Bit of internet activity on the family tree front, but nothing of any substance yet. Tomorrow we’ll be heading into – or at least passing close to – the area where my paternal grandparents came from: Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Nottingham, Mansfield, Sheffield. According to some sources,my grandfather worked on the Nottingham tramlines at one point; and my grandmother was born in Sheffield. We’re having lunch at Nottingham with the Evetts and then heading into Derbyshire with them for a hotel weekend, based at Buxton. It’s very cold here in Norfolk, and not likely to be any warmer in Derbyshire, but the forecast is for some brightness.

Dot is out in the city somewhere, staying much longer than she intended. This morning I introduced my brother Phil to a friend in the refectory at Norwich Cathedral and left them to chat while I delivered Dot to Carrie’s, then went up to the garage to book the car in for a service and MOT next week. Got a new battery for Dot’s car keys, but it still doesn’t work. Maybe there’s something wrong in the car.

Very good Tuesday Group at the Archers, with tasty vegetarian food including a nice curry sauce, followed by good discussion on not giving full attention. Or to put it another way, putting the Kingdom of God first. Yesterday Dot went by train to Ipswich for a P4C meeting and was half an hour late after the first train was randomly cancelled. Wet, cold and horrible day. I discovered that the large amount of money I had withdrawn from a Norwich Union bond to pay for Andrew’s fees had been held up for lack of a form which I didn’t know they wanted. They hadn’t bothered to call to me to tell them they wanted it, so I am now stuck with either paying the fees late or finding nearly £2000 temporarily from elsewhere. Usual Norwich Union lack of interest in the customer. I shall be glad when the whole Bond is withdrawn, and even gladder when his fees are paid for by Coventry social services department.

Have discovered that if British Airways cabin staff do vote to strike, it won’t be before March 1, which means we can get to Canada, but might not be able to get back. Much the better option. Also discovered that there shouldn’t be any trouble reaching Heathrow by train on the day we go, which is a relief.