Had quite a long chat with David on FaceTime last Wednesday while Dot was at orchestra – mainly about his test-driving an electric car and the time it takes to get one (over two years). Finished my sermon and wrote a piece for my website. Earlier walked to the post office to post Biddy Collyer a copy of her EDP column, which I had told her I liked. She is in London temporarily. Earlier practised some songs for the Jubilee street party at St Augustine’s. Watched State of the Union , an ongoing two-hander about marriage in ten-minute bits. Much better than it sounds. Excellent, in fact.
Thursday was very warm. Walked up to Boots for an eye test in the morning. All good. Practised a couple of songs with Dot. After lunch we took our old microwave up to church (heavy lifting by Robert and Graham), then went to Morrisons, filled up the car, and Dot bought a bit of food for tomorrow. She forgot feta cheese and had to go back while I lay down, suddenly feeling ill with stomach/head strangeness. When she got back Bridget arrived to clean (we had forgotten she was coming), and I helped to clear the kitchen. Still feeling rather ill; so Bridget gave Dot a lift to Louise Robinson’s wedding do, which turned out to be mainly drinks and dancing, thought there was some fish and chips. Dot got chatted up. Philip didn’t go. At around 10pm I walked up to London Street to meet Dot coming home. Was obviously feeling better, but as I write this in bed I’m feeling a bit hot and tired. Stomach OK though. Have walked nearly 9000 steps today, which may be why I don’t feel so great. England got NZ out for about 132 in Test, but then lost seven wickets for less than 120.
Friday was very warm. Slept a bit better, but still felt odd. Had to take two lots of paracetamol, which is unusual. Went to Jubilee street party at St Augs and played some songs with Phil, but he arrived quite late. No one took much notice of our singing. There was also some ceilidh and bell-ringing. Had to move car halfway through – put it in St Luke’s car park. Spoke to several people, eg Nikki, her mother, Sharon, Graham’s mother, Bridget and David, Jaya and another nice woman from the bell-ringing team etc etc. Good attendance. Exhausted when we got home, and Dot fell down on steps and hit her head, but I think she’s ok. Had drink with usual suspects, including Mark, Sarah and Angela and Matt. Watched cricket – New Zealand did very well, unfortunately for Paul, as he left his car in our drive and took a lady friend to the match. Didn’t see either of them, because we went to bed early. David and Chrissy are away for a couple of nights at a posh hotel.
Saturday was much colder, but dry. Bit of wind. Day ended with huge celebration outside Buckingham Palace for Platinum Jubilee. Amazing stuff with lights. Dot did lots of cleaning this afternoon while I visited Lily at Hickling. She has terminal pancreatic cancer but is remarkably cheerful. Has lost lots of weight, and her dog has gone to a new home. Had a long talk touching on her condition, her late husband’s late condition and local church members’ condition, plus some interesting memories of Surrey Chapel. Lily was my first “girlfriend”: used to walk her home from church with her niece Linda. In the evening David FTd and told us about their couple of nights away, which sounded really good. Dot and I also practised hymns for tomorrow. My guitar playing is improving, for some reason. Odd. Dot gave me a massage which made me feel quite a bit better: have been having ear pressure problems.
Today (Pentecost Sunday) was cool again, but without the forecast rain. Heavy skies. To church in the morning. We forgot Dot was doing prayers; so I had to do them off the cuff. Was also preaching – think it was all right. Ray and Christine there – she has been very unwell recently, and I’m worried about her. After lunch watched some of the Jubilee Pageant before starting to pack. Then more Jubilee stuff, a bit of unimpressive England football and the first in the new series of The Outlaws, which was very good. Oh, and England beat New Zealand in the Jubilee Test – rather luckily, but there we are.