Very pleasant day today – sunny and warm. Walked up into the city with Dot, who had an appointment at Jarrolds, then along and back down through the Close. At least, that was the idea, but as I was resting on a bench I was approached by a very nice woman from Beccles who wanted to know where the Great Hospital was. I started to direct her, then decided to go with her. Surprisingly I didn’t feel too tired, and after showing her the GH, I also showed her the pub at Bishop Bridge, because she was half an hour early for her tour and she thought she might like a coffee. So I walked further than I meant to, and felt surprisingly OK. I even hung the washing out.

Last Thursday I eventually managed to book flights to Canada, using Dot’s computer.  Bridget came to clean, and I cooked dinner (lamb steak). Then Dot walked up to Howard’s for handbell ringing: Bridget gave her a lift back. Meanwhile I played through some En Passant games. And sorted out the dishwasher. 

Friday was a bit cooler but quite pleasant. Plumber Robin came at 11 to look at a couple of jobs, and Kim arrived at the same time. She stayed for a light lunch, and we had a long chat. In the afternoon we watched a bit of Commonwealth Games, and Dot did some cleaning. Had drink outside with Des and Chris’s relatives, plus Mark, and Jonathan for a short time. Then went in for soup, and a few odd jobs. Feeling tired on and off. Watched more Commonwealth Games. Bit of constipation. Children have arrived in Canada. 

After a better night, Saturday was pleasantly warm –- not too hot. Dot went to the match with Matt and Amanda, who left their bikes in the garden. City managed to avoid losing, but drew 1-1 with Wigan. Not tremendously inspiring. I spent ages on a research questionnaire for Imperial College that didn’t seem to ask any of the right questions and ended up with brain games that I wasn’t too good at. Fred called in after the game: he’s staying at Beeston Regis and got the bus in. Nice to see him.

Also had a FaceTime with Andrew: it was his 74th birthday. He seemed much the same and appeared to have received his presents, though one can never be quite sure. In the evening we went to Des and Chris’s ruby anniversary celebration at Silver Rd community centre, and gave Sarah a lift. Nice evening: spoke a lot to Sarah, but also to John and Tara, who were just back from Cornwall, and Sean, Ciara, Phoebe and Freddie, plus Jessica and her husband and Charlie, Des’s best man, from Macclesfield; he and his wife Carol were a nice couple. Ceilidh band were ok, and plenty of people danced. We left at 9.30 because I was very tired, and so was Sarah. Watched a bit of football and Commonwealth Games.

Sunday was pleasantly warm. Led morning worship, with Heather preaching: 27 in the congregation. Nice atmosphere. Watched  a bit of Commonwealth Games and football. Lay on bed for a while – quite tired. Cooked duck legs – very nice. 

Yesterday was mild; quite pleasant. Dot dropped me off at church: the girls were not there, but had good chat with Steve, Alison, Jude, Debbie, Stacy etc. Dot returned later and stayed a while. After lunch Dot went to see Anne, who is having trouble looking after Philip: very hard for her. I trimmed back the ivy and finished Richard Balls’ Shane McGowan book. Felt very tired after looking at insurance, visa and parking. Emptied the dishwasher and cooked the evening meal. Watched last episodes of Everything I know about love, which was quite good, and  The Newsreader – ditto. Also watched MOTD2. That was quite good too.

Last Saturday was mild; mainly overcast. Anne came round and brought me some lovely Provence rosé as a late birthday present. After she left we watched some of the Commonwealth games, plus an episode of Sanditon, which is pretty good. Wrote prayers forSunday and felt better until mid-evening, when I felt very tired; Dot also developed a mysterious rash and was not feeling too good; so we went to bed early. Earlier we listened to Norwich losing 1-0 to Cardiff (A) in the first game of the season; saw highlights on ITV4. Dot had a long phone call from Debbie about Taizé service.

Rain overnight and off and on during Sunday. Quite mild. Went to joint service at St Aug and led prayers : 36 people there. Very nice atmosphere. Felt a bit shaky most of the day – hadn’t slept well. However had a proper meal – Moussaka. Dot still under the weather with a rash. She got some antihistamine pills and went to the Team Ministry service in the old church in the evening. I gave it a miss and watched some Commonwealth Games and England women winning Euro final 2-1,against Germany. A lot of people seemed quite pleased to see me this morning. 

Monday was mild but overcast. Felt quite a bit better, which was just as well, as Dot was under the weather with her rash and lacking in energy. Drove (first time since operation) to church and had pleasant chat for over an hour. Nikki and Leanne didn’t turn up so didn’t do Bible study. Howard and Matt were there doing repair work on end of hall. Had proper lunch and evening meal, which I cooked : haddock, potatoes and peas. Dot did fruit salad. Watched some Commonwealth Games swimming and the next two episodes of The Newsreader, which was good. Earlier Linda came and cut our hair, and I took over some papers to Des, who is back from Lichfield (and Commonwealth Games hockey). Oliver and Amy home from Corfu.

Bad night and a very warm day on Tuesday. Went to Archant Pensioners’ breakfast; Richard Batson came for first time. Too tired afterwards to go to shop, but went later in the afternoon to stock up on food. Watched an awful lot of Commonwealth Games, and had two long FaceTime chats with Amy and David. Amy showed us pictures of Corfu.

Wednesday was still very warm, but overcast and a bit windy. Des called to check on parking for his ruby weekend. Dot seemed to be improving –rash much less, and she perked up towards the end of the day. Watched some Commonwealth Games, including superb win by Eilish McColgan in 10,000 metres. I feel quite a bit better; wrote to Andrew and Thelma and walked up to post. Also ordered some stuff for both of them and for us. Naked Wines delivered before I was out of bed. 

Today (Thursday) is still warm, with some sun. Was feeling better until I attempted to book tickets to Canada, which went ok till I tried to pay. After six attempts (two valid credit cards and one valid debit card) gave up. Got as far as “Confirm it’s you” but no way of doing so. Aargh!!!! After lunch tried again on Dot’s machine, and it went through. Weird. As I write Bridget is here doing some cleaning. I am more than halfway through a book on Shane McGowan: great songwriter but almost impossible to be around. My chess game with Oliver is ongoing.

A confusing week – largely because I failed to record a couple of days; so some of this is from memory. On Sunday, which was very mild but quite windy, Dot got back from church (see last post) around 2.45pm. I was still feeling very tired and had diarrhoea, though I detected a slight general improvement. We watched some athletics: Jake Wightman brilliantly won 1500m world gold. Had a light meal (adaptation of Hello Fresh) and most of a tin of mandarins. Also did a bit of Pump research on Hadrian, but still very tired. Dot a bit slowed down by heat too. Watched end of Tour de France. 

On Monday I went to the surgery for my annual blood check. A very nice nurse (Anne) said I’d had major surgery and was in fact doing well – she looked at my scars. I should reckon on 4-6 weeks before I felt anything like normal. Dot went for farewell meal with colleague (Jon Moule) at Hethersett, and I just relaxed on the bed. Still not really wanting to eat. Linda cancelled hair because she was ill – not Covid, probably migraine. 

On Tuesday I definitely felt better and was up most of the day. Also enjoyed a meal of beans on toast. Spent most of day writing Parish Pump pieces. 

Wednesday was mild; quite pleasant. Couldn’t believe I hadn’t written anything the last couple of days, during which I’ve improved gradually. The weather has been quite pleasant, and we’ve had a chat with David, who seems very well, as does Chrissy. The children are in Corfu with the usual suspects, and Oliver sent us anniversary wishes today: it’s our 54th, and I felt well enough to go to Rob’s talk as Tom Paine at the Maids Head. We went by taxi and met Rob outside by chance. Also our bridesmaid Teresa: it was her birthday and our 54th wedding anniversary. Good talk.

Afterwards walked home through The Close. Bridget was doing our cleaning. We got a Hello Fresh box by mistake and gave it to her. I rested a bit, but later had meal of soup, croutons and strawberries. Long phone conversation with Gill and Mick Stedman as a result of an article I’d written for my website about my operation – Alice through the keyhole! Spent much of the evening watching T20 cricket (England beat South Africa) but also managed to get DVD player to work and watched some of a Runrig DVD that Phil and Joy got me for my birthday. Helped Dot choose hymns for Sunday. Have a bit of an appetite now: digestion improved a bit. At some point – may have been yesterday – watched Fistful of Dollars. What a great film! Not perfect, but inspiring. 

Thursday was a bit dull, but warm. Managed to sort out  the paperwork in my room, which was quite an achievement, paid TV licence and renewed heritage sub, coincidentally at the same moment someone  rang asking me to do so. Des and Chris away at Lichfield: Mark home. Dot went to shops, and I slept for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Saw more of Runrig DVD. Excellent. Had soup for supper. Dot spoke to Barbara V on FaceTime. Watched penultimate episode of The Undeclared War: still very good. 

Friday – today – was again mild and dry. Walked up to the post office to post birthday card to Linda, but felt oddly tired afterwards. Appetite has improved though. Eating quite a bit of fruit: had banana sandwich for lunch. Watched England lose at T20 cricket to S Africa. Dot, after brief foray to shops, had Zoom with Barbara and David about p4c, and later we went out to have drinks with Mark, Sarah, Matt and Angela in Des’s drive.

Tuesday was very, very hot. Felt I might have turned a corner last night, but I still have a limited appetite. We watched a good thriller called The Control Room as well as keeping up with the Tour de France, which is pretty exciting. Feel very tired still. David keeping in touch to see if we’re coping with the weather: I didn’t think there would be a problem, but it’s extremely draining and hard to find a cool place. BBC falling over themselves with apocalyptic scenarios. Happily this evening it’s easing off a bit. In the afternoon we drove up to the chemists to get my pills, but they didn’t have them. Still, it was nice and cool in the car. Dot spoke to Des, who went to the cinema to keep cool. She is now catching up with her e-mails. Watched last episode of The Control Room – really very good.

A thunderstorm in the early hours was much appreciated. Not a bad night – slept till just before 7am, when I took my pills. Gradually feeling better, but still heavy-headed. Dot got me toast after I’d got her a cup of tea. She didn’t sleep so well. Rang up Lily – no real change – and sent off a number of e-mails. Hello Fresh came, and I managed to eat some sausages, which I have to say surprised me. Later spoke to Ray on phone; Christine is really in a bad way. Watched cricket (v South Africa) and Tour de France, plus a very good documentary on Scafell Pike, which I always wish I’d climbed, like Bencathra.

Thursday was much cooler but dry. Dot went to Sutton School in the morning and had a great time. I read through an article Phil had sent me and later spoke to him on the phone about it. Also found a chess game from many years ago that Patrick McDermott had asked about, took a pic of the cutting and sent it to him. Finished antibiotics but still very tired. Bridget came to clean in afternoon, and I am reading The Partisan, which David gave me for Father’s Day. Woke during the night feeling sick, but it soon passed. 

Friday – was dry and mild, though compared to earlier in the week it seemed almost cool.  Dot went to Newton Flotman – another success story. I had a bath after shaving and cutting my nails. After lunch Phil K came round to discuss his manuscript, which went really well, but after 90 minutes or so I had to go and lie down. Slept for a while. Dot went out for drinks, and I popped over to say hello to Des, Chris and Ciara very briefly. Sean has a problematic heart condition. Derek Bower is in hospital with sepsis. Des got us fish chips, and I ate a fair bit while we watched Tour de France. Excellent coverage as always. David FaceTimed and said I looked better. Had a good chat. Watched another episode of The Undeclared War, which is first-class and quite frightening 

Saturday was mild, mainly overcast.  Colin came to cut our hedge and rebuild our wall – £160 + tip. His son Jordan got a first in law. Managed to eat a decent lunch, then Paul came round and we had quite a long chat. He had had to be rushed into hospital when a varicose vein burst and blood spurted out. He lost about two litres, and fainted, but by then had alerted an ambulance. Scary. Had longish phone call with Kristine, who had her cornea cut by flying glass/splinters caused by pigeons. Yes, pigeons. She’s ok now.  Still feeling very tired, and it was a struggle to eat dinner, but at least I had a couple of glasses of wine. Also walked up on to path. Watched cricket, Tour time trial and last two episodes of Faroes noir Trom, which were deeply unsatisfying. 

Today Dot is at church, for a special St Aug Way moot + Communion + shared lunch. Couldn’t quite face it, but probably should have gone. i just feel tired and fuzzy-headed. It probably won’t go until I actually do something.

It seems so long ago – the big day at last. By today I had thought it would be a distant memory, and I would hardly remember I had had my gall bladder out. Instead, I think of little else. It was a very warm, blue-sky Sunday. It hadn’t been a bad night, considering. Had my last bath in ten days, as it turned out, and Dot drove me to hospital. No breakfast, of course. Very easy drive, and we arrived half an hour early. But that was ok. Everything was checked out by various people, and I ended up in pre-op and eventually – after a chat with a nurse, anaestheticist and a surgeon, who had a list of things that could go wrong – changed into a robe and pants and walked into the preparation room.

The next thing I knew it was well after 4pm. Apparently the op had been more complex than I anticipated, and I ended up with four keyholes (which I now find is normal – why did no-one mention this?) Apparently there was a slight bleed on the liver and a hernia repair that seemed to involve my tummy button. Felt pretty lousy, but they seemed keen to get rid of me, in the nicest possible way. They rang Dot, who picked me up about 5.25pm and took me home. Quite a bit of pain and tiredness. The former improved when I took codeine and paracetamol. Watched a bit of TV and had a small meal (fish), then went to bed. 

After that, it was all a bit of a blur. I think I was feeling more or less Ok on Monday, but then I developed a bit of a temperature and lost my appetite. I was certainly feeling well below par, with a very fuzzy head (Not much different from usual, you my say). DurIng Tuesday and Wednesday I wasn’t feeling at all well, partly because I had no appetite and partly because i couldn’t go to the loo (no 2). My birthday passed in a blur, but Kim called in and we had a chat. The weather was very warm, and I had the fan on in my room. In fact tonight (Thursday) was the first time I didn’t feel I had a temperature. Dot keeps trying to get me to eat, but the more she gets me what I like, the more I don’t want it. Very frustrating for both of us. I’v e managed to keep up with the Tour de France, but I’ve been in bed most of the time.

This morning Carrie rang, and we discussed what we thought was wrong. She advised ringing the doctor, which Dot eventually did. The receptionist wanted to speak to me, then consulted the duty doctor, not in hearing, who decided I should go to A&E “urgently”. I really didn’t want to, but of course we did, and it was amazingly easy. Roads were quite clear, and we parked in A&E. Dot was sent off for a coffee while I checked in and did a urine sample, then saw one of the “family doctors” by the entrance. He checked me, particularly the wounds, and felt I did not have an infection, but because my “numbers” were a bit on the tight side he thought I should take antibiotics for a week. I was in there less than half an hour, I think. Dot took me to our chemist’s at Heartsease, who at first expressed disbelief that the hospital could have ordered it electronically, but had to admit eventually that they had. So I am now on antibiotics. Bridget came later to clean, and I wasn’t feeling good at the point. Now I think I may be making progress. David has been in touch a lot. Oliver and Amy have done well: Oliver got a 1st and Amy got an A+ and an A-

Today (Fri) I went to the loo at 5am but still didn’t feel great. Have been again since then. Watched cricket and ate a little bit. Still fuzzy.  Decided not to go to Bungay to help lead a Retreat , and afterwards felt very tired and slept quite a lot. Spoke To David again. Dot went outside and had a drink, then got some fish and chips. By then I felt well enough to eat a few chips and chunk of fish, though it left me with greasy feeling. Watched Tour and some Open Golf, another episode of The Undeclared War, which is excellent. 

Saturday was warm and dry. Felt pretty ropey when I woke up, but improved and was able to eat a little breakfast. Then felt well enough (I thought) to go to Bungay, with the proviso I might come back again if I felt bad. In fact all went well, and to my surprise I was able to eat some lasagne and garlic bread, plus some ice cream. After lunch led a session and then walked down to river, which is stunning, especially in this weather. Took some pics. Afterwards went to bed while Dot did one of her creative sessions. Woke feeling still a bit iffy and ate a little tea – not much. Afterwards Bridget did session on poetry and then I led a short  one on prayer. We prayed for a while then did charades and a memory game which I was pretty bad at. Feeling much better as we went to bed around 11, especially as I was able to go to the loo.

However we both had a terrible night, and I felt pretty awful the next day, especially after I’d eaten a beef pie. We had a Communion service, partly ley by the Quiet Waters guy, who was an Australian Baptist. He and his wife were both lovely. Gradually felt worse, and could not leave soon enough. Fortunately I remembered it was my aunt Thelma’s birthday, and I bought a QW card, and Dot dropped it off. I had intended to take Thelma out for a drive, but of course it was impossible. Managed to watch Tour de France in evening, plus ODI cricket, but by the time we went to be I was feeling pretty bad again.

Today we continue in the midst of a climate crisis – it’s really extremely hot – but I think I feel a bit better. Have watched the Open Golf and have been to the loo twice. Dot did me. fried egg sandwich for lunch. But I still feel extremely tired, though I slept reasonably well.

Monday afternoon was reasonably warm and dry.  Caught up with e-mails and wrote blog. Watched cricket, Tour de France, some Wimbledon. Amy FTd at teatime. She has just finished her exams and seems quite bright – pleased about Blakeney. Made chilli con carne.   Watched McDonald & Dodds. Very contrived plot, but good characters. Also watched The Outlaws – very well written and acted. 

Tuesday was overcast in Norwich at first, but later sunny and warm, cooling in the evening. Went to Archant Pensioners’ breakfast and had one. Ian Clarke came to speak, and he said  in one week that number eleven was closing. Oh no, that’s a Bob Dylan song. He’s actually the EDP deputy editor and he gave us a talk about what was going on, then answered questions. Dot asked two questions that he said were good. I asked a few too. Robin, Shelagh, Brian and Tricia were there, as well as the usual suspects. Anna came round at lunchtime and gave Dot a violin lesson. After watching the cricket we drove out to Beeston Regis to visit Fred and Sue’s caravan, and had a good time which included a barbecue – salmon. Sun quite hot until around 8pm, when it got chilly. We went for a short walk, then drove home. Watched tennis highlights on iPlayer Just squeezed in Cameron Norrie, the British No1 who has reached the semi-finals. England beat India at cricket, and in other news the Chancellor and Health  Secretary both resigned. Not sure why.

Wednesday was overcast all day. Quite mild, though the temperature varied. Dot went to Tasburgh for DSSO while I walked up to the Maids Head to meet Paul Dickson. Discovered I had sold no books at all except the five I had sold myself. Discussed The Lost Princess and a possible Paston book. Agreed to try to produce a couple of sample chapters with Lucy. After lunch went to Morrisons to stock up, and then delivered Dot to a Safeguarding meeting near church (Green Hills Road), following which I drove home, killed a pigeon on the way and tested the tyre pressures (unrelated). They were more or less OK. Watched some Wimbledon, with irritating Nadal beating Fitz (before even more irritatingly withdrawing the next day). Also caught up with Tour de France. Think Boris Johnson resigned somewhere about here.

Thursday was windy, and a bit cooler, at least at first. Dot went up to surgery for a blood test, among other things, and was told she seemed to be in pretty good health, which cheered her up. Later she walked into the city to get something or other for someone or other who is apparently having a birthday soon. I walked some of the way with her and came back via the Cathedral, walking the labyrinth. After lunch we watched a bit of Wimbledon, and she did bit of gardening while I wrote some e-mails and then started looking at stuff for the retreat. Bridget came to clean, and we confirmed when next C&C meeting was. Watched first two episodes of An Undeclared War, which so far is excellent. 

Yesterday Dot was at a Religious Education conference at UEA. Went by taxi, which arrived around 8am! Very warm day. I spent much of it putting final touches to the retreat programme and writing a short liturgy. Met Dot off the bus and we went to the usual drinks gathering at 5.30 – except of course that I’m not allowed alcohol until my operation. Very annoying! Watched a bit of wheelchair Wimbledon. Feel strangely apprehensive. Got lovely card from Kim full of reassurance; so I shouldn’t.

Today has been pretty warm, but a bit windy. Anne came for coffee in the morning after navigating another road problem – a barrier across Koblenz Avenue. Suspect she missed an earlier diversion sign. After she left, walked down with Dot to have a look. On the plus side, there was plenty of work going on. Spent rest of day watching woman’s final at Wimbledon and caught tail-end of men’s doubles. Watched a lot of T20 cricket, but recording cut off in middle. Later watched first episode of new Scandi noir, which is promising. David FTd to check on me before my operation. Had messages from several people, which was all nice. Feel quite strange, which I imagine is normal. 

It’s Monday, reasonably warm, and less than a week to go to my operation, assuming I don’t get another phone call… It’s slightly cloudy, and I’m trying to catch up. Just had a good session at church with a slightly reduced number, but Nikki and Leanne were both there, as was Phil; so all went well until Phil’s dog picked up ticks and he had to rush off. (The dog was with his wife at the time.) Carrie is in Leeds, and Graham may or may not be at the General Synod.

Last Wednesday was warm but overcast, with rain in the evening when I went to meet Dot from orchestra: Janet dropped her on Rosary Road as usual. In the morning Dot went to see Anne, who was worried about her husband, while I did quite a lot of preparation on the retreat I’m leading in three weeks’ time. In the afternoon Dot went into the city to have her feet done and bought a new top. Kim had been hoping to come over but has had a migraine for two days. Watched some Wimbledon: Radicanu  and Murray both lost. 

Thursday was mainly overcast, with some heavy rain in early evening. Quite mild. Left for Blakeney just after 2pm and after an amazingly trouble-free journey arrived at the Manor Hotel just before 3pm. Unpacked and met Julia and Dave, then went to the Two Magpies for tea and donut. Afterwards checked in at Blakeney Cottages about accommodation at the end of August. Good meal – steak and kidney pie ++ – then Dot and I walked out by quayside and got some quite reasonable photos. 

Mixed weather on Friday – warm sunshine with some dark clouds and occasional light showers. Drove to Wells, originally intending to get the bus to Holkham and walk back. But it started raining as we waited and so we decided to start with coffee in the Maltings, then walk up to the beach (over a mile), where we had lunch. Walked over by the new lifeboat station (still under construction) to view the beach – tide on the way out. Saw a couple of oystercatchers and a curlew.

Walked back to the town, stopping a couple of times for a rest, then drove back to Blakeney. (We’d parked in a new car park at Wells). Dot and I walked up to try to find a cottage which we’d talked to Blakeney Cottages about, but couldn’t track it down. On the way back caught the BC woman as she was leaving, and she told us how to find it. However, we later decided to go for the other option, in the centre of the village. Nice meal again – I had fish and chips and was so full I couldn’t eat a sweet. Exhausted.

For the second night in succession I woke around dawn (and several other times – previous night was worse). But Saturday was bright sunshine as we got up and packed. Later windy but quite warm: cloudy. Rain in late evening. Did nearly all the packing before breakfast, then went up to Blakeney Cottages and booked High Tides for the end of August, when the grandchildren are coming up. This is an apartment over the BC office, with great views and a price tag to match.

Back to the hotel to meet Dave and Julia, and we all walked to Morston – hard going; I don’t think its an exaggeration to say I could have done it in half the time. On arrival found the Anchor was shut “for a few weeks”, so decided to go back to the Two Magpies in Blakeney  for lunch. Coasthopper bus happened along at just the right time. After alighting we looked at old cars in the bright new Blakeney Garage, and then Dot and I went and looked at the other cottage we’d considered. We made the right choice.

Met D & E back in the Two Magpies and had lunch – too soon after breakfast really. Afterwards sat on the bench outside for a while. A group of runners arrived by coach. One of them told me they were running from Blakeney to Snettisham, which is about marathon distance. Decided not to join them and drove home, arriving about 2.15pm. Unpacked and tidied up, practised hymns. Then drove to Attleborough for concert in the church, which was excellent. Sillars orchestra and the church choir. Bridget and David were there; also Neville (and Mary with a new clarinet); and Angela and Rodney. Afterwards it was raining. I drove home without lights (until we reached Norwich). A11 not too bad really. Watched a bit of Tour de France.    

Sunday was another long day. Dry, but plenty of cloud. A few drops of rain in the evening. Led church service, which seemed to go well. New woman called Hilary joined us, but she didn’t hang around afterwards. Perhaps she was a diocesan spy? Howard absent because of chaotic church accounts, by which he is slowly being driven to distraction. Carrie preached – good but a bit long. After lunch we walked up to Cow Tower to watch a Crude Apache play on the fisher girls of Lowestoft: excellent except for unnecessary  dismissive comments about prayer.  One or two idiots brought dogs, one of which barked at every passing mongrel, of which there were plenty.

Watched a little bit of Wimbledon, some cricket, then prepared poems for the evening and made supper – duck a l’orange – during which David FTd. Then rushed off to Lowestoft for a Seagull poetry session. Read five poems – three from my new book – and sold four copies! Spoke to Lynne, who had some esoteric advice on whether to have the operation or not – plus Sue, Kaaren, Pat, Ivor, Peter Charmian and of course Ian. Easy journey back. Had several messages from people who thought I was having the operation that day.

Have just finished The Premonitions Bureau – I had a funny feeling I would do it today. A good read, primarily biographical but with some interesting inexplicable events. Dot is at present in Poringland with Anne, because Philip had a nasty fall on holiday at Blakeney and fractured his hip badly at a place where it had already been broken and pinned. He is in hospital, awaiting a long and difficult operation in a few days’ time, and Anne is understandably worried. As if in harmony, the day is grey and threatening, though fairly warm. I am having problems with my eyes which I’m pretty sure are down to hay fever.

Last Thursday was very warm, though sometimes overcast. Spent most of the day in the city: walked up to the Octagon at St Peter Mancroft for our CNS reunion: about 40 of us. Graham Drake spoke on his experiences as a vicar without mentioning Jesus or even God, as far as I can remember. His experiences in the Hilborough Group involving Kit Chalcraft – a friend – were particularly interesting.

Lunch at Bill’s followed – this was excellent. I had marinated chicken and Dot had a burger. Afterwards there was a violin recital by Steve Rawlinson in St Peter Mancroft, followed by his talk, which was fascinating, on his experience as a violinist with the LSO. “An amateur practises until he can get it right, a professional until he can’t get it wrong.” Sat with him and his wife, Jane Gillie, at lunch – also Alan Harrison (92). Mary and Neville there: he looked quite a bit better.

Walked home very hot and tired. David FTd because I had told him my operation had been put back a week until July 10. Told him I wasn’t worried. Out for drinks at 5.30. Des, Chris, Ciara, Freddie, Sarah, Jonathan, and David Walker, a wide boy from the bottom of the road. 

Saturday was a bit cooler and overcast. Quite windy. Did a bit of work on our Retreat and wrote tomorrow’s prayers. Dot went to Morrisons. Practised hymns. Spoke to Ray on the phone – Chris not at all well. Rang Mary next door: she and Bob both have Covid quite badly but had food delivered. In the evening watched cricket and then The Sting. What a great film! 

Sunday was still warm with a bit of a breeze. Church –- did prayers: Communion; ended with two songs – thought music went pretty well. Howard did a rather highbrow sermon. Anna is off with migraine. In the afternoon I walked up to Kett’s Heights to catch a bit of Crude Apache outdoor theatre. Had to get back in order to get to Graham’s birthday barbecue, which was at the Vicarage at 4 and very well attended by both St Aug and St Luke’s members. Dot did one of her famous salads, but there was loads of food as well as the burgers and sausages. Talked to many different people including Phil, Dennis, John Easton, Jenny, Steve and the Cannons. Home by just after 7pm: watched the cricket, marred by abysmal New Zealand bowling, then another good episode of McDonald & Dodds.

Monday was slightly cooler, with a little rain in the afternoon, when Dot went into Norwich and bought several tops. In the morning I drove to church: Carrie was not there because she has a kidney infection. Eventually we had a discussion on first part of Revelation(!) with Luke, Steve and Phil. Nikki was there, but tied up with Debbie. Actually we started the day with a haircut, and while Dot was in the city I had a bath. Later watched quite a lot of Wimbledon – Raducanu and Murray both winning. Also another episode of The Outlaws. Howard has had his bike and tools stolen. 

Blue skies at first yesterday, but plenty of cloud later. Stiff breeze. Drove to Felbrigg – road works and painfully slow drivers. Met Julia and Dave. After tea and scone we walked round the house and then round the walled garden. Had lunch outside, then walked down to the lake and back by rather a long route, avoiding cattle. Had ice cream, bought a couple of secondhand books for Andrew, then drove home. After omelettes, Dot drove to Morrisons and through the car wash. Then we stocked up on food. Store woefully understaffed. Watched last two episodes of Sherwood, which was excellent, with a good ending. England beat New Zealand at cricket, by the way, and won the series 3-0.

It became very hot last Friday. Did a lot of work on charity money and my website piece, among other things. Walked up to the post office with Dot. Later had drink outside (our drive in the shade) with Des, Chris and Sarah before travelling to Paul’s for meal with Philip and Heather Butcher. Lovely evening, covering vast number of topics. Almost midnight when we got home. House so hot I had to open windows, which is not like me.

Saturday saw an amazing change in the weather. It was much cooler, and by evening pouring with rain. With perfect timing, Channel 5 had a documentary about the ten-week heatwave in 1976. Climate change was not mentioned. Got up late and spoke to Simeon Care and Lily on the phone, and Dot spoke to Ray: Christine’s operation is now the day after mine. I have been getting very strange feelings in my head, relating largely to my nostrils but also elsewhere, but i think it’s probably hay fever. Put together brief ideas for a Paston book. Watched Suddenly, a rather old thriller starring Frank Sinatra, which was pretty good, and a 90-minute play called My Name is Leon, about a young lad separated from his baby brother: really well done. 

Dot has finished Middlemarch, and was as enthusiastic as I was. The next day (Sunday) was warmer again, but much more bearable: breezy and some cloud. Church in the morning: Heather leading Communion and a good talk by Liz on the sound of silence. Did one of my songs as congregational hymn (at request of Nikki, who was happily there to hear it). She brought Phyllis. Carrie was not there because Al was very Ill, in and out of hospital. After lunch David Facetimed me for Father’s Day and we had a chat. He was just off to Caledon with Chrissy and her children. I sketched out ideas for our C & C retreat. In the evening Dot went to St George Colegate for a concert by Martin Wyatt’s orchestra. I walked halfway with her and met her in The Close coming back. Watched The Outlaws and a bit of the film Yesterday, one scene of which was shot at the Ramsholt Arms!

Monday was mild, with some sun. Dot dropped me off at church. Plenty of people there. Did Bible Study with Leanne, Nikki, Stacy and Steve. Went well. Dot came later, and we went to Morrisons. Later Kim and Kavana came and had tea and cake, and I think we dissuaded Kim from taking on a trusteeship. Offered them lift to Coventry, and they took it up. Later David FTd and I thanked him for two books he got me for Fathers Day. Amy texted dates she and Oliver and Olivia could come to Norfolk. Watched programme on Bermuda Triangle that was quite interesting, then another episode of Sherwood, which is very good. 

Tuesday was warm and sunny. Picked up Kim and Kavana, and Dot drove out along Hingham road because of anticipated problems with the A11. Stopped at Cambridge services for coffee, then I drove  the rest of the way. Dropped K and K at Kavana’s place – about a mile from Andrew, if that – then drove to Andrew’s. Got sandwiches from Boots first (plus sunglasses) then spent 90 minutes or so with Andrew. He was ok, but had difficulty walking. Left him the collage of photos of our family. I drove out of Coventry (after some difficulty with road works) to Cambridge services, where we swapped. A11 not so bad. On reaching home we went straight round to Gem for cocktails and mezzes. Delicious! Good music also. Watched new thriller, Suspect – not impressed. Then the next episode of Sherwood– very good despite dubious political message. 

Wednesday was very warm. Have finished reading Gilead, which is brilliant in every way. Have now started reading David’s gift, The Premonitions Bureau. I knew that would happen. Extremely interesting so far, focusing on Aberfan. This afternoon I went to visit Lucy and took her books back. She thinks there are others. Had a talk about potential PHS book, and I think it should be ok, but I need to consult the others. Took roundabout way home, which was interesting, and bought petrol. Dot has done quite a lot in the garden. In the evening Dot went to orchestra with Janet, and I met her in Rosary Road – after being propositioned by a prostitute while I was waiting. Long time since that’s happened. Watched McDonald & Dodds police thing – very good. 

Very warm spell reaching its peak today, though it’s strangely overcast. The roadworks at Foundry Bridge have got so bad – single line entrance from both Prince of Wales Road and Riverside – that according to Radio Norfolk the police have launched an investigation. Not sure what that means, but I know it because I’ve just been to pick up my trousers from the cleaners and chose the more roundabout way back, which turned out to be marginally the lesser of the two evils.

Going back to last Saturday, it was warm and mainly sunny. Took trousers to be cleaned (remember them?), then collected Dot’s pills, then went to Morrisons, where Dot was cold – so I gave her my jumper and felt good! After lunch Dot worked on the garden and I caught up with various things, including finding out how to rotate a video! Watched a bit of TV – nothing extraordinary. Cricket was quite interesting, but England v Italy (0-0) was dreadful. Thank goodness we only saw the second half. 

Sun continued pretty warm, but with a bit more cloud. Went to church in the morning. Howard led  and Anna did lectio. Leanne  came but left early because Evelyn was a bit feisty. Had to leave promptly to get to Walpole Old Chapel for the annual poetry reading of the Suffolk Poetry Society. Really enjoyable event in a special venue: ancient, rickety pews just holding together; ancient rickety poets just functioning. Dot took a video of me reading. People we knew: Sue Foster, Beth Soule, Diana Jackman, Lynne Nesbit, Elizabeth Bracken, Mike Banister (who has just lost his wife and has had a heart attack – looking very frail). Plus one or two others – a nice group. Home just after 6pm. FaceTimed David, who’d had a good couple of days away at a posh hotel. Watched the cricket and The Outlaws, but I went to sleep. Very annoying.

Monday was quite warm and dry. Went to church but as Nikki didn’t turn up and Leanne was late, there was no Bible study. Phil came, and with the help of Graham we worked out how the sound system worked – I think. Leanne has a lot of back pain, and Carrie’s husband Al is in hospital with either kidney or prostate problems. Alison is also in pain and didn’t come. Dot had a blood test at the surgery and went to the garden centre. She bought a hanging basket that I put up in the afternoon, after we spent a couple of hours with Des and Chris, talking mainly about their Canadian trip, especially Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Watched cricket again and The Outlaws, which I stayed awake for this time. Also the end of Conversations with Friends, which was basically six wasted hours. Cooked rack of lamb – very good. 

Quite warm and dry again on Tuesday. Went to Archant Pensioners breakfast at Town House. Not many there, but spoke to Brian and Tricia, plus Bill and Jennie. After lunch I drove to North Walsham for a meeting with Peter and Rob about publishing a short book on the history of the PHS. Decided to sketch one out and approach Paul Dickson. 

England beat New Zealand at cricket in an exciting run chase, but lost 0-4 at home to Hungary at football. Watched a couple of really good nature programmes and the first couple of episodes of a thriller, Sherwood, which is very good so far. Dot spent a long time working on the garden. The front looks really good.

Wednesday was again warm. Rob and Penny called with Lucy’s books and my UEA certificate for Footprints! Then Hello Fresh and Naked Wines. I spent most of the day writing three articles for Parish  Pump – on Enid Blyton, Philip Larkin and Princess Diana’s death. Later Fred’s daughter Kate and her daughter Anna left their car in our drive while they went to an Elton John concert at Carrow Road. Dot went to orchestra and I went to meet her at the bottom of Gas Hill, just as everyone came out of the concert. We got back at the same time as Kate and Anna, and they had a cup of tea before going to their hotel up by the airport. Watched the end of State of the Union, which was good, and a nice documentary on Snowdonia. Had a phone call from Ray to say Christine’s operation had been cancelled, and a Voicemail from the hospital to say mind had too.  

Yesterday was seriously warm.  Busy day, too, starting with a phone call to the hospital, where I was told my new operation date is July 3. Then Dot went into the city to meet the violin man from Woodbridge, eventually ending up at Anna’s because A… had locked them out. I left a bit later to get my new glasses. Met up at Olives, where we spoke for 90 minutes or so with Naomi. Then walked to Exchange Street, where we had a table booked for lunch with Kim, recently returned from Norway. She went to the wrong place, but wasn’t too late, and we had a very good lunch and talk. Then home, where Bridget was cleaning, having arrived early. Felt pretty shattered. Watched another good documentary on Snowdonia.

Cake and Compline in the evening – everyone present, and Claire walked upstairs – her ankle seems much better. As they were leaving I had a chat with John and asked about Tara, who is still having problems from Long Covid. Had quite a long talk with David on FaceTime. He has had an exciting meeting which may give new prospects.