Saturday morning, and we’re about to go to the Robinsons’ for lunch with them and the Stedmans. Feeling a bit better. Have just been watching a robin washing itself in a bowl of water in our garden. It spent almost as long in the bath as I do.

Yesterday Dot went to Ipswich for the launch of a philosophy folder which has her name in it, because she helped to put it together. By the time she got back, I had left for North Walsham and the private view of Lucy’s latest exhibition at the Griffon Gallery. I was first there and got at the cheese and crisps outside, because it was a warm evening. Nice selection of prints: some new, some older. Spoke to Sue Willis, one of the helpers and to Lucy when she eventually arrived with Jonathan and Naomi, who looked very striking. Caroline also arrived while I was there, and no doubt there were others, but I had to leave after half an hour to travel to Wymondham, where I had a chess game for Dons B against the Eagles. Played Andrew Donnelly, who is graded about the same as me, and managed to win a very exciting and tactical game, which was extremely satisfying. Earlier in the day went round Brian’s with the key again, but still  no answer. Suspect something has happened.

On Thursday had what I believe is called a long lunch with poet Joy McCall at the Rushcutters  in which she elicited so much information from me that I suspect she is writing my biography. Don’t buy it – it’s not true.