The bargeboard saga has taken a turn for the worse, with the company ringing up to say there will be a delay of a few weeks because the specialist firm has a backlog. Dot, who took the call, was pretty angry about this, as the gutter and downpipe on part of the house are now non-existent, and there is a gaping hole up into the loft space. When she demanded that this be fixed, the guy claimed that I had known the asbestos was there because I had built it. This was so ludicrous that it made her very angry and she made a few remarks about how likely it was that I would build a house, or even part of one. Happily, I was not here to hear them. We now await a call on Monday or Tuesday. Very irritating. More delays also on changing the street light outside our house. There is now a big hole in the pavement and two light posts, one of which has a cable attached. Neither of them light, so we are leaving our outside porch light on to dissuade the many local inhabitants who like the dark from cosying up to our house, car, garage, etc. I am not particularly happy about the pile of rubble inviting drunks to play with it, but what can you do? Many streets around the city are in the same condition.

Not only that, but Bryan Gunn has been sacked as manager of Norwich City, following the 4-0 away win at Yeovil, which was clearly unacceptable. With his deputy Ian Butterfield in charge the team drew 1-1 at Exeter yesterday and should have won, if the highlights were anything to go by, which they probably weren’t. Sorry about the headline above, but I couldn’t say no. As usual.

Dot employed an accountant on Thursday, which seems like a good move. A very amiable guy, not too expensive, but clearly knows what he’s talking about. Should make life in that area a lot easier. Saw the consultant at the N&N on Friday, and he was happy with my progress since the most recent operation; so I don’t have to go and see him again unless something unexpected happens or my PSA level goes up. Which would also be unexpected, but not totally impossible. He was as positive as it’s possible for doctors to be that all the signs point to everything being fine. After lunch that day we drove out to take Jessie to Walcott, where we stranded her at her friend’s care home while we wandered on the beach. She was supposed to ring us when she was ready, but of course we all forgot that there’s no mobile (O2) signal at Walcott, in common with much of North Norfolk. We eventually returned (after bumping into friend Judith) to rescue her. Happily it was a warm day, and she had been sitting in the garden quite happily. Returned to her house by way of the cemetery, where we left flowers. Enjoyed tea and cake. Showed her Scotland pictures on Dot’s computer.

David has apparently given up his plan to buy a Mazda Bongo, at least for the time being. We had a long talk about it by way of webcam, and I was pretty positive, but in the end I think the disadvantages weighed more heavily. Grandchildren still in France, but now with grandparents only. Today warm again, and a really nice service at church. I led, Paul preached, and Howard did the intercessions. Next two weeks we won’t be there, and I fear there may be some problems with the music or lack of it, which I must try to sort out or ameliorate, if that’s the right word. Dot has just finished reading The Girl who Played with Fire in the garden – compulsive thriller – and is talking about going for a walk.