Strange times: like living in a parallel universe, all white and cold and completely detached, and awaiting what Dr Who might call “something big and dark out there”, except it’s big and white, and returning tomorrow. Still, the road is navigable at the moment, so we’ve just been out to purchase Coalite and logs. Tuesday Group should be happening tonight. Earlier had a long lie-in after Dot’s busy day yesterday, when she presented Philosophy for Children to about 50 teachers at North Walsham and was rewarded with a delicious lunch. Some anxiety from Dot about getting there, so I drove to the bottom of the road for her, but the main roads were quite clear. Our bright new bin proved deficient (the lid wouldn’t close) so we returned it to Bessemer Road in exchange for a good version (we hope) on her return, then called in to do some serious supermarket shopping on the way back. I ventured out to play chess in the evening, but instead of the knockout game I was expecting, I was drafted in to play as a guest in the A team. Unfortunately this coincided with a stomach upset which rather disturbed my wa, though I probably can’t blame losing again solely on that. I did have quite an interesting position at one point.

On Sunday morning there was a moving service in memory of Rosemary, who was always such a welcoming figure at the church – and probably the person most responsible for keeping it going in many practical ways. Her family (including a sister from America) were there, and I think they were moved by what members of the congregation said. She is going to be very sorely missed. Afterwards there was a meeting aimed at sharing out some of her jobs, at least on a temporary basis. Most of the immediate problems centre on hall hiring, which Rosemary was in charge of, but I’m sure many other unexpected things will surface.

Have written a little on training church magazine editors in preparation for the visit of Anne Coomes next week (weather permitting); will do more this week. Also have to prepare a talk and practical ideas for a poetry session at Costessey Junior School, also next week. A little worried by the erratic behaviour of the Broadband connection, which is absolutely fine during the day, but in the evening it goes slower and slower very quickly, until it’s unusable. Could it be the same problem I had before, maybe linked to installing Snow Leopard? I may have to call on technical support…