Strangely quiet today – dull in the morning, though no rain in the offing. Sunny in the afternoon, when I walked over to Budgen’s and back over the Julian bridge, picking up cash to pay Bridget for fish cakes she brought. Later we did a bit of shopping at Morrison’s, sharing the walking. Des admired Dot’s work on the drive.

I’ve just booked a night at the Seckford Hall Hotel at Woodbridge when the Evetts are there, and we’ve heard that Amy got all 9s in her GCSEs, except for a couple of 8s – one in art, which is ridiculous: she’s an outstanding artist. All round, she could hardly have done better. Earlier in the week we heard that Oliver got into Warwick University with four A*s. No surprise there, but I’m glad his brilliance has been recognised. I’m sure it will be the right place for him.

Going back to last Saturday, we were invited over for drinks at Des and Chris’s with Ciara. It was D&C’s 39th wedding anniversary. We watched more Olympics, but they’re now over: seemed to have passed quickly, really. Had a bad night form some reason, and on Sunday and Monday I felt really quite groggy. Still not sure what it was: headache and queasy stomach.

Took a few pills on Sunday and got by. Heavy showers. Before church we got petrol and then went home for Dot’s suddenly missing phone before discovering it in the car. Meanwhile we had a text saying IKEA plates were being delivered – should have been Monday, but we came home a bit early from church and were here when they arrived. Then we went to Kim’s for lunch, which lasted until nearly 6pm. She had a nice message to me from God (Oh yes she did). Fascinating chat about Covid, vaccines and totalitarianism, among other things. Not sure I agree with all she said, but have some sympathy with her views. We parked on Sussex Street and walked from there: she lives on the riverside path, almost opposite the sluice. Lovely house. Lovely food too. In evening watched final Olympics highlights and an episode of Baptiste. Felt a bit better.

Woke up in the night and wrote part of a poem. Rain in the morning, but dry after mid-afternoon. Reasonably warm. Caught up with e-mails and wrote letter (what that? – ed) to a woman in Skeyton who had sent me some Hemsby magazines with articles in that she thought I wrote. I didn’t, but strangely enough they did come from Parish Pump. Dot went to Morrisons for food to give Paul, who came round for a meal in the evening. I walked up to the Rosary after posting the letter, but felt very tired. FaceTimed David to ask about Fibre Broadband. Earlier Amy FTd, worried about her results and A-level choices. Meal with Paul very successful, despite my feeling strange . We went to bed quite early. 

Tuesday was a very full day, dry and reasonably warm. Up very early to take car in for 8.30 appointment for four new tyres. Arrived quarter of an hour early and had to wait outside. Went for walk while tyres were being fixed. Later drove up to charity shop, then Dot dropped me at Lion Wood, and I walked through and then through the Rosary home. Have done over 8000 steps today in all, but feel much better now, though I did lie down late in the afternoon. FTd David briefly and attempted to FT Oliver, but he was in the pub celebrating his four A stars and admission to Warwick University. Edited some placards for Peter and then watched Montalbano – one we remembered – and University Challenge, Yes Minister and two episodes of Ted Lasso, though they were a bit of a challenge because of a rubbish connection.

Yesterday was warm. Oliver FTd us while I was in the bath. I got out, and we had quite a long chat. He seems very happy. Dot spent most of the day in the garden, working very hard; she cleaned the front drive, among other things. Webinar from NRO on Paston – interview with Rob, Karen and Gary Tuson. Not bad. Wrote sermon in afternoon and chose hymns. Dot was offered three City tickets by Jonathan: spent some time working out when I could pick them up. Dot had zoom PCC meeting in the evening, on Finances – I went for a short walk by a river and then read my Orkney novel, which I completed this morning. Not bad, not brilliant.