Finished Monday by watching another episode of Karen Pirie on ITV hub, which is a bit of a trial because of the numerous and long adverts. Persevering because it’s pretty good and the last episode is recorded on “proper” TV. Earlier had a long talk with a BT guy about a new HomeCare contract, but sorted it out in the end. He arranged for an engineer to look at the radiator in my room tomorrow. Miraculously, after I spoke to him, the radiator started working.
Tuesday, October 11 – Again didn’t sleep too well. Up in time for arrival of Anne , who is having lots of problems with Philip (though he was well enough for them to go to Blakeney on Friday). We showed her all Dot’s Canada pictures on TV, and Dot gave her a couple of small presents. Still feeling very tired. Quite a big shop at Morrisons and filled up with petrol. Took Eleanor to Judy’s for Cake and Compline. Dot told everyone about Canada and the book she’d read – Imagine Heaven. Watched University Challenge earlier and a new comedy called Stuck, by Dylan Moran, which is pretty good. As I was cooking supper the downstairs power went off, and it took some time to persuade it to come on again. Problem is with the cooker, but not sure what, why or where.
Wednesday was quite chilly but not too bad for walking. Bit of rain around teatime. Interesting day. Gas man came around 8.30 and fixed our radiator – problem was the pin in the switch, as I suspected. He also checked the boiler and turned it down “to save money”. He left just after 9am, and Dot woke up at 9.30am, not knowing he’d been! At first she refused to believe it, but I convinced her.
We went into the city about 11.30am to see Charlotte’s exhibition at St Peter Mancroft, and bought four cards. Then went to Jarrolds to buy a card for Amy, but there was nothing that was any good. Ended up in The Bay seafood bar and shared a plate of salmon – very impressive. Then Dot went on to church to help with the Taize event, and I went home, intending to pick her up at 2.30pm. Sadly I discovered she had the car key with her; so I walked to meet her in The Close. Both of us have done a lot of steps today! Dot went to orchestra in the evening, picked up by Janet. I caught up with e-mails and finished editing pictures. Watched Doc Martin – good stuff.
Thursday – Dry after overnight rain. Bit chilly. Got up early. Darsha, a Sri Lankan woman in need of a place to rest during the day, arrived with Carrie about 9.40 and stayed till about 2.30 – we gave her lunch. We had a chat, then she watched TV while Dot went shopping for her music room project and I caught up again, creating a shared album of edited pix, among other things. In afternoon Bridget came and did some cleaning: I had a chat with Des and Jonathan about inept bush-cutting by council. Watched Ridley and another episode of Karen Pirie. Both pretty good.
Friday – Fairly mild, but damp. Darsha with us again, but I managed to get a bath in first. Went to dentist’s with Dot, both had check-up, but I need a filling next month. Tried again to get birthday card for Amy and eventually succeeded. Also a bit of food from M&S and some fruit from the market. Called in at St Peter Mancroft, on the off chance that Charlotte might have been packing up, but she wasn’t there. Instead bumped into Sophie (formerly of The Lathes), whose very athletic children are having trouble with injuries.
Very tired in the afternoon after assisting Dot with wrapping curtains for Darsa and moving a bit of furniture. Went to sleep on the bed, and Dot went out without my noticing. Usual 5.30 drink with Des, Chris, Mark and Ciara, but D&C left early for an engagement at Reepham. Dot went to buy fish and chips at 7. We watched final episodes of Ridley and Karen Pirie. Very impressed with latter.