So much for new year health hopes for David and me. I have just passed the peak (I hope) of a really bad cold, which started overnight on Sunday and has left me tired out and stuffed up. All the usual old problems. Out of bed today, but not feeling up to much.

Far worse, David developed a mystery infection that involved a rash, high temperature and exhaustion. Obviously Dot and I were worried sick about him being alone in the flat, but angels were nigh in the shape of Chrissy, Vicky and Oliver. Eventually, with some help from Dot, they persuaded him to consult a doctor, and he is now on antibiotics and is getting some other checks. Not sure what the problem is, though: he’s still very tired.

Obviously most of my plans for this week were cancelled, but before I succumbed I walked up to the museum on Saturday and had a look round the W G Sebald “Sight Lines” exhibition, which was quite interesting in a rather intimate way. Also took in a water colour collection by John Sell Cotman.

On Sunday Dot still had a cold but I went to church and did her prayers for her. Only 11 of us there. In the afternoon semi-recovered Dot and I went over the road for some post-Christmas nibbles with Des and Chris. Very nice. Hope they survived the encounter.

Since then I have missed the Archant coffee morning, Mary Welander’s funeral, and Nicholas’s book launch at the Revelations cafe. Would have liked to have been at all three. Dot went to the book launch and was greeted warmly by Nicholas. Many others there including Mark, Lisa and June Campling and Bridget Fosten, who bore news that Ian had had a triple heart bypass.

Dot seems to be working very hard on the Paston conference. She has tried unsuccessfully to get a refund on her Somerset train ticket. Tonight she will probably go to book club at St Luke’s. I certainly won’t. Just want to lie down really.