It’s getting a little milder, but not sure if it will last. Mainly dry, I’m happy to say, except Wednesday, when the air was full of water, though nothing much “fell”. Unpleasant and cold. I went to the supermarket.

The day before, I met Dot at the Cathedral (she had been for an early lunch with Carrie at the Sahara) and we took some time looking round the David Holgate exhibition in  the Hostry, which was superb. He was a jazz bassist, sculptor and letter-carver who died in 2014. I came across him briefly when I was involved with the 20 Group project Voices and Visions, and I have a passing acquaintance with his apprentice Philippa Fawcett, who is a similarly excellent letter-carver.

David carved the two beautiful statues by the west door of the Cathedral – one of St Benedict and one of Mother Julian, and he has a great deal more work within the Cathedral. I intend to do the tour of them very soon. The exhibition was really stimulating – there was an excellent video – and happened to be invigilated by another acquaintance – Susan Curran, of Larks Press.

In the evening we went to cake and compline at Claire’s. I was given a lift with Judy while Dot made her own way there because she had a meeting at Little Plumstead school. We spent some time discussing St Augustine’s Way and were joined (coincidentally) by Anna, which was nice.

On Thursday the weather improved slightly, but it was still very cold, with the odd flake of snow. I took Phil up to the hospital for a conference with his consultant, who could only offer to revisit his spinal operation to try to put right the tear. This however is a more dangerous operation than the previous one, with some unpleasant risks, such as meningitis. Phil decided to go for it, as the alternative was continuing severe pain. It will take place on February 17.

In the evening we went to the Theatre Royal for a ballet – Coppelia – by the Russian State Ballet of Siberia. As it was still very cold we took a taxi, but walked home. I am not a big ballet fan, but Dot is, and I am glad to say that I quite enjoyed it, mainly because the dancers and costumes were excellent. Admittedly the whole story, such as it was, was sown up before the interval and the second “half” was just a series of dancers showing off their expertise, but still…

Yesterday the weather took a decided turn for the better. It was quite sunny and warmer; so I got a lift from Dot on her way to yet another meeting at Little Plumstead, and walked up from near the River Green at Thorpe across Pilling Park, Lion Wood and the Rosary. This takes in three quite steep climbs, and by the time I got home I was pretty tired, though it was only a couple of miles in length.

Today the weather is quite nice again, and Dot will be off to Carrow Road shortly. In the evening the Hendersons are coming round for a meal.