At the end of the day last Friday David FaceTimed, and we had a chat about David Coomes’ wives. As you do. After that I had a bath, and we had a pizza for supper, then watched Endeavour. That seems many moons ago now. For instance, Dot was quite well then.

Saturday started off dry and reasonably warm. Woke at 8.20 after a poor night and thought it was 5.45 because the landing clock was slowing down and needed a new battery. Threw me out, but I had another bath, and we got away by 10.30, bound for Banbury. Very heavy traffic on the southern bypass turn-off, but I jumped it. Heavy traffic continued – long queue at Barton Mills, and Cambridge Services was overflowing, but luckily we found a space. Dot got coffee but I continued driving till past Grafham Water. Then she took over, and the rest was fairly straightforward, but the satnav left us short in Banbury, and I had to use Google Maps to work out the last couple of miles.

By then it was raining. We were first there, and in due course we had a good celebration of Fred and Sue’s golden wedding anniversary. All the children and grandchildren were there, plus Graham and Janet and several others we sort of half knew. It stopped raining in time for speeches and cake-cutting outside. Dot started feeling ill with cold. Graham and Janet were also staying the night, and we all helped clear up while Dot went to bed early. 

Dot and I both had a bad night. In the morning she decided to stay at home while the rest of us – Fred, Sue, Graham, Janet and I – walked to church. Nice Communion service, not unlike St Augustine’s, but including cake distribution. Had bacon and egg for lunch (bit risky), then we left for Corwen. Filled up with petrol before hitting M40, and the journey was not too bad, but heavy traffic most of the way. Dot drove a few miles at the end.

We were met at the hotel by Adrian, who showed us where to park behind Nigel’s. Met Nigel’s two children and granddaughter. Called in to supermarket and bought sandwiches etc, and Adrian dropped us at the hotel. Small room but comfortable – at top of stairs. Both of us pretty tired. Too many dogs. Later went to the Royal Oak for drinks with Adrian, Tish, Nigel, Nathan and assorted locals. Had two red wines. Very pleasant conversation.  Walked back to the hotel. 

Monday was a bit grey at times, but warm. Drove along main Arenig road, then up to Blaenau Festiniog, then to Betwys y Coed and back across country to Bala, where we had coronation chicken on jacket potato. Then to the Berwyn Mountain, where we went for very short walk and back to Adrian’s house to have scone and tea with Clancy. Two of Menna’s girls were there: Olivia and Isabel.

Back to the hotel, where we asked for our room to be made up. Went for a walk, then to shop and bought some food. Very hard to get anything low fat in Wales. Back to hotel and FTd Amy, who I’d contacted by mistake on the mountain. She is doing psychology, biology  and physics, with an eye on marine biology. Oliver apparently has got his accommodation at Warwick sorted out. Discovered Olivia went to Weymouth with the family. Later went over to the Harp for drinks with Nigel, Tish, Adrian, Clancy and others, including Menna’s two girls. Had cider. Dot seems a bit worse than yesterday.

Tuesday was a bit cooler, but dry. After breakfast Nigel MBE kindly drove us up over the south Berwyns and Horseshoe Pass, into Llangollen and back down back roads, with expert commentary. Rona was with us, but spaced out and often asleep. Very sad. Dropped in briefly to look at Bronwen’s house – very nice.

We then bought steak pies and drove to Llyn Cerwyn, parked by the reservoir and ate them. Then drove round the real Arenig road, and I climbed up to the lake below Arenig Fawr  while Dot read and slept. Pleased with how far I was able to go without feeling too bad. Gall bladder is holding up too. Drove back to hotel and I wrote a bit more for Parish Pump while we listened to Norwich beating Bournemouth 6-0 in the League Cup. Then to the Royal Oak for drinks with Adrian and Clancy and Tish. Discussion with publican over lack of customers. Hotel was locked: had to use fire escape to get in.

Wed was warmer in the afternoon, with sunshine. But before lunch I finished my Parish Pump pieces and sent them off; then we climbed Caer Drewyn, a hill fort to the north of Corwen that had somehow escaped our attention before. I took the steep path, and Dot diverged halfway up, but we met near the top. Good views. Legs ached on the way down. Met Nigel and Rona in their van near the bottom – he was on his way to give his horse a pill. Had lunch at very slow cafe – so slow that they didn’t charge us for tea and coffee. I had a coronation chicken sandwich, which may be a mistake.

Back to hotel for loos and rest, then drove by circuitous route to Lake Bala, where we read for a bit. Lake looked terrific. Dot is reading The Snowdonia Killings, and I read 40% of Mystical Hope, by Cynthia Bourgeault, which I like very much. Dot is still suffering with her nasal passages, and a slightly iffy stomach. On the way back, when we stopped for petrol, she bought a couple of Twisters, which we consumed in a lay-by. Later we had an Indian with Adrian, Clancy, Tish and Glaves, which went down pretty well, together with a fair amount of red wine, supplemented by a quickish visit to the pub next door. I hope we will be able to sleep all right.

The house is very busy today. As I write (coming up to 4pm), Bridget is just finishing her cleaning and Linda is drying Dot’s highlighted hair, having cut mine. Earlier Anne came round for a chat and tea. Philip is not so good, causing her a lot of worry. It’s dry and fairly warm. I put water in the piano.

I last posted on Tuesday morning. Towards the end of that day Dot picked up her pills, and I managed 4000 steps by walking up and down in the evening.  Watched The Producers – not impressed – and a couple of episodes of a documentary on Hemingway, which was very good indeed. Decided his secret was the poetic rhythm of his writing. Quite chilly.

Wednesday was dry but grey; cool. Tidied up in preparation for Kristine’s visit. Dot went to Morrisons, and I “mended” the bookcase in the hall by replacing tape with screws. Trickier than it sounds, because it was not easily accessible. We watched a Paston talk on Constance – illegitimate daughter of John II adopted by John III. Fascinating. I was asked to act as question answerer for Paston Q&A next week, but will be in Wales. Watched final four episodes of Hemingway documentary – very well done. Not sure H was a very nice man, though his (four) wives seemed to be good women.

Spoke to both ex-wives of David Coomes yesterday. Anne e-mailed first thing to say she couldn’t get Parish Pump info to me till Saturday; I wrote back to say I was going away, which made her ring me. I was in the bath. I am going to try and do the stuff while I’m away, but if not, the day I get back.

Then of course Kristine came up by train for the day. We took her to the Maids Head for lunch, and I just about managed to restrain myself from having steak. Went for monkfish again.  All very nice, and we showed her some Israel pix afterwards, but she had to get the 5pm train back.  Watched The Great Gatsby in the evening: rather strange characters, but quite well done. Very reminiscent of Hemingway, funnily enough.

Surprisingly chilly today, and some rain in the air. Drove up to Oaklands this morning for a reinstated Archant coffee morning. Usual suspects with the addition of Su Lee and David Wakefield. Cake. Went pretty well, I think. Dot and I popped next door into the farm shop afterwards and bought a couple of things, including something for Fred and Sue’s wedding anniversary. Trying to resist turning the heating on.

However, I’m feeling better. Last Friday I was groggy, but not groggy enough to stop me carrying on as usual. Took a Covid lateral flow test – negative. Took paracetamol. Walked up through the Close to the Ivy and had a lovely meal with Angela and Rodney. Included possibly the most expensive bottle of wine I’ve ever had – a Provence rosé, £56. Split between us, but still possibly a bit excessive. I had two starters instead of a main course: their fabled duck liver parfait and some smoked salmon, followed by creme brûlée.

Afterwards walked home while Dot did a bit of wandering. Lay down for a while but felt worse. Got up and felt better. David FTd us, and we discussed some difficult political scenarios, among other things. After that we went out for our Friday night street party – Mark, Sarah, Des, Chris, John. Watched a documentary on North Uist and their £3m lottery win; then cricket v India; then Endeavour. Before we got into bed Dot massaged my shoulders and neck, which was very helpful. Ears popping like mad. Not quite so warm, but pleasant enough.

Saturday was warm – quite close, in fact, with some dark clouds. Still feeling groggy. Drove to North Walsham in the morning to receive Carrow Rd tickets from Jonathan. He said his mum went to the doctor with a stomach ache, hadn’t been feeling ill and was told she had extensive cancer. She died a few weeks later. Makes you think.

We continued to Sainsbury’s and the cemetery, then home via the Rosary, leaving flowers as we went. Took more paracetamol and acidophilus and felt better. Went to watch Norwich lose 3-0 to Liverpool – saw some familiar faces, but not Janet or her husband, who has Alzheimer’s. Cantwell got man of the match, which was ludicrous. He and Aarons did not impress. However our new French star looked brilliant, as did our Greek left back and our new American guy, when he came on – far too late. Still no-one can shoot. Des and Chris came round for supper afterwards. Went to sleep watching Match of the Day, but slept quite well, though not long enough.

Sunday was again quite warm but becoming cloudy. Sang a couple of songs at church and preached the sermon. Guitar playing improving, oddly. Anna is not at all well – almost continuous migraines. I was still feeling below par, but better most of the day. Had a fairly restful afternoon – spoke to Andrew on FT. Jonathan and Lesley called in for the season tickets. Des came over to check on arrangements for flower-watering. Watched some football, cricket and a good Montalbano. Spurs beat Man City 1-0. Goal by Son.

Yesterday was cooler, with a bit of rain in the morning. Drove to Poringland to deliver Thelma’s documents to Sheila – she seems OK. Had a bit of difficulty finding her house (and got a bit wet). Chatted a bit. Home for lunch. Caught up with some e-mails. Dot went to Verena in the afternoon, dropped me off on Plumstead Rd and I walked through Lion Wood, up Cintra Rd and through the Rosary home. Felt a bit better today. Dot cleaned the inside of the car and walked to Morrison’s to get some milk. Watched England lose Test to India – very exciting. Then watched The Untouchables, which was pretty enjoyable, though not subtle. 

Strangely quiet today – dull in the morning, though no rain in the offing. Sunny in the afternoon, when I walked over to Budgen’s and back over the Julian bridge, picking up cash to pay Bridget for fish cakes she brought. Later we did a bit of shopping at Morrison’s, sharing the walking. Des admired Dot’s work on the drive.

I’ve just booked a night at the Seckford Hall Hotel at Woodbridge when the Evetts are there, and we’ve heard that Amy got all 9s in her GCSEs, except for a couple of 8s – one in art, which is ridiculous: she’s an outstanding artist. All round, she could hardly have done better. Earlier in the week we heard that Oliver got into Warwick University with four A*s. No surprise there, but I’m glad his brilliance has been recognised. I’m sure it will be the right place for him.

Going back to last Saturday, we were invited over for drinks at Des and Chris’s with Ciara. It was D&C’s 39th wedding anniversary. We watched more Olympics, but they’re now over: seemed to have passed quickly, really. Had a bad night form some reason, and on Sunday and Monday I felt really quite groggy. Still not sure what it was: headache and queasy stomach.

Took a few pills on Sunday and got by. Heavy showers. Before church we got petrol and then went home for Dot’s suddenly missing phone before discovering it in the car. Meanwhile we had a text saying IKEA plates were being delivered – should have been Monday, but we came home a bit early from church and were here when they arrived. Then we went to Kim’s for lunch, which lasted until nearly 6pm. She had a nice message to me from God (Oh yes she did). Fascinating chat about Covid, vaccines and totalitarianism, among other things. Not sure I agree with all she said, but have some sympathy with her views. We parked on Sussex Street and walked from there: she lives on the riverside path, almost opposite the sluice. Lovely house. Lovely food too. In evening watched final Olympics highlights and an episode of Baptiste. Felt a bit better.

Woke up in the night and wrote part of a poem. Rain in the morning, but dry after mid-afternoon. Reasonably warm. Caught up with e-mails and wrote letter (what that? – ed) to a woman in Skeyton who had sent me some Hemsby magazines with articles in that she thought I wrote. I didn’t, but strangely enough they did come from Parish Pump. Dot went to Morrisons for food to give Paul, who came round for a meal in the evening. I walked up to the Rosary after posting the letter, but felt very tired. FaceTimed David to ask about Fibre Broadband. Earlier Amy FTd, worried about her results and A-level choices. Meal with Paul very successful, despite my feeling strange . We went to bed quite early. 

Tuesday was a very full day, dry and reasonably warm. Up very early to take car in for 8.30 appointment for four new tyres. Arrived quarter of an hour early and had to wait outside. Went for walk while tyres were being fixed. Later drove up to charity shop, then Dot dropped me at Lion Wood, and I walked through and then through the Rosary home. Have done over 8000 steps today in all, but feel much better now, though I did lie down late in the afternoon. FTd David briefly and attempted to FT Oliver, but he was in the pub celebrating his four A stars and admission to Warwick University. Edited some placards for Peter and then watched Montalbano – one we remembered – and University Challenge, Yes Minister and two episodes of Ted Lasso, though they were a bit of a challenge because of a rubbish connection.

Yesterday was warm. Oliver FTd us while I was in the bath. I got out, and we had quite a long chat. He seems very happy. Dot spent most of the day in the garden, working very hard; she cleaned the front drive, among other things. Webinar from NRO on Paston – interview with Rob, Karen and Gary Tuson. Not bad. Wrote sermon in afternoon and chose hymns. Dot was offered three City tickets by Jonathan: spent some time working out when I could pick them up. Dot had zoom PCC meeting in the evening, on Finances – I went for a short walk by a river and then read my Orkney novel, which I completed this morning. Not bad, not brilliant.

It’s Saturday afternoon, and the Olympic are drawing towards a close. No gold medals at all in athletics. It’s sunny at the moment, and quite warm, but we have had some fairly heavy rain – as has been the case over the last few days. Today we almost didn’t go to Adrian O’dell’s grand fete because the forecast was terrible, but in the end we were glad we did. Chatted to Neville and Mary and Yvonne, who I think plays the horn, and a 92-year-old ex-CNS pupil called Roy Parfitt, who is a really interesting guy – still taking an active part in farming.

It’s been a busy week. Monday was quite pleasant – jumper-warm. Out of bed early (see last post). Quite a full day, including ringing Minster Lodge and booking Thursday; contacting Robin and Brian, leading to cancelling tomorrow’s coffee meet in favour of a larger one later in the month; clearing up plant prunings; driving to North Tuddenham with books for Adrian’s fete; posting a card to Andrew and a poetry book to Lynne; watching Olympics; and ordering pills. Not necessarily in that order.  Walked well over 6000 steps in all.

Tuesday was a bit cooler but not too bad. Went to Morrisons in the morning for a big shop, and it rained as we unpacked food. Watched Olympics over lunch as usual, and I booked a Cresta Run tomorrow afternoon (my name for a visit to Thelma). Bridget came round to pick up a key for Thursday (when we’ll be in Coventry). In the evening Dot went to see Norwich beat Gillingham 5-0 in a friendly. I walked her there and met her afterwards. At some point I edited several pages in a Paston booklet and recorded a Paston letter. Watched Olympics up to midnight. One of our girls, Keely Hodgkinson, got silver in the 800m and a British record –- she was the one I thought would medal. 

Paul came to see us on Wednesday morning: M is going into a care home at Long Stratton for respite, and may stay there. Afterwards Dot got her pills and I found out mine were ready just too late; so I picked them up on the way back from visiting Thelma with Dot. Quite a good visit. Low steps. Sent off Paston scans to Peter, and discovered they were going to Karen. Oh dear: had I known I might have phrased one or two comments differently. FaceTimed Amy: she seemed fine. 

Thursday was a beautiful day to start with, but the sky darkened as we travelled to Coventry, and by the time we got there it was raining. Had to make a big detour on the way because the A14 was closed (lorry fire). I navigated off piste and we cut through the Gog Magog Hills. Nice countryside: worked well. Dot drove to Cambridge Services; me the rest of the way. Andrew wasn’t too good. He seemed groggy, became anxious and walked badly. Could not set up his DVD player, and he did not have his presents: they wanted to give them to him tomorrow. Both of us had negative Covid tests.On the way back I drove to Cambridge Services – and beyond while Dot drank coffee: we swapped the other side of Cambridge. Rain gradually got less, but worse again here in the evening. Returned calls to Evetts and Angela. Dave a bit better. Watched cricket and Olympics. Bridget had done cleaning while we were away.

Yesterday was reasonably warm, but alternating between sunshine and heavy showers. Gas man came round this morning, and he’s persuaded me to buy a new boiler. I paid the deposit just before writing this. Expensive, but it has added benefits, such as lower bills and lower Homecare payments. Dot meanwhile went into the city to return something to Lakeland, and bought two pairs of sandals and a couple of tops. In the afternoon I drove her up to the hospital for a blood test: heavy rain and heavy traffic. Made it with two minutes to spare. I made several phone calls and recorded a Paston letter for Karen. Discovered the e-mail address I was given for the latter was wrong, but corrected it. Dot came home on bus. Spoke to Andrew on his birthday – he seemed better than yesterday. Dot thought she’d left her glasses in Coventry, but  she hadn’t. Street drinks tonight included Mark’s girlfriend Sarah, now living with him. Very nice woman. More Olympics and last episode of Mayans MC. Apocalyptic – and not in a good way.

It’s just after 10am, and I’ve already walked over 3000 steps. Phil Kerrison rang about 9 and asked if he could borrow my key to get into the hall, because he thought he’d left his phone there. So I leapt out of bed and was dressed by the time he arrived! We drove to the hall, and happily my keys worked. Even more happily, his phone was where he had left it. I walked back through the Close: it obviously wasn’t that early, but it was surprisingly peaceful.

Last Wednesday was quite warm. Dot went to Poringland in the morning and took Anne to the doctor. She was feeling dizzy, like Dot. Philip was also not too good. Meanwhile I wrote my blog and sent off our charity money. At lunch we watched Baptiste – a thriller not at all chronological, so hard to follow. It was a if they had filmed it normally, then thrown all the scenes into the air and broadcast them in the order they came down. Afterwards I posted the cheques and walked up to the Rosary. It rained just after I got home, and there was a thunderstorm as I was cooking supper. Later we sorted out our satnav volume problem on a test drive and watched another  Mayans MC – getting very violent indeed. David FaceTImed, and we spoke for about an hour. 

Thursday was warmish again, but windy: we had a wine delivery, and I chose the hymns for Sunday. After lunch Dot and I walked to Morrisons via the sorting office and the rail bridge to buy odds and ends. Bridget came and did the cleaning. Dot and I watched a very good webinar on John Crome. After supper Bridget returned because she’d taken Dot’s sunglasses by mistake. Watched Olympic highlights and then Pretty Woman – a great film. Another longish FT with David and Chrissy – it was their first wedding anniversary, and we sent them an e-card.

Heavy showers and cooler on Friday. We had our hair cut in the morning, and in the afternoon I drove to Phil and Joy’s to take some pictures to show to Andrew, and then to North Tuddenham, where I spent some time looking for the O’dells’ house  to drop off books for their fete. However, the place was shut up and it was raining hard; I couldn’t find anywhere to leave them, so brought them home again. Annoying. No drinks in the street, partly because of th weather, partly because Des and Chris were out for meal at the Wig and Pen.  Watched final two episodes of Time, an excellent three-parter about life in jail – brilliantly done and quite frightening. Watched more Olympics, of course.

Saturday was mainly overcast, but reasonably warm. Had a bad night, but slept late. After lunch, we walked up to the Old Library Wood for a community event, featuring an excellent girl guitarist and an interesting duo. Bought green tea and chatted to Des and Chris, plus Mark, whose girlfriend is moving in today. Practised hymns and songs for tomorrow, then watched some Olympics, then after supper Endeavour.

Yesterday was dull and a bit chillier, but dry. Church in the morning – Phil came, and the old team were playing together again. Sang song at beginning and end and prayed for Anna, as well as for Phil and Martin, anointing with oil. Dot anointed me!  Long chats afterwards. In the afternoon Dot and I walked on Mousehold. Before supper we had a Zoom with St Augustine’s Way members (Howard, Anna, Liz, David, Matt, Debbie and us) and listened to a talk on Origen. Went very well. Sent some stuff to Andrew for his birthday. watched more Olympics, plus the Budapest grand prix, which featured an impressive pile-up and another rescue act from Hamilton. It was won by Ocon, which was nice.