MOT was done. Unfortunately it failed because of two broken suspension springs, which meant I had to drive up to Wrights (avoiding the closed road I would normally have taken) and get them to do the repair (over £300) and get the car MOTd again.

This meant more walking – I managed to get a bus the other side of the ring road, which took me to Upper King Street – and then getting to Heigham Street later to pick the car up. This proved a bit of a nightmare, starting with a stroke of luck – the No 26 bus was late, and I suddenly realised that the No 23 would be much better, and there it was! As I was sitting in it at Castle Meadow while thousands of children got on I received a phone call from the MOT man saying he closed at 4pm and did I want him to keep the car overnight? I almost said yes, but then realised Dot would need the car next morning; so the guy offered to wait for me till 4.30pm. More kids piled on, and I was doubtful, but went for it.

In the end I got off just past Old Palace Road and walked very quickly through, arriving at just before 4.15pm. I don’t know who was more surprised – him or me. Needless to say, I was pretty shagged out for the rest of the day, but got some great news mid-evening, when David FTd to say he’d been granted residency. A weight off his shoulders.

Much the same weather on Tuesday – not too cold and some sun. Dot went to Catfield in the morning, and I had a bath, then caught up with e-mails. After lunch Dot walked to Anna’s for a violin lesson. I cleared up and had a long chat with David about when he first went to Canada (among other things), then sent a copy of The Lost Princess to Paul Dickson (a publisher I know).  He responded saying he was busy but would look at it as soon as he could. Walked to the Greens to meet Dot. Felt very tired when we got back. In the evening had Compline at Judy’s. We took Eleanor and Bridget. Claire didn’t make it. Watched The Outlaws when we got back. 

Feeling a bit under the weather this morning – have been for a couple of days: I suspect side-effects of my booster jab, which took pace a fortnight ago. Have a mild headache and various aches elsewhere. Still, life goes on. We hear that Oliver is OK, which is a relief after his contact with Olivia and her family, who have tested positive for Covid (though not seriously ill). Meanwhile I have been having a look at my family tree, being stimulated by tracking down my mother’s parents’ grave. I suspect I may be descended from a guy called Roger de Herlostone, who was an archer in the Hundred Years War (1337-1453). He would then have become known as Archer. He lived in Harlestone, Northamptonshire, where my great-great-grandparents William Archer and Elizabeth Benson were buried in the mid-19th century. Nice grave, near the church door.

I have also downloaded a couple of wills from one George Lenton and his wife, who lived in Folksworth, near Peterborough, and who could be my great-great-grandparents. My great-grandfather Henry is definitely buried there. I’ve seen his grave.

Last Monday, the first day of November, was cool; sunny at first, but by the time we went for a walk along the river and up round the Cathedral and over the Jarrold Bridge, it was pretty grey. Still, nice walk. I booked a hotel at Coventry for a fortnight’s time and managed to cancel my house insurance, which was far too expensive. Have switched to Axa, which is much more reasonable. In the evening watched Stalag 17, an old film which was really pretty good; also the second episode of The Outlaws, which I think is exceptional – a comedy about a group of very flawed people who discover love for each other in a very Christian kind of way, though of course that’s not intended. We’re also watching a lot of old Friends episodes, which are pretty good in the main.

Tuesday was dry and fairly sunny. Wen to Oaklands for the monthly Archant Coffee Morning. Talked to Bill, David Wakefield and the usual suspects, and afterwards did shopping at Morrisons. We went for a walk in the Rosary in the afternoon – felt unexpectedly tired and lay on the bed for a while. Later watched The Tin Star – a 1957 film that I thought was excellent. Also part of a documentary on Frank Zappa, but decided he wasn’t very interesting. 

Wednesday brought a lot more rain than was forecast, and it was quite cold too. The new boiler failed in the morning (as it did yesterday), but was OK after I turned it off and on again. Went to see Thelma in the afternoon, and she seemed pretty perky. Had to take a lateral flow test before I went, and show them a photo of the result, which probably says a lot about how seriously they take it. I was able to go inside – just – and Thelma was wheeled out. Gave her some biscuits and some  photographs I’d taken of her parents’ grave, and a few much older ones. When I came out – at about 4.25pm – it was pouring with rain and dark; so the drive home was a bit of a challenge, though it went very smoothly. After supper (pizza), Dot went to orchestra, and to the pub afterwards. She did not have Coke.  

Occasional sun on Thursday, but lots of rain. Went to see Phil and Joy in the morning: they’re recently back from seeing Sam and family – a few worries there, with Sam under a lot of pressure. Both Anna (violin) and Debbie (fish and chips) cancelled for health reasons – A has a bit of a cold and D is awaiting result of Covid test. So had a relaxing afternoon – bit of a lie down. In the evening we watched Together – quite an interesting two-hander about the lockdown and after, marred by a political rant in the middle. Then the final part of Guilt, which was sort of satisfying without being entirely clear. 

Yesterday was crisp but mainly sunny; a chilly wind. In the morning Dot and I went into the city to buy Kim a birthday present at Jarrolds. We went on to St Benedict’s afterwards, to a tree-themed art exhibition, which was pretty good in the main. I had feared being swamped with climate change gloom, but there was not much of that. Met Jude Sayer and her friend Sheila, another city guide. Back to Jarrolds, where the two of us had a tea/coffee and biscuit, then to the market and home by way of the Book Hive, where I bought myself a Christmas present for Dot to give me – Richard Balls’ book on Shane McGowan – signed!

Walked home through the Close. Bridget came to clean as usual, and Debbie rang to say she could come to see us tonight, instead of last night. Which she did, after we spent a pretty chilly 50 minutes or so outside with drinks with Chris and Des (and John for a few minutes). Nice time with Debbie. Watched the first episode of a new Dalgleish, which was excellent.

Beautifully sunny start to the week, but it’s quite chilly. The window cleaner has just been, and I’ve booked a hotel in Coventry for our visit to Amy (dropping off presents) and then Andrew. Not a very good night, possibly linked to putting clocks back. Matt has just cycled up to retrieve his hat, which he left here yesterday after we’d been to the match. We offered him Jonathan’s spare tickets at the service, having failed to interest anyone else. He brought Amanda, his wife, who has an amazing bike.

I’m getting ahead of myself. Last Thursday Dot had had a bad night, probably  caused by drinking a pint of caffeine-heavy Coke after orchestra (at the Blue Boar). Lots of coughing: she had me worried she might have Covid, but the coughing had gone in the morning, when she went up to the accountant’s and told the woman she saw all about Christianity (linked to her DSSO work).

I decided in the end not to go to the poetry and music event at Bungay, but wrote to Lynne to apologise. After lunch we went to Earlham Cemetery and found Mum’s parents’ grave!! Thanks to NRO for giving me a reference, but it was still quite difficult. After that we went to Eaton Park for a walk, and because Dot – rather surprisingly – couldn’t remember it. Beautiful day: sunny and not too cold. Lots of people in the park. Later at home helped  Dot pick the hymns for Sunday. Watched Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge, then Guilt. 

Heavy overnight rain, and flooding in North-West and Scotland. Rain at first here on Friday, but it stopped around 11am. Dot went into the city for chiropody and a walk round.  I followed later, crossing Julian Bridge and making my way by trial and error (new build back streets) to Tombland, then back through the Close. Popped into the Cathedral to see Carrie’s pebbles, but couldn’t find them. Long talk with Michael outside his house. Earlier had a long WhatsApp exchange with Kim, who is in London. In the afternoon wrote a piece for my website on finding the grave. We had our usual drinks outside under cover (in the entrance to garages), as it was spotting with rain. Mark is booking us in for a Christmas meal at Gem. In the evening we watched Rawhide (surprisingly good) and a report on how mining for heavy metals (eg for electric cars) is ruining peoples lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Saturday was mainly dry after initial rain. Not too cold. Prepared to lead in church, then after lunch Dot and I went for walk, following roughly the route I took the day before. Went into the Cathedral but were told Carrie’s pebbles had been removed. Watched quite a bit of TV, including the last two episodes of Paris Police 1900. Quite good. David FTd to say Olivia had Covid, and she and Oliver were staying in his flat awaiting results of PCR test. Olivia’s family also have it, though not badly. All a bit worrying.

Yesterday it rained at first, easing off later. Clocks back – it’s winter. Put lots of clothes on. Led service – went pretty well, I thought, until D complained afterwards that I was twitching during her prayers, and my body language implied a lack of respect for her. She’s a bit sensitive. I twitch all the time.

We had to get home quickly to reach Carrow Road for the match at 2pm. Negotiated heavy traffic quite well. Matt and Amanda left their bikes in our garage. City seemed a bit better to me, especially in the first half, and even scored with a header from a corner, but still lost 2-1 to Leeds. Matt was not impressed, though I thought they were playing a bit better.

Afterwards Dot walked up to church to assist with Carrie’s Hallowe’en event, which went very well, apparently. I picked her up at 7.30, and we transported some stuff to a woman in Rouen Road. Then home fora fairly light supper. Watched new Dr Who and Angela Black – both quite good. Discovered a superb Al Stewart song on something I’d recorded ages ago. Never seen him sing before.

Amy was due to come and see us yesterday, but she has a bad cold and couldn’t come. Sad for us, but worse for her: she is having a hard time at the moment. We put some money in her account and will send her other presents separately.

Today has been quite busy. I got up early and walked to Morrisons to buy bread for our lunch. After helping Dot to prepare I then had a bath. It was not too cold outside but seemed colder because of quite a strong wind. Dry here, but plenty of rain in the west and north. The Bowers arrived just after 12.30, and we had a really good time with them. Dot’s meal was lovely, and we had an interesting conversation on various topics. They’re planning to go back to their flat in South Africa in the new year for a few weeks.

Now Dot is at orchestra, and I’m…well, I’m writing this. So, to go back a bit…

On Saturday we hardly went out: it looked uninspiring and rather chilly. Not a good day. Had a further e-mail from Phil K , to which I replied. Fear we may not be on same wavelength, but I expect we’ll revert to not talking about it and getting on fine. Depressing feeling was not helped by City losing 7-0 at Chelsea. We watched on BT Sport. Not much happened the rest of the day. We watched a couple of episodes of Angela Black, a thriller. 

Sunday was dry and not too cold; in fact quite warm in the sun later in the day. Decided to go to church in the end – persuaded by Dot. Between 30 and 40 in the congregation because it was a joint service with St Luke’s. Well over 90pc of them masked, but I wasn’t. No-one said anything. Phil didn’t come, but Adrian made a rare appearance on bass guitar, much to the consternation of Martin Wyatt! (Adrian is a bit erratic, to put it mildly.)

Graham preached in the absence of Martin Smith with a bad cold (lot of it about). Oodles of food gifts for harvest service. We took in a boxful – mainly cans from the cupboard. In the afternoon Dot and I walked round the back of Carrow Road and home along riverside path. Quiet for the rest of the day. We watched Guilt again and the rest of Ridley Road, which was excellent (it’s about fascism and antisemitism in London in the 60s). Also at some point we saw an excellent documentary on the River Clyde. Weekend beautifully wrapped up by Liverpool winning 5-0 and Spurs losing 1-0. Aargh!

Monday was not cold, but it was grey and there were showers, one of which I got caught in while walking to St Augustine’s Hall (from the car) in an  attempt retrieve Dot’s lost sunglasses, which she eventually found at home. Had to borrow Stuart’s key to get into the hall. Earlier I finished my Parish Pump articles while Dot visited Anne: Philip is in hospital and not at all well. Later she went to Morrisons while I caught up with e-mails and walked up and down a lot (to increase my steps total).

Howard cycled round to get me to sign a couple of financial documents. Had a phone call from Amy early on to tell us about her cold. I forgot to listen to a talk about the Thorpe Rail Disaster, for which I had a Zoom link. Bit worried my mind is going. Watched the Grand Prix, plus quite a few other programmes, including Paris Police 1900, which is pretty good, Angela Black, which is excellent, and The Outlaws, which is also top class – a very unusual comedy by Stephen Merchant. 

Tuesday was quite cold, especially in the cinema, where we went to see the latest James Bond film ion the afternoon. I wore an extra jumper and a coat and was still uncomfortably cold, and so was Dot. Other than that the film was good. Dot rearranged the utility room, and Amy FaceTimed us: she didn’t seem at all well. After watching the film we walked to Morrisons to get food for tomorrow’s visitors, then home for a light supper of a kipper and a lollipop. Watched Help, a quite harrowing drama about care homes during Covid. Only watched it because it starred Stephen Graham and Jody Colmer, and it was very good.

Dot got pinged because she’d been to a DSSO meeting attended by someone subsequently diagnosed with Covid. She is quite well, has recently had a booster jab and her lateral flow test proved negative: she was also nowhere near the guy in question during the meeting. So we carried on as usual.

Feeling pretty down this morning for various reasons. Had our booster jabs yesterday – perhaps it’s that. Some e-mail exchanges over mask-wearing in church didn’t help either. Then I wrote this blog, tried to get a picture and lost everything I’d written. I know it’s there somewhere, but I’ve no idea where. So here we go again.

Last Monday was dry in the morning, slightly cool. Rain in late afternoon lasted into evening. Dot went to a DSSO meeting, and I went on a tour of military graves at the Rosary, led by someone called Marriage on behalf of the Dragon Hall group. He was getting on and moved very slowly. Adrian O’dell was there, as was Andrew Mitchell, the viola player from Sillars, who I eventually recognised. About ten of us all together.

Afterwards I walked down to Riverside to check on the Riverside Road traffic fiasco: one-way for several weeks while they mend the pavements, or at least think about it. In the evening we hosted a DCC meeting. Full complement, including Elwira and Debbie. Matt expressed his usual worries about CofE managerial ambitions, but Graham handled it quite well. Just over two hours. Watched University Challenge and an episode of Friends. 

Tuesday was quite warm, but a bit breezy. Got up relatively early and went to post Amy’s birthday card, then continued up into the Rosary. Found the Thorpe Station railway disaster graves again. (Keep losing them.) Dot went to Taverham school in the afternoon. I cut the hanging basket back. Judy came and picked up her car about 5pm – she’d left it in our drive about 8.20am to go to London to visit her friend Mavis, who’s in a bad way. She stayed for a cup of tea.

Dot and I had been to Morrisons earlier: she walked both ways, and I filled up with petrol. In the evening we had a couple of fish cakes that had been delivered earlier from Cley (with other stuff), and watched The Outlaw Josey Wales, which remarkably was just as good as I remembered, with a superb performance by Chief Dan George. Norfolk Record Office have found a record of my grandparents’ grave at Earlham. I have the number: just need to find it now.

Wednesday was a mixture of heavy rain and blue and white skies. Not too cold. There was a surprise in the morning when Dot took a phone call while I was in the bath: it was David Kett, ringing from North Walsham, where he’d been staying in the Beechwood Hotel. He and his wife Shirley came for coffee – he looked very much like his father. Annoyingly I forgot to take a photograph.

Dot had to leave for lunch at the Cozy Club with three other heads – Sue Eagle, Sandra and Pam. She was late back, arriving just before the rain. She had to write reports, and so I made dinner. Spoke to David on FT – his app has gone live: Discover your WHO. Pretty impressive. Dot went to orchestra, and when she got back we spoke briefly to Amy on FT. It’s her 17th birthday, but I can’t persuade either her or her father to give me her bank details. Watched an episode of The Chosen before going to bed. 

There was a cold wind on Thursday, but occasionally the sun poked through. It rained first thing. Watched the last episode of The Chosen over breakfast, then I went out for a shortish walk, mainly along the river, which was very high. There was flooding on the coast – at Blakeney, for example. In the afternoon we watched part of Shetland. Bridget came round and swept, and a dispute arose by e-mail over wearing masks in church. I was against it, but many others want to. Went into the street with Des, Chris, Mary and Bob to sing Happy Birthday to Phoebe. She is a year younger than Amy. Kim came round for meal, and I cooked salmon, and Dot did blackberry and apple crumble. Had quite a good evening and discussed various things.

Friday was still quite cold, but not so windy. Some rain, which we avoided. Dot went to Wreningham in the morning, and I had a phone call from Phil Kerrison, who was worried about what he’d said in an e-mail about vaccines etc. After lunch walked up to Lionwood, where I had my booster jab (Pfizer again) despite dire warnings from Kim. Well organised as usual. Dot drove up later and arrived just as I left. Walked round while she waited (15 mins after jab), then she walked home while I drove. Paul called in at 4pm for a cup of tea on the way to his jab at the same place.

At 5.30pm we ventured out for a drink, though it was a bit chilly (Des, Chris, Mark, John, Mary). Some visitors to Norwich asked for advice, and Dot went with them to help them reach the lane behind Aspland Flats, where they were staying. Difficult because of the one-way on Riverside Road. After supper watched Guilt, but both felt very sleepy and lost track. Only other side-effect so far is sore arms (both of us).