Back last night from five days at Snape, starting on Monday, which was cool and overcast. Dot dropped me off at church in the morning, where our group had a discussion about music – no-one liked yesterday’s selection or the speed (very slow) at which it was played. Nor did I, but there we are. Later  Leanne, Nikki, Stacey, Phil and I did a Bible Study, mainly on Jesus as the Bread of Life, which was interesting. Dot came around 11.30 and stayed for a while before taking me home. As we left she slipped and fell (again) but seems ok (again). The path was wet.

Left for Snape at just after 2pm and had a leisurely journey there by the back route. Arrived 3.30pm (half an hour early), had a cup of tea and settled in. To Plough and Sail in the evening for meal. Fish and chips, vodka/gin, wine. Short walk afterwards. I watched Silent Witness while Dot went to sleep. 

Tuesday was warm and pleasant. Walked round Snape to start with, looking in on Remains to be Seen exhibition, which was very interesting., especially figures by Lawrence Edwards. Chatted with girl student from Chicago. Walked along the river path for a bit. Into the main shop – Dot bought some shower gel (I think) – then had lunch in River View cafe. Had some egg concoction that was probably well done but not really my thing. Dot had asparagus and tomatoes on toast, and a bit of cake. Service very slow.

After lunch drove to Iken Cliffs and walked down by the river for a while, then drove to Iken Church and went in. From there drove to Orford, and Dot found an excellent delicatessen-type shop specialising in smoked fish. Bought some stuff there and some from another shop where blackbirds were eating the pears. Also visited the quay and took some brochures about river trips. Later, having checked the forecast, booked one on Regardless – for Thursday. Home, then went to Thorpeness (Dot driving) and parked by shore to do some reading. I went to sleep. Back to Snape via Aldeburgh for tea. Later read, then watched an old episode of Doc Martin and the news.

Heavy rain overnight, but we stayed in bed on Wednesday until it brightened mid-morning. Later it was very warm and dry. We decided to go into Woodbridge to visit the violin shop – Dot has decided she needs a new violin, and I agree. After parking where we had on our previous visit to Woodbridge, we took a rather circuitous route to the violin shop.  The man there couldn’t have been more helpful and told us the likely price, which was what we anticipated.  We then walked back by a different route which brought us close to the river/estuary, and we stopped for a snack at an excellent cafe/restaurant, A-Listers, where the service was in stark contrast to River View yesterday. So was the food: I had salmon pate and Dot had  some meat platter with ciabatta: we shared a bit of each other’s.

Then walked along shoreline and popped into a museum when it seemed it might rain. Then Back up to Honey and Harvey, a cafe we had visited last time. I had lemongrass and ginger tea. The tree in the courtyard had been removed. Bought some fruit and headed back to the car, then drove back to Snape, pausing for a while at Boxhall Woods to read, but it was too hot!! So back to the cottage. Lovely meal at Plough and Snail. Bottle of rose plus sambuca/Tia Maria.  Short walk, lovely sky. Very still. Watched documentary about ash cloud in between falling asleep. 

Thursday was warm, but with a cooler wind when clouds came over, which they did more as the day progressed. Very pleasant, though. In the morning Dot did some shopping and I walked around the site. Then we drove to Orford, arriving well before we needed to for our boat trip on Regardless. There were eight of us in the end, plus the owner and a dog – happily restrained.The breeze was quite brisk, especially outwards as we sailed round Havergate Island, which is a bird sanctuary. Saw some oystercatchers and avocets (I now know which is which), plus a solitary seal at the entrance to Butley    Creek.

Round trip took an hour, after which Dot drove us to Sutton Hoo, and we had lunch in the cafe – sandwiches – followed by the River View Walk, which we’d done before but enjoyed again. View of Woodbridge at a couple of points! Afterwards drove home. I slept for a bit while Dot read, then we had tea and I walked Dot to the concert hall for her violin concert; she had purchased the last ticket. Should have been Nicola Benedetti, but she had tendonitis; however her replacement was excellent. At Sutton Hoo we had a call from Anne, who is just off to Portugal, having deposited Philip in a care home at Bungay for ten days. Later in the evening spoke to Amy on FaceTime.

Yesterday was warm again and mainly sunny. Managed to get out of Malt Cottage by 10am. Drove to Bawdsey Quay and then to Ramsholt Church, where we took a few pictures. Then down to Ramsholt Arms for fish and chips lunch. All went very well. I had wine; so Dot drove back to Snape by a circuitous route directed by Google. Walked a bit and went to loo, then back to car to change (slightly) before going to concert. Doric String Quartet played Bartok – really excellent. Had cup of tea afterwards from cabin by river, then I drove home: 75 mins, same as journey down. Arrived in time for late drinks outside with D’Sousas, who had got back from Canada a couple of hours earlier. Also Mark and John, plus a brief visit from the new French baby.  Unpacked, watched cricket and then the end of Spreadsheet and Silent Witness. Very tired.

Had quite a long chat with David on FaceTime last Wednesday while Dot was at orchestra – mainly about his test-driving an electric car and the time it takes to get one (over two years). Finished my sermon and wrote a piece for my website. Earlier walked to the post office to post Biddy Collyer a copy of her EDP column, which I had told her I liked. She is in London temporarily. Earlier practised some songs for the Jubilee street party at St Augustine’s. Watched State of the Union , an ongoing two-hander about marriage in ten-minute bits. Much better than it sounds. Excellent, in fact. 

Thursday was very warm. Walked up to Boots for an eye test in the morning. All good.  Practised a couple of songs with Dot. After lunch we took our old microwave up to church (heavy lifting by Robert and Graham), then went to Morrisons, filled up the car, and Dot bought a bit of food for tomorrow. She forgot feta cheese and had to go back while I lay down, suddenly feeling ill with stomach/head strangeness. When she got back Bridget arrived to clean (we had forgotten she was coming), and I helped to clear the kitchen. Still feeling rather ill; so Bridget gave Dot a lift to Louise Robinson’s wedding do, which turned out to be mainly drinks and dancing, thought there was some fish and chips. Dot got chatted up. Philip didn’t go. At around 10pm I walked up to London Street to meet Dot coming home. Was obviously feeling better, but as I write this in bed I’m feeling a bit hot and tired. Stomach OK though. Have walked nearly 9000 steps today, which may be why I don’t feel so great. England got NZ out for about 132 in Test, but then lost seven wickets for less than 120.

Friday was very warm. Slept a bit better, but still felt odd. Had to take two lots of paracetamol, which is unusual. Went to Jubilee street party at St Augs and played some songs with Phil, but he arrived quite late. No one took much notice of our singing. There was also some ceilidh and bell-ringing. Had to move car halfway through – put it in St Luke’s car park. Spoke to several people, eg Nikki, her mother, Sharon, Graham’s mother, Bridget and David, Jaya and another nice woman from the bell-ringing team etc etc.  Good attendance. Exhausted when we got home, and Dot fell down on steps and hit her head, but I think she’s ok.  Had drink with usual suspects, including Mark, Sarah and Angela and Matt. Watched cricket – New Zealand did very well, unfortunately for Paul, as he left his car in our drive and took a lady friend to the match. Didn’t see either of them, because we went to bed early. David and Chrissy are away for a couple of nights at a posh hotel. 

Saturday was much colder, but dry. Bit of wind. Day ended with huge celebration outside Buckingham Palace for Platinum Jubilee. Amazing stuff with lights. Dot did lots of cleaning this afternoon while I visited Lily at Hickling. She has terminal pancreatic cancer but is remarkably cheerful. Has lost lots of weight, and her dog has gone to a new home. Had a long talk touching on her condition, her late husband’s late condition and local church members’ condition, plus some interesting memories of Surrey Chapel. Lily was my first “girlfriend”: used to walk her home from church with her niece Linda. In the evening David FTd and told us about their couple of nights away, which sounded really good. Dot and I also practised hymns for tomorrow. My guitar playing is improving, for some reason. Odd. Dot gave me a massage which made me feel quite a bit better: have been having ear pressure problems. 

Today (Pentecost Sunday) was cool again, but without the forecast rain. Heavy skies. To church in the morning. We forgot Dot was doing prayers; so I had to do them off the cuff. Was also preaching – think it was all right. Ray and Christine there – she has been very unwell recently, and I’m worried about her. After lunch watched some of the Jubilee Pageant before starting to pack. Then more Jubilee stuff, a bit of unimpressive England football and the first in the new series of The Outlaws, which was very good. Oh, and England beat New Zealand in the Jubilee Test – rather luckily, but there we are.

At the end of the day last Wednesday I walked up through the Library Wood to meet Dot coming home from orchestra. She’s dropped off by Janet in Rosary Road at the top each Wednesday, and planned this time to walk through on her own, as the light would be only just fading. However, I happened to look at where she was on my phone and decided on a whim to walk up and meet her. I was glad I did, because I found her avoiding a couple of suspicious looking guys waiting at the top of the path. Mind you, I wouldn’t have fancied their chances… in a fight with her, that is.

Thursday was warm but overcast. Dot had a long phone chat with Barbara Vidion. We went to church to practise some music with Phil – went quite well. Then dropped off a birthday card for  Paul Henderson. Popped over to Des’s to check up on plants etc – all ok. Took a bit more rhubarb. Watched two more episodes of Spreadsheet, which is very funny – pity about the unnecessary blasphemy. Walked up to St Andrew’s Hall in the evening for a concert by Steven Osborne – Debussy Etudes and Schubert sonata number three. He also played an excellent little Celtic tune as an encore. Discovered when we emerged that it had poured with rain during the performance. Happily it had become dry again, and we got home just after 10pm. Had brief FT with David, talking about his app.

Friday was breezy but reasonably warm. Went to see Thelma early in afternoon while Dot went into city. No lat flow test demanded, but they still ask for masks, though no-one objected when I took it off because Thelma couldn’t hear me with it on. Thelma seemed pretty well, but was muttering about her money again. Not sure what to do (if anything). After about an hour called in to see Philip Robinson, but they were out; so went to see the Wrights in Yelverton. Had a cup of tea: they both seemed reasonably well, though Pete is aging quite a bit. Had a chat – Geoff Jary is in care home with dementia; Barry not doing too well – hip problems.

Forgot to go out for drinks at 5.30pm.  Watched a three-part two-hander called State of the Union, which was good, and an old film called Angel Face (Robert Mitchum and Jean Simmons), which we enjoyed, though it didn’t really have any tension.

It was sunny a lot of the time on Saturday, but with a cool wind. Dot went into city in the morning. From 2pm we were at Dayspring, primarily for a croquet game with Jonathan, his partner Lesley, his daughter Naomi and some guy who I would be happy never to see again. Dot and I started by playing against Naomi and Some Guy, who took so long to decide what to do with advice from J that I lost interest completely. Same theme continued, and just before 7 I’d had it, and we left. There were some sandwiches in the middle. Did a bit of music practice when we got home, but I was shattered. Watched Beck, which was good. 

Yesterday was cool with spots of rain. Dragged ourselves to St Luke’s by 10am and played in the joint service, which was quite good. Nicky held it all together, including the sound system. On the way home we went to Morrisons, as we were running out of food. Traffic at Foundry Bridge lights was terrible, but not as bad as today. Played through some En Passant chess games. Watched an excellent documentary about the Galapagos, which was remarkable in not mentioning climate change at all. Also a programme on the Queen as seen through her family photos and films. Listened to a YouTube talk by Charlotte Ashenden (the artist we met) about her recent life, and becoming a Christian, which was quite compelling.

Today is still quite chilly. Dot dropped me at church, but it was all a bit chaotic. The usual Bible Study group were mainly absent, and we ended up having a general discussion about various aspects of Christianity – including Dot, who had come back. Nikki brought her daughter Indie and Leanne eventually turned up with her daughter Evelyn. The two girls got on well. Phil came, but Debbie didn’t.

I had intended to go to see Lily this afternoon in Hickling, but when I rang she was not feeling good and was with other people; so we decided I would try later in the week. Later today we watched a documentary about the Wagner group, which was quite frightening, and then the film Desperately Seeking Susan, which was even better than I remembered. Then another episode of Silent Witness, which is good but has one Amanda Burton too many.

Friday evening turned sunny, and we went and stood in Des’s drive with a drink, eventually being joined by Mark, John, Ciara and (in passing) Bob and Mary – separately. Quite late on for supper, then watched a bit of TV, including Here We Go – quite funny – Inside No 9 – quite clever – and a train ride across Scotland – quite weak. 

Saturday was overcast but fairly warm. Finished off my sermon, and we practised the hymns. In the afternoon Dot went into the city. I completed the rota. Had a slightly rushed meal, then walked with Dot to the Greens for a bell-ringing rehearsal.  I sat it out, but it went reasonably well despite a couple of irritating people. Walked home and watched some athletics. 

Sunday was busy, warm and mainly sunny. Church in the morning. I preached, and Dot and I played one of my songs during Communion, which went down well with Nikki. Much appreciated by me. People seemed to like the sermon too. Nikki brought her daughter Indie, who is a little darling. Had a conversation with Andrew on the phone – he sounded OK. Then we went to football. Had a nice chat with a Spurs fan on the way. Norwich lost 5-0: didn’t really mind because it meant Spurs pipped Arsenal for 4th place. Afterwards we watched Beck – interrupted by a phone call from Debbie about a flier she was producing. Then MOTD: Man City pipped Liverpool for the title after coming back from 2-0 down to Aston Villa to win 3-2. Burnley relegated after Leeds beat nine-man Brentford. Late in bed. 

Monday morning was grey, followed by heavy rain in afternoon and evening. Dot dropped me at the church group, which was at The Stage because the hall was double booked.   Not all that wonderful – group too big, really. Nikki and Leanne still made it worthwhile, though. Dot came towards the end, having been to the shop for food – visitors tomorrow. In the afternoon I drove to the chemists to get pills, but they hadn’t arrived. Also got soaked in heavy rain and had to change when I got home. In the evening watched Grace and the first episode of a new Silent Witness, both of which were good. Went to bed feeling quite despondent, for some reason.

Tuesday was breezy; not so warm. Spent the morning preparing for the visit of Julia and Allan Higbee. They got here just before 12, and we had drinks , then lunch. Dot had done chicken salad and blackberry and apple crumble, among other things. Same thing for tea after Higbees left. Very full stomach. Watched the second episode of Silent Witness and a couple of other things. When we got in bed David FTd us, and we had a brief chat. Dot is reading Middlemarch. I may have invited the Higbees to Scotland with us next year.

Today was a little chilly, with quite a breeze and dark skies.It was a DSSO meeting all morning for Dot, during which I managed to write two out of three Parish Pump pieces – finished the fourth in the evening. Fred rang and asked if his daughter Kate and her daughter Anna could stay overnight on June 15, for an Elton John concert. I said yes, of course. Also heard that Andrew’s bedroom ceiling had sprung leak and had to have extensive repairs; so he was going to another home nearby for a week. Bet he’ll like that.

Later I went and got my pills, which had arrived this time. Bridget came round to do some cleaning, and in the evening Dot went to orchestra – picked up by Janet, who has recovered from whatever illness she had.

Cooler this morning, with quite a lot of rain. But sunny now, and Dot has gone to the shops. It’s about 5pm, and I redid some of my sermon this morning as well as catching up on e-mails and similar beasts. Still feeling fatigued but otherwise OK. At lunchtime we watched the first two episodes of an Australia-based comedy called Spreadsheet, starring Katharine Parkinson, which turned out to be surprisingly good in every aspect: script, direction, acting (including a couple of brilliant children).

Back on Monday, the second half of the day was still overcast but warm, though breezy. Dot came back from her interview panel at Brooke just after 4pm. In the evening we watched the rest of Queen of Katwe, which turned out to be a brilliant film about an African girl who was a chess-playing prodigy from a slum in Uganda. True story and superbly done – real depth. 

Tuesday was sunny and very warm. I finished reading Middlemarch  – 838 pages. Mixture of delight and occasional frustration. Wonderful book, funny but very dense. We ate lunch in the garden. Strangely quiet. Wrote poem to read at Jurnet Zoom session in the evening. Theme was work: poem was Poetry at Work. Also read another one – Walking at my own speed. General standard not high, I have to say – unless I wasn’t paying attention, which is possible.

Wednesday was overcast but warm, with a threat of rain overnight. David’s 50th birthday – he FaceTimed at lunchtime. He got our card. Dot feels he should be younger – and he certainly looks younger. Wrote sermon but in need of a bit of editing. Wine and Hello Fresh arrived. Dot did lots of washing, and in the evening I took her to orchestra and walked back. Felt extremely tired – on bed for an hour afterwards. Accidentally watched a documentary on Highland wildlife. 

Light rain at first yesterday, then sunny. Quite warm. Went to see the new Downton Abbey film, which was quite good, though I could have done with more of Tuppence Middleton. Got home just after Bridget arrived to do the cleaning. Earlier I had chosen hymns, and during the day I put a sketchy rota together and found a Compline to photocopy. Bridget had a ready meal with us (or at least in Dot’s study) while she revised for a maths test, and we had Hello Fresh sausages. Then we all walked up to Eleanor’s for Cake and Compline. Meanwhile David Archer was collecting Claire from Stoke (her parents’ place), where she has been recuperating from a broken ankle. All present for C&C.

Earlier David FaceTimed and sent us pix of his birthday celebrations – Cake and steak burgers, though probably not in that order. Watched last episode of Chivalry. Never really worked out what it was about, but it was mildly amusing. Mark is home.

Quite warm today, though overcast and with the threat of a few drops of rain. Dot is at Brooke School on an interview panel which is likely to last all day. I walked up to church for the weekly Bible Study, but felt very tired. However, I got a lift part of the way back with Judy; so no problem there. My post-Covid back/leg pains also seem to gave gone. We didn’t actually have a Bible study because Nikki didn’t make it – problems with her daughter – but we did have a long chat, and eventually Leanne brought her daughter Imogen (14) over, which was nice. Her son Caleb (13) went missing for part of the morning but turned out to be just having a bit of quiet time!

Last Tuesday was fairly warm and breezy. Went for walk in the afternoon after posting a card for Dot. Up to Rosary – tidied grave. Dot did a lot of work on the Brooke School appointment and had a Zoom meeting later in the afternoon. Tending to eat meals in kitchen and chat, which is quite nice. Watched a pretty poor documentary about John Stonehouse and then the final episode of Life after Life, a Kate Atkinson adaptation. Absolutely superb – script, casting, acting, direction. Discovered via Twitter that Karen has won a UEA Innovation and Impact award for Paston Footprints. So that’s what it was all about. Still she’s not well; so mustn’t grumble.

Light rain most of the day on Wednesday, which was unfortunate because Dot was meeting Anne, and they had been hoping to go for a walk (it was Anne’s birthday pon Thursday). Still they did have lunch together. Meanwhile I wrote a piece for my website and posted a poem too. Sunny in the evening. Quick FT with David about his correspondence.  Dot went to orchestra, and Norwich lost 2-0 at Leicester. 

Thursday was mainly sunny but with a chilly wind. Drove to Salthouse to see a Martin Laurance exhibition and bought a couple of prints, plus some cards. Then had mackerel pate at the Blakeney Manor and bought some bread, a sausage roll and a donut at the Two Magpies. Drove to North Walsham and bought some food, and flowers for the graves. Drove home through Wroxham, to find single lane at Foundry Bridge again. Aargh! Arrived home at the same time as Bridget. Felt so tired I had to lie down for about an hour. Spurs beat Arsenal 3-0, and we watched an excellent film called Going Out in Style about three guys who robbed a bank that diddled them. Beautifully done – really enjoyed it. Lovely little cameo by small girl at end. Shattered at end of day.

It was sunny and quite warm on Friday, but a breeze. The surgeon rang early afternoon, and we had a good discussion. Eventually I agreed to go ahead – my operation is on June 28.  Later we went to Morrisons for food, and I got some petrol. Feeling strangely tired, but doing something seems to help. Unpacked while Dot prepared birthday cake for Sunday. Watched Call Northside 777, an old film starring James Stewart. Pretty good. 

Saturday was sunny and warm. Felt a bit iffy in the morning, but much better later. After lunch walked up to the Rosary with flowers for parents’ grave. After arranging them I was about to read while waiting for Dot to pick me up when I was approached by a man who knew most of the history of Surrey Chapel. He knew about my uncle Frank. We had quite a chat but were interrupted by Dot, who was looking for me: she had come early. Showed him where Mr Wetherley’s grave was and then left with Dot (and Eleanor) to go to Carrie’s birthday party. There I had a long chat with Al and then with various people from church, including Nikki and Stacey, Ellie, Graham and others. Thai curry was surprisingly good. Took Eleanor back to ours to pick up jacket, and she walked home. Then watched Chelsea lose on penalties to Liverpool in Cup Final, and by way of compensation watched An Old Man with a Gun – a very good film starring Robert Redford. Had earlier decided against going to Suffolk Poetry Festival. Glad I did. 

Yesterday was much duller but still fairly warm. A few spots of rain. Church in the morning – I led, with Liz Cannon preaching. Dot, Phil and Martin in music group. Nice service. Felt tired in afternoon, but improved. Listened to Norwich drawing 1-1 away to Wolves. Then watched Beck – very good as always – and half of Queen of Katye, about an African chess prodigy. David Archer called in late afternoon and had a cup of tea. 

It’s about two weeks since we got Covid, and Dot is feeling more or less OK, while I’m still a bit groggy, off and on, with a bit of back pain. Nothing serious, though. While in the bath just now I had a phone call from the hospital telling me my operation was on June 28. This was a bit of a surprise, since I am having a phone interview with the surgeon on Friday, but I didn’t argue. Yesterday I had pre-op tests at the hospital which seemed to go well. Apparently my heart is fine.

It’s raining lightly this morning, and it rained a bit last Wednesday too, when I was still feeling pretty rough – my back was quite painful. Went to bed in the afternoon for a while. After supper we watched a two-hour documentary on Frank Sinatra. I recorded it for Dot, but in fact it was very interesting. He was undoubtedly a great singer, but I didn’t like many of his songs. He was certainly a very good actor.

Thursday was warm. I was still positive, but felt better. Drove Dot to Harriet’s, so that she could put a card and Maddermarket tickets through her door. We had been hoping to go to The Pirates of Penzance, but of course that was right out. It worked out very well, because it was Harriet’s birthday, and she really enjoyed it, managing to dispose of the second ticket to an elderly man who was a friend of the bar woman. Our friend David Archer had a role as policeman/pirate.

Then to Riverside, where Dot bought three Latflow tests in Morrisons at £1.75 each. Later she worked in the garden and I cleared up round the house. Des brought us fish and chips and we watched It’s a Mad Mad, Mad, Mad World followed by Masterchef, which was won by the right person – Eddie Scott, a marine pilot with a very friendly manner. All three finalists were excellent, though. Neither of us voted in the local elections. Spoke to Sarah over the road from a distance – she had been trying to contact us to see how we were, but used the wrong number. 

Friday was very warm, and I tested negative! Read quite a bit in the bath, then the fixings for the kitchen drawer arrived, and I spent some time repairing it. Quite tricky: recalcitrant screws. Then walked to Ashman Bank at Carrow Road and left a package that we’d had for over a week but couldn’t deliver because of Covid. Got very hot while waiting for Dot in the car and had to lie down when I got home. Later watched a French film called Portrait of a Lady on Fire: very arty, but well done. Spoke to Ciara, who wants to get hold of Angela to adjust Phoebe’s prom dress. (She did eventually.) Des and Chris are en route to Canada (Nova Scotia).

Saturday was not so warm, but quite pleasant. Met Kristine off the train at 12.25 and walked her home. Vicky, Matt and Amy arrived just before 1pm and unpacked David’s stuff into the garage. Amy’s coming was a surprise, but in fact she went with them to see Kerry at Reepham. This may have been because she had thought I was still positive, but it actually worked out well: they stayed for a coffee before heading on. This gave us the afternoon with Kristine: Dot did a great salad and Eton Mess, and we had lots of Pimms and lemonade. Did a short walk down to the river. She left on 5.30pm train. We had chilli in the evening and watched Dr Zhivago – a great film and the first we saw together. Spurs drew at Liverpool. 

Sunday was quite warm, especially in the sun. Church in the morning – played guitar and led prayers, but not simultaneously. Communion, lower on numbers than usual. Left quickly so that we could get to Carrow Road in time for the 2pm game. On the way got contact details for car parking for Jonathan. Norwich lost 0-4 to West Ham. Had FaceTime with David and Amy. Both seemed well. I improved as day went on: back pain seemed to be easing. Watched quite a bit of football plus Beck – a new series which was excellent. Bed late after watching MOTD 2. Oliver said he saw Dot at the ground on TV, but she didn’t make it on to the highlights. 

Yesterday was again quite warm. Still feeling a bit groggy from Covid after-effects. Nevertheless Dot dropped me at church around 10.30, and later I did a Bible Study with Leanne and Nikki outside. Dot came later to chat and then take me to hospital for pre-op tests – blood, urine, MRSA, ECG, height, weight etc. Very nice nurse – Kerry – took me through it. Got in early, and it didn’t take too long. Walked up Cantley Lane and met Dot near roundabout – she’d been to Notcutts to buy presents for Anne’s birthday, plus cards, which she posted later in the day. Quite tired in the afternoon. Watched an episode of Grace and later the film Shane, which was extremely good. Also the last episode of The Split, which i found a bit ponderous, but Dot liked it.

This morning Dot has been working hard on background reading for her latest job – helping to interview candidates for the next headship at Brooke.

It’s late afternoon on my eighth day of Covid. Dot is negative and seems on the way to full recovery. I am still testing positive and to be honest not feeling very good really. My head is swimmy and a bit clogged up, and I have muscle pains, especially in my lower back. I’ve just taken some paracetamol. My eyes are much better, and we’ve just watched The Manchurian Candidate – an excellent film, beautifully scripted. But to start at the beginning…

Last Wednesday I was not sure about the weather (it’s dull today, with a little rain), because both of us tested positive for Covid and were feeling pretty rotten, in a bad cold sort of way. We cancelled all sorts of things and received many messages from friends. I was sleeping in the guest room for a couple of days so that we didn’t keep each other awake.

We FaceTimed with David and Amy, and got a message from Oliver. Had a Hello Fresh meal and watched two films – an old black and white one called Lady of Deceit, and then Annie Hall. Both excellent. Managed to write Parish Pump articles, though I’m not sure about the quality. 

Thursday was pretty miserable. Didn’t go out, of course. Felt pretty rotten off and on, and so did Dot. Had a bath late morning. In the afternoon watched a documentary, largely in Russian, called Tango with Putin, about an independent TV station which had high hopes but eventually succumbed to Putin – though it’s still available on YouTube. Then after supper we watched Almost Famous, a really good film about a young guy trying to write about rock bands. Some excellent acting, particularly by Kate Hudson as Penny Lane. Bed early.  Eyes sore. Spoke to David briefly on FT. 

Friday was cool and Saturday quite warm – so I’m told. Didn’t experience much of it myself because I was feeling rotten – thought I was improving on Saturday morning, but then got worse again. Tried to let people know we wouldn’t be around on Sunday to fulfil our rota duties, and I think I eventually got through. Got quite depressed on Saturday – cold symptoms switching to other side. David keeps FTiming to check on us, and Amy got in touch too. She’s not too good herself, but tried to cheer us up. Norwich lost again. Saw Fort Apache, quite a good film with a crap ending. Yesterday saw The Bank Raiders, a good old film. Fed up.

Sunday – still indoors. However, by the end of the day I was feeling quite a bit better. We ate much of the chocolate dip that David bought  Dot for Mother’s Day. Watched quite a bit of football, plus all three episodes of the police drama The Tower, which I recorded last November. Turned out to be excellent: thoughtful and with a very good ending. 

Monday was mild. Very strange day. We both tested positive, but Dot felt quite a bit better than me. I had a dreadful night, felt depressed and quite ill. Kept trying to go to sleep but couldn’t. Walked a bit in the garden. Watched documentary on Dunkirk, an episode of The Split, which has improved, and an episode of Grace. Had long FaceTime with David and Chrissy, after which I felt better. Still had a very heavy head and a bit of a cough, but not so depressed. Oliver FTd while I was in the bath but had quite a talk with Dot. 

Yesterday I woke feeling better and thought it was all over. Dot tested negative, and I had a bath and then tested positive. Had expected call from delightful nurse (Cherry?), who told me I wouldn’t be able to have my gall bladder operation until at earliest midway through June, because there had to be a seven-week gap between onset of Covid and general anaesthetic – also a four-week ban on flying afterwards! However we had a long chat and I felt she really listened to my misgivings, especially as she looked at the ultrasound results and said there didn’t seemany urgent need. She is going to email the surgeon. I am going for preliminary bloods etc on Monday anyway, assuming I’m Covid negative. 

FTd David to tell him the news. Dot went to Morrisons and got us stocked up. I wrote a piece for the DCC objecting to new hymn books proposal, and Dot did likewise. She actually went to the DCC, which she handled very well, and I felt gradually worse, which was disappointing. Ended up with a very stiff back for no apparent reason. Prompted by a WhatsApp inquiry from Nikki, I had a longish chat with Ray and Chris. She has a catheter because of a kidney infection. There’s always someone worse off. Watched Masterchef. 

And so, at last, it happens. This morning, after a bad night, Dot tested positive for Covid, and I followed suit an hour later. Feels like a head cold in my case, and I don’t think it’s much different for Dot. Have been frantically cancelling stuff and warning people to avoid us. We had been due to have lunch with Kim… I did manage to finish off my Parish Pump pieces on the abolition of slavery, the iPhone and Harry Potter, but I have now resorted to paracetamol.

To revert to the right order, last Friday was still sunny, but the wind was slightly chillier. Met Paul Dickson at The Merchant’s House to talk about my book, which will be published on April 30, and possible ways of promoting it. He has quite a few ideas. Enjoyed talking to him on various subjects – tours, music and so on. Was with him more than 90 minutes, then walked down to Cloisters to meet Dot, who was waiting to photograph Louise and David after their wedding. We both walked the labyrinth while we were waiting and got a few pictures when they came out.

Later went to Morrisons for food and petrol, and against the odds got back in time for the 5.30 glass of wine. Mark is on his way back to America – I  saw him leave at about 6am, when I got Dot a cup of tea – but Des, Chris, Jonathan and Ciara came out. Saw Phoebe briefly (gave her some tomatoes) and a woman with a dog from further down. After HF we watched 90 minutes of Masterchef. Dot fell asleep during Not Going  Out, after having had a bad night and feeling ill earlier (she tested negative for Covid at this point).

Saturday was mainly sunny but with a very chilly wind, as we discovered when we went to Carrow Road, watching Norwich lose 3-0 to Newcastle. I had to pop back as we started out to collect a parcel for Des that Amazon had left outside, and met Dot at the stadium. Watched a lot of TV, including the first two episodes of Chivalry, a sort of ok comedy starring Steve Coogan, and the last episode of Hidden, which was pretty good and partly in Welsh. Had quite a long FT with David, in which he showed us some old photos and objects. 

Sunday was sunny but again with quite a cool wind. Church in the morning. Played in the worship group. Heather did an imagination thing based on Thomas, which gave me an idea for a poem. Well over 20 there, but it turned out later that Carrie had Covid: she’d had been feeling “rubbish” but came to church anyway. There may be a theme here. After lunch Dot and I walked up to the Bishop’s Garden for an open day – not very spectacular, but quite pleasant. Met Mike Cumberland and family, plus Alaric and Barbara Bryant. Had tea and bun. Watched some football and first episode of Life after Life, based on Kate Atkinson book, which was excellent. Spoke to Kim on the phone, trying to fix meeting, but not sure if we succeeded. Kavana is having trouble at Warwick, and Kim may go up to see her. 

The weather was much the same on Monday, though apparently it’s been raining in Aylesbury, where Amy was still not very well. She (and David) spoke to us on FaceTime after I’d been to hospital for my ultrasound this afternoon. That went very well: managed to find a route avoiding all the hold-ups and road works and Dot got me there in good time; went in early; guy doing it was training someone, so he was very thorough. Suggested my gall bladder wasn’t very abnormal, though it had stones, which is not a problem unless they’re blocking the bile duct. Apparently my liver is higher up than normal, though again no problem.

Walked over to UEA, but got a bus from there – was feeling quite tired, probably because I hadn’t eaten since breakfast. Walked again from Orford Place. Earlier I cancelled the Bible study because of Carrie’s covid; she could have infected any number of people (and furniture) on Sunday. Dot changed her violin lesson to Friday. Couldn’t have lunch so did a bit on computer: edited pix and typed out my Lent haiku, which I sent to Psalmody group and got quite a good reaction. In the evening we watched a bit of football and The Blues Brothers, a brilliant film, if only because of the car chases. Completely off the wall.

Yesterday was a bit cooler, with a little rain in late evening. Walked up to Golden Dog Lane in the morning to pick up car from Dot, who drove there for a soirée with Anna, who was playing violin with someone else on piano for a Brahms violin concerto. The workmen are eventually doing some work on Riverside Road after disabling it for three months. Picked Dot up again later, and after lunch she drove to Thurton for a DSSO visit. While she was there I got a call from the hospital saying my operation would be on May 5 if it was all right with me. I said it was. Shortly afterwards I got a call from Carrie asking if I took funerals! I said I didn’t. (She was due to do one, but has Covid. Did I mention that?) Wrote two thirds of my Parish Pump pieces, then spent most of the rest of the day watching TV –  Grace (a detective series, which was pretty good), Masterchef and Life after Life. Felt a bit odd.

Normal service is resumed, with David safely back in Canada, and Oliver and Amy – well, in Ireland, actually. I am about to go and have lunch with my publisher; so things may happen there. Dot is feeling a bit under the weather but hopes to walk up and see Louise Robinson emerge from the Cathedral a married woman: the wedding is in one of the chapels.

We had a lovely day yesterday. It was sunny with a bit of a cool breeze on the coast, but nothing to worry about. We drove by a circuitous route to Blakeney, seeing much of inland North Norfolk, and parked on the carnser, using our National Trust card: an obliging kiosk man gave me a special ticket because the Scottish card wouldn’t scan. Had a substantial scone and tea in the Two Magpies, then walked out a bit, but a recent high tide had made the path muddy; so we didn’t venture too far.

Drove to Salthouse Church to view an art exhibition and got talking to Charlotte, who was one of the artists and who had a very interesting story about becoming a Christian. She lives in Norwich and wants to keep in contact with us. Went for a short walk afterwards towards the sea and then bought an ice cream, which we ate while watching some baby mallards. Then drove home by a more direct route, to find Bridget already in the house and cleaning (we had been trying unsuccessfully to contact her). Had a light tea and then drove Judy and Eleanor to Cake and Compline at Bridget’s. Back home, we watched the last episode of The Thief, his Wife and the Canoe, which was well done but rather sad.

Going back in time, last Saturday was quite mild. Norwich lost 3-2 to Man Utd, but should have won. I edited some more Paston stuff while Dot went to Morrisons then made some pesto. Spoke to David and Chrissy on FaceTime, then watched a bit of TV, including MOD, on which Norwich looked pretty good. 

Sunday was mild and mainly sunny. Nice Easter Sunday Holy Communion led by Liz Cannon and with a good sermon by Howard. About a couple of dozen people there. Later went for a walk round Cathedral way and accidentally attended part of Festal Evensong led by the Dean, Jane, with a very good sermon by the new Bishop of Lynn, Jane Steen. Processed out of west door and finished in front of Hostry. Liked the accessibility but not the attempt to get money from people. Watched a fair bit of TV later, but nothing really worth mentioning. Oliver and Amy travelled to Ireland. 

Easter Monday was pleasantly mild. Walked up to church in the morning to help prepare for a random roast lunch event, which amazingly attracted about a couple of dozen people. Spoke to most of them: enjoyed it. Dot drove up slightly later. I also walked home (taking a rest on the way) while she drove up to the garden centre and bought £70 worth of plants. Meanwhile I had collapsed on the bed – felt completely exhausted, I suspect as much from having a heavy meal as walking a long way. Eventually had a cup of tea and recovered. Watched the end of Grantchester, which still fails to convince, then a second episode of The Thief, his Wife and the Canoe, which would not be believable if it were not true. Decided not to have another booster.

Tuesday was a bit cooler, but quite comfortable. Finished off a couple of poems and wrote a piece for my website, then went with Dot to Boots and the card shop, then sorting office to post card to Angela. Feeling a bit sniffly, either a minor cold or hay fever. Don’t actually feel ill, but it’s annoying. In the afternoon Dot did a lot of work in the garden and I did quite a bit of Paston editing. Spent some time talking to a blackbird just outside the back door, then put the bins out. Watched Masterchef and unusually felt the wrong person was told to go home. Then another episode of Canoe, featuring an excellent journalist, and an episode of The Split, in which I dislike everyone except Stephen Mangan. Watched an excellent short interview with  Wim Wenders, one of my favourite film directors, about a photograph he took of the road to Emmaus. 

Wednesday was sunny and warm out of the breeze. Read quite a lot – now about a third of the way through Middlemarch. Beautifully written but demands a lot of attention. Had intended to go to cinema in the afternoon, but wine arrived just too late; so we went in the evening and saw Operation Mincemeat, which was pretty good : Dot liked it more than I did. True story, so not quite as satisfying as it might have been. Was feeling below par most of day, but ok later.