Not only did the gas man come again to drain the system and put a new valve in, but we had to have another gas man come on Saturday, because the boiler wasn’t working. Unfortunately this coincided with a couple of chilly days, but it seems to be all right now.

We had our hair cut on Friday after more than three months, which was a great relief. Unfortunately it may have been a shock to the system – combined with the cold house – because by the time we got to my 75th birthday on Sunday I was in a sad state, feeling rotten and not eating anything all day, which was sad for Dot, because she had wanted to celebrate by taking me to the coast. I was convinced I had Covid-19, but I probably haven’t. Anyway we shall soon know because I’m about to take my fourth test , if I can work out how to put the cardboard box together.

I did manage to lead the Zoom service in the evening, but it was touch and go. All I had to do was sit at a table and read the liturgy, then give a slightly controversial talk. June joined for the first time (from Beccles).

Another thing that may not have helped my condition was standing out in the road having a glass of wine on Friday evening and chatting with the neighbours. Seemed pretty harmless, but that’s what I did just before going into hospital a month ago.

The highlight of my birthday was FaceTime with David, Amy and Oliver in the afternoon. They had sent me some books – one on the Fens and Ancillary Mercy – and a stand for my iPhone.

I wish I felt more lively and well. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. Yesterday it was partly my head and partly my stomach, but in a different way to what what it had been earlier. I had a high temperature for a while. Most of the time I just want to go to sleep. Must be very depressing for Dot.