Bit of a gap there. Sorry. Last Monday – a week ago yesterday – was sunny and mildish. I rang Lily up, as it was her birthday – had forgotten to send card. She is in a bit of a bad way – has had mini-stroke, also has fibromyalgia and is awaiting results of a scan because she’s losing weight. Also oesophagus problems. After lunch I went to pick up pills: chemist was shut, and I had to wait. The chemist’s has really gone downhill since it was taken over by Well. Then walked up to to the sorting office to post a birthday card to Sam. On the way back I walked past “no through route” sign to get a view of the back garden. As a result two people also walked past the sign: I warned them both – the first went on to try to get through, but came back; the second (a woman) took my advice and went down the road instead. I found this ignoring of signs reassuring for some reason. We went to Morrisons later, and I filled the car up with petrol.

Tuesday was fairly mild, with quite a lot of sun. We were literally the only ones in the cinema to see The Duke, a brilliant film about art theft. Made me laugh and cry simultaneously. Had a bit of a bad night: not sure what’s wrong. Stomach wasn’t quite right, but nor was my head. Neck and upper arms giving me a bit of pain. Gave key to Chris/Des so that they could replace Philip as key holders – also informed police. Later gave Eleanor a lift to Cake and Compline at Judy’s. Nice evening, though without Vicky, who is having covid problems, mainly with George. David was also absent, singing. Went to bed early.

Wednesday was sunny and warm, for the time of year. Dot went to a DSSO meeting at Diocesan House, and I phoned Lily, who had tried to get through to me last night. Her scan results showed a mass on her pancreas, possibly pancreatic cancer. Of course she was upset. We had quite a long chat. Later I e-mailed Ian Clarke about non-appearing news story and got a good response (though it still hasn’t appeared, a week later). Then Andrew Brierton, our cooker repairman, rang and arrived early to fix the rubber seal on the bottom oven: £71. Did quite a bit of Paston editing, and Dot did more work in the garden.

A couple of Green councillors called round, and I had a go at them, but of course they had an answer for everything. I do quite like Ben Price, but not his policies. Then I walked into city and bought some new shoes from Hotter, and some acidophilus. On the way I tried to help two women in a car who looked lost, but don’t think I helped very much. Got home feeling very tired. We watched Witchfinder, which is funny, and then Dot went to rehearsal at St Mary Magdalene – picked up by Janet again. Had a bath and read a couple of chapters of Middlemarch, which is quite hard going when nothing is happening. Very dense.

Thursday was warm and dry. Walked to church and back to do Bible study with Leanne and Nikki. Graham and Debbie also there, plus Robert. Had another good session: now well into the first chapter of John’s Gospel. Didn’t feel too well in the afternoon – possibly a result of carrying a heavy rucksack. Lay down for a while till Bridget came to clean. Wrote to Thelma and to Ben Price, Green councillor, about 20mph limits. David sent chocs present to Dot for Mother’s Day – a surprise package! She was very pleased. Packed for tomorrow. Watched documentary on original Peaky Blinders, plus the end of This Is Going to Hurt, which was OK. 

Friday was warm and dry. We left just after 9.30 for Derbyshire. Stopped at Cambridge Services, then swapped drivers on A50. I drove more than Dot because her knee was hurting a bit. Arrived at Buxton about 1.45pm. Evetts already in town. We unpacked  – after speaking to the Polish waitress – and had a nice room. Met the Evetts at the Pavilion, where we had an ice cream. Then walked a bit in the park till Dot felt her knee and walked back on her own, I continued with Dave and Julia, and we looked at the Crescent, which has been redone – very nice. Walked back on my own from there, and caught Dot up not far from the hotel. Felt very tired. Went to sleep for a while. Had drink with Evetts at 6.50, then Dinner. I had mackerel fillet – very good. Brief drink afterwards, and we skated round what we really thought about vaccinations. Dave and Julia still wearing masks to walk around hotel.

I had a bad night, but Saturday dawned sunny, and we had a good breakfast. Drove to Chatsworth in Dave’s car. Very busy, but we were lucky in getting a table for both coffee and lunch. In between walked round gardens (£15 each) and took some photos. After lunch we looked in greenhouses and shop. Bought some marmalade. Back at hotel we had a slightly earlier dinner, fortunately, as there was table of about 18 starting at our usual time. Three of us had excellent lamb; Dot had fish and chips. Felt a bit better. 

Th clocks went forward for summer, but I still didn’t feel too well. Had to take another lot of paracetamol at 3pm. Head very woozy, and stomach gassy. However, I still had quite bit of energy compared to Dot (using poles) and Dave (bad back). Dave drove us to Lyme Park, and we had tea/coffee in the cafe by the lake. Then walked up to the house and did a tour of the gardens. Lunched in the Alehouse and watched a brief film about the history of Lyme Park. Others went to the shop while I climbed the hill up towards the tower. Didn’t  go all the way in case I held others up as they headed for the car, but in fact I was ahead of them. Dave drove back via the lovely Goyt Valley.  Later I went to fill up with petrol, then had a bath. Evening meal was very quiet – we had a waitress to ourselves. Good, too – salmon. Afterwards had quite long chat before bed. 

Yesterday the sky was still blue, and it was quite warm until evening, when a chill developed in the air. Got up early, breakfasted about 8.20am and left by 9.20am. Good journey, stopping to change driver on A50 and then at Cambridge Services (Dot-Tim-Dot). Home by 1.30pm. Had a banana sandwich, then Dot drove me to hospital – horrendous journey through the city, but we got there in time. My appointment was slightly early in fact – nice consultant – we agreed I would have the op because it was riskier not to. But I’ll have an ultrasound first, hopefully within two or three weeks. Got bus most of the way home, but again a horrendous journey – so much jolting over bad roads and speed humps – so much so that I got out at Orford Place and walked home. Spoke to David on FaceTime – he’s keen to get rid of the apartment as quickly as possible. Had a bath, then we went to the annual parish meeting and meal at St Luke’s, which was quite pleasant. Home just before 10pm.

Big news of the week is that David is flying back to England on April 3 for 12 days. Dot is already in hugging mode. I am scheduled to see a consultant on March 28 after driving back from Buxton – barring accidents. These two events are not connected. Nor is this: Dot’s knee is much better.

In other news, last Wednesday was grey, and wet from midday. Pretty horrible by the evening, when I met Dot on Rosary Road: she was dropped off by Janet after orchestra rehearsal. Bit of a Covid alert – she had to do a lateral flow test this morning before attending rehearsal: negative of course. This morning Dot went to shop for food for tomorrow’s meal for Phil and Joy. I spent quite a bit of time on Paston editing. Cooked meal and cleared up. 

Thursday was quite pleasant weather, with a lot of sunshine. Walked to church in the morning and did Bible Study with Nikki and Leanne. Really enjoyed it. Had chat with Carrie. Walked back with Nikki as far as Tombland. New woman – Stacy – from Surrey Chapel, which she described as homophobic. Interesting. Others in group were doing a Ukrainian support prayer and flags for the church window.

Welcomed De Sousas home from Madeira – three days late, because of storms – in the afternoon: Chris has injured her foot. Bridget came and cleaned. Washed and cleaned car – well, it was mainly Dot, but I provided staunch back-up. I picked up Phil and Joy and brought them home for meal cooked by Dot for Phil’s 70th birthday. Had a good time and took them home quite late. Back at Aspland Road after 11pm. Gave him two bottles of wine and a puzzle. Also a book of Dad’s handwritten sermons. Mileage just under 100.

Friday was sunny but with a bit of a chill out of the sun. Dot’s afternoon visit to Thurton was cancelled; so we stayed at home. Watched Four Weddings and a Funeral, in bits. Also Grantchester, which is truly awful: ridiculous premise, dubious script and appalling direction. Des and Chris came round in the afternoon with Madeira cake and wine/sherry. Then out in street with wine at 5.30: Des, Chris, Jonathan, Bob, Mary. Very good Hello Fresh duck. 

Saturday was sunny but quite cold. Haircut in the morning, quite early. Dot’s concert day. Drove her to St Peter Mancroft in early afternoon for rehearsals. She stayed there all day (pizza for lunch), and I walked up for the concert later. Before that checked posting times because I have a Covid test to complete and it has to go the same day as I take it. So I’m taking it tomorrow morning. Then bought some bread and bagels for Dot, because the ones she had had gone off in a big way. Saw TV programme about gallstones, using 3D modelling. Quite shocking, size wise.

Concert was very good, including Mozart and Schumann piano pieces. Sat next to Neville, Bridget and David, and Neville’s friend Ann. Also there were Angela and Rodney and a very  full church. Cold walk home. Watched Italy beat Wales at rugby. In Wales. Italy’s first ever win, I think. 

Sunday was again quite cold and not so sunny. Dry, though. Took Covid test supplied by Zoe and posted it before church. Led the service: Leanne came with her daughter Evelyn, and Nikki too. About 20 altogether, but Anna had a migraine and couldn’t come. Howard did sermon on very difficult passages! Had a DCC non-election afterwards. Judy accepted as churchwarden. Dot did a lot of sewing in afternoon, mending a duvet cover. In the evening we watched A Room With a View – great film. FaceTime with David – he is coming to UK from April 3 to 15! Oh, I said that.

It’s now Wednesday, and it’s rather grey, with some light rain. I’m trying to reproduce my previous entries because I deleted them by mistake (or possibly put them somewhere else) at a stroke while using my iPhone. Tried various ways of retrieving them, but have now given up. So…

On both Monday and Tuesday, if I remember rightly, it was quite mild, with a fair amount of sun. We received intermittent messages from Des, who is on holiday in Madeira, postponing his arrival back because there were no flights as a result of a storm. He is now due back tomorrow morning, after deciding to stay a night at Stansted instead of getting an extortionate taxi when his flight arrives just before midnight. 

Monday was Howard’s 60th birthday bash at the Rumsey Wells on St Andrew’s Street, where the speciality is pies. In fact, it’s all they do. I had a straightforward steak and ale (or Moo) and Dot had something involving mushrooms (Shroom). They were presented on mashed potato and gravy with sides of mushy peas, onion pieces and grated cheese. And they were delicious! There were 17 or 18 of us, and of course plenty of wine. Both Dot and I drank too much and staggered home just after 11pm. We had both said a few words in praise of Howard at Anna’s request. Really nice evening. Spoke a lot to Ray and to Debbie, surprisingly. 

Earlier Anne had come round and taken Dot for a walk to Boots and back. This meant she had done a lot of steps for the day, and in the evening was not walking too easily.

Both had a bad night and woke up for the final time at 9.30 Tuesday morning. Colin came round after a hospital appointment for plantar fasciitis, a painful foot condition. Not much they could do for him, apparently. It will probably go eventually, but he’s had it for months. He looked at our broken wall and cracking facing on the garage front and decided he could fix both quite easily – a “Saturday morning job”. 

At 5.30 we had a DCC meeting at Golden Dog Lane, at which everyone except Elwira was present. Howard was a generous host again. I walked both ways, but Dot drove. I met Trevor Burton in the car park and had a brief chat: he has just started acting again. There were differences over set-up with reference to Covid, but Graham handled it very well. Later we had a FaceTime with David and Chrissy, with Apollo the cat featuring quite strongly.

I am reading Middlemarch, by George Eliot. Superbly written and very funny.

Last Wednesday (March 9) was milder, I believe, though I didn’t go out. I had intended to go with Dot to Hickling and possibly drop in to see Lily, but the cooker repair man was scheduled to come in the morning. In the end he didn’t, and I rang him to find he’d deleted the appointment accidentally. So he came in the afternoon, and fixed the cooker with the help of a bulb  that we kept from last time, plus his own new element.

In the morning I had cleared up and done various other things. Dot went to orchestra rehearsal in the evening – picked up by Janet – and I had a lie down before preparing for Bible study tomorrow and practising a few songs for Friday. Watching a serial called Our House, in which I foresaw a key twist, which was quite satisfying. War in Ukraine continues, but Putin not making much progress, other than killing people and knocking down buildings.

Thursday brought quite pleasant weather – reasonably mild till mid-evening. Walked up to church and eventually did a Bible Study with Nikki and Leanne, two really interesting young women (in their early 30s) who have had lots of problems but are very bright, if slightly crazy. In a good way. Leanne lives in The Lathes, in Sophie’s old house. She has four children – the youngest, whose father is in prison, has some problems. Dot came up with the car later on and had quite a long talk with Graham (the vicar). Robert and Alison were also there, as was Debbie.

Later on Dot went to Morrisons and the card shop. I changed my guitar strings and rang the consultant’s secretary and left a message about my operation. In the evening Dot and I walked to Carrow Road to watch Norwich City go two down to Chelsea in about ten minutes, but come back to lose only 3-1. Jonathan and Naomi decided not to come. Watched last two episodes of Our House, which were very clever but a bit sad. Went to bed very late, but completed well over 7000 steps in the day.

On Friday I kept thinking it was Saturday. Fairly pleasant at first, but in the afternoon it started raining and became windy and colder. Dot and I did some music practice at church with Phil: hymns for Sunday and some of my songs. Robert and William turned up and we got a cup of tea! After lunch Dot went shopping, mainly to get a knee brace.  In the evening Dot drove us to Mary and Neville Thrower ‘s in LeStrange Close for a lovely meal (fish pie) and good conversation. Home well after 11pm. 

On Saturday the weather had improved, though it was still chilly. Drove to Filby Bridge Restaurant to celebrate the golden anniversary of Joyce and Ivan Lincoln and were surprised to find Fred and Sue there: they’d come over from Banbury and were staying at the caravan for a few days afterwards. Sat next to them: food was excellent, though quite a lot of it. Had fish and chips and Eton Mess. Met Joyce’s daughter Alison, who is studying to become a vicar, and we had two other vicars on our table – man and wife. Fred and Dot both said a little in response to Alison’s speech. Restaurant  was on bank of Ormesby Little Broad, very beautiful in the sun. Got home about 4.15pm. Tired. Didn’t have much tea! Watched England lose to Ireland at rugby after getting a man sent off in the second minute. Nice. However Spurs lost too, and Liverpool won. Not nice. Watched Queens of Mystery – first episode: quite well done and unusual. Watched Grantchester to give it a chance, but it’s wholly unconvincing. 

Sunday was fairly mild and dry. Went to church in the morning: Bridget and Sharon were there, as well as Nikki. HC with Graham – Anna did lectio. Dot made a superb cake for Howard’s 60th. In the afternoon we listened to Norwich losing 2-1 to Leeds after equalising in the 90th minute. Not much hope for them now. Des e-mailed to say his flight would be delayed and he won’t be back till Tuesday. Watched a couple of episodes of Peaky Blinders (quite good), one of Killing Eve (going off badly) and one of This is Going to Hurt (not bad). Norwich on first on MOTD. Aargh! The pain!

Dot has just departed for Hickling school, and I’m waiting for Andrew, the cooker repair man. Bit annoying, as otherwise I would have gone to Hickling with Dot, but it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. Cookers are important.

Looking back, last Friday, March 4, was good for Norfolk. We were dry till quite late, while the rest of the country was wet. Dot went to Taverham school in the morning. Then she was busy on the computer, trying to fix up a knee appointment with a physio, and changing the date for meal with the Throwers, among other things. I got a call from Tracy at the hospital offering appointments for my gall bladder operation, but I asked about a scan first, and she said she’d get a clinician to ring me. So that’s probably gone for a burton. A clinician hasn’t rung, of course.

Out for our usual drink in the evening: Mary, Bob and Ciara came out; Des and Chris off to Madeira on Sunday. I scanned a covid pass for them. We think we saw the end of The Holiday, but if so it was an appalling ending: but then the rest of it was pretty bad too. Everybody was so bad-tempered and melodramatic that you wanted to punch them all in the mouth. Dot and I both signed up for cancer research. 

Saturday was a messy day. Drizzle/light rain throughout and becoming very cold towards evening. Started feeling very down because of the operation issue, but got over it. Dot’s knee is still bad; so I drove her to Carrow Road through a fair amount of traffic, just in time for her to meet Jonathan and Naomi. Then I drove home and walked back, managing to arrive before the game started. Pretty awful game, with City on the wrong end of all the decisions, conceding two penalties, both of which were iffy, and in the end they lost 3-1. Loads of people left early, when we were 3-0 down, including Jonathan and Naomi.

Apparently Lucy is quite ill, and Naomi has to give her internal antibiotics three times a day. She should really be in the hospital but won’t stay there, sadly for N. Walked slowly home with Dot and got really cold. Then the cooker broke halfway through cooking a guinea fowl. Switched it to the other oven, and it was delicious. In the middle of all that Amy FaceTimed us. We had to get back to her – she asked if she could come to see us on April 6, and of course we said yes. Her mum will drop her off. 

Sunday’s weather was mixed, but mainly OK, though there were a couple of very wintry showers. Went to church in the morning. Service rather spoilt by reversion to Covid fears, spacing chairs out and opening window. Got a bit angry about it. Cheered by newcomers Nicky and Alison. Also Nic Golding came, which was nice. Had our main meal at lunchtime, a few stomach twinges (too much fat?) but improved. Amazon parcel arrived, and Des left his key: they were staying at Stansted for the night. I went to Lowestoft for a revived Seagull session: Dot stayed at home to rest her leg. Carrie came round while I was out and had a talk with her. The Seagull went very well. About 15 there, including Lynne, Kaaren and Sue. Ivor did a very good funny song on accordion: Ethel from the Bethel. I did five poems including one I wrote that morning (Dream). Drove through Loddon on the way home to avoid road works. 

On Monday there was quite a bit of sun, but it was chilly in the shadows. Finished rota and sent it out. Went to Morrisons and spent well over £100 stocking up. Also filled up with petrol. Kim came round at 2.30pm and stayed till nearly 7pm. Brought cakes and sweets. Dot made scones (yesterday) – delicious. Good conversation with Kim, who is very encouraging until she gets on to the subject of the new world order. After evening meal we read the Lent psalm etc and watched another episode of No Return, which is rather depressing. But if you will go on holiday to Turkey, what do you expect?

Yesterday was sunny, but with a very cold wind Dot went to Alpington in the morning: traffic was very bad because of road works in King Street combined with everything else. Planners sadly have only half a brain and don’t connect how one restriction could affect others. I managed to edit Margaret Paston’s will, which was not as bad as I thought it might be. In the afternoon walked to the Rosary in an icy wind. Rearranged flowers. Then booked Andrew to do the cooker tomorrow after stumbling across his last visit in this blog. Finished watching No Return, which wasn’t too bad. Also saw most of a film called Misbehaviour, about Women’s Lib and Miss World, which was pretty well done. 

It’s Friday, and it’s been a busy week. Dot has had a lot of trouble with her knee, but is able to drive, and is now at Taverham School on a DSSO visit, hoping to avoid chaos caused by the closure of Sweet Briar Road to put right some kind of flooding issue. Still, only “a few weeks”. There seems to be no kind of urgency to deal with road problems.

On Monday I managed 8500 steps! It was mostly dry and cool, but rained in the evening, when the water went off because the very competent workers making a mess of Riverside Road managed to break into  a water pipe, spilling huge amounts down the drain. It was fixed by the time we went to bed, though. In the morning Dot went to practise violin, which now costs her £25. In the afternoon we went to Sainsburys because there was a traffic jam on the way to Morrisons. Dot then dropped me off in Tombland, and I walked up to Essex Street to make some revisions to my story on Alan Harrison. Had  a cup of tea with him and we talked about Israel and various other things. Then walked home, taking in The Crescent off Chapelfield Road, out of interest. Had mussels in the evening and watched a film, Internal Affairs, which was quite good.

Tuesday was St David’s Day and Shrove Tuesday. Dry most of the day, but some rain later. Dot and I went to the Town House for our monthly Pensioners’ Breakfast – had a full English, which is a bit shocking. Usual suspects present, plus Ian Gray, a former printer. Spoke to him at length, then sub-editors. Brian doesn’t seem too good. Rewrote Harrison article and sent it off. Dot went to a Carrie pancake event at church. In the evening we had our Cake and Compline group round – minus David, who had a choir rehearsal – for pancakes and compline. I wrote an extra compline page relating to St David and a bit about Ukraine, where the situation is getting worse. Nice atmosphere in group.

Wednesday was mainly dry, but some light rain in the evening. Not too cold. Dot feeling down about it her knee, but we went to the cinema in the afternoon and saw the new Death on the Nile, Amazingly I remembered at an early stage who did it and not only why but how, but it was still an excellent film with great  photography. Later on Dot went to orchestra rehearsal. David FaceTimed – Chrissy’s birthday. 

Thursday was quite a pleasant day, not too cold, and sunny. Dot went into the city on the bus for foot and lip work, while I walked to the church hall for our weekly chat with Carrie’s female recruits and Graham. Eventually I did a Bible study with Nicky and Leanne, which was a lot of fun. They are very bright and slightly crazy, and have a clear connection to God. Both in their early 30s. Dot drove to pick me up at lunchtime.

Later took Dot up to the walk-in centre and left her there: she eventually rang and I picked her up and took her to Boots to get some gel. She now has a diagnosis, which has taken a bit of weight off her mind: she has a sprained ligament in her knee cap, and it will eventually get better. Still painful, though.

Meanwhile Bridget had arrived to do the cleaning. I sent the final approved piece on Alan Harrison to the EDP, and at 6pm Dot and I – after being held up in traffic – met Anna and Phil at the Ten Bells pub in St Benedict’s to talk about the music group. Moved immediately to The Plough because TB was too noisy, and chatted for an hour – and a bit more with Phil after Anna left because Bethany was arriving. Home for a late meal, then watched another episode of The Holiday, which is pretty awful in terms of plot and especially script. But feel compelled to see the end. Don’t know why. Second day of reading psalms for Lent. Now on 44.