Feeling a bit under the weather this morning – have been for a couple of days: I suspect side-effects of my booster jab, which took pace a fortnight ago. Have a mild headache and various aches elsewhere. Still, life goes on. We hear that Oliver is OK, which is a relief after his contact with Olivia and her family, who have tested positive for Covid (though not seriously ill). Meanwhile I have been having a look at my family tree, being stimulated by tracking down my mother’s parents’ grave. I suspect I may be descended from a guy called Roger de Herlostone, who was an archer in the Hundred Years War (1337-1453). He would then have become known as Archer. He lived in Harlestone, Northamptonshire, where my great-great-grandparents William Archer and Elizabeth Benson were buried in the mid-19th century. Nice grave, near the church door.
I have also downloaded a couple of wills from one George Lenton and his wife, who lived in Folksworth, near Peterborough, and who could be my great-great-grandparents. My great-grandfather Henry is definitely buried there. I’ve seen his grave.
Last Monday, the first day of November, was cool; sunny at first, but by the time we went for a walk along the river and up round the Cathedral and over the Jarrold Bridge, it was pretty grey. Still, nice walk. I booked a hotel at Coventry for a fortnight’s time and managed to cancel my house insurance, which was far too expensive. Have switched to Axa, which is much more reasonable. In the evening watched Stalag 17, an old film which was really pretty good; also the second episode of The Outlaws, which I think is exceptional – a comedy about a group of very flawed people who discover love for each other in a very Christian kind of way, though of course that’s not intended. We’re also watching a lot of old Friends episodes, which are pretty good in the main.
Tuesday was dry and fairly sunny. Wen to Oaklands for the monthly Archant Coffee Morning. Talked to Bill, David Wakefield and the usual suspects, and afterwards did shopping at Morrisons. We went for a walk in the Rosary in the afternoon – felt unexpectedly tired and lay on the bed for a while. Later watched The Tin Star – a 1957 film that I thought was excellent. Also part of a documentary on Frank Zappa, but decided he wasn’t very interesting.
Wednesday brought a lot more rain than was forecast, and it was quite cold too. The new boiler failed in the morning (as it did yesterday), but was OK after I turned it off and on again. Went to see Thelma in the afternoon, and she seemed pretty perky. Had to take a lateral flow test before I went, and show them a photo of the result, which probably says a lot about how seriously they take it. I was able to go inside – just – and Thelma was wheeled out. Gave her some biscuits and some photographs I’d taken of her parents’ grave, and a few much older ones. When I came out – at about 4.25pm – it was pouring with rain and dark; so the drive home was a bit of a challenge, though it went very smoothly. After supper (pizza), Dot went to orchestra, and to the pub afterwards. She did not have Coke.
Occasional sun on Thursday, but lots of rain. Went to see Phil and Joy in the morning: they’re recently back from seeing Sam and family – a few worries there, with Sam under a lot of pressure. Both Anna (violin) and Debbie (fish and chips) cancelled for health reasons – A has a bit of a cold and D is awaiting result of Covid test. So had a relaxing afternoon – bit of a lie down. In the evening we watched Together – quite an interesting two-hander about the lockdown and after, marred by a political rant in the middle. Then the final part of Guilt, which was sort of satisfying without being entirely clear.
Yesterday was crisp but mainly sunny; a chilly wind. In the morning Dot and I went into the city to buy Kim a birthday present at Jarrolds. We went on to St Benedict’s afterwards, to a tree-themed art exhibition, which was pretty good in the main. I had feared being swamped with climate change gloom, but there was not much of that. Met Jude Sayer and her friend Sheila, another city guide. Back to Jarrolds, where the two of us had a tea/coffee and biscuit, then to the market and home by way of the Book Hive, where I bought myself a Christmas present for Dot to give me – Richard Balls’ book on Shane McGowan – signed!
Walked home through the Close. Bridget came to clean as usual, and Debbie rang to say she could come to see us tonight, instead of last night. Which she did, after we spent a pretty chilly 50 minutes or so outside with drinks with Chris and Des (and John for a few minutes). Nice time with Debbie. Watched the first episode of a new Dalgleish, which was excellent.