Monday was Dot’s birthday. Quite cold, but not unpleasant, with a bit of sun. Went to Blakeney to stay two nights at the Blakeney Hotel. Outrageously expensive: £380 a night. The Evetts were delayed by a car problem and didn’t arrive till 5.30, more than an hour after us, in a hired Qashquai. We were late because we were waiting for a delivery from Amazon (David’s present). In the end Mary collected it for us about half an hour after we left. In defence of the hotel, it had a terrific room with balcony and view of the estuary. Nice meal too. I risked some cheese, following pigeon and trout. Dave looked tired, unsurprisingly. I felt tired, but didn’t sleep well. Woke up a couple of times feeling hot. 

Tuesday morning was amazing, with stunning views from our balcony. Took several pix and a video before breakfast, at which Dot lost her mask (never found it). I had scrambled eggs and mushrooms. We decided to walk to Morston: good decision because it was a beautiful day. Went to the Anchor Inn for a glass of wine (in my case) and some crisps. The Evetts shared a BLT sandwich and chips. Walked back to Blakeney and just caught the Two Magpies before they closed (at 3pm!). Had tea and doughnut. We were last out, and they gave us some cakes, scones and cheese sticks – about £25 worth between us. Amazing.

Evening meal was excellent as before: I had lamb, liver pate and fruit salad. All really good. Dave, Dot and I popped out to see if high tide had covered the car park, but it hadn’t. Ended evening with tea and coffee in lounge. Discovered Phil K had bad news about his bladder cancer. Further tests necessary.

Wednesday was a big contrast: low cloud deteriorating into a slight drizzle by the time we left Blakeney at 3.15pm. Started the day after breakfast by booking out, then walking to Wiveton fruit farm, where we had tea in the cafe. Bit early for me! Then continued into Cley, where our usual cafe was shut on Tuesdays. Of course. So we went up to the George & Dragon pub, which has been transformed into a very pleasant pub / restaurant. Had smoked haddock chowder with sourdough, which was delicious. Dot had exotic rarebit. All had mulled wine.

We had intended to go back by bus, but instead walked back the way we’d come and said goodbye on the hotel car park. As we emerged on to the main road, the bus we would have caught appeared. The Evetts moved on to the Manor for the rest of the week – sadly the weather deteriorating as they went.

We arrived home to find the house freezing cold: the heating clearly hadn’t come on the morning before. Spent some time trying to warm house up – eg Dot lit fire. Had a fried egg each, and Dot went to orchestra while I cleared up. Gradually the house did warm up. I created a new password for Facebook, which had been hacked, then printed out some stuff for Sunday. Later had a bath. Dot home late after going for a drink, and David FTd her about her presents, which Mary had brought round earlier. New light for her music stand and a couple of interesting-looking books. 

Yesterday was cold, with a mixture of sun and showers. Busy day. Wrote four Parish Pump articles on Shackleton, Vaughan Williams, Bowie and Desert Island Discs. Picked up pills from chemist, which was chaotic under its new management. A couple of irate customers. Bridget came to do the cleaning. and I sorted out the Advent songs, requiring a bit of research, and tried them out with Dot. Watched the final episode of Shetland and penultimate one of The Outlaws, both of which are first-rate. Also a Grand Designs programme, which was quite interesting. 

Today (Friday) was just as frantic, largely because Dot had an online Jessica retreat with a Leonard Cohen element. Between sessions she went to Brooke to collect some charity sugar from the school, and later went to Morrisons with me. As I write this (coming up to 5pm) she is on the last leg of her retreat. Meanwhile, I’ve managed to write my sermon for Sunday, made the bed, put water in the piano and dealt with the dishwasher. Tonight I’m trying leaving the heating on, to see what happens. The gas man is coming on Tuesday: I had a conversation on the phone that wasn’t very helpful, as the display on the boiler didn’t do what he wanted it to do. I’m now wondering whether we will be crazy enough to go outside for drinks at 5.30pm. (We didn’t.)The forecast for the weekend is pretty terrible, though mainly further north.

Strange situation: I am at home while Dot has gone to church (Christ Church, New Catton) for a joint service for the new benefice, of which we are part. Many people ill or not going for other reasons. Dot is helping to lead a small part of the music. I am cooking supper for when she gets back. It’s pretty cold tonight, but the rain from earlier in the day seems to have departed. Earlier spent quite a long time talking to David on FT: he has bought a ticket for Amy to go to Canada over Christmas, which she is pretty thrilled about. She has had a jab and tested negative.

We went to church this morning and I led the service, with Liz Cannon doing Godly Play, which worked very well: the parable of the mustard seed. Surprise member of the congregation: Heather Cracknell, now director of Fresh Expressions for the Church of England (or something like that). She started with us before becoming ordained many years ago and may now be coming back to us on a fairly regular basis. Her daughter Rhianna is at university in The Hague. Later Kim Bywater dropped a present off (it is Dot’s birthday tomorrow, and Anna made her a rather wonderful cake, presented at church). We persuaded Kim to stay for a cup of tea.

Last Tuesday was dry and still: a bit overcast. Went for a walk after lunch and called in at Revelations to get cards. On the way back watched a Norwich School team playing rugby. Dot went to a Jarrolds special event in the evening with Anne, and met Kim (before Anne arrived). Dot and Anne had a meal. Philip is not so good. While Dot was out, joined Jurnet poetry event and read a couple of poems: Riverside Path and Finding my Grandparents’ Grave. David FTd during break to say Amy was very keen to go to Canada at Christmas. How quickly her dreams come true! Dot back at 9.30, just as the poetry event was finishing. We watched The Outlaws, which is getting a bit serious.

Wednesday saw some sun, and it was dry, but a bit chilly.   Went to Morrisons with Dot in the morning. My iPhone went dead. After advice from David, I made an appointment at Apple. Dot went to orchestra in the evening, and I accepted an offer to be part of a Covid study. We watched Shetland when Dot came home.

Thursday was cool but quite pleasant, with some sun. Most of the day was taken up with the visit of Angela and Rodney for lunch (12-5.30), but before that I went up to the Apple store to see about my phone. Problem solved fairly easily, but I don’t know why it happened. Had a bath when I got back because I was quite sweaty, then helped Dot prepare lunch. Bridget came at 3.50 to do cleaning – for the second week running, mainly washing up. Zoom Meeting with Judy and Graham, who had a bad cold or Covid – discussed Advent service. Watched Dalgleish after supper. 

Friday’s weather was quite pleasant, though chilly. Went for walk in Rosary after lunch while Dot planted some things in the garden. Went out for drinks at 5.30 with Des, Chris and Mark. Wrote an by Advent poem. Watched second episode of Dalgleish and two episodes of Showtrial. Both pretty good.  

Saturday’s weather was much the same. Caren and Phil Gazley came to lunch in the sense that they brought it with them, and Caren cooked it. Quite nice, especially the first course. Dot went to football, and they left shortly afterwards. Norwich beat Southampton 2-1 under our new manager, Dean Smith. Looked at hymns after tea, then watched quite a bit of TV, including Naked Gun 2 1/2, which was very funny in an extremely unsubtle way. Very late in bed after watching MOTD. Norwich were the penultimate game. David FTd to say he and Chrissy were going to see the Murrays for a meal.

On Thursday Dot spent all morning preparing for the visit of Sue and Roger, who arrived about noon. Weather wasn’t cold, but not very exciting either.  Dot did quite a complicated but very nice meal – fish curry, among other things – and we had excellent conversation. After we told them about Maryta, we found they had been told the same things by someone completely different – we think the GP that the Hendersons know. Small world!

Bridget came to clean before the Eagles went and did the washing up! Great planning, or it would have been if we’d planned it. The TV went wrong in the evening: we could watch things like Netflix but not regular terrestrial TV, except on the direct channel which ignores the BT box. Means we couldn’t arrange recording of anything, but it seemed the box was recording, because the red light came on. We managed to catch Dalgleish live.

Next day I fixed the TV box after going online and doing a factory reset. All seems to be well. Mixed weather – quite a bit of rain, but I managed to get in a walk to the Rosary while Dot was visiting a school at Long Stratton in the afternoon. I’ve also got the outline of the Alternative Carol Service prepared. Had our 5.30 drinks with Mark, Des and Chris. Lot of political talk but no blows struck. After HF meal watched England beat Albania 5-0 and then the second episode of Dalgleish. Excellent. 

Saturday was very grey at first with drizzle, becoming lighter and drier as we drove to Aylesbury. Stopped at Caxton GIbbet (tight parking) for tea/coffee, and swapped drivers. I drove the rest of the way. Arrived slightly early and had lunch with Amy and Oliver, who has finished his quarantine and is returning to Warwick tomorrow. (He didn’t get Covid). Vicky and Matt arrived afterwards, and we had a chat. Left about 4.20pm and drove pretty much in the dark to our hotel in Baginton, arriving around 5.45. Checked in and had pre-booked meal at 6.30pm. Very slow service but friendly. Food quite good. Watched film – Fallen Angel – an action thriller that was pretty good of its kind. 

Sunday was Remembrance Sunday. Had a rather too large breakfast, including scrambled eggs. After breakfast (extra £15.98) we drove to Minster Lodge after avoiding traffic/parking jam outside Memorial Park, where there was clearly going to be a memorial service, as I should have realised. Andrew seemed pretty good: we showed him how to use his DVD player, but I doubt the information stuck. We had to take a lateral flow test, but it wasn’t very rigorous. Drove home, stopping at Cambridge Services Costa for snack. Arrived home about 3.30, feeling very tired.  Watched last episode of Angela Black – not bad, but could have been better.  David FTd: he has had confirmation of his residency and is now planning to get other things, like library card, driving licence etc. Another greyish day.

Yesterday saw more pretty nondescript weather. Dot went to a couple of schools in the morning – Tasburgh and Saxlingham – and got back late for lunch. I cleared up quite a lot of leaves, but there are still a lot on the ground. I rearranged the Christmas Cake and Compline because Claire, rather predictably, couldn’t make the arranged date. In the evening we watched England beat San Marino 10-0 and earlier watched Lewis Hamilton drive superbly to win the São Paulo Grand Prix.

Rather a grey and dismal Wednesday today, with what you might call wet air occasionally morphing into drizzle and then back into relative dryness. Heavy grey skies. We did some shopping at Morrisons this morning – partly general and partly for our lunch tomorrow, when we have visitors. Dot also did some preparation, going back to Morrisons when she realised she had forgotten a vital ingredient. Something strange happened with our Hello Fresh delivery, which ended up down the road outside someone else’s door. I tracked it down and brought it home. Dot is now at orchestra.

Last Saturday was a bit strange. I felt odd (and have continued to do so on and off) – possibly a reaction to my booster jab; like a very minor flu-type virus. Anyway… Watched the second episode of Dalgleish, which was very good. Listened to Brentford v Norwich, and City got their first win (2-1) for about a million years – this was followed fairly quickly by Farke being fired. Odd, Holmes. David FTd as I was cooking supper: he seemed good, and his app is going well. After supper Dot and I went to St Andrew’s Hall for a concert by the Philharmonic, with Paul singing bass. Quite unusual – Rossini’s Petite Messe Solonelle, with two pianos and a harmonium, but no orchestra. Female soloists and choir excellent. Quite enjoyed it. Happily the earlier rain had stopped, but there was a chilly wind.

Sunday was still cool, but dry and some sun. Went to church in the morning: Dot led prayers. Walked to Kim’s for 6.30 for her 60th birthday party. Also present: her daughter Kirvana (26, postgrad at Warwick, studying gut bacteria); Jenny (a neighbour who seems to be a bit of an activist for the local community); Julia, a former neighbour now living in Cringleford and an artist (she’s also 60 and like Kim, looks much younger); Alaric, an American High Anglican in charge of St George Tombland and St George Colegate; and his partner Mauricio, an Italian researching esoteric music from the 1960s and 1970s; myself and Dot (who looks much younger too). Really good evening in terms of both food and conversation. Walked home, arriving a minute or two before midnight.

Could have done with a restful day on Monday, but it didn’t work out like that. At least the weather was good – dry, some sun and not too cold. Linda came round to do our hair, arriving at the same time as Debbie, who was parking her car in our drive and going by train to Yarmouth to see Ellie, who is quite ill. Afterwards I drove up to the MOT station in Heigham Street for a test, and walked upriver while the MOT was done. Unfortunately it failed because of two broken suspension springs, which meant I had to drive up to Wrights (avoiding the closed road I would normally have taken) and get them to do the repair (over £300) and get the car MOTd again.

This meant more walking – I managed to get a bus the other side of the ring road, which took me to Upper King Street – and then getting to Heigham Street later to pick the car up. This proved a bit of a nightmare, starting with a stroke of luck – the No 26 bus was late, and I suddenly realised that the No 23 would be much better, and there it was! As I was sitting in it at Castle Meadow while thousands of children got on I received a phone call from the MOT man saying he closed at 4pm and did I want him to keep the car overnight? I almost said yes, but then realised Dot would need the car next morning; so the guy offered to wait for me till 4.30pm. More kids piled on, and I was doubtful, but went for it.

In the end I got off just past Old Palace Road and walked very quickly through, arriving at just before 4.15pm. I don’t know who was more surprised – him or me. Needless to say, I was pretty shagged out for the rest of the day, but got some great news mid-evening, when David FTd to say he’d been granted residency. A weight off his shoulders.

Much the same weather on Tuesday – not too cold and some sun. Dot went to Catfield in the morning, and I had a bath, then caught up with e-mails. After lunch Dot walked to Anna’s for a violin lesson. I cleared up and had a long chat with David about when he first went to Canada (among other things), then sent a copy of The Lost Princess to Paul Dickson (a publisher I know).  He responded saying he was busy but would look at it as soon as he could. Walked to the Greens to meet Dot. Felt very tired when we got back. In the evening had Compline at Judy’s. We took Eleanor and Bridget. Claire didn’t make it. Watched The Outlaws when we got back. 

Feeling a bit under the weather this morning – have been for a couple of days: I suspect side-effects of my booster jab, which took pace a fortnight ago. Have a mild headache and various aches elsewhere. Still, life goes on. We hear that Oliver is OK, which is a relief after his contact with Olivia and her family, who have tested positive for Covid (though not seriously ill). Meanwhile I have been having a look at my family tree, being stimulated by tracking down my mother’s parents’ grave. I suspect I may be descended from a guy called Roger de Herlostone, who was an archer in the Hundred Years War (1337-1453). He would then have become known as Archer. He lived in Harlestone, Northamptonshire, where my great-great-grandparents William Archer and Elizabeth Benson were buried in the mid-19th century. Nice grave, near the church door.

I have also downloaded a couple of wills from one George Lenton and his wife, who lived in Folksworth, near Peterborough, and who could be my great-great-grandparents. My great-grandfather Henry is definitely buried there. I’ve seen his grave.

Last Monday, the first day of November, was cool; sunny at first, but by the time we went for a walk along the river and up round the Cathedral and over the Jarrold Bridge, it was pretty grey. Still, nice walk. I booked a hotel at Coventry for a fortnight’s time and managed to cancel my house insurance, which was far too expensive. Have switched to Axa, which is much more reasonable. In the evening watched Stalag 17, an old film which was really pretty good; also the second episode of The Outlaws, which I think is exceptional – a comedy about a group of very flawed people who discover love for each other in a very Christian kind of way, though of course that’s not intended. We’re also watching a lot of old Friends episodes, which are pretty good in the main.

Tuesday was dry and fairly sunny. Wen to Oaklands for the monthly Archant Coffee Morning. Talked to Bill, David Wakefield and the usual suspects, and afterwards did shopping at Morrisons. We went for a walk in the Rosary in the afternoon – felt unexpectedly tired and lay on the bed for a while. Later watched The Tin Star – a 1957 film that I thought was excellent. Also part of a documentary on Frank Zappa, but decided he wasn’t very interesting. 

Wednesday brought a lot more rain than was forecast, and it was quite cold too. The new boiler failed in the morning (as it did yesterday), but was OK after I turned it off and on again. Went to see Thelma in the afternoon, and she seemed pretty perky. Had to take a lateral flow test before I went, and show them a photo of the result, which probably says a lot about how seriously they take it. I was able to go inside – just – and Thelma was wheeled out. Gave her some biscuits and some  photographs I’d taken of her parents’ grave, and a few much older ones. When I came out – at about 4.25pm – it was pouring with rain and dark; so the drive home was a bit of a challenge, though it went very smoothly. After supper (pizza), Dot went to orchestra, and to the pub afterwards. She did not have Coke.  

Occasional sun on Thursday, but lots of rain. Went to see Phil and Joy in the morning: they’re recently back from seeing Sam and family – a few worries there, with Sam under a lot of pressure. Both Anna (violin) and Debbie (fish and chips) cancelled for health reasons – A has a bit of a cold and D is awaiting result of Covid test. So had a relaxing afternoon – bit of a lie down. In the evening we watched Together – quite an interesting two-hander about the lockdown and after, marred by a political rant in the middle. Then the final part of Guilt, which was sort of satisfying without being entirely clear. 

Yesterday was crisp but mainly sunny; a chilly wind. In the morning Dot and I went into the city to buy Kim a birthday present at Jarrolds. We went on to St Benedict’s afterwards, to a tree-themed art exhibition, which was pretty good in the main. I had feared being swamped with climate change gloom, but there was not much of that. Met Jude Sayer and her friend Sheila, another city guide. Back to Jarrolds, where the two of us had a tea/coffee and biscuit, then to the market and home by way of the Book Hive, where I bought myself a Christmas present for Dot to give me – Richard Balls’ book on Shane McGowan – signed!

Walked home through the Close. Bridget came to clean as usual, and Debbie rang to say she could come to see us tonight, instead of last night. Which she did, after we spent a pretty chilly 50 minutes or so outside with drinks with Chris and Des (and John for a few minutes). Nice time with Debbie. Watched the first episode of a new Dalgleish, which was excellent.

Beautifully sunny start to the week, but it’s quite chilly. The window cleaner has just been, and I’ve booked a hotel in Coventry for our visit to Amy (dropping off presents) and then Andrew. Not a very good night, possibly linked to putting clocks back. Matt has just cycled up to retrieve his hat, which he left here yesterday after we’d been to the match. We offered him Jonathan’s spare tickets at the service, having failed to interest anyone else. He brought Amanda, his wife, who has an amazing bike.

I’m getting ahead of myself. Last Thursday Dot had had a bad night, probably  caused by drinking a pint of caffeine-heavy Coke after orchestra (at the Blue Boar). Lots of coughing: she had me worried she might have Covid, but the coughing had gone in the morning, when she went up to the accountant’s and told the woman she saw all about Christianity (linked to her DSSO work).

I decided in the end not to go to the poetry and music event at Bungay, but wrote to Lynne to apologise. After lunch we went to Earlham Cemetery and found Mum’s parents’ grave!! Thanks to NRO for giving me a reference, but it was still quite difficult. After that we went to Eaton Park for a walk, and because Dot – rather surprisingly – couldn’t remember it. Beautiful day: sunny and not too cold. Lots of people in the park. Later at home helped  Dot pick the hymns for Sunday. Watched Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge, then Guilt. 

Heavy overnight rain, and flooding in North-West and Scotland. Rain at first here on Friday, but it stopped around 11am. Dot went into the city for chiropody and a walk round.  I followed later, crossing Julian Bridge and making my way by trial and error (new build back streets) to Tombland, then back through the Close. Popped into the Cathedral to see Carrie’s pebbles, but couldn’t find them. Long talk with Michael outside his house. Earlier had a long WhatsApp exchange with Kim, who is in London. In the afternoon wrote a piece for my website on finding the grave. We had our usual drinks outside under cover (in the entrance to garages), as it was spotting with rain. Mark is booking us in for a Christmas meal at Gem. In the evening we watched Rawhide (surprisingly good) and a report on how mining for heavy metals (eg for electric cars) is ruining peoples lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo. 

Saturday was mainly dry after initial rain. Not too cold. Prepared to lead in church, then after lunch Dot and I went for walk, following roughly the route I took the day before. Went into the Cathedral but were told Carrie’s pebbles had been removed. Watched quite a bit of TV, including the last two episodes of Paris Police 1900. Quite good. David FTd to say Olivia had Covid, and she and Oliver were staying in his flat awaiting results of PCR test. Olivia’s family also have it, though not badly. All a bit worrying.

Yesterday it rained at first, easing off later. Clocks back – it’s winter. Put lots of clothes on. Led service – went pretty well, I thought, until D complained afterwards that I was twitching during her prayers, and my body language implied a lack of respect for her. She’s a bit sensitive. I twitch all the time.

We had to get home quickly to reach Carrow Road for the match at 2pm. Negotiated heavy traffic quite well. Matt and Amanda left their bikes in our garage. City seemed a bit better to me, especially in the first half, and even scored with a header from a corner, but still lost 2-1 to Leeds. Matt was not impressed, though I thought they were playing a bit better.

Afterwards Dot walked up to church to assist with Carrie’s Hallowe’en event, which went very well, apparently. I picked her up at 7.30, and we transported some stuff to a woman in Rouen Road. Then home fora fairly light supper. Watched new Dr Who and Angela Black – both quite good. Discovered a superb Al Stewart song on something I’d recorded ages ago. Never seen him sing before.