A very strange Christmas for me. Because I had a cold I missed all the out-of-house festivities, and it’s almost as though nothing happened apart from our own private celebrations. I missed the Alternative Carol Service, the Neighbours’ Party, the Christmas Eve Service, the Christmas Day dinner. I wasn’t desperately ill, but I didn’t want to infect anyone and spoil their Christmas!

Last Sunday (22nd) was cold but mainly dry, I think. I didn’t leave the house, feeling fairly grotty. Dot was in charge of the Alternative Carol Service with some assistance from a still-less-than-100% Graham, and by all accounts did brilliantly. I wish I had been there to see it. She stayed for lunch and brought me some home. I had a bath in the afternoon on Kim’s advice, and we later watched Kenneth Branagh’s Henry V, which was excellent. I also learned from it that the Battle of Agincourt was won by Catherine of Valois, though she wasn’t there. She married the conquering Henry V and was mother to Henry VI, then grandmother to Henry VII (by marrying Owain Tudor after Henry V died), and thereby, I believe, an ancestor of generations of English kings. Not bad for a bystander.

Later we watched a documentary on the Bernina Express, which brought back many memories. I went to bed about 9pm because I felt tired out, despite not having done anything. Heartburn earlier in day seems to have disappeared. 

Monday was cold but mainly dry. A little light rain in the evening. Good night, but felt pretty awful on waking up – cold and stomach symptoms. After another sleep, improved. Anne came to see Dot after being delayed in M&S. Philip worsening. Then discovered John Digby’s father has just died. After Anne left, Dot went to get food shopping for the evening. Traffic very bad. Bit of a rush for her: I wasn’t very helpful. David FaceTimed while I was in the bath: had a word with him after I got out.

Had neighbours round in the evening, but I kept out of the way – was coughing a lot. Bob and Mary, Mark and Sarah, John, Tara and children, Matt and Angela, Jonathan, Ciara, Phoebe and Freddie. No Des and Chris – they have yet another cold – grandchildren?! Sean lying on floor at home with bad back. Dot had interesting conversation toward end of evening with Mark, Ciara, Jonathan about Christianity. I sat on stairs towards end when nearly everyone had gone, then helped Dot clear away – put out bins etc etc   Both of us in bed after midnight. 

Tuesday was Christmas Eve – still feeling a bit grotty most of the day, but better towards evening. Mainly dry but damp. Spent a fair amount of time putting a quiz together: encouragement from Oliver. To my surprise, walked up the hill to top of Thorpe Hamlet, then in Ladbrooke Place discovered lovely new entrance to Ketts Heights and new paths inside. Had a look and met attractive blonde woman coming in as I was coming out. An angel?  Wrote a poem about it later.

Walked down to Ketts Hill and put football tickets through Naomi’s door before walking home. Felt tired by bottom of Gas Hill. Later Naomi left presents outside our door while I was in the bath and Dot was at Paul’s house, talking to my goddaughter, who has got engaged! Watched end of Strike, which was a bit convoluted but ok. New Death in Paradise was good. Streets quiet. Neither of us went to Midnight Communion. 

Wednesday / Christmas Day was dry. Very odd day for me. Woke latish and exchanged presents. Surprised Dot with tickets to orchestra at Theatre Royal in February. Not feeling great: tired and occasional coughing but I think gradually improving. Dot went to church to help with lunch (she did bread sauce) but I stayed home to avoid infecting anyone. However Carrie did much of the cooking with a cold… Dot  spoke to cellist and to Nikki.

I spent quite a while putting together quiz with 50 questions which worked fairly well, though I’m not sure who won when we ran it at 4pm. Barb and Roger took part with David and Chrissy, plus Oliver and Amy in Aylesbury. Lot of interference from Barbara. Felt exhausted afterwards. Opened the rest of our presents and had food: bit odd not having a Christmas meal (Dot had of course). Cooked turkey for tomorrow. Watched both final episodes of Gavin and Stacey, which were quite satisfying. Lot of clearing up. Very tired around 6pm but better later. 

 Thursday – Boxing Day – Damp and grey, but no rain. Sixty years ago I would have headed for Eaton Park for the twice-yearly game of football between Surrey Chapel and Park Church. Not this year. Had a bath after preparing potatoes and parsnips.  Read first section of The Ultimate Christmas Cracker, a commonplace book David sent me.  Fascinating, especially if you know French and German…

Dot went to football after we had both done some preparation on tonight’s meal. Jonathan and Lesley there. Norwich beat Millwall 2-1, but that was about the only good result today. Liverpool won, and Spurs and Chelsea lost. Had our main Christmas meal, which was pretty good – but have enough meat for another week. Watched Downton Abbey film we’d seen before for reasons too complicated to explain, but I blame Carrie. Then the Christmas special of Outnumbered, which was pretty good considering the children were now adults (same actors). 

Monday, December 16 – Some sun: dry. Graham and Debbie both ill. Exhausting day with very few steps. In the morning drove up to Thunder Lane post office to post parcels, after posting cards at sorting office. Then on to Ellie’s to put a thank you note through the door. Then home for lunch. Dot went to Morrisons, mainly to buy food for Cake and Compline event tomorrow. I wrote some cards, then did a large number of electronic ones. Dot got lights from loft and put them up, including the tree. Watched Strike first episode, went to sleep and knocked tea on to floor, breaking mug. Mysteriously, no tea on me at all. Still have bit of pain in my head, and got a severe pain in my upper left leg for a while. Last night had severe cramp In left leg, which took a long time to get rid of. Still, it’s better than having a cold. Ha!

Tuesday – Dry till evening. Chilly wind, but temperature not too low. Hair cut by Linda, then bath.  Spent much of day writing cards and sending electronic Christmas letters, also trying to find addresses etc. Sorted out a few presents but haven’t sent for them yet. Took Dot to Greens for violin lesson and met her when she walked home. Dot prepared room and food for Cake and Compline Christmas do. Lots of work. Paul dropped in a present and card. Everyone came to C&C, though Eleanor was a little late and David very late. Good evening. Shattered. 

Wednesday – Dry during day, windy; quite cool. Ordered most of presents from Amazon. Posted invitation cards to neighbours and ordinary cards to Michael and Margaret; and June. Then decided to go into town for lunch at Jarrolds, followed by buying boots and shirt for Dot and present for Kim. Was tired out, and left leg was painful again for a while. Then got bus home; in by about 4pm.  Felt very tired, and thirsty for some reason. Had a bottle of cider, which is unusual. Managed to just about finish all the cards and answer a few e-mails. Tidied up and after a light meal watched the second episode of Strike, plus some of a documentary on the Yardbirds, during which I realised I preferred Eric Clapton to Jeff Beck. Actually I already knew that. Graham still ill, and Philip Robinson seems to have had a heart attack and is in a bad way in hospital. 

Thursday – Very cold, partly because of northerly wind. Dry after rain overnight. Dot had big tidy-up, with loft entry (by me). We dropped off presents for Naomi and family, then went to shop. I left Dot at Morrisons after helping to gather food and walked home via King Street, dropping off Jenny Downing’s card on the way and Maureen’s (at No 6 ) after I got home. Still got home before Dot, who had stopped for petrol and extra mulled wine. Think we’ve now really completed our cards and presents, except of course some of the Amazon ones haven’t arrived yet. So have to arrange visit to Phil and Angela. Had long chat with Amy on FaceTime, concluding it was wiser not to try and meet on New Year’s Eve but to have a quiz on Christmas Day instead (and meet later in the New Year). Mark arrived home late in the day from America. Philip Robinson still very ill. Dot had long chat with Anne. Frustratingly, I have cold symptoms. 

Friday – Cold, with rain later. I have a cold.  Grrrrr.  In the afternoon I drove Dot up to Kim’s, then posted card in Heather’s, and three others at sorting office. Then home for a rest while Dot visited Kim. I picked her up about 4.30, by which time it had started raining. Graham got in touch, saying he was getting better and letting me have his additions to the Alternative Carol Service, which are mainly OK, though I may not make it. At 5.30 the neighbours decided not to face the “grim” weather for street meet, and instead several of them went round Des and Chris’s, including Dot. Another present arrived, four days early. Des got us fish and chips, as he does fortnightly, and Dot and I watched Return to Paradise. I went to bed early, feeling gradually worse and hoping that by some miracle I would be Ok tomorrow. 

Saturday – Dry but cool and not very bright. Felling quite bad with cold at beginning of day; slightly improved later. Rang Joy and discovered that they wouldn’t be seeing either Joe or Sam this Christmas, so new present logistics problem. Discovered John Beales’ wife Margaret has died suddenly. Watched second episode of Dalgleish, which was very good – considerably better than The Listeners, a four-parter about a mysterious noise. Dot cooked me a fried egg sandwich and I had a bath while she went to Ann Curran’s 90th birthday party (former Tuckswood head). She only knew one other person there. Have developed a bit of a cough, but not too bad. David FaceTimed around 10pm, and we had quite a long chat. Very few steps, obviously. Still not sure whether I’ll be going to church tomorrow. (I didn’t.)

Tuesday, December 10 was dry but quite cold. General clearing up in the morning, then went into the city after lunch to buy charity Christmas cards from St Peter Mancroft. Pretty poor selection, but… then on to Jarrolds to buy one or two presents. Lost Dot in shop, but then found her. Walked home on my own. Very tired. Chose hymns for Sunday and started on sermon. Tidied kitchen up while Dot listened to Norwich drawing 0-0 with Portsmouth away. She made a lot of cards and wrapped up some presents. Watched one of the old Wessex Tales. Bit depressing, but that’s Thomas Hardy for you.

Wednesday – Dry; not quite so cold. Big grey. Missed Bible study and went with Dot to pick up sugar from Wreningham, where she had done an assembly. Very nice secretary helped us load up. Drove to Morrisons and did some shopping, then home for lunch. In the afternoon I wrote my sermon while Dot did some clearing up, then she had a shower and (a bit later) I had a bath. We were intending to get bus to Oaklands for Sillars Christmas do, but decided at the last minute to drive, and I restricted myself to Coke. Food delayed but quite good, except not enough gluten-free. Sat next to violinist Stella and discovered a common interest in Blofield Church and poetry. Also spoke to a number of others, including Janet and Graham, Catherine, Vikki, Penny, Neville and Mary …. Gave Nova a lift home (Rosary Road) and watched the last episode of Shetland. Not bad, but not brilliant. 

Thursday – Grey, damp day with water hanging in the air. Not cold. Described by BBC as anticyclonic gloom, but as they also thought it would be dry, that’s probably meaningless, like most things coming from the BBC. This was our first main sugar day. We drove to Long Stratton, where we met a very nice head teacher, Laura, and loaded up with sugar; then Tasburgh, and a helpful secretary who assisted us in loading a considerable number of bags; followed by Newton Flotman, where we had been expecting 17 bags but received three. Drove home in time to see the window cleaner and Bridget, both of whom seemed a bit unwell. B is recovering from her teeth drama but has a husky voice, which her doctor says is a virus. Tried to keep clear.

After lunch drove to North Walsham and left today’s and yesterday’s sugar at the Benjamin Foundation, next to the Orchard Gardens on Mundesley Road. Woman in charge and a couple of lads took the sugar off our hands. Drove into town to buy 40 stamps at Post Office: very pleasant assistant. That area of North Walsham now nearly always jammed with traffic. Came home via Wroxham and checked that Lion Wood Junior was where we thought it was. It was. Coq au vin for supper. Watched last two episodes of documentary on Sirius cult, then an episode of Dalgliesh, which is really good. 

Friday – Anticyclonic gloom continues, though marginally less gloomy. Another sugar day – went first to Lion Wood Junior School, who had collected almost 200 bags, apparently by requiring them as entry fee to a play or something. Fortunately the secretary and her assistant put them on a trolley and wheeled them out to us. We returned home to count them and then proceeded to Worstead, to pick up a rather smaller number and then take them all to the dropping off point in North Walsham. Unfortunately the helpful gang from yesterday weren’t in evidence, but we got some assistance from the rather slender girl in charge. Nevertheless we had to heft most of the bags in ourselves, either in carrier bags or small boxes.

Home in time for lunch.  Dot cooked a blackberry and apple crumble and then went to Riverside, where she bought some presents from Next, Boots and the charity shop while I cleared the house up and disposed of a pile of e-mails. Went out for street meet, but Des and Chris have colds and Mark is still away. In the end only Ciara came out, but we had a lovely chat. Later I cooked smoked haddock and we had some of the crumble. Watched a couple of episodes of Black Doves on Netflix – very good – and the second of a two-episode Dalgliesh. Shoulders quite sore – realised it was from carting sugar about earlier.  

Saturday – Blue sky! Dry but colder. Dot prepared her prayers. I was feeling a bit dodgy, but improved during the day after having a lie-down after lunch. Marion came round with two Christmas cakes – one for Kim. I had earlier taken some money out of the ATM at the station to pay for them, and on the way to the station had a long chat with Michael, who had been collecting sticks for Christmas decorations. Dot went to mysterious shop to get me an unknown present. In the evening we went to church for cocoa and carols. Bit early really but had a chat with a few people and dropped in at the Stage, where we saw Leanne and Nikki, Sharon and Alison, Sophie and her daughters. Also saw Stacey at church. I walked home to prepare meal, and Dot left early with car to eat it. Watched several things during day, including cricket, Dalgliesh, Return to Paradise and Moonflower Murders. 

Sunday – Dry. Milder most of the day, becoming colder in the evening. In worship band at church, then preached on living in the light. Dot led prayers focused on joy. After brief refreshments took Ray home; five of us in car because we also took Mike and June. Traffic horrendous: police closed a section of Riverside Road, apparently because of an unexploded bomb. Any excuse… Went through back streets to deposit Mike and June at top of St Matthews Road. Ray a bit down because he’d been told his cancer was getting worse.

After lunch Amanda came down (Matthew brought her by tandem) and the three of us went to Norwich v Burnley. Took lead in first minute, then lost 2-1. Not much attacking nous. Bit later walked up to Old Library Wood for carols and mulled wine with loads of people we didn’t know plus Des, Chris and Ciara, and the Anglia TV newscaster who lives up in Old Library Mews.  I left a bit early to put the meal on, but the whole thing  only lasted about an hour and I met Dot coming back. Did a few Christmas cards. Watched a bit of football, the end of Wolf Hall and a couple of other things. FaceTimed Oliver, and Amy was also hooked in. Both seemed well (as did Chrissy) though Amy bumped her bottom when she fell while ice skating. Late in bed again. 

Not very pleasant weather on Thursday, December 5. Heavy rain and wind developing. Didn’t go out, but managed 4600 steps indoors. Dot spent quite a bit of time preparing for tomorrow and making Christmas cards. I wrote a piece for my website about the curse of managers and sorted out tax and Apple Music cancellation. I think. Bridget came round to clean – she has a big day at dentist looming. Des got us fish and chips for supper as he won’t be able to fit it in on street meet day. Earlyish in bed because Dot has to get up at the crack of dawn tomorrow. Harriet called while Bridget was here but went away and said she would call tomorrow. But didn’t.

On Friday Dot had to get up at an unearthly hour to drive to Wreningham and lead an assembly featuring Sugar for Shelters. As a result neither of us slept well, but she got to the school in good time with no problems, and the presentation went smoothly. She spent some time chatting to the head afterwards. I had a bath but didn’t achieve much else: I’m trying to put together a kind of Christmas letter to friends, but probably looking for too much detail through past blogs.

Weather quite pleasant, but the forecast is worrying: lots of wind and rain in the west already and heading this way tonight. Storm Darragh, whatever that means. Dot went to shops to buy envelopes for cards she’s making. Out for street meet: weather ok, but only Matt came out except for a brief appearance from Ciara and Phoebe when Phoebe arrived home for Christmas. Des and Chris having early meal with their grandson. Watched documentary on Sirius cult in the 90s (vague memories of that) and the second episode of Dalgliesh, which was pretty good. 

Saturday was very wet and windy, though not as bad as elsewhere in the country. Fairly mild, considering. Finished the Christmas letter for general consumption. Also prayers for tomorrow – second Sunday of Advent. Dot played in Sillars Christmas concert today; so spent quite a while rehearsing. Drove her up to St Peter Mancroft just after 3pm – surprisingly easy on roads.

Before that we managed to free a drawer in the utility room that was jammed: Dot’s  smaller hands critical. Later I sorted everything out that was in the drawer. Not connected, but one of the saucepan lids came unstuck from its handle; tried hard to fix it, but failed. Made myself egg and bacon for supper with fried potatoes. Walked up to church for concert. Arrived early but not early enough to get a good seat. Sat with Bridget and David and Angela and Rodney. Also spoke to Neville and Adrian and Jane. Concert not particularly good IMHO because of choice of music, which was rather ordinary (though difficult to play, apparently).  Vicki asked her parents to give us a lift home; so they did – happily, because it was raining quite hard when we  got home. Watched Moonflower Murders. 

Sunday – Grey, often rainy. Not too cold but with a dead feeling to it. Drove to church, and Dot and I played in the band, and I led prayers. Phil away because his dog was sick. Graham led and Carrie preached. She seems improved, health wise. Worryingly, Graham said he’d made some changes to the Alternative Carol Service. I hope he was joking, but he probably wasn’t. Afterwards had quite a long talk with Nikki and Marie-Lyse, while most people were sorting out the room to have lunch, which was a jacket potato. Don’t quite understand how people can eat the skins, but nearly everyone does.

Matt repaired a puncture for Phoebe, who turned out to be a fanatically keen worker when it came to cleaning and decorating the old church afterwards. Many others helped: Ray and I sorted out the stable with models, but no doubt that will be changed. Bit of concern because a lot of valuable stuff was left in the hall, but I think we had it all covered. Eventually I put all our stuff in the car and came back to get Dot and Ray, for Ray’s lift home. Lot of dust in the church – bit worrying, healthwise. Felt shattered in afternoon: watched a programme on the winter of 1947 and the football (that’s two programmes). After scrambled egg we watched another episode of Wolf Hall but also a first episode of Black Doves on Netflix – a spy thriller which is very promising. Also saw highlights of England cricket win over New Zealand. David and Chrissy FaceTimed at end of evening, and we discussed air fryers, among other things! 

Monday dawned cooler but largely dry, with occasional light showers. My mother’s birthday (see right). In the latish morning I drove up to the Rosary to put on her grave the flowers that Dot bought from the station yesterday. They looked really good. Branches across the cemetery revealed the recent windy weather. At midday we drove to Heigham Grove, where we had lunch with Ellie: roast pork and a lovely starter of avocado and smoked salmon. Afterwards talked and played cards – a game called karma which I lost resoundingly twice. This to the accompaniment of a couple of gasmen – old and young – engaged in establishing that her two gas fires were not powerful enough to require a flue by law. Success!

Lovely terrace house beautifully furnished. Sad that she will have to leave it soon (she is moving to Wales).  Drove home through rush-hour traffic and Dot was so tired that she lay on the couch and slept while I finished reading God’s own Gentlewoman: The Life of Margaret Pastor by Diane Watt, which would have been even more enjoyable if the author, her “wife” and three dogs had not kept intruding. Anyway, watched football before going to bed. Meanwhile Assad has been ousted from Syria and Israel has taken Mount Hermon, which gives it a good view. 

Saturday, November 30 – very full day, mainly bright; dry and not so cold. Dot spent the morning sorting out music for ceilidh in the evening at St Luke’s. Finished soup for lunch and she walked to Carrow Road, where City beat Luton 4-2. Naomi was there, surprisingly after her recent illness, and so was Jonathan. I cleared up house and wrote blog, among other things. Chose hymns for tomorrow.

We had a bit to eat and then went to St Luke’s amid football traffic. Thought we’d be late, but in fact only Phil of the group was there when we arrived. Music was a bit tricky, mainly because the light was dim, but it all went well: Matt, Anna, Alison, Dot, me and Phil. Some of dancers a bit weird and pretty young too (compared to us). Carrie and Judy there, but left early. Band members got a rose each. Home just after 10pm with aching legs. Watched a bit of football. Most steps month of the year, and today walked over 4000 steps, which I did every day this month. This is a first…

… and a record I have already failed to maintain for December, having achieved only about a mile today (Sunday). Ended up the day itching all over, for some reason, and with my feet hurting quite a bit. Nothing too serious, but annoying. Not a very pleasant day, with plenty of rain in the afternoon and evening, though not too cold. Went to church in the morning: Advent Sunday. I led the service, which went quite well. Liz Cannon did a sermon-slash-Godly Play. Dot did prayers at the last minute because Anna didn’t make it (arranged last night). Chat with Matt about incoming cash from Phyllis: revenue v capital. He thought C of E might be collapsing, which is a point of view. Gave Ray a lift home as usual: Angel Road open, but more road works. Sent quotes to Oliver and Amy, and David FaceTimed us: they all seem fine. Also caught up with editing pix. Watched a couple of things on TV, including football, Mayflower Murders and Wolf Hall. 

Monday – Wet. Relatively mild. Grey. Finished off Alt Carols blueprint and sent it to Graham. After lunch went to Morrisons with Dot and did extensive shopping – Dot got additional stuff for her assembly at Wreningham on Friday. Cleaned out freezer drawers in main fridge to give more space. Watched a bit of TV, including two train journeys – one in New Zealand South Island and the other from Bergen to Oslo in Norway. Excellent, both. Started watching a New Zealand serial but disliked central character so much that we abandoned it. Highly unusual. Oliver’s first day at work. 

Tuesday – Quite cold but dry after a wet night. Went to our first Christmas meal this year – with Archant pensioners at the Town House, where they are very welcoming, and the food is good. Carvery and Christmas pudding. Sat with Tricia and Jennie. Ian Bullock put in an appearance. About 15 in all. Robin is in hospital following a severe chest infection and delirium following a holiday on Dartmoor. Spoke to Shelagh at length afterwards.

For some reason very tired after meal – we started watching a rail documentary.  but both went to sleep. Eventually drove to Graham’s house for mulled wine and snacks – members of PCC and DCCs. Spoke to most people , including Graham’s mum, the Wimhursts, the Pittam-Smiths and Judy and Carrie. Not sure why Carrie was there: she’s not on the DCC or PCC. She didn’t seem too well. Absent: Howard, Phil, Sharon, Debbie. Watched programme on Royal Scotsman when we got home. Dot looked up price for trip – cheapest ticket £4500 each for two nights. Decided to give it a miss. 

Wednesday – Cool but mainly dry till late evening. Judy came round as usual to see The Chosen, and we progressed to church for Bible study with Debbie, Steven and Ellie. Went very well: Ellie – soon to leave for Wales – was quite emotional about what the group meant to her. Afterwards I dropped Dot in Tombland and she walked down to Jarrolds to get her chin done, then took my glasses in for a slight mend. Chose hymns for Sunday.

Cooked salmon and then, while Dot went to orchestra rehearsal,  I caught a bus up to Unthank Road, then walked to Hilary’s. She was in a very bad way: confined to lower floor with broken hip (screwed together) and breast cancer – treatment of which has left her with leg fluid problems and a few other things. We spent a lot of time trying to find obscure pix on her iPhone, which she seems a bit frightened of. Walked home just in time to be there for Dot, who had a long final rehearsal for Saturday. Watched Shetland. 

Monday Nov 25 – Bit cooler but dry and fairly still. Bad night, felt pretty tired all day. Evetts left around 11am and apparently had an uneventful journey. I spent much of day writing Parish Pump articles on Jan Breughel the Elder, T S Eliot and Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks. Also went out with Dot and cleared up the leaves: too much for our bin; so borrowed Sarah’s. Light meal of fried eggs, veg and tomatoes, then watched some football, Wolf Hall and Mayflower Murders. Late on Des rang to warn us of lorry dangerously close to our car. Went out and had a chat. Impossible for guy to deliver car in NWT without hitting our wall or a car. Put our car in the drive, but he eventually gave up. Electric car on flatbed was out of charge; so couldn’t unload it and push it because it wouldn’t move out of Park. Eventually manoeuvred out and went off to a charging point. Jonathan came out to watch. 

Tuesday – Lovely day, but quite chilly in the evening. Dot went to shop to buy food for Thursday, and I finished off my Parish Pump pieces with a bit on the millennium bug. After lunch we took the bus up to Boots for our glasses fitting – done by Tony or Toby, who was very pleasant. Quite like the glasses, though they don’t seem hugely different to the last ones.  Dot’s are nice. She did a bit of Christmas shopping in Boots while I walked home. Had chat with Chris, who delivered Private Eye as an excuse to find out what happened with last night’s lorry – on Des’s behalf. Dot arrived not much later. I cooked duck wings in hoisin sauce and Dot went to football. Norwich beat Plymouth 6-1. Meanwhile I cleared up and caught up on e-mails and added to my steps. When Dot got back we watched University Challenge. 

Wednesday – Very, very wet and dull. Judy came round as usual to watch The Chosen, and as usual I drove up to church for the Bible study – they followed. Just the three of us plus Debbie and Steven. Went quite well. Dot didn’t stay for Taizé, as she had a lot of cooking to do for the visit of the Bowers tomorrow. They are just back from Hong Kong. Nevertheless we watched Return to Paradise first: an Australian version of Death in Paradise, and in fact pretty good. I cooked a pizza, and then Dot went to orchestra. Poet Hilary got in touch: I had been thinking of going round, but will probably do so next week. She is confined to the ground floor, but she is fairly upbeat about it.

Thursday – Clear and dry. Quite cold. For some reason, felt tired most of day, and it did turn out pretty busy. Phil and Joy came round at 11 to bring Dot’s birthday present, and for tea/coffee and cake. Stayed till after 3pm, and we had a good talk, a lot of it about their family.  Bridget came round about 3.45pm to clean, and I did work on The Alternative Carol Service, getting it in some kind of order. The Bowers and Vicky were delivered by Jared about 7pm and we had a really nice meal, prepared by Dot. Soup, salmon and pavlova. We also had a good talk – I got on well with Derek especially. Jared picked them up about 10pm, and we spent an hour or so clearing up. I then ran through Alt Carols for Dot. Wrote this just after midnight.

Friday – Bright, dry and very cold. Drove to North Walsham for funeral of Pam Yarham. Parked in  Sainsbury’s car park, went to the service, which was good, and spoke to Jerry (Jeremy) and Andy (Andrew)., as well as a couple of other people who knew Dot. Went to the shop and bought flowers for Dot’s family, and by the time she got from there to the Chapel, she had missed the committal. Meanwhile I was parking the car in the cemetery (two-hour limit in Sainsbury’s). So we walked back and put flowers on the graves, then drove home: went the long way to avoid traffic hold-ups in North Walsham, but hit a minor one in Old Catton. Had some of last night’s soup for late lunch (delicious) and watched a programme on rail travel in Taiwan, which revealed some things about the island I didn’t know. Very high mountains, for instance. Dot started to prepare her talk about sugar next week. Went out for street meet in the evening despite cold: Des, Chris, Matt, Angela, John. Tara has pneumonia and John’s Dad has cancer of bowel and lung. Watched another episode of Return to Paradise.

Sunday Nov 17 – part two – Heavy rain in afternoon and evening. Marie-Lyse asked me to print a letter off for an asylum seeker and then came round to get it: she stayed for a cup of tea, which was nice but meant I was a bit rushed getting to Lowestoft for the Seagull poetry evening. Lots of people there. I read four poems: Pieces of Darkness, Bugsworth, Falcon on the Spire and A Friend from the Past. Sat with Sue, Joan and her friend Bridget. Lynne and Kaaren also there, as were several of the usual suspects. Finished late but had a remarkably clear drive home. Saw highlights of England’s 5-0 win over Ireland. In bed after midnight. David at Gatwick. 

Monday – Sunny and cold till late afternoon; then heavy rain. David is back in Waterloo. Up a bit late. Dot had call from surgery about her blood test: all ok. Later I had a blood test. Drove up early and walked half a mile, then in and out in less than five minutes. On the way home I walked out to St James Hill and took a couple of pictures. Beautiful day at that stage. After lunch Graham came round and discussed the alternative carol service with me: he is going to do a funny Gabriel but wants me to do a structure first. Ho hum. Started planning for Evetts visit with Dot – meals, visits etc. Watched documentary on 2004 tsunami and next episode of Wolf Hall sequel – really good. Also next episode of Mayflower Murders – good but convoluted. 

Tuesday – Very wet at first, but dry in the evening. Cold. Braemar -11 today. Snow quite widespread, including Aberdeenshire and Buxton, but not here. Anne and Philip came round for tea/coffee. Lovely to see them, but Philip’s conversation very strange, leaping from one thing to another. Anne keen to go on holiday with Dot next year. After lunch watched second half of tsunami documentary then adapted a compline Graham did at DCC for use at Cake & Compline tonight. Had an unusually complex meal – sausages, mashed potatoes, parsnips and Yorkshire pudding with gravy, largely thanks to Dot. Really nice. Walked to the Great Hospital for C&C. Bridget, David, Phil and Vicky absent, Bridget recovering from tooth extraction. Amazing cake by Claire. Watched news at home: big farmers’ demo against inheritance tax. 

Wednesday – Bright at first, then snow and sleet from lunchtime until teatime, then dry but very cold. Dot drove me up to church for Bible study, then went to Morrisons to get food for the next few days. I walked soggily home. In the afternoon we did some preparation – I caught up on the computer and tried to contact Anna about Phyllis’s will (again), but she didn’t answer. Janet rang after supper to say her car wouldn’t start. I’d had a drink; so I couldn’t drive Dot to orchestra rehearsal. Instead I went with her to make sure she could park and then walked back. Pretty chilly but dry, and no real problem until I got home, when my legs started aching a bit. Wrote some more e-mails and cleared up in kitchen, though not in that order. Dot drove home with Nova and we watched a bit of Shetland; then Oliver FaceTimed and showed us pictures of his new flat. Looks very nice. 

Thursday – Very cold but dry. Bridget came to clean, suffering from after-effects of having a tooth out – no hot drinks for two weeks! Sounds horrific. Put together new rota, but haven’t sent it out yet. Dave and Julia arrived at 2.30pm precisely, and we had a cup of tea and discussed what we might do, among other things. In the end we got a bus up to Castle Meadow at 5.15pm and walked down into the arcade. Not as exciting as expected, though we had our photos taken by a photographer from Norfolk magazine. Walked up to Haymarket and round the top by the Forum. Some lights, but nothing startling, except a picture of Dot and some of her colleagues advertising Sillars. Walked on down to Jarrolds, expecting to be able to access delicatessen area as advertised online, but it was shut. So instead went and had meal at Ivy. Very nice chicken dish, though I wasn’t particularly hungry. All had mains only, plus bread and wine! Walked back painfully through Close: extremely cold, below zero. Back home by around 8.30 and had some spirits followed by tea and coffee for Dot and me, and interspersed by stories, mainly health-based. Bed after 11pm. Earlier had spoken to Joy on phone to arrange present delivery, but hard to fix: nothing definite yet. Also brief chat with David on phone at lunchtime: websites being moved. 

Friday – Dot’s 79th birthday! Not quite so cold: dry and bright. Bought Dot some flowers that were supposed to arrive by 10.40am: they got here mid-afternoon while we were at Blickling. Fortunately I’d asked Chris to take them and left a note on the door, and when we got back about 5pm they were here, together with a couple of books from David. A plant from Oliver and Amy had arrived earlier. At Blickling had coffee in pub then walked to bookshop, where Dot and I bought two books for £5: a Shardlake one and a Slow Horses one. Then went on “highlights” tour of house – all with Dave and Julia, of course. Very interesting tour. Had late lunch afterwards then headed home. Had “street meet” at ours: Mary and Bob, Matt and Ciara. Des ill with cold and Chris preparing meal for visitors. Mark still away of course, and Sarah seeing her mum in hospital. Good chat. Then I drove Dot, Dave and Julia to Delia’s, drove home (I had abstained from drink earlier), then walked back. Anne arrived before me of course. Lovely meal: I had pâté, then steak, then ice cream with ginger in brandy basket. Had bad pain in leg as we walked home: not sure why. Home around 11.15pm. 

Saturday – Very wet and windy. Not quite so cold. Julia decided she needed Beaujolais Nouveau from Waitrose: so I volunteered to drive them there. Have never seen city so crowded with cars. Eventually reached Waitrose and found final six bottles: bought them all. I bought bananas and croissants and lost the dynamic duo, who I thought would have made their way to checkout. Instead I took my small purchases out to the car and returned to find them, after a phone call. Tried unsuccessfully to avoid traffic on road back by going round southern bypass and up Bracondale. But no good: had to turn round and go down King Street, then past Carrow Road before turning right and getting home via Rosary Road. Dot had been making lunch. Very nice: after it I stayed at home while others went by bus to UEA and Sainsbury Cenre. Had bath – mistake, because I felt tired afterwards. Read a bit. Norwich drew 2-2 away to West Brom. After return of the terrific three I made a meal of salmon etc which seemed to go down well. Whisky afterwards. My left leg started aching. Bed. In the middle of all this Liz Cannon said she couldn’t lead tomorrow because David had had a fall and was in pain; and Mike could not do prayers because he was ill following an operation. Eventually sorted – Carrie leading and Anna doing prayers. Should be interesting.  

Sunday (24th) – interesting day, as predicted. Mostly mild and dry till we returned from Gem around 10pm. Very windy, though. In the morning walked along river to Costa. Julia bought jacket in charity shop. I had sudden and very unusual attack of acid reflux/indigestion, which took a while to go away, with the aid of Gaviscon tablets from Boots. After small lunch (I had toast) we got bus up to Turner exhibition, which was very good. D & J tired a bit so we walked home – possibly a mistake, as Julia later had a diabetes issue, which delayed our getting to Gem. Dot went down to secure table, and I drove D&J down, then took car home and walked. Earlier both Dave and I had rest on bed – I slept for a bit. Very good meal at Gem – four mezzes  and a main each. Too much really. Home around 10pm and watched Spurs beat Man City 4-0 away after watching Norwich City goals. Earlier Graham’s grandmother died. 

It’s halfway through Sunday, November 17, and almost dark. Cold today, but quite bright most of the day. Now a few drops of rain, just after Des popped round with Private Eye, which he lends me regularly. He is just back from Lichfield, where his grandson is rather poorly. Here in Norwich we went to church this morning, and it was surprisingly mild inside the hall. Dot and I played in the band, and I preached: most people seemed to like it. Nice atmosphere generally: Nikki and Phoebe both there, as well as Alison, who hasn’t been well. Chatted with a number of people, including Amanda, who I told about last night’s film (see later on). Amy is back in Southampton, and David is in London. Heading back to Canada tomorrow.

Last Tuesday (12th) – A few showers but mainly dry. Some sun. Linda came round to cut our hair, but we got breakfast in first. Showed David some more pix, but he was doing some work before lunch, and immediately afterwards we went over to the station with him to watch him catch the 13.56 to Peterborough for his dinner and conference. He stayed not too far from Norman Cross, home of his great-grandfather and great-great grandfather.

I had a longish bath and went to sleep. Helped Dot clear up. Watched The Chosen before evening meal, after which we left for DCC. Only just quorate: Graham, Dot and me, Judy and Debbie. Went quite well: compline afterwards (except Debbie). When we got home I did a few steps, then we watched a documentary on Until I Kill You, which wasn’t much different to the series itself. Got e-mail from Louisa at Leathes Prior admitting they hadn’t paid any beneficiaries. Told her to do so. In the nicest possible way. 

Wednesday – Dry, not too bad. Judy came round to watch The Chosen (4:5), and as usual I went to church for Bible study, followed by other two. Had chat with Steven before they arrived. Did quite a lot of Acts with the addition of Debbie, who arrived late. Had disagreement with her at end over Israel and Palestine. Oh dear. Dot didn’t stay for Taizé. David messaged to say he was coming back for the night. I contacted solicitors and several other people. Didn’t get through to insurers. Dot made banana bread. Kim is having problems in Cape Town – stolen bag and poss money taken from account. David came home just after 7pm. I had cooked chilli con carne. Nice. Had expensive bottle of red between three of us. David enjoyed conference – he talked to us about it and it was quite encouraging, especially compared to average newspaper fare. Afterwards watched Shetland after David went to bed. 

Thursday – Bit chilly, but dry. Had breakfast with David but then we went up to Boots for eye tests while he got the 11am train to London, where he spent the day. Oliver appeared to be in London too, but their paths did not cross. David stayed in London, and Oliver returned late to Aylesbury. We had tea in Jarrolds and then I returned home, hoping for a call from the solicitors. In the end we had another exchange of emails. She (via an assistant) said she would make Phyllis payouts next week. I then wrote several essential emails, and Bridget came to clean. Dot went back up to Jarrolds later and bought herself some birthday presents – trousers and a jacket. It was a customer evening. Meanwhile I contacted the house insurers and managed to get the renewal premium reduced slightly. It’s now just under £1000! I then wrote to Judy about charities she might contribute to (she asked) and wrote most of my sermon. Oh, I had chosen the hymns earlier. Quite a busy day. Tidied room, and when Dot returned we had smoked mackerel fillets. We then watched some of England beating Greece 3-0 in Athens, and much less of a national parks documentary. Both very tired. 

Friday – Not unpleasant, but getting colder. At least mentally. Had a bath and finished James Knox Whittet’s book on Islay. Very atmospheric, but don’t think I’d have enjoyed his childhood. Finished sermon and helped Dot a bit with clearing up, making bed and redirecting stuff in preparation for Evetts’ visit. Eventually Dot went to shop while I awaited a call from Louisa at Leathes Prior that never came – though she did e-mail me later. I think we’re gradually getting there. Had longish phone call with Val Gemmell (Smith) about Luke and life generally. She’s having a hard time, and so is he. Saw Oliver, Amy and David have reached Aylesbury. Went out for street meet not thinking many would join us as Des and Chris and Mark were all away. However John, Ciara, Matt and Angela all came out, and we had a really good talk, despite the cold. Afterwards I cooked lamb chops for me, and Dot did the leftover mince with pasta for herself. Watched really good documentary on the Fens , and then one on another National Park, this time in Turkey (Cappadocia).

Saturday – Bit damp and grey. A little rain. Stayed in all day. Dot had been intending to go to church thing, and I was going to Yeomen of the Guard, but neither of us felt up to it. Instead we watched a film, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, which was brilliant, especially Anton Walbrook as a Prussian officer. It was beautifully directed by Powell and Pressburger, very subtle and emotionally compelling. Highly recommended. Later we watched Airplane!, which was not subtle at all, but very, very funny. Also Mayflower Murders, a series based on a book by Anthony Horowitz: also excellent, especially Lesley Manville. Somewhere in there I cooked salmon and walked over 4000 steps. Also prepared poems for tomorrow. David, Oliver and Amy went to Waddesdon Manor Christmas event and sent us some lovely pictures. 

Wednesday (Nov 6) was cloudy, quite mild. Judy came round to see The Chosen (4:4) as usual, then equally as usual I drove to church and they followed. Bible study reached Acts 9: Dot and Judy, Debbie, Steven, Phoebe. Went quite well. Drove home while Dot stayed for Taizé. I watched FA Cup football, then walked up to meet her in the Close. At Bread Source van, while Dot bought a pain au chocolat, we met a man who pointed out a peregrine falcon on the Cathedral spire.

Later drove Dot to podiatrist, where she was told her feet were good. Booked me in for a check-up later in the month, after I had taken a short walk round the block and bought some milk from the Co-op. Heavy traffic on way home. Cooked braised beef for supper, which was lunexpectedly good. Dot got lift with Janet to orchestra. I lay down for a bit, and then David  Facetimed and we discussed his forthcoming visit. Also a bit about politics and how we felt about life at different ages. (Trump won US election today.) He sent me one of his Diderot  entries – his first bike and learning to ride. I have been putting. a lot more slides on the computer. When Dot got home we watched a new series of Shetland. Very well done. 

Thursday was very grey but not too cold. Got up very late after writing a couple of poems and reading a lot of newspaper articles. Dot baked a couple of cakes. Bridget cancelled because she had a headache.  Kim’s birthday; so we took bus up to Castle Meadow and walked down to Jarrolds. Got a table in wine bar with Kim, Kavana and their friends Dick and Jenny. Dot and I shared a cheese and charcuterie board and we also had wine – two large glasses for me.    Walked round store afterwards – Dot and I bought cheese and some earrings, plus Milton and Brown shower gel. Met up again with K and K and walked to Dyers Yard – Dick and Jenny’s house – for a delicious cherry cake and drink. Walked home and watched a programme on Snowdonia, during which we went to sleep. Des and Chris seem to be away. 

Friday was still very grey and dry, but chillier. David and Oliver on way to airport. Dot spent much of day preparing for David’s visit. At lunchtime I walked to Morrisons via Boots, where I met Dot, who had driven there. We bought a lot of food – so much so that we couldn’t get it all in the fridge. Also filled car with petrol. Felt cold and tired during afternoon, and lay down for a while, then cooked evening meal – salmon. Afterwards we watched the first episode of a new thriller, Until I Kill You (based on a true story). Also a documentary on the making of Rumours, by Fleetwood Mac, which was really good, as was the album. In the middle of that went out for street meet: bit chilly but could have been a lot worse, and no doubt will be. Des and Chris were back from their trip to sort out a relative’s house; Mark, Matt, John and Jonathan also there. Mary popped out momentarily. I think Sean and Ciara are away. 

Saturday – no change in weather, though it was a bit colder. Hectic morning, working out when David would arrive and whether we should have lunch or cake, and who should go to the football match … Also got call from Sylvia Ford asking why she hadn’t had the money from the solicitors. Have written an e-mail to them after consulting Anna. Also saw an e-mail from Carrie to the diocese about Phyllis’s house that contained a couple of important inaccuracies re expenses incurred; so checked again with Anna and wrote back to Carrie pointing this out. Then got message from insurers saying our house policy was increasing from £394 to over £1100!! Have sent them a message asking why. 

Then I remembered I had to read the meter and put a new cartridge in the water purifier. And make the bed. Meanwhile Dot was preparing food and cleaning the bathroom, and Oliver was already in Aylesbury. Letter from Martin to diocese, copied to me, questioning the making of the will and suggesting that clergy shouldn’t decided on clergy housing. Not helpful. Not sure why he is so interested. David arrived just before 2pm, put on extra clothes and went to Carrow Road. Dot already there. City lost 2-0: bit of a slump. Had lasagne for supper, followed by pavlova. Watched a bit of football on David’s link, then the end of the Remembrance service. 

Sunday – Difficult night: indigestion. Had to get up and walk round for a bit. But reinvigorated by an almost forgotten weather phenomenon in the morning: the sun was shining. For a while. Rang Ray to remind him we weren’t coming to church: he seemed quite perky. All three of us (not Ray) did the C&C trail – quite successfully. Walked back through Close in time to watch football on David’s Canadian app: Spurs lost 1-2 to Ipswich. Aargh! Showed David some of the pictures I’d transferred to computer, then had dinner. For some reason I was not hungry and couldn’t even manage blackberry and apple crumble! Had it later. Went and lay on bed for about an hour feeling cold and a bit achy. Then came down and watched first episode of new series of Wolf Hall. Brilliant. David explained to me a bit about coding and the need to update constantly. Short FaceTime from Amy, Oliver and Chrissy. Amy arranged to come and see us in late December. 

Yesterday was mainly dry with some sun but also some occasional drizzle later. Dot drove me to hospital for a flow test. Usual nightmare. Drank pints of water but failed to produce much when asked. Fortunately the nurse didn’t seem worried and was quite happy with the ultrasound. Got bus home and just made it to the toilet: produced copious amounts of liquid during the afternoon. Grrr. Dot had been expecting a call from a nurse about her medicines – possibly while driving home – but it didn’t happen. She rang the surgery later and discovered she had the wrong week. My next interaction with the flow people is next July – on the phone!  Yippee.

After lunch David went into city to buy a bow tie for his dinner in Peterborough. We watched Episode 2, 3 and 4 of Until I Kill You, which is quite disturbing, partly because the victim is so obnoxious. In the evening David went to the Coach and Horses with Kevin, who is wearing well. Had a chat with them both when they returned. Felt cold during the day but better in the evening. 

Last Friday (November 1) was grey but dry. Dot went to see Anne for a walk and a chat. I used the opportunity to try to ring my cousin Barbara again, but still no reply. So I rang poet Hillary, and she did reply. I had thought she was at death’s door, but apparently she’s not so bad, though she does have cancer. She’s still giving workshops at Unthank Road.

In the afternoon I took a roundabout walk to get to Morrisons, where I met Dot and did some food shopping. TV is playing up, which is irritating. Street meet in evening: two of us plus Des and Chris, Mark, Matt, John and for a few minutes Sean and Ciara, who has a bad shoulder. Sarah has a slipped disc. Des fetched us fish and chips. Watched a programme by Brian Cox on the solar system, and The Cleaner. 

Saturday – Sunny at first, then greyer, but not too cold. Transport Day for Dot – she received her new driving licence and bus pass in the same post. She also did some more work in the garden, and after lunch I drove her to a church meeting and walked back. She stayed and then drove home in time to hear second half of football on radio. Sadly Norwich lost 2-1 at Cardiff after being 1-0 up. Both their goals scored very late after inadvisable substitutions.

While Dot was out I rang my cousin Barbara again, and for once she answered. Had a long talk, during which I discovered that her husband Roy had died. No notice in paper. Probate still not sorted, but her son Jason is looking after things. She has no mobile phone or computer. Cooked thin steak and then we watched a couple of episodes of Apples Don’t Fall, a rather odd crime mystery. Facetimed David and had a chat: getting cold in Ontario. Realised earlier that Waterloo is south of Minneapolis, which came as a bit of a shock. Oliver is staying with Sophie in Kingston, which is also south of much of North America. 

Sunday – Dry; cloud and a bit of sun. Bit of a chill in the air, but no real wind. We drove to church in the morning: I was leading, and Dot did the prayers. About 20 in congregation, including Nikki and Phoebe. Spoke to Marie-Lyse about her son at Warwick University. Liz did one of her Godly plays, this time about the Saints of the Church (it’s All Saints/Souls Sunday). Afterwards had a visitation from the Archdeacon, who seemed friendly enough. He came down with Graham after St Luke’s Church service. Took Ray home as usual – Angel Road closed again”: unbelievable.

After lunch Dot cleared up the Utility Room and the rest off the garden. Not sure where she gets the energy. Offered to take a few people to a Common Lot event because Carrie was incapacitated with post-viral frozen shoulders, among other things, but no takers. Bit of a relief, really. Watched two more episodes of Apples Never Fall; compelling enough to keep watching but without any likeable characters. Also a documentary about how much money the King and Prince of Wales have, plus a brief interview with new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. A good choice, I think. 

Monday – Mild and dry, but a bit overcast. Dot went into city to get birthday presents for Kim and Bridget, and after I had a bath I posted her cut-up old driving licence and caught a bus into the city.  Met her in Jarrolds stationery, and we then bought me some new shoes from Hotter. Completed present-buying and walked to Cornish bakery for tea/coffee. Then to Boots in Mall, where we both booked an eye test and Dot bought some shower gel.

After a late lunch at home we watched some football (Spurs beating Aston Villa 4-1) and then drove to surgery to book a blood test for me and pick up pills from chemist. Dot also got blood test results, which were good. Coincidentally saw Carrie at the surgery – driving, so she must be a bit better.

Earlier in the day Anna rang up about Phyllis’s house, which the Diocese has put on the market. Carrie and Debbie concerned about Phyllis’s wishes, and Anna will explore further. My feeling is that the will has been followed, whether or not it reflects Phyllis’s intentions. Howard wrote it for her. Ho, hum. My conversation with Anna was while she was on her way back from Belper by train and I was in the bath. Fortunately not FaceTime. After sausages and good mashed potatoes (first for a long time) we watched final episodes of Apples Never  Fall, which really wasn’t very good. Didn’t like anyone in it and the direction was clunky. 

Tuesday – Again cloudy, and it seemed chillier to me. Gave Jenny Downing a lift to the Archant pensioners’ coffee morning. Not such a problem as I thought it might be. Lots of people present; we chatted with Bill Woodcock and David Newham. I suggested Bill write a book about the London office of the EDP, where he worked for a long time; he has some interesting stories, but I don’t think he’ll write anything. Robin and Shelagh absent. I rang them afterwards and after a brief conversation with Shelagh I had a word to two with Robin, but he clearly didn’t want to talk and sounded really depressed. Cancelled his booking for the Christmas meal next month.

Mark’s new solar panels are now up, and I believe he has a device that monitors all the power in his house (and enable him to adjust use). Saw him showing it to Des and Jonathan this morning. I can see how it could become compulsive, which is why I don’t want one. Same gores for Sky TV.