A fairly bright Sunday, but quite chilly, though not in church, surprisingly enough. The service was all rather chaotic – I gave Judy the words to one of the hymns, and she didn’t realise I wanted her to distribute them, then couldn’t find them. I started playing the first hymn in the wrong key for reasons much too complex to explain, but it all worked out all right, even when I told Sue, who is coming up in court for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, that I would probably have run her over. In the nicest possible way, obviously. June came from Beccles, and Ray was surprisingly perky after the funeral – possibly because a lot of the pain of watching his wife die had been released. I preached, and I think it went down OK. Dot did the prayers, and Graham presided at Communion and played drums (though not simultaneously).
Last Tuesday was dry, with a cold wind but not too strong. Wrote two final pieces for Parish Pump, on Corrie ten Boom and the Royal Yacht Britannia. Watched Vera, then had various visitors: Angela with my trousers, in which she’d put a new zip; Des, who wanted to know if Dot wanted some bamboo (she did, and he brought it over later); and Carrie, who wanted Dot to go with her to Wymondham to take some stuff for her son. She did. Carrie was unwell and afraid she couldn’t get back. In the evening Dot went to football with Des – Norwich beat Birmingham 3-1 – while i walked to church for a DCC meeting that wasn’t very impressive. Graham, Matt, Phil, Debbie, Jude and me. No-one understood Howard’s financial report, and Debbie is not impressive as minutes secretary. Jude gave me a lift to the bottom of Kett’s Hill, and I walked home via Rosary Road. We watched the final episode of The Family Pile (very funny) and I watched a few minutes of a Netflix documentary on the Himalayas on the screen downstairs. Impressive in more ways than one.
Wednesday was not very pleasant: damp with a cool wind. Went to Eric Osborne’s funeral at Surrey (CityGates): good attendance. Spoke to Linda and Roger, plus Jenny and her daughter, when I went up to the Rosary (arriving first despite having to get to my car at the end of Sussex Street after the hearse had left). Also spoke to Chris Rumball, who I probably last saw more than 50 years ago. Recognised one or two other faces, but couldn’t put names to them. Wrote sermon in afternoon and early evening while Dot went to Ash Wednesday service at St Mary and Margaret Church in Sprowston. Afterwards watched North Sea Connection, a thriller with a rubbish ending, plus Hotel Portofino and Would I lie to you?
Thursday provided quite a cold wind, with some drizzle early on, especially as we walked along the riverside path to Kim’s and discovered it was a long way round (though flat). Had tea and cakes with her, and the usual interesting conversation. Left about 2.30 and got home in time for Bridget. I tried to ring the valuer, but no answer at first; then left my wrong phone number by mistake. (I was tired.) In the evening watched three episodes of Desperate Measures, which was actually rather good. We’re also now watching together that documentary on Netflix, about someone who climbed all 14 of the 8000-metre peaks in an astonishingly short time.
Friday was a grey day, with showers. Cold wind. Spent most of day at church for Christine Olga Fiske’s funeral. Arrived at 11 and got stuff ready – tables, food etc. Chatted with Steve, among others. Then into old church for funeral service, which started at 1pm. Good number there – probably about 50. Very well done by Graham. Afterwards, a long wait while the family went up to the crematorium. Back around 3. While we were waiting, I had a long chat with Nikki, who was quite bouncy and optimistic. When family got back spoke to Steve and one of two others, then a really good “reunion” with the Camplings: Mark and his girlfriend Kate, Lisa and her husband Johnny (both drummers), June and their father. Helped put stuff away before going home. Got home about 4.45 – discovered I’d missed two calls from valuer. Weather still pretty miserable, so invited Des, Chris, Mark and Sarah over for drinks. Later watched Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise, a sequel that was quite good. Printed out a hymn before going to bed.
Yesterday was very cold with a few showers. Walked to Morrisons to pick up food for the evening, then spent a lot of time sorting various things out. In the afternoon I updated my sermon, filed a worship report for the annual meeting and finished the rota, while Dot went to watch Norwich beat Cardiff 2-0, with Jonathan and Naomi making guest appearances. In the evening David FTd – he’s feeling a bit unwell, but seemed lively enough. Then Graham the vicar came round for supper – I cooked chilli con carne, and Dot did a pavlova. After he left, watched last episode of Desperate Measures – very well done, though a mite far-fetched. Satisfying ending, which is what you want, isn’t it?