It’s Sunday again. and Dot and I have just been for a walk on Mousehold, followed by an ice cream – so it’s obviously not too cold. Slightly earlier we went to the garden centre at Sprowston to purchase a squirrel-proof peanut feeder: our local grey had cracked the “lock” on our standard one by bending the wires. Earlier still we had been in church for a service led by Phil, with Carrie preaching. I did the prayers, and Dot read the Gospel: we were also in the music group, so we were pretty involved. Howard was not there because he was mending a tenant’s lavatory, and Anna is in Rye with her sister, and not just coming through it. Ray and Christine were away too: Ray has a severe cough, which is apparently not Covid but nevertheless very unpleasant and kept him awake all last night, he told me on the phone. Debbie and Harriet had colds but were there anyway, because hey, it’s not Covid and no-one minds catching a cold, do they?

Last Tuesday was cool, and not in a good way, with showers around lunchtime. A very nice guy from British Gas finished installing our new boiler just after lunch. He was from Ipswich, sadly. The boiler is looking good. I worked out a new compline for the next day and chose some hymns for Sunday. Also managed after much effort to connect Dot’s printer to the new WiFi. David FTd to ask questions about seals and cream teas (on behalf of Vicky).Didn’t feel like going out, so did some walking inside and got up to 4000+. Finished watching Lupin, plus England v Hungary, which was appalling – no imagination, everyone passing sideways or backwards. Scraped 1-1.

Wednesday was chilly to start with, becoming mellower. The road kept filling up with cars for some reason. Had a call from Lily in the morning while boiling an egg and went to see her in the afternoon. She seemed much better than I expected but has to walk with a stick now and wants to move to Norwich in a one-bedroom place with no stairs. Watched an NRO talk by Rob on heritage wellbeing, whatever that is. In the evening we had Cake and Compline at our house. Showed them the first episode of The Chosen, and only Eleanor went to sleep – but it was past her bedtime. Vicky, isolating with non-Covid (IMHO), joined us via WhatsApp for the Compline. All others present.

Thursday was also coolish but quite pleasant walking. Dot and I both went to the dentist’s, and I just had a clean before walking home via The Walk, London Street and The Close to notch up over 5000 steps, partly because I’d posted a birthday card to Maryta at the sorting office earlier. In the afternoon Dot went to Verena for a massage but was back in time for Bridget’s cleaning slot. Watched Cold Comfort Farm, which is a brilliant film. There was something nasty in the woodshed, apparently.

Still quite cool on Friday, but sunny at times, and I quickly got too hot while walking with an extra layer! Dot went to two schools – Hethersett and Cringleford – and in the latter case got entangled in a traffic snarl-up on Eaton Road.  I went to Morrison’s, and so did she (later). Drinks in the street at 5.30 – Des, Chris, Mark, Sarah, Mary, Angela, Matthew. Think John was away. Watched Notorious in the evening. Pretty good, but bit of a sudden pull-up ending, as is often the case in old movies. 

Saturday was chilly again, but with some sun. Went to Morrisons early on to buy pizzas for match day visitors. Then Dot walked into the city to get her face waxed at Jarrolds, but was home in time to greet Fred, Mark and Tom from Banbury. Mark and Tom (father and son: Mark is Kate’s husband) used two of Jonathan’s tickets. I used the other one. Fred had obtained his own. After pizzas, we saw Norwich draw 0-0 with Brighton. Should have won, but they still can’t shoot – Sargent (who I like) missed a completely open goal.

Paul parked his car in our drive and walked down with us, but had gone when we returned. After tea and coffee the Banbury gang left about 6pm. In the evening we watched Guilt and the third episode of Paris Police 1900 before part of MOTD. Earlier we had a shortish FT with David and Amy, during which we learned that David’s App has been accepted by Apple. Yes!

Viewing tomorrow with some trepidation because the council in its wisdom is shutting Riverside Road going south for a few weeks while it fixes the pavements. No parking there either, which means that everyone will try to park up here, and getting back into our road will mean going round the houses. Still, it’s essential work; so that’s all right. Almost no road works are essential, are they?

Feeling decidedly chilly today, but that’s because we have no heating. The British Gas man is busy replacing our boiler and is hard at work in the garage. He seems quite happy. A case of wine from Naked Wines also arrived this morning, by way of compensation for the inconvenience. Or was it a coincidence? Yes, it was.

Back last Friday we had a long chat with David on FaceTime about his work, which sounds as if it has reached an exciting stage. After that we watched Ted Lasso and the end of The North Water, which could have been worse, I suppose. I love the frozen north, but it doesn’t seem to make for very good drama.

Saturday was warm when the sun was out, otherwise average. Caught up with e-mails while Dot prepared prayers. After lunch we got the garage ready to receive the new boiler on Monday – which consisted mainly of putting away the table tennis table. Then drove to Morrisons to do shopping: Dot walked back. I edited my pictures, which took quite a while, and Dot made another great apple and blackberry crumble. Watched England beat Andorra 5-0 – or most of it, because it was a bit tedious. Then a programme on Princess Michael of Kent. They were trying to make her look bad, but I quite liked her. Also watched an episode of Lupin before catching up on some football highlights, including Scotland’s 3-2 win over Israel.

Sunday started damp with very light drizzle  in the air, but later it got out and was fairly warm and dry. Went to church as usual: Carrie leading with Graham preaching on the evils of being rich. Not quite how I’d have put it, but in the right area. Anna is doing well, and so is Phil – rang him later. Also Andrew rang, and we had a brief chat. He seemed OK.

Dot and I went for a walk up to the Cathedral and the top lawn. Later watched the Turkish Grand Prix, won by Bottas. Also the first episode of Ridley Road and the first episode of Paris Police 1900, both of which featured anti-semitism. Watched an episode of Friends to cheer ourselves up, and had a brief chat with Amy. She and Vicky hope to come up in the first week of half-term.

Yesterday was quite cool, but dry.  Wrote a website piece in the morning after getting up early to receive our new boiler, which actually arrived about 10.15am. Then Linda came to do our hair at noon. Afterwards I took Des back his keys and then posted a birthday card to Birgit. Dot went up to the chemist’s to get pills and then to the garden centre to buy a small greenhouse thing, which we put together after I’d had a bath. At some point Jonathan dropped in spare tickets for Saturday. Watched second episodes of Ridley Road and the French police thing – both pretty well done. Dot had a long phone call with Carrie about the state of the Church of England, which is looking at branding and management courses. Oh dear. Watched a couple of episodes of Lupin to put things in perspective.

First point of the season for Norwich City last Saturday, drawing 0-0 away to Burnley. Rather less than inspiring, and it seems a long time ago now. In tune with the general feeling, it rained all afternoon and evening. We watched a lot of TV – The Chosen, Lupin, Ted Lasso and MOTD. Bed late. But things looked up after that.

Sunday was dry, but still cool, relatively speaking. Preached at church, mainly on Hebrews 1 and 2. Dot and I sang Stretch out your hands before the service. Only 11 there: Ray and Chris away because Ray had diarrhoea, and Phil was walking the Peddars Way. After lunch we went to a Blofield Church concert : St Gregory’s, with Vicki Ellis starring as soloist in Mozart’s flute concerto. Rodney and Angela there, and so were Bridget and David, and Bridget’s friend who is teaching her maths. Spoke to David and Barbara Pilch, who said she was getting lots of help from Karen. As usual excellent food from church organisers at the interval.  Tickets £8 each. Watched North Water, Ted Lasso and Match of the Day. Spurs won 2-1. Haven’t heard from Andrew for a while.

Monday was cool but dry, and rather blowy. Walked up to the sorting office to post back my old BT hub, then finished packing. Left just before 2pm and arrived at Snape at 3.15pm – three quarters of an hour early. Nevertheless we were able to get in – a really nice cottage (Malt Cottage) with steep stairs to the bedrooms. We’d brought quite a lot of food, but we went to the nearby Food Hall and bought some rather esoteric local stuff anyway, then took a brief walk round the site. Very fond of this place. 

Tuesday was not a bad night for us, but loads of rain outside and especially in London. We’d been a bit cold in the evening, and I hadn’t worked out how to turn the heating on; so I rang the office and Sue came round and fixed it: there was a flap on the thermostat that I hadn’t spotted. Dot drove to Sutton Hoo, which was as bit like Dippy the Dinosaur in that it wasn’t as dramatic as I thought it would be. Basically it was just a number of mounds in a field, plus a viewing tower which was quite good, because you could see Woodbridge. On the other hand, if you went to Woodbridge you could see  Woodbridge.

However, the setting was beautiful, and towards the end – after two exhibitions and lunch in the cafe – we went for an excellent walk recommended by one of the receptionists, which took us into the valley and then up into the woods, with a view of the river. At the end clouds were gathering and we climbed over a gate to get back to the car a matter of seconds before it started pouring. Drove back to Snape, and after a cup of tea Dot went out for a “walk”, which I think means she visited some shops. Later we went to the Plough and Sail for a delicious meal. I had sausages and mash, which was really good, followed by blackberry and apple crumble, which was even better. Had a carafe of Malbec and finished with whisky, in Dot’s case Drambuie. Back at Malt Cottage, about a hundred yards a way, we watched the final episode of Silent Witness. Earlier I spoke to Gill Stedman on the phone and arranged visit on the way home on Friday.

It rained overnight again, but we had a good sleep. After a latish breakfast Dot drove to Shingle Street, with me directing her, following Robin’s instructions. Lots of shingle. unsurprisingly, and a very cold and strong wind from onshore. Walked to the sea and then drove on and walked a little more. Too cold to hang about. Then I drove to Bawdsey Quay – very exposed, with the water splashing over the edge. Took a few photos and then drove to the Ramsholt Arms, where we had a starter-and-sweet meal: very good. Second crumble in two days, and both excellent in different ways.

Still cold and blowy, but we drove up to the church, which was beautiful and had a good view back down to the river. Then followed satnav to Orford, where the weather improved somewhat. Parked in car park unnecessarily and walked up into town in search of tea shop: eventually found one in church hall. Lovely people, and Dot could go to the loo. Walked back and drove on to the quay for a while. The sun even came out. Dot drove back to Snape. Watched three episodes of The Chosen in the evening. Posted birthday card to Fred, and then we both took short walk to look at the stars. Clear skies, and almost no wind.

Thursday (yesterday) was warmer but overcast and quite still. Drove to Aldeburgh in the morning. Bought two tops for Dot and walked along the seafront, then drove up to the end of the road and back to Snape, filling up with petrol on the way. Yippee! No queue. In the afternoon we walked down the beautiful river path to Iken Church – longer than anticipated because the last bit was on the road. Bit of a trek, but a nice church. No view from there, though – surrounded by private property. Very tired when we got back, but it only took us an hour. Another very good meal at the Plough and Sail: another excellent waitress, another fine crumble. Watched two more episodes of The Chosen and sent a postcard to Andrew.

Today started very misty and therefore rather cooler. I located the bins and the bottle bank and deposited the rubbish while Dot packed her stuff and washed her hair. We had to be out by 10am and left at roughly 9.59, driving to Framlingham by way of Great Glemham: winding country roads. Found The Mowbrays easily, but number 44 was more of a problem. Had tea and biscuits with Gill and Mick Stedman, who said the numbering system seemed to have consisted of throwing all the numbers in the air and allocating them as they fell.

We had a long chat: they both seemed quite well, and their family was in a healthy state. Nice to see them. Mick was our vicar back in Yelverton in the 1970s and 80s. At about 1pm they offered lunch, but we declined and drove back to Norwich via Harleston and Hempnall – a good route avoiding all the main roads. Unpacked and had a late lunch. House seemed pretty cold, because it was.

So here we are in October, and it’s more wintry than autumnal. Steady rain, quite cool and a forecast of rain for the rest of the day. Happily we saw it coming and went out for a walk this morning, up to Carrow Road and back along the riverside path. Chatted with Sean, who was working on his windows, on the way back. We’re now listening to Norwich playing away to Burnley and desperately trying to get a point or three for the first some this season.

Last Monday was already cooler, with rain in the morning. Pretty disastrous day, really: the frustration involved in having Full Fibre installed was worse than not having it installed. We ended up with three redundant phones, one new digital one, improved Broadband speed which didn’t seem to make much difference except to the Apple TV, and no obvious improvement to normal TV, which apparently didn’t connect to Broadband and so was very irritating. Tried to sort it out but ended up in bed with a cushion over my head. The Open Reach guy wasn’t very helpful because he wasn’t our provider, as he kept pointing out. I was so fed up that I had fried eggs and bacon for the first time in well over a year. Sent off my new poetry book to be printed. Watched Endeavour, the last episode of Vigil, which was OK, and an episode of Ted Lasso.

It was tipping down with rain again on Tuesday, and very windy in late evening. Earlier we dodged the showers when we went to see Dippy the Dinosaur at the Cathedral. Rather underwhelmed, but at least we avoided the queues. Afterwards walked up into the city and had tea and raspberry tart at Patisserie Valerie. Good chat with David on FT: Oliver is having up-and-down first week at uni (as David did), but Amy is recovering from her cold. Discussed chess.

In the morning we went to Archant coffee morning at Oaklands and chatted to the usual suspects, including David Wakefield and Bill Woodcock. In the evening watched The Last Mountain, a documentary about a woman and (much later) her son who died on high mountains. Accessed it via my phone and screen sharing – went well. Also watched a couple of episodes of Ted Lasso.

Wednesday was coldish but dry. Went to North Walsham in morning to pick up Doreen’s cross from the Church. Chaos in town because of cars queuing up for petrol at Sainsbury’s. Snuck in the Exit, walked to the church and then back to the shop, then to the cemetery. Managed to get out of Sainsbury’s by the Mundesley Road exit, then on to the bypass. Called in at Lucy’s on the way home. Brief visit because she was going to watch Paston talk. She and Rob are a bit at odds about what will happen to the Paston Heritage Society.

Started on my sermon later and watched the Ryder Cup as well as the first episode of Silent Witness. Bridget came and did some cleaning. I contacted BT online and got a new WiFi disc, as well as the promise of a bag to send back the hub. Dot went to orchestra in the evening and got cold. I tried for an hour to convert Dot’s printer to new Wi-fi but gave up.

Thursday was the last day of September. Wet and windy with some dry spells. I finished my sermon in the morning, and in the afternoon we drove up to the chemist’s to pick up my pills, and then to Nick’s to collect my new books. We then moved on to the NRO to see the fabled Paston exhibition, which was pretty good, and even better when we got them to tell us the Wi-fi address (which meant we could use the QR codes) and turn on the videos. Called in at Morrisons on the way back for a small number of purchases. They were out of fuel, but a tanker seemed to be delivering. No-one queuing.

Later walked up to Bill’s restaurant in the rain to meet Kim for a meal. Food very good, as was the waitress. Interesting conversation as usual. Quite an uplifting evening. Ended it by watching Silent Witness. Received instructions for Snape.

Friday started very grey and damp. Anne came round for a chat and managed to get petrol on the way back. The sun came out later, and I went for a walk in the afternoon, visiting Morrisons (still no petrol) and coming back by King Street. Drinks in the street – had quite a chat with Mary. Dot had fish and chips; I had kipper. Watched a couple of episodes of North Water, which is not particularly good, and then a couple of Lupin on Netflix, recommended by David, which was excellent.

Full Fibre seems to have sorted itself out. A new WiFi disc arrived this morning, and I’ve set it up. Bags for returning old equipment have also arrived.

Today has started rainy, but the last few days have been very pleasant: warm and often sunny. Last Wednesday, for example was very warm – but also frustrating. BT were due to come and install Full Fibre between 8am and 1pm; so I got up early. The times and date had been confirmed half a dozen times by text and e-mail, but no-one turned up. I rang at 1.30pm and was told the job had been outsourced, and the engineer would be with me shortly. He still didn’t come. Rang again about 4.45pm and received apologies and promise of compensation. He still might come: he didn’t. At the time of writing, five days later, he still hasn’t come, though I have had three messages variously saying he is coming this morning or this afternoon. I am not holding my breath. I have got £50 compensation off my next bill, though. Apparently.

Still, last Wednesday I got quite a bit of work done, including a piece for my website and putting the rota online. Dot went to Sillars in the evening and I watched a documentary on the Band, which was quite good.

Thursday was also warm and also busy. I wrote four pieces for Parish Pump while Dot went to Morrisons and worked in the garden (not simultaneously). Bridget came to clean as usual, and we walked to Cake and Compline at Eleanor’s in the evening. This was not as straightforward as it sounds, because the gate to the Great Hospital was locked, and we only got in because a car came out. Eleanor then went and stood by the gate to let by people in, which would have been fine if the Archers were not 45 minutes late. For some reason I had quite a headache later.

It was still warm and dry on Friday. Went for a walk up to the Rosary while Dot was visiting Saxlingham School after lunch. Did the extra bit down Cintra Road and up the steep path through Lion Wood. Then caught up with e-mails and chess games, and found an article of mine in En Passant with three games. Booked car in for MOT and service – both in November!! Drinks in the street at 5.30pm, then watched The Graduate, which was not as good as I thought because the hero was basically an idiot. Then an episode of The Chosen. Dot did a lot more in the garden – it looks very good.

On Saturday Norwich continued their perfect start to the season by losing to Everton 2-0 and making it six losses in a row (16 if you count the last time they were in the Premiership). Another warm day – Dot spent most of it transforming the rest of the garden: I contributed in a very minor way by helping to clear up and deadheading a few roses. Also prepared for leading the service tomorrow and have checked my next poetry book, which I hope to send for printing soon. This evening we listened to a video on the pointlessness of PCR tests and other contentious Covid-related matters. Then a discussion between a rabbi and a vicar, mainly on Israel. Found myself agreeing with the rabbi (not that the vicar was disagreeing). Also watched the first day of the Ryder Cup, in which Europe did very badly – a trend that was to continue in spades.

Yesterday was again warm but a little dull. Led church service in the morning – went very well: only one person in a mask! Liz preached: she had a good story about children hugging. David and Chrissy FTd to say Oliver was ensconced at university, and Amy was sad – as well as having a very bad cold.

In the evening we went to the Theatre Royal to see Jack Dee –- tickets supplied by Janet Bower because she couldn’t use them. The support comic was pretty average, but Dee was brilliant – so much so that I almost had to leave early, as my head was close to exploding (I have this problem with excessive laughter). But I made it through the crisis. His delivery is superb: I believe his secret is to say what most people think about contentious issues but are drowned out by what we are “supposed to think”. Later we watched Hamilton win his 100th Grand Prix with a little help from sudden rain, which deprived Lando Norris of a deserved victory.

Just back from a couple of days in Suffolk with the Evetts, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Last Wednesday was a bit cooler, especially in the cinema , where we saw The Courier – pretty good without being great. A true story of Greville Wynn and his link to a spy in Russia. First visit to the cinema for a very long time. Earlier tried to watch a Paston talk, but no link had been sent. Dot went to Sillars in the evening and found it hard, while I went for a shortish walk to bring my steps up to 6000. Watched some music on YouTube and, when Dot got home, another episode of The Chosen.

Thursday was fairly warm, with some cloud. Drove to Beeston Regis to spend time with Fred and Sue at their new caravan – most impressive. Also there: Adrian O’dell and Jane, and their blind border collie, Tuds. Had a very pleasant time, including an excellent  barbecue. After the O’dells had gone we had a walk round the site with Fred and Sue; it seemed to have expanded quite a bit. Dot drove home so that I could have some wine. Watched The Man Putin Couldn’t Kill – very brave Russian opposition leader. He’s probably dead now. However, I have a feeling Russia will take a big step away from communism soon. I don’t know why.

Friday was cooler. Colin arrived at 8.30pm to cut back the inside part of the hedge, put in some little steps and sorted out the entrance to the back gate. Which he did; he was here till nearly 3.30pm, with his father, Richard. Cost £480. While he was here Dot went to the shop. I made cups of tea. Drink with very few neighbours at 5.30pm – Des and Chris, and later John, Mark and his visiting Dad, then Dot – but not all of us together. Oliver and Amy arrived about 8.30pm and we had pizza, then played poker. I lost miserably. Spent much of the day trying to write an article for my website, but it’s still not in. I may abandon it.

Saturday was warm. Dot had a coughing episode during the night, but was ok by morning. Latish breakfast, then watched video from Canoe Man to prepare for our trip tomorrow. Oliver and I walked down to check out Canoe Man river site, then played table tennis. I lost heavily. Showed Oliver some photographs, then after lunch he and Dot went off to the football match, Norwich v Watford. Norwich lost 1-3. Amy showed me some photos and played me some songs. Then we walked up through the crowds and the Close and met Oliver and Dot outside the Ivy, where we had dinner. I had my favourite tangerine duck liver parfait, then lamb shepherds pie, which was ok. Walked home, had a rest and watched Three Men in a Boat again. Brilliant, and the kids seemed to like it. Dot cooked a banana dessert and then we played poker (Texas Hold’Em), which I won narrowly. 

Sunday was quite mild; threat of rain in the afternoon, but didn’t arrive till evening. Had a brunch at 11.30am after Oliver and I watched MOTD, where Norwich were dismissed as not Premiership standard. Walked down to river at 12.45pm to start our canoe journey. All went well as we travelled up to Jarrolds Bridge and back until Dot found the seat position very painful and had to stop paddling. Still we continued downriver and eventually reached Thorpe Old Hall, just past Cary’s Meadow.

On the way back we dropped Dot off where the riverside path started, and she walked the rest of the way, taking some great pictures and meeting the Canoe Man, who said we could continue till 4.30pm if we wanted. We didn’t, not least because it was threatening to rain but mainly because we had to cook dinner and get Oliver and Amy on the road home. After a pause for breath and to complete the defreezing of the salmon, this was what happened, and they left about 6.20pm. We did some packing for tomorrow and watched Endeavour, then Dot had a bath and we went to bed.

Monday started dull but became warm and mainly sunny later. Left for Southwold at 10.15am and followed satnav by route I’ve never taken. Met Dave and Julia by accident in old area by boatyards. Walked down dusty road and had tea at fish stall, then to loos by the harbour, then back across the common into town, where we had lunch at Coasters. Delicious smoked salmon sandwiches and chips, of which Dot had most. Walked back down prom to loos and then up dusty road to cars. Drove to hotel, following Dave. Met Angela and Rodney for a drink with the Evetts before supper and more briefly afterwards on our own. Supper with Dave and Julia of course. Fantastic room. 

Today was warm and mainly sunny. Both woke early. Saw Angela and Rodney at breakfast. Afterwards checked out and gave Evetts a lift into Woodbridge. Parked using new app, but had problem registering at first. Walked into main shopping area and had tea/coffee. Dot bought a rather nice top. Walked down to the river and walked through boatyard area, then looked for somewhere for lunch: the place planned by Dave and Julia was not open for some reason. Eventually had basic lunch at a restaurant by the station, then walked further along the river. Beautiful views.

Walked back to move the car (parking ran out after four hours), then walked into the main street and had excellent tea and cake at Honey and Harvey. Afterwards drove Evetts back to the hotel and then drove home via Halesworth and the traditional back-road route. Hold-ups as we approached Norwich because of City cup match v Liverpool. Eventually found a way through. Unpacked, had blackberry and apple crumble, and started listening to match, then Dot decided she ought to go to the PCC, and so she did. I prepared for the visit of the Full Fibre Broadband people tomorrow.

Things are changing in small ways, though the Government and its graph-ridden scientific advisers don’t seem to have noticed. They are apparently determined to introduce new measures in the coming months, even though they say they’d rather not. Freedom, anyone? Apparently not.

This was probably why everyone was so ecstatic about the amazing and uplifting achievement of tennis star Emma Radicanu, who is British, even though she was born in Toronto and has an Eastern European father and a Chinese mother. I’m not being cynical: I’m all for the rights of adopted children, and Emma is clearly British deep down. Rarely is so much attractiveness and talent combined.

It came at good time, because last Saturday evening I was feeling quite groggy after supper and had a lie down on bed. But I got up and watched Emma win the US Grand Slam final 6-4 6-3 in New York against a Canadian who also seems to have star quality, although she’s definitely grumpier. Emma is younger than Oliver, and she did it on his 19th birthday. We had a nice message from him.

Sunday was warm again, and I felt better. Had a bath and went to church. Howard, being Howard, preached from the Apocrypha – anticipations of Jesus. Before that there was a long discussion on the development of Anglia Square. This has been going on so long I’m surprised it wasn’t mentioned in the Apocrypha. Anna had coughing similar to Dot. Dot is not so bad – she walked over to Boots in the afternoon after we’d watched a rather dull Match of the Day. David FaceTimed – he seemed well. We watched the Grand Prix – Hamilton and Verstappen thoughtfully collided, so that McLaren could get a 1-2. Then a new series of Endeavour, which was good. Went to bed early.

Monday was warm again, with occasional cloud. Busy day. We drove to North Walsham in the morning – visited an exhibition in the church, but it turned out to be mainly Paston stuff we’d seen before. But we were able to congratulate Rob on its birthday. He was on counting duty. Dot asked him about Doreen’s cross. To Sainsbury’s for food and flowers, then to cemetery. “Assisted” by a lady who had five graves to look after. Drove home; after lunch drove up to John Lewis to pick up vacuum cleaner – £149, AEG – a very quick transaction. While Dot was opening it and charging it I ordered Full Fibre broadband and then some Naked Wine. Walked up to the Rosary with Dot and put flowers on parents’ and grandparents’ graves. After supper we watched Vigil, a new thriller called The North Water, which I’m not sure about, and another episode of The Chosen. Stunning.

Yesterday I took Dot up to the hospital for a chest x-ray and called in at Earlham cemetery to look for my grandparents’ grave – unsuccessfully, but I got in well over 3000 steps before the rain started. After that it rained nearly all day. Dot came home on the (very slow) bus. I did rota and discovered that Anna now had a bad respiratory tract infection, but on the plus side was getting her eye operation next Wednesday.

One of Dot’s orchestra colleagues came round with music for her and revealed that her autistic grandson was in a bad way and had been excluded from school. Linda arrived early to cut our hair; so we had a late lunch, and I had a reading bath. Oliver FaceTimed in the evening and seemed in quite good spirits: he and Amy will come on Friday evening, all being well. We watched two episodes of Silent Witness – almost too clever, but it worked – and a film, Out of Sight, starring George Clooney and Jennifer Lopez, which was very good indeed, almost Fargo-like in places.

This morning it’s cooler, but dry. We received our BT parcel of goodies and endless e-mails and messages about what was going to happen. Dot’s coffee also arrived; so a good morning for parcels. We have Des’s courtesy car in our drive – a gigantic SUV which he doesn’t think his wife can get into their drive and anyway fills it up. It will have to go by Friday evening!

It was very warm on Monday. I had a headache, and Dot was still coughing a lot. Nevertheless, life continued. Kim sent us a book via Amazon about Christianity  and Covid. Had a reasonable night’s sleep. Tried to send pictures to Fred by text, but the technology didn’t work. Had lunch, then did a bit more gardening and put the bins out. Felt very tired and dozed on the couch while Dot did puzzles, then I walked to Morrisons via the track by the railway and met Dot, who came by car. Did a fair bit of shopping. Later we watched Vera and then England losing the fourth test to India – not very good, as we had won the toss and put them in to bat.

The Evetts rang halfway through Vera, and we updated each other medically. Dave seemed to be quite a bit better, but they have booked a January holiday in Barbados. They are mad. I mislaid the blood pressure monitor, which Dot needed as she has discontinued her blood pressure pills, suspecting it of causing her cough.

Tuesday was probably even warmer. Sunny too. Dot seemed quite a lot better. She found the blood pressure machine and has made several tests: marginally high, but nothing to speak of. We went for walk before lunch up to the cemetery, and I pretended to take a picture of a woman with dog (dogs are strictly forbidden in the Rosary), which to make it worse was chasing birds. She disappeared when workmen arrived.

I have read (partially skip-read) a book on Covid 19 that Kim lent us. It’s like the Great Pumpkin: I believe it! Had a rest while Dot went up to Dunelm to buy bath mats like the one Clarissa had and which impressed her by its quick-drying. Watched the first two episodes of The Chosen – very good indeed. David recommended Lupin when he FTd later, but we’re having problems with anything that needs Broadband. Had a long chat about his work. Watched the second episode of Silent Witness – quite good. Changed our hair appointment to fit in with going to Suffolk. 

Wednesday was warm again. Spent quite a bit of time catching up on e-mails and fallout from them. Drove Dot up to garden centre, we bought a couple of things and then we we went for a walk in Harrison’s Wood. 

Thursday was also warm. Entered some poems for a magazine and filmed myself in a hat reading two for a website (if accepted). Caught up on many e-mails again. Wrote a letter to Oliver and sent it with a card for his birthday.  Then walked in the Rosary and a little way out the back. Meanwhile (in the morning) Dot went to see Anne and had quite a long walk.  Des came round to ask about Dot’s hospital appointment and stayed for a chat. Also a few words with Mark. Watched two more episodes of The Chosen – brilliant. Then completed Deceit – about the Rachel Nickells murder at Wimbledon where police targeted the wrong man – Colin Stagg – and tried to trap him. Devastating for Stagg, who was cleared, but everyone thought he was guilty until another man confessed years later. Meanwhile the guilty man had been killing other women. Don’t you love the police? Had some twinges that I thought might be gall bladder, but in the end I decided it was gas. Oliver and Amy have said they will come up next weekend.

Yesterday was pleasantly warm in the morning – but there was some heavy rain and thunder in afternoon. Have managed to edit most of my photographs today. Dot and I walked up to the Bridewell Museum for noon, intending to look at the Nick Stone/Crome exhibition, but we also looked at a lot of other things in the museum – some of it very interesting. Had to wear masks and do Track and Trace – seemed archaic. Afterwards I went to the Exchange Street health shop, where no-one at all (staff or customers) were wearing masks. Ditto at the market, of course: we picked up some Victoria plums and some other things. The Rainbow whole food store, surprisingly, was all masked.

After a quick lunch Mike Read came round to look through my EEN chess columns and picked out a couple of games that he could use for En Passant. He also brought me an annotated Cubitt game that I had given him the bare score of. He had barely gone than Bridget arrived to do cleaning – after we gave her an extensive rundown on our Welsh holiday. While we were doing so there was a thunderstorm, but it had stopped by our scheduled Friday drinks time, though we were half an hour late after talking to Bridget. We were joined later by Tara, John’s girlfriend, who is Canadian, from Nova Scotia. We discussed residency / citizenship difficulties. After supper we watched a very interesting documentary on 9/11 – despite frequent buffering on iPlayer – and then a fifth episode of The Chosen, which continues to be brilliant.

Saturday was warm and dry. Colin and his son Jordan came to cut the hedge this morning – £150.  While he was here, Paul came round for a cup of tea and stayed till after Colin went. The blind in the downstairs toilet broke, but I eventually fixed it with the aid of a video. Meanwhile both Spurs and Norwich lost (City losing 1-0 to Arsenal), and the Canaries are now firmly bottom of the table. They can’t create goals and can’t shoot. 

Late last Wednesday we went to Morrisons after having tea with Des and Chris, and I may have lost the door key there. David and Chrissy FaceTimed us as we were cooking our supper – salmon. Watched Death in Paradise, and Adrian texted to say they’d won their bowls match and he was top of the season’s averages. Dot decided not to go to the Cathedral service for her diocese job, or to Sillars, because of the risk of disrupting proceedings by coughing, and late in the evening Janet called with her orchestra music.

Thursday was grey but slightly warmer. Walked over to Morrisons to see if anyone had handed in the key, but no luck. Wrote sermon, chose hymns and tidied up suitcases while Dot did the washing. Anne rang: things not good – Philip is going downhill physically. Watched the test match and England beating Hungary 4-0 in Budapest.

Friday was grey and warm again. Dot walked to Morrisons, got some food and some new keys cut. These didn’t work; so she went back in the car and got them redone. Kim came round for a delicious lunch prepared by Dot and stayed till just after 5pm. Interesting conversation as always. Showed her Wales pix. Usual Friday street drinks. Des bought fish and chips as usual, and I did myself ham, eggs and assorted potatoes: mash left over from yesterday, four chips from shop and a pile of potato sticks. In the evening we watched the cricket again and finished watching Baptiste – quite good, actually.

Saturday was quite warm again. We walked up to the Castle Museum to see John Crome exhibition (pre-booked). Very well done. Also saw that the Paston Treasure picture had been moved into a much better spot, and the striking pietra dura table top was there too. Home for lunch via Julian Bridge. Lots of people about, including a wedding party in the Museum and what appeared to be hen parties in the city. Spoke briefly to Ciara and Mark.

Wrote a piece on Wales for my website and a favourable review of the Crown Hotel for Trip Advisor. Read Alfred Jenner’s book, Home for Christmas, borrowed from Jenny Downing. Mainly about his war experiences as a POW, but partly about Thorpe St Andrew, where he lived. He was the man who gave me my job on the EDP. In the evening we practised hymns  and then watched cricket, where India were gaining the upper hand. Happened on a documentary about Only Fools and Horses, and watched that, then made the mistake of watching a rather random episode – not so good, because it had been featured in the documentary.

Then we watched the first episode of The Chosen, recommended by Kim. I wasn’t all that impressed until it was explained by Dot – possibly because I had dozed off in the middle.

Had a really bad night and was pretty tired all day on Sunday. Warm again. Went to church and played songs and gave a sermon. Afterwards, refreshments outside – spoke to P, who’s a bit shaky, but who led the service, and Anna, whose eye is pretty bad, though you can’t tell from looking at it. Carrie was organising help for a medieval service in a couple of weeks time. Aargh. 

After lunch we did some work in the garden after Dot had walked to Morrisons again and bought food.  Cut back lots of ivy. Artistically, obviously. Watched football (England 4-0 Andorra), then cricket, then a rather boring Grand Prix won by Verstappen, followed by the next episode of Vigil, which is excellent. Unbelievable, of course, but excellent anyway.

Just thought I’d note down the current tree in the Roberts family of Corwen. Adrian, Gloria, Nigel and Tish (Julia) are Dot’s cousins. Their mother Margery was Dot’s father’s sister. She married Bill, around whom much of Corwen seems to have revolved at one point.

Adrian is married to Clarissa (Pugh), and they had four children:

Alex is married to Becky, and they have three children: Tanwen, Gwenllian and Eli.

Gareth (a former Welsh football international) is married to Nicky, and they have two children: Gracie and Max.

Menna is married to Dan Lewis, and they have three children: Maddison, Olivia and Isobelle.

William is married to Jess (a hospital sister), and they have three children: Frankie, Polly and Billy.

Gloria (who I barely know) was married to Eifion Ellis. They had a daughter, Amanda, who was married to someone called Tees, and they had a son, Liam. Both Amanda and Liam have had serious problems, and are not closely attached to the Roberts family for what sound like very good reasons.

Nigel is married to Rona, who has suffered a major stroke and is restricted in what she can do. They have two children: Bronwen, who is married to Hywel Lloyd and has a daughter, Sophia; and Stephen, who is single.

Tish (Julia) was married to Peter Aldridge, who died. They had a son, Nathan. Her partner is now Glaves (Roberts). Tish was one of our bridesmaids.

On our recent visit to Wales we met Adrian, Clarissa, Alex, Gareth, Rona, Bronwen, Sophia, Hywel, Stephen, Olivia, Isobelle, Tish, Glaves and Nathan.