A confusing week – largely because I failed to record a couple of days; so some of this is from memory. On Sunday, which was very mild but quite windy, Dot got back from church (see last post) around 2.45pm. I was still feeling very tired and had diarrhoea, though I detected a slight general improvement. We watched some athletics: Jake Wightman brilliantly won 1500m world gold. Had a light meal (adaptation of Hello Fresh) and most of a tin of mandarins. Also did a bit of Pump research on Hadrian, but still very tired. Dot a bit slowed down by heat too. Watched end of Tour de France. 

On Monday I went to the surgery for my annual blood check. A very nice nurse (Anne) said I’d had major surgery and was in fact doing well – she looked at my scars. I should reckon on 4-6 weeks before I felt anything like normal. Dot went for farewell meal with colleague (Jon Moule) at Hethersett, and I just relaxed on the bed. Still not really wanting to eat. Linda cancelled hair because she was ill – not Covid, probably migraine. 

On Tuesday I definitely felt better and was up most of the day. Also enjoyed a meal of beans on toast. Spent most of day writing Parish Pump pieces. 

Wednesday was mild; quite pleasant. Couldn’t believe I hadn’t written anything the last couple of days, during which I’ve improved gradually. The weather has been quite pleasant, and we’ve had a chat with David, who seems very well, as does Chrissy. The children are in Corfu with the usual suspects, and Oliver sent us anniversary wishes today: it’s our 54th, and I felt well enough to go to Rob’s talk as Tom Paine at the Maids Head. We went by taxi and met Rob outside by chance. Also our bridesmaid Teresa: it was her birthday and our 54th wedding anniversary. Good talk.

Afterwards walked home through The Close. Bridget was doing our cleaning. We got a Hello Fresh box by mistake and gave it to her. I rested a bit, but later had meal of soup, croutons and strawberries. Long phone conversation with Gill and Mick Stedman as a result of an article I’d written for my website about my operation – Alice through the keyhole! Spent much of the evening watching T20 cricket (England beat South Africa) but also managed to get DVD player to work and watched some of a Runrig DVD that Phil and Joy got me for my birthday. Helped Dot choose hymns for Sunday. Have a bit of an appetite now: digestion improved a bit. At some point – may have been yesterday – watched Fistful of Dollars. What a great film! Not perfect, but inspiring. 

Thursday was a bit dull, but warm. Managed to sort out  the paperwork in my room, which was quite an achievement, paid TV licence and renewed heritage sub, coincidentally at the same moment someone  rang asking me to do so. Des and Chris away at Lichfield: Mark home. Dot went to shops, and I slept for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Saw more of Runrig DVD. Excellent. Had soup for supper. Dot spoke to Barbara V on FaceTime. Watched penultimate episode of The Undeclared War: still very good. 

Friday – today – was again mild and dry. Walked up to the post office to post birthday card to Linda, but felt oddly tired afterwards. Appetite has improved though. Eating quite a bit of fruit: had banana sandwich for lunch. Watched England lose at T20 cricket to S Africa. Dot, after brief foray to shops, had Zoom with Barbara and David about p4c, and later we went out to have drinks with Mark, Sarah, Matt and Angela in Des’s drive.

Tuesday was very, very hot. Felt I might have turned a corner last night, but I still have a limited appetite. We watched a good thriller called The Control Room as well as keeping up with the Tour de France, which is pretty exciting. Feel very tired still. David keeping in touch to see if we’re coping with the weather: I didn’t think there would be a problem, but it’s extremely draining and hard to find a cool place. BBC falling over themselves with apocalyptic scenarios. Happily this evening it’s easing off a bit. In the afternoon we drove up to the chemists to get my pills, but they didn’t have them. Still, it was nice and cool in the car. Dot spoke to Des, who went to the cinema to keep cool. She is now catching up with her e-mails. Watched last episode of The Control Room – really very good.

A thunderstorm in the early hours was much appreciated. Not a bad night – slept till just before 7am, when I took my pills. Gradually feeling better, but still heavy-headed. Dot got me toast after I’d got her a cup of tea. She didn’t sleep so well. Rang up Lily – no real change – and sent off a number of e-mails. Hello Fresh came, and I managed to eat some sausages, which I have to say surprised me. Later spoke to Ray on phone; Christine is really in a bad way. Watched cricket (v South Africa) and Tour de France, plus a very good documentary on Scafell Pike, which I always wish I’d climbed, like Bencathra.

Thursday was much cooler but dry. Dot went to Sutton School in the morning and had a great time. I read through an article Phil had sent me and later spoke to him on the phone about it. Also found a chess game from many years ago that Patrick McDermott had asked about, took a pic of the cutting and sent it to him. Finished antibiotics but still very tired. Bridget came to clean in afternoon, and I am reading The Partisan, which David gave me for Father’s Day. Woke during the night feeling sick, but it soon passed. 

Friday – was dry and mild, though compared to earlier in the week it seemed almost cool.  Dot went to Newton Flotman – another success story. I had a bath after shaving and cutting my nails. After lunch Phil K came round to discuss his manuscript, which went really well, but after 90 minutes or so I had to go and lie down. Slept for a while. Dot went out for drinks, and I popped over to say hello to Des, Chris and Ciara very briefly. Sean has a problematic heart condition. Derek Bower is in hospital with sepsis. Des got us fish chips, and I ate a fair bit while we watched Tour de France. Excellent coverage as always. David FaceTimed and said I looked better. Had a good chat. Watched another episode of The Undeclared War, which is first-class and quite frightening 

Saturday was mild, mainly overcast.  Colin came to cut our hedge and rebuild our wall – £160 + tip. His son Jordan got a first in law. Managed to eat a decent lunch, then Paul came round and we had quite a long chat. He had had to be rushed into hospital when a varicose vein burst and blood spurted out. He lost about two litres, and fainted, but by then had alerted an ambulance. Scary. Had longish phone call with Kristine, who had her cornea cut by flying glass/splinters caused by pigeons. Yes, pigeons. She’s ok now.  Still feeling very tired, and it was a struggle to eat dinner, but at least I had a couple of glasses of wine. Also walked up on to path. Watched cricket, Tour time trial and last two episodes of Faroes noir Trom, which were deeply unsatisfying. 

Today Dot is at church, for a special St Aug Way moot + Communion + shared lunch. Couldn’t quite face it, but probably should have gone. i just feel tired and fuzzy-headed. It probably won’t go until I actually do something.

It seems so long ago – the big day at last. By today I had thought it would be a distant memory, and I would hardly remember I had had my gall bladder out. Instead, I think of little else. It was a very warm, blue-sky Sunday. It hadn’t been a bad night, considering. Had my last bath in ten days, as it turned out, and Dot drove me to hospital. No breakfast, of course. Very easy drive, and we arrived half an hour early. But that was ok. Everything was checked out by various people, and I ended up in pre-op and eventually – after a chat with a nurse, anaestheticist and a surgeon, who had a list of things that could go wrong – changed into a robe and pants and walked into the preparation room.

The next thing I knew it was well after 4pm. Apparently the op had been more complex than I anticipated, and I ended up with four keyholes (which I now find is normal – why did no-one mention this?) Apparently there was a slight bleed on the liver and a hernia repair that seemed to involve my tummy button. Felt pretty lousy, but they seemed keen to get rid of me, in the nicest possible way. They rang Dot, who picked me up about 5.25pm and took me home. Quite a bit of pain and tiredness. The former improved when I took codeine and paracetamol. Watched a bit of TV and had a small meal (fish), then went to bed. 

After that, it was all a bit of a blur. I think I was feeling more or less Ok on Monday, but then I developed a bit of a temperature and lost my appetite. I was certainly feeling well below par, with a very fuzzy head (Not much different from usual, you my say). DurIng Tuesday and Wednesday I wasn’t feeling at all well, partly because I had no appetite and partly because i couldn’t go to the loo (no 2). My birthday passed in a blur, but Kim called in and we had a chat. The weather was very warm, and I had the fan on in my room. In fact tonight (Thursday) was the first time I didn’t feel I had a temperature. Dot keeps trying to get me to eat, but the more she gets me what I like, the more I don’t want it. Very frustrating for both of us. I’v e managed to keep up with the Tour de France, but I’ve been in bed most of the time.

This morning Carrie rang, and we discussed what we thought was wrong. She advised ringing the doctor, which Dot eventually did. The receptionist wanted to speak to me, then consulted the duty doctor, not in hearing, who decided I should go to A&E “urgently”. I really didn’t want to, but of course we did, and it was amazingly easy. Roads were quite clear, and we parked in A&E. Dot was sent off for a coffee while I checked in and did a urine sample, then saw one of the “family doctors” by the entrance. He checked me, particularly the wounds, and felt I did not have an infection, but because my “numbers” were a bit on the tight side he thought I should take antibiotics for a week. I was in there less than half an hour, I think. Dot took me to our chemist’s at Heartsease, who at first expressed disbelief that the hospital could have ordered it electronically, but had to admit eventually that they had. So I am now on antibiotics. Bridget came later to clean, and I wasn’t feeling good at the point. Now I think I may be making progress. David has been in touch a lot. Oliver and Amy have done well: Oliver got a 1st and Amy got an A+ and an A-

Today (Fri) I went to the loo at 5am but still didn’t feel great. Have been again since then. Watched cricket and ate a little bit. Still fuzzy.  Decided not to go to Bungay to help lead a Retreat , and afterwards felt very tired and slept quite a lot. Spoke To David again. Dot went outside and had a drink, then got some fish and chips. By then I felt well enough to eat a few chips and chunk of fish, though it left me with greasy feeling. Watched Tour and some Open Golf, another episode of The Undeclared War, which is excellent. 

Saturday was warm and dry. Felt pretty ropey when I woke up, but improved and was able to eat a little breakfast. Then felt well enough (I thought) to go to Bungay, with the proviso I might come back again if I felt bad. In fact all went well, and to my surprise I was able to eat some lasagne and garlic bread, plus some ice cream. After lunch led a session and then walked down to river, which is stunning, especially in this weather. Took some pics. Afterwards went to bed while Dot did one of her creative sessions. Woke feeling still a bit iffy and ate a little tea – not much. Afterwards Bridget did session on poetry and then I led a short  one on prayer. We prayed for a while then did charades and a memory game which I was pretty bad at. Feeling much better as we went to bed around 11, especially as I was able to go to the loo.

However we both had a terrible night, and I felt pretty awful the next day, especially after I’d eaten a beef pie. We had a Communion service, partly ley by the Quiet Waters guy, who was an Australian Baptist. He and his wife were both lovely. Gradually felt worse, and could not leave soon enough. Fortunately I remembered it was my aunt Thelma’s birthday, and I bought a QW card, and Dot dropped it off. I had intended to take Thelma out for a drive, but of course it was impossible. Managed to watch Tour de France in evening, plus ODI cricket, but by the time we went to be I was feeling pretty bad again.

Today we continue in the midst of a climate crisis – it’s really extremely hot – but I think I feel a bit better. Have watched the Open Golf and have been to the loo twice. Dot did me. fried egg sandwich for lunch. But I still feel extremely tired, though I slept reasonably well.

Monday afternoon was reasonably warm and dry.  Caught up with e-mails and wrote blog. Watched cricket, Tour de France, some Wimbledon. Amy FTd at teatime. She has just finished her exams and seems quite bright – pleased about Blakeney. Made chilli con carne.   Watched McDonald & Dodds. Very contrived plot, but good characters. Also watched The Outlaws – very well written and acted. 

Tuesday was overcast in Norwich at first, but later sunny and warm, cooling in the evening. Went to Archant Pensioners’ breakfast and had one. Ian Clarke came to speak, and he said  in one week that number eleven was closing. Oh no, that’s a Bob Dylan song. He’s actually the EDP deputy editor and he gave us a talk about what was going on, then answered questions. Dot asked two questions that he said were good. I asked a few too. Robin, Shelagh, Brian and Tricia were there, as well as the usual suspects. Anna came round at lunchtime and gave Dot a violin lesson. After watching the cricket we drove out to Beeston Regis to visit Fred and Sue’s caravan, and had a good time which included a barbecue – salmon. Sun quite hot until around 8pm, when it got chilly. We went for a short walk, then drove home. Watched tennis highlights on iPlayer Just squeezed in Cameron Norrie, the British No1 who has reached the semi-finals. England beat India at cricket, and in other news the Chancellor and Health  Secretary both resigned. Not sure why.

Wednesday was overcast all day. Quite mild, though the temperature varied. Dot went to Tasburgh for DSSO while I walked up to the Maids Head to meet Paul Dickson. Discovered I had sold no books at all except the five I had sold myself. Discussed The Lost Princess and a possible Paston book. Agreed to try to produce a couple of sample chapters with Lucy. After lunch went to Morrisons to stock up, and then delivered Dot to a Safeguarding meeting near church (Green Hills Road), following which I drove home, killed a pigeon on the way and tested the tyre pressures (unrelated). They were more or less OK. Watched some Wimbledon, with irritating Nadal beating Fitz (before even more irritatingly withdrawing the next day). Also caught up with Tour de France. Think Boris Johnson resigned somewhere about here.

Thursday was windy, and a bit cooler, at least at first. Dot went up to surgery for a blood test, among other things, and was told she seemed to be in pretty good health, which cheered her up. Later she walked into the city to get something or other for someone or other who is apparently having a birthday soon. I walked some of the way with her and came back via the Cathedral, walking the labyrinth. After lunch we watched a bit of Wimbledon, and she did bit of gardening while I wrote some e-mails and then started looking at stuff for the retreat. Bridget came to clean, and we confirmed when next C&C meeting was. Watched first two episodes of An Undeclared War, which so far is excellent. 

Yesterday Dot was at a Religious Education conference at UEA. Went by taxi, which arrived around 8am! Very warm day. I spent much of it putting final touches to the retreat programme and writing a short liturgy. Met Dot off the bus and we went to the usual drinks gathering at 5.30 – except of course that I’m not allowed alcohol until my operation. Very annoying! Watched a bit of wheelchair Wimbledon. Feel strangely apprehensive. Got lovely card from Kim full of reassurance; so I shouldn’t.

Today has been pretty warm, but a bit windy. Anne came for coffee in the morning after navigating another road problem – a barrier across Koblenz Avenue. Suspect she missed an earlier diversion sign. After she left, walked down with Dot to have a look. On the plus side, there was plenty of work going on. Spent rest of day watching woman’s final at Wimbledon and caught tail-end of men’s doubles. Watched a lot of T20 cricket, but recording cut off in middle. Later watched first episode of new Scandi noir, which is promising. David FTd to check on me before my operation. Had messages from several people, which was all nice. Feel quite strange, which I imagine is normal. 

It’s Monday, reasonably warm, and less than a week to go to my operation, assuming I don’t get another phone call… It’s slightly cloudy, and I’m trying to catch up. Just had a good session at church with a slightly reduced number, but Nikki and Leanne were both there, as was Phil; so all went well until Phil’s dog picked up ticks and he had to rush off. (The dog was with his wife at the time.) Carrie is in Leeds, and Graham may or may not be at the General Synod.

Last Wednesday was warm but overcast, with rain in the evening when I went to meet Dot from orchestra: Janet dropped her on Rosary Road as usual. In the morning Dot went to see Anne, who was worried about her husband, while I did quite a lot of preparation on the retreat I’m leading in three weeks’ time. In the afternoon Dot went into the city to have her feet done and bought a new top. Kim had been hoping to come over but has had a migraine for two days. Watched some Wimbledon: Radicanu  and Murray both lost. 

Thursday was mainly overcast, with some heavy rain in early evening. Quite mild. Left for Blakeney just after 2pm and after an amazingly trouble-free journey arrived at the Manor Hotel just before 3pm. Unpacked and met Julia and Dave, then went to the Two Magpies for tea and donut. Afterwards checked in at Blakeney Cottages about accommodation at the end of August. Good meal – steak and kidney pie ++ – then Dot and I walked out by quayside and got some quite reasonable photos. 

Mixed weather on Friday – warm sunshine with some dark clouds and occasional light showers. Drove to Wells, originally intending to get the bus to Holkham and walk back. But it started raining as we waited and so we decided to start with coffee in the Maltings, then walk up to the beach (over a mile), where we had lunch. Walked over by the new lifeboat station (still under construction) to view the beach – tide on the way out. Saw a couple of oystercatchers and a curlew.

Walked back to the town, stopping a couple of times for a rest, then drove back to Blakeney. (We’d parked in a new car park at Wells). Dot and I walked up to try to find a cottage which we’d talked to Blakeney Cottages about, but couldn’t track it down. On the way back caught the BC woman as she was leaving, and she told us how to find it. However, we later decided to go for the other option, in the centre of the village. Nice meal again – I had fish and chips and was so full I couldn’t eat a sweet. Exhausted.

For the second night in succession I woke around dawn (and several other times – previous night was worse). But Saturday was bright sunshine as we got up and packed. Later windy but quite warm: cloudy. Rain in late evening. Did nearly all the packing before breakfast, then went up to Blakeney Cottages and booked High Tides for the end of August, when the grandchildren are coming up. This is an apartment over the BC office, with great views and a price tag to match.

Back to the hotel to meet Dave and Julia, and we all walked to Morston – hard going; I don’t think its an exaggeration to say I could have done it in half the time. On arrival found the Anchor was shut “for a few weeks”, so decided to go back to the Two Magpies in Blakeney  for lunch. Coasthopper bus happened along at just the right time. After alighting we looked at old cars in the bright new Blakeney Garage, and then Dot and I went and looked at the other cottage we’d considered. We made the right choice.

Met D & E back in the Two Magpies and had lunch – too soon after breakfast really. Afterwards sat on the bench outside for a while. A group of runners arrived by coach. One of them told me they were running from Blakeney to Snettisham, which is about marathon distance. Decided not to join them and drove home, arriving about 2.15pm. Unpacked and tidied up, practised hymns. Then drove to Attleborough for concert in the church, which was excellent. Sillars orchestra and the church choir. Bridget and David were there; also Neville (and Mary with a new clarinet); and Angela and Rodney. Afterwards it was raining. I drove home without lights (until we reached Norwich). A11 not too bad really. Watched a bit of Tour de France.    

Sunday was another long day. Dry, but plenty of cloud. A few drops of rain in the evening. Led church service, which seemed to go well. New woman called Hilary joined us, but she didn’t hang around afterwards. Perhaps she was a diocesan spy? Howard absent because of chaotic church accounts, by which he is slowly being driven to distraction. Carrie preached – good but a bit long. After lunch we walked up to Cow Tower to watch a Crude Apache play on the fisher girls of Lowestoft: excellent except for unnecessary  dismissive comments about prayer.  One or two idiots brought dogs, one of which barked at every passing mongrel, of which there were plenty.

Watched a little bit of Wimbledon, some cricket, then prepared poems for the evening and made supper – duck a l’orange – during which David FTd. Then rushed off to Lowestoft for a Seagull poetry session. Read five poems – three from my new book – and sold four copies! Spoke to Lynne, who had some esoteric advice on whether to have the operation or not – plus Sue, Kaaren, Pat, Ivor, Peter Charmian and of course Ian. Easy journey back. Had several messages from people who thought I was having the operation that day.