Quite a grey week. I posted about part of Saturday 26th last time, and that was a dull and damp day, but only a few drops of rain. Took Dot to church after lunch for meeting led by June – this one on domination of one group by another (first of a series). Then walked up to meet her as she walked home – met at top of the Close after I was delayed by an encounter with woman who parked across our drive. Turned out she was only dropping something off. Wrote first of my December Parish Pump pieces – on the origin of Dec 25 as Christmas Day. In the evening watched a couple of episodes of D I Ray – quite good really. 

Sunday was calm, with blue sky, mild until evening. Went to church as usual after waking early because of extra hour. Communion with Graham, who did a good sermon on the Bible (it was Bible Sunday, apparently). Played guitar. Left fairly soon after because I was a bit worried about football traffic – but there wasn’t any. Graham gave Ray a lift home.

Paul came round to use Jonathan’s ticket, and I used the other spare one. Pretty exciting game against Middlesbrough. We scored first, then conceded three, and were down 3-1 at half time and looking beaten. Then gave away dubious penalty, but it was saved by Long. Later scored two more, and despite McLean being red-carded (rightly) held on to draw 3-3. Dark by the end, of course, and quite cool on the way home. Paul came in for cuppa, then got bus home. I cooked chicken in port – very nice. Dot did parsnips. Watched some TV – including another episode of So Long Marianne, one of DI Ray and England losing at cricket. 

Monday was a very grey day with a little rain in the afternoon. Morning had a few bright periods, notably when we were putting flowers on Rosemary’s grave at Erpingham with Angela and Rodney. Met them there after buying flowers at Morrisons. Later we all went to the Gunton Arms for lunch. Brief walk there, then home as rain began to fall lightly. Had light evening meal and watched another DI Ray.

Tuesday – Another very grey day. I only went out to get the bins in, though Dot went to surgery for a blood test. Spent almost all day writing then other three pieces for Parish Pump – on Noël Coward; D L Moody; and the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004, which killed about 230,000 people. Also watched the end of DI Ray, which was very satisfying, and another episode of So Long Marianne. Many good points, but I don’t like the way Leonard Cohen is portrayed. I can’t imagine him being petty. 

Wednesday – Still grey for the most part, but not too cold, except in the evening. Woke late, but got up fairly soon, and as usual Jude came round and watched The Chosen with us. We are now in uncharted territory –  Series 4, Episode 3. Found it very moving, although we had previewed it the night before. All very well done as always. Have a look! Left a bit early to get to church in time for Bible study: we are now up to Acts 8. Usual crew: Dot and me, Debbie, Judy and Steven. Had quite a good discussion. 

Afterwards I drove home and later, after Taizé ,Dot walked home (steps). By then Bridget had arrived to do the cleaning, and I’d had a cup of tea with her. Dot and I later had a discussion about the possibility of doing the Bible study in the evening so that more people could come. We’ll see where that goes. Had a call from Jenny Downing, to see if I’d pick her up next Tuesday for the Archant coffee morning, and we agreed that would be OK. In the evening I drove Dot to orchestra, because Janet was away, then picked her (and Nova) up after writing a piece for my website. Watched last episode of Ludwig. Brilliant. 

Thursday – Bit of a change: sunny with a bit of a chill in the air. Got up early for a bath, then after a brief chat to Mark we drove to UnCafé to meet Brian and Tricia. Had a nice breakfast and chat then bought some fresh fish from a van. Back at home I cleared up acres of leaves and helped Dot with some other stuff in the garden, as well as checking the tyres (which were fine) and turning off the tyre pressure warning (which wasn’t). Felt exhausted afterwards, but after watching a programme on the dark worlds in the solar system Dot went out for more in the garden, where I collapsed and slept a bit before making the bed. Then cooked salmon we’d bought from a van earlier – very tasty. I chose hymns for Sunday, then we watched another solar system episode and the final two parts of So Long Marianne. Quite good on the whole. 

Saturday afternoon, October 26 – Rather dull, but not too cold. Still. Dot is at church, attending a talk/discussion on a theme by Brian McLaren. I drove her there and on the way back called in at the Rosary to check on Andrew’s grave, which now has a neighbour – Claire somebody. Also looked at Mum and Dad’s grave and his parents’ of course. Earlier we had Colin and his son Jordan round to cut our hedge and trim back the ivy. They also cleared the gutters for Mary next door, and in doing so had to cut back our roses pretty severely.

Years ago, last Monday, it was cool and a bit windy. Was expecting to be able to pick up my car from the garage, but it needed extra work, specifically a wheel bearing; so it had to stay in overnight. Looked at Scotland photos in preparation for Cannons’ visit tomorrow. Caught up with computer stuff and watched various things on TV, including another episode of Leonard Cohen drama. Good in many ways, but too many irritating adverts – and Cohen is presented as being much more depressive than I feel he was. Maybe I’d just like him to be more like me. Running out of food – had intended to go to shop tonight, but no transport. 

Tuesday – Mild: quite a bit of sun. Phone call from garage around 11.30 to say car would be ready at 1pm. So walked up through Close and caught the 36 to Reepham Road, walking through to the garage and arriving just before 1pm. Car was ready, and Ingress went through details. Drove home in good time to welcome Liz and David Cannon for 2pm. They came to look at our pictures of Scotland, and Dot cooked a couple of cakes – one fruit cake and one sponge. Fruit cake delicious! Probably the other was too. Cannons stayed till 5.30 and caught bus home. Then after I’d cooked chilli, Eleanor and Judy came round for a lift to Claire’s for cake and compline. Bridget and David also there. Watched next episode of The Chosen after problems getting into it. Wanted me to sign in and then wouldn’t let me. Bed late. 

Wednesday – Mixture of sun and cloud: dry. Usual Wed morning: had a bath before watching a bit of The Chosen with Judy. Then headed off to church for Bible study – Debbie and Steven, but no Ellie. Dot and Jude, of course. Before that, though, finished reading Steeple Chasing, bought for me by my grandchildren and really interesting. After Bible study, Dot stayed for Taizé, but I picked her up after 2.30 for a big shop at Morrisons. Also filled up with petrol. Later of course Dot went to orchestra rehearsal with Janet.  

Thursday – Dry and quite a bit of sun. Fred got in touch and suggested we meet up; so we’ll be going over to Beeston Regis tomorrow. Loss of a rare free day, but it will be nice to see them. Chose hymns for Sunday. In the afternoon went to memorial service for Rik, who lived in The Lathes and died suddenly. About 20 in hall. Dot and I played for the only hymn – Lord of the Dance. Some interesting occasional music, including Pink Floyd and Adam and the Ants. Stayed for tea and sandwiches, then took Dot round to Anna’s for violin lesson and went home, where Bridget was cleaning: she had had to borrow Des’s key to get in!

After she left I walked up to meet Dot but didn’t get very far : met John Drake at bus stop. Later cooked fish and watched some TV: football, cricket, a documentary on the Cairngorms and a new crime series – DI Ray. I say new, but as usual it was about drugs gangs and not only that, one of the characters was an actor from another series with an identical role. Eventually we’ll have one big all-encompassing crime series about a massive drugs gang, which never ends. 

Yesterday – Lovely day: mild and sunny. Woke up fairly late and had a bath. Dot drove us to Beeston Regis by main Cromer Road, partly because entrance to Spixworth Road was blocked at lights. Arrived marginally early – would have been earlier but followed selfish tractor for miles. Had tea, cakes and chat in Fred and Sue’s caravan, then walked up Beeston Bump. Beautiful – new railings and improved steps. Back a bit late. I drove and we arrived home about 15 minutes late for street meet. Held up on Riverside Road; so Dot walked last bit. I put duck legs in the oven then joined them : Des, Chris, Ciara, Mary, Matt, Angela, Jonathan. Afterwards watched another episode of So Long Marianne, as well as cricket and The Cleaner. David FaceTimed and we had talk with him and Oliver. They had been canoeing and golfing on driving range. Amy is apparently doing well and enjoying university. 

Today (Monday 21st) is a little better than yesterday, in that it’s dry, though very overcast, a little windy and not too cold. I have just taken the car in for servicing and MOT, and had a chat with Ingress, the receptionist, who we’ve known for a long time. She’s aways very helpful. Walked back past the Boundary and then caught a 38 to Tombland. Dot saw me walking down Prince of Wales Road, and got up before I arrived.

Back to last Tuesday, when it was dry and mild. Up quite early to have breakfast with Brian and Tricia at Un Café on N Walsham Road. Good food and service and had quite a long chat: Brian on good form. Dot bought steak pie from farm shop, and we had it for supper.  In the afternoon she went to take Joyce’s watch back and had another longish chat with her. I was feeling a bit shivery; so had a bath. Felt a bit better afterwards.

Had paracetamol before going to Theatre Royal in evening to see Come from Away, a brilliant musical based on the people stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, when planes were diverted after 9/11. Beautifully done by a cast that sounded largely Irish. Standing ovation. Highly recommended. We took the bus up there and walked home. Before going to bed we watched the rather disappointing ending of Joan. Could have been carried off better. 

Wednesday was sunny, dry and even milder. Judy came round to see the first episode of the fourth series of The Chosen, which is still excellent. As usual I left early for church and met up with Steven on his way. Eventually we had Dot, Jude, Debbie, Steven and Ellie for Bible Study, which went very well. Afterwards Dot and I left for Fakenham, which should have been an easy journey, but encountered loads of slow traffic on the Fakenham road, and arrived on the dot for James Knox Whittet’s book launch at the Library, after working out how to use the parking machine.

James did an interesting talk on how he had written his memoir, and Dot and I both asked questions. This followed some beautiful Gaelic singing by Anna McCrae, who I had heard before: couldn’t remember where, but she remembered me, as did a couple of other people, including Kay Hathway. I wish I could remember names – I got them off the programme. Also there was Mike Bannister, now 88 and suffering from heart problems. Had interesting chat with him: we get on very well. He’s a good poet and read three of his poems. I read one of my Orkney poems – Westray – and I think it went down all right. Three or four people said they liked it.

Forty or fifty there altogether, I should think, but not James’ wife, Ann, who had an appointment with the Bishop. Drove home after an encounter with Fakenham town centre, from which I began to think I would never emerge. Road home was slow again, with long queues, until we reached the NDR. Discovered (via text) – that Bridget had come and cleaned – thought she was coming the next day as usual.

Des and Chris are in Suffolk for a few days. Had a fairly “easy” tea of eggs and mushrooms before Dot left with Janet for orchestra: we’d discovered on the way home that Silver Road was partially closed, but thought we’d worked out a way of them getting there.  In fact it did work, but they had to come back via Mousehold Avenue and Gurney Road. Watched Ludwig, which continues to be excellent. 

Thursday was again dry and mild. Wrote my sermon for Sunday while Dot went into the city to buy a present for Bridget and David’s 20th wedding anniversary. Got a call from her some time later to ask whether she should buy a coat. She tried FaceTime so that I could see it, but it didn’t work – signal not strong enough. So I went into the city by bus to have a look. Didn’t like it at first, but it looked so much better on that we eventually decided to buy it. Also bought a heart-shaped dish for B&D and some fruit from the market, then walked home together. Was quite tired afterwards and lay down after I’d finished the sermon. Felt a bit cold and discovered the window was open. Contacted Oliver earlier to get Amy’s address, and have sent her a birthday card. After supper watched a fascinating documentary called Helljumper about individuals evacuating people from the front line areas of Ukraine, and one in particular who died doing it. 

Friday – Bit cooler, but still dry and quite pleasant. Sue and Roger Eagle came with us for lunch at Gem. We met them in the station, because Sue’s legs are a bit dodgy – she’s waiting for an operation in a couple of weeks. Dot walked to Gem with her, and I went with Roger in car to park at ours. Very nice lunch – we all had cocktails, then I had battered prawns followed by pork belly. Turkish tea to finish. Restaurant pretty full. Had quite a long chat at home about books and other things.

After they had gone we had street meet – Des and Chris back from their Suffolk break, Jonathan, Mark, John and Mary. Lot of talk about solar panels and such things, which wasn’t very interesting. Later had cheese on toast and watched quite a bit of TV, including first two episodes of The Tower and a good Sounds piece on the song Diamonds and Rust. Also end of cricket, losing to Pakistan. 

On Saturday it rained at first, but was dry by the time we went out – caught the bus and then walked to Salvation Army Citadel on St Giles to hear St Gregory’s Orchestra play to raise cash for Ukraine. Dylan Latham (again) played violin – this time Beethoven’s Concerto in D. Saw Graham and Janet, Neville and Mary, Matt and Amanda and Les Pye and his wife, as well as Mary Cozens and the dreaded Georgina. Nice venue: good view from upstairs.

Walked home and bought a sandwich (among other things) from Tesco Express. Dot walked down Prince of Wales Road and I walked through the Close. Needless to say, she got home way before I did. In the evening we gave Eleanor a lift to the RC Cathedral narthex for Bridget and David’s 20th wedding anniversary. It was a ceilidh with buffet food. Sat with Claire and spoke to one or two other people , including Ros, the woman training to be a priest at Christ Church, who seemed pretty anxious. Watched a bit of Match of the Day, including Spurs’ 4-1 win over West Ham. Earlier City drew 1-1 away to Stoke after being all over them in the first half. I rewrote the end of my sermon. Sent Amy an electronic card and transferred her some money. 

Sunday was Amy’s 20th birthday. She is at Southampton and very quiet, though she sent a message thanking us for her card and gift. Pretty miserable day in Norwich, weatherwise. Very grey, with rain showers, which we largely avoided. Drove to church as usual. Bit of a panic when Carrie, who was leading, arrived very late. Was about to take over… anyway, did a sermon which got a lot of favourable comments. Took Ray home as usual. watched a fair bit of TV including last two episodes of The Tower, which were very good. Later some football and the first episode of Leonard Cohen drama, So Long Marianne, on ITVx, which was ok but spoiled by too many adverts. Also another documentary on the Yorkshire coast which had quite a lot on Scarborough and Whitby.

In the evening went to Taizé service at St Luke’s which was a bit disappointing in terms of the music, which was too complicated. But that’s just my opinion. Had long chat with Debbie Sands, whose husband died not long ago. Also Vicky and her mother. They didn’t die; they were just there. Also Ros from Christ Church, who I keep running into.

Last Thursday (Oct 10) was a pretty dull day, and damp too. Janet left her car in our drive to go and visit the set of Call the Midwife in South-East London – returned around 10pm. Later Bridget came to clean, which was a bit complicated because we were transferring the rug from the kitchen into the study, and in the process (if that wasn’t hard enough) sorting out all the stuff that had accumulated in there.Almost finished the heavy stuff but need to sort out a pile of papers, as well as putting my old Paston stuff into the garage. Should probably just throw it away.

Strenuous work because it involved getting on to floor and reaching stuff under the main tops. Ironically I achieved less than half the steps than I had managed on any other day this month, though the energy expenditure was much higher. Meanwhile England scored over 800 against Pakistan, with Harry Brook hitting over 300 – not quite matched by our footballers, who lost 2-1 to Greece at Wembley – a record of another kind. Oliver is now in Canada – staying at Kingston, presumably with Sophie. Meanwhile Captiva has been hit by the hurricane, with the Mucky Duck apparently badly damaged. 

Friday – Weather much improved. Bright sunshine, though temperature down slightly. Apparently impressive northern lights last night.Missed them. Finished sorting out stuff from my room with help from Dot, though Thelma’s box is still in the living room. Not all that much in it except for some jewellery and photos. Dot went to shop for food while I waited in for Amazon, delivering a music book for Dot and some cleaning liquid. Oliver now in Waterloo. Street meet as usual: Des, Chris, Jonathan, John, Matt, Mark (for a while, till he went out for meal with Sarah and his son). Sean and Ciara confined to barracks with bad colds. Tara in quite a bad way, according to John. Mark may be getting solar panels. Angela mended Dot’s jeans for free (allegedly because I let Matt have some cassettes for nothing). 

Saturday – Dull but dry at first, then heavy rain in afternoon. Dry again in later evening. Coolish. Dot spent much of day cooking and preparing for visit of Mary and Neville in the evening. Cooked fish pie. I did a bit to help here and there. Put Thelma’s stuff in the spare room wardrobe and wrote a bit for Diderot based on a couple of T’s photographs. Then converted a boxful of slides into pix and imported them on to Photos. Felt a bit shaky but took paracetamol and was much better for rest of day. Neville and Mary arrived about 7pm, bringing very nice red wine. Dot had cooked a fish pie, and we also had starter and pavlova. Very enjoyable evening. They left about 10.15, and Dot and I did our usual lightning clearaway.  

Sunday – Light cloud; dry; a little cool. Felt a bit fragile but managed to complete a normal day! Drove to church in the morning – Communion service, which I led, with Graham preaching and presiding. Good attendance, including Nikki and Phoebe: average age coming down a bit! Took Ray home as usual. Angel Road remains thankfully open.

After lunch we dropped a couple of birthday cards off for Heather and had a brief chat. She seems to have a type of long Covid or ME. Very frustrating. We continued through The Close and Dot did the part of the treasure trail she missed last weekend when she went to the football. She was pretty good at it. In Queen Street we met Paul Henderson – and at first neither of us recognised him! Just out of context, I think. He was on his way to Cathedral Evensong. After finishing the trail we walked down the rehashed Haymarket, which looked ok but not spectacular. Then we called in for tea/coffee at the Cornish Bakery… and walked home. Watched Finland v England, which finished 1-3 and was less than compelling. Later finished yesterday’s fish pie.

And watched the penultimate episode of Joan – after chatting to David and Oliver on FaceTime. They both seem fine, but Amy is not too well and is lying low. 

Monday – Wet start, but improving. Uneasy night. Linda arrived slightly early for haircut. In afternoon quite bright so walked by a circuitous route to Morrisons to buy some tea. Very tired when I got back. Watched The Big Sleep and a documentary about finding the wreck of a U-boat and a Q-boat that sunk each other off the Channel Islands during the First World War. Oliver and David at Palmer Circle, then later Oliver was in Toronto. Mysterious. Amy texted to ask how to cook tender roast chicken, as she and her flatmate were having a Thanksgiving Dinner in Southampton. Happily she’s feeling better. 

Friday evening (Oct 4) was not too cold for the time of year. Des was visiting a grandchild so wasn’t at the street meet. Instead Mark, Jonathan, Matt, Angela. Quite a long talk. Bin still not emptied and nor was Matt’s. Watched documentary about sinking of superyacht. Needless to say this was linked to climate change. 

Saturday was sunny and warm, becoming cooler later. Day of the cake and compline trail. Dot and I walked to Eleanor’s, where we all had a cup of tea and a biscuit, plus a bit of a chat. Left just after 11am and took them all to the start, paired up: David and Dot; Judy and Claire; Bridget and Eleanor; Phil and Vicky. I went back and forward, giving encouragement and assistance. Dot left about 11.40 to go to the football, where City beat Hull 4-0. Glad she went – I had to encourage her to.

Proceeded with trail. Several people went badly astray in the middle, but we all eventually got to the Assembly House, where I gave the results. Most of them got most of the clues. We all walked back to Harriet’s in London Street, which Bridget had booked. I had a breakfast and some Darjeeling. We shared the room after about half an hour with some nurses celebrating someone’s retirement. Quite loudly.

Walked home through crowds emerging from match. Dot already there. Had a rest while Dot went to shop and then cooked salmon. Watched two of three episodes of Reginald Perrin and a documentary on Wild Arabia (third episode). Also a bit of football. Steps exceeded 10,000 for day. Wore Christmas socks Chrissy bought me a while ago, and they helped my feet quite a lot! Meanwhile Oliver is in Boston, Mass. 

Sunday was mostly dry but cooler, especially in church! Rain towards evening, but not too heavy.  Drove to church in morning. Played guitar: Phil led and Anna did lectio: Dot led prayers. We gave Ray a lift home, and Angel Road was open – at last. Had a fairly quick lunch and then picked Kim up to take her to Blofield for concert by St Gregory’s Orchestra, conducted by Martin Wyatt.

Spoke to Barbara and David Pilch. Excellent performance, including a madrigal sung by orchestra and a piece conducted by one of the violinists. But highlight was Bruch violin concerto with young local soloist, Dylan Latham, who was superb. So was orchestra. Outstanding  refreshments at interval. After dropping Kim home we didn’t need full meal. Watched three episodes of drama Joan and one of a thriller we have been following. Also a bit of football: Spurs threw away game against Brighton. David FaceTimed. He seems well. Oliver is in Boston, visiting Harvard, among other places. Apparently he prefers Boston to SF. Just managed 4000 steps. 

Monday – Mainly sunny and seeming warmer, but perhaps that’s because I had too many clothes on when I walked up to the dentist for a “review”. Appointment less than ten minutes, including an x-ray, and either free or someone forgot to ask me to pay. Called at St Julian on the way back. Very still. Oliver flying to New York today. Tired after my walk; so lay down for a while after watching the rest of last night’s football. Dot practised violin, then walked to shop. Later watched the last three episodes of Irving Welch Crime series, which was quite good but a little contrived. When we went to bed looked at where Oliver was on Google Earth: 44th Avenue on Long Island. He gets around. 

Yesterday was showery, but still reasonably mild. In the morning I walked up to post a birthday card to Birgit. Afterwards Dot drove up to Hellesdon to visit Joyce: she seemed to be making good progress. Meanwhile, I had a bath. Dot did quite a lot of household cleaning, plus violin practice, and I caught up with stuff. We both watched a fair bit of TV , including the drama Joan, a bit of cricket highlights and a film, Strangers on a Train, which was excellent. Also another, quite long, episode of The Chosen. Had a bit of trouble getting it on screen from Dot’s phone, but eventually managed it from mine. 

Today was overcast, not too cold, except in the church hall, and with occasional rain. Judy came round to see the last episode of Series 3 of The Chosen, and I  left early to get to church, carrying a curtain, neatly ironed, which Dot was giving to Steven. Met Steven at church hall door and we returned to the car to transfer the curtain to his house (I was parked more or less outside). Met Dot and Judy as we were doing so. 

Had quite a good Bible study session on Acts 5 (mainly). Present were Debbie, Phoebe, Steven, Dot and me. Dot stayed for Taizé and on her way home called in at a jeweller’s on Magdalen Street to pick up Joyce’s watch, which had been left for repair. I watched a couple of programmes (or part), during which I had fallen asleep when we first watched them! Cooked chilli, and Dot was picked up by Janet for orchestra rehearsal. Cleared up  and attempted to tidy room. It is Fred’s 80th birthday. I guess I was being conceived just before he was being born. Oliver is still in New York.

Late on Sunday (Sep 29) it was still pretty cold. Watched the end of Nightsleeper, which was very good, then Spurs beating Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford. Also very good. FaceTime with David – sadly he couldn’t get visa to meet Oliver in Las Vegas, where he arrived today. 

Monday was quite wet, and windy later. Bad night for some reason. Drove to Helen and Chris Banks’ house for sugar charity meeting. Sue and Roger also there of course. In a weak moment I offered to write a letter to the EDP about it the charity’s work, which I did and sent it to Helen later. Very pleasant couple of hours. Chris and Sue both having mobility problems after hospital operations but both cheerful and optimistic.

Later wrote piece for website on positivity re speed limits! Cooked meal and then we watched first two episodes of new crime series, which is a big grim. Then after clearing up and putting bins out we watched a nice documentary on the Yorkshire coast, with special reference to Whitby, Bempton cliffs, Bridlington and Scarborough. 

Tuesday was very wet. Rang Jenny Downing to see if she wanted a lift to Archant coffee morning, but she decided against it. I had my usual breakfast, but Dot and Tricia had a bacon roll. Robin and Shelagh on way to Dartmoor, I think. Present: Bill, Batso, Eric, Linda, Ann, and about three others. Plus Andy Russell, who we spoke to quite a bit near the end. Afterwards drove to Morrisons and bought a few things we needed.

Rather tired during afternoon – slept for about half an hour. Dot cooked bream and we watched an episode of The Chosen. In the evening we went to watch Norwich City draw 1-1 with Leeds. Both sides very good. Jonathan was there: both Lucy and Naomi quite ill. Man sitting next to me annoying – couldn’t stop commentating. A living cliché. Oliver has flown from Las Vegas to San Francisco. Expected Mark home today, but he didn’t arrive. Garden waste not collected. 

Wednesday – Showers never quite dying out. Mark home. Council made usual false claim that bin wasn’t out. Jude came round to watch The Chosen, and we went to church for Bible Study as usual: Dot, Jude, Stephen and Debbie. Went pretty well, and Dot stayed for Taizé: she chose the songs.

Later she went to orchestra rehearsal as usual with Janet. I cleared up and lay down for a bit, then got my steps up to over 5000. Played through latest En Passant games. In wider news, Israel has launched big attack on Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iran has fired missiles at Israel. Government evacuating UK citizens from Beirut. When Dot got home watched most recent episode of Slow Horses, then checked whereabouts of Oliver on Google Earth: he was on Mason Street, San Francisco. Long way away.

Thursday – Sunshine! Dot rang her allocated schools to persuade them to take part in the sugar collection for charity. I checked out the Cake and Compline trail (at home). In the afternoon I drove Dot to Anna’s for her violin lesson, then returned while Bridget cleaned the house. Des returned from his holiday and got fish and chips for us, and after we’d eaten that Dot drove us to St Luke’s for a discussion about Christmas services. Not all that inspiring as far as I was concerned – mainly technical things like how, where and what. Graham wants us to get involved in a thing called Being With, stemming from St Martin in the Fields. 

Friday – Oliver leaves San Francisco today for Boston – told Nana he enjoyed SF. I took Dot to do some gardening at Carrow House to help June at church: Dot is not sure on whose behalf. However, she was very happy with her weeding. I left the car at Carrow House and walked the. length of King Street to meet Kim at the Cathedral, where we trialled tomorrow’s C&C trail. We had a cup of tea at the Refectory after doing the first bit, and after a while Kim got the hang of it (the trail, not the tea), and it didn’t take as long as I thought it might. I was pretty tired at the end, though.

We watched the first episode of Life on Mars from 2006 (it’s being repeated, and is surprisingly good), and Des came round to say he was going to see his grandson and wouldn’t be coming out for our usual drink. Mark, who was passing, said he would. I had a half-hour sleep while Dot had a shower, and then I cleared up the kitchen. Dot potted some stuff in the garden.

Last Tuesday (Sep 24) was showery, but mainly dry. We drove to Beeston Garden Centre café first thing and met Brian and Tricia. Had breakfast with them. Brian seemed quite a bit better than last time I saw him, and Tricia was OK too. Had bacon and egg sandwich.  After about 80 minutes drove home, and Ellie arrived a few minutes later for long talk about life, the universe and everything. She is probably moving to Wales, but there are lots of imponderables. She wanted advice. Became a Christian fairly recently (she is about 60, I guess) and is keen to do the right things. We reassured her!

After a light lunch I walked into the city to test the C & C city trail we’re doing in less than a fortnight. Made a few adjustments. It now has 39 questions, which is a multiple of 13; so that’s all right. When I got home we watched an episode of The Chosen and then I finished editing my photographs. Wrote up blog. After meal (duck) watched What We Did on our Holidays, which is a brilliant film in the style and by the authors of Outnumbered. Also watched the second episode of Zelensky documentary. 

Wednesday was cooler, showery with more persistent rain later. Chose hymns. Wrote card for Cresta Care Home. Discovered where Kim was – on train to Bath. Judy came round to see The Chosen – the episode we’d seen the day before – and we watched most of it with her. It’s pretty. compelling! Then I drove to church for Bible study, and Dot and Jude followed. Quite cold in church. Afterwards Dot stayed for Taizé.

I wrote to Oliver and Amy sending quotes: O was still in Vienna and Amy is no doubt immersing herself in student culture. I drove Dot to orchestra in evening: she found rehearsal hard because quite a few people were away, including her section leader, Janet. I picked her up with Nova in the rain. Dot and I watched Ludwig – new series with David Mitchell as puzzle-solver impersonating detective brother. Good stuff. 

Thursday was overcast at first, then very wet. Spent quite a long time sorting out charity money! Then walked up to sorting office (before the rain) to post cheques and the card to Cresta Lodge, thanking them for looking after Thelma.  Later on watched the final episode of Zelezny: he comes over very well. Bridget came to clean. In the evening we watched the first episode of Nightsleeper, which is much better than I thought it would be. Also the latest episode of Slow Horses. 

Friday – Sorted out Mail file. Oliver was home from Vienna. Windy with rain at first, then showers. Bridget left her car in our drive about 9.30 and went by train to Ely to see her sister. We drove to St Luke’s around 11.30 for Andrew Partridge’s funeral. Parked but left car window open, and seats got pretty wet. It was pointed out to us after the service, which was pretty big. Lots of people from the post office, where he worked. He was 57 – died of sepsis brought on by cellulitis, brought on by diabetes. Lots of nice things said about him. We sat near the music group: Nicky, Steve and a couple of women whose names I ought to know. A guy named Graham (Irish) sat next to us. Couldn’t place him in my mind, but apparently he used to worship at St Luke’s. No-one from St Augustine’s apart from us.

Food and drink afterwards. Spoke to lots of people: Val Kibble, who is in a bad way; John and Jean; Elizabeth, who I sort of recognised – very nice; Karen Wimhurst; Sam Pittam-Smith; and a guy called Steve from Evesham, who was in a wheelchair but amazingly self-contained – has his own van, which he drives and where he can sleep and look after himself. He had driven down from Worcester and is married (though his wife can’t drive because she’s visually impaired). He knew Andrew from Norwich (Witard Road Baptist) and is very positive about life. Now worships at Evesham Salvation Army, and it is growing – he feels that churches generally are growing. Uplifting sort of time: Graham K-S led very well.

Later Bridget called in as I was cooking supper and had a cup of tea. Stayed while we ate it. Always good to see her. After she’d gone we watched Nightsleeper – have now seen two thirds of it – plus Death in Paradise. 

Yesterday was quite chilly – summer seems to be over – but dry. Watched England win at cricket, then Dot did a lot of meal preparation, with a bit of help from me, and Kristine arrived on the 12.44 train. I met her and took her the ”pretty way” so that Dot had time to change. Had a cup of tea, then a lovely meal – salmon tart and pavlova, plus a very tasty avocado starter prepared by Dot.  Talked a lot during afternoon, and I showed some of our pictures on screen. Meanwhile Norwich beat Derby 3-2 away, with the help of a dodgy goal (ball out of play). About time we had a bit of luck. Kristine missed the train she meant to catch because of a phone glitch – it ran out of charge after she showed the ticket on arrival – so had to buy a new ticket and left on the 18.32. We cleared up before she reached Ipswich, and I wrote the prayers.

Today it is still chilly but the wind has gone. Bit cloudy. Drove to church – it was a joint service led by Graham (Michaelmas). I did the prayers, and as music group we had Matt, Dot, Steve Fiske and me. Felt good. Apparently Anna has migraine, and Howard is in London. About five people from St Luke’s. Had quite a good chat afterwards, while eating food left over from the funeral. Gave Ray a lift home as usual. Angel Road shut as usual.

Last Thursday (Sep 19) was dry and mainly sunny. Didn’t sleep too well. Wrote most of sermon, based on an old one from 2006. Julia and Allan came round for lunch. Dot did salmon and pavlova (not together), plus a pear starter. Had a good talk and showed them some photos on screen. Later Anne came round, and she and Dot walked up to a Jarrolds open evening. She bought a jumper, some underwear and a ring, and two Barbour jumpers for me. She also had a Caesar salad. 

Friday – Mainly sunny and warm. Spent all day writing four pieces for Parish Pump – on Clive of India, Far from the Madding Crowd, Gabriel Fauré and the Vatican II decision to abandon Latin for the Mass. Then went out for street meet with Des and Chris, Matt and Angela and Jonathan. Bob’s older brother has just died, quite suddenly, at 76. Mark has 11 days to go in Norway. Watched last two episodes of Sherwood, which had its points but had some pretty unpleasant people in it. 

Saturday was extremely warm and sunny. Did rota and dealt with e-mails. Walked to Carrow Road with Dot and back along the river. Norwich beat Watford 4-1, and I met Dot coming back, running into Clive as I did so. Denise has a slight problem, but nothing serious. Find Friends not working properly (temporarily), but earlier saw Oliver and Amy get to Southampton. She is now a university student! Dot did ironing while I got washing in and cleared up kitchen. Phil rang to say his printer wasn’t working and could I print off his liturgy sheet for tomorrow. I did. Leanne’s daughter (18) has an ectopic pregnancy and ins in a great deal of stress, as is Leanne, of course. In the evening had only a light supper. Watched City highlights on YouTube, then an interview with Lauren Bacall (didn’t like interviewer). Finally latest episode of Slow Horses and today’s ODI cricket – another loss to Australia. 

Sunday – Showers, but mainly dry. Still quite warm. We drove to church in the morning, and I preached and played guitar. Think it all went quite well. Nikki was there, and Leanne popped in at the end. Sophie back after having shingles badly. Drove Ray home by very difficult route: Angel Road completely closed after half a mile, and Denmark Road also closed. Council hopeless. Edited nearly 100 pictures in the afternoon after watching football, then went out for walk with Dot up to Bishop Bridge and back via Recorder Road. Cooked lamb shoulder and then watched Grace. Not bad. David FaceTimed: not much news from Amy apparently. David is planning to meet Oliver in Los Angeles. 

Monday – overcast but mainly dry. A bit cooler, but still ok. I’ve nearly caught up with editing my photos. Nikki came round for a couple of hours and had a long talk about herself and about Leanne and her daughter. Can’t go into detail here, but we feel very close to them both and would like to help them wherever we can. Later Ellie texted and also said something nice about us; so we’re feeling quite encouraged at the moment. In the afternoon we went to Morrisons and stocked up – probably the most we’ve ever paid for a food shop! About £179. Of course that included stuff like dishwasher tablets and water filters. Dot cooked very nice salmon tart but I couldn’t eat it all. Felt very tired. Watched interesting programme on Zelensky. First of three. Des and Chris have left for Sicily. 

Today marked the end of Oliver’s visit with us – a really enjoyable week, marred for me only by a two-day bout of diarrhoea. Happily, it did not occur on key days, and we had a great time overall. It was cloudy at first this morning (Wed 18 Sep), but it became much sunnier and a bit warmer, as per forecast. I drove us to Houghton Hall, where we spent nearly four hours, starting in the grounds, looking at Anthony Gormley’s figures and some of the permanent sculptures, then moving back into the stables for a delicious sandwich and cup of tea, then back to the house itself, the gift shop and finally the walled garden, where the flaming fountain startled us at first by not showing any flame, but then performed as it should.

We drove back by a very slightly different route (Kettlestone) and after a cup of tea for Dot and Oliver went down to Gem for a final meal. I had chicken thighs again. Excellent. Dot left with Janet for orchestra at the same time as Oliver departed, and as I write he is on the Newmarket bypass.

It all started last Thursday with showers – some quite heavy.  Felt tired, but no more tooth problems. Adjusted my eulogy and answered some e-mails. Postponed hospital appointment on Monday. Cleared up while Dot went to Morrisons and Bridget did the cleaning, and rearranged my Reminders. Oliver arrived around 4.15pm, and I booked tickets for Houghton Hall on the Wednesday, because they’re not open on Monday.

We all walked up to the Ivy for a meal at 7.15pm, just after what looked like part of a wedding reception. Oliver and I had steak. Very good food and wine. At home watched Slow Horses episode two again (Oliver for first time). Oliver told us about a planned trip to Hamburg (with friends) and then on his own to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, New York and Toronto. 

Friday – Showers; a bit chilly, but mainly sunny. Long day. Had to get up early to get to the crematorium for 9.30 service. Traffic bad – hold-ups at Sprowston Road roundabout and on road between Spixworth and Horsham – but reached crem at 9.15. Other four were waiting: Sheila, her friend, her daughter and a bloke (not sure who). All went smoothly, including my eulogy and poem) and afterwards Dot and I found her aunt Jessie’s “grave”, then joined the others for tea and coffee in the Black Swan. I paid for that and left a donation for Cresta  Lodge. Very pleasant chat – simultaneous rain and sun outside.

Then drove home and prepared for Dot’s talk at Christ Church. Oliver had meanwhile been into city. He drove us to the church after a salad lunch, and we spent a long time setting up. Fortunately Oliver had the necessary connectors. Dot’s talk was really good. There were at least 20 people there, and everyone engaged with the questions and moving around. They also spent time afterwards looking at the display items. Matt and Amanda came from church and Mary from next door. Bridget was organising, of course. We gave Mary a lift home after a cup of tea and extensive clearing up. Dot was very pleased – almost everyone complimented her. She deserved it after all the work she’d put in. David FaceTimed after we got home and got the feedback!

We then went outside for street meet: it was sunny and not so cold. Des, Chris, John, Matt, Mary and the three of us. Des got us fish and chips, and afterwards we went upstairs to watch Memento, Oliver’s favourite film. Sadly I slept through most of it, and Dot missed quite a bit too. Will try again when we’re less tired! 

Saturday was warmer, and dry. Calm. Woke up quite a bit later than the day before and had croissants. Paul Henderson came round at 11, and we had a good conversation. He is heading for Vienna soon: he is also looking for possible interviewees for Chatteround – a new bit of Chatterbox, the newspaper for the blind. Possibly Dot on Sillars. He’s waiting for scan results on his coughing, but the hope is that it’s not too serious.

In the afternoon Oliver drove us to North Walsham, where we put flowers on the graves and then visited Roger and Debbie. Their house now looks really good with a new patio and pool. Later walked with them to the King’s Head for a meal. I struggled because  I wasn’t really hungry but everyone else enjoyed it. I enjoyed it, but couldn’t eat much. Walked back to pick up car and drove home via Wroxham. Felt heavy headed. Watched T20 win over Australia and then three YouTube videos: Ken Robinson’s brilliant TED talk on creativity, one recommended by Oliver which consisted of a guy saying absolutely nothing but making it sound very important, and the one about the father and daughter cyclists that Dot uses in P4C.  

Sunday was sunny, with a little rain in the evening. Diarrhoea prevented me from going to church: so Dot and Oliver went together. Holy Communion and quite long, apparently. Nikki was there. Afterwards they went over and church-sat for Heritage Day. I had hoped to go but was still afflicted. Also developed a temperature; so took paracetamol. And went to bed when they got home. Slept for a while and felt a bit better, though I had another smaller attack. However was able to go down and eat a very small amount of supper – one of Dot’s chicken dishes. Definite improvement after that, though my head was hurting a bit. Meanwhile Oliver was arranging a trip to Vienna with his friends. Hamburg turned out to be too expensive (Oktoberfest).  

Monday was dry with some sun. Still feeling a bit groggy, so stayed at home while Oliver went to shops and later met Dot for meal in Jarrolds wine bar. He bought some trousers and one or two other things. I felt well enough to walk up and meet them in The Close, and we did first section of compline treasure trail. Very tired afterwards. Dot did very nice salmon and spinach tart with mustard, then pavlova. Later watched last two episodes of Sambre, which were quite satisfying. Also MOTD2. 

Tuesday brought cloud and sun. Cool wind, but not cold. Hair cut in there morning: Oliver went to gym. Had bath. In the afternoon he drove us to Fairhaven, where we had a walk and a 20-minute boat ride on South Walsham inner broad, with brief excursion to main broad. Saw kingfisher, some cormorants and a couple of herons. Walked back to car park by different route, then drove to St Benet’s Abbey. Brief walk there, then home. I cooked chilli and then we watched some of Milan v Liverpool. Sadly, Liverpool won. Watched a bit of Outnumbered, then went to bed after Oliver gave me some advice on computer. Felt better and better during day after early paracetamol. At some point I played Oliver at chess, and he beat me twice – once on time and once with a genuinely good attack.

The weather has changed quite a bit over the last few days. On Sunday (September 8) it was dry, with some cloud, some sun. Parked our car in Chalk Hill Road overnight because the Norwich Run was closing Riverside Road between 9 and 11. Took a bit longer than usual to get to church, but no real difference. It was Holy Communion, with vicar Graham making a rare appearance and doing a good sermon. Carrie is now back and volunteered to take Ray home. Not sure why.

Caught up on a bit of stuff in the afternoon until I was interrupted by D on the phone, in a bit of a state about NCNC website. Problem is she gets other people to do things and then wants to change everything. I tried to advise her, but not sure how much I helped. Later went to a performance at Chapel in Park Lane by a string trio who were really good: Anna gave Dot tickets because they couldn’t go. Sat behind Peter Bright and had a chat with him: former EN sub. Invited him to Archant breakfast. Yesterday we saw Jenny Downing in Morrisons and said we’d take her next time. Bit rash.

Cooked mussels and started watching Grace, which was quite good. Halfway through David FaceTimed briefly. He seems well. Even later got message from Oliver saying he would try to get here next Thursday so that he could hear Dot give her talk on Friday. 

Monday was overcast; some rain, but reasonably mild. Finished off Order of Service for Thelma and sent it off to Sheila and Jill, who seem happy. Dot spent a lot of time on her P4C documents, but we walked down to Carrow Road and bought a shirt for Oliver for his birthday, then a card on the way back. Oliver FaceTimed late afternoon, and we worked out details of when he was arriving  (Thursday afternoon) and how long he’d be here (probably till next Wednesday).

Later we went down to Gem for a meal. We both had cocktails, and I had chicken thigh and chips in Mediterranean style, then Turkish tea, and half a baklava. Dot had a moussaka. We watched the end of the cricket – nice to see Sri Lanka win – and the next two episodes of the French true crime drama, Sambre, which is fascinating.

Tuesday brought quite a lot of rain, though not heavy. Dull and chillier. Felt below par in the morning, but had a sleep in early afternoon and by the time we went to the theatre in the evening – to see The Unexpected Guest, by Agatha Christie, at the Maddermarket, I felt much better. Saw several people I knew there, primarily Bridget and David, but also Pye, from CNS, and Colin, from EN. Note that I know only half the name in each case. I should also mention that I knew two of the principal actors very well – Trevor Burton, in the title role, and David Newham, as the Liberal councillor, which must have been tricky for him. Good play. We drove to the theatre because of the rain, which ruined my intended steps plan. Earlier I wrote a bit for my website on Thelma being the last of her generation. Dot did a lot of catching up, communication wise.

Wednesday was fairly chilly, with showers. I went to an appointment with a nurse practitioner at 9am, and she said my cholesterol was so low that I could experiment with stopping taking statins. Yippee! This could improve my feet: we shall see. Judy came round at 10.30 to watch 3:5(2) of The Chosen, which I have now seen three times, and cried each time. There you go. Afterwards we had a Bible Study with Dot, Debbie, Judy, Steve, Rachel, and it went quite well, I think.

After lunch Dot and I went to Thorpe St Andrew church to see an exhibition on the Thorpe Rail Disaster: it was pretty poor, really, just words and blurred pictures, not even well lit. Afterwards Dot and I walked down to the scene of the crash, but this was similarly underwhelming, until we went round the back of the Rushcutters, which revealed the bridge from the other side. I had (very nice) lamb chops for supper while Dot had egg, bacon and baked beans. She was then picked up by Janet to go to orchestra rehearsal. Arrived home fairly early, and we watched the latest episode of Slow Horses. Sudden repeat of a tooth problem I had a few days ago. Feels like an exposed nerve – sharp pain, but then goes away. I hope.