Yesterday – February 15 – was Andrew’s funeral. Cold start, but developed into a really nice day: not too cold – around 10-12C. Up reasonably early, and Dot and I took the food to Surrey Chapel (CityGates). Dave Rimmer organised it all – very efficient – and we met the musicians and Ralph Manning, who was taking the service. Then back home to get ready properly and pick up David. At church in really good time. Disappointed that no-one came from Minster Lodge, but Mrs Baxi and her daughter (Jennifer and Angela) arrived just after we started.
Service went very well, and we all went up to the Rosary. David helped the Baxis and travelled with them (Jennifer in wheelchair). Beautiful up at the cemetery, and Ralph Manning led the committal. All very well organised. Then back to church for food that they had arranged nicely. Spent a lot of time talking to the Baxis; David talked to just about everyone. Other than the Baxis and church people helping, no-one else came – not even Joe or Sam (though Sam has problems with tenants trashing his house in Southampton). The three of us were pretty shattered afterwards: Dot did a chicken meal, and we read a bit and watched a little television. Bed early.
Sunday -was a bit cloudy but mild. Well, 9C. Dry. Went to church. Bit down in numbers. Led, with band consisting of Matt, Dot, Steve and Carrie, who also preached. Quite good – lot of audience participation. Nikki there, and Leanne popped in at the end. Discovered Jim Green, a new member, is a lay reader. Wasn’t feeling great. Gave Ray a lift home. He’s holding up well. Sorted out stuff on computer – cleared up screen etc. Dot finished preparing her room for grandchildren’s visit. Emptied car for clean tomorrow. Watched Songs of Praise, Vera and some rugby. David FTd – possibility of Coomes visiting on Saturday or Sunday! Chrissy not too well – bad cold.
Monday – Bit overcast and a little chilly. Dot dropped me at church, but nothing much happened, because Steve was trying to sort out the church accounts without having sufficient information and getting “help” from Debbie. Tried to reassure him. Walked home while Dot was getting the car valeted (£25) and buying some food from Morrisons. Felt rather ill in the morning but improved as the day went on. Did a lot of work of various kinds, for example sorting out stuff we’d taken from car and repackaging it more pleasingly. Also sorted out rota for next week and some queries on Phyllis’s estate from the solicitor. Later on got call from funeral director, making last-minute checks. All OK, I think. Sorted out bins, watched Call the Midwife and another episode of Irish thriller. Dot picked up tickets for tomorrow night’s match from Naomi in case David or I want to go.
Tuesday – Clearing up most of the day. Picked up food from Morrisons for funeral, and sorted out the fridge. Picked up David from station at about 4.30. He had travelled by train from Gatwick to Cambridge, where he changed on to the Stansted express! Quite a pleasant day; fairly mild. In the evening all three of us went to watch Norwich City beat Hull 3-1: a good game, but very cold towards the end.