Monthly Archives: April 2009

27 April 2009

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Rather nice butterfly (you can tell I majored in nature study) pictured by the river at Cringleford the other day. I pursued it for a while before getting close enough for this shot.

Now on tenterhooks waiting to see if Norwich City manage to win tonight and preserve their hopes of staying in the Championship. I am not overly optimistic, but then I am not an overly optimistic person – about that sort of thing, anyway. A card Dot discovered while cleaning out my study the other day reminds me that someone of my name “handles disappointment well, since he tends to expect it”. Grain of truth there, though I prefer the “wry sense of humour”. Must be something in it, mustn’t there?

Earlier today went to see my doctor, and got in only 35 minutes late. Can’t complain, can you? My blood’s PSA level is no longer “perfect”: it is “undetectable”. Can something be undetectable and perfect at the same time? Of course it can. Still feeling a bit fragile, but the rest of my blood tests were good too, so I don’t appear to have anything. Nothing obvious, anyway. Three days more antibiotics…

After going to the dentist on Friday (one filling to come), I went with Dot to see Graham Kendrick, well known songwriter and worship leader, at King’s Centre. It was a good evening (800 – sold out), though I would rather he had played some more of his performance songs. Impressive guy; everyone warmed to him. Surprised to see Anna, Nicholas and Phil there from St Augustine’s, and Marjorie – a face from the past: our best man’s sister, who lives just outside Norwich, but who we don’t see very often. Really nice to run into her.

On a roll, we went out again on Saturday evening to see HMS Pinafore by the Carla Rosa Opera at the Theatre Royal. I’m a sucker for G&S, both lyrics and music, but this was an exceptional performance. I sat there with a stupid grin on my face all evening. Sadly the theatre was half empty; hard to understand why, unless it was the ludicrous ticket prices. All right, we were in the best seats, but nearly £30 a ticket?! The Maddermarket, a much nicer and smaller theatre, costs £10-£12 a time.

Led at St Augustine’s on Sunday: almost had to play guitar as well because of music group absentees, but Liz stepped in at the last moment. Ambient Wonder planning in the evening: I think I’m in a minority of one in not really enthusing about the planning meetings, though the pizza and wine were fine. First thoughts on the event at Greenbelt we’re involved in: theme The Long Now. While I was supposed to be praying I thought of a great idea for a poem. Perhaps I was praying. Who knows?

23 April 2009

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Grandson Oliver watching Norwich v Watford at Carrow Road and looking worried – justifiably, as it turned out, because although Norwich won that one 2-0, they are now in a desperate situation.

Lovely summer weather continues. On Tuesday Lisa came round (with Blossom) to talk about the poetry walks. Since then a message from Lucy seems to indicate that she expects two walks each day, and not one – and that we’re expected to be there the whole day as well. I don’t think either of those things will be possible. Meanwhile I’ve arranged to go out with Lisa to Paston on the 29th to reconnoitre the planned walk(s).

Yesterday Phil drove me to Coventry for a meeting with Dr Saad about the severity and nature of Andrew’s illness. We were able to persuade him that there had been no sudden deterioration, but it was a long-term problem, with the same continuing symptoms. Afterwards we took Andrew out for a drive – first to Corley Rocks (after going completely the wrong way when we asked him to direct us: his “that way if you want to; I don’t mind” wasn’t tremendously helpful), then to Memorial Park and a quick look round where we used to live – Beanfield Avenue and The Chesils. We ended up at TGI Friday’s for a full meal just before 5pm and then dropped him back at The Langleys just after 6pm – checking that his new stereo turntable was working OK. Brief chat with Halina, then an easy drive home across the Fens. I say easy, but Phil must have driven about 350 miles during the day. Arrived home before 9pm, feeling pretty tired. Dot had had a good P4C afternoon at Horsford School and had had a clean-out in my study.

I should mention that the plumber came and fixed the bath drainage pipe. All household fittings and equipment are now working properly, but Dot is at the dentist. I am due there tomorrow. I had a blood test first thing this morning, which has become such a familiar thing to me that I can almost look at the needle going in. But not quite.

20 April 2009

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Another picture from Easter weekend, with grandson Oliver about to demonstrate his skill with a rolling pin. Admiring sister looks on.

Today has been very busy – so busy in fact that I’m too tired to play in the John Swan Rapidplay chess event, which I normally enter. Instead, I’m writing this. Dot has gone off to PCC but shouldn’t be long. Started the day by dithering around instead of taking the opportunity to get up early when Dot went off to Yarmouth for a Philosophy4Children event at Anne’s school. Eventually got moving and found the bath drainage pipe was leaking. Aargh! I suppose if any pipe is going to leak, the bath drainage one is best. We don’t actually have to use the bath, though I do find it difficult to resist.

After thinking about that for a bit, I went up to the Grapevine to help with taking down the exhibition. Annette, Martin and Peter were there. I took a pile of pictures out to Paston, after calling back home to pick up some Guidebook walks directions that I’d left behind. Before Paston comes Bacton, and I took the opportunity to have some delicious cod and chips – with free bonus sausage – which I ate in Paston churchyard. Then to Dayspring, where I put all the pictures on the table tennis table, because there was nowhere else to put them. There was a hippo taking up most of the barn. Had a quick word with the lovely Naomi and then went off to check walk directions, finding them sadly lacking in several places and completely wrong in one. Still, had a pleasant hour or two in summer sunshine countryside and found a delightful church on a hill at Edingthorpe.

Called at the printers in North Walsham on the way home and picked up some P4C leaflets for Dot after eventually getting through to her on the phone to check that it was OK to do so. At home I corrected the walks and sent them off to Lucy, but haven’t heard anything since.

Yesterday Norwich City knocked another nail in what might turn out to be their coffin when they lost 3-2 to Ipswich, thanks to a wrongly awarded penalty. Earlier I preached at St Augustine’s, mainly on forgiveness (a good and underrated thing), and spent the rest of the day watching too much television, interspersed with popping outside to make me feel better. Watched F1 Chinese Grand Prix, then quite a lot of football. Not sure why I was pleased Man Utd lost on penalties to Everton: my natural penchant for the underdog, I suspect, since I am one.

18 April 18 2009

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This is Amy in our garden on Easter weekend. Following the egg hunt came egg demolition…

In the last couple of days I’ve managed to complete the section of Lucy’s Paston Guidebook that I’m responsible for, but I’d like to check a couple of the walks before signing it off. Today I followed the Norwich one and had to make several changes and additions. I was relieved that I felt OK after walking two and a half miles, though. While I was doing that, Dot went to the shop and returned home to find she hadn’t got a key, so she sat in the garden for a while, then walked to meet me. Happily it was a beautifully sunny day, and in the garden she was sheltered from the cold northerly wind. Later, after I finished my sermon for tomorrow, we drove to Wymondham to look at the picturesque station as a possible eating place, then parked and walked a bit near the abbey. Dot has painted one of the gates a slightly different shade of green. Our gates, I mean. Not the abbey’s.

I now have a completely new course of antibiotics (or anti-bacterial drugs, as I believe they’re really called), which will last a fortnight and hopefully see off the persistent infection down below. I do feel much less tired, though things are still not as they should be. I had a talk with Dr Hampsheir on the phone and feel rather more reassured. I’ll be seeing him again in ten days’ time. David had a recurrence of his kidney stone pain today while he was on his way home with Oliver and Amy from the London Eye and Aquarium, but by the time he rang us the pain had gone. Apparently the children did really well.

Dot went down to Metfield on Thursday to prepare for another day of philosophy at Yarmouth on Monday – at Anne’s school. And we had our burglar alarm serviced. Just thought I’d mention that.

15 April 2009

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Photograph of Stella and Dot at Cringleford by the River Yare, during a tour of the city (by car). Stella stayed with us overnight and has just rung to say she got home safely. Very pleasant interlude: we had lunch at Prezzo’s. The previous two days were also fun, with David and the grandchildren joining us on Easter Sunday for a family meal at the Red Lion in Eaton. Also present: Phil, Joy, Joe, Birgit and Birgit’s brother Joe, his wife Ilona and Birgit’s mother. It was a long meal, so I took first Amy and then both children for a walk down to the river. Really enjoyed that. They’re lovely to be with.

Dot and I had just been to church, where I led the Easter Communion, with John Easton presiding. The next day David and I took Oliver to watch Norwich play Watford, and Norwich won well, 2-0. Meanwhile Amy went with Dot to Wroxham Barns and had a great time on various rides, showing lots of confidence.

I went to the doctor’s on Tuesday morning, because I’ve been feeling very tired, and all is not well in the usual area. All sorts of odd pains, queasy stomach, headaches. Just don’t feel I’m getting any better. Doctor not particularly confidence-inspiring. Water sent off for testing again, and a blood test fixed for ten days in the future. Some sort of urgency lacking, I feel. I wonder if falling over would get someone’s attention.

Anyway, the taps are now beautifully fixed and the chairs beautifully covered. The oven’s bust, though. Always something… Last Wednesday the Paston evening at the Grapevine went really well. Stephanie showed up unexpectedly, and we gave her a lift home. I read a couple of poems, Lucy and Annette spoke, and there was some medieval singing. Only two problems: no media interest, and very, very few sales. Still pretty confused about what Lucy wants me to do with the Paston Guidebook. She also asked me to do a poetry walk on May bank holiday weekend. It would give me £200, but I really don’t feel like it at the moment. Not sure how far I could walk, for one thing. Lisa may well do one.

On Maundy Thursday we had tea at Morston Hall by way of research for the Murrays’ visit in May. Very pleasant, but we were the only ones there, apart from a couple of flies. We also tracked down a yacht charter company at Morston and have booked three hours’ sailing. Lovely warm weather in North Norfolk. David texted to say it was pouring with rain at Twyford.

On Good Friday an excellent and very moving Ambient Wonder event at St Luke’s attracted about 50, including about ten children. I did the opening and closing liturgy, if it can be called that. Some short responses might be more accurate.

Have struck up a relationship with Ellie, who lives nearly opposite. She’s two. Very sweet.

7 April 2009

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A photograph of my mother’s sister Vi, who has just turned 93. She is in Cape Town, in what they call Frail Care, with her husband Richard, also pictured. Her daughter Sandy and Sandy’s husband Alex, who live not far away in Table View, are also in the picture.

Have been feeling pretty frail myself the last few days. Practically anything I do leaves me tired out. I’m hoping it’s just an after-effect of the antibiotics and am trying to ignore it. The weather has turned quite springlike, though there’s a chilly wind today. The garden is looking terrific following the attentions of Garden Man Colin and Dot – a formidable team. Two chairs have been delivered to the upholsterers, the carpet has been cleaned and the bathroom taps are halfway fixed. They’ve stopped dripping, but on the minus side, they don’t turn on and off with any great conviction. My Twitter list is developing too.

Sunday was pretty busy, with church lunch and a an Ambient Wonder planning event in the evening. It could have been followed by an exciting DCC meeting on the Monday, but I took the precaution of booking myself a chess game, which I managed to draw. Dot had no such excuse, and claimed the DCC meeting was actually quite interesting. She is busy booking events for the visit of the Murrays in May. We seem to be booked in for tea at The Ritz, and possibly a sailing experience at Blakeney. Meanwhile I’ve got tickets for the Maddermarket for a Terence Rattigan play. For four of us, that cost £40, with the added benefit of it being a picturesque, historic and truly lovely theatre. I also booked Dot and I to see HMS Pinafore at the Theatre Royal later this month, which cost just under £40 for the two of us, after a £20 discount that I had been given for another reason. Something doesn’t add up: perhaps it’s why the Theatre Royal is often half empty, except for guaranteed audience-pullers.

4 April 2009

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Another picture from the Grapevine exhibition, this time showing members of the Care family in the vicinity of the refreshments. Drummer Simeon and student Naomi are standing on Lucy’s right: Jonathan is at back right, talking to medieval role-player Jo Berry, from the Paston Heritage Society. Lucy is talking to Joan Murray, one of the InPrint artists, whose husband John is partially obscured by a pillar. We’ve known Jonathan and Lucy since before they were married, 30 years ago. Preparations are now being made for the Wednesday night Grapevine session next week, which seems promising.

I finished my second lot of antibiotics yesterday, and I guess I feel better, though certainly not 100 per cent. Just walked up to Carrow Road to buy tickets for the Easter Monday match against Watford, when David and I will be taking Oliver. Tickets went on sale today at 9am; I turned up at 11am to find only the back row and about four other individual seats unsold. We are in the back row: the nice lady has sat us as far away from the visiting supporters as possible “as we have a child with us”. Felt pretty tired when I got back, but it’s a very pleasant day, and Colin is here doing some stuff in the garden involving shingle. He’s created a very nice space under the kitchen window.

On Thursday night it became obvious that water was seeping out of one of our drain covers. After a bit of hesitation, I rang the insurers’ emergency helpline, and within half an hour a guy was at the door. We had a lot of trouble getting the drain cover off (not the leaking one – the next one down: it takes a professional to know these things), and before we did we tried next door (out) and Phyllis, whose drain we decided was not connected to ours. When we eventually got the cover off, there was an obvious blockage, which the guy cleared, and a rather unholy mess, mainly liquid, tumbled through at high speed. Something very satisfying about removing a blockage. I can think of somewhere else an improved flow would be welcome.

Julia and Allan came round last night. Dot did a very time-consuming but delicious mousaka, which was appreciated by all. I have reorganised my website so that the beginnning of new articles will appear on the front page, and the updating should be obvious. Also added another article and changed the bottom of the front page to include a selection of quotes, which I will also change regularly. Quite pleased with it.

1 April 2009

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The Paston Grapevine exhibition on Sunday went really well, with the room close to full most of the time. Some friends I hadn’t seen for some time responded – eg Ruth C and Prof Clive Scott from the UEA, who seemed extremely impressed. Jonathan’s parents and sister were also there. Haven’t seen them for many, many years. The photo is by Dot: I am reading my poem, Blue Days, Black Knights – one of eight poets reading on the day. Menita and Regis bought one of Annette’s pictures, which was reward for her hard work in putting the exhibition up. Another one of the big books was also sold. Can’t say I felt brilliant all the way through: was really hot at one point, and by the time I got home (Dot driving) I was exhausted.

Still, I thought I must be getting there – until the surgery rang on Monday morning to say I had been given antibiotics to which my urine infection strain was resistant. So I had to go and pick up a new lot and start again. Since then I have been a bit shaky, and today I have a stomach upset, almost certainly due to the antibiotics. Helpfully, that started first thing this morning, when I was going to the hospital for a flow test. I was supposed to be getting a full bladder, which is tricky when you have to deal with a stomach problem. But in the end I managed it, and was told my flow was very slow and – guess what – I should be putting my catheter further in. I have lost count of the number of different things I’ve been told about the catheter. Two-thirds, all the way, not too far, all the way, hollow, solid … you name it.

I managed to play chess on Monday night, though unsurprisingly not very well, and only managed a draw against someone I should have beaten. Felt as if I had a high temperature all the time. We also went ahead with the Tuesday Group, which I managed to get through without much trouble.
Barbara and Dot worked on a database yesterday while I caught up with stuff and watched the F1 Australian Grand Prix on iPlayer. Today – a beautiful spring day – I have written a new piece for my website.