For the first time in many moons, I forgot to write up my blog last night (Wednesday, June 3). Don’t know why. I’d spent quite a bit of the day scanning old pictures to my computer; so maybe I wasn’t focused on the present. Some of the pictures were very faded or blurred, which was sad: others were as new.Part of that time Dot was rehearsing at the orchestra – her last rehearsals, probably, till September, because she’s missing the centenary concert at the Cathedral: we shall be in Scotland.

It had been quite a different day – wet and with a thunderstorm in the evening, not quite overhead, but plenty of rain. Windy too; so it felt chilly. Before going to bed we watched Amandaland, brilliant as always. And I think I’ve fixed the problem with our landline, which hadn’t been ringing when someone called us. Found a second phone in the garage which critically had a set of instructions with it. I applied the latter to our current phone and managed to sort it out.

So back to last Saturday, which was warm again, but the forecast wasn’t so good. Up early because Robin arrived at 8.30 to install our new handrail on the upper stairs. I took a card up to the sorting office and booked seats at Snape for two concerts at the end of August. Not cheap. A bit later Dot went up to the Two Magpies on Timberhill to meet Anne and had a drink with her: she goes to Canada tomorrow, being picked up by taxi at 6.30am. At Toronto she has to catch a bus to Barrie. Great fun! Robin was finishing as Dot returned just before 3: he had also re grouted the bath and basin in the bathroom. We went to bed for a while, then I cooked supper: two beef pies, potatoes and courgette. Watched three more episodes of A Very Peculiar Practice and then the European Final between Arsenal and PSG, won on penalties by PSG when two Arsenal players (Eze and Gabriel) missed the goal completely.  

Sunday – Quite warm, but plenty of cloud. Anne on way to Canada. Went to church, which was pretty full for a joint service with St Luke’s. Graham led, and Sam from St Luke’s preached on Isaiah. We sat next to Eleanor, who seems to have become a regular. Helped Ray get back to his lift (Paul and Harriet): he walked very slowly and seemed quite ill. Worried about him. Had to park quite a way up Oak Street; so fetched car for Dot. Had a couple of croissants at church; so didn’t need much else for lunch. Played through the latest EnPassant chess games at home while Dot put in bowing marks on her orchestra music. Watched a bit of TV, including Death Valley, during which we both went to sleep, and the latest episode of Dear England, which is very well done. Had beef stroganoff, which was OK, followed by fruit. Conversation with David and Chrissy on FaceTime. Oliver and Sophie had a good time in Montreal, apparently, though it was a long drive. O is now back in London. Chrissy’s job sounds really good.

Monday – still quite warm, but plenty of cloud. Drove up to chemist with Dot to get our prescriptions, then via Thunder Lane to Morrisons to refresh our food stock. I cleared out quite a bit of paperwork from baskets in my room, and gave some cash to MAF and JFJ. After lunch Dot had a long phone call from Carrie about her husband’s death and the aftermath – difficulties with children of his former marriage. Lasted nearly an hour, during which I cleared up fairly thoroughly downstairs.

Later had a series of phone calls with Fred and Joyce, which resulted in our planning to take her to Felbrigg to meet him (and Sue) on Friday. Cooked venison burgers, which went down quite well, and put out bins. started watching a documentary about the Queen and Anthony Blunt, and just when it mentioned the power cuts in the 1970s, all our lights went out – as did everyone else’s. Quick conflab in street, but the power soon came on again – it had apparently been switched off so that engineers could deal with an emergency. Bit worrying. Finished watching documentary, plus the final episode of Dear England, which was really excellent. Dot got quite emotional about it. 

Tuesday – Wet, but not cold. So wet, in fact that when we got to the Town House for the Archant pensioners’ breakfast, rain was pouring through the roof opposite the door. Apparently it was being mended, though the staff didn’t seem convinced. Robin was on antibiotics and Tricia was having her hair done; so we were alone on our table. However we did have a good chat with Peter Franzen and with Eric and Linda towards the end. Peter had written a piece in the EDP this morning about a ridiculous cash-motivated 40mph limit on a small part of the NDR. I congratulated him.

On the way home Dot called in at Boots and Morrisons, the latter to get flowers for Carrie. She went to see Carrie later and found her improved: her granddaughter was there. I transferred some slides to my computer, once I’d remembered how to use the scanner machine. Had light supper (because of big breakfast). Felt cold later in the day; so turned heating back on. Watched a new drama called The Fortune which was a bit strange, but not as strange as the comedy we watched earlier, which was truly bizarre. 

Still very warm on Monday 25th. Did some low key clearing up. Took Dot over to Morrisons after lunch so that she could change a green dress she’d bought  – for the second time; it is now the right size. Obviously I can’t divulge what that size is, but it looks nice. Watched the rest of Match of the Day – end of season round-up. Des came over with Private Eye, and  I gave him a couple of EDPs. Burnt my hand slightly on an iron Dot had left on, but no real damage.

Drove to the Bowers’ at Taverham for barbecue – Vicky also there. Great meal. Spent some time discussing plans for Janet’s brain tumour operation in London. Derek keeps forgetting the details. Also talked about Vicky’s children, who seem to me to be taking advantage. Jared has just had a bad attack of angina but is getting over it. Drove home just after 9pm and watched the news, plus some songs by Cher – some of them good, some not. Best was her duet with Maatloaf on Dead Ringer for Love – brilliant. 

Tuesday – You guessed it: warm again. There was a thunderstorm warning but nothing happened – not here, anyway – until we went to bed, when it started raining quite heavily, to Dot’s delight. Very quiet day; didn’t do much except research a bit of G H Pember. Later watched first two episodes of Dear England, a drama about Southgate and the England team. Ralph Fiennes brilliant as Southgate, and several actors bore a striking resemblance to the footballers they were portraying (eg Kane, Saka). Stirred enough to put bins out and cook a lasagne, but really very little energy. 

Wednesday – Still warm, but the wind had changed to a slightly cooler quarter. We had planned to meet Audrey and Bent (her Danish partner) at Peter Beales for lunch, but Bent was not well enough; so we decided to go on our own. Wandered round the gardens and spoke to the head gardener, Mat, who had been on TV during the Chelsea Flower Show, and was very pleasant to talk to. However, Ian and Tina were away taking delivery of a sofa; so we proceeded to the restaurant (the Rosarium), where we had to wait a bit but eventually got a table which we had booked.  Bit slow service, but that was because there were not enough staff. I had ham, eggs and chips, and Dot had “Greek” salad and bread and butter. Both very nice. Walked out again, and we bought some garden stakes and plant food.

Took a diversion home via Mulbarton because of road works on the A11: we had observed long queues on the way out. Called in at Morrisons for food for a lunch on Friday, when Paul Henderson is coming round. At home I went to sleep, and Dot did a bit of work in the garden. Then I did her toast and avocado, and she went off to orchestra – which went quite well, apparently. Watched Amandaland before going to bed. 

Thursday – Warm again. Oh yes. Occasional threat of shower failed to materialise. Drove Dot up to Anteros in Magdalen Street to meet violin man from Woodbridge, who did a miraculous job – free! – on her violin, eliminating the buzz. I parked for a while further up, she phoned me when he’d done and I took her home via the post office on Silver Road, where she bought stamps and posted a card.

Spent some time reading columns I’d written in the past on my website and so didn’t get round to writing a new one. Had a light lunch. Bridget came to clean about 3.30 and we had quite a long chat. While she was cleaning I cut back a fair amount of foliage outside the kitchen window, including a bit that was heading up the wall. Still some dead bits sticking to the top of the wall following my assault last year.

Dot did quite a bit of preparation for the meal tomorrow for Paul. She also cooked fish for tonight, and I did the potatoes. Listened to documentary on the effect of vaccinations in America, which appears to have been covered up by the usual suspects – the establishment in the medical profession. Called An Inconvenient Study. See what they did there? Much more convincing than the murder drama we watched afterwards. 

Friday – Quite warm, but not so bright. Woke up late and had to get ready for Paul, who came to lunch. Cooked potatoes and had a bath, but not in the same water. Didn’t have time to fetch pills from the chemist, and when I did have time, after lunch, I had drunk a glass of wine, so couldn’t. Paul arrived about 11.50 and we had a drink in the garden before the lunch that Dot had painstakingly prepared. He left about 2.45 to go and see Maryta, who is very gradually worsening. We cleared away. Street meet included Des and Chris, Matt, Ciara (later) and passer-by. Moved into our drive out of the sun. Later finished the lunch and watched an inferior murder mystery and an old comedy, A Peculiar Practice, which was quite good. 

Very warm five days, gradually getting warmer. BBC getting quite excited as usual. On Wednesday 20th it was still quite cloudy, though. Dot had a violin lesson with Anna in the morning, and I drove her up there. Afterwards I drove to Ray’s to spend an hour or so with him. He didn’t seem too bad. Picked Dot up around 12.30 – very busy around the car park. In the afternoon to Morrisons for a stock up, and filled up with petrol. Dot bought a new shower mat – smaller so that it fits in the cubicle better. Felt shattered after we’d unpacked and put stuff way. Both rested on the bed for quite a while. Cooked pizza, which wasn’t too bad, and then Dot left with Nova for orchestra rehearsal (Janet couldn’t come because her grandson was ill). I sorted out my backlog and decided not to respond to a very silly comment on the church What’sApp group about Israel. Dot home in good time: watched highlights of Aston Villa 3-0 Europa League Final win against Freiburg and an episode of the wonderful Amandaland. 

On Thursday Dot arranged insurance for her holiday, but I don’t think she’s confirmed it yet. She also wrote several birthday cards. After lunch I put up the new hanging basket, using half the long ladder, but had difficulty putting the two ladder sections together to look at the gutter, which I suspected might be blocked. However at this point both Sean and Des had come over to chat, and they gave us a hand: Sean put the ladder together and Des climbed up it to clear gutter. Very kind neighbours! Later Mary came and had a chat, and we recommended Amandaland, which they watched later and liked! I also cleaned up the garage door and trimmed the tree, but then felt very tired and went in, but Dot carried on tidying up the drive. Cooked chicken for supper – ok, but not great: I don’t have a lot of success with chicken. It never seems tender. Watched tribe last episode of Race Across the World and then the Reunion, where it was revealed how complex the set-up is to put the programme together. Always thought it would need loads of people, and it does. 

I was up early on Friday to take the car to the garage for check on brakes and a general once-over before going to Scotland. Made good time and got bus back to Tombland. Then took birthday cards up to sorting office and checked bus times on way back. At that precise moment Ingress (garage receptionist) rang to say car was ready; so went back home and returned about 15 minutes later to get the No 35, which turned out to be a large minibus with only me and one other guy on it. Made good time, and I got off one stop early because I wasn’t sure where the stops were. Spoke to old woman (ie my age) whose granddaughter was buying a car. Told her I was very happy with mine. Cost today about £560, mainly because I needed new brake pads and something else. Drove home for lunch. Street meet well attended: Des, Chris, Sarah, Jon, Mary, Matt, Joe, Sam: gathered in our drive in the shade. Afterwards I grilled steak: unusual, not too bad. Watched average murder mystery. Amy FaceTimed, and we finalised train times for her visit to Scotland. She sounds in good form, and we’re looking forward to seeing her. 

Saturday was a very strange day, largely because most of it was taken up with lunch at the D’Souzas in the company of John and Tara. Meanwhile left brown bin out for Joe and Sam to put stuff in, and it has now disappeared (returned on Sunday). Suspect it’s in their garden. Lovely lunch (salmon) with quite a long chat before and after. John didn’t say much because he’s very tired after his heart attack, but Tara made up for it. She seems to be much fitter than last time we saw her.

Meanwhile Carrie’s husband Al, who we know quite well, has been told he has only a couple of weeks left. He has a kidney/bowel tumour, and there is no cure. Listened to a programme produced by Kristine about a young woman who had a heart attack which led to her being locked in – ie fully aware but unable to communicate by voice or movement. She’s had several tumours, and her surgeon said it was a miracle that they did not recur after the last operation (fifth or sixth). She is now able to communicate by a very painstaking method, one letter at a time, and is amazingly positive, having a deep faith in God. Pretty inspiring. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p002vsn4/episodes/player  – called Speaking from the Heart.

Didn’t really need another meal after lunch over the road; watched television – several people covering Bob Dylan songs, ranging from brilliant to appalling; highlights of play-off final between Hull and Middlesbrough (1-0); and a new drama series set on a Greek island. 

Bright blue on Sunday. Up in time to visit Kim. Took the car and parked in Oak Street so that we could get a bit of exercise but not too much. Arrived around 11am and had cake and Cava Rose. Hadn’t seen each other for a while so caught up on our respective families. Kim is going up to Huddersfield on Tuesday to visit a close friend who is very ill. Talked about the march she went on and the state of the world generally: we agree on lots, but perhaps not everything.

Back home early afternoon: Got very tired and went to sleep for most of a TV Pentecost service from Wrexham Hope Street Church, notable for mentioning the Greek continuous present tense, which is a favourite of mine (Be filled with the Holy Spirit means Be being filled, or Keep on being filled.) Later I cooked salmon again – a bit earlier than usual so that we could go to the Theatre Royal, which unusually started at 7pm. Got bus most of the way but walked home.

In the bar met Stephanie and Charlie, which was nice. Theatre nowhere near full, to my surprise – I thought it had been pretty booked up. It was an unusual event: 21 strings players (4 cellos and 2 double basses, with the rest violins and violas). What was unusual was that they played while moving round the stage; so they had to remember all the music. It was brilliant – Shostakovich and Tchaikovsky.  Back home and feeling tired, we watched Death Valley and football – or more accurately people talking about football – until we were too tired and went to bed. 

Thursday, May 14 – A few heavy showers; not warm. Dot spent most of day with Anne: first she came here and received birthday presents and coffee; then they went by bus into the city and booked a holiday at Trailfinders: they’re going to Nice at the end of August. They then went to Jarrolds for lunch. Meanwhile I had a bath and later drove up to Brian’s to await the arrival of Chris the computer man, who installed Brian’s new computer. he was very sympathetic to Brian’s difficulty with remembering how to operate it – it’s a clone of the one he had before. Tricia also is not digitally minded, though she was good at crawling under the table to connect wires.

Think all is well: I also took a pic of Brian for his blue card and sent it to him later. Cost of computer £625 – I think Brian gave him £640. All a bit of a weight off my mind. Bit worried Brian might be losing memory: he gave me an old pic of me from one of the yomps.  Got home just after Anne left, about 5.30. Felt very tired. Had soup (pea and ham hock) and watched a few things on TV, including Race Across the World, in this case Mongolia, which was a bit of a nightmare. Also another Italian detective thing, which doesn’t get any better, plot wise. Kim is back from Scotland. I sent her the Goodness of God video, which she really liked, I’m happy to say. 

Friday – Windy and cool, with showers. Linda came at 12 to cut our hair, and I had a bath afterwards. Felt very tired and not particularly well all day. Dot was having trouble with her shoulder – “perhaps from lifting something”. Too nippy for street meet, so Des, Chris, Matt and Sarah came round. Afterwards Des got fish and chips, and we watched some old Morecambe and Wise – really good. Then walked to the Cathedral for Festival Compline and met Vicky there. Very esoteric service – lots of foreign language and not very tuneful music, though I’m told it was very well done. Not my thing at all and not much to do with Christianity unless you were already tuned in to that kind of thing. Held candles. Afterwards hooked up with Nova, and Vicky was kind enough to give us all a lift home. Watched the news and went to bed. 

Saturday – mainly dry, and warmer. Had to get up early because Robin came and put a new tap in the kitchen, then repaired the cistern in the shower room and put the new shower screen in the bathroom. The last bit he finished while we went to Brundall for David Archer’s 60th birthday party. As a result of some sequence of events I’m still not sure about David, driven by a friend and with Eleanor as a passenger, did not arrive till about an hour after the scheduled start. Bridget partly worried, partly angry.

Met Heather, who I bumped into at Morrisons a few weeks ago and is a friend of Bridget’s. Turned out Heather came to a Developing Consciousness session at St Augustine’s many, many years ago. Dot and I sat with Judy, Eleanor, Vicky and Janet and Derek. Ample teatime fare and several cups of tea meant that when we had lasagne at about 8pm I had eaten too much, and this added to the fact that I forgot to take my pills this morning gave me heartburn and a fear for a few moments that I might be sick.

Meanwhile we watched a bit of the Cup Final, in which Man City beat Chelsea 1-0, and highlights of the play-off semi-finals in the EFL. We followed this by watching Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again, but because of a recording error we watched the second half first. Interesting. Abba music brilliant as always. Earlier cancelled Barclays Credit Card as a precaution against more cash being taken in scam. 

Sunday – Started dry; some rain later, starting happily as we arrived home from church. Liz C led service, with Eleanor preaching. Graham popped in afterwards. Tidied up kitchen and we had lunch out of stuff we’d brought home from yesterday’s party in a bag! then watched quite a lot of TV as usual on a Sunday, including football, Ice Road Truckers, bit of a new comedy-detective series, another episode of Believe Me, about a true-life serial rapist and the women nobody believed. Cooked salmon for supper – really nice, for some reason. 

Monday – Cloudy and still a bit chilly. Few drops of rain. David’s 54th birthday – unbelievable. I was 54 in 1999, when I was editorial training manager and three years off early retirement. Spoke to him early on FaceTime – Oliver was there too, on a visit. Dot went into city to meet Amanda and have lunch with her in Benji’s, one of the Jarrolds restaurants. Large teacake, apparently.

Meanwhile I was being driven mad constructing an e-mail to Barclays about the IQ scam. Found it very difficult to copy my letters to the company over to the one I was writing to Barclays, and then get pix of my bank statements on there too. Eventually made it, but not till she got back. Tidied up a few more loose ends in the paper department. In the afternoon Dot bought a hanging basket from Highways Garden Centre while I tidied up around the house. Neither of us wanted much for supper: I had teacakes, blueberries, honey and a blackberry and apple tart. Oh yes I did. In the evening saw the end of Believe Me, plus some stuff from the Chelsea Flower Show and a flash at the end of Look East commemorating the death of Ros Swetman’s husband, who worked for them (Ros is a violinist in Sillars). Also an old programme of classical music originally broadcast last Christmas. Mainly arias. Spoke to David again from bed about an hour after Dot thought it was. Very warm in Waterloo. 

Tuesday – Warmer, but a fair bit of rain on and off. Up early to drive to The Foundry to meet Brian and Tricia, Robin and Shelagh. Had “American” pancake with maple syrup and bacon. Dot had same but with blueberries instead of bacon. Had good reminisce with R and B while Dot chatted with S and T. Home for brief lunchlet before driving to the hospital in quickest time for years. Dot saw physio – Charlotte – who was very thorough, and we then moved on to dermatology, where she got the all-clear. Had a drink and Twix while we waited. Cooked duck legs for supper and we finished the rhubarb.

Arsenal won Premier League when Man City could only draw 1-1 with Bournemouth. Sadly Spurs lost 2-1 to Chelsea; so it all hinges on final game for them. Meanwhile Southampton have been ejected from Championship play-offs for spying on other teams’ training sessions. Seems a bit harsh. Delighted that Barclays have managed to get scam money repaid by MYIQ/US. Also received subscription cancellation confirmation from them. Still don’t know what subscription was for. 

On Saturday, May 9 I felt distinctly odd most of the day: head was going round and feeling heavy (not an easy trick). Drove to Brian’s and picked up his computer – hard to distinguish which wire was which – and took it home, then with Dot to Magdalen Street, where we were able to park close to the computer shop. Took it in and chatted to the guy I’d seen yesterday: he thought the upshot would probably be buying a new one, but he’s going to have a look at what was going on. Brian is quite happy to buy a new one, and I reported progress to him by phone.

Then we drove to Notcutts, where Dot wanted to buy a hanging basket, but they were very expensive and not particularly alluring. So we got a couple of lavenders and a geranium. Notcutts is a garden centre version of Marks and Spencer or Waitrose. You can tell by the customers. Back home we had lunch and I lay down for a while as Dot gardened. Weather was sunny and warm all day. Eventually I had a bath. Des came round to return a book and suggest setting up a meal at his with Tara and John. We concurred. He is helping to teach a Nigerian refugee – a young lad – some basic English stuff. He said that many in that lad’s position are very poorly served by the services in place.

Salmon en croute for supper, and between us Dot and I tidied the kitchen and elsewhere. Read a bit of Earth’s Earliest Ages by G H Pember – really interesting. Watched the National Theatre production of Under Milk Wood – totally brilliant. Then a bit of Match of the Day. Less inspired. 

Sunday – Surprisingly cold, but dry. Listened to good Worship Service in bed after a bad night. Trouble sleeping. Up late and had suppery lunch of mackerel fillets with mashed potatoes. Wrote to Phil Coomes,  Kristine and Anne about an e-mail I received from a cousin once removed of David Coomes who is compiling a family tree. He wants to contact them; so I gave them his e-mail. Kristine already very positive, but I haven’t heard from the others – not surprising in Anne’s case as she is travelling up to Scotland.

In the evening drove to Upton church with Bridget to a concert by her husband’s choral group, Sine Nomine. Not mad about choral music, but it was quite enjoyable. The conductor was brilliant when the pianist got a bit out of sync. Drove back  and had late tea, watched some football and the first episode of a new serial called Believe Me, about a woman who got raped and wasn’t believed. True story, I think. Also had FaceTime with David and eventually got a list of books he’s interested in for his birthday. Arsenal beat West Ham, which is good for Spurs.

Monday – Cold but mainly dry. Very busy day. Dot and I both had our feet done in the morning – clean bills of health in that area – and afterwards I called at the computer shop to sort out some details re Brian’s computer. Also a couple of phone calls later. All seems to be going well. Home for lunch, and afterwards Robbie (Jake’s mate) came to put some latex on the bathroom floor. While he was doing that I took Dot up to the dentist, where she had a tooth out. She had anaesthetic, so I went and picked her up later at the suggestion of the dentist. Good decision, I thought.

Sorted out a couple of things on computer, including sending books for David’s birthday, then got in touch with bank over the scam payments. I think they’re sorting it – may even get the money back, but my main concern is to stop them taking more. We’re getting a new bank card; so all should be ok. Meanwhile Dot miraculously found a pawn from my small chess set that had gone missing. Actually got entangled in trousers, which were in to be washed. Put the bins out and the car, because we had a call to say Robbie’s coming back tomorrow morning. Soup for supper. Spurs drew 1-1 after going 1-0 up, which is a bit disappointing. Watched a documentary about the ancient Hittites, and the second episode of that true-life drama about several rapes in a black cab that weren’t tackled properly. 

Monday – Cool and windy. Spent quite a lot of the day researching and writing for Parish Pump.   Up fairly early because Robbie came to lay the bathroom floor. Finished by about 11am – looks very good, but we have to stay out till tomorrow. Spoke to Sonata about bill and said I didn’t want the siren done – checked my insurance documents, and there’s nothing on there about having an alarm. No news from computer guy. Des came over to return a book, and we had a chat. Dot went to Matalan and bought a new waste bin for the bathroom. Cooked pies and veg for supper and watched the end of Mint, which was a pretty straightforward drama done in a very arty way. Then watched Rear Window, an atmospheric film by Hitchcock with a few holes in the plot. 

Wednesday – Windy and cool with some sharp showers. Up early to work on Parish Pump, and by the end of the afternoon had completed four articles – one each on the Declaration of Independence, the 1966 World Cup, the cloning of Dolly the sheep and the creation of Twitter. Not what I would necessarily have chosen, but my top four out of the six suggested.

Bridget came round a little late because her next-door neighbour had dropped dead, and his partner was a bit upset. He did have a brain tumour, but he wasn’t expected to die yet. Bridget liked our new bathroom floor, as did Des when we showed it to him later. He had popped in to confirm a lunch date with Tara and John at his house. Ciara also called round to pick up the plants we had been looking after and to give us a bottle of red. she and Sean had been working hard at their cabin in Surrey for a few days.

Liaised with the computer man and Brian about installing his computer, and we have settled on 4pm tomorrow. Unless something goes wrong at the hospital, which Brian is visiting earlier. Went to Morrisons and spent £100 – one of our smaller shops. Later cooked a rather nice pizza before Dot left for orchestra rehearsal with Janet and Nova. At this point my mouse ran out of charge. Fortunately this still leaves my iPad and my iPhone…. However, charged quickly. When Dot got home watched Amandaland (not the best episode) and 2626 (unbelievably, the last). 

Monday – Bank Holiday. Dry but cooler and overcast. Robin the plumber came just before 10am, fixed our shower door and arranged to do other tasks after much discussion. Did usual Monday crossword and quite a difficult sudoku. Watched a fair bit of television. Des came round to tell us John Digby had had a heart attack, but is recovering. Hard for Tara, who is not well herself. In the afternoon went to Morrisons to stock up again, and I cooked duck legs with French fries – cooked in oven. Quite nice actually. Saw the end of The Count of Monte Cristo on iPlayer. Rather sad. Also a continuation of Secret Service, where a second person I liked died. Also 100 years of Life on Earth, which they seemed very smug about. 

Tuesday – Sunny and reasonably warm. Up early to go to the Town House for our monthly meeting of Archant pensioners. Sat with Tricia, Robin and Shelagh; quite well attended. Eric and Peter Franzen, the editor, came over to talk separately. With R & S, we were the last to leave. Then drove up to plumbing shop off Ketts Hill and bought a new tap for the kitchen, plus a screen for the bathroom shower. Hope they fit. Then back home, where Dot read in the garden for a while.

While we were out, they cut down the tree which dominated the view from our back bedrooms. Not a great tree, and arguably we get more light now. Interestingly I noticed a few hours later that I recognised the view from our bedroom window – the tree was not there when we moved in! Meanwhile had a bit of a stomach upset, though I managed to eat shepherds pie supper with no problem. Hope it’s ok tomorrow because I’ve arranged to drive to Swaffham to deliver some old Christian books to a charity that redistributes them in undeveloped countries. Have packed them in the car. Watched a couple of dramas that are ongoing, plus a documentary on the River Dee which I think is an updated version of one we’ve seen. Also last episode of Secret Service, which is set up nicely for a second series. Pity they killed off one of my favourite characters. Well two, actually. 

Wednesday – Grey and light rain for most of day. Chilly. Had a very bad night, getting up several times with diarrhoea, but recovered enough to drive to Swaffham to donate well over 100 Christian books to Books Aid. Went the back way but still a number of diversions. Met Ken Jeffery – a nice bloke about my age and after dropping off books had cup of tea and chat with him and his wife, Christine, who went to the Blyth School! We seemed pretty much on the same wavelength –  he also plays guitar – and ukulele!  Home about 4pm. We had a very light meal before Dot went to orchestra with Janet and Nova. Played through some En Passant games and responded to Tricia, asking for help with Brian’s computer. May go round there tomorrow, after Jake has been to look at bathroom floor. Watched Amandaland and 2026, both brilliant. 

Thursday – Quite pleasant weather. Jake came round to look at bathroom floor and give advice. Felt quite ill and lay down for a while before lunch, which was avocado and egg on toast (fast becoming a staple). Watched football, then drove up to vote; bit of a waste of time. Greens got in. Bridget came to clean, and afterwards I cooked sausages – lovely potatoes. Found compline (Ita 2). Sent out invitation to Compline, including Nikki. All came except Phil and Eleanor. Good session, in which Nikki took a big part. Dot cooked birthday cake for Judy and David (80 and 60). went down very well. Played Goodness of God video, which provoked discussion about different ways of worshipping. Nikki played us a song she sung to an iTunes music video. Great voice, very jazzy. 

Friday – Mainly bright and quite warm. Busy day. Drove to Uncafé for breakfast with Tricia and Brian. Discussed his computer problem. Later FaceTimed David to speak to him about it. And later still Dot dropped me off near Magdalen Street so that I could go to the computer shop at the end and ask about computer possibilities on Brian’s behalf. They were very helpful. On the way back from Uncafé, we picked up the shower screen : not easy. Discovered we could lower the back seats to accommodate it. After dropping me in Magdalen Street Dot went on to Talk at Two, one of Bridget’s series at Christ Church, Eaton – about the Norwich Shawl, which she really enjoyed: heavy on history.

I walked home via The Close and got into conversation with an Irish couple who lived on Mersea Island in Essex but had been very taken by Norwich. They were staying at the Holiday Inn at Carrow Road. In their 70s, I should think. Nice couple. Tired when I got home and lay down for a while. Street meet in the warm for a change: Des, Chris, Matt, Jon, Joe. Pleasant chat: almost no mention of election.  Sad to say Norwich went Green, probably because of students. Better elsewhere. Cooked lasagne and watched an interesting documentary on the evolution of England’s motorways, then a mediocre murder mystery set in Italy where everyone spoke English and an irritating English detective was assisting local police. It would never happen. Writing not great either. Watched a bit of the news. 

Wednesday, April 29 – Mainly sunny with a bit of coolish wind. Caught up with e-mails and dealt with charity money. Had avocado and egg for lunch, remembering how good avocado tastes with white truffle oil. Watched a bit of Outnumbered then drove up to Thorpewood with my letter for Dr Hampsheir, and when I got back walked to sorting office with the charity letters. Dot cleared up the utility room in readiness for installation of new door tomorrow.

Des came round and offered to get fish and chips tonight; later Dot remembered that she was going to orchestra, so I went over the road to check when the fish and chips was coming. It eventually was a bit late – not Des’s fault – but she had time to eat most of it before she left with Janet and Nova, and heated the remaining chips and ate them when she came home.  She got a centenary mug for her efforts. Meanwhile I watched the beginning of Wicker Man and Lord of the Flies, but wasn’t too impressed with either. When Dot got back we watched 2026, which is getting better and better, and two European Champions League games:  PSG 5-4 Bayern Munich; Atletico 1-1 Arsenal. Some ridiculous handball-penalty decisions. Another anti-Jewish attack in London. 

Thursday – Sunny and warm. About to get tea when there was a knock at the front door. It was the guys coming to fit our new back door. I had them down for noon. Oh well. Got them a coffee and they worked till about 12.30. Very friendly – brothers from Brighton originally and probably in their fifties. Door looks very good. Quick lunch, then Dot gave me a lift to Ber Street and I walked through to the dentist. Had x-rays and a minor repair that didn’t need numbing. Also light cleaning. New nurse Kelsey very pleasant.

Afterwards walked through Chapel Loke, down the little path parallel to Ber Street on the other side, down Thorn Lane, across the car park, past St Julian’s, over the bridge and in front of the station and down the steps. Meanwhile Dot was shopping at Riverside – mainly presents for Anne’s birthday. Both felt very tired and we rested. Then cooked cottage pie for supper and we watched a new thriller and Race Across the World, which has reached Kazakhstan. Bed quite early. Des and Ciara have left on their (separate) weekend trips. 

Friday – Sunny and warm. Up in time to greet Bridget at 10am, then drove Dot to Muspole Street to take broken side-table to Mr McPhee for mending. He pointed out it had been mended before but agreed to do it. Nice bloke but works in real dump. Finished reading John Murray’s book about his wife’s death: not really up my street. Didn’t feel I knew much about his wife afterwards.

After lunch caught up with usual Friday tasks and helped Dot with a bit of clearing up outside, mainly sweeping the side path. Felt very tired afterwards. She did much more. Street meet was just us at first, then Matt and Mary, and Joe passed by. Woman walking through said she liked seeing us there each Friday. Cooked salmon en croute and we watched the final Beyond Paradise, which was ok, and then a short documentary on Chernobyl, which was pretty frightening. Apparently it won’t be safe to live there for 20,000 years. Amazing so few people were killed – or were there? 

Saturday – Odd sort of day. Mainly dry, and Dot did quite a bit of work in the garden. Later on it rained a bit, and more was promised overnight. Plumber Robin was due at 9, but didn’t show up and has now rescheduled for Monday morning. Threw us out a bit. I started sorting out Christian books I want to give away and discovered quite a lot I didn’t. Quite difficult to access bottom shelves now. Body not up to it – or down to it. Worrying.

Actually felt very odd today – as if I wasn’t really present. Eventually took paracetamol, which helped. Had a late bath and then a cracker lunch. Read one of the books – obviously a very short one. Listened to second half of Norwich’s last match of the season, which they lost 2-1 away to Hull, thus preventing Wrexham from reaching the playoffs. Should have had a penalty at the very end, but referee chickened out. Or from Hull’s point of view, made a brave decision. We watched the original film of The Winslow Boy, which was brilliant. Then in the evening watched first two episodes of The Count of Monte Cristo, a French film subtitled and split into four. Again, very good. So far. In between, EFL highlights. 

Sunday – Almost entirely dry, though I took an umbrella to church. Got a parking space easily. Very small congregation. Eleanor led and preached, and Matt and Martin (on violin) led the music, which was very trad. Ray was there, but he was very tired. Chatted with most people afterwards and filled in a questionnaire for Steven – part of his dissertation. Teacakes for lunch and bacon and egg and fried potatoes for supper. 

Got together over 100 Christian books for Book Aid and sent my phone number to the guy who collects them. Dot did more work in the garden. Watched quite a bit of TV, including football, Attenborough’s wild garden series and a bit of Secret Service. Long chat with David about various things, including a walk they did in memory of city builder; Anglia Square: food; and adjusting history – or not. Also football: Spurs beat Aston Villa 2-1 away today. Now above West Ham. 

Sunny and quite warm on Friday, April 24. Dry. Up quite late. Felt a bit odd to start with, but improved after taking paracetamol. Did usual Friday tasks – bank account, picture editing – and wrote to doctor complaining about a letter I’d received from hospital which implied I wasn’t following instructions with catheter. I pointed out the defects of the entire department. Lucky him/them. Very popular street meet – Mary, new guy Simon, Matt, Mark, Sarah, Jon and us with brief appearances from Joe and Sam. Left a little early to cook lamb shoulder, and after eating it we watched Grace, whose plot seemed very familiar. Something we’d read? 

Saturday – Another bright blue day: warm except for a little coolish wind towards evening. Had a bath and caught up with some papers – chess, puzzles etc. Again felt slightly below par until I took paracetamol – ok after that.  Jonathan called round just after lunch with ticket, but Dot and I walked to Carrow Road on our own. Dot is walking very well now. Nice to see Gerald! Went up in lift and reached seat all right after having gin and tonic each. Not a great game: each side gave away pointless penalty and to be honest Swansea looked slightly better. Result 1-1. Stayed around a little while to watch end-of-season celebrations, with little kids frolicking on the pitch. Then walked home without seeing anyone we knew, and I cooked pies for supper. Earlier I had written some of Parish Pump for June, but plenty to do. Watched some football, some Attenborough stuff on garden wildlife and the first two episodes of a Canadian thriller which was also quite funny because of the (deliberate) ineptitude of the characters. 

Sunday – Sunny and warm. Amy home again from Canada – apparently she was quite well after first week. Had long chat with David and Chrissy on FaceTime about her, and marathons and books and vegan meals, not to mention a fox almost catching Tinkerbell. Earlier in the day we went to church for Communion. Graham was leading and Eleanor preaching – on Jesus being the gate, safety and risk.  Just under 20 in congregation. Ray apparently not well enough to come. Chatted afterwards, of course. Did some work in the garden after lunch – mainly cutting back ivy and moving concrete slabs. Chat with Mark, who goes back to work this week. Watched a lot of television, including the end of The Murder Line, which was quite compelling. Set in the Thousand Islands area of the St Lawrence. Also caught up on some football. Dot watched Countryfile while I cooked salmon. She feels drawn to farming. 

Monday – Bit more cloudy, but dry and fairly warm. Had a bath and wrote some more Parish Pump – Marilyn Monroe. Dot and I went to Morrisons and bought our first ever over-£200 food shop. To be fair, we needed quite a lot of stuff. Chatted to Ciara and Des on way back. Late lunch, watched another Attenborough garden programme and then drove to hospital, where I had an appointment at the gastro clinic. They were very happy with my results and said there was very little wrong with my liver. Drove home surprisingly quickly. Earlier Dot contacted the plumber, who will see us on Saturday, and texted the expert about our broken small table, who will see us on Friday. I cooked duck and we watched the start of a new thriller called  Secret Service, which seems promising. Dot has agreed to look after Ciara’s plants while she’s away for a few days.  

Tuesday – Little bit of rain overnight; otherwise dry with a coolish wind. Ciara came round with some plantlets to put on our windowsill, which had been recommended to her by Des! I finished my Parish Pump pieces – one each on John Constable, Marilyn Monroe and G K Chesterton – three people you will not often find in the same sentence. Also caught up on other computer items, but was annoyed to find further money had been taken from our account for a subscription we didn’t want and hadn’t asked for. Have been promised again that it will be returned, but will contact bank to make sure. Des popped round to survey the windowsill and bring me a Private Eye: he too is going away for the weekend – in his case to Lincolnshire  in an Air BnB with his family from Lichfield. Cooked yellow cod and watched a couple of thrillers – four (short) episodes of one and two of another. Earlier adjusted letter to doctor to avoid attacking gastro department and concentrating on urology. As you do. 

A whole week this time… On Friday, April 17 it was mainly sunny and dry, with coolish wind. Up in good time to prepare for haircut – shorter at front, since you ask. Had bath. After lunch drove up to Rosary to put small bunch of flowers that Dot had picked on my father’s grave – it’s his birthday. Also checked Andrew’s and inserted a couple of bluebells. Then proceeded to Mulbarton by a circuitous route and left a flask and Tupperware with Carin Gazley: she had given us soup and other stuff when Dot was ill. Drove back home and had a street meet with quite good attendance: Des, Chris, Mark, Ciara, Jon, Matt, Sam and Joe. Cooked duck legs for supper having cancelled fish and chips option. Watched Race Round the World and Beyond Paradise, which is a bit bland. 

Saturday – Dry and quite warm but with a coolish wind. Dot and I went for a walk after lunch, upriver to St James Quay. Both felt quite tired by the time we got back – just before kick-off at Bristol City. Norwich went 1-0 down quickly but came back in the second half to win 2-4. Later Spurs drew 2-2 – very unlucky; opponents scored both their goals in added-on time at the end of each half. Spurs looked good. Later I cooked moussaka and tikka masala: I had the moussaka. Both very tasty. Afterwards watched two episodes of a thriller, Missed Call, about a girl going missing in France. Pretty good. And then Match of the Day. Got cases down out of the loft. Oliver is in Manchester, ready for his marathon tomorrow. 

Sunday – Warm and dry with a slightly cool wind. Spent much of the middle of the day tracking Oliver on his marathon in Manchester. He did really well despite injuring himself a week ago. Caught a glimpse of him at the finish on YouTube. Did most of our packing and preparing for our visit to Buxton starting tomorrow. Watched the rest of Missed Call, which was pretty good except that we didn’t feel drawn to the heroine. Quite a clever plot. Also watched some football and Songs of Praise, which was the Maundy service at St Asaph’s with the King and Queen in attendance. All the pomp and ceremony didn’t really fit with the theme of the service, but there you are. I guess if all Songs of Praise were like that, I’d soon stop watching. Ended the day by eating half a raw lemon with sugar – delicious! 

Monday – Mixture of cloud and sun, with a few drops of rain towards the end. Left Norwich at about 10.20, and Dot drove to Cambridge Services, where she bought a coffee and we used the facilities. Then I drove the rest of the way, along the A14, up the M1 and along the A50, then up to Ashbourne and along Derbyshire’s beautiful roads with their ludicrous, frustrating speed limits. Arrived at the hotel about 3pm after filling up with petrol at Morrisons.

Unpacked, then Dave and Julia drove us down into the town centre, where all the parking meters were not working, and the online alternative failed to work too. Eventually Dot popped into coffee shop, where they said parking was free at the moment. So we had a drink and cake, then returned to the hotel for a rest. Drink at 6.15pm – I had gin and tonic – then very nice meal, though I had to leave some. Tea afterwards for me while others had an additional drink. We managed to avoid getting blocked by a coachload of elderly people. Ha! Dave is obviously in difficulty with his hip and can’t move quickly, though he can drive. Julia also moves slowly after her operation. They make us feel quite brisk. 

Tuesday – Bright, sunny later and dry, but quite a cold wind. Wore my heavy coat. Up in time for breakfast. Spoke to waitress Ellie – the hotel is being sold to a walking group company! So this could be our last visit, though Julia refuses to accept that they can stop us coming. I think they can. The end of another era, like Adrian leaving Corwen. After breakfast (no connection) Dot had a sudden attack of diarrhoea, though she didn’t feel ill. This delayed our departure for Castleton.

We went by a roundabout route to take in a view of the Goyt valley and parked in the town centre.  We then had a drink at a small café before moving into town and visiting a few shops. Dot bought a small blue bracelet, and we looked at the shop where I bought a cap on an earlier occasion. Then back down to the main street, where we had lunch in another smallish café – coincidentally next to a woman who was close to us in the first café. There was something about her that reminded me of my grandmother, who was born not far away in Sheffield. I thought of asking her if she was called Booth or Duckenfield, but didn’t go through with it. As usual.

Dot and I walked a different way back to the car and found what we believe is the hotel we used to stay at when we visited Castletown many years ago. The Ramblers’ Rest. The alternative valley route got us back to the car about as quickly as the others, and I got some lovely pictures of ducklings. We drove back to Castleton via the stunning Winant’s Pass again, and got held up by heavy traffic as we entered the town. Back about 3pm for rest before evening meal. Had a bath: felt very tired, but revived for meal, which was good: I had sea bass and Dot fish and chips. Afterwards we talked quite a long time in bar while Norwich City beat Derby 2-1. Bed just after 10pm. 

Wednesday – Bright and dry, but again with a cold wind. Finished reading H is for Hawk: poetic and very unusual, about a young woman’s relationship with a goshawk after her father dies. Don’t think I would get on with the woman, but I now know 100% more about goshawks than I did before. After breakfast drove to Leek past some spectacular rocks and a traffic snarl-up.

Beyond Leek went to Rudyard Lake, where we had tea/coffee in the hotel and walked down to look at the quite spectacular reservoir. Then drove back to Leek and eventually found a parking space. Had lunch – toasted teacake – in the White Hart tearooms. Very nice. Then walked round town centre including market: bought chocolate but decided against a handbag and walked back to car. Obviously hard going for Dave. Drove back to Buxton taking a detour through some high moors and reached high point of about 1600ft. Of course our hotel in Buxton is over 1000ft.

Considering Rudyard Hotel for future meetings because of rumour already mentioned that Lee Wood is being sold to a group specialising in walking tours. Sharing hotel this week with large number of coach tourers. Nice food for supper – staff very considerate. I had steak and ale pie, and tea instead of sweet. Dot had curry and crème brûlée. Made speculative date for Blakeney in September. 

Thursday – Sunny, slightly warmer. Our last day at Buxton. Took picture of Ellie and paid bill, over £700.  After farewells, Dot and I walked down into town and bought some chocolates for Anne and Bridget, and for us. Dot also had a cup of tea. Dot felt tired after the walk back; so I drove first, and we went down the A6 and across on to the M1. Think the other route is quicker. Certainly easier.

I was feeling very tired by the time we reached the A14; so we stopped at the McDonald’s at Rothwell. Dot asked for help with ordering, and we were assisted by a delightful woman who took us through the whole process. Food was cheap and tasted good, but I did have an upset stomach later. Not the woman’s fault – she went out of her way to help. Dot drove from there, and we made a rare decision not to stop at Cambridge Services.

Usual hold up on A11 just outside Norwich, but not as bad as I thought it might be. We got home about 4.30, and Bridget was cleaning. Nice to see her.  Had a bit of a stomach upset – not sure why, but obviously suspicion fell on McDonald’s, although the bacon at breakfast wasn’t great. Didn’t feel well for most of evening. Got copy of unpleasant letter someone at the hospital sent to my doctor, implying I hadn’t followed instructions. Quite untrue.

Lay down and rested with Dot, then had a bath, followed by some soup. Watched University Challenge final, which was predictable, then Twenty Twenty Six, then Race Round the World, which was surprisingly good because of the unfamiliar setting (Turkey and Georgia) and the fact that all contestants were likeable. Felt a bit better at the end of the evening.

It was overcast at first, becoming brighter, on Saturday, April 11. Dry, too. Day of the big match against Ipswich, with large numbers of police on duty  and roads closed. Not sure how that was supposed to help: in fact when I drove Dot, Jonathan and Naomi to Carrow Road it was much, much easier than it had been last time, and the drive home was easy too. Played through En Passant chess games while the match was on. These included a win by me in 1976 against Laurie Pott, annotated generously by Mike. Meanwhile Norwich lost 2-0 to Ipswich, thanks partly to a very dubious penalty. D, J and N walked back surprisingly quickly.

Managed to work out how to review the guy who sold our new door to us, and did so – some of it written by Dot. Had light meal in the evening and watched two episodes of The Copenhagen Test before catching up with e-mails and clearing up. Earlier watched Grand National: my pick fell early on. Bit of a Panic Attack. 

Sunday – Bright with a cool wind. A few drops of rain around teatime. Dot left early for Wensum Valley hotel at Taverham and spent all day there for a Sillars centenary event – playing music with different conductors from the past and including some musicians from the past. Apparently I could have gone at the end for the performance, but I didn’t know that. Only a very few people did.

As Dot had the car I had to walk to church – chatted with Ciara on the way. Met Liz Cannon at entrance and had a chat with her too. Small congregation for Communion with Anna, Martin and Phil in band. Graham led and preached. People generally seemed pleased to see me. Walked back with Anna then crossed flyover on foot, which I think is prohibited, to get pix of Anglia Square buildings in process of demolition. Then on past Puppet Theatre and cut through to river through a new complex of streets and buildings, including Printworks Drive and Typesetters Way, or possibly vice versa. Crossed Jarrolds bridge and proceeded home. Very tired towards end. Over 7000 steps at that point.

Feet still hurt when I went to bed. Read a bit and recorded a few programmes. Dot home around 5.30. Had avocado and eggs around 7pm and watched last two episodes of The Other Bennet Sister (excellent) and The Capture (compelling but not convincing). Oh, and we watched EFL highlights. Penalty against Norwich very dubious, and one opponent  – Nunez – should definitely have been red-carded. 

Monday – Dry, reasonably warm. Caught up with a few phone tasks / texts, and after a very small lunch drove Dot to her violin lesson with Anna. Anna had been coming to ours, but she has a painful knee. While Dot was there I went for a short walk in Waterloo Park, which is much bigger than I thought, and then called on Ray, where we had a longish chat and a cup of tea. While I was there Judy called in with a meal for him.

Picked up Dot, who was waiting outside Anna’s – I was delayed by a closed road. They had a good time – I think Anna recognises how good Dot is, and Dot gets a lot out of her advice. Cooked salmon en croute, spoiled somewhat by dodgy vegetables. Later watched Match of the Day, with Spurs sliding into oblivion, where, barring miracles, they will play us next season. Arsenal are not looking much good either , and as for Werder Bremen (Kristine’s team)… Dot and I did some clearing up in the garden, and had a chat with Mark. Des and Chris got back from France, but I haven’t seen them yet. New back door scheduled for first two weeks in May. Feeling quite tired: feet sore. Dot still a bit swollen. 

Tuesday – Mainly sunny; quite warm. Had a bath, then Dot took car to be cleaned and to go to Boots. I meanwhile walked to Morrisons, where she joined me and we did some shopping. Then sat for a while in closed coffee shop before walking over to pick up car. They did a good job. I got in bins and reorganised interior of car. Then got the commode and walking frame ready to be picked up, which it was – half an hour early. Watched last two episodes of Hidden Assets, which were pretty good. Also University Challenge and a couple of other things. Cooked pies.

Earlier Des came round and we had a chat about his holiday, which was pretty good. Interestingly they have also had a puncture. Is there a tyre piercer about?  Could do without that. Dot did some washing. FaceTimed David around 10pm, and spoke to Amy too. She still has a cold but didn’t seem too bad. Spoke about Diderot design and football, among other things. 

Wednesday –   Largely dry and sunny, becoming cloudy in the evening. Dot left just before 10.30 to go and see Anne and have lunch with her at Woodton. Shortly afterwards, Bridget came to do the cleaning. We had quite a long chat about various matters, including church, her retirement and retreats we had been on, especially Little Gidding. She said she had erected a placard in her garden excouraging people to vote for the Liberal Democrats, because their candidate was a nice chap who went to their church. You can’t argue with that. As a result I wrote my first article for months, resurrecting all my favourite characters, such Henry (Fred) “Shrimp” Houseago.

Dot got back mid-afternoon, and as she had had lunch I did avocado and egg for supper. Meanwhile I had switched my Apple TV to the Barclays Bank free version, tried it out and it seemed much better. Hope they don’t keep charging me for the other one. Dot was picked up by Janet (and Nova) just after 7pm. She had a good session but forgot to take her phone; so I couldn’t track her coming home and couldn’t greet her at the door as I normally do. Watched European football before bed: Bayern Munich superb against Real Madrid, and Liverpool lost. Arsenal went through but didn’t look good. 

Thursday – Dry and reasonably warm. Took bus up to dentist with Dot and had check-up. She has no problem, but I need to have some decay removed on April 30; so put off cleaning till then. Afterwards went to John Lewis, bought a pillow and had a fruit scone each. Then walked down to Red Lion Street to catch bus, which contained Mary. I mentioned how the antibiotic nitrofurantoin affected me badly last November, and she knew of others who had had real problems with it. Dentist said it was not something he would prescribe (but then it’s not intended for oral problems). 

Back at home used leaf blower to get rid of tree seeds covering our front drive and slope. Very powerful. Then tried to fix shower fastening, but it defeated me. May have to get someone in. Frustrating. Can still use shower though. Shagged out, but cooked sausages for supper. Watched final three episodes of The Copenhagen Test, which was intriguing but not entirely convincing. Spoke to Mark earlier: his car is the same age as ours, and he was having to construct part of one of the indicator lights that had broken: impossible to get replacement.