Friday, August 1 – Some rain and sun; windy later. Booked côte brasserie for Andrew’s birthday; also Snape for a concert next Friday (National Youth Orchestra) and Assembly House Afternoon Tea – a birthday gift from Cake and Compline. In the afternoon Dot and I practised songs for (as we thought) tomorrow, then I did the charity money.  Then out for street meet – windy, but sunny. Des and Chris, Jon, Angela (but not Matt). Saw Mary briefly : she has shingles. Again. Fish from different shop not quite so good, or maybe I wasn’t hungry. Watched cricket and a couple of other things. 

Saturday started grey and chilly, but became sunnier and warmer as we moved north. We had been intending to go to James Knox Whittet’s for lunch and some music (we had three or four songs ready) but his wife Ann was ill with a lung infection, and it was cancelled. So we drove to the Jarrolds café near Letheringsett and had a lovely lunch of toasted chiabatta (in my case with egg, chives and watercress). I also had two iced peach teas. Then we bought some food from the adjacent shop after viewing the gardens (impressive). We then went to Morston and walked out to the marshes opposite the blue house at Blakeney Point. Very few people about: sunny and warm. Felt blessed. Stopped off at reopened Anchor Inn for cider: they’ve done the place out beautifully. Then home, popping in to Morrisons on the way for petrol. Dot drove all day. Cooked pies and watched cricket. 

Sunday was quite warm, but with light rain at times. Drove to church intending to have chat with Graham afterwards (he said he was coming down after the St Luke’s service), but this went slightly wrong because (a) he was late and (b) Harriet had a major collapse, having walked to church with her dog after being in hospital for three days. Paramedics were called, and she was eventually taken away in an ambulance. Meanwhile we fixed an appointment with Graham for the next day, and then took Ray home. He seemed even less well than usual and is on regular Co-codamol. We went home and had lunch, then did some reading. Later watched cricket and ate sausages. Also watched end of Karen Pirie: police procedural. Very well done but don’t like what she wears. As if that mattered. Walked extra steps in kitchen to bring day’s up to 4000. As if that mattered. 

Monday – A little light rain and a bit windy, but reasonably warm. Tried to get blood test results again, but no luck. Must be a clot somewhere. I know what you’re thinking. Took Dot to violin lesson in the morning and did some picture editing. Met her in Prince of Wales Road. Graham arrived by bike and we had a chat about our plan to “retire” from church, in the sense that we would step back for a while. He didn’t necessarily agree with our reasons, but was very kind and saw it as a “season change” thing, which we do too. Big step, though we are happy about it. Called Judy to let her know, and wrote to Phil.  Afterwards went to shop to buy food for tomorrow. I cooked salmon and watched the cricket, which was very exciting and I think a fair result. (India won by six runs, which meant the series was drawn.) Read quite a bit and went to bed quite early. 

Tuesday was dry and windy, but quite warm. To Town House for Archant breakfast. I had a slightly smaller version than usual , and Dot just had coffee. Tricia was there, and we were joined eventually by Robin and Shelagh, and also by Bill Woodcock, then by John Rogers, a former photographer who I vaguely remembered. He had a number of memorable pix he had taken, including the first one of The Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe, when he went to court. Sadly we had to leave earlier than we would have liked because we had a full day: Linda was coming to cut our hair, and Oliver, Amy and Sophie arrived at roughly the same time.

The trio had a drink, then went into town while Linda finished and I had a quick bath. We got the bus up and met them on Castle Meadow after a Park and Ride driver took us up without charging us. I didn’t know that our bus cards were not valid on P&R. I also didn’t know that the bus stop “spoke” to us about the schedule. A little boy did it while we were waiting. After walking through the Arcade we went into Jarrolds for drinks, olives, nuts and dipping bread. Then to Scandinavian shop while Dot visited Thorns, and Oliver and I popped into a Norwich City shop in Jarrolds. I had forgotten it was there. Bought a few things in Scandinavian shop, then home via Elm Hill and the riverside path. Got very tired and had to stop a couple of times. After a rest at home and looking at a few pictures on screen (plus an episode of Outnumbered) we had our evening meal – a complex Indian affair put together largely by Oliver and  Dot. Nice, though. Oliver, Sophie and Amy left at about 9.30, just as David was calling them on FaceTime, and we cleared up. It was great to see them. 

Cloudy with some quite heavy rain on Saturday 26 July. Finished off my Parish Pump articles – on the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the Nuremberg  laws and Albert Schweitzer. Then wrote up my blog and lightly edited Dot’s Rhodes blog so that she could send it to Anne. We went to the charity shop and dropped off lots of clothes, including some of my old trousers, then on to Morrisons to get some food and a cake for church tomorrow. When we emerged it was pouring with rain, and we got quite wet. Cooked pies for supper and watched cricket and Tour de France as usual, plus a couple of comedy items and the first episode of Gold, about the Brinks Mat robbery. 

Sunday – Cloudy but dry. Led the service at church – used feast day of St Samson (Guernsey link) from Ray Simpson book. Smallish congregation. Carrie did quite good sermon on prayer; unfortunately the usual suspects had to add stuff that rather spoiled it. Anyway, took Ray home: he’s suffering rather more than recently. After lunch walked to the Maids Head, where Rob was doing one of his costumed talks – this time on the Mayflower pilgrims. Had a chat with him and Penny, whose father’s house, it turns out, was close to the hotel we stayed at on Guernsey. Rob was happy to do a Paston talk for Norwich Rotary; so I’m passing his name to Janet. It was our 57th wedding anniversary; so we had Anne’s champagne with our salmon supper. Watched end of Tour de France, last day of fourth test (superb holding job by India for a draw) and the final of the women’s soccer Euros, which England won, rather luckily, on penalties. 

Monday – Cloudy. Tried to catch up with some things like fixing our outside light and getting our hedge cut – the latter can’t be done till October, unfortunately. Replied to David, Oliver and Amy on Diderot, though I seem to have lost one of the replies and had to do it again. According to my phone, David is now between Calgary and Medicine Hat. Dot spent a lot of time preparing tomorrow’s lunch, and I helped with some clearing up. Cooked fish. Watched all or last four episodes of The Gold, about the Brinks Mat robbery. Very well done. 

Tuesday – Dry.  Perhaps a bit cooler, at least according to the nurse who expertly took my blood this morning. Results on Friday, I hope. Walked a little way afterwards, which helped me to exceed 4000 steps for the day. Took some papers over to Chris; then Kim and Anne arrived for lunch – a lavish affair prepared by Dot which was more than sufficient for supper too. They left after 4pm, and I had to lie down for a while. Felt excessively tired, which may have been the wine or the shrimps, or neither. In the evening watched the first two episodes of The Narrow Road to the Deep North, which was a bit horrific (Japanese POW bits) but nicely done. Read the book some time ago. 

Wednesday – Cloudy but quite warm. Threat of rain never materialised. Got up early to greet electrician from Homecare, who arrived at 8am (warning call at 7.30!). Replaced our LED light in porch at back. Watched him do it- very complex, and nothing like replacing a light bulb. Read up a bit on Daniel before going to Bible study at church. Went quite well, I think. Morgan, Judy, Debbie, Steve and Ellie-on-phone. Steve’s birthday: gave him a copy of Mist and Fire. Lucky man. Practised some songs for Saturday. Seemed to go OK. Had an hour’s sleep while Dot worked in garden. Cooked evening meal (duck) and we watched a couple of episodes of Karen Pirie, a police series. 

Thursday – Warm and dry after early rain.  Aimed to get a lot done but failed pitifully. Had bath before Bridget came to clean. After lunch took bus/walked to visit Linda (Shingles) and deliver a birthday card. She is 77. Roger was there and we had a longish chat and a small glass of red wine. Then I set off to walk home, taking in Southwell Road and cutting through alley to Queens Road and All Saints Green, then Westlegate, at which point I got tired and boarded a bus. Amusing journey home.  Woman behind insisted to her friend she had betrayed her by telling some else she used a microwave. “You must have told her, or how did she know?”

Walked up hill home and then lay down a bit. Put together a letter re church for the vicar but did not send it – yet. Spoke to Howard and Anna about it in the evening: still undecided about what to do. Later FaceTimed David and had a chat about Chrissy and his journey to White Rock, Kelowna and Calgary, interrupted by Barbara and Roger, who were over to help in the garden. The FaceTime was interrupted, not the journey.

Monday, 21 July – Not quite so warm; bit of a breeze and later some rain, most of which we avoided. After breakfast we walked into town by a different route through  Victor Hugo gardens. Ended up in a couple of shops – Accessorize, where Dot bought earrings, and Eternity (said Frankie Lee), where we got her a yellow cardigan. Then on to the bus terminal, where we squeezed on to a bus to Jerbourg.

This turned out to be a rocky promontory with great views. A few drops of rain; so we went into the hotel coffee shop for tea and strawberry tart/bakewell tart; then as the rain eased off we headed down the road to a clifftop walk (after advice from passers by), which proved really good. Then back to the bus, which we managed to catch because it was late. Bit more rain, but it eased and by a stroke of strategic brilliance we managed to exit the bus at a point where we could walk across to our hotel without plunging into town and having to climb up again. After a rest we did the packing but couldn’t locate Dot’s watch charger. Had a one-course supper (me steak, Dot chicken burger) then repaired to our room. 

Tuesday – Clouds, cooler, rain in evening. Bad night: woke about 5.20 for the last time and made a cup of tea. We had packed the night before. Got down to Reception in good time for transfer 6.30: picked up at another hotel (Great Western) but made good time to airport and checked in after they’d got the luggage roll-on working. Then ate our breakfast bag contents (Dot gave yoghurt to information desk) and went through security. Not too long a wait before boarding: good seats near back: left at 8.30. Stayed on plane when it stopped at Jersey: many got off and more got on. Easy flight to Norwich – impressed by Irish pilot. Seemed very quick, even the taxi-ing. Luggage came through with no problem and we got a taxi from the local booth. Driver Simon full of complaints about closed roads. Charged £17.20 and I gave him £20. Bridget was cleaning – seemed pleased to see us. Had cup of tea with her. Watched Tour de France and then unpacked.  Very tired, unsurprisingly. Cooked salmon, watched a bit more TV, and then went to bed. Well before 10pm. 

Wednesday – Dull, with spots of rain. Drove to church, where we took part in Bible study, finishing James. Present were Debbie, Jude, Steve and Morgan, back from the USA, where his proposal of marriage was accepted. Not sure who to. He’s young and interesting. Leanne popped in with Evelyn, who has grown quite a bit. They were going out blackberrying and popped in again on their way back. New garden at church is complete and looks good. Dot and I drove from there to Thorpewood, where I had a doctor ‘s appointment. Apparently my liver is rather less than perfect, but more investigations needed. Blood tests next Tuesday. Doc rang me later after he had spoken to specialist. From surgery we came home for lunch, then went to Morrisons. Managed just on 4000 steps today. At some point Mark has weeded our drive. Dot got in touch to thank him. He is very kind. Basic supper, then watched cricket and cycling. I put the luggage in the loft before going to bed. 

Thursday – Rain most of day, but dried out around 5pm. Dot had spent much of the day preparing a meal for Anna and Howard, who arrived at 6pm – walking. Howard did repair to our door while the rest of us chatted, then we all ate the meal. Very good. After they left we watched cricket, then cleared up. In bed around 11.30. Earlier I did a bit of clearing up in the bedroom and study and chose hymns for Sunday. David is in British Columbia. Des brought over Private Eye. 

Friday – David now in Calgary, presumably with Jackson. Warm and dry day here. Spent most of day on Parish Pump, interspersed with cutting ivy (not much) and watching a bit of TV – cricket and Tour de France, mainly. Street meet at the usual time – Mark, Sarah, Matt, Mary, Joe and Sam. Provided red wine for Mark to thank him for doing our drive. Good long talk. Des and Chris at Lichfield. Call from Stuart McLaren mid-evening to say tree branches had fallen in church hall garden, and he couldn’t reach anyone. Couldn’t go myself because I’d been drinking, but got through to Graham, and he went over. Don’t know what happened but he sent a picture. Quite dramatic. 

Friday, July 11 – Very warm. Drove Dot up to Asda to get an eye check. Pretty tired all day. Cancelled papers. Light lunch, then went to Morrisons to get some champagne and other stuff. Watched some TV – Wimbledon and Tour de France – and David FaceTimed. Had quite a long chat, which was really nice. He has been doing quite a bit of cycling.

Special street meet with champagne for my birthday next day. And nibbles. Mark, Sarah, Matt, Angela, Jon, Joe and Sam. Had quite a talk with Sam, but also with others. Outside in shade for a couple of hours before I came in and cooked salmon. Watched cricket and more Tour. Was very tired; so Dot cleared away. 

Saturday – Very warm. Again. My 80th birthday. Felt quite dizzy much of the day. David sent me some writing books and a mini-pen. Books from Dot and Joy, who has sciatica and is feeling pretty bad. David and Oliver and Amy wrote some lovely things about me in Diderot. Anne got me some champagne and Kim got me a small mouse with a guitar. David and Oliver both FaceTimed, but Amy is in Scotland. Watched a bit of Wimbledon and Tour de France, then cricket when we returned from a meal at Bishop’s, which was my main present from Dot. Really nice there as always. Walked back through Close and as a result just reached 4000 steps for day. 

Sunday – Somehow failed to record this, but went to church, then went to North Walsham to celebrate Roger’s birthday with him, Debbie, Judy and Don. Nice afternoon with snacks. Pretty warm still. 

Monday – Not quite so warm. Very small amount of rain in evening. Sent birthday cards to Stephanie and Audrey. Spent day preparing for holiday – packing, etc. Didn’t feel too great. Head was very fuzzy. Thought at first I was getting UTI, but no. Decided not to go to Cake and Compline. Would have been a squeeze, timewise. Booked taxi for 9am. Cooked Chicken Kiev and watched England lose narrowly to India at cricket, then a couple of days of Tour de France. 

Tuesday – Cooler; very windy in Jersey with tiny amount of rain. Picked up by taxi just before 9 and at airport in good time. Irritatingly long wait before we could book in: some kind of system problem. However, left on time after thorough going over in security. Flight was a bit bumpy; no food or drink (we had had a bun/Danish pastry before we left). Jersey airport exit very quick: picked up by minibus and taken to Radisson hotel by waterfront in St Helier.

First impressions not great; loads of traffic on unexceptional roads. But hotel was very good (though room had no sea view) and when we walked out by the marina, I was overwhelmed by the scenery as well as by the boat names (Sea Esther and Just Add Water, for example). Tide low and water dancing at entrance to marina, as well as castle out in the harbour being accessed by amphibious vehicle. Paintings in arches by the marina really good: in Britain would be covered with graffiti.

Later booked a couple of tours – one with hotel and one with Premier rep, who came to see if we were ok. Impressive. She also gave us a rundown of the area and what we could do, including bus routes. Evening meal in hotel very good (mussels starter big enough for main). We walked out afterwards to watch incoming tide. Remarkable difference. Earlier we had bought ice cream and walked through Jardin du Mer. Very early to bed. 

Wednesday – Grey with some light rain. Coolish. Good breakfast at hotel, then on board bus to War Tunnels. It arrived a bit late, and the Tunnels were crowded but fascinating, giving a step-by-step scenario of the occupation of the Channel Islands by the Germans. Not impressed by Government’s failure to defend them and reluctance to help them after D-day. Then bus took us to the Glass Church, which was full of Lalic glass and very impressive , though not to a guy from Rotherham, who said he would rather have a beer. Had to get a minibus back to Radisson (we were only two from there out of 33 in bus).

Free afternoon tea, which was so lavish that I couldn’t eat anything for rest of day. We both slept for about an hour afterwards, then walked into town to buy snacks and get our bearings. Felt shattered, but it was all very beautiful, especially Liberation Square. Later had two free glasses of wine in bar (part of deal). Tide coming in – lovely view of sunset. Somewhere in there caught second half of Tour de France highlights. 

Thursday – Started grey with very slight drizzle, but by mid-afternoon became very warm and sunny. Earlyish breakfast, then tour of island by minibus, driven by witty Scotsman. Went round Jersey anti-clockwise (21 of us), stopping at Gory, then for very nice lunch (best prawns I ever tasted) at an inn, Les Fontaines, on the north coast. After that continued round to Corbière lighthouse and a beach on the south coast, where we stopped for ice cream.

Quite a restrained group, but I chatted to a woman who think was quite upper class but very nice. Driver had amazing series of stories about who lived where etc etc and why Jersey society was so calm (no litter, graffiti etc). Interesting – bit like England when I was growing up. Lots of traffic at end but back at hotel by 5pm. Tired. Watched Tour de France then had meal in bar area – I had beef burger and Dot Caesar salad. Beautiful sunset which I managed to get on camera after being alerted by Dot. 

Friday – Quite warm. After biggish breakfast walked into town, but I wasn’t feeling great. We walked around various shops – all very picturesque – and Dot bought some stuff in Boots while I sat on seat. We then walked some more and had drink in Costa, where I went to the loo. On again, and bought Dot a bracelet from a jeweller who was retiring. Back up to hotel, and I  lay down for a while. Also took paracetamol, which worked quite well. We decided to take DUKW ferry out to castle in the bay , which proved quite exciting. Climbed to the top, where we saw some aerobatics from a Spitfire flying over – had the feeling he was doing it for us: the two of us were standing alone on top of the tower. Got last ferry back at 5pm. Early supper at 6.30pm in hotel bar – both had Caesar salad followed by really nice light cake and a Cointreau. Strolled out to look at sea but then went up to our room. Managed 12400 steps today. 

Saturday – Dull, spots of rain later. Amazing waste of time. Ready for transfer to Jersey airport after breakfast; specified time 10.30 am. Our transfer man arrived ten minutes late and drove like a bat out of hell to get to the airport by 11am. then discovered our flight had been put back 90 minutes. Incidentally check-in and security were fast and friendly. Anyway we sat in the departure hall, did a bit of eating and drinking, and I was feeling really rough. Bought a couple of books. Eventually while I was in the loo we were called to our gate, where we waited another 20 minutes or so before boarding.

When on board there was another hold-up because of a problem with luggage. Then took off behind Spitfire and took about 15 minutes to reach Guernsey. At the airport we waited another 20 minutes or so for our transfer to arrive, and got to our hotel in St Peter Port about 4pm. So that was about six hours to get about 27 miles, or from Norwich to Blakeney. Weather worsening: very grey; light rain in the evening. Before meal we walked down to viewpoint over harbour, and afterwards a short distance in the other direction. Hotel Duke of Richmond quite posh.  They had done me a  small birthday cake. Nice meal in evening. Slept afterwards, then wrote blog. Felt a bit better. 

Sunday – Well away from pop-up DCC meetings, sunny with occasional light showers and wind (but not cold). Breakfast with terrace view. Met Mr Bennett, who found the stairs hard to deal with. Walked into town (very steep downhill) and looked round old parts before having a cider in Terrace Garden. Then down to seafront and eventually to bus terminus, where we met a couple who often cycle in North Norfolk. Very nice. They were heading back to Manchester but recommended a beach area we might bus to tomorrow. After making some inquiries we caught a 91, which basically did a circumnavigation of the island, dropping us off halfway at Vazum Bay, where we had lunch in a beachside cafe; Dot had sweet potato chips and I had mackerel pâté.

A few drops of rain, but we walked out to a bunker on the cliff, with sky looking threatening. Dot climbed to sea wall but didn’t make it to the beach. Eventually walked back to bus stop and waited about 20 minutes for 91. This was packed, and we had to stand for a bit. While we were on board there was a really heavy shower. Back in town, where it was dry, we tackled the steep walk back up to our hotel – hard going!  Watched Tour de France and then had another £100 supper.

Saturday July 5th – Still warm but a little windy and cloudy, especially in the evening. Changed the bedclothes with Dot – not one of my favourite jobs. After lunch drove to Cromer for Dot’s concert. Dropped her off at church and parked in usual place. £4.50.  Back at church assisted Neville in preparing programmes and tickets; then we went over road to Huckleberry’s and had tea and biscuit. Back at church for a while then walked with him part of way to his hotel. Concert was very good. Sat with Angela and Rodney. Angela had a bit of a problem with vertigo. Chatted with Catherine at interval about Florida. Eleanor and her friend were there; also Claire, surprisingly. Afterwards chatted with Vikki on way back to car park. She seemed quite happy. Drove home in quite good time and watched cricket highlights: England on brink of defeat, but you never know…  

Sunday – Grey but mild with a heavy shower about midday. We were in church at the time – St Luke’s, that is. The original plan was to have a parish barbecue in the vicarage garden, but there was a forecast of thunderstorms; so this was aborted. Quite a sizeable band, but I played anyway, and so did Dot of course. Quite a good meal, nice to have a chance to talk. We gave Ray a lift home afterwards. For some reason felt very tired and lay down for a while. Did our packing for Scarborough and watched some tennis (Cameron Norrie winning), the first two stages of the Tour de France (highlights) and the last day of the Second Test against India, which India won – the right result. During the afternoon Anne came round to bring my birthday present. Two others had been delivered to Mark! Later David FaceTimed, and we had a chat. He had been on a long cycle ride. 

Monday – Cooler, cloudy, windy. Some rain the evening. Walked over to station to see if the bus replacement was running and discovered it was leaving five minutes earlier than scheduled. So we put on a bit of a spurt. It actually left seven minutes early and made good progress, landing us in Peterborough in time to catch the 12.01 to York. Quite crowded: sat in reserved seats and I started writing a poem. Arrived in York at 1.30pm    and relaxed a bit until boarding the Scarborough train, which was likewise crammed with reserved seats. A nice lady gave us a couple of seats which turned out not to be not reserved after all. Julia met us outside the station and we waited a while for Dave to find his way through the traffic and pick us up, taking us up to the apartment for refreshments. Spent rest of day there – bit of sleep, lovely meal and quite a bit to drink. Then watched some Wimbledon and Death in Paradise, during which both Dot and I went to sleep. 

Tuesday – Cool to start with, becoming much warmer. Dry. Not a good night, sleepwise. Drove to Thornton le Dale, one of my favourite villages. Then to Cedar Barn, which wasn’t as good as usual – waitresses not very wecoming. Bought some wine for our hosts. Had Sally Lunn (a kind of teacake). Drove back to Thornton and did shortish walk round lake, then upriver and round the back: very beautiful in the sun. Into café for lunch – much better service – had sandwich and chips. Diana George from Paston was at nearby table. She and her husband on the way to Scotland. Afterwards bought some chocolate and then back to car park. Dot and I both went to sleep on drive back to Scarborough. Later Dave and I got fish and chips. Had to pay with cash. Afterwards watched an episode of McDonald & Dodds that featured Delta blues from Robert Johnson and the crossroads story. Quite well done. 

Wednesday – Warm and dry. Sunny after early cloud. After another mediocre night (for me) we had breakfast and walked down into Scarborough. Stopped before reaching main town and had tea/coffee in promenade café. Then into seashore area which was highly populated with dogs and wheelchairs. Stopped at Bayview Café for lunch. Dot and I shared a ham and cheese sandwich and crisps. Dot and the other two shared a bottle of white wine, but I had a Coke. Owner (female) had really nice trousers. Afterwards Dave and I went for long walk down into the harbour, where we saw the Regal Lady, among other things. Then back to the funicular, up into town and caught the bus back to the flat. Home well before 4pm. Meanwhile Dot and Julia had gone to M&S among other things, and got back around 4.40pm. After having trouble earlier with iPhone, but it seemed to be back on an even keel. Had fruit and cup of tea and we all lay down for a while. Back in the land of consciousness we left at 6.30 to walk to the Italian restaurant, where we had a really good meal before getting a taxi back. Had some whisky and chatted about the past before going to bed. 

Thursday – Very warm and dry. Bad night — cramp in leg and worried about train seats. Breakfast as usual – toast, marmalade and cheese. Dave and Julia dropped us at station and we caught the 11.54 to York. Got home just before 6pm. First part was easy, except for difficulty of finding railcard on Trainline. Quite a delay in York before catching 1333 to Peterborough. Thought we’d have to stand, but nice member of LNER team found us seats – not together, though. At Peterborough discovered the Norwich train was late, but nice café on the relevant platform, and another helpful lady found us a cold white wine. When train arrived it was pretty full, and we were split up again, but we got together again at Ely. By now very warm, even more so at Norwich. Very tired but unpacked and cooked pie and potatoes. Watched cricket, some Wimbledon and some Tour de France.

Monday, June 30 was very hot and dry. Heatwave, one might almost say, as the BBC did ad infinitum, when not apologising for broadcasting Glastonbury hate speech. Wrote a reply to one our friends’ messages about Israel, and then Dot wrote a better one. We haven’t sent either yet. Went to Morrisons, then in the afternoon rang to get the results of my most recent water sample. I was told it was abnormal and I would need to see a doctor, but as I already have an appointment with a doctor in three weeks’ time, they weren’t keen to give me another one. I queried this but was told that although the results were abnormal, they weren’t urgent. So either it’s something relatively trivial or something they can’t do anything about. No worries. In three weeks I might know.

Mark is home. We watched a chunk of Wimbledon (Katie Boulder scraping through) and I cooked some cod which wasn’t as tasty as Dot hoped it would be. I quite liked it. 

Tuesday was also very hot. Strange day. Drove to Archant pensioners’ meeting in the morning, but it was very poorly attended. Robin had fallen over again, but Tricia was there, and the three of us were joined by the printer guy who I know well but whose name I forget, plus Andy Russell, Alan George and Ann Crane. We all sat together and actually had a pretty good chat. Later Dot and I got a bus into the city and got some corrections done to our travel documents for both Channel Islands and Canada (mainly Mr Dorothy Lenton). She then walked on towards Jarrolds for her nails appointment with Hannah; I went halfway with her then circled back to get bus back.

Really uncomfortably hot. Went to sleep for an hour (didn’t mean to), then drove up to chemist to get catheters I had ordered on prescription – except they didn’t have them. Checked in surgery, who were nice but not all that helpful: gave me the number of the place that supplied them. Back home I gave them a call (after Dot had arrived home with a present for Roger) and had a difficult time explaining exactly what had happened. Eventually I got someone who made sense, and it seems that the prescription was for ten, but they only supplied boxes of 60, which would last me for well over a year. So I had to bring the surgery back, and had difficulty explaining to them what the problem was. In the end I think they are now on order, but no-one knows whether they’re being delivered to the chemist or to me. Oh dear. Dot spent a long time the afternoon doing puzzles. Sent the Israel messages. Had pizza for supper and watched some TV, including an old episode of Vera. 

Wednesday – Startling reduction in temperature with the bonus of some light rain. Finished reading The Magician’s Nephew in the bath. Drove to church for Bible study with Steven, Debbie and Jude. James 3 and 4 – went quite well. Graham put in appearance in background. Not sure what he was doing. Planters still doing stirling work. After lunch I posted  birthday card to Joan and then we bought train tickets for Scarborough next week. Nice man in ticket office: £98 return each with Railcard. Then watched a bit of Wimbledon – win for Cameron Norrie against 12th seed. Cleared up while Dot went to orchestra with Janet and Nova. Checked hymns for Sunday. When Dot got back we watched an old episode of Yes Minister, as true as it always was. 

Thursday – Warm and dry. Watched cricket while eating breakfast and got an unexpected phone call from Paul, who invited us round for coffee. We went on the bus, which worked well, and we stayed for quite a while before getting the bus home. Got Holly’s new address from Paul: she is still in Bath but has moved to a bigger house with her boyfriend, Rich. So I was able to re-address her birthday card before posting it at the sorting office later. Cooked a Thai curry (in a box) and while we were eating it watched some Wimbledon (Draper being knocked out by Cilic) and then the cricket – Gill scoring a huge double century for India. After clearing up we watched a new murder mystery series. 

Friday – warm and dry. Linda came round and did our hair: she now lives at Guist with her new partner. Had bath and read more of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Everyone should read the Narnia series. After lunch my catheters arrived: I am now OK till the end of next year! We then went to Silver Road to buy some stamps and Morrisons to get some food for Sunday’s barbecue. Adapted my flash fiction Samaire for Bridget’s competition and submitted it. Sorted out my out-of-date catheters etc and bagged them up for disposal. Freed up quite a bit of space. Street meet with Des and Chris, Matt and Angela, Joe and Sam, Mary and Ciara. Felt quite odd and was glad when Angela offered me a seat. Result of haircut? Seems silly, but I often feel odd after having my hair cut.

Des got fish and chips and I managed to eat a fair chunk of it while watching cricket and Wimbledon – Emma Radicanu playing well and just losing to top seed. My cousin Sandra sent me a voicemail message about how she’s getting on in South Africa, which needs a reply. 

Wednesday June 25 – Warm and dry with a bit of wind. Sound familiar? Have now written four poems since Dot left. She is a distant inspiration! Gradually felt better during the day, though my head is still fuzzy and occasionally I feel off-balance. Had a call from the surgery this morning to arrange an appointment to discuss my ultrasound. It can’t be too bad, because the date is about a month away. Admittedly, that’s partly because we’re on holiday some of the time in between.

I eventually decided to go to see Barbara in Cromer, though I couldn’t raise her on the phone (turned out she had been out walking). Felt a bit guilty as I [assed the church, where I should normally have been leading Bible study, but it passed. Remembered in time to avoid the Holt road because of the road works and doubled back to take the back way through Buxton. That went fine, and I got to Barbara’s about 3pm. She didn’t answer the door at first, but I persisted and she eventually came. She had been sitting in the garden, which is where I ended up with a bit of cranberry juice. She always seems really pleased to see me, and we talked a lot about family. She’s had quite a difficult life in many ways, and of course no grandchildren, just the one son. She ended up praying for me (I think she has a healing gift), and I do now feel quite a bit better, though the dizziness is still there, off and on.

Kim rang while I was there, and when I rang her back I discovered she was going to Coventry tomorrow to help Kavana move (she had been hoping to go to Leamington Spa, but no luck). As she was leaving on the 8.30 train tomorrow I wouldn’t be able to have a chat with her, which is a pity. Got back to Norwich in rush hour as usual, but it wasn’t too bad. Watered the garden and cooked myself a chicken pie. Watched an episode of Death Valley I had slept through most of last time, and then a comedy programme. Both had Sian Gibson in them: she is a good actress and writer too. Cleared up and completed a couple of poems then caught up with blog. Dot got in touch about arrangements tomorrow evening and what they had to do to get to the airport at Rhodes on time. Sounds very organised (!), which is how I like it. Meanwhile I reached 4000 steps by walking in the kitchen. 

Thursday – Windy but quite warm. Up-and-down day healthwise. Woke quite late, had bath and wrote another poem. Can’t remember which order these things happened in. Sarah texted me and Des to see if we could get her from the hospital at 10am tomorrow – obviously I couldn’t, which is annoying, but in the end Des decided he could. Mark is going to be later back, hence the problem. Helicopter chaos, apparently.

At some point I tidied up the bedrooms and thinned out my study a bit. Felt grotty early afternoon, but better later. Watered the flowers while my supper cooked (yellow haddock), and I ate it partly while FaceTiming with Amy. We had a long chat, which was lovely. She is doing really well and got a first in her first-year exams. Earlier Dot called me (by mistake) while I was driving to Morrisons, but texted afterwards to tell me her plane was leaving late. I checked later and it seemed to have caught up and was scheduled to arrive on time.

Kim got in touch and said she had arrived in Coventry but had hurt her back again while moving a bed (??!) for Kavana, whose new flat is apparently a bit “tatty”. Drove to airport and arrived very early, but it meant I could wander round and got a picture of Dot’s plane landing. They got through arrivals by about 11pm and I drove Anne home (with Dot) so that she could go into the house with her. Then we drove home. Very little traffic about, of course. Dot had had problems getting to the airport in Rhodes, and I heard all about it. Got to sleep late. 

Friday – Warm with some wind. very warm later. Felt dreadful when I woke up, but as soon as I went downstairs, felt better. After breakfast drove to Wroxham and  parked in Roy’s medium- stay car park (free); then bought sandwiches and buns from Roy’s before meeting the others at Broadland Direct, including Fred and Sue, Neville and Mary, Ray Houseago, Michael and Cindy Huggins, Adrian, Tony and the usual suspects.  Boarded Cordon Rouge and started with talk by Chris Hart on his life of adventure in the UK. Good.

Moved up to top deck for the cruise, which started at 12 and finished at 3. Downriver to Horning, taking in Wroxham snd Salhouse broads with commentary by captain. Sun warm, and I got quite tanned without realising it.  Then a cryptic quiz, and I got in team with Fred and Sue, and we won (38/40). Dot formed duo with physicist  Peter Bussey, in which she was not outmatched. Then a singsong organised by Fred (G@S) followed by part of the school song. Young female bartender described trip as a “welcome change of pace”.

Dot and I walked back to car park and eventually found the car. Drove home via Coltishall to avoid traffic. Found some interesting backroads. Both of us very tired but went out for street meet with Des, Chris, Matt, Joe, Sam, Jon. Then I cooked salmon. We tried to watch TV but went to bed instead and wrote our blogs, which took a long time. That was after FaceTiming David to update him on Dot’s exploits. 

Saturday – Hot and dry. Despite having a good night’s sleep I felt tired all day. We gradually cleared up and had a couple of cold meals. Had a FaceTime with Amy, which was really nice. Dot prepared her prayers for tomorrow. I had a sleep in the afternoon and also re-read the first four chapters of The Magician’s Nephew. In the evening watched a few programmes, including the last episode of The Last Anniversary, which was so convoluted that I had to have Dot explain it to me. 

Sunday – A little bit cooler with a bit of cloud. Drove to church but took no special part in HC service, which was a joint one: unusually more St Luke’s people than St Aug’s. Two violins (one from St Luke’s). No guitars. Spoke to two couples I didn’t know – David and his wife; and Andrew and his Brazilian wife (think they live at Aylsham). Refreshments afterwards – and before, come to that. Took Ray home and dropped off Liz Day’s birthday card at Cotman Fields. Watched quite a lot of catch-up TV and we both slept on bed in afternoon. After we woke up I felt much better. Chicken Kiev for supper; David FaceTimed and we had a long chat, mainly about Dot’s holiday and David and Chrissy’s travels planned for next month. 

Friday 20th June – Very warm and dry. An odd day: kept feeling Dot was in the room with me. We eventually made actual contact: she hadn’t had data roaming on, but it all seems ok now. She is no longer at Norwich airport. Meanwhile I finished my Parish Pump articles – on the first atomic bomb, a clergyman who was also a top tennis player and Emmett Till, who Bob Dylan wrote a song about. (He was a black 14-year-old boy murdered by whites in Mississippi in 1955.)

Had a long conversation with Howard on the phone: he really wanted to talk to Dot about safeguarding, but we ended up talking about whether or not I should remain an AWA, and the different views within the church on Israel. Warm street meet: we eventually moved on to our side of the street, which is shadier. Present were Sarah, Des and Chris, Matt and Angela and later Joe and Sam. Des got me fish and chips. Far too much to eat. Dot sent a couple of pictures – looks as if she’s having fun in the sun.  

Saturday – Very warm and dry again. Some cloud later. Woke up feeling all right but quickly went downhill, after having a peppermint tea (though that may not have been to blame). Had late breakfast/lunch and a bath. Started shivering and feeling pretty ill. Went back to bed and eventually took paracetamol. Stomach felt tight and unpleasant. Spent quite a bit of time in bed – slept on and off. Dot seems Ok. Tried to avoid telling her I was ill. Eventually David and Chrissy FaceTimed me; so I told them. By then I was feeling a bit better, but not right. Saw a book in the hall bookcase that looked interesting; so have started reading it. It’s about the Hebrew language. Later on had a light supper and watched the Test Match against India. We were a bit lucky not to be further behind. Watered the hanging basket and the plants, then went to bed just after 9pm. Still have the feeling that someone’s in bed with me. 

Sunday – Cloudy but dry till evening – just after I’d watered the flowers! Unsettled sort of day generally, mainly because I was feeling ill. Hadn’t eaten much since Friday until this evening, when I had a lamb steak. Not sure it was a good idea. Have been drinking a lot of water. Didn’t go to church this morning – rang Ray to warn him. Spent a lot of the day in bed, part of the time reading that book – about how Hebrew was translated. Felt just about ok when I remembered to take paracetamol. Fortunately I was out of bed when Des came to see if I was ok for a meal with them on Wed. I opted out, saying I wasn’t sure I would be well by then. Anna sent a message to say she and Matt wouldn’t be here next week and Martin would be choosing the hymns. Oh joy. Eventually I had to admit to Dot that I wasn’t well, and she phoned to check. It would be nice to feel well in a normal sort of way. Nice to talk to her though.

Monday –  Cooler and windy. Felt pretty rubbish on waking up after another restless night. Certain amount of pressure from my wife and others – including Charlotte –  to see a doctor, but this is easier said than done. Evidence from my water seemed to indicate that I was getting better, but I still felt pretty rotten. I tried to e-consult, but that didn’t work: I was told I needed to see a doctor. Very helpful. Eventually I decided to walk up to the walk-in centre. The wait was slightly less than last time, and I was seen by a trainee, who was supervised except when his supervisor popped out to do something else. Ho hum. Anyway, I liked him, though as usual I forgot to tell him everything.

As I suspected, my water was OK. But they clearly realised something was wrong and told me to take another sample to the surgery tomorrow morning. They also prescribed antibiotics, but said it was OK not to take them unless I got obviously worse. I was definitely improving: walked down to Boots at Riverside for the antibiotics, then popped into Morrisons and bought some soup, which I had for supper. But my head was very odd, and still is. You may have noticed. Nevertheless I cut down a few straggling stems from in front of the window, and then put the bins out. At some point Natalie from up in the woods came and asked me for support in her campaign to get the council to trim back the two trees that overhang our houses. I agreed.

Several people messaged me to see if I was OK, including Judy, Kim, Kristine and of course David – and Dot, who is having a great time in the old town of Rhodes, including quaffing Retsina. I watched highlights of the fourth day of the cricket – all quite exciting – then an old Yes Minister. Lastly cleared away and did some work on Sunday’s sermon. PS at the walk-in centre the supervisor asked me if I lived with someone. I said I did – my wife. She asked me where she was, and I had to say “In Greece.” She seemed a little surprised.

Tuesday – Weather humid and windy; hard to know what to wear. Had a bath and after 10 went up to surgery with urine sample. Receptionist exceptionally helpful. Wanted to book me in for ultrasound feedback, but couldn’t find date; asked me to ring next week, when another week of appointments become available. Am seeing nurse at the end of July re additional blood tests. Have to ring on Thursday to get urine results. Ho hum.

Drove to Wroxham to reconnoitre parking for planned Friday cruise. Consulted woman parker who said the free medium-term Roy’s car park should be ok. You can get sandwiches at Roy’s. Did over 4000 steps and was pretty tired when I got home. Meanwhile Dot was boating around the Med. Tried to arrange to see Kim, but in the end I decided I wasn’t really feeling up to it, especially after I overbalanced and spilt some tea on the rug in the lounge. Graham offered to preach on Sunday because he’d heard I was ill, and I accepted. I also WhatsAppd that  I wouldn’t make tomorrow’s Bible study.

Had a rest and finished my book, then drove to Morrisons about 5pm and bought some stuff. Went quite well. Then I watered some of the garden (I finished it later) and cooked myself some salmon with some of the huge amount of runner beans Dot bought before she left. Gradually felt better. Watched the cricket, which England won rather too easily. Annoyingly Duckett got a large score. I hate reverse sweeps and paddle shots: I think they should be banned. Cleared up and went to bed, but only after watching a documentary about Birkhall, which managed to avoid saying exactly where it was and didn’t mention the big flood of 2015(?). Pity.

I am on my own. An odd feeling, especially since contact with Dot has been very erratic. My iPhone says she’s at Norwich airport, which is about par for the course. No problem picking up – instantly – Amy in Albania and David in Canada, not to mention Oliver in London. But Dot? No chance, even if she’s in Norwich. Which she isn’t. Anyway, to take the last five days in order…

Sunday 15th – almost entirely dry and fairly warm. Heard early in the day that Adrian Howes had died. Forgot my glasses when we drove to church and had to go back for them. Fortunately I had enough time. Anna not well; so band was Dot, me, Matt and Steve Fiske. Sounded quite good actually. Liz C forgot her Communion stuff; so we had Morning Worship as originally scheduled. Bit of anti-semitism in news slot; so I adjusted the prayers slightly to take it into account. David C asked me afterwards if I thought this appropriate, and I got a bit angry with him. Not like me at all, but I was getting quite frustrated about the whole issue.

Took Ray home as usual: he seems to be going downhill – has been prescribed morphine and cocodamol by palliative nurse. Watched a fair bit of TV, including the end of Mansfield Park, which I don’t think is that good really. Also a 2016 documentary on Greece which was strangely different from today. Cleaned out LED light on back porch, but it still doesn’t work. However I did manage to fix the printer after much effort. Dot and I did some research on Daniel, which was interesting. 

Monday – Very warm. Bit of dizziness, especially when washing hair in bath. Had had a bad night and felt pretty tired. Had a lie down after watching Death Valley. Dot very busy preparing for her holiday. Watched her water flowers so that I know what to do! Cake and Compline at ours in the evening because Claire’s house needed repairs following thunderstorm. She brought a cake by way of compensation. By walking in the house I made it to about 4200. David and Bridget, Claire, Jude and Vicky came. Phil on holiday. David C wants to meet me to talk about Palestine. I suppose I shall have to. 

Tuesday – Warm with a bit of wind. Suddenly remembered I had not picked up my pills from chemist; so drove up there about 10am and got them. Then at noon picked up Mike Read and drove to Bury St Edmunds, which was straightforward other than missing the turn in Thetford. So instead drove up on Diss road through Euston and cut across on road we have used in the past. Found Fornham All Saints with no problem and were in good time at Owen Hindle’s place. Had tea and biscuits and chatted to the accompaniment of tennis at Queen’s. Later Mark arrived, and hot on his heels his wife Liz (Nice), who I had helped to train as a journalist. She is now editor of EADT and Ipswich Evening Star. She said some nice things about the training, and I got a much clearer picture of what is going on there now. Mark was trained by David Paull before I arrived. It was really good to see them.

Drove home after they left (they live just behind Owen) and arrived in Norwich during rush hour. Tried the Unthank Road route, which worked surprisingly well, and I dropped Mike and got home around 5.30. Dot had been shopping and bought me some new trousers as an early birthday present! Plus some fruit off the market. Anne kept calling her to check things about their holiday. David FaceTimed later, and we had a chat. Lorraine’s sister has a similar vertigo problem to Dot’s. Amazingly, after walking a while in the kitchen before bed, I reached over 4000 again. 

Wednesday – Dot’s last day in Norwich, and as she’d completed her packing at an early stage, it was all a bit surreal. As an added complication, the EDP informed us that there were lengthy hold-ups around the airport and would be for the next five months. All to extend a cycle path. As keen cyclist Matt would say, we already have cycle paths. They’re called roads. What a useless council.

Dot and I went to Bible study and we continued with James. Leanne was there, as were Debbie, Judy and Steven.  Still a lot of planting going on in front of hall. Elaborate watering plans on church What’sApp. Meanwhile I was watering our own garden under guidance from Dot. After we’d been to Morrisons, that is. Short shop. Cooked egg , bacon, mushroom, beans and fried potatoes. Amy was still in Albania. We watched Long Hot Summer, with Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward: very good except that in common with many films of that era, they didn’t know how to conclude: it just stops. Quite funny. About 4500 steps. 

Thursday – Very warm. Bit worried about traffic;  so left early to pick up Anne from Poringland and then take her and Dot to airport. Hold-up not as bad as expected, and I dropped them off as planned, then drove home. As I arrived home I met the window cleaner, who was about to do our house. Had quite a long chat. Cleared up and emptied dishwasher, then had a rest and made lunch. Remembered just in time that Bridget was coming; so moved car to one side as road was pretty full. Took EDPs over to Chris. Bridget did cleaning, and we had a chat about Fast Fiction!

Des came over later and asked about fish and chips for tomorrow, as well as inviting me to an evening meal on Wednesday! I chose the hymns and watered the flowers, then had tinned fish and stewed apple for supper. I also wrote a Pump piece before becoming worried about Dot, who I hadn’t heard from. Quite an odd feeling, thinking she might actually be in trouble. Eventually she texted me after midnight and said she’d had ”many adventures”. Quite a relief to find she was at hotel. My phone was showing her still in Norwich of course. Sorted out my trousers. Oh yes I did. 

Continuation of Monday June 9, which was not bad, weather wise. In the afternoon Dot went for a two-hour pedicure at Jarrolds. I lay down for quite a while, then did quite a lot of steps, amounting to a total of not far short of 5000. Dot got back around 5.45. Watched the news then had some smoked salmon, followed by the final part of Jane Austen documentary. Amazing woman. Also saw final part of documentary on The Flying Scotsman. 

Tuesday – Warm and dry, but a bit windy. Drove to Bawdeswell garden centre, where we met Angela and Rodney for lunch. We then went on to their house in Dereham (Angela with me; Dot with Rodney) via Swanton Morley and had a cup of tea in the garden. Very pleasant. Afterwards drove home by the main route, which was quite  busy, with progress round Riverside pretty slow. Quiet evening, watching a bit of football (England playing badly against Senegal and losing 3-1), then a new version of Shardlake (good) and another episode of The Last Anniversary, which was pretty incomprehensible. Earlier a short documentary about a village near Southampton called Bucklers Hard. Worth a visit by anyone who happened to be living in Southampton… Oh, earlier got appointment for ultrasound on Saturday. 

Wednesday – Sunny and warm. Bridget arrived to clean at 10.30am, and Dot and I left some time later for Bible Study at church. Judy, Steve and new member Morgan there, and we looked at the first few verses of James. Went quite well. Morgan introduced me to a new app, Parallel Plus, which compares different versions of the Bible. Installed it afterwards. Drove to chemist to get Dot’s pills, but it was shut; so came home for lunch and watched cricket highlights – T20. Not keen on T20 – it’s just hitting, and you can get 6 from a complete mishit. Really need to revert to lighter bats to make it interesting.

Anyway, after that we went back for the pills and drove to Morrisons, where we filled up with petrol and bought some food. Earlier Bridget had suggested writing some fast fiction (300 words) for a competition, and I suggested she act as my agent and try to get The Lost Princess published. I still think it’s a good little story. Wrote it for Amy when she was about 11. Later Dot went to orchestra rehearsal with Janet and Nova as usual. I cleared up after dish washer had cooled down a bit. Watched a few things on YouTube. Eventually remembered what Dervish were called. When Dot got back we watched another programme on Jane Austen. Getting to know Jane pretty well. 

Thursday – Warm and dry. Got up late and had a bath. At last entered poems for Crabbe competition: usual difficulty with Suffolk Poetry Society website, but I now have Apple Pay on my computer. Caught up with various other things, including latest EP chess. Had soup, then Dot and I got  bus to Castle Meadow and walked to Maddermarket for Agatha Christie play, A Murder is Announced. Very well done. Walked home and just managed to exceed 4000 steps. Plane crash in India killed hundreds. 

Friday – Very warm. Israel launched attack on nuclear facilities in Iran. In similar news, I caught up with my computer backlog and put a couple of items on Diderot. Then Dot and I drove to Christ Church for talk on C S Lewis by visiting speaker from Birmingham. Pretty good. About 30 there. Sat with Liz Cannon. Jude and Eleanor also there. Spoke to Julie and helped with washing up. Back home very warm street meet without Des or Mark but with Sarah, Joe, Sam, Mary and Jon. Ciara away down south. Afterwards cooked pies and we watched some comedy and first episode of Mansfield Park. 

Saturday – Heavy and prolonged thunderstorm overnight; otherwise warm and dry. Got up a bit late; Linda came to cut hair just after 11am. Couldn’t eat anything after midday because of my ultrasound at 4pm. Dot dropped me off at new building – Diagnostic Centre – pretty early: impressive new hall practically empty. Ultrasound on liver took about ten minutes (went in early) and guy said I had a fatty liver. I looked it up – it doesn’t seem serious – but of course my doctor will get the full results. Walked from Diagnostic Centre across to UEA by usual cross-country route and caught 25 bus, which made fairly slow progress before dropping me on Thorpe Road outside station. Managed over 4500 steps for day.

Cooked sausages and watched quite a bit more of Mansfield Park. Doing prayers for Steven tomorrow. Anna has had bad reaction to “jabs” and Carrie has narrowly avoided sepsis and can’t lead service next week. Had problem changing ink and printing out prayers – had to use Dot’s printer.