Kristine Coomes on brink of the abyss – or to put it another way, at the west door of Norwich Cathedral
Quiet couple of days. Popped into city, got glasses tightened, cancelled papers – that sort of thing. Delivered Joy’s birthday presents. Phil has been ill with flu-like illness for a couple of weeks, so we didn’t stop. Also managed to update website with article and a couple of new poems which are on the leaflet I’ve printed for Greenbelt. Which is where we are about depart for: Dot is completing her packing etc, and we’re awaiting the arrival of Mark from Poringland, who is getting a lift with us. Spent some time looking at map, but there’s no obvious route. We’ll have to wing it. Weather has turned a bit fresher. I’ve had a painful neck for a few days: hard to look right more than a bit. Head generally feels pretty strange, and odd twinges elsewhere. It would be nice to feel completely fit. Not sure if I’m looking forward to Greenbelt: being one of a huge crowd has never been appealing to me.
Yes, it's me, at a viewpoint above Braemar and looking over towards the Cairngorms (that's the camera, not me)
Dot has just left to visit her friend Carrie. This afternoon we went to see the latest Harry Potter film, which was everything you would think the latest Harry Potter film might be: pretty good without being stunning. Of course knowing the plot doesn’t help. The weather has turned a bit cooler and very windy; nevertheless we went to the camping shop and bought a couple of camping stools with Greenbelt in mind: apparently the seating there is not up to much; in fact there’s quite a lot of standing. Also bought a pretty cheap picnic set on the spur of the moment. On the way back from the cinema we noticed that the last bits of the new Wensum bridge were being put into position. How exciting is that? To give you an idea of the delay involved in building it, I had been hoping when it was first announced that I would be able to use it to get to work. I retired in 2002.
On Monday we went to see Ira Levin’s Deathtrap at the Maddermarket with our friends Menita and Regis. Pretty well done as always, and in this case a beautifully constructed play. Pleasant evening. Since then I have completed my tax return on line (yes!) and the last piece of the street light jigsaw has been put in place – the new tarmac nicely levelled off with the path. More news: the Royal Mail has finally delivered by Barclaycard cheque, taking only 17 days to do so. This has cost me over £40, so I will not be using the Royal Mail again for paying cheques. I wonder if I could sue them.
Dot with David and Kristine Coomes on riverside walk near Pull's Ferry
Satisfying weekend, and I don’t mean just the 5-2 win by Norwich City, 2-1 by Spurs and the Ashes regained by England. Warm but windy weather throughout. Took some clothes up to the charity shop on Saturday morning, and on the way back Dot dropped in a 99th-birthday card for Phyllis Todd. In early evening we walked up for a meal at Caffee Uno on Tombland: we both had first-class salads and a sweet, with a glass of wine. Just right.
Sunday was much fuller: I preached at St Luke’s in the morning as part of the Nicholas bring-the-churches-closer-together master plan. Found it quite difficult to prepare, as I was given not only the readings but the subject, but I enjoyed the actual presentation. Felt very relaxed, though as usual afterwards felt I could have done better. I do enjoy speaking in public, which is ironic as it was the very thing I hated at school. Got home to find David and Kristine Coomes had just arrived and were drinking Pimms in the garden with Dot. Had a really enjoyable day with them, including a walk along the river and through the cathedral. Have arranged to stay with them in London in October.
The street light saga is nearing its conclusion. The old pole was removed by a threatening-looking lorry on Sunday morning, and the hole was nearly filled just before 8 this morning, causing miniature dust storms and leaving a rectangle to be completed with tarmac, presumably. Much brighter outside at night: may need thicker curtains. Spoke to the grandchildren on webcam this morning: they seem to have had a good time in France with Dave and Julia. Just finished an excellent book: Spanish Fly, by Will Ferguson: a novel about con artists in the 1930s and 40s, and beautifully done.
Took a day out yesterday to travel to West Norfolk to visit the lavender. Quite a nice spot, though somewhat marred by an extremely heavy and prolonged shower which lasted almost our whole visit and lowered the temperature considerably. In one sense this was quite predictable, as I had deliberated over taking our anoraks and then decided not to, since it was pretty sunny and warm in Norwich. On the plus side, Dot took her umbrella. Tea rooms passed muster well, and the gardens certainly had potential.
As soon as we left the skies cleared, and we arrived at Holme beach, northern end of the Peddars Way, in bright sunshine: bit of a wind still, but warm enough to walk out across the golf course to the edge of the sand. I was irrationally annoyed by the fact that a couple of noisy families chose precisely the same moment to do the walk. This is the sort of place – wet sand, mud, sea holly – that should be bleak and lonely. I may go again: oddly, I don’t remember ever having been there before. We continued along the coast, buying heavily at a farm shop and then having another cup of tea at Holkham before heading home. Meanwhile England were taking lots of Australian wickets, mainly through my man Stuart Broad, who I have long backed as a future star. How are they going to lose this one?
Have just discovered that my mother’s father’s family – going back to my great-great-great-great-grandmother Rebecca Akehurst – came originally from an area of East Sussex I know quite well: Icklesham, close to where Dave Gemmell used to live at Udimore; Iden, not far away; and Hooe, where Stella Gemmell now lives. All close to Hastings, of course, where I frequently visited the Editorial Centre, and where Dot and I often stayed with Dave Gemmell and his first wife, Val. Perhaps it explains why I always liked the area.
Dot and Andrew enjoying an afternoon on the river during his visit to Norwich recently
At 7.30 this morning, when I was miraculously out of bed, the roof people came again. This time they have put in some guttering and the missing bit of down pipe and patched up the hole in the fascia boards: not pretty, but as good as we could hope for, I guess, as a temporary measure. Meanwhile the manager has been in touch and probably thanked his lucky stars that he got compliant me instead of angry Dot. He gave us a date of September 15 for the asbestos removal, observing that it was only about three weeks. Actually it was four weeks and one day, but I suppose that’s what management is all about. The street light saga continues too. We now have the new light connected, but with a slightly bigger hole, more rubble and the original standard still there. The new light is brighter, but apparently the reason for changing was that the new ones are more energy-efficient. As the whole city seems to be involved, I wonder how much it is all costing, and how soon the energy-efficiency will pay for it. Not that I have anything against energy-efficiency. All for it, in fact. Norwich City FC could do with some: they lost at Brentford last night (2-1), and a new manager starts today: Paul Lambert, from Colchester. Not the big name some had anticipated, and he has to do something pretty quickly.
Meanwhile, a couple of British gold medals from the world athletics championships, being held in Berlin. First, the wonderful Jessica Ennis, who decimated the field in the heptathlon. Then Phillips Idowu, at last coming good in the triple jump. Usain Bolt beat the world record again in the 100m, and still looked as if he could go faster. There must be a limit, right?
We did complete that walk on Sunday: over three miles in pretty warm weather, starting at the Rosary and ending up at the new bridge across the Wensum, which is on the brink of completion, though of course delivery of the last section has been delayed. Wouldn’t a world where nothing was delayed be wonderful? On Monday lovely wife Dot’s friend Anne did me a huge favour by taking Dot on a mammoth tour of city shops, during which they tried on many clothes and bought a few. I would never have had the stamina, but Dot thrives on it. In the evening she even had enough energy to visit Carrie, while I predictably lost a chess game I should have won – in the sense that I am graded higher than my opponent, not that I played better. In fact my loss was fully deserved. I can’t play chess in August. I’m not much good before Christmas.
Dot paddling in the surf at sunny Walcott on Friday
The bargeboard saga has taken a turn for the worse, with the company ringing up to say there will be a delay of a few weeks because the specialist firm has a backlog. Dot, who took the call, was pretty angry about this, as the gutter and downpipe on part of the house are now non-existent, and there is a gaping hole up into the loft space. When she demanded that this be fixed, the guy claimed that I had known the asbestos was there because I had built it. This was so ludicrous that it made her very angry and she made a few remarks about how likely it was that I would build a house, or even part of one. Happily, I was not here to hear them. We now await a call on Monday or Tuesday. Very irritating. More delays also on changing the street light outside our house. There is now a big hole in the pavement and two light posts, one of which has a cable attached. Neither of them light, so we are leaving our outside porch light on to dissuade the many local inhabitants who like the dark from cosying up to our house, car, garage, etc. I am not particularly happy about the pile of rubble inviting drunks to play with it, but what can you do? Many streets around the city are in the same condition.
Not only that, but Bryan Gunn has been sacked as manager of Norwich City, following the 4-0 away win at Yeovil, which was clearly unacceptable. With his deputy Ian Butterfield in charge the team drew 1-1 at Exeter yesterday and should have won, if the highlights were anything to go by, which they probably weren’t. Sorry about the headline above, but I couldn’t say no. As usual.
Dot employed an accountant on Thursday, which seems like a good move. A very amiable guy, not too expensive, but clearly knows what he’s talking about. Should make life in that area a lot easier. Saw the consultant at the N&N on Friday, and he was happy with my progress since the most recent operation; so I don’t have to go and see him again unless something unexpected happens or my PSA level goes up. Which would also be unexpected, but not totally impossible. He was as positive as it’s possible for doctors to be that all the signs point to everything being fine. After lunch that day we drove out to take Jessie to Walcott, where we stranded her at her friend’s care home while we wandered on the beach. She was supposed to ring us when she was ready, but of course we all forgot that there’s no mobile (O2) signal at Walcott, in common with much of North Norfolk. We eventually returned (after bumping into friend Judith) to rescue her. Happily it was a warm day, and she had been sitting in the garden quite happily. Returned to her house by way of the cemetery, where we left flowers. Enjoyed tea and cake. Showed her Scotland pictures on Dot’s computer.
David has apparently given up his plan to buy a Mazda Bongo, at least for the time being. We had a long talk about it by way of webcam, and I was pretty positive, but in the end I think the disadvantages weighed more heavily. Grandchildren still in France, but now with grandparents only. Today warm again, and a really nice service at church. I led, Paul preached, and Howard did the intercessions. Next two weeks we won’t be there, and I fear there may be some problems with the music or lack of it, which I must try to sort out or ameliorate, if that’s the right word. Dot has just finished reading The Girl who Played with Fire in the garden – compulsive thriller – and is talking about going for a walk.
My nephew Sam and his wife Lucy, who live in Southampton, visited us on Monday afternoon.
It’s Wednesday, and no progress has been made on the barge board -fascia board front. The two original guys took their gear and departed when they found asbestos in parts of the boards. The asbestos has to be tested, and if it is of a certain type, a specialist firm has to be brought in to deal with it. We await a phone call. Fortunately this should not cost us money, because it is a fixed price deal, but the delay is annoying. We still have a section of professional scaffolding fixed at the lower end, awaiting developments. Meanwhile another street light has materialised outside, and awaits recabling, when the original will be removed. I hope. And I’ve had to tackle a persistent overflow on the shower room cistern, which I’ve fixed with the help of a piece of plastic, some waterproof tape and a stone out of the back garden. It may not meet the highest of standards, but at least the water has stopped, which is a distinct plus. What next?
Yesterday, which turned out to be very warm, we decided to take a trip to North Norfolk to look at a house that had caught Dot’s eye. It looked pretty much perfect in terms of photograph and facilities, but when we got to Briston it turned out to be less than ideal, being situated down a long, narrow unmade road with a mixture of new and decaying properties on either side. No view, and not very rural. We decided to give it a miss and proceeded to Holt, where we dropped in to Larners for a reminder of what food shopping should be like and then found another nice-looking property in an estate agent’s window. It was at High Kelling, and we drove down to take a look. Liking what we saw, we managed to get an appointment there and then and looked round it. The owner was very welcoming and the house had a nice atmosphere: we liked almost everything about it, including the location. If we had sold our house and were looking, we would probably have snapped it up on the spot. In the circumstances it will probably be sold well before we get round to having ours valued. We really need to have a serious discussion about whether we do in fact want to move, and what location would be acceptable. Still, a pleasant day out. No mobile (O2) signal in High Kelling, but they do have broadband.
Woke up to rain today after we had eaten in the garden with the Tuesday Group last night: another forecast up the spout. Rushed the rubbish out (forgot last night) and prepared for a visit by a commissioning editor who was interested in Philosophy4Children in connection with producing material for school assemblies. Enjoyed a pleasant lunch with her, and things seem promising: we await her e-mail. Barbara and Sue also came to lunch and helped shape the discussion. The sun is out now, and the three of them are chatting upstairs. Too much laughter: they are having far too good a time.
Norwich won 4-0 away at Yeovil last night, thus becoming the first team in history (I suspect) to lose their first game of the season 7-1 at home and win the second 4-0 away against comparable opponents. Du different – the Norfolk motto.
Oliver and Amy find a wooden house to play in on the way down from Creag Chonnich on our recent Scottish holiday.
Well, we finally lost the fourth Test in fairly humiliating fashion, though two bowlers (Broad and Swann) top-scored with 60+ each. I suggest that for the final test we pick a wicketkeeper and ten bowlers, on the grounds that bowlers seem to be able to bat at least as well as the batsmen, and possibly better.
The meal on Saturday night at the Nelson, on the river opposite the station, went pretty well, though the front of the restaurant was full of disgruntled though good-humoured Norwich City fans, drowning their sorrows after the appalling 7-1 home defeat by Colchester. One of them went so far as to buy Dot a drink as she stood at the bar, so at least he had an eye for talent: perhaps he should pick the team. The meal itself was excellent in quality, but the service was terrible. The whole meal took almost three hours, which was not so bad when there were seven of us chatting, but would have been awful for just one or two. Bad service really irritates me. I don’t think it was the staff’s fault so much: there just weren’t enough people serving. Swine flu, I expect.
After church on Sunday Phil took Andrew back to Coventry, with me as a passenger adding moral support. Warm day, and the Mercedes air-conditioning wasn’t working, so it was quite wearing. Fortunately I had a bottle of ginger beer. Stopped at Cambridge Services again for a call of nature and found it crammed. Can’t help wondering if people go to service areas for a day out instead of the beach. Rest of journey was uneventful, and the traffic fairly light. When we passed Thetford on the way back there was a huge queue going in the opposite direction, heading for Elveden. After mentioning it on Twitter, I discovered that the RSPB are objecting to the new road. If it’s not newts, it’s curlews. When will they learn that wildlife is infinitely adaptable, unlike us? Home by 7pm and time to watch a bit of television after Dot emerged from under piles of ironing.
This morning the fascia board people arrived but couldn’t start because the scaffolding didn’t get here till 10.30, and anyway the surveyor had failed to take a couple of things into account, and they would probably need more scaffolding. Sounds like a big company taking advantage of the self-employed again. Guys who came were really pleasant and I’m confident it will be done well. They are returning at 7.30am tomorrow!
Felt a bit queasy for a few days after getting back from Scotland, but yesterday and today have been feeling better, which is just as well because Dot has been under the weather for a couple of days after we fetched Andrew from Coventry on Thursday, his birthday. We shared the driving and discovered a very pleasant service area at Cambridge Services on the A14. We also drove through some more extremely heavy rain which restricted visibility a lot on the M6-Huntingdon stretch of the A14, when I was at the helm. Discovered later that Phil and Joy were driving home from Southampton and encountering the same conditions (though a bit later in the day). In Norwich it has been warm on the whole. Yesterday I took Andrew clothes shopping and spent £400 making him reasonably presentable. Then we drove to Winterton and had a wander down the valley and back along the beach (taking in the very pleasant smell of the sea), ending up at the cafe for scones and tea / coffee. Andrew is very into cafes and newsagents. In the evening I cooked roast beef, which seemed to go down well. Today Andrew and I walked up to the Rosary, which was beautiful and extremely peaceful as always, then joined Dot for coffee in the Nelson, where we booked a table for this evening (for seven of us). After lunch we caught the river bus at Griffiin Lane and did the Broads trip, which was relaxing. Entertaining commentary included elucidation of several nautical terms, including “hijack”, which apparently originated when a group of prostitutes used to ensnare a sailor and rob him. “Hi, Jack!” Get it? Not totally convinced about that one. Lots of fun, though, and we saw a grass snake swimming across the river. Pretty nippy. Also discovered that Coldham Hall is about to reopen. Used to go there quite a bit with Dot’s parents. Apparently it was called “Coldham” because some royal personage was served cold ham there and enjoyed it so much she insisted the name was changed. Hmm. Not sure about that one either.
Earlier in the week enjoyed an ambient barbecue with the Cracknells (Monday) and had our hair cut (Wednesday). I think I may have overdone the haircut thing. Sam, the young mother opposite, said she thought the neighbourhood was going down, and when I said it would grow again, replied: “It had better.” Dot and I are in Ellie’s bad books because we shouted at her to stop her running into the road.
Things dreadful on the sports front.. England scored 102 all out against Australia, and Australia were all out for 445. So that should be close. Norwich City, meanwhile, are unbelievably 6-1 down at home to Colchester. After-match comments should be interesting. (Final score 7-1. Aaaaargh!!)
Grandson Oliver conquers his first mountain: Craigendarroch
Second day back from Scotland, where it rained every day but we had a great time, because in Scotland it doesn’t rain all day (well, hardly ever); so it was also dry every day, and we did plenty. In fact, I put together a diary of events, which I shall now slide seamlessly into. You won’t even notice the join.
Thursday 16 July
Dot drove us to the Horse and Jockey Premier Inn near Dunstable, where we were greeted by rain and a dismal forecast which, it turned out, was not wrong.
Friday 17 July
Picked up David and the children at 10am. Dot transferred to David’s car, and we drove north. Stopped at M6 Toll, then Lancaster. Heavy rain from Manchester to Gretna: difficult driving. Reached Abington around 6pm, had a meal in the restaurant (uninspiring) and an early night.
Saturday 18 July
Overcast, and rain from Perth as we travelled north. Drove our usual route and stopped at Balnathie café near Stanley, then on to Braemar for lunch in the Fife Arms. Bought food and arrived at Mar House, near Inverey, just before 3pm. Everyone impressed with house, if not with weather. Took a short walk when the rain eased a little. The house was as good as advertised: spacious and warm in a secluded position. Started reading a Val McDermid thriller I found there.
Sunday 19 July
Woke to find baby deer in garden. Much better, drier day. Drove to Ballater and climbed Craigendarroch. Oliver was very quick and loved the experience. An excellent lunch at the Station Café, then walked through to look at the station – now £2 a throw, but with bright new royal carriage on show. Good value, really. Back via Gairn bridge; bit of rain. Followed pipers through Braemar. The Open golf was won by Stuart Cink after play-off with Tom Watson, who fell apart. Englishmen 3, 4 and 5.
Monday 20 July
Mainly dry, but windy. Drove to the Log Cabin for some food, then walked down to Corgarff valley bridge, much enjoyed by the children. Back through heavy shower to Braemar, where we did some food shopping, plus one or two other things.
Tuesday 21 July
Started very warm, ended with constant rain. To Glen Muick, where Oliver and I walked to the loch while the other three went back to Ballater to buy something warm for Amy, as it had become chilly. Eventually met up again and had a good time, involving a certain amount of splashing. Finished Val McDermid thriller.
Wednesday 22 July
Wet at first, then showery. Drove to Cairn Gorm and went on the mountain railway, after having lunch at the Bridge of Brown. Dry and good for viewing at the top: saw heavy rain approaching but missed most of it.
Oliver's second mountain: Creag Chonnich. With Dot.
Thursday 23 July
Pouring rain to start with – took children into Braemar to buy food. Later weather improved a lot, and we went up Creag Chonnich – lovely climb and superb on top, and children enjoying it again. Had takeaway for evening meal. Chips with everything.
Amy and her Dad survey the Punchbowl at the Linn of Quoich
Friday 24 July
Decided at last to go to Linn of Quoich, just down the road. Had been a bit hesitant because the rocks and fast-flowing water make it dangerous, at least to small children. But all turned out OK, and both Oliver and Amy were very careful. Drove to Braemar for meal in Gordon’s restaurant, using an unauthorised short cut across the bridge! Then back to house. Later Oliver and I went out exploring and found the stream rumoured to be on the property – the Corriemulzie Burn. Climbed down to it and found a waterfall and the remains of a quite extensive dam. Tried unsuccessfully to cross stream, then climbed back up bank and found path round top, which brought us first to a limekiln – which looked like a stone shelter – then to the footbridge. Oliver was very good at walking in rough country and was a pleasure to be with. The path back on the other side was blocked by a locked gate, so we returned by the same path and crossed the meadow to the house. Meanwhile Dot and Amy had been out for a shorter expedition.
Deer in the garden on the final morning at Mar House
Saturday 25 July
Final day with children. Managed to get out of house by 10am, meeting cleaning party including caretaker at gate. Drove on to Ballater and went into house. Then walked golf course path by river and the children enjoyed some time on the rocks.
Amy on the rocks
Back to town and had lunch in The Bothy, a new restaurant. Afterwards back to house (a wedding was taking place in the house opposite, complete with piper, much to the fascination of the children), and David and the children left just before 3pm. Dot and I went into town and she bought a top from her favourite shop. Bought wine and postcards and wrote them back at house. Had message that David had arrived safely at Abington about 6.30pm. Watched ER. House cold so went to bed early.
Sunday 26 July
Woke to grey rain, and stayed in bed most of morning. Watched Hungarian grand prix, won by Hamilton, then went into town to buy food. In evening excellent meal at Glen Lui Hotel, but felt pretty unhealthy afterwards and had a disturbed night. Persistent tickle in throat over past few days. Children home safely.
On the hill at Glen Muick
Monday 27 July
Weather much improved, but still slow getting up! Late breakfast, then to Glen Muick with sandwiches. I climbed small hill after intermittent rain passed. Drove to Spittal, then back to Crannoch for tea and scones and to Cambus O’May suspension bridge, where we observed mysterious whirlpools in the river. Back to Ballater and a hideously long queue at the Co-op. Tried to watch Slumdog Millionaire, but subtitles indecipherable on small screen, so watched To Die For instead, plus a little bit from the Press Gang – End of An Error.
Tuesday 28 July
Miserable start to the day: grey and wet. Eventually set off for Balmoral, but the car park was crammed and the weather uninviting, so we went on to Braemar, where we parked behind the Information centre and did some shopping. Dot got a new Weird Fish top and I bought a camera case that was just what I was looking for, plus a stick for Oliver. As this is a Vango, he could find himself with a Vango in a Bongo, as his father is keen on purchasing a Mazda Bongo. We then had sandwiches (in my case) and lemon meringue pie (in Dot’s) at the Fife Arms, before walking up to a viewpoint above the town. On the way we passed a big car park and a duckpond that we never knew existed. Quite a stiff little climb, but the sun was warm and the breeze not too bad. Came back the same way, for once ignoring my instinct that continuing on the path would bring us down into the town; sadly my instinct was right, so we missed out. Bought an ice cream each and a book on trees, then returned to Ballater, driving through heavy rain around Balmoral – wondered if it had been like that there all day. Probably not. To Green Inn in the evening and enjoyed the usual superb meal with a bottle of champagne to mark our 41st wedding anniversary (actually yesterday, but the Green Inn is shut on Mondays).
Wednesday 29 July
Dull start again, but brightened up and became variable. No change there, if you see what I mean. Went for lunch at Log Cabin and bought some stuff, including my usual shirt. Lunched on baked potato (me) and bacon and maple syrup (guess who) pancake. Drove up on to hill and did two-mile walk to a small flat top containing mysterious boards, arranged as if they were the blueprint for a fence. Suspect grouse shoot connection; probably wrong. Break in the weather gave us two miles of very pleasant walking. Then returned home for cup of tea before driving round to find possible places to rent for another family visit. Found Lary Cottage, just round corner, and 3 Knocks Cottages, on back road. Back to cottage for rest on bed, tea and watched Plenty. Have finished reading The Girl Who Played with Fire (excellent) and am now reading Trescothick autobiography that David bought me for birthday (finished August 1 – very good).
Thursday 30 July
Started bright after a dreadful night when I was really stuffed up. Got up about 4am to make a cup of tea. Drove to Balmoral and bought tickets (£6 each seniors), then had tea/coffee before going into the ballroom and then on to one of the walks, during which there was intermittent rain. Felt quite tired, but it was lovely up there. Back for lunch in restaurant – excellent sandwiches, then another small buying spree before heading back to the car. On the way home on the back road almost hit the Queen coming the other way: uncanny – she seems to know exactly where we are. To Larks gallery, where the owner remembered us from three years ago, and we bought a few things including a fairly expensive necklace for Dotsy. Then walked down riverside path (further than I thought again) to pick up a couple of stones and lose a few pounds. Stones were for grandchildren of course. This expedition made it over 6 miles for the day, which is a bit excessive. Bought some bread and milk for breakfast tomorrow, then prepared for drive to Banchory. Rain had disappeared late afternoon, and it was quite warm. After getting fed up with Premier Inn’s automated booking system and hanging up, I booked in again at Days Inn, Abington, for tomorrow. Spent a delightful evening with Ella, David, Gail and Nigel at Banchory: assorted pate and Balmoral chicken (stuffed with haggis). Managed to remain sober enough to drive back at about 11.45, avoiding roadside deer on the way. Amazing brightness in the sky after midnight.
Friday 31 July
Woke to warm sunshine and no hangover, except for Dot. Spent the morning packing and tidying up. Surprisingly, had quite a good sleep. Left at noon, stopped at Fife Arms for lunch and then at Balathie. Reached Abington about 4.30pm and read a lot before having an average meal.
Saturday 1 August
Left by 9.30 after breakfast in our room. Appalling weather most of the way home: driving in cloud at first, then heavy rain in Lake District and very, very heavy rain on the M6 Toll, after we’d made our second stop. First stop was at Lancaster. Someone remind me never to stop at Lancaster again. Motorway services seem to be on a different planet. You look at the people around you and think they’re not really human. They’re probably looking at you and thinking the same thing. Quite unpleasant. Dot took over driving as we approached the A14. I felt really shattered. Home about 5pm and did some unpacking and some eating, though didn’t really feel like either.
