Much more autumnal over the last couple of days. Yesterday evening (Saturday) we took Howard and Anna to Janet and Derek Bower’s new bungalow at Taverham for a barbecue, and it turned pretty chilly. I was wearing a jacket to start with but switched to a heavy coat later on. The food was delicious. I had to restrain myself a bit because of my low-fat diet, but probably ate stuff that I shouldn’t have. I did manage to keep the wine to legal limits, as I was driving.

The bungalow is quite big on a substantial and interesting plot. Both bungalow and plot were described as “small” by Derek, but then they used to live in a rather large house in Lothersdale with expansive views over the Yorkshire Dales. I know, because we house-sat for them once while they were in South Africa, where they own an apartment at Gordon’s Bay. As we had been there and to other parts of the Cape, we were able to converse fairly knowledgably about the area, which was nice.

Earlier in the day we had our hair cut and watched England beat Australia at T20 cricket. I knew the result but managed to keep it from Dot, who was overjoyed when England turned round a hopeless position by taking lots of late wickets and restricting the run chase. Quite near the end it looked so impossible for England to win that I thought I must have got it wrong. Meanwhile in the Tour de France, Adam Yates is still in yellow after a very tough mountain stage, but there are some very good riders within reach. I also managed to squeeze in some Paston work.

Friday was a busy day. I was feeling a bit below par and had to walk up to the ear clinic, near Howard’s. On the way I encountered Howard and his smaller granddaughter in Golden Dog Lane: she was gorgeous (about two years old). As two years ago, Nick – the ear clinic man – was hard to find, even after I’d got into Cavell House, where he now works. Eventually I found the Reception for the building, which was on the first floor, and I was quickly picked up by Nick. The vacuuming operation was very quick, though the left ear was more tricky than the right. I can now hear a bit better.

Afterwards I walked to Jarrolds and bought a card for Oliver, then proceeded along the Walk to the bank, where I changed two illegal £10 notes for a £20. I still find it difficult to tell the difference between illegal notes (paper) and legal ones (plastic). You might think it was obvious…

In the afternoon Dot went to the shops then tried to visit Phyllis at her care home, but they had booked in too many people for the same time; so she was sent away. In the evening we watched Sully: Miracle on the Hudson, which is an excellent film. I knew the story and didn’t know how they would go about filming it, but it was superbly done.

Despite the coolness we enjoyed more wine in the street with Chris, Des, Mark and John-on-the-end. I wore a winter coat, and that was fine. During the day we had a FaceTime from Amy , and while we were talking to her, David and Chrissy joined in, which was nice.

Robin the plumber has been with us all this week; so we have been sleeping in the guest room and having to be ready to greet him at 8am (except today, when it was 9pm). I am beginning to feel a bit tired. This evening he finished all he could do until the floor is laid, which should be in the next couple of weeks. The new shower looks pretty good. We will probably continue to sleep in the guest room for a while, until we are sorted out. Meanwhile, we got the interim bill from electrician Gary, which was just over £2000. Could have been worse.

Earlier today I stayed at home while Dot went to church and did the intercessions. I thought I should be here in case Robin needed me. In the afternoon Paul and Maryta came round for tea/coffee and cakes. Maryta was much the same. Before they came, the Evetts rang and we talked about holidays and things. I cut back some ivy while Dot was at church and also did another Paston letter.

There was another live T20 cricket match today, England v Australia, again won by England. I recorded it and we watched it with a delay so that we could talk to the Hendersons. We also watched the Tour de France and are about to watch the Grand Prix. It’s all go.