Surprisingly chilly today, and some rain in the air. Drove up to Oaklands this morning for a reinstated Archant coffee morning. Usual suspects with the addition of Su Lee and David Wakefield. Cake. Went pretty well, I think. Dot and I popped next door into the farm shop afterwards and bought a couple of things, including something for Fred and Sue’s wedding anniversary. Trying to resist turning the heating on.
However, I’m feeling better. Last Friday I was groggy, but not groggy enough to stop me carrying on as usual. Took a Covid lateral flow test – negative. Took paracetamol. Walked up through the Close to the Ivy and had a lovely meal with Angela and Rodney. Included possibly the most expensive bottle of wine I’ve ever had – a Provence rosé, £56. Split between us, but still possibly a bit excessive. I had two starters instead of a main course: their fabled duck liver parfait and some smoked salmon, followed by creme brûlée.
Afterwards walked home while Dot did a bit of wandering. Lay down for a while but felt worse. Got up and felt better. David FTd us, and we discussed some difficult political scenarios, among other things. After that we went out for our Friday night street party – Mark, Sarah, Des, Chris, John. Watched a documentary on North Uist and their £3m lottery win; then cricket v India; then Endeavour. Before we got into bed Dot massaged my shoulders and neck, which was very helpful. Ears popping like mad. Not quite so warm, but pleasant enough.
Saturday was warm – quite close, in fact, with some dark clouds. Still feeling groggy. Drove to North Walsham in the morning to receive Carrow Rd tickets from Jonathan. He said his mum went to the doctor with a stomach ache, hadn’t been feeling ill and was told she had extensive cancer. She died a few weeks later. Makes you think.
We continued to Sainsbury’s and the cemetery, then home via the Rosary, leaving flowers as we went. Took more paracetamol and acidophilus and felt better. Went to watch Norwich lose 3-0 to Liverpool – saw some familiar faces, but not Janet or her husband, who has Alzheimer’s. Cantwell got man of the match, which was ludicrous. He and Aarons did not impress. However our new French star looked brilliant, as did our Greek left back and our new American guy, when he came on – far too late. Still no-one can shoot. Des and Chris came round for supper afterwards. Went to sleep watching Match of the Day, but slept quite well, though not long enough.
Sunday was again quite warm but becoming cloudy. Sang a couple of songs at church and preached the sermon. Guitar playing improving, oddly. Anna is not at all well – almost continuous migraines. I was still feeling below par, but better most of the day. Had a fairly restful afternoon – spoke to Andrew on FT. Jonathan and Lesley called in for the season tickets. Des came over to check on arrangements for flower-watering. Watched some football, cricket and a good Montalbano. Spurs beat Man City 1-0. Goal by Son.
Yesterday was cooler, with a bit of rain in the morning. Drove to Poringland to deliver Thelma’s documents to Sheila – she seems OK. Had a bit of difficulty finding her house (and got a bit wet). Chatted a bit. Home for lunch. Caught up with some e-mails. Dot went to Verena in the afternoon, dropped me off on Plumstead Rd and I walked through Lion Wood, up Cintra Rd and through the Rosary home. Felt a bit better today. Dot cleaned the inside of the car and walked to Morrison’s to get some milk. Watched England lose Test to India – very exciting. Then watched The Untouchables, which was pretty enjoyable, though not subtle.