Snow has returned, but not for us. Quite severe in the Midlands, but we have a grey, wet and thoroughly uninviting day, and Dot is about to go into the city to lunch with Anne, who is celebrating her retirement. In view of the rain, I shall probably drive her up there.

Things have been quiet after the excitement of Christmas and New Year. For me, that is. Dot has been busy: first, preparing for and then delivering her presentation on the distinctiveness of a church school to staff from Easton, Hockering and Great Witchingham. The event was held at Ringland – not on the hills but at the village inn – and went very well. Since then she has been preparing for her Philosophy4Children event at Dulwich College Prep School, who have just rung up to check what she needs in the way of IT support and accommodation. Refreshingly professional of them, and reassuring for Dot.

As for me, I have managed a walk or two – the longer of them yesterday, when I paid in church collection money before calling at Phyllis Seaman’s to check that she was OK: she’s normally a regular at church but hasn’t been seen since the Sunday before Christmas, when she had a bad cold. She’s in her 80s and has no phone, so it’s hard to contact her. She was out when I called, but a neighbour said he’d seen her shopping recently, so she must be well enough to get around.

Yesterday, on twelfth night, we took down the Christmas decorations and deposited them in the loft. The house looked very bare without them, but at the same time tidier.

Last night England won the final test match against Australia, which meant they won the series 3-1. A historic achievement, especially as their victories were all by an innings. Makes you wonder how they managed to lose in Perth. Lots of Australian jokes going round, many of them weak, along the lines of What do you call an Australian with 100 against his name? A bowler. I think it was Graham Swann who said that over-the-top celebrations were out of order. Quite right: things can change so quickly in cricket, and there is a huge amount of luck involved. This does not stop me being delighted, however.

Had my six-monthly blood test the other day. Always a time for holding my breath, but I feel OK.