Another busy week with mixed weather, quite chilly and a lot of moisture in the air. I am writing this while Dot attends a diocesan gathering at Mattishall, which meant we had to get up early.
Last Wednesday we drove to Sheringham in our new car for lunch at the Dales Country House Hotel with Fred and Sue Riches (celebrating their 75th and 70th birthdays). Needless to say we were late, but at least they hadn’t started. Also present: Liz and David Cannon; Janet and Graham Smith; Pat and Marjorie. Very nice meal and a lovely setting. We gave F&S a really nice walks book with artistic illustrations.
After lunch we drove back to Norwich to meet the Evetts, who had arrived early and gone for a walk.
The next day we went to a special event at Dipples (by invitation), and Dot bought a ring and some earrings (birthday and Christmas presents). She also had some new boots, a pie dish and a couple of other things. The event was packed. Afterward Dot and Julia went shopping, and Dave and I went for a walk – out to the architectural winner on Goldsmith Street and then back along the riverside path. Probably a bit too far. We had a fish pie by Dot in the evening and then went to see Le Mans 66 at the cinema – a brilliant film which, since it was true, couldn’t have the perfect ending. Christian Bale and Matt Damon were superb.
Friday was Dot’s birthday, and one of the busiest days I can remember for me personally. We started by going to St Benet’s Abbey after breakfast and inevitably ran into Paul and Maryta. I think we got away with it. After lunch we hurtled up to the Maids Head for a John Fenn talk by Rob Knee, for which again we arrived a little late, though fortunately not after the talk started. Needless to say, he was very good. I had a chat with Paul Dickson afterwards and then realised I had time (just) to walk up to the Castle Mall to get my phone fixed. while the others had tea and a tour of the hotel.
After leaving the phone I got a bus home and finished the washing up from lunch, then got a bus back to pick the phone up and buy a cover, which I was very pleased with. The only problem with the phone now is that it occasionally drops the phone signal and 4G, but I believe this is because of its recent upgrade. Easily put it right, as long as I notice it! I then walked home again, and not much later we were walking to Carrow Road for the birthday lunch at Delia’s.
This proved a huge success, largely because of Jordan, who greeted Dot warmly, having spoken to her several times on the phone and not only got us a free bottle of Prosecco but gave us a tour behind the scenes afterward, which left Dot all bright-eyed and bushy tailed. The food was good too. Anne was there but missed the tour because she wanted to get back to get Philip to bed: he is in a bit of a bad way after dislocating his hip for the third time.
On Saturday we had a reasonably early breakfast, and the Evetts left for three days at Blakeney after Dave helped me to load David’s table into the car. We then drove to Aylesbury via Hemel Hempstead, having intended to go via Cambridge until we saw the A14 was shut. This turned out well, though, and we went directly to David’s apartment, which is really nice and spacious with great views. Amy has a really beautiful room, and she later decorated the apartment for Christmas – though of course no-one will be there. Oliver was initially out having a driving lesson.
Amy accompanied us to the Premier Inn so that we could book in. By now it was dark, and it wasn’t easy driving through Aylesbury, which has loads of mini-roundabouts and bus lanes which were barely visible. Premier Inn room was fine. On the way back we picked up Oliver and David, who had been to Nando’s to pick up supper. Earlier we had watched the second half of Everton v Norwich on David’s private channel. City played really well and won 2-0, mainly because Zimmermann was back from injury.
We left for home yesterday after a breakfast of waffles that was delicious, and took on board quite lot of stuff that David wanted to get rid of, including a rather nice projector. The journey was good, taking in a bit of the M25, and we stopped at the new Costa’s at Royston for a sandwich. Very nice. I drove the first bit, and Dot the second. We arrived home just after 5pm after filling up with petrol at Morrisons.
The only problem with the car is that it continually shows a tyre warning. I checked all of them on Saturday morning, and they seemed OK, though all were rather lower than I thought they should have been. No problem on the journey, but I’ll check them again when I get time. Or I may drive up to the garage and point out the problem. On the whole, the car is very nice to drive, and the heads-up display is very handy.