Bit of a gap there. Sorry. Last Monday – a week ago yesterday – was sunny and mildish. I rang Lily up, as it was her birthday – had forgotten to send card. She is in a bit of a bad way – has had mini-stroke, also has fibromyalgia and is awaiting results of a scan because she’s losing weight. Also oesophagus problems. After lunch I went to pick up pills: chemist was shut, and I had to wait. The chemist’s has really gone downhill since it was taken over by Well. Then walked up to to the sorting office to post a birthday card to Sam. On the way back I walked past “no through route” sign to get a view of the back garden. As a result two people also walked past the sign: I warned them both – the first went on to try to get through, but came back; the second (a woman) took my advice and went down the road instead. I found this ignoring of signs reassuring for some reason. We went to Morrisons later, and I filled the car up with petrol.
Tuesday was fairly mild, with quite a lot of sun. We were literally the only ones in the cinema to see The Duke, a brilliant film about art theft. Made me laugh and cry simultaneously. Had a bit of a bad night: not sure what’s wrong. Stomach wasn’t quite right, but nor was my head. Neck and upper arms giving me a bit of pain. Gave key to Chris/Des so that they could replace Philip as key holders – also informed police. Later gave Eleanor a lift to Cake and Compline at Judy’s. Nice evening, though without Vicky, who is having covid problems, mainly with George. David was also absent, singing. Went to bed early.
Wednesday was sunny and warm, for the time of year. Dot went to a DSSO meeting at Diocesan House, and I phoned Lily, who had tried to get through to me last night. Her scan results showed a mass on her pancreas, possibly pancreatic cancer. Of course she was upset. We had quite a long chat. Later I e-mailed Ian Clarke about non-appearing news story and got a good response (though it still hasn’t appeared, a week later). Then Andrew Brierton, our cooker repairman, rang and arrived early to fix the rubber seal on the bottom oven: £71. Did quite a bit of Paston editing, and Dot did more work in the garden.
A couple of Green councillors called round, and I had a go at them, but of course they had an answer for everything. I do quite like Ben Price, but not his policies. Then I walked into city and bought some new shoes from Hotter, and some acidophilus. On the way I tried to help two women in a car who looked lost, but don’t think I helped very much. Got home feeling very tired. We watched Witchfinder, which is funny, and then Dot went to rehearsal at St Mary Magdalene – picked up by Janet again. Had a bath and read a couple of chapters of Middlemarch, which is quite hard going when nothing is happening. Very dense.
Thursday was warm and dry. Walked to church and back to do Bible study with Leanne and Nikki. Graham and Debbie also there, plus Robert. Had another good session: now well into the first chapter of John’s Gospel. Didn’t feel too well in the afternoon – possibly a result of carrying a heavy rucksack. Lay down for a while till Bridget came to clean. Wrote to Thelma and to Ben Price, Green councillor, about 20mph limits. David sent chocs present to Dot for Mother’s Day – a surprise package! She was very pleased. Packed for tomorrow. Watched documentary on original Peaky Blinders, plus the end of This Is Going to Hurt, which was OK.
Friday was warm and dry. We left just after 9.30 for Derbyshire. Stopped at Cambridge Services, then swapped drivers on A50. I drove more than Dot because her knee was hurting a bit. Arrived at Buxton about 1.45pm. Evetts already in town. We unpacked – after speaking to the Polish waitress – and had a nice room. Met the Evetts at the Pavilion, where we had an ice cream. Then walked a bit in the park till Dot felt her knee and walked back on her own, I continued with Dave and Julia, and we looked at the Crescent, which has been redone – very nice. Walked back on my own from there, and caught Dot up not far from the hotel. Felt very tired. Went to sleep for a while. Had drink with Evetts at 6.50, then Dinner. I had mackerel fillet – very good. Brief drink afterwards, and we skated round what we really thought about vaccinations. Dave and Julia still wearing masks to walk around hotel.
I had a bad night, but Saturday dawned sunny, and we had a good breakfast. Drove to Chatsworth in Dave’s car. Very busy, but we were lucky in getting a table for both coffee and lunch. In between walked round gardens (£15 each) and took some photos. After lunch we looked in greenhouses and shop. Bought some marmalade. Back at hotel we had a slightly earlier dinner, fortunately, as there was table of about 18 starting at our usual time. Three of us had excellent lamb; Dot had fish and chips. Felt a bit better.
Th clocks went forward for summer, but I still didn’t feel too well. Had to take another lot of paracetamol at 3pm. Head very woozy, and stomach gassy. However, I still had quite bit of energy compared to Dot (using poles) and Dave (bad back). Dave drove us to Lyme Park, and we had tea/coffee in the cafe by the lake. Then walked up to the house and did a tour of the gardens. Lunched in the Alehouse and watched a brief film about the history of Lyme Park. Others went to the shop while I climbed the hill up towards the tower. Didn’t go all the way in case I held others up as they headed for the car, but in fact I was ahead of them. Dave drove back via the lovely Goyt Valley. Later I went to fill up with petrol, then had a bath. Evening meal was very quiet – we had a waitress to ourselves. Good, too – salmon. Afterwards had quite long chat before bed.
Yesterday the sky was still blue, and it was quite warm until evening, when a chill developed in the air. Got up early, breakfasted about 8.20am and left by 9.20am. Good journey, stopping to change driver on A50 and then at Cambridge Services (Dot-Tim-Dot). Home by 1.30pm. Had a banana sandwich, then Dot drove me to hospital – horrendous journey through the city, but we got there in time. My appointment was slightly early in fact – nice consultant – we agreed I would have the op because it was riskier not to. But I’ll have an ultrasound first, hopefully within two or three weeks. Got bus most of the way home, but again a horrendous journey – so much jolting over bad roads and speed humps – so much so that I got out at Orford Place and walked home. Spoke to David on FaceTime – he’s keen to get rid of the apartment as quickly as possible. Had a bath, then we went to the annual parish meeting and meal at St Luke’s, which was quite pleasant. Home just before 10pm.