Have just finished The Premonitions Bureau – I had a funny feeling I would do it today. A good read, primarily biographical but with some interesting inexplicable events. Dot is at present in Poringland with Anne, because Philip had a nasty fall on holiday at Blakeney and fractured his hip badly at a place where it had already been broken and pinned. He is in hospital, awaiting a long and difficult operation in a few days’ time, and Anne is understandably worried. As if in harmony, the day is grey and threatening, though fairly warm. I am having problems with my eyes which I’m pretty sure are down to hay fever.
Last Thursday was very warm, though sometimes overcast. Spent most of the day in the city: walked up to the Octagon at St Peter Mancroft for our CNS reunion: about 40 of us. Graham Drake spoke on his experiences as a vicar without mentioning Jesus or even God, as far as I can remember. His experiences in the Hilborough Group involving Kit Chalcraft – a friend – were particularly interesting.
Lunch at Bill’s followed – this was excellent. I had marinated chicken and Dot had a burger. Afterwards there was a violin recital by Steve Rawlinson in St Peter Mancroft, followed by his talk, which was fascinating, on his experience as a violinist with the LSO. “An amateur practises until he can get it right, a professional until he can’t get it wrong.” Sat with him and his wife, Jane Gillie, at lunch – also Alan Harrison (92). Mary and Neville there: he looked quite a bit better.
Walked home very hot and tired. David FTd because I had told him my operation had been put back a week until July 10. Told him I wasn’t worried. Out for drinks at 5.30. Des, Chris, Ciara, Freddie, Sarah, Jonathan, and David Walker, a wide boy from the bottom of the road.
Saturday was a bit cooler and overcast. Quite windy. Did a bit of work on our Retreat and wrote tomorrow’s prayers. Dot went to Morrisons. Practised hymns. Spoke to Ray on the phone – Chris not at all well. Rang Mary next door: she and Bob both have Covid quite badly but had food delivered. In the evening watched cricket and then The Sting. What a great film!
Sunday was still warm with a bit of a breeze. Church –- did prayers: Communion; ended with two songs – thought music went pretty well. Howard did a rather highbrow sermon. Anna is off with migraine. In the afternoon I walked up to Kett’s Heights to catch a bit of Crude Apache outdoor theatre. Had to get back in order to get to Graham’s birthday barbecue, which was at the Vicarage at 4 and very well attended by both St Aug and St Luke’s members. Dot did one of her famous salads, but there was loads of food as well as the burgers and sausages. Talked to many different people including Phil, Dennis, John Easton, Jenny, Steve and the Cannons. Home by just after 7pm: watched the cricket, marred by abysmal New Zealand bowling, then another good episode of McDonald & Dodds.
Monday was slightly cooler, with a little rain in the afternoon, when Dot went into Norwich and bought several tops. In the morning I drove to church: Carrie was not there because she has a kidney infection. Eventually we had a discussion on first part of Revelation(!) with Luke, Steve and Phil. Nikki was there, but tied up with Debbie. Actually we started the day with a haircut, and while Dot was in the city I had a bath. Later watched quite a lot of Wimbledon – Raducanu and Murray both winning. Also another episode of The Outlaws. Howard has had his bike and tools stolen.
Blue skies at first yesterday, but plenty of cloud later. Stiff breeze. Drove to Felbrigg – road works and painfully slow drivers. Met Julia and Dave. After tea and scone we walked round the house and then round the walled garden. Had lunch outside, then walked down to the lake and back by rather a long route, avoiding cattle. Had ice cream, bought a couple of secondhand books for Andrew, then drove home. After omelettes, Dot drove to Morrisons and through the car wash. Then we stocked up on food. Store woefully understaffed. Watched last two episodes of Sherwood, which was excellent, with a good ending. England beat New Zealand at cricket, by the way, and won the series 3-0.