Normal service is resumed, with David safely back in Canada, and Oliver and Amy – well, in Ireland, actually. I am about to go and have lunch with my publisher; so things may happen there. Dot is feeling a bit under the weather but hopes to walk up and see Louise Robinson emerge from the Cathedral a married woman: the wedding is in one of the chapels.
We had a lovely day yesterday. It was sunny with a bit of a cool breeze on the coast, but nothing to worry about. We drove by a circuitous route to Blakeney, seeing much of inland North Norfolk, and parked on the carnser, using our National Trust card: an obliging kiosk man gave me a special ticket because the Scottish card wouldn’t scan. Had a substantial scone and tea in the Two Magpies, then walked out a bit, but a recent high tide had made the path muddy; so we didn’t venture too far.
Drove to Salthouse Church to view an art exhibition and got talking to Charlotte, who was one of the artists and who had a very interesting story about becoming a Christian. She lives in Norwich and wants to keep in contact with us. Went for a short walk afterwards towards the sea and then bought an ice cream, which we ate while watching some baby mallards. Then drove home by a more direct route, to find Bridget already in the house and cleaning (we had been trying unsuccessfully to contact her). Had a light tea and then drove Judy and Eleanor to Cake and Compline at Bridget’s. Back home, we watched the last episode of The Thief, his Wife and the Canoe, which was well done but rather sad.
Going back in time, last Saturday was quite mild. Norwich lost 3-2 to Man Utd, but should have won. I edited some more Paston stuff while Dot went to Morrisons then made some pesto. Spoke to David and Chrissy on FaceTime, then watched a bit of TV, including MOD, on which Norwich looked pretty good.
Sunday was mild and mainly sunny. Nice Easter Sunday Holy Communion led by Liz Cannon and with a good sermon by Howard. About a couple of dozen people there. Later went for a walk round Cathedral way and accidentally attended part of Festal Evensong led by the Dean, Jane, with a very good sermon by the new Bishop of Lynn, Jane Steen. Processed out of west door and finished in front of Hostry. Liked the accessibility but not the attempt to get money from people. Watched a fair bit of TV later, but nothing really worth mentioning. Oliver and Amy travelled to Ireland.
Easter Monday was pleasantly mild. Walked up to church in the morning to help prepare for a random roast lunch event, which amazingly attracted about a couple of dozen people. Spoke to most of them: enjoyed it. Dot drove up slightly later. I also walked home (taking a rest on the way) while she drove up to the garden centre and bought £70 worth of plants. Meanwhile I had collapsed on the bed – felt completely exhausted, I suspect as much from having a heavy meal as walking a long way. Eventually had a cup of tea and recovered. Watched the end of Grantchester, which still fails to convince, then a second episode of The Thief, his Wife and the Canoe, which would not be believable if it were not true. Decided not to have another booster.
Tuesday was a bit cooler, but quite comfortable. Finished off a couple of poems and wrote a piece for my website, then went with Dot to Boots and the card shop, then sorting office to post card to Angela. Feeling a bit sniffly, either a minor cold or hay fever. Don’t actually feel ill, but it’s annoying. In the afternoon Dot did a lot of work in the garden and I did quite a bit of Paston editing. Spent some time talking to a blackbird just outside the back door, then put the bins out. Watched Masterchef and unusually felt the wrong person was told to go home. Then another episode of Canoe, featuring an excellent journalist, and an episode of The Split, in which I dislike everyone except Stephen Mangan. Watched an excellent short interview with Wim Wenders, one of my favourite film directors, about a photograph he took of the road to Emmaus.
Wednesday was sunny and warm out of the breeze. Read quite a lot – now about a third of the way through Middlemarch. Beautifully written but demands a lot of attention. Had intended to go to cinema in the afternoon, but wine arrived just too late; so we went in the evening and saw Operation Mincemeat, which was pretty good : Dot liked it more than I did. True story, so not quite as satisfying as it might have been. Was feeling below par most of day, but ok later.