Oliver and Amy are with us. But before that… Last Wednesday was dry and fairly warm, though windy. I spent the morning catching up with e-mails, rejigging the rota and putting it in the calendar and on the NCMC site. Helped Dot prepare for Des and Chris, who came round at 6pm for a meal, beautifully prepared by my wife. We watched England beat Denmark 2-1 AET in the Euros semi-final (og and Kane), which turned out to be the high point. Federer was knocked out of Wimbledon in straight sets.

Thursday was warm but breezy at first; rain later. Julia and Allan came over for lunch. Sat in the garden to start with, then transferred indoors. Bridget arrived to do cleaning about three minutes after they left. Later Sean left his car in our drive because the road was packed, but we didn’t know that till the next morning, when Chris was hit by a car coming out of a garage at the bottom of road. These two events are unconnected. Had a good time with the Higbees.

Friday started warm, but very heavy showers in the afternoon as we drove to Dereham to see Phil and Joy’s new bungalow at Eckling Grange. Heavy traffic meant it took ages to get out of Norwich, and we were half an hour late. No 19 was very nice, spacious and well furnished. Now all they have to do is get rid of stuff from 36 Anchor Street and sell the house. Earlier, Paul came round: he seemed a bit better than a last time, but very uncertain as to what to do about M. Earlier still Dot went to have her feet done in the city, then walked to Anna’s for a violin lesson. I picked her up, but again heavy traffic caused by a lane closure on the flyover that looked totally unnecessary.  Meanwhile I walked up to St Stephens post office in attempt to sort out renewal of my driving licence, which DVLA have totally cocked up. But this was fruitless too. 

Saturday was fairly warm, but with drops of rain in the air. Did a lot of catching up on the computer in the morning, and as a result did a very low number of steps. Kim B came round for cup of tea at 3pm, and we had a long and fascinating conversation, telling her most of our life story. She didn’t go till after 6pm. David rang later and we had another long conversation. Watched first episode of Time, which was well acted but pretty grim. Then a bit of cricket. Bed late.

Sunday was again quite warm, but with rain in the evening.  Led service in the morning with new assistant priest (Graham) in congregation. Howard was late for first choral song because he was fetching Phyllis. Afterwards we had a discussion about future Covid restrictions – Graham very nervous because he has only been vaccinated once. Judy also wanted to continue wearing masks, and Debbie was so convoluted no-one knew what she wanted.

Lot of preparation in afternoon for Oliver and Amy coming tomorrow. I cut a lot of ivy down,  and Dot prepared beds. Djokovic won Wimbledon again and England predictably lost on penalties to Italy In Euro final because after scoring early on they didn’t press. They then brought on two penalty specialists two minutes from the end, and both of them missed. Bad management. Texting David, Oliver and Amy throughout. Elements of crowd pretty unpleasant.

Some rain on Monday, but nowhere near as much as forecast. Warm again. My 76th birthday. Sorted out stuff preparatory to visit of Oliver and Amy, then went to Morrisons, filled up with petrol and stocked up with food. Put bins out, and O & A arrived about midday. We walked up to the Ivy for lunch, a birthday present from Dot! Had duck liver pate and fish cake, plus two glasses of wine. Then to Lakeland and bought a very expensive frying pan; home via Book Hive, where Oliver bought book for Amy. David FTd, and we had conversation, but I felt quite ill and went and lay on bed for over an hour. Dehydration maybe. After tea went outside despite drops of rain and had a drink – whisky in my case.  Others played table tennis,  and then we played YouTube songs to each other. (Dot bought me  some books and a clock for the study. O & A bought me an Owl.) Oliver has sorted out Word and a couple of other things on my iPad.

Today was grey at first, but when we got to Winterton the sky brightened, and it was warm with some blue sky. Walked towards Hemsby and then had a picnic. Beach cafe has vanished, but toilets have vastly improved. Then walked the other way. Oliver drove us. Called in at Hemsby on the way home. In the evening Dot went to a meeting at the Coach and Horses on safeguarding with Howard, Graham and Fran from St Luke’s. Oliver and I went too at a separate table, but Amy stayed at home. Lost to Oliver at table tennis, then cooked supper and cleared away. Pretty tired.

Weather has been unreliable the last few days. On Thursday last week it was cooler, with dampness in the air.  Dot and I went for a walk in Harrison’s Wood, which was more interesting than I thought it would be, before picking up her pills from the chemist. Later Bridget came and brought us fish cakes, as well as cleaning the oven. We watched tennis and cycling, and the last episode of Before We Die, which was pretty good, though not for the Croats involved. Also Fargo, which is getting harder and harder to follow. Had FaceTime with David and Amy together: Amy seems to be growing before our eyes. Oliver meanwhile is in Padstow with three friends and his girl friend, Olivia.

Friday was a bit warmer. We had our hair cut, but before that I posted Joan a birthday card and my poetry book.  Later we walked up to the Great Hospital and left a birthday card for Eleanor (with one from Bridget). She was enjoying a rare visit from her son, Sam, so we didn’t stay. Felt very tired afterwards, for some reason. Our usual street rendezvous later was alcohol-free for me, because we were going to Philip’s 80th (81st) birthday do. Which we did, driving to Stoke Mill for a really excellent meal with Philip, Anne, Brian, Pat, Louise & Dave, Sophie & Rich and Charlotte & Chris. Was as careful as possible with meal, but probably had quite a bit of fat, because it was super-delicious. Moules mariniere, chicken, creme brûlée. Girls all lovely, and Philip did well in view of his recent rash and other problems. Anne was understandably a little worried.

Discovered Brian and Pat were members of Surrey Chapel and knew David and Myra Green quite well: sadly it seems Myra is housebound and David is becoming very forgetful. Murray lost, Spain beat Switzerland on penalties and Italy beat Belgium. Home about midnight.

The next day it rained at first, but by the time we got to Mulbarton (through very heavy traffic) it had become dry and warm. We went for a walk with Caren and Phil round Mulbarton, then had tea and cake and a long talk with them, which was quite refreshing. Returned home by a devious and less busy route. However, Dot has not been feeling well – dizzy and a dodgy stomach. She watched tennis while  it rained hard outside, and I caught up with computer stuff and prepared prayers, and later we both went to Morrisons. England beat Ukraine 4-0 and we FaceTimed David briefly before watching the Tour de France.

Sunday started off warm, but there was some rain in the afternoon. Church in the morning, of course: I led prayers, and Howard used his new liturgy for St Augustine’s Way – pretty good. Phil was back, sans guitar. Had a long talk with Kim, just returned from Scotland. Later watched a fascinating YouTube talk between a Rabbi and vicar in London, which saw Christianity as the child of Judaism, interrupted by a FaceTime talk with David and Chrissy. Oliver had a good time in Cornwall, apparently. Watched Grand Prix, Tour de France and the final two episodes of The Killing 2 – partly on iPlayer because one episode failed to record. Bed late. 

Monday was warm, with a breeze, and rain in the evening.  Rejigged the rota to include our new assistant priest, then walked to the Rosary after lunch – Dot went into the city to buy ingredients for lunches later in the week, then later to Morrisons for the same reason. Watched some Wimbledon, but nothing very exciting. Big hope Emma Raducanu retired in the second set with breathing difficulties. Watched programme revealing Mountbatten to be the villain I always thought he was. Bad influence on Charles (that’s just my view).  Ordered wine.

Heavy showers yesterday, which we managed to avoid. We walked up to John Lewis for reinstated coffee morning with Robin, Shelagh, Brian and Tricia, then back via Julian Bridge. After lunch drove to Blofield and helped Peter with3D photography in the church while Brenda did the new walk until halted by cows and calves on path. Also chatted to Barbara Pilch, who is off to Scotland this weekend.  Watched some Wimbledon and, after an omelette, Italy beating Spain 4-2 on penalties to reach the final of Euro 2020. Cavendish won third sprint stage in Tour. Not feeling great: took two lots of paracetamol and acidophilus. Head swimmy and stomach dodgy. Had a bad night on Monday– but last night wasn’t so bad. Wrote this while Dot went to Morrison’s. Des and Chris are coming round tonight, and the wine has arrived. I’m about to have a bath.

The sound of violins is wafting down from the living room: Door has four friends from Sillars round to rehearse, and they sound pretty good, I have to say. Meanwhile I can’t watch TV, of course; so I played through some chess games from En Passant (I do this once a month on computer) and did just enough steps to make this month the best for a year. I did it inside, mainly, because it’s cool and windy, with intermittent spots of rain. Not much fun, though I grabbed a couple of dry minutes earlier to hang Dot’s new flower basket above the garage door.

Also earlier I edited quite a lot of Paston stuff while Dot visited a school at Brooke. I did this on my new keyboard, which David bought me to go with my iPad, and I have to say it’s brilliant. New worlds are opening up. FaceTimed him to thank him. It’s very warm in Canada, through not in his basement.

 You’ve already heard about the start of last Saturday, but later on we watched Wales lose 4-0 to Denmark. After ten minutes I said: “This looks quite even – which means that one of them will win 4-0.” Prophet or what? It was also the first day of the Tour de France, which is kind of reassuring, and Dot saw the episode of The Killing that she missed by falling asleep. We both watched the next one. Dot did a lot of work in the garden, which looks terrific.

Sunday was quite warm but a bit breezy. I led and preached at church. Dot led prayers. My sermon seemed to go down well, but for some reason I’ve been feeling a bit down. Our new assistant priest is about to be licensed in a joint service, and Nicky at St Luke’s has accused Carrie of trying to take over the music, which seems true enough. Walked up to post a card to Margery, who is not at all well, then walked a little way into the Rosary. Watched several episodes of The Killing (yes, it’s compulsive), the Tour de France, which featured several crashes, and a rather boring Grand Prix, as well as some football. Spoke to Andrew on FaceTime. 

The next day was dull but relatively warm. I wrote an article on the CNS event for the EDP and sent pix from Geoff Smith. Also wrote a piece for my website and posted books to Adrian and Fred. Dot rearranged the living room for the violin group already mentioned, and of course it’s Wimbledon! Usual stuff: Murray almost throwing away win after leading by two sets and 5-0, but despite losing th third set 7-5 he managed to recover and pull it off. Also watched the Tour de France of course, and later highlights of two great Euro games, Switzerland beating France on penalties after being 3-1 down. Late in bed. 

It was a bit cooler yesterday, with some rain in the afternoon. Drove to Blofield at 10am to meet Peter Stibbons, but he didn’t show up. Rang Barbara Pilch, and she said he had a chest infection. So I did the Blofield walk and found there was a new route. Later checked with the Paston website and discovered that the walk there was quite different to mine anyway. I am definitely getting to be redundant.

Back home, Dot walked to Morrison’s, and I met her in the car and took the food home while she walked home along the river. Watched an episode of Fargo, then England v Germany, which we left after soup to go to the licensing at St Luke’s. Howard told us the England result, 2-0, which was annoying. Watched what we hadn’t seen when we got home, then Cavendish winning a stage of the Tour de France and Ukraine beating Sweden 2-1 in the last minute of extra time. All this paled into significance against my fitting a new toilet seat in the shower room, only hours after it arrived and only a day after we’d ordered it.

Spent most of the day on Wednesday writing four Parish Pump pieces – on Sir Walter Scott, the first ascent of Ben Nevis, the Calcutta Killing and the 1931 India floods that nobody remembers. Quite warm. Dot went to Jarrolds to have her lip wax, and I posted my poetry book to Rebecca. Then we walked to Jude’s for wine and nibbles – first in the garden and then indoors. Amazing furniture. Lovely nibbles, too, mainly fishy. Talked till about 10pm, then I watched Death in Paradise while Dot went to sleep (unintentionally). 

Thursday was cooler, with spots of rain in the afternoon. Spent most of the day writing my sermon and choosing hymns, then edited some pix, did the next rota and read some newspapers that had piled up. Bridget came to clean while Dot was at the Garden Centre. Had a chat with Des and Chris while delivering EDPs to them. Decided not to go to licensing rehearsal at St Luke’s – partly because we had left supper late and partly because we weren’t sure what we would be rehearsing and didn’t fancy two hours in masks. Don’t think there many there from St Augustine’s.

Watched a bit of T20 v Sri Lanka, but it was rain affected and boring, because it was live instead of highlights. At the end we couldn’t turn it off because of a technical glitch. Earlier we watched the penultimate episode of Before We Die, which sounded appropriate. Philip Robinson is in hospital again with a severe skin disorder – they can’t quite work out what, though today (Saturday), they seem s bit nearer tracking it down. David FaceTimed – he’s had his second jab and is feeling a bit drowsy.

Earlier in the day my keyboard broke – it wouldn’t print e. I found David’s old keyboard with a USB connection, and it works fine. Still getting used to the Delete Forward key.

A damp start yesterday, and I woke early. We walked to the Maids Head through threatening skies and the occasional raindrop for CNS reunion day. It was the 60th year since we left the fifth form. Good lunch. Spoke to Fred and Sue, the Gartons, Richard and Louise Percival, Neville and Mary Thrower, Adrian and Jane, Tony and Doreen, the Houseagos and several others. Tony gave a talk on his history (too fast) and Adrian almost showed a film on retracing the steps of his father’s escape from Poland, but was thwarted by technical problems. In the end we tuned into it on YouTube, and it was excellent. I took four of my poetry books and gave one to the Houseagos, Tony, Neville and Fred (who lost it). On arriving home, we found the usual suspects drinking wine in the street, and we joined in. it was by then warm and very pleasant. Felt very tired at the end of the day.

Today has been quite warm after grey start. Dot dropped me quite near Phil’s (not near enough, but I miscalculated), while she went to the Garden Centre and supermarket, and Phil and I had a chat for  over an hour: he seems much better, though he has to be tested continually to see if the bladder cancer (the least aggressive type) remains gone. The Parkinson’s is not too bad. Walked home via city centre and bought acidophilus and eye treatment, though my eyes have been OK for the last few days. After lunch I rang Ray, who can’t see out of his left eye following his operation. It might take 2-8 weeks… Cleared up the kitchen while Dot prepared prayers, and Des put some cuttings in our brown bin.

Arrived back from Blakeney mid-afternoon and attempted to watch an episode of The Killing II over a cup of tea, but Dot went to sleep. So we emptied the cases (after she woke) and tidied up. Tiredness was not surprising, because we have walked over 9000 steps today.

Dave and Julia left Blakeney after breakfast – a bit later than usual, as Dave doesn’t have much energy at the moment. Dot and I walked into the town and visited a couple of shops before driving to Morston and walking out to the edge of the channel – pleasant under a blue sky despite the very chilly wind. After that we drove to Holt, squeezed into a parking place and tried to find a cafe for lunch. All had queues, however; so we went to Bakers and Larners, which has the air of a 1950s department store with a canteen (Dot’s word).

Nevertheless, I like it, and I had an egg and mayonnaise sandwich. Over the weekend it was brought home to me how difficult it is to eat out if you’re on a low fat diet. Fat gets in all over the place. I’m hoping my gall bladder doesn’t notice. We then bought Dot a necklace and drove back to Norwich, where it was cloudy but not quite so cold.

The weekend as a whole was very enjoyable, and the threatened rain did not really materialise, though it was cold for a summer solstice. We arrived at about 3.15pm on the Sunday, the room was excellent, and we went to the Two Magpies (a new cafe) for a pleasant tea and cake/biscuit. Dot had a substantial rocky road: she ate some of it and wrapped the rest carefully, then forgot to take it with her when she left. I had gingerbread folk. Not man, obviously. That would be sexist.

Both evening meals at the Manor Hotel were excellent. That first night I chose a cod loin on saffron rice with little shrimps in it – something I would never have considered pre-gall bladder incident. It was lovely, as was the apple crumble and mango sorbet. The second night I went for duck, which was a bit risky but similarly delicious, with blueberries and raspberries imaginatively mixed in with the potatoes and gravy. As usual we had a little too much alcohol, and I didn’t sleep too well. After the Magpies, Dot, Julia and I had walked along the front, round and down the Blakeney Hotel road. I added a little with a stroll out towards the sea while Dot and Julia went back to the hotel.

Earlier in the day on Sunday we went to Holy Communion – only 14 in the congregation including Liz, who was leading. Left quickly to have lunch and prepare for driving to Blakeney.  David FaceTimed just as we were about to leave to wish me Happy Father’s Day, and Andrew FaceTimed just after we got there. Wales lost to Italy 1-0 but went through. Saw the second half.

Yesterday, as today, I had boiled eggs for breakfast. We drove in separate cars to Cley NWT, but the few cafe tables there were all full, so we moved on to the Muckleburgh Collection near Kelling/Weybourne (£12 each), which turned out to be very interesting. We started in the cafe, then did the tour, then returned to the cafe for lunch. Fascinating visit – glad we got there at last: the models were outstanding and the instruments of death strangely beautiful, which can’t be right. We then returned to the hotel because Dave was feeling tired, but later we went with Julia for a walk along towards Wiveton then back out toward the sea– but not far because of the cold wind. 

Returning to last Wednesday, which was the final very warm day of a welcome series, we didn’t do much till 3pm, when we had drinks with Des and Chris in their garden. Later we watched Notting Hill, which is lovely, and I caught up with some with computer work. We also watched an episode of Before We Die. Very low step count today, but on the plus side we FaceTimed with Amy.

Thursday was cloudy, with rain overnight but mostly dry during the day, contrary to forecast. We drove to Blickling and met Dave and Julia.  Walked over to the cafe in the main building and had tea and scone, then walked round the lake. The notice said 1.9 miles, but it was nearer three; as a result Dave was on his last legs when we got back, so ate at the Buckinghamshire Arms instead of the cafe (it was nearer). Very nice, but a bit high in fat. I had wine; so Dot drove home. In the evening we drove Eleanor to Vicky’s for Cake and Compline round the fire pit. Watched an episode of Fargo when we got back, plus some football. Rebecca de Saintonge, who should know what she is talking about, said she loved my Lost Princess book, and I should get it published.

Friday was very wet. I caught up with Paston editing while Dot went into the city to meet Janet Bower in Jarrolds. She got very wet on the walk home. In the evening watched England and Scotland draw 0-0 at Wembley in a boring game. Des got Dot fish and chips from a place in Plumstead Road while I cooked chicken, potatoes and peas for myself. After football we watched Masked and Anonymous – a film with Bob Dylan. It wasn’t all that good because he can’t act. The others could, but there’s a limit to what you can do. Rob said he liked my poetry book. FaceTime with David about getting a keyboard for my tablet, which is very kind of him.

Saturday was overcast, with water in the air not quite turning into rain. We shopped at Morrison’s and filled up with petrol, then I sorted out some chess games from my cuttings for Mike Read, had a bath, and after lunch Dot dropped me near his house and I took them round. Had cup of tea with him and walked home. He is planning a book on Norfolk chess – may get a couple of my games in it! The games I took him were by Clive Cubitt. While looking for them I found a cutting of David winning a tournament with 7/7. Sent a pic to his children, who were impressed. Later watched a bit of football and a film, Days of the Bagnold Summer, which was quite good, despite the strange title.

Still pleasantly warm, but this could be the las day of it: the forecast is for rain over the next few days, which is bad luck for the Evetts, who should have arrived at Blakeney last night, though we haven’t heard from them. Lots to do today… but back to last Friday, when it was warm, though with a bit of warmish wind. I finished editing Dot’s p4c pack while she kept an eye on me. It has now gone off to David.

After posting a card to Phil K, we drove to North Walsham to put flowers on the graves (the next day being the anniversary of Dot’s mum’s death). Afterwards we walked by the North Walsham and Dilham canal and saw two herons and a wild swimmer. Back home after supper we watched cricket then Wind River, an excellent film that it turned out we’d seen before, set in wintry Wyoming. Dot had a long phone call earlier from Carrie concerning Robert, during which Dot sat on the toilet lid and broke it. Then the Evetts rang – Dave has quite bad heart problems resulting in tiredness. But they are still coming to Blakeney. We arranged to meet at Blickling.

Saturday was dry and very warm in the sun, slightly cooler out of it. I had a bad night. Walked up to the Rosary with Dot before lunch and left flowers we had bought the day before. I also “repaired” the flower-holder on my parents’ grave, then (at Dot’s suggestion) switched it fo the one on my grandparents’ grave, which I bought recently. After lunch watched the second half of the Wales-Switzerland game in Euro 2020, which ended 1-1. Wales were a bit fortunate. Dot spent some time in the garden reading. and I submitted some poems to the Crabbe competition. Watched Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool, a very good film.

Another very bad night. Watched half of Notting Hill at 5am in a futile attempt to go to sleep. Dozed late and woke at 9.30, feeling shattered. Stayed in bed while Dot went to church. It was very warm. After lunch Debbie House called with a friend who was heading for the bus replacement service. Took her along the path and released her in the direction of the station. Then watched England beat Croatia 1-0. The pundits were much more excited about this than I was, though Phillips was excellent. David FaceTimed as we we were getting ready to go out and we had long talk, then walked to the Greens and had a lovely meal – smoked salmon, salmon, prawns, mussels, haggis and strawberries with lots of wine. Very interesting talk about church and Orkney, in the garden till 11pm. Walked home, not as tired as we should have been.

Monday was not quite so warm. Paul came round – didn’t seem at all well. Looking after M is getting him down.  Dot left at 3 to go to see Verena – a successful session. Later Des and Chris came round with bottle of white (as an unnecessary thank-you for watering flowers) and had a cup of tea.  Unsurprisingly, relaxation of restrictions postponed from June 21 to July 17. Getting very annoyed with Boris, or more particularly the gloomy scientists. Watched first three episodes of The Killing 2, which is similar to The Killing 1, but shorter. Short of steps. Watched cricket and football.  

Yesterday was warmish, but not excessive. Went to see Lily at Hickling: 45 mins each way, going through Ludham and coming back through Acle. Loads of traffic about. She seems fine, though surrounded by a fair number of unpleasant people, apparently. E-mailed Denise and Ella in Scotland. Dot and I walked up to the Rosary, and I FaceTimed Amy by mistake. We watched a bit of football, then three episodes of thriller serial Before we die. Quite good, actually.

The Killing came to an end for us on Sunday afternoon.   In this case it was not so much a spontaneous massacre of everyone who disagrees with me (though that’s tempting sometimes), but the Danish 20-episode series series that was actually pretty brilliant, though the ending could have been sightly better. It was definitely a lot better than Formula 1, where Hamilton contrived to throw away the 18 points that had been gifted to him when Verstappen’s tyre fell apart; and the Test between England and New Zealand was not particularly inspiring. Too much TV really – in bed after midnight.

High cloud on Monday: quite pleasant, very warm at times. Caught up with office backlog and spoke to Barbara and Lily on the phone. Also had an e-mail exchange with Phil K, who is on holiday in West Norfolk. Dot sorted out the garage, and we took a lot of stuff to the tip. Quite a queue. Put other stuff in car ready for charity shop, and the Paston banners ready to leave at North Walsham. Watched Inside No 9, which was brilliant as always. Then two episodes of Fargo – pretty weird. It’s set in Kansas City in the 1950s, and centres on gang warfare.

Tuesday was warm and dry. Dot walked to Anna’s for a violin lesson while I filled the car up with petrol and checked the tyres – to my astonishment they were almost fully inflated. Must be six months at least since I checked them. Also did half-hour walk along thee river and up the Close, then round by Recorder Road. 

After lunch we drove to North Walsham to look at Roger’s bungalow. He showed us plans for quite big changes: so it will be some time before they move in. Afterwards dropped off Paston banners at the Knees and stayed for a cup of tea. Had a longish chat about the Paston Heritage Society and agreed to do a final magazine. After supper watched Tea with Mussolini, with Cher, Judi Dench etc etc – very, very good. Lots of traffic around today, especially on Riverside Road because of a temporary Thorpe Road closure, and this continues as I write. Wrote to EDP about  western link and other road issues.

Wednesday was very warm indeed. I drove up to the chemist for pills, then to Sainsbury’s to recycle cardboard. Then to Postwick, but couldn’t find the river: many years since I’d been there, and lots of house-building. Last time I went you could drive right down to what used to be the ferry.

Dot was zooming Barbara, so I walked up to the Rosary, met a woman called Pam and had quite a long chat. She lives on Cintra Road and has a grandson in Canada. In the afternoon Dot walked to Morrison’s and I drove. Got lots of shopping because Des and Chris are going away. Had some drinks outside in the sun, and I felt a bit ill so went in after a while. Started cooking Hello Fresh while Dot went over to Des’s and was told which plants to water. Watched two out of three episodes of Anne Boleyn, with very good black woman in title role. Have now seen all of them: very well done. Philip R is in hospital with heart and lung problems. 

Thursday was humid, warm but cloudy a lot of the time. We drove out to see Anne in the morning, and I proceeded to see Thelma at Cresta Run, her care home, while Dot chatted with Anne. Philip is still in hospital: apparently the pacemaker operation nicked his lung. Thelma seemed well.

After lunch Freddie came round to wash the car for £10 – a project inspired by Des.  While he was bringing us change for a £20 note, David FaceTimed, and they had a chat. Bridget turned up to clean for us while Dot weeded in the front garden, apparently a job I should have done. I ordered fish and cheese from Cley and some jelly from Amazon. Later we watched The October Man, an old film which was good in many ways but as so often with old films, stopped before it should have done. Old films are not good on after-effects and implications.

Seems a long time ago, but last Monday we walked on Thorpe Marshes. It was a warm day. I left my glasses behind on a seat, but they were there when I went back, with a dark girl sitting next to them. “They’re not mine,” she said. Earlier we had a long FaceTime with David and Chrissy talking about good ,and evil (among other things). In the evening Amy FaceTimed to ask if she could come up for a few days from tomorrow! We said yes, of course. We were delighted. Watched last Call the Midwife, and did grocery list early.

Tuesday was sunny and warm again. We got up early because we were expecting Sam and family for a visit, but they didn’t turn up. After lunch wrote some of my sermon and chose hymns. Then drove to Cambridge Services to meet Amy and Vicky. Brought Amy home for a couple of nights after Costa coffee with Vicky and buying stuff for Amy’s meal at M&S. Easy drive both ways. After supper Amy projected some pictures for us, then we watched Fawlty Towers and Ocean’s Eight till after midnight. Good film, but missed out on 4000 steps.

Wednesday was still sunny and very warm.  Amy got up quite late and had brioche. Meanwhile Sam, Lucy and Elliott came round, and Elliott demolished the garden – or at least rearranged quite a large number of bricks. The piano tuner also came – looking older, it has to be said. Well, no, I suppose it doesn’t. I walked up to the Rosary while Amy talked to her dad and Dot restored the garden. Later I played chess with Amy: she is not bad at all. In the evening Dot went to Strings at St Cuthbert’s.  On her return we had marshmallows round the chiminea, played Cobra Paw and later Dixit. I went to bed while Dot and Amy watched Friday Night Dinner. Dot reached the bedroom rather after 12.30am.

Next morning we watched cricket till Amy got up, then had a cooked lunch – fish – for which Dot made rhubarb soufflés while Amy looked at references to her on my blog. Risky! Watched Mama Mia with Amy – very good. Bridget came to do the cleaning, and then we had a quick tea before leaving with Amy for Cambridge Services, where we met Vicky. On the way home the A11 was blocked near Snetterton, and the diversion was ridiculous, so we headed for East Harling, then across to the B1113. It added 20 minutes to the journey: we got home just before 9.30pm. Watched cricket and Yes Minister before collapsing into bed. 

It was duller on Friday but still quite warm and dry till mid-afternoon, when it started to rain, and continued for the rest of the day. I’d managed to get out for a short walk, during which I came across our female blackbird with a  baby which she seemed to be trying to protect. It later turned up in our garden, looking pretty bedraggled. Didn’t seem very mobile. Lot of interaction between adult birds and Dot, who got a good video.

Meanwhile I finished off my sermon while Dot wrote a blog for her p4c website. Linda had come to do our hair at 10am, by which time I’d emptied the dishwasher and tidied up a bit. After evening meal we had intended to watch Riding Lights’ Pericles, but the link didn’t work. Instead we watched the Call the Midwife ten years celebration, then the last Alan Partridge. Had quite a long chat with David earlier. Cricket at Lord’s was rained off completely.

It was warm and sunny again on Saturday after a dull start. Walked up to the Forum to see Sandringham House knitted by a 90-yr-old. Called in at Jarrolds to buy cards, then walked home via the Close. Rang Riding Lights: they had my email address wrong and had also had technical problems yesterday. Watched Pericles in the evening: it was really excellent. Earlier watched the last two episodes of The Pact. Quite good, considering the plot was pretty implausible. Had an e-mail exchange with Carrie about AWAs. We discovered Philip Robinson was in hospital having a pacemaker fitted. Meanwhile I mended the chiminea after Dot found a nut and bolt. Very late on some young lads came round with a baby bat they had found, thinking we were attached to the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Sadly we were not much use to them, though I couldn’t really see why they didn’t just let it go. Perhaps it was too much of a baby to move.

Today has been dull but reasonably warm (it is now 4.30pm). I preached at church on God not issuing commandments, just telling the truth. Afterwards we had a DCC meeting in the absence of Howard, who was somewhere “beyond WiFi”, just in case we wanted to get in touch. Five present: Dot, me, Carrie, Matt and Judy.  Trying to resist Carrie’s drive to get everyone to become AWAs. Wrote up minutes before  Zoom Poetry (Walpole Old Chapel event online), at which I read March Hares and Walpole Old Chapel.

I think I’ve more or less finished my next poetry book, and the sun has been shining for several days. Pandemic? What pandemic? Well, Zoom hasn’t gone away. As I write on Bank Holiday Monday morning, the last day of May, Dot is Zooming with Barbara, putting the finishing touches to their P4C pack, and last Wednesday she also spent all morning on a DSSO Zoom meeting.

Later that day, Jude (Sayer) came for nibbles and wine at 5.30pm and left at 11.15pm. It was an interesting conversation, what with her being a pagan and having a goddess. Sadly it wasn’t quite warm enough to sit outside; so we sat on opposite sides of the kitchen table. For a long time. Dot had cooked bread and rhubarb soufflé. Separately.

Thursday thought about being warm, but kept veering into cool. Dot spent a long time at Long Stratton School in the morning. Unusually, we had a cooked lunch – kippers – and at intervals through the day watched Paris, Texas, a brilliant film with a slightly unsatisfactory outcome. In the afternoon we walked up to the Rosary… again, it was very still. Saw a little girl having a great time, couldn’t stop running. David FaceTimed to say he’d received our parcel, containing two poetry books (one of them mine, one requested). In the evening we gave Eleanor a lift to Vicky’s for Cake and Compline round her Fire Pit, which went pretty well. Had longish chats with Jared and Amy, who’s getting quite grown-up.

The next day it got markedly warmer, and for some reason a feeling of pessimism swept over me. Don’t know why. It went away quite quickly. I wrote a website piece on Bob Dylan and watched a TV programme on Dylan covers, which unaccountably omitted two of the best  – Jimi Hendrix’s All along the watchtower and Boots of Spanish leather by the Irish band, Dervish, which is worth a look IMHO.

Walked with Dot to Carrow Bridge along the river path and then back just in time to catch Bridget arriving to do the cleaning. Dot did a rather longer walk and got back about ten minutes later. Rained a bit, but despite threatening clouds it stopped in time for us to meet for wine in the street. Watched quite a good Mexican cartel thriller called Sicario2: Soldado.

Saturday was really warm. It might almost have been summer. Just in time for Anne’s birthday celebration in their garden at Poringland. We stopped at Morrison’s on the way to buy flowers. Also present at Anne’s: well, Philip, obviously (very quiet); Louise, David and Freddie; Charlotte, Chris, Daniel and Thomas; Sophie, Richard, Charlie and Iris. Lovely afternoon with sandwiches and cakes. Left about 6pm. Had kippers later. Charlotte and Chris are still suffering some effects of Long Covid.

Earlier Des and Chris came round so that we could witness some documents, and we had a cup of tea/coffee.Watched another mysterious episode of Fargo, plus a few of Cher’s songs (surprisingly mediocre) and an interview with Bob Dylan that I had never seen, plus the last-ever episode of A Question of Sport in the Sue Barker format. Quite sad. Amazingly, during the day I managed to notch up 4000 steps. 

Yesterday was warm again, with a touch of coolness in the wind. Had tea and biscuits outside after church, during which I spoke to Kim and Howard. Howard was conjuring up life 5000 years ago on Orkney, where they had just been on holiday, and Kim was revealing how difficult life was for her, though not in a poor-me way. She has lots of trouble with ME and migraines; her son is having problems getting a job (as a helicopter pilot) as a result of a series of unfortunate events and timings that were not his fault; and her daughter is having difficulties at university related to Covid restrictions which are preventing her doing her PhD in the way she had hoped.

After lunch Dot worked in garden and I went out on my bike (up and down the road) for the first time in years – discovering that I needed to get used to it again. Quite astonishing. Later watched three episodes of The Killing, which is still brilliant. Saw an Arena programme on Dylan’s Christian songs interspersed with so-called sermons. Songs very patchy, sermons also. Earlier we saw highlights of the Championship play-off final, Brentford 2 Swansea 0. The right result, especially as Brentford had finished third, seven points above Swansea.

We’ve had some pretty dreary weather recently; so it was nice to see the sun when I came down to make a cup of tea at 7.45am. It’s now 11am and has reverted to grey skies, but at least it’s not raining. Dot is engaged in a Zoom DSSO meeting, which will last all morning, I should imagine.

Last Saturday was a similar day weatherwise, with a bit less rain than the day before. Again stayed in and didn’t get much above 2000 steps. Saturdays have been very bad for walking this month. After lunch we called in at the Hendersons – first time for months. M was in a pretty bad state, kept relatively quiet by medication but repeatedly asking to go out. Holly and Joe were both there (with dogs) and in pretty good form, though Paul didn’t look all that well.

After supper we watched a one-man online play put on by Ancient House Museum at King’s Lynn, for some reason. It was actually very well done, based on two Sherlock Holmes cases. The actor answered some questions afterwards and came over very well. We then listened to another Radio 4 Bob Dylan programme, during which Tangled Up in Blue was voted by listeners as the best Dylan song ever, which is clearly absurd for so many reasons. Bob Geldof talked too much and didn’t make an awful lot of sense. A poet (can’t remember who) picked out Visions of Johanna and She’s Your Lover Now, which are two great songs. You can always rely on poets.

At the the other extreme we watched a few minutes of the voting on the Eurovision Song Contest, in which the UK got zero points. Happily we missed all the songs. Happily too Brentford and Swansea went through to the Championship play-off finals – they had finished third and fourth; so it was a good result. Sorry, Hilary. Sunderland also went out of their play-offs. Sorry, Paul.

Sunday was showery but not too cold, and we got to church and back in the dry. It was Pentecost Sunday, and Liz C did an inspiring sermon. I did the prayers. Had tea and biscuits after the service for the first time I can remember since normality reigned. While eating lunch we watched highlights of those football deciders I mentioned, then spent some time sorting out my songs – was somewhat surprised at how many I’ve written. We found a spot between showers to go for a walk round the back of Carrow Road – a route Dot has calculated as ideal, step-wise. Then watched another three episodes of The Killing, which continues to be first-class.

Andrew FaceTimed during one of the episodes, and we had a short chat. He was watching Frozen on TV, but I think his DVD player is working OK. He is very vague about stuff like that – and all other stuff. We also watched the deciding Premiership games on MOTD, though they worked out badly as always. Liverpool won (yawn) and Chelsea came fourth despite losing because Spurs chose that moment to come good and beat Leicester 4-2 away. The only good thing was that Spurs finished above Arsenal – oh, and Kane got the Golden Boot.

Monday started sunny; so we walked into the city early on, though I wasn’t feeling particularly well for some reason. Bought some marmalade in Jarrolds and then Dot got some new shoes in Shuropody. We had tea/coffee outside at the top of London Street, then walked home through the Close, arriving just before it started to rain. The afternoon was pretty wet, but it was sunny again in the evening. Spent some time in the afternoon on the computer and submitted a couple of poems. Poetry books – On a Knife Edge – arrived from Suffolk Poetry Society containing one of my tanka series.

David FaceTimed later and seemed very well: it’s pretty warm in Canada. Later still we watched Call the Midwife and The Pursuit of Love, during which I fell asleep. We also listened to another Dylan programme on Radio 4: Verbatim, which cleverly interspersed some of his own words from interviews with the odd song. Sometimes very odd. Put water in the piano, which I do every three months on the instruction of the tuner.

More rain yesterday, but Dot dodged it as she drove to Thurton School – got very confused trying to avid roadworks on the way back, but eventually ended up at Morrison’s, which is normal. Meanwhile I caught up on the bit I missed in The Pursuit of Love, which proved to be quite a long bit. In the afternoon Dot Zoomed with Barbara and then spent a considerable time finishing off her p4c pack. It looks pretty good, though I haven’t read it all the way through yet. I hope it’s successful – she’s put an awful lot of work into it.

I sent out some charity cheques, walking up to the post office during a lull in the rain and then taking in the Rosary, which was very green and lush, and also very still. Earlier I had rung Phil K to see how he was, and discovered that he may well have Parkinson’s as well as bladder cancer. Obviously he’s very worried, but the Parkinson’s is still to be confirmed: no obvious symptoms yet. The cancer may have been successfully removed – he is on precautionary chemo. So all results are possible.

Discovered I didn’t much care for Goan Tomato Soup, which was no surprise, and watched two more episodes of The Pact, which is intriguing and marginally ridiculous at the same time. The leading heroine would have to be insane to behave the way she does, and in real life all the sealed lips on which the plot depends would never happen.