Thursday, May 15 – Much cooler with a northerly breeze, but still dry. Dot did violin practice and made a cake. I checked over Paston talk, organised trip with Mike Read for next month and researched a bit of Parish Pump. In the afternoon we drove to Christ Church and checked the technology for tomorrow with Julia (Steve?) and Bridget. Seems OK. Cooked pies and watched Far from the Madding Crowd (original version 1967). Long but atmospheric. 

Friday – Dull and quite cold. Didn’t feel at all well in the morning, but okay in the evening. Had a bath. Checked talk again. After lunch we drove to Christ Church, Eaton, where I spoke about the Paston family. There was a Mr Paston in the audience, but probably no relation. Dot was my tech support, and surprisingly all went well, though she kept signalling me to hold the microphone nearer my mouth. Discovered that I don’t like holding a mike when speaking because I tend to move my arms around. Chatted to a few people afterwards, including Amanda and Matt and the Taizé couple. Lay down when I got home and felt better by the time we went out for street meet. Very cold. Good group: Des, Chris, Angela, Matt, Mary, Sam, Jon. Des got us fish and chips, most of which I managed to eat. Watched some light television. Steps only 1800. 

Saturday – Bit warmer. Dry. Started writing prayers in morning, then after lunch went up by bus to the Forum, for a Norwich Polish Heritage event, to say thanks to organiser Adrian O’Dell for supporting Sillars! Met Neville and Mary there. First talk on Poles coming to Norfolk was not impressive: very confused and badly delivered. Worried about going to sleep. The second, on the National Writing Centre at Dragon Hall, was excellent – and much shorter.

Afterwards had coffee in Forum and chatted to Paul Dickson who had a stall at book fair there. Then went down to Jarrolds, bought cheese and walked home, taking it slowly. Quite tired. Finished writing prayers and after meal watched film, Absence of Malice, which was good, but remote went wrong in the middle – couldn’t speed through ads. Reset box afterwards, which seems to have fixed it. Bed late as consequence. Earlier Kim had invited us to another showing of a Chosen sequel, but it clashed with the Polish thing. 

Sunday – Weather much the same. Mark home. David’s birthday – FaceTimed with him after lunch. He seems well. Went to church in morning as usual and did prayers, which as it happened went well with Carrie’s sermon on love and kindness. Also played in band of course. Steve F came and added to sound as he always does. After lunch drove to North Walsham, bought some King Edward potatoes and flowers, then went and put latter on graves. Got petrol from Morrisons back in Norwich before having honey and mustard sausages – not really my favourite, it turned out. Watched last documentary on The Americas and Songs of Praise, which had two good new songs. Then a two-part documentary on the murder of a couple in Essex which had unusual features, though we felt the police made heavy weather of it. Not feeling too great today, but not sure why. 

Monday – Stomach pains and other problems like headache and ear popping. After walking up and down at home walked to Boots and Morrisons, but they didn’t have what I was looking for. Went home and had peppermint tea. Wrote a bit of Parish Pump and had a bit of toast but couldn’t eat anything else.  Had a bath, which helped a bit. And paracetamol, which helped more. Lay down for a bit and then cooked salmon for Dot. Felt a bit better by the time C& C people arrived – all except Phil, who may be in Italy. Good meeting including Eleanor: Dot had cooked birthday cake for David Archer. Managed a slice. Booked next meeting for June 16 at Claire’s. Had a few twinges when we finished; so cleared up and went to bed. Weather quite warm all day. 

Saturday May 10 was very warm and dry. Rewrote part of my sermon. Linda came to cut our hair, and I had a bath afterwards as usual. Dot went to see Anne in the afternoon – dropped me opposite County Hall, and I walked back. Tiring because of heat. Went down by river on both sides. Lay down when I got home, but edited pix and checked account. When Dot got back had pea and ham soup with croutons. Watched final two episodes of Annika. Very good. Mike Read sent me an annotated version of one of my old chess games. Surprisingly good! He wants to go with me to see Owen at his new home in Bury. Would like to do that. 

Sunday – Very warm again. Felt very tired for some reason. Was down to preach at church, but Graham mistakenly thought he was. I let him do his, and I thought it was pretty good. Afterwards took Ray home as usual, avoiding hold-up which had delayed us earlier. Finished the rota after persuading Carrie to let me know her availability. Nothing from LD as usual. Dot did quite a bit in the garden. We watched some football. Later I cooked salmon en croute  then cleared up. Watched interesting programme on polluted and over-dammed rivers. FaceTimed David re his birthday – he suggested we give him a present when he comes over. Went to bed fairly early: head feeling distinctly odd. But then it’s my head, so …

Monday – Very warm. Had a bad night: not sure why. Went to Morrisons to stock up. Then had lunch and drove to garden centre on Blue Boar Lane, where we bought some saucers to go under plant pots to stop the water going through. Of course if there weren’t holes in the bottom of the pots, this wouldn’t be necessary. Anyway drove down to Bungalow Lane and walked to Ferry Café, where we had some delicious strawberry cake. People there very friendly. Walked upriver a bit – quite hot – then back to car and home. Very tired and affected by sun. Lay down for a while then had egg, bacon and mushrooms. Watched a bit of football – Spurs and Man Utd losing abjectly. Couple of other programmes including final of University Challenge which was lost by Warwick on the last question – the only time they were behind. 

Tuesday – Warm and dry. High. Had a bath, then Dot drove me to the podiatrist, who liked my feet. Afterwards we drove to the cemetery and removed the temporary cross from Phyllis’s grave. Then crossed the road and found my grandparents’ grave (mum’s parents) unexpectedly easily. Drove home for lunch. Not very hungry. We found my Powerpoint for the Paston talk and put it on a memory stick. Hope that’s all that’s required for Friday. Cooked salmon supper and afterwards we watched Legally Blonde, which was pretty good. 

Wednesday – A bit cooler, but not much. Still dry with a bit of cloud. Bridget arrived at 10.45, fresh from the dentist, to do our cleaning. Had cup of tea in the garden with her and arranged a meeting at Christ Church tomorrow to make sure the technology for the talk on Friday works OK. Drove to church and did Bible study on Joel: went quite well. Other than Dot and me, we had Debbie, Judy and Steven. Lunch afterwards, and Dot did some violin practice while I eventually managed to book a boiler service with British Gas. (Nothing available last few times I looked) Had another look at Friday talk and found memory stick which might have PowerPoint on it. Dot drove to orchestra rehearsal (with Nova) because Janet is away. So couldn’t go to Halesworth poets. Probably a good thing. Rang Mike Read, who is going to contact Owen re visit (he now lives in Bury). Printed off talk and cleared up house. 

Sunday, April 4 was cooler, with occasional light rain. Drove to church and played in band. About 20 present including Eleanor. Howard led, Anna did lectio. Spoke to Sharon, whose mum (76) has dementia; father (82) looking after her. Took Ray home, then had lunch. Watched football: little time given to Norwich because no promotion/relegation issue. Dot feeling a bit unwell after injuring her arm –  not sure how. So she decided not to come with me to Lowestoft after our salmon supper.

Very quick journey despite some rain. Lovely rainbow near Lowestoft. Few people there: six of us plus Ian – Ivor, Peter, Pat, a  Christian guy who does blogs, Joan and me. Read Long Lens, Background Music, Some Other Universe, A Girl who was Passing, Binmen, The Crowd. Finished well before 9.30 but locked in by upstairs idiots who left while we were halfway through. Had to get out through fire escape. Left Ian and Christian guy trying to get into key safe. Earlier Ian had been telling me about pressures on managing theatre, which depends on grants. Some rain on way home, but no problems. We watched a pointless Expedition documentary about kayaking up the coast of Greenland. 

Bank holiday Monday and the start of VE Day celebrations, though we didn’t know that till catching it on the news tonight. Cool wind but dry. Got a message from Paul Henderson about 10 and as a result drove round to see him about 11.30 and stayed till well after 2 for tea/coffee. Very pleasant chat. Drove home and contacted Anna about signing will documents. Watched some snooker including last frame: young Chinese guy beat Mark Williams. Chess all over again. Cooked pies. Watched Americas documentary – Patagonia section. Just got up to 4000 steps by walking in the kitchen. 

Wednesday – Still chilly and often grey: a few drops of rain here and there. Dot and I went to Town House for pensioners’ breakfast; talked a lot with Eric and Linda. Tricia couldn’t come at last minute because of shoulder pain. Robin and Shelagh not there because Shelagh’s sister had died suddenly. Afterwards drove to Salthouse and looked at new exhibition there including Martin Laurence – good stuff generally. Bought some cards and spoke to one of the artists. Then drove cross country to Letheringsett and the new Jarrolds farm shop and café. Excellent tea and cake, then bought some food. Dot drove home. Watched new episode of Annika on Paul’s recommendation. It was really good, but only available on U app. Earlier walked up to sorting office and posted cards to Vicky and Rodney. For second day running just managed 4000. 

Wednesday – Cool wind again. Grey. Drove to church and did Bible study. Interesting discussion about the parable of the wise and foolish virgins: Debbie, Judy, Steven and Ellie on phone. When we got home Bridget was halfway through cleaning. Later watched Annika 2 and and a fascinating documentary about Saudi Arabia. Dot went to orchestra rehearsal with Janet – at Hoveton because usual place unavailable. I had a long FaceTime with David about Diderot – new bits look very good. Managed to get steps up to just over 4000 again and started on sermon. When Dot got home about 10pm watched Upstart Crow and then European Cup semi/finals. PSG beat Arsenal and Inter beat Barcelona. 

Thursday – Quite warm in morning, becoming cooler in the evening. BT man came to check up on Broadband because I’m renewing, but everything seems to be OK. Spent quite a long time writing my sermon and choosing hymns, while Dot went to the shops. Watched another episode of Annika. Very good. Late lunch and just a roll at teatime, then walked up to Maddermarket for Princess Ida. David Archer in chorus. Very good production other than shaky male lead. Met Stella from orchestra on the way and several others there. Also talked to David Newham and Neville Miller, who is 95. Two intervals – one too many. Dot chilly on walk home; so lent her my jacket. 

Friday was warm and sunny. Picked Kim up at 10.30 and drove to Foxley Wood. Eventually found the bluebells with help from a teacher who was supervising some bug-hunting kids. Quite impressive. The bluebells, not the teacher. Dot had stomach problem but made it round, and we drove to Bawdeswell Garden Centre, where we had some food and bought a few plants, plus some soil for Kim. Back to her place, where we unloaded and then drove home. Street meet as usual – bit thin on ground, but Matt and Angela, Joe and Sam, John. Mary and Bob in Rouen, Des and Chris in Bradford, Ciara and Sean in Surrey. Sarah has back trouble. I cooked lamb steak and Dot cooked chicken breast. Watched final episode of Black Snow, plus another one of Annika. 

Tuesday 29 April was sunny and warm. Dot picked up Joyce from her home at Hellesdon and took her to North Walsham to visit Sandra. They had coffee at the garden centre and chatted about times past. Dot was home for lunch, just as I was eating mine. I cleared up house and looked at OT for tomorrow, then cooked salmon for supper. Watched quite a lot of TV, I’m afraid, including first two episodes of Black Snow, which is a pretty good Australian thriller. Muscles in back and neck rather painful, possibly a result of sawing wood yesterday. Amy is in Bristol. 

Wednesday – Warm and dry. Dot and I Drove to Bible study at noon. Debbie not there. Did review of first part of Genesis, which went reasonably well. Drove home for lunch, then Bridget came to clean. Dot did some gardening and I caught up with e-mails and other stuff. Suddenly discovered that duck took 90 minutes to cook – did it just in time. Quite nice. Then Dot went to orchestra rehearsal with Janet and Nova. I cleared up, then watched a documentary about car-making in Coventry (special interest) and unexpectedly a bit about Bikers and food in Northumberland. When Dot came home we watched the third episode of Black Snow. Oh – had a look at my Paston talk for Bridget and adapted it to remove Swaffham links. 

Thursday – Very warm. Dot went to see Anne, and they had lunch together at Woodton. Meanwhile I got a bus into the city and got my iPhone fixed : the protective screen had been chipped. New one cost £34. Ho, hum. Walked back via Jarrolds and then into the Close, where I dropped off to see if I could see Louisa – which I did, accidentally, as she came to pick up some other clients. So she does exist. Left a message asking for the latest news, as Phyllis’s will was all supposed to be wrapped up by the end of last month.

Walked home (very warm) and looked out some poems for the Seagull, then put together another poem that had been lingering on the edge of reality for some time. Not sure how good it is: it links Snake Pass with a couple of other Peak District themes. Then had lunch and emptied dish washer. Too much detail? In the afternoon started writing a piece for my website. Dot got home about 3pm. We went to Morrisons and stocked up: also bought petrol. Cooked myself a lamb steak. We watched another episode of Black Snow, and one or two other things including European football. 

Friday – Still warm, but with a light breeze. Filled in forms for Canadian visa for Dot and me. Got receipts, but Dot’s disappeared. Then came back again. After lunch Dot and I went into town by bus, and I started her off on clothes shopping, then went home. By the time I got home I felt exhausted; so lay down for a bit, then wrote a piece for my website on the nature of science(!). On the way home ran into Des and Chris: the latter has failed to renew her driving licence and it’s proving difficult to retrieve the situation.

Dot got home around 5pm and we went out for street meet: quite pleasant – Des, Chris,  Sarah, Mary, Matt, Sam and Joe. Fish and chips fetched by Des. Watched documentary on pilgrimage, plus Beyond Paradise and penultimate episode of Black Snow. Earlier in the day the TV stopped working: I restarted box and replaced batteries in remote. One of those measures worked, but not sure which. 

Saturday – Still bright and dry, but a chill wind developing in the afternoon, as we walked back from the final Norwich match of the season. Not a reflection of the match, which City won 4-2 (it should have been about 7-3), and we stayed on for the players and their families parading round the pitch afterwards. Jonathan was also there, but left early as usual. Had lunch when we got home, which was about 3pm. Later on had FaceTime with David and Chrissy, talked about football, gardens and upcoming birthday. Sea bass for supper followed by stewed apples and blueberries and watched TV, including last episode of pilgrimage documentary. Surprisingly good. Earlier edited pix. 

Thursday 24th was cool but dry in the east. Felt less than 100% all day, but as usual best in the evening. Wrote my blog and then my sermon – more or less. Chose hymns for Sunday. Dot went to Morrisons. Had a Thursday version of street meet with newly returned Des and Chris, plus Ciara and John. Left early to cook bacon and egg meal, then we went to Cake and Compline at Judy’s, giving Phil a lift. Claire was already there but Vicky didn’t come – apparently she is off work with stress, which is not surprising, given the problems in her family. (In fact she went to the wrong house – ours; another “not the e-mail I usually use” problem.)

Friday – Bit warmer, especially towards end of day. Dry, some sun. Had bath and made some adjustments to sermon, then cleared up the study, sorting out loose papers and so on. Amy arrived on the 1318: I just had time to get out some cash. Forgot to buy pizzas. Had lunch with Amy – very nice chicken salad prepared by Dot. At some point during the afternoon I went to sit on kitchen chair and missed. Fortunately not injured. Problem with freezer: thought it had failed, but in fact I think a door was left open. Destroyed some food and Dot took the opportunity to clean shelves. Seems to have put itself right now.

Later watched Out of Africa (Amy’s choice) and it was good to see it again Had forgotten how good it was. Halfway through went out for street meet: Ciara, Phoebe, Matt, Angela, Sam (briefly) and of course me Dot and Amy, who seemed to have a good time, though she’s a bit under the weather. I was feeling fairly ropey as usual. As we went out, Dot drove to Morrisons to buy pizza that we’d forgotten. Ate that while watching second half of OOA. Ended evening by watching Beyond Paradise: went to sleep again and will have to rewatch to fill gaps. I went to bed about 11.30 : Dot is either talking to Amy or they are watching Derry Girls. 

Saturday – Dry, mixture of sun and cloud.  Woke up about a couple of hours before Dot and Amy, who was understandably very tired. We had a late breakfast of fruit, frangipane and croissant (toast in my case) and then Dot drove to Morrisons to get food for the evening, as Amy wasn’t keen to eat out. Didn’t leave for coast till after 3pm, then headed for Sea Palling. Parked in car park and walked on to and along the beach. The tide was coming in, but had quite a way to go. Walked a fair distance then came back over the dunes and on to the road.

Amy decided she’d like to go straight home rather than have a cup of coffee; we went vie Dot’s mum’s birthplace at Hempstead and then Happisburgh, where the erosion is about to eat up the car park. Had something to eat and then watched a couple of episodes of Derry Girls while we had a cup of tea, then had a meal involving smoked salmon, avocado and a few other things. Then  looked at some of Amy’s pictures on screen – got to know a few of her friends. Watched Austin, but Dot went to sleep. All of us pretty tired so went to bed at about 10.45. Earlier Norwich had achieved a 0-0 draw at Middlesbrough – played very well, apparently. 

Sunday – Dry, sunny. Quite warm. All went to church in the morning, and I did the sermon – apparently not as good as usual. Had a few refreshments, took Ray home – he wasn’t feeling at all well – and then proceeded to Cley, where we had lunch at the NWT place. I had a scone; the other two had quiches. Then drove to Blakeney, where we parked on the carnser and walked out as far as possible.

Then back, and Dot and I hod an ice cream. Walked in the other direction for a while out into the marsh. Saw oystercatcher. Dot bought loaf for over £5 from Two Magpies. Drove home via Sheringham, West Runton, Banningham etc.  After lie down for all three of us, cooked chili con carne and we watched Americas and Derry Girls. Spurs lost 5-1 to Liverpool, who won title. Aargh! 

Monday – Warm and dry. Amy was very tired; so we abandoned plans for early breakfast. Took her over to station in good time for 11.32 train. Felt very tired myself; so lay down for a bit (not in the station). After lunch checked the car tyres; as the alarm had gone off yesterday. But all was well – one front tyre slightly down. Then cut up tree Dot had uprooted from garden and fitted it into brown bin. Finished up mince and some bacon for evening meal. Watched Grace, which was pretty good, and the final episode of the chess. Not very impressive last game. Bins out. Amy in Southampton. Dot spent a long time looking out old pix to show Joyce and Sandra tomorrow. 

Good Friday – Dry with quite a cool wind but warmish sun. Jonathan rang to say Naomi was ill and so he had an extra ticket, which resulted in my going to the match with Dot. Met Phil and Joe outside, amazingly. Match was appalling, City going down 3-5 to Portsmouth, who are threatened with relegation. Very poor in all areas; don’t seem to have any desire to win.

Went out for street meet and were invited into Joe and Sam’s housewarming party. First part in garden; pretty cold. Had good conversations with Mary, John and Ciara and Sean, plus one or two others (mainly friends of J & S from Jubilee pub). Moved indoors, which was more comfortable. After about 9pm went home and had thin steak sandwiches. Slept through most of Beyond Paradise. Watched an episode of Outnumbered and went to bed. Nice to have a warm house. Sean prefers duvets and was astonished how warm we kept our house! Longish discussion with Ciara, Sean and Sam’s nephew earlier about history of Northern Ireland. He’s 18 and studying history.

Saturday and Sunday – Dry and mainly sunny. Just as I missed Christmas through illness, I have now missed Easter. Ok in the morning, but in the afternoon had a severe stomach pain and intense shivering which lasted a few hours. I managed to write the prayers – which Dot eventually delivered – and went to bed. Pain and shivering eventually eased but I felt groggy and couldn’t eat anything. Went to bed and slept a bit. This morning, no pain to speak of, but I felt exhausted and pretty rough. Didn’t sleep all that well.

Dot wanted to stay home but I persuaded her to go to church. I was ok – eventually had a hot cross bun. In the afternoon both David and Oliver rang to wish us a Happy Easter! Long conversation with Oliver. Carrie came round and tested my water: she said there was an infection but fairly low grade, and I should just drink lots of water. Felt better, but at bedtime my water was very dark. Still, I felt better and had something to eat. We also watched The Messiah and another part of the documentary on The Americas – this time the Caribbean. Fewer than 1000 steps last two days (together). Aaargh.

Monday – Grey, with a bit of rain in the evening. Felt pretty rotten at first but varied during the day. Symptoms of cold on top of UTI. Lot of sneezing. Ate a bit more than yesterday. I got up after lunch and Kim came round with cake. I managed to keep conversation going ok, and we had a nice discussion. Later I had some fried potatoes and rhubarb crumble. I turned a switch on for Des and discovered Robin is not able to come to the Foundry tomorrow; so I cried off too. Slowly catching up with e-mails.

Tuesday – Dry, cool; some sun. Felt pretty ropey in the morning, but got up and went to get pills with Dot. Also returned library book at Plumstead Road library. Then down to Morrisons, where I stayed in the car and possibly slept a bit while Dot shopped fairly briefly. I did a bit of research on Parish Pump while Dot was at violin lesson with Anna (I took her) but felt very tired and lay down for a while. Took Paracetamol and after an hour or so felt better. Cooked salmon meal and we watched Grace, during which Dot gave Anne a ring (it was Philip’s birthday). Later watched chess and University Challenge, then FaceTimed Canada and spoke to David and Amy, who seemed tired but not as ill as I’d feared. Hard to tell, of course. Late in bed but managed over 1000 steps. Just. Saw goldfinch earlier on tree outside bedroom. Made me feel better. May be over the worst!

Wednesday – Again dry, mix of cloud and sun. Felt pretty groggy when I woke but soon improved. Had an early bath because Bridget came to clean at about 9.30am, and then got on with Parish Pump pieces, on Martin Luther’s marriage, Kitchener (the man, not the town in Ontario), and the first ascent of Annapurna. Turned out quite interesting: finished while Dot was at orchestra rehearsal. Felt tired during the day, and so did Dot, but she was quite busy. We are getting old, of course.

At midday (as Bridget finished) we went to church for the Bible study. It was a bit of a blur to me, especially as Carrie and Phil were there, and Debbie and Ellie weren’t. But Dot said it was OK. Des and Chris got home from Italy around 9.20pm, feeling the cold (it had been much warmer earlier), and I gave them their keys. Dot arrived around 9.50 feeling a lot better: think I’m improving too.

++ Suppose I should mention that Norwich City have fired their manager after another loss on Monday (3-1 at Millwall).

It’s Friday 18 April, and I forgot my father’s birthday yesterday – possibly because we were so busy. But no excuse. It’s now 1030 and the gas man has just left after spending about 90 minutes putting our heating system right. Valve problem in the airing cupboard and a recalcitrant radiator. Oh yes: it’s Good Friday.

Last Saturday (12 April) it was warm and sunny at first: cloudier later. Dot and I rehearsed our song for the last time, and I updated my blog. After a light lunch we set off for North Elmham Eastgate centre, where we took part in a poetry/prose/song event organised by James Knox Whittet. Hs wife Ann was also there: she had been seriously ill with pneumonia. Knew several people from the Fakenham library event. Quite a long programme: happily our song, Sands of Luskentyre, was second on the list and went surprisingly well. I also did an Iona poem to finish. Lots of good stuff. Including two Gaelic songs by Anna, and a poem about Yesnaby on Orkney. James read from his book again. Nice cakes. Got home just in time to get ready to go to the Greens for a meal. Walked both ways, ending up with nearly 6000 steps. Derek and Janet Bower also there. Had a really good time and arrived home about 10.45pm. Watched a little football and were in bed by 11.30pm. Very tired. 

Sunday – Still tired. Quite warm, but rain later. Went to joint service at St Luke’s led by Bishop. We were part of worship band. Bishop was quite low key and avoided any net zero nonsense. Sermon quite good. Spoke to lots of people afterwards, many of them from St Luke’s. Took Ray home afterwards: strangely high number of people parking near his house. Then called in at St Aug to pick up mugs so that we could put them through our dishwasher. Oh yes. Watched a fair bit of television, including a good episode of Grace and the Boat Race (men and women) – both won easily by Cambridge. Also a bit of football. Later almost all the football results went badly. Liverpool won and Spurs lost. Contacted Robin, who is feeling better. 

Monday –  Bit cooler, but some sun and dry. Guy came to service the house alarm (Sonata) almost on the dot of 8.30am: had to put trousers on and go down. He put a new battery in. When Dot got up we drove up to church with the mugs we had put through the dishwasher. Later had a look at Channel Island details and warmed to it a bit. Kerry (Arniel) rang and we booked it. Checked visa requirement for Canada, which seemed straightforward and was getting on well with the insurance when I realised that Dot had already booked insurance for Rhodes and her details would have clashed with what I was trying to do. Rang Staysure and spoke to useless woman; got pretty depressed. May choose different company.

Went out for walk, which got me over 5000 for the day. Down Rosary Road, up Bishopbridge, through into Close and back after circuit of car park. Earlier Dot and I had chat with John at No 19, who still isn’t better. I felt pretty ill first thing this morning, and later had strange pain across stomach – seemed like gas, but not sure. Still getting head/ear problems. 

Tuesday – Rain in the morning and evening, but a dry afternoon. Still reasonably warm. Got up very late after disturbed night. Had bath and then lunch. Feeling rather down over travel insurance, which I hadn’t sorted out. Have now written to Kerry with details of my medical conditions and await a reply. Disillusioned with Staysure. Dot went to garden centre at Sprowston and bought some rocks, then re-did little bit of garden at front – looks very good. Meanwhile I walked up and over the top to take tickets to Naomi. Ended day with over 5000 steps. Booked a table at the Foundry for next Tuesday. and sorted out bins for us, Des and Sarah. Des is still away, and so is Mark. In the evening watched various things and abandoned a so-called comedy called The Change. Watched a little bit of Aston Villa v PSG. which the former won 3-2 but the latter won 5-4 on aggregate. Cooked duck. 

Wednesday – Breezy; cooler, especially when the gas went off, leaving us without heat or hot water. Bizarrely it came on again after I’d booked an engineer, then went off again. Even more bizarrely the downstairs electricity went off as well, but I think that was because Dot was doing an in-depth clean of the oven, which may have tripped something. [No – it was related to water in a heating valve.]

Aargh! One thing after another. Message back from travel agent. Will probably have to go in to discuss medical conditions. Lunchtime Bible study as usual: usual crowd plus Luke, a quietish older guy with Orthodox background. Ellie on phone. Think it went ok. Spent some time in afternoon sorting out charity money, then walked up to post cheques. Still less than 3000 steps today. Cooked complicated dinners – lamb for Dot and fried steak for me. Swapped prayer-leading with Howard; so will be doing it this Sunday. We watched three episodes of Ruth Ellis drama which was very well done but at the same time depressing because it was true, and she was screwed by lawyers. On the plus side, the guy she killed appeared to have deserved it. I probably shouldn’t say that.

Thursday – Very busy. Dry, mainly sunny. Warm out of wind. Dot woke up early and got me cup of tea. House chilly because heating off. Men building new wire fence to left of steps at end of road. Call from Kerry – fixed travel insurance meeting for later in day, then drove to Salthouse to see art exhibition at church. Spoke to Ian Dyble (the vicar) and found ourselves on same wavelength. Bought some cards, then drove to Cley NWT, where we had tea and scone and looked at another exhibition – this one by John Hurst, a guy we met at North Elmham. Saw a couple of marsh harriers, then drove home.

Got bus into city and went to travel agent. Long session with Kerry, who is very nice. Ended up with insurance that cost more than ticket to Canada. Also insured Channel Islands trip. Walked to Jarrolds, where we had wine and bread, then walked back to Marks & Spencer, where we bought food and then some trousers for Dot. Got into conversation with very pleasant guy outside changing room who had just bought his first suit for about 30 years in preparation (partly) for his daughter’s graduation in medicine at Bristol. Saw daughter as she went into changing room and she looked strangely familiar. No idea why.

Walked home. Had a cup of tea and watched football, then cooked M&S food – chicken and mushrooms, which was excellent. Saw end of Ruth Ellis drama. Very well done. 

Monday 7 April – Weather much the same: bit more cloud. Got up very late, feeling depressed. Caught up with stuff on computer and got the guitar working properly. Dot and I rehearsed a bit – she is still quite nervous about it. Watched football: always good to see Liverpool lose. Spurs won but didn’t look convincing. Didn’t feel too good generally.

Decided not to go to parochial council meeting. Dot took me to St Augustine’s and I walked back via river path, doing over 4000 steps for the day. Made myself lamb steak and cleared kitchen up. Watched some rugby highlights. When Dot got back we watched a chess programme and part of a dangerous roads programme – this time in Java. Seem more uncared for than dangerous. 

Tuesday – Weather much the same. Cold wind in the evening when we went to watch Norwich City draw 0-0 with Sunderland. Surprisingly, it was a good match, though no one could shoot. We took Phil Gazely with us. Got talking to a young boy at interval after his father offered us two of the seats at their table. He was great!  Father was nice too. Earlier in the day we practised my song for Saturday again. Think it’s coming together.

Earlier we joined Brian and Tricia for breakfast at Un Café – very good as usual. Dot bought a plant. Rang Robin but couldn’t get through; managed to speak to Jennie Downing’s daughter – she’s still in hospital but improving. Researched Old Testament structure for tomorrow(!). Dot did quite a bit in the garden. Over 4000 again. 

Wednesday – Grey and quite chilly, but dry. Drove to church and did a Bible study – sort of a look at part of the structure of the Old Testament, mainly the Pentateuch/Torah. Seemed a bit chaotic to me, but people seemed to like it. Ellie there for the last time for a bit, plus Dot, Debbie, Jude and Steven, who seemed a bit down afterwards – not sure why.

Call later from Anne to Dot: Louise might have quite serious problem in her head: needs a scan, but she’s in Thailand with her family. Rehearsed song again. Still not really happy with it. Dot had a night off from orchestra following concert. Watched a couple of episodes of House of David on Prime. Ok, but a bit slow. Arsenal beat Real Madrid 3-0. Not a big admirer of Declan Rice, but he scored two brilliant free kicks. 

Thursday – warmer; dry. Managed over 8000 steps. Bridget came quite early to do cleaning. She was heading out for Greece in the afternoon! After she left Dot and I went up to the travel agents (Heys) on the bus and spent an hour or two with Kerry, who fixed us up with tickets to Canada on September 2 and suggested a couple of things for another holiday – eg Switzerland or Channel Islands. Didn’t decide on those.

Walked down to Jarrolds and had light lunch / scotch egg  plate and Provence rosé, which was excellent. Dot had Malbec. Walked home and practised song for Saturday. Getting there. Lay down for a bit, then had bacon sandwich. Walked up to Vue with Jude and met Kim, then all went in to see first two episodes of Series 5 of The Chosen, just released. Very good as usual. Saw John Drake outside – seem to run into him a lot. Later FaceTimed Amy, who has arrived in Canada, and had a chat. Told David and Chrissy about our Canada dates. 

Friday – warm, sunny and dry. Linda came and cut our hair. In the afternoon we stocked up at Morrisons after retrieving my jackets from the cleaners. We rehearsed the song again several times: still not entirely happy. Street meet with Sarah, Ciara (both on chairs because of back and leg injuries), Matt, Jonathan, Joe and Sam. Joined briefly by drunk but harmless man passing through. Afterwards I cooked salmon with potatoes for me, bread only for Dot. Listened to Norwich City playing badly against Burnley and going 2-0 down by half time. Stopped listening and watched Beyond Paradise, during which they pulled back to 2-1, which is how it ended. Des and Chris in Florence. Also watched a documentary on a guy with Parkinson’s who drove through Africa, and a second episode of Austin, which is very funny. Starring Ben Miller and Sally Phillips. 

Wednesday, 2 April – Sunny and dry again, with a cool wind. Again. Des came over to talk about plants and brought his grandson Charlie, who continues to view us with suspicion. Drove to church for Bible study. We got through the whole of Ruth. Lovely book: Debbie, Jude, Steven and Dot. Ellie unavailable. Afterwards home for quick lunch before Dot drove me to hospital for dermatology clinic – quite hard to find – where Dr Torchia took a quick look at my mole and said it was seborrhoeic keratoses, and not skin cancer. Which is very good, except that it’s much harder to say.

Walked back across to UEA, where I got in a bus and waited for well over ten minutes for it to move. Took me to station, and my walk home took me over 4000 steps (end of day well over 5000). Cooked salmon, and then Dot left for orchestra with Janet and Nova. Apparently it went well. While Dot was out I played through some EP games, including one of my losses. Contacted Kristine and sent Kavana best wishes for her viva, via Kim. Trying to work out best way forward with Phyllis’s estate; new idea from Louisa which Anna “doesn’t understand”.  Aargh. 

Thursday – sunny and pleasant – bit of wind. Anne came round late morning, and we had tea in the garden before she and Dot went for a walk up to Kett’s Heights and then down to new restaurant opposite Julian Bridge, which they enjoyed despite having to order electronically. Meanwhile I was catching up on EP games, which had fallen about three months behind, and a number other things, including cooking myself a couple of lamb steaks, which were delicious with King Edward mashed potatoes and peas. Bridget came to clean and eventually Dot and Anne came back. Later Anne rang to say Louise had a problem with her head and needed a scan. Worrying. In the evening  Dot and I went to the theatre to see a thriller, Picture me Dead. Quite good, but theatre half empty. Both of us had double gin and tonic. Last episode of Bergerac: quite good in the end, despite the title character being irritating. 

Friday – Weather much the same: Sunny and dry, but with a chilly wind. Dot went to Ladies that Lunch with Sue Eagle and Helen Lamb, plus two others, at Caister Hall and came back with a glowing report. I had intended to go out for a walk but had diarrhoea – possibly from a dodgy banana – so stayed home, and it went away. Cleared up kitchen and my study and printed a couple of things out. Had fish on toast after Dot got back: she didn’t (have fish on toast). Went out for street meet though Des and Chris, Mark, Jo and Sam and Ciara were away. Spoke to Mary, Matt and Angela. Afterward watched final three episodes of Dope Girls, which had its points but so much unpleasantness that I wish we hadn’t bothered. News full of Trump tariffs and Green nazi stories.  Inside steps got me up to just over 4000…

Saturday – …compared to nearly 8000 today. Dot’s big concert day. This time at St Catherine’s Church on Aylsham Road. I walked there – possibly a mistake, but I got there in good time. Sat with Angela, Rodney, Bridget and David. Also Vicky’s boyfriend Anthony. Present were the O’dells, Neville Thrower, Graham Smith and several others, not to mention the orchestra. Very good music. Dot drove me home (with Nova). Earlier Dot and I went to Morrisons and stocked up. Watched Beyond Paradise. Norwich lost 2-1 away to bottom club Plymouth. Renewed  parking permit  and wrote prayers for Sunday, though not in that order. Sunny but quite a cold wind. Oliver back from Lake District. 

Sunday – Sunny again, dry again, chilly wind again. Drove to church. Howard preached and I led the prayers. Martin on piano, Anna, Dot, Steve and me in band. Took Ray home as usual. Restrung guitar with a bit of help from Dot: strings arrived just after lunch. Not much else done. Both had a bad night; so quite tired. Had a long FaceTime with David: he is doing some interesting things with Diderot. Cooked some cod and afterwards watched a two-hour episode of Grace. Felt very down. 

Friday March 28 – mainly warm and dry, turning cool in the evening. Woke late, wrote blog and edited pix, then checked bank account. After lunch walked up hill and over the top to Naomi’s to drop off football tickets. Spoke to her briefly. Met Dot on Riverside Road and we investigated a site we’d seen previously from the top – turned out to be a storage centre accessible off Gas Hill. Then walked along riverside path home.

Tired, but helped Dot with puzzles, then lay down for about half an hour. Street meet included Mark, Des, Chris, Mary and for a short while Joe and Sam. No John or Matt. Quite a chilly wind. Des got us fish and chips, and we watched Beyond Paradise and Death in Paradise – went to sleep in the latter. Earlier Bergerac. 

Saturday – Sunny and dry, but a chilly wind. Partial eclipse of the sun in the morning, which I saw but failed to get any convincing pictures of – unlike Mark. In the afternoon walked Dot to Carrow Road, where she saw City beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0, with a goal in the 92nd minute by Josh Sargent. Went to meet her because she is still dizzy, but missed her – she came up the road and I went down the steps. Later she prepared the prayers. Watched bits of two Cup matches: Fulham losing 3-0 to Crystal Palace, and Nottingham Forest beating Brighton on penalties after ending 0-0 after extra time.

Sunday – British Summer Time! Chilly wind, but bright and dry. Put clocks forward last night and woke up in good time. Drove to church with cakes. Gave sermon which several people said they liked. Graham was there with his mother. It was Mother’s Day.  Dot did prayers. Matt and the two of us in band. Took Ray home. Small tree (probably oranges) arrived out of the blue from David for Dot: she FaceTimed to thank him, and we had long talk. Oliver appeared briefly at the end. After lunch watched a bit of football and then final two episodes of The Flatshare, which was brilliant. Also penultimate episode of Protection. 

Monday – Dry and sunny; quite mild, but a bit of a wind. Kim and her son Kian called (by car) to pay me for ticket I bought for The Chosen at Vue on April 10. They stayed for tea and a chat, which was nice. I learned a few things about helicopters. After a quick lunch Dot and I drove to North Walsham and bought flowers for graves. After putting them in the cemetery drove to Roger and Debbie’s and had tea and biscuits. Arrived home during rush hour, but not too bad. In evening watched several things on TV including the last episode of Protection, which sort of faded away after writing itself into a corner. Not bad, though. Put bins out and watched University Challenge. Mark and Sarah gave us some chocolate cake. 

Tuesday – sunny and dry, but chilly wind. Drove to Archant pensioners’ get-together and had breakfast, which was excellent, especially the fried bread. Sat with Tricia. Robin too “groggy” to come, and Brian apparently not feeling too good. Tried to get contact details for Jennie Downing, who is in hospital, but not successful. Later in the morning went to Rosary with flowers; a burial was clearly about to take place, but we finished and got away in time. Had to lie down in afternoon, but later went for walk over to new café by Julian Bridge to check it out. As a result managed over 4000 steps in the day. Watched first two episodes of Dope Girls, set after first world war; first episode so obscure (literally) we almost abandoned it, but carried on. We’re like that.