Another busy week with mixed weather, quite chilly and a lot of moisture in the air. I am writing this while Dot attends a diocesan gathering at Mattishall, which meant we had to get up early.

Last Wednesday we drove to Sheringham in our new car for lunch at the Dales Country House Hotel with Fred and Sue Riches (celebrating their 75th and 70th birthdays). Needless to say we were late, but at least they hadn’t started. Also present: Liz and David Cannon; Janet and Graham Smith; Pat and Marjorie. Very nice meal and a lovely setting. We gave F&S a really nice walks book with artistic illustrations.

After lunch we drove back to Norwich to meet the Evetts, who had arrived early and gone for a walk.

The next day we went to a special event at Dipples (by invitation), and Dot bought a ring and some earrings (birthday and Christmas presents). She also had some new boots, a pie dish and a couple of other things. The event was packed. Afterward Dot and Julia went shopping, and Dave and I went for a walk – out to the architectural winner on Goldsmith Street and then back along the riverside path. Probably a bit too far. We had a fish pie by Dot in the evening and then went to see Le Mans 66 at the cinema – a brilliant film which, since it was true, couldn’t have the perfect ending. Christian Bale and Matt Damon were superb.

Friday was Dot’s birthday, and one of the busiest days I can remember for me personally. We started by going to St Benet’s Abbey after breakfast and inevitably ran into Paul and Maryta. I think we got away with it. After lunch we hurtled up to the Maids Head for a John Fenn talk by Rob Knee, for which again we arrived a little late, though fortunately not after the talk started. Needless to say, he was very good. I had a chat with Paul Dickson afterwards and then realised I had time (just) to walk up to the Castle Mall to get my phone fixed. while the others had tea and a tour of the hotel.

After leaving the phone I got a bus home and finished the washing up from lunch, then got a bus back to pick the phone up and buy a cover, which I was very pleased with. The only problem with the phone now is that it occasionally drops the phone signal and 4G, but I believe this is because of its recent upgrade. Easily put it right, as long as I notice it! I then walked home again, and not much later we were walking to Carrow Road for the birthday lunch at Delia’s.

This proved a huge success, largely because of Jordan, who greeted Dot warmly, having spoken to her several times on the phone and not only got us a free bottle of Prosecco but gave us a tour behind the scenes afterward, which left Dot all bright-eyed and bushy tailed. The food was good too. Anne was there but missed the tour because she wanted to get back to get Philip to bed: he is in a bit of a bad way after dislocating his hip for the third time.

On Saturday we had a reasonably early breakfast, and the Evetts left for three days at Blakeney after Dave helped me to load David’s table into the car. We then drove to Aylesbury via Hemel Hempstead, having intended to go via Cambridge until we saw the A14 was shut. This turned out well, though, and we went directly to David’s apartment, which is really nice and spacious with great views. Amy has a really beautiful room, and she later decorated the apartment for Christmas – though of course no-one will be there. Oliver was initially out having a driving lesson.

Amy accompanied us to the Premier Inn so that we could book in. By now it was dark, and it wasn’t easy driving through Aylesbury, which has loads of mini-roundabouts and bus lanes which were barely visible. Premier Inn room was fine. On the way back we picked up Oliver and David, who had been to Nando’s to pick up supper. Earlier we had watched the second half of Everton v Norwich on David’s private channel. City played really well and won 2-0, mainly because Zimmermann was back from injury.

We left for home yesterday after a breakfast of waffles that was delicious, and took on board quite lot of stuff that David wanted to get rid of, including a rather nice projector. The journey was good, taking in a bit of the M25, and we stopped at the new Costa’s at Royston for a sandwich. Very nice. I drove the first bit, and Dot the second. We arrived home just after 5pm after filling up with petrol at Morrisons.

The only problem with the car is that it continually shows a tyre warning. I checked all of them on Saturday morning, and they seemed OK, though all were rather lower than I thought they should have been. No problem on the journey, but I’ll check them again when I get time. Or I may drive up to the garage and point out the problem. On the whole, the car is very nice to drive, and the heads-up display is very handy.

I am writing this while Dot is being massaged by Verena. I’ve just been “done” – my arm, neck and back are now much looser. Verena is good for morale. Earlier today we picked up our new car and said goodbye to the Mazda MX5. Very pleased with our Mazda 3 Sport, though we haven’t worked out the navigation console yet. Very cold day, incidentally, but at least it’s not raining.

Busy weekend, centring on Blofield. Dot has had either a bad cold or an allergic reaction to the painting of our kitchen cupboards and drawers, and so I drove to Blofield on my own to see Hexachordia demonstrate their range of medieval musical instruments in entertaining fashion and to demonstrate my Paston alliegiance. Rob, Peter and Matt were all there, but weren’t going to be there for the concert the following day; so Rob asked me to introduce it. However it turned out that David Pilch was preparing to do it; so that was OK.

In fact Dot was better yesterday; so she came to the concert. We arrived early enough to put out the banners, but someone had already done it. When Barbara and I tried to hoist the other banner, it broke. Ironically, if we had waited for Dot she would have been able to do it, as it was similar to her P4C one. The concert was pretty good: I took some pictures for the group (three of them, and all multi-talented). Afterwards we had medieval pudding and pies, which were all right.

Before Blofield on Saturday I went on a Shardlake group walk with Paul Dickson, starting at the Maids Head. Again the weather was fine, and not so cold. This was intended as a birthday present for Dot, but she wasn’t well enough to go. I enjoyed it, though it was quite tiring. Paul was excellent, and I chatted with a crazy woman from Kenninghall on a mobile scooter. Crazy in the nicest way.

Dot probably made a mistake (health-wise) by attending a DCC meeting at Elwira’s on Friday night. She had been busy all day and it was probably too much. The meeting was OK – interestingly the attendance at the DCC was exactly the same as at Morning Worship on Sunday. Not the same people, of course. Maximum and minimum.

Barry was his usual self all week, doing an excellent job on the kitchen cupboards and providing music too. But it was hard avoiding all the sticky paint. Bit tense. Linda cut our hair on Friday and did it in Amy’s room, doing the washing in the kitchen while Barry’s back was turned.

On Thursday evening I was introducing our Paston session at Gresham village hall – after spending a disproportionate time finding it. Very dark, North Norfolk. I eventually asked a man with a dog, which shows you how desperate I was. Even then I drove past the village hall, thinking it was a house, and never saw the church. However, I got there in time.

The introduction went quite well, and the response was good. Peter’s wife Brenda was there, and if he didn’t have a contact with almost everyone, she did.

Last Wednesday – the only other dry day in the week – was Paul’s funeral. Phil came round here, and we drove upon his car together, arriving so early that they wouldn’t let us in. This proved just as well, because it was colder inside the Rosary chapel than out. About 25 people there, of whom I knew a fair number. Dot was not well enough to come. We walked up to the grave and got there well before the hearse. Afterwards we drove in Phil’s car to the wake at The Cottage on Thunder Lane, which was very pleasant. Spoke to Pat, Stephen and Mark and their spouses, plus a woman who used to clean for us but didn’t know I was related to Paul; the man who led the service, Richard Sadler, and his wife; Elizabeth Wurr; and Ada Wurr – widow of David.

One other thing – on Thursday Phil Gazley came round and we talked some more about his Community Support Teams project.

We are on the way to buying a new car. Test-drove a Mazda 3 Sport on Saturday – cherry red, nearly six years old – and agreed on a trade-in of £1000 for the MX5. So we will soon be officially a one-car family, though of course we have been one in effect since our crash on August 22. Just waiting for them to service the new car and give it an MOT.

Needless to say it’s raining. It’s also very cold. Dot has had a bad cough but seems better today, though she is not helping herself by going to the shops this morning and Saxlingham School at lunchtime. Also Eleanor’s for tea before Cake and Compline. Ho hum. Meanwhile Barry is painting the kitchen cupboards, for some reason, and we are listening to Slow Train Coming, by Bob Dylan.

Yesterday I had a massage from Verena, which felt very good. It was raining then too, and the roads round Little Plumstead were flooded, which didn’t too much for the look of the MX5. Still, it’s already been valued.

Going back a few days, I went with Dot to orchestra again last Wednesday, spending about 90 minutes in the Farmhouse with Neville, who is much better. We caught the last quarter of an hour of the rehearsal,which was pretty impressive.

The next day I drove to Bacton in the evening for a meeting introducing Footprints to the locals. Nothing there I didn’t know, really, but saw re-enactors Anne and Diana as well as Rob and Peter. Rob did the introduction: I may have to do the same thing at Gresham on Thursday, as Rob can’t make it.

On Friday, while Dot was visiting a couple of schools, I went to The Messiah in St Peter Mancroft by the Oriole Singers – not bad, without being exceptional. Had a chat with Carrie’s husband Al, then went over to Apple to ask about my phone, which has camera damage. They said they could replace it for £389, and I laughed loud and long (inwardly). Will take it to a repairer when the weather improves.

Had to wait ages for a bus on the way home, then found an art portfolio on the seat beside me when I sat down. It had a girl’s name and phone number inside; so I took it home and rang her. I have rarely heard anyone sound more relieved. She picked it up yesterday lunchtime with a friend. Nice girl, same age as Oliver. Lives in Lowestoft.

In the evening Dot went to watch NCFC play Watford and lose 2-0 after performing pretty badly. I had an offer of a ticket, but watched in on TV after I worked out how to access it (something had gone wrong with Apple TV). Weather yet again was bad, and Dot was not thrilled.

The next evening was Sillars’ autumn concert, which was a bit of a nightmare, as I had to “look after” too many people in a rather packed auditorium. Sat next to Anne, Angela and Rodney, with Caren and Phil in the row behind. Also present, who I might have sat with: Graham, Neville, Michael from down the road, Bernadette and Peter, Adrian and his wife, Maryta and Debbie (in a caring capacity). M stayed until half time, which was pretty good, and only shouted at two people (not during the performance). Also present and on the door were Joyce and Ivan: had a talk with them afterwards. Apparently the venue (St Catherine’s, Mile Cross) is their church.

The concert itself was excellent, and for once I had a good view of Dot.

The next day we had a moving Remembrance Holy Communion. I read Anna’s prayers, as she has been ill for about ten days (sinusitis plus). In the evening Phil and Caren came for a meal which we spent most of the afternoon preparing. Very nice evening. Were meant to go for a meal to the Greens’ last night, but Anna was still feeling rough.

Not raining, for a change. Dot has just been into the city, and I have posted a cheque to the Mint at last: it has been hanging around for an opportune moment to go to the post office. Only £2.50 for postage and packing, but still… I got a gentle e-mail reminder this morning. Our Naked Wines box has arrived with one wrong bottle – most unusual. I was very pleased that the delivery man remembered I had broken my arm and didn’t try to hand the box to me. You get a good class of delivery man round here.

David, Oliver and Amy went back home on Sunday before we left for church. Oliver was driving. He seems confident. We had a good talk on Saturday when we walked back from the city together, leaving the others in Jarrolds. Earlier we had all walked up to Goldsmith Street (near Old Palace Road) to see the architecturally prize-winning houses. The weather (rain, of course) didn’t do them any favours, but I still liked the look of them. Unfortunately they’re surrounded by really average flats. In the evening we played board games with Amy and Oliver, and there was quite a lot of table tennis, though not including me.

I cooked some salmon in the evening, with a little help from Amy on her special method (fried, with honey). Most of us had emerged from our beds at 9am to watch the Rugby World Cup Final, in which England lost to South Africa by not playing very well. Poor comparison with the semi-final, which was one of the best games I’ve seen. I know the result was very good for South Africa, and I wouldn’t want to take that away, but it was also a victory for very boring rugby. In a survey of commentators in my newspaper, none of the best matches included South Africa and nearly all the worst ones did. Good defence may be pleasing to the managers, but it’s not interesting. Brute Force 1 – Skilful running and passing 0. A couple of rule changes might solve it. Make the rolling maul illegal, for instance: it’s simply a form of legalised obstruction that you can’t prevent without giving away a penalty. Ridiculous.

Preached on Zacchaeus on Sunday – you’d never have found him in a rolling maul, although he did climb trees. Got some nice comments afterwards.

Yesterday we went to Archant Pensioners, when I found myself ensconced with David Wakefield and Bill Woodcock, which turned out to be convivial. Bill had done a dissertation at Harling on coypu, and Keith Skipper is trying to publish it. I suggested this could work with pictures and inserted jokes, because coypu are inherently funny, as is Keith. Bill wasn’t so sure.

Afterwards we drove to Swaffham for a very pleasant lunch with the HIgbees (Dot had parked in John Lewis). Used Apple Maps to find their house, and it worked well. Afterwards I drove home – not a great experience, as it was getting dark, pouring with rain, and there was heavy traffic on the southern bypass, occasionally at a standstill. (It was rush hour.) I turned off on the A140 and drove through the city via Hall Road. Not exactly lightning fast, but I think it was probably the best choice. My arm ached a bit afterwards, but no real problems.