The weather continues to be unpleasant, as does the atmosphere, news broadcasts and the performance of Norwich City strikers. I wonder if it’s possible to hibernate for a few years. It’s now the start of a new week, wet, cold and dark, and Dot is shopping while I make a vain attempt to catch up with many things I have to do.
Going back to last Wednesday, it all ended up pretty wet, miserable and cold. Dot went to orchestra practice and I played through the best games on the Norfolk chess championship, after clearing up.
Thursday was cold and showery, and we got an early phone call from the Diocese asking Dot to go to an Ofsted feedback at Worstead school. Awkward, as we were about to travel to Swaffham for lunch with the Higbees, but it transpired that the feedback would be at 5pm: so we felt we could do both. Drove through heavy rain with a touch of snow to Swaffham but arrived 5 minutes early. We had a lovely meal – chicken etc – and left about 3.15. Heavy traffic in Swaffham, because it was school-out time, but ok the rest pf the way.
We picked up stuff from home and continued to Worstead. Did a bit of walking while Dot was in school, but it was damp and very cold; so got back in the car. The school did well. we got home just after 6pm, had a quick cup of tea and a couple of episodes of Friends, and Dot was off to PCC, while I made the bed and put on the dishwasher. Cakes and coffee served by Graham; so Dot was quite late back.
Friday was grey and damp, but warmer and not actually raining most of the time. We walked up to the Maids Head for the CNS reunion Christmas dinner (second Christmas dinner in two days). Chatted to Ray Houseago and signed a poetry book for him. Sat on a table with Alan Harrison, one of the speakers, plus Cindy and Michael Huggins, and Ros and Les Pye. Meal was good, but a bit too much of it. Turkey and Christmas pudding for me. Two even older boys than me were interviewed by Adrian about their life stories: Alan Harrison and Joe Parfitt. Walked home – very tired afterwards. Des, Chris and Mark came over for drinks in the kitchen for a couple of hours.
Saturday was cold again, though there was some sun at first. Drove up to the chemist to pick up Dot’s pills. The chemist has gone downhill since it was taken over. Very slow. Then on to Morrisons for shopping. Extremely busy, especially at the tills. After lunch watched a bit of Buxton v Morecambe F A Cup (0-1) then we walked up to city to meet Kim for drinks. Failed to get in Cosy Club or Jarrolds but ended up at Bill’s, where Kim is well known and we got a free bottle of wine for no good reason, plus tea, coffee and some bits of bread and olives (and a cocktail for Dot). Had a good conversation about this and that. Walked home through the Close and had a Hello Fresh supper which, unusually, was only average. Felt very tired. Watched some of MOTD.
Yesterday was cold again, with rain later. Nice service at church. Norwich lost 3-0 to Spurs. Watched Songs of Praise Chorister of the year and got it right again. Hamilton deservedly won the Grand Prix despite dubious tricks by Verstappen. Sorted out some Christmas plans and bought some presents for Amy. Feelings running a bit high by e-mail about leaving the church door open for ventilation, with a bit of climate change and other stuff thrown in. I stayed clear of it, but there’s a DCC meeting tonight which could go badly wrong, despite the promised mince pies.