Leytonstone proved interesting for Dot. There was the parking, which involved leaving the car on the pavement and finding a shop about a quarter of a mile away where she could pay, and then wedging the ticket in a specific position in the window of the car. (She took a photo of it in case of queries.) When, later in the day, she actually went to the school, she found the security precautions such that she was almost refused entrance, and then had to be accompanied everywhere – even to the toilet.
That was on Monday, and the philosophy session actually went pretty well. The hotel was good too. She was home by about 7.30pm, but Barbara didn’t make it to Devon till 10pm, what with flooding and traffic difficulties. This was storm Alex, apparently, the first named storm of the season. I’m not sure when the season starts.
Meanwhile I was visiting Joy and Phil to collect Dot’s birthday present, and then the supermarket – primarily to obtain dishwasher tablets, which had run out because we mistook the salt for a spare packet (same brand). Later I went up and bought a printer, which I had been meaning to do for ages. I even managed to set out up before Dot got home. The old one had clogged nozzles. I know the feeling.
Tuesday was Dot’s birthday, and we celebrated it by cleaning the house, which was surprisingly satisfying, and then accompanying the Robinsons to a meal at Bishop’s. I do not exaggerate when I say this was the best meal I have had for a very long time, and that includes some very good ones. The starter, main and sweet were all excellent – not too big, not too small and extremely tasty. For the record, I had marinated black bream, then lamb, then banana spring roll. Even the wine was delicious.
After that, Wednesday was a bit flat, though not for Dot, who had to go to Wreningham in the afternoon and to orchestra in the evening. I had intended to go to the Maddermarket in the evening, but couldn’t summon up the energy. Today Dot has been working in her study and is about to go for lunch with Carrie. Happily, the weather has turned much drier.