Weather has been unreliable the last few days. On Thursday last week it was cooler, with dampness in the air. Dot and I went for a walk in Harrison’s Wood, which was more interesting than I thought it would be, before picking up her pills from the chemist. Later Bridget came and brought us fish cakes, as well as cleaning the oven. We watched tennis and cycling, and the last episode of Before We Die, which was pretty good, though not for the Croats involved. Also Fargo, which is getting harder and harder to follow. Had FaceTime with David and Amy together: Amy seems to be growing before our eyes. Oliver meanwhile is in Padstow with three friends and his girl friend, Olivia.
Friday was a bit warmer. We had our hair cut, but before that I posted Joan a birthday card and my poetry book. Later we walked up to the Great Hospital and left a birthday card for Eleanor (with one from Bridget). She was enjoying a rare visit from her son, Sam, so we didn’t stay. Felt very tired afterwards, for some reason. Our usual street rendezvous later was alcohol-free for me, because we were going to Philip’s 80th (81st) birthday do. Which we did, driving to Stoke Mill for a really excellent meal with Philip, Anne, Brian, Pat, Louise & Dave, Sophie & Rich and Charlotte & Chris. Was as careful as possible with meal, but probably had quite a bit of fat, because it was super-delicious. Moules mariniere, chicken, creme brûlée. Girls all lovely, and Philip did well in view of his recent rash and other problems. Anne was understandably a little worried.
Discovered Brian and Pat were members of Surrey Chapel and knew David and Myra Green quite well: sadly it seems Myra is housebound and David is becoming very forgetful. Murray lost, Spain beat Switzerland on penalties and Italy beat Belgium. Home about midnight.
The next day it rained at first, but by the time we got to Mulbarton (through very heavy traffic) it had become dry and warm. We went for a walk with Caren and Phil round Mulbarton, then had tea and cake and a long talk with them, which was quite refreshing. Returned home by a devious and less busy route. However, Dot has not been feeling well – dizzy and a dodgy stomach. She watched tennis while it rained hard outside, and I caught up with computer stuff and prepared prayers, and later we both went to Morrisons. England beat Ukraine 4-0 and we FaceTimed David briefly before watching the Tour de France.
Sunday started off warm, but there was some rain in the afternoon. Church in the morning, of course: I led prayers, and Howard used his new liturgy for St Augustine’s Way – pretty good. Phil was back, sans guitar. Had a long talk with Kim, just returned from Scotland. Later watched a fascinating YouTube talk between a Rabbi and vicar in London, which saw Christianity as the child of Judaism, interrupted by a FaceTime talk with David and Chrissy. Oliver had a good time in Cornwall, apparently. Watched Grand Prix, Tour de France and the final two episodes of The Killing 2 – partly on iPlayer because one episode failed to record. Bed late.
Monday was warm, with a breeze, and rain in the evening. Rejigged the rota to include our new assistant priest, then walked to the Rosary after lunch – Dot went into the city to buy ingredients for lunches later in the week, then later to Morrisons for the same reason. Watched some Wimbledon, but nothing very exciting. Big hope Emma Raducanu retired in the second set with breathing difficulties. Watched programme revealing Mountbatten to be the villain I always thought he was. Bad influence on Charles (that’s just my view). Ordered wine.
Heavy showers yesterday, which we managed to avoid. We walked up to John Lewis for reinstated coffee morning with Robin, Shelagh, Brian and Tricia, then back via Julian Bridge. After lunch drove to Blofield and helped Peter with3D photography in the church while Brenda did the new walk until halted by cows and calves on path. Also chatted to Barbara Pilch, who is off to Scotland this weekend. Watched some Wimbledon and, after an omelette, Italy beating Spain 4-2 on penalties to reach the final of Euro 2020. Cavendish won third sprint stage in Tour. Not feeling great: took two lots of paracetamol and acidophilus. Head swimmy and stomach dodgy. Had a bad night on Monday– but last night wasn’t so bad. Wrote this while Dot went to Morrison’s. Des and Chris are coming round tonight, and the wine has arrived. I’m about to have a bath.