It became very hot last Friday. Did a lot of work on charity money and my website piece, among other things. Walked up to the post office with Dot. Later had drink outside (our drive in the shade) with Des, Chris and Sarah before travelling to Paul’s for meal with Philip and Heather Butcher. Lovely evening, covering vast number of topics. Almost midnight when we got home. House so hot I had to open windows, which is not like me.
Saturday saw an amazing change in the weather. It was much cooler, and by evening pouring with rain. With perfect timing, Channel 5 had a documentary about the ten-week heatwave in 1976. Climate change was not mentioned. Got up late and spoke to Simeon Care and Lily on the phone, and Dot spoke to Ray: Christine’s operation is now the day after mine. I have been getting very strange feelings in my head, relating largely to my nostrils but also elsewhere, but i think it’s probably hay fever. Put together brief ideas for a Paston book. Watched Suddenly, a rather old thriller starring Frank Sinatra, which was pretty good, and a 90-minute play called My Name is Leon, about a young lad separated from his baby brother: really well done.
Dot has finished Middlemarch, and was as enthusiastic as I was. The next day (Sunday) was warmer again, but much more bearable: breezy and some cloud. Church in the morning: Heather leading Communion and a good talk by Liz on the sound of silence. Did one of my songs as congregational hymn (at request of Nikki, who was happily there to hear it). She brought Phyllis. Carrie was not there because Al was very Ill, in and out of hospital. After lunch David Facetimed me for Father’s Day and we had a chat. He was just off to Caledon with Chrissy and her children. I sketched out ideas for our C & C retreat. In the evening Dot went to St George Colegate for a concert by Martin Wyatt’s orchestra. I walked halfway with her and met her in The Close coming back. Watched The Outlaws and a bit of the film Yesterday, one scene of which was shot at the Ramsholt Arms!
Monday was mild, with some sun. Dot dropped me off at church. Plenty of people there. Did Bible Study with Leanne, Nikki, Stacy and Steve. Went well. Dot came later, and we went to Morrisons. Later Kim and Kavana came and had tea and cake, and I think we dissuaded Kim from taking on a trusteeship. Offered them lift to Coventry, and they took it up. Later David FTd and I thanked him for two books he got me for Fathers Day. Amy texted dates she and Oliver and Olivia could come to Norfolk. Watched programme on Bermuda Triangle that was quite interesting, then another episode of Sherwood, which is very good.
Tuesday was warm and sunny. Picked up Kim and Kavana, and Dot drove out along Hingham road because of anticipated problems with the A11. Stopped at Cambridge services for coffee, then I drove the rest of the way. Dropped K and K at Kavana’s place – about a mile from Andrew, if that – then drove to Andrew’s. Got sandwiches from Boots first (plus sunglasses) then spent 90 minutes or so with Andrew. He was ok, but had difficulty walking. Left him the collage of photos of our family. I drove out of Coventry (after some difficulty with road works) to Cambridge services, where we swapped. A11 not so bad. On reaching home we went straight round to Gem for cocktails and mezzes. Delicious! Good music also. Watched new thriller, Suspect – not impressed. Then the next episode of Sherwood– very good despite dubious political message.
Wednesday was very warm. Have finished reading Gilead, which is brilliant in every way. Have now started reading David’s gift, The Premonitions Bureau. I knew that would happen. Extremely interesting so far, focusing on Aberfan. This afternoon I went to visit Lucy and took her books back. She thinks there are others. Had a talk about potential PHS book, and I think it should be ok, but I need to consult the others. Took roundabout way home, which was interesting, and bought petrol. Dot has done quite a lot in the garden. In the evening Dot went to orchestra with Janet, and I met her in Rosary Road – after being propositioned by a prostitute while I was waiting. Long time since that’s happened. Watched McDonald & Dodds police thing – very good.