Arrived back from Blakeney mid-afternoon and attempted to watch an episode of The Killing II over a cup of tea, but Dot went to sleep. So we emptied the cases (after she woke) and tidied up. Tiredness was not surprising, because we have walked over 9000 steps today.
Dave and Julia left Blakeney after breakfast – a bit later than usual, as Dave doesn’t have much energy at the moment. Dot and I walked into the town and visited a couple of shops before driving to Morston and walking out to the edge of the channel – pleasant under a blue sky despite the very chilly wind. After that we drove to Holt, squeezed into a parking place and tried to find a cafe for lunch. All had queues, however; so we went to Bakers and Larners, which has the air of a 1950s department store with a canteen (Dot’s word).
Nevertheless, I like it, and I had an egg and mayonnaise sandwich. Over the weekend it was brought home to me how difficult it is to eat out if you’re on a low fat diet. Fat gets in all over the place. I’m hoping my gall bladder doesn’t notice. We then bought Dot a necklace and drove back to Norwich, where it was cloudy but not quite so cold.
The weekend as a whole was very enjoyable, and the threatened rain did not really materialise, though it was cold for a summer solstice. We arrived at about 3.15pm on the Sunday, the room was excellent, and we went to the Two Magpies (a new cafe) for a pleasant tea and cake/biscuit. Dot had a substantial rocky road: she ate some of it and wrapped the rest carefully, then forgot to take it with her when she left. I had gingerbread folk. Not man, obviously. That would be sexist.
Both evening meals at the Manor Hotel were excellent. That first night I chose a cod loin on saffron rice with little shrimps in it – something I would never have considered pre-gall bladder incident. It was lovely, as was the apple crumble and mango sorbet. The second night I went for duck, which was a bit risky but similarly delicious, with blueberries and raspberries imaginatively mixed in with the potatoes and gravy. As usual we had a little too much alcohol, and I didn’t sleep too well. After the Magpies, Dot, Julia and I had walked along the front, round and down the Blakeney Hotel road. I added a little with a stroll out towards the sea while Dot and Julia went back to the hotel.
Earlier in the day on Sunday we went to Holy Communion – only 14 in the congregation including Liz, who was leading. Left quickly to have lunch and prepare for driving to Blakeney. David FaceTimed just as we were about to leave to wish me Happy Father’s Day, and Andrew FaceTimed just after we got there. Wales lost to Italy 1-0 but went through. Saw the second half.
Yesterday, as today, I had boiled eggs for breakfast. We drove in separate cars to Cley NWT, but the few cafe tables there were all full, so we moved on to the Muckleburgh Collection near Kelling/Weybourne (£12 each), which turned out to be very interesting. We started in the cafe, then did the tour, then returned to the cafe for lunch. Fascinating visit – glad we got there at last: the models were outstanding and the instruments of death strangely beautiful, which can’t be right. We then returned to the hotel because Dave was feeling tired, but later we went with Julia for a walk along towards Wiveton then back out toward the sea– but not far because of the cold wind.
Returning to last Wednesday, which was the final very warm day of a welcome series, we didn’t do much till 3pm, when we had drinks with Des and Chris in their garden. Later we watched Notting Hill, which is lovely, and I caught up with some with computer work. We also watched an episode of Before We Die. Very low step count today, but on the plus side we FaceTimed with Amy.
Thursday was cloudy, with rain overnight but mostly dry during the day, contrary to forecast. We drove to Blickling and met Dave and Julia. Walked over to the cafe in the main building and had tea and scone, then walked round the lake. The notice said 1.9 miles, but it was nearer three; as a result Dave was on his last legs when we got back, so ate at the Buckinghamshire Arms instead of the cafe (it was nearer). Very nice, but a bit high in fat. I had wine; so Dot drove home. In the evening we drove Eleanor to Vicky’s for Cake and Compline round the fire pit. Watched an episode of Fargo when we got back, plus some football. Rebecca de Saintonge, who should know what she is talking about, said she loved my Lost Princess book, and I should get it published.
Friday was very wet. I caught up with Paston editing while Dot went into the city to meet Janet Bower in Jarrolds. She got very wet on the walk home. In the evening watched England and Scotland draw 0-0 at Wembley in a boring game. Des got Dot fish and chips from a place in Plumstead Road while I cooked chicken, potatoes and peas for myself. After football we watched Masked and Anonymous – a film with Bob Dylan. It wasn’t all that good because he can’t act. The others could, but there’s a limit to what you can do. Rob said he liked my poetry book. FaceTime with David about getting a keyboard for my tablet, which is very kind of him.
Saturday was overcast, with water in the air not quite turning into rain. We shopped at Morrison’s and filled up with petrol, then I sorted out some chess games from my cuttings for Mike Read, had a bath, and after lunch Dot dropped me near his house and I took them round. Had cup of tea with him and walked home. He is planning a book on Norfolk chess – may get a couple of my games in it! The games I took him were by Clive Cubitt. While looking for them I found a cutting of David winning a tournament with 7/7. Sent a pic to his children, who were impressed. Later watched a bit of football and a film, Days of the Bagnold Summer, which was quite good, despite the strange title.