I’ve just had a day full of Paston Footprints – a morning meeting at North Walsham, followed (after lunch and a longish walk) by writing the minutes, which is always a challenge. Not a particularly harmonious meeting, although everyone eventually gives way to L; so there were no actual fights. L really wants to organise the whole thing herself, but if she did and then disappeared into hospital for a couple of months, it could get quite awkward.
Karen made a surprise appearance. Her health appears to be improving somewhat. But for how long? Rob continues to hold it all together. In his place I would have given up long ago. Bit disappointed I couldn’t take the magazines over, but no e-mail from Nick yet.
Still quite cold, with the promise of more cold and even snow tomorrow or the day after.
Dot drove herself to Diocesan House today; she appears to be able to drive the MX5 without using 2nd gear. Earlier in the week I drove her to Catfield and Little Plumstead (Monday) and Forncett (yesterday). After Catfield I drove back to the doctor’s and saw Dr Danelia Carlile, who was very good, listened and eventually persuaded me to take statins because I have minor kidney disease and a 42% chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the next ten years. Allegedly.
Coincidentally a friend who is about 30 years younger than me and is not in any at-risk group has just had a minor stroke, which just goes to show, doesn’t it? I think the statins are making me tireder, but as I’ve walked quite a long way this week, that may not be the case. I’m giving them a fair shot. You can put that on my tombstone.
After Forncett, we both went into the city: Dot bought some Christmas presents and I went to the bank and then bought some cards. I could feel it getting colder. In the evening (yesterday) while Dot was at Little Plumstead again, this time for a Christmas concert, I had a very long talk with Oliver on FaceTime. This was because he has fractured his collar bone playing rugby and is confined to home for a while. Amy and their parents were at a parents’ evening.
Last Friday we went to Swaffham for lunch with the Higbees, which was very pleasant. Alan is 77 but seems to be thriving, turning out a lot of wooden bowls (get it?).
On Saturday Dot spent some time at St Augustine’s Hall with Carrie’s local families group, making Christmas cards. This group is growing; so we are having a Messy Christmas on December 17 for their benefit. This replaces my alternative carol service. I tried to combine the two, but Carrie wasn’t keen on the script I wrote, which would have been difficult for children. So I am adapting it for the 24th and hope to persuade my family to come along. No pressure.