Have just finished The Premonitions Bureau – I had a funny feeling I would do it today. A good read, primarily biographical but with some interesting inexplicable events. Dot is at present in Poringland with Anne, because Philip had a nasty fall on holiday at Blakeney and fractured his hip badly at a place where it had already been broken and pinned. He is in hospital, awaiting a long and difficult operation in a few days’ time, and Anne is understandably worried. As if in harmony, the day is grey and threatening, though fairly warm. I am having problems with my eyes which I’m pretty sure are down to hay fever.

Last Thursday was very warm, though sometimes overcast. Spent most of the day in the city: walked up to the Octagon at St Peter Mancroft for our CNS reunion: about 40 of us. Graham Drake spoke on his experiences as a vicar without mentioning Jesus or even God, as far as I can remember. His experiences in the Hilborough Group involving Kit Chalcraft – a friend – were particularly interesting.

Lunch at Bill’s followed – this was excellent. I had marinated chicken and Dot had a burger. Afterwards there was a violin recital by Steve Rawlinson in St Peter Mancroft, followed by his talk, which was fascinating, on his experience as a violinist with the LSO. “An amateur practises until he can get it right, a professional until he can’t get it wrong.” Sat with him and his wife, Jane Gillie, at lunch – also Alan Harrison (92). Mary and Neville there: he looked quite a bit better.

Walked home very hot and tired. David FTd because I had told him my operation had been put back a week until July 10. Told him I wasn’t worried. Out for drinks at 5.30. Des, Chris, Ciara, Freddie, Sarah, Jonathan, and David Walker, a wide boy from the bottom of the road. 

Saturday was a bit cooler and overcast. Quite windy. Did a bit of work on our Retreat and wrote tomorrow’s prayers. Dot went to Morrisons. Practised hymns. Spoke to Ray on the phone – Chris not at all well. Rang Mary next door: she and Bob both have Covid quite badly but had food delivered. In the evening watched cricket and then The Sting. What a great film! 

Sunday was still warm with a bit of a breeze. Church –- did prayers: Communion; ended with two songs – thought music went pretty well. Howard did a rather highbrow sermon. Anna is off with migraine. In the afternoon I walked up to Kett’s Heights to catch a bit of Crude Apache outdoor theatre. Had to get back in order to get to Graham’s birthday barbecue, which was at the Vicarage at 4 and very well attended by both St Aug and St Luke’s members. Dot did one of her famous salads, but there was loads of food as well as the burgers and sausages. Talked to many different people including Phil, Dennis, John Easton, Jenny, Steve and the Cannons. Home by just after 7pm: watched the cricket, marred by abysmal New Zealand bowling, then another good episode of McDonald & Dodds.

Monday was slightly cooler, with a little rain in the afternoon, when Dot went into Norwich and bought several tops. In the morning I drove to church: Carrie was not there because she has a kidney infection. Eventually we had a discussion on first part of Revelation(!) with Luke, Steve and Phil. Nikki was there, but tied up with Debbie. Actually we started the day with a haircut, and while Dot was in the city I had a bath. Later watched quite a lot of Wimbledon – Raducanu and Murray both winning. Also another episode of The Outlaws. Howard has had his bike and tools stolen. 

Blue skies at first yesterday, but plenty of cloud later. Stiff breeze. Drove to Felbrigg – road works and painfully slow drivers. Met Julia and Dave. After tea and scone we walked round the house and then round the walled garden. Had lunch outside, then walked down to the lake and back by rather a long route, avoiding cattle. Had ice cream, bought a couple of secondhand books for Andrew, then drove home. After omelettes, Dot drove to Morrisons and through the car wash. Then we stocked up on food. Store woefully understaffed. Watched last two episodes of Sherwood, which was excellent, with a good ending. England beat New Zealand at cricket, by the way, and won the series 3-0.

It became very hot last Friday. Did a lot of work on charity money and my website piece, among other things. Walked up to the post office with Dot. Later had drink outside (our drive in the shade) with Des, Chris and Sarah before travelling to Paul’s for meal with Philip and Heather Butcher. Lovely evening, covering vast number of topics. Almost midnight when we got home. House so hot I had to open windows, which is not like me.

Saturday saw an amazing change in the weather. It was much cooler, and by evening pouring with rain. With perfect timing, Channel 5 had a documentary about the ten-week heatwave in 1976. Climate change was not mentioned. Got up late and spoke to Simeon Care and Lily on the phone, and Dot spoke to Ray: Christine’s operation is now the day after mine. I have been getting very strange feelings in my head, relating largely to my nostrils but also elsewhere, but i think it’s probably hay fever. Put together brief ideas for a Paston book. Watched Suddenly, a rather old thriller starring Frank Sinatra, which was pretty good, and a 90-minute play called My Name is Leon, about a young lad separated from his baby brother: really well done. 

Dot has finished Middlemarch, and was as enthusiastic as I was. The next day (Sunday) was warmer again, but much more bearable: breezy and some cloud. Church in the morning: Heather leading Communion and a good talk by Liz on the sound of silence. Did one of my songs as congregational hymn (at request of Nikki, who was happily there to hear it). She brought Phyllis. Carrie was not there because Al was very Ill, in and out of hospital. After lunch David Facetimed me for Father’s Day and we had a chat. He was just off to Caledon with Chrissy and her children. I sketched out ideas for our C & C retreat. In the evening Dot went to St George Colegate for a concert by Martin Wyatt’s orchestra. I walked halfway with her and met her in The Close coming back. Watched The Outlaws and a bit of the film Yesterday, one scene of which was shot at the Ramsholt Arms!

Monday was mild, with some sun. Dot dropped me off at church. Plenty of people there. Did Bible Study with Leanne, Nikki, Stacy and Steve. Went well. Dot came later, and we went to Morrisons. Later Kim and Kavana came and had tea and cake, and I think we dissuaded Kim from taking on a trusteeship. Offered them lift to Coventry, and they took it up. Later David FTd and I thanked him for two books he got me for Fathers Day. Amy texted dates she and Oliver and Olivia could come to Norfolk. Watched programme on Bermuda Triangle that was quite interesting, then another episode of Sherwood, which is very good. 

Tuesday was warm and sunny. Picked up Kim and Kavana, and Dot drove out along Hingham road because of anticipated problems with the A11. Stopped at Cambridge services for coffee, then I drove  the rest of the way. Dropped K and K at Kavana’s place – about a mile from Andrew, if that – then drove to Andrew’s. Got sandwiches from Boots first (plus sunglasses) then spent 90 minutes or so with Andrew. He was ok, but had difficulty walking. Left him the collage of photos of our family. I drove out of Coventry (after some difficulty with road works) to Cambridge services, where we swapped. A11 not so bad. On reaching home we went straight round to Gem for cocktails and mezzes. Delicious! Good music also. Watched new thriller, Suspect – not impressed. Then the next episode of Sherwood– very good despite dubious political message. 

Wednesday was very warm. Have finished reading Gilead, which is brilliant in every way. Have now started reading David’s gift, The Premonitions Bureau. I knew that would happen. Extremely interesting so far, focusing on Aberfan. This afternoon I went to visit Lucy and took her books back. She thinks there are others. Had a talk about potential PHS book, and I think it should be ok, but I need to consult the others. Took roundabout way home, which was interesting, and bought petrol. Dot has done quite a lot in the garden. In the evening Dot went to orchestra with Janet, and I met her in Rosary Road – after being propositioned by a prostitute while I was waiting. Long time since that’s happened. Watched McDonald & Dodds police thing – very good. 

Very warm spell reaching its peak today, though it’s strangely overcast. The roadworks at Foundry Bridge have got so bad – single line entrance from both Prince of Wales Road and Riverside – that according to Radio Norfolk the police have launched an investigation. Not sure what that means, but I know it because I’ve just been to pick up my trousers from the cleaners and chose the more roundabout way back, which turned out to be marginally the lesser of the two evils.

Going back to last Saturday, it was warm and mainly sunny. Took trousers to be cleaned (remember them?), then collected Dot’s pills, then went to Morrisons, where Dot was cold – so I gave her my jumper and felt good! After lunch Dot worked on the garden and I caught up with various things, including finding out how to rotate a video! Watched a bit of TV – nothing extraordinary. Cricket was quite interesting, but England v Italy (0-0) was dreadful. Thank goodness we only saw the second half. 

Sun continued pretty warm, but with a bit more cloud. Went to church in the morning. Howard led  and Anna did lectio. Leanne  came but left early because Evelyn was a bit feisty. Had to leave promptly to get to Walpole Old Chapel for the annual poetry reading of the Suffolk Poetry Society. Really enjoyable event in a special venue: ancient, rickety pews just holding together; ancient rickety poets just functioning. Dot took a video of me reading. People we knew: Sue Foster, Beth Soule, Diana Jackman, Lynne Nesbit, Elizabeth Bracken, Mike Banister (who has just lost his wife and has had a heart attack – looking very frail). Plus one or two others – a nice group. Home just after 6pm. FaceTimed David, who’d had a good couple of days away at a posh hotel. Watched the cricket and The Outlaws, but I went to sleep. Very annoying.

Monday was quite warm and dry. Went to church but as Nikki didn’t turn up and Leanne was late, there was no Bible study. Phil came, and with the help of Graham we worked out how the sound system worked – I think. Leanne has a lot of back pain, and Carrie’s husband Al is in hospital with either kidney or prostate problems. Alison is also in pain and didn’t come. Dot had a blood test at the surgery and went to the garden centre. She bought a hanging basket that I put up in the afternoon, after we spent a couple of hours with Des and Chris, talking mainly about their Canadian trip, especially Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Watched cricket again and The Outlaws, which I stayed awake for this time. Also the end of Conversations with Friends, which was basically six wasted hours. Cooked rack of lamb – very good. 

Quite warm and dry again on Tuesday. Went to Archant Pensioners breakfast at Town House. Not many there, but spoke to Brian and Tricia, plus Bill and Jennie. After lunch I drove to North Walsham for a meeting with Peter and Rob about publishing a short book on the history of the PHS. Decided to sketch one out and approach Paul Dickson. 

England beat New Zealand at cricket in an exciting run chase, but lost 0-4 at home to Hungary at football. Watched a couple of really good nature programmes and the first couple of episodes of a thriller, Sherwood, which is very good so far. Dot spent a long time working on the garden. The front looks really good.

Wednesday was again warm. Rob and Penny called with Lucy’s books and my UEA certificate for Footprints! Then Hello Fresh and Naked Wines. I spent most of the day writing three articles for Parish  Pump – on Enid Blyton, Philip Larkin and Princess Diana’s death. Later Fred’s daughter Kate and her daughter Anna left their car in our drive while they went to an Elton John concert at Carrow Road. Dot went to orchestra and I went to meet her at the bottom of Gas Hill, just as everyone came out of the concert. We got back at the same time as Kate and Anna, and they had a cup of tea before going to their hotel up by the airport. Watched the end of State of the Union, which was good, and a nice documentary on Snowdonia. Had a phone call from Ray to say Christine’s operation had been cancelled, and a Voicemail from the hospital to say mind had too.  

Yesterday was seriously warm.  Busy day, too, starting with a phone call to the hospital, where I was told my new operation date is July 3. Then Dot went into the city to meet the violin man from Woodbridge, eventually ending up at Anna’s because A… had locked them out. I left a bit later to get my new glasses. Met up at Olives, where we spoke for 90 minutes or so with Naomi. Then walked to Exchange Street, where we had a table booked for lunch with Kim, recently returned from Norway. She went to the wrong place, but wasn’t too late, and we had a very good lunch and talk. Then home, where Bridget was cleaning, having arrived early. Felt pretty shattered. Watched another good documentary on Snowdonia.

Cake and Compline in the evening – everyone present, and Claire walked upstairs – her ankle seems much better. As they were leaving I had a chat with John and asked about Tara, who is still having problems from Long Covid. Had quite a long talk with David on FaceTime. He has had an exciting meeting which may give new prospects.

Back last night from five days at Snape, starting on Monday, which was cool and overcast. Dot dropped me off at church in the morning, where our group had a discussion about music – no-one liked yesterday’s selection or the speed (very slow) at which it was played. Nor did I, but there we are. Later  Leanne, Nikki, Stacey, Phil and I did a Bible Study, mainly on Jesus as the Bread of Life, which was interesting. Dot came around 11.30 and stayed for a while before taking me home. As we left she slipped and fell (again) but seems ok (again). The path was wet.

Left for Snape at just after 2pm and had a leisurely journey there by the back route. Arrived 3.30pm (half an hour early), had a cup of tea and settled in. To Plough and Sail in the evening for meal. Fish and chips, vodka/gin, wine. Short walk afterwards. I watched Silent Witness while Dot went to sleep. 

Tuesday was warm and pleasant. Walked round Snape to start with, looking in on Remains to be Seen exhibition, which was very interesting., especially figures by Lawrence Edwards. Chatted with girl student from Chicago. Walked along the river path for a bit. Into the main shop – Dot bought some shower gel (I think) – then had lunch in River View cafe. Had some egg concoction that was probably well done but not really my thing. Dot had asparagus and tomatoes on toast, and a bit of cake. Service very slow.

After lunch drove to Iken Cliffs and walked down by the river for a while, then drove to Iken Church and went in. From there drove to Orford, and Dot found an excellent delicatessen-type shop specialising in smoked fish. Bought some stuff there and some from another shop where blackbirds were eating the pears. Also visited the quay and took some brochures about river trips. Later, having checked the forecast, booked one on Regardless – for Thursday. Home, then went to Thorpeness (Dot driving) and parked by shore to do some reading. I went to sleep. Back to Snape via Aldeburgh for tea. Later read, then watched an old episode of Doc Martin and the news.

Heavy rain overnight, but we stayed in bed on Wednesday until it brightened mid-morning. Later it was very warm and dry. We decided to go into Woodbridge to visit the violin shop – Dot has decided she needs a new violin, and I agree. After parking where we had on our previous visit to Woodbridge, we took a rather circuitous route to the violin shop.  The man there couldn’t have been more helpful and told us the likely price, which was what we anticipated.  We then walked back by a different route which brought us close to the river/estuary, and we stopped for a snack at an excellent cafe/restaurant, A-Listers, where the service was in stark contrast to River View yesterday. So was the food: I had salmon pate and Dot had  some meat platter with ciabatta: we shared a bit of each other’s.

Then walked along shoreline and popped into a museum when it seemed it might rain. Then Back up to Honey and Harvey, a cafe we had visited last time. I had lemongrass and ginger tea. The tree in the courtyard had been removed. Bought some fruit and headed back to the car, then drove back to Snape, pausing for a while at Boxhall Woods to read, but it was too hot!! So back to the cottage. Lovely meal at Plough and Snail. Bottle of rose plus sambuca/Tia Maria.  Short walk, lovely sky. Very still. Watched documentary about ash cloud in between falling asleep. 

Thursday was warm, but with a cooler wind when clouds came over, which they did more as the day progressed. Very pleasant, though. In the morning Dot did some shopping and I walked around the site. Then we drove to Orford, arriving well before we needed to for our boat trip on Regardless. There were eight of us in the end, plus the owner and a dog – happily restrained.The breeze was quite brisk, especially outwards as we sailed round Havergate Island, which is a bird sanctuary. Saw some oystercatchers and avocets (I now know which is which), plus a solitary seal at the entrance to Butley    Creek.

Round trip took an hour, after which Dot drove us to Sutton Hoo, and we had lunch in the cafe – sandwiches – followed by the River View Walk, which we’d done before but enjoyed again. View of Woodbridge at a couple of points! Afterwards drove home. I slept for a bit while Dot read, then we had tea and I walked Dot to the concert hall for her violin concert; she had purchased the last ticket. Should have been Nicola Benedetti, but she had tendonitis; however her replacement was excellent. At Sutton Hoo we had a call from Anne, who is just off to Portugal, having deposited Philip in a care home at Bungay for ten days. Later in the evening spoke to Amy on FaceTime.

Yesterday was warm again and mainly sunny. Managed to get out of Malt Cottage by 10am. Drove to Bawdsey Quay and then to Ramsholt Church, where we took a few pictures. Then down to Ramsholt Arms for fish and chips lunch. All went very well. I had wine; so Dot drove back to Snape by a circuitous route directed by Google. Walked a bit and went to loo, then back to car to change (slightly) before going to concert. Doric String Quartet played Bartok – really excellent. Had cup of tea afterwards from cabin by river, then I drove home: 75 mins, same as journey down. Arrived in time for late drinks outside with D’Sousas, who had got back from Canada a couple of hours earlier. Also Mark and John, plus a brief visit from the new French baby.  Unpacked, watched cricket and then the end of Spreadsheet and Silent Witness. Very tired.

Had quite a long chat with David on FaceTime last Wednesday while Dot was at orchestra – mainly about his test-driving an electric car and the time it takes to get one (over two years). Finished my sermon and wrote a piece for my website. Earlier walked to the post office to post Biddy Collyer a copy of her EDP column, which I had told her I liked. She is in London temporarily. Earlier practised some songs for the Jubilee street party at St Augustine’s. Watched State of the Union , an ongoing two-hander about marriage in ten-minute bits. Much better than it sounds. Excellent, in fact. 

Thursday was very warm. Walked up to Boots for an eye test in the morning. All good.  Practised a couple of songs with Dot. After lunch we took our old microwave up to church (heavy lifting by Robert and Graham), then went to Morrisons, filled up the car, and Dot bought a bit of food for tomorrow. She forgot feta cheese and had to go back while I lay down, suddenly feeling ill with stomach/head strangeness. When she got back Bridget arrived to clean (we had forgotten she was coming), and I helped to clear the kitchen. Still feeling rather ill; so Bridget gave Dot a lift to Louise Robinson’s wedding do, which turned out to be mainly drinks and dancing, thought there was some fish and chips. Dot got chatted up. Philip didn’t go. At around 10pm I walked up to London Street to meet Dot coming home. Was obviously feeling better, but as I write this in bed I’m feeling a bit hot and tired. Stomach OK though. Have walked nearly 9000 steps today, which may be why I don’t feel so great. England got NZ out for about 132 in Test, but then lost seven wickets for less than 120.

Friday was very warm. Slept a bit better, but still felt odd. Had to take two lots of paracetamol, which is unusual. Went to Jubilee street party at St Augs and played some songs with Phil, but he arrived quite late. No one took much notice of our singing. There was also some ceilidh and bell-ringing. Had to move car halfway through – put it in St Luke’s car park. Spoke to several people, eg Nikki, her mother, Sharon, Graham’s mother, Bridget and David, Jaya and another nice woman from the bell-ringing team etc etc.  Good attendance. Exhausted when we got home, and Dot fell down on steps and hit her head, but I think she’s ok.  Had drink with usual suspects, including Mark, Sarah and Angela and Matt. Watched cricket – New Zealand did very well, unfortunately for Paul, as he left his car in our drive and took a lady friend to the match. Didn’t see either of them, because we went to bed early. David and Chrissy are away for a couple of nights at a posh hotel. 

Saturday was much colder, but dry. Bit of wind. Day ended with huge celebration outside Buckingham Palace for Platinum Jubilee. Amazing stuff with lights. Dot did lots of cleaning this afternoon while I visited Lily at Hickling. She has terminal pancreatic cancer but is remarkably cheerful. Has lost lots of weight, and her dog has gone to a new home. Had a long talk touching on her condition, her late husband’s late condition and local church members’ condition, plus some interesting memories of Surrey Chapel. Lily was my first “girlfriend”: used to walk her home from church with her niece Linda. In the evening David FTd and told us about their couple of nights away, which sounded really good. Dot and I also practised hymns for tomorrow. My guitar playing is improving, for some reason. Odd. Dot gave me a massage which made me feel quite a bit better: have been having ear pressure problems. 

Today (Pentecost Sunday) was cool again, but without the forecast rain. Heavy skies. To church in the morning. We forgot Dot was doing prayers; so I had to do them off the cuff. Was also preaching – think it was all right. Ray and Christine there – she has been very unwell recently, and I’m worried about her. After lunch watched some of the Jubilee Pageant before starting to pack. Then more Jubilee stuff, a bit of unimpressive England football and the first in the new series of The Outlaws, which was very good. Oh, and England beat New Zealand in the Jubilee Test – rather luckily, but there we are.