Just back from a couple of days in Suffolk with the Evetts, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Last Wednesday was a bit cooler, especially in the cinema , where we saw The Courier – pretty good without being great. A true story of Greville Wynn and his link to a spy in Russia. First visit to the cinema for a very long time. Earlier tried to watch a Paston talk, but no link had been sent. Dot went to Sillars in the evening and found it hard, while I went for a shortish walk to bring my steps up to 6000. Watched some music on YouTube and, when Dot got home, another episode of The Chosen.
Thursday was fairly warm, with some cloud. Drove to Beeston Regis to spend time with Fred and Sue at their new caravan – most impressive. Also there: Adrian O’dell and Jane, and their blind border collie, Tuds. Had a very pleasant time, including an excellent barbecue. After the O’dells had gone we had a walk round the site with Fred and Sue; it seemed to have expanded quite a bit. Dot drove home so that I could have some wine. Watched The Man Putin Couldn’t Kill – very brave Russian opposition leader. He’s probably dead now. However, I have a feeling Russia will take a big step away from communism soon. I don’t know why.
Friday was cooler. Colin arrived at 8.30pm to cut back the inside part of the hedge, put in some little steps and sorted out the entrance to the back gate. Which he did; he was here till nearly 3.30pm, with his father, Richard. Cost £480. While he was here Dot went to the shop. I made cups of tea. Drink with very few neighbours at 5.30pm – Des and Chris, and later John, Mark and his visiting Dad, then Dot – but not all of us together. Oliver and Amy arrived about 8.30pm and we had pizza, then played poker. I lost miserably. Spent much of the day trying to write an article for my website, but it’s still not in. I may abandon it.
Saturday was warm. Dot had a coughing episode during the night, but was ok by morning. Latish breakfast, then watched video from Canoe Man to prepare for our trip tomorrow. Oliver and I walked down to check out Canoe Man river site, then played table tennis. I lost heavily. Showed Oliver some photographs, then after lunch he and Dot went off to the football match, Norwich v Watford. Norwich lost 1-3. Amy showed me some photos and played me some songs. Then we walked up through the crowds and the Close and met Oliver and Dot outside the Ivy, where we had dinner. I had my favourite tangerine duck liver parfait, then lamb shepherds pie, which was ok. Walked home, had a rest and watched Three Men in a Boat again. Brilliant, and the kids seemed to like it. Dot cooked a banana dessert and then we played poker (Texas Hold’Em), which I won narrowly.
Sunday was quite mild; threat of rain in the afternoon, but didn’t arrive till evening. Had a brunch at 11.30am after Oliver and I watched MOTD, where Norwich were dismissed as not Premiership standard. Walked down to river at 12.45pm to start our canoe journey. All went well as we travelled up to Jarrolds Bridge and back until Dot found the seat position very painful and had to stop paddling. Still we continued downriver and eventually reached Thorpe Old Hall, just past Cary’s Meadow.
On the way back we dropped Dot off where the riverside path started, and she walked the rest of the way, taking some great pictures and meeting the Canoe Man, who said we could continue till 4.30pm if we wanted. We didn’t, not least because it was threatening to rain but mainly because we had to cook dinner and get Oliver and Amy on the road home. After a pause for breath and to complete the defreezing of the salmon, this was what happened, and they left about 6.20pm. We did some packing for tomorrow and watched Endeavour, then Dot had a bath and we went to bed.
Monday started dull but became warm and mainly sunny later. Left for Southwold at 10.15am and followed satnav by route I’ve never taken. Met Dave and Julia by accident in old area by boatyards. Walked down dusty road and had tea at fish stall, then to loos by the harbour, then back across the common into town, where we had lunch at Coasters. Delicious smoked salmon sandwiches and chips, of which Dot had most. Walked back down prom to loos and then up dusty road to cars. Drove to hotel, following Dave. Met Angela and Rodney for a drink with the Evetts before supper and more briefly afterwards on our own. Supper with Dave and Julia of course. Fantastic room.
Today was warm and mainly sunny. Both woke early. Saw Angela and Rodney at breakfast. Afterwards checked out and gave Evetts a lift into Woodbridge. Parked using new app, but had problem registering at first. Walked into main shopping area and had tea/coffee. Dot bought a rather nice top. Walked down to the river and walked through boatyard area, then looked for somewhere for lunch: the place planned by Dave and Julia was not open for some reason. Eventually had basic lunch at a restaurant by the station, then walked further along the river. Beautiful views.
Walked back to move the car (parking ran out after four hours), then walked into the main street and had excellent tea and cake at Honey and Harvey. Afterwards drove Evetts back to the hotel and then drove home via Halesworth and the traditional back-road route. Hold-ups as we approached Norwich because of City cup match v Liverpool. Eventually found a way through. Unpacked, had blackberry and apple crumble, and started listening to match, then Dot decided she ought to go to the PCC, and so she did. I prepared for the visit of the Full Fibre Broadband people tomorrow.