Just spent a few minutes trying to work out why there aren’t any notes on my machine(s) about Friday, when I distinctly remembered writing something about the day in bed last night. Have just realised that today is Friday, and nothing much has happened yet. What I was writing about was Thursday. Well, that’s what happens when you get to 78. And 55 years married. Aargh!
Revenons à nos moutons. Sunday was milder with some sun. The test match was rained off in Manchester, with the usual whining from true blue Englishmen and a demand for a new system, all of them forgetting the times that England have benefited from just such a situation. The day ended very badly when I spent ages buying a Railcard, using an awful picture, then one for Dot, via Trainline. Ended up failing to understand Trainline ticket-buying – pricing was very obscure concerning a return ticket: didn’t seem to make sense. It should be really straightforward. Very frustrating.
So I had a bad night, but strangely didn’t feel bad during Monday, most of which I spent writing articles for Parish Pump on North Korea, J R R Tolkien, W H Auden and Google. In the afternoon drove Dot to the charity shop and chemist’s, and posted my booking form for Bertie Cottage next year after paying the deposit. Cleared up a bit outside – mainly old leaves and some straggly ivy, then after bacon, eggs and chips watched the original Pink Panther, which was brilliant. Oh, and I bought train tickets on Trainline. It was easier on a bigger screen.
Tuesday was mild and dry in London, but it was raining when the train pulled into Norwich at around 9.20pm, and we ended with a miracle: I had mislaid my debit card, and we searched the house when we got back until we gave up. Then Dot prayed about it and was led straight to it, lying camouflaged on one of the TV remotes (the card, not her). I had realised earlier in the day I didn’t have it, but thought I remembered where it was. It wasn’t.
Earlier we got the 10am train to London. Dot went over to the station early and bought a coffee and croissant. Ironically there was a buffet car on the train both ways. The train was also bang on time. Got the Central Line to Tottenham Court Road and walked down to Trafalgar Square. We were early for our slot; so we got a scone from the cafe in the Gallery – quite packed; a lovely Chinese family sat almost opposite us. We were still early, but the officials didn’t seem to worry and waved us in.
The St Francis of Assisi exhibition was very interesting, more for the story than for the pictures: quite challenging in terms of Christian response to God. Afterwards we went into the main Gallery and saw a few pictures there, but we were both very tired; so went outside and stood in the extremely busy Square. Eventually walked over into the beginning of Whitehall and bought a couple of glasses of wine at an extortionate price. Got talking to an Australian couple: the woman, Erin, was very much like Barbara and extremely entertaining; her husband was a former professional racing driver.
As we were finishing the wine and the Australians were leaving, Oliver arrived, having seen us as he walked towards the Square. We introduced him, and then the three of us went inside (it was a Sicilian restaurant) to have a meal and a chat. He is clearly enjoying London and the work he’s doing. We then all walked up to Tottenham Court Road station again and we got the Elizabeth Line (Oliver waited to get a later train). Reached Liverpool Street in very good time and got on the train at around 7.10. Plenty of room, and we left on time. Had a headache and took some paracetamol. During the journey (there and back) read a book about physics that David got me.
Wednesday was warm and dry till early evening, then steady rain, which was forecast to continue all night, and it did. Woke late. Walked up to church in the morning and did Bible Study with Judy, Debbie and Steve. Went quite well. Dot picked me up and we had a quick lunch before I walked up to the solicitor’s to talk about Phyllis’s estate. Anna was there too. Saw Hannah, a trainee who was clearly very on the ball, and we signed a couple of documents and had a couple of questions answered. Then walked home. After a while drove to Morrisons and spent over £200, stocking up – probably two weeks’ worth, and including a £42 bottle of whisky. After supper watched a couple of episodes of Dr Death, about a surgeon in America who killed people. Interesting, unless you’re about to go into hospital. Found £50 of money from Phyllis’s estate that I had misplaced.
Yesterday was warm, very humid with occasional light rain. It was our 55th wedding anniversary, and Norfolk Day. We walked up to the Maids Head and listened to Rob Knee do one of his costumed talks – this time as Sir Robert Huntley talking about Octavia Hill, the founder of the National Trust. Greeted by Penny. Interesting info: I asked a couple of questions at the end, and Dot asked one. Afterwards we walked into the city and had an early lunch at Harriet’s tearoom in London Street. Very good. Then on to the White Company, where Dot bought a couple of things on her list. Walked home and watched a comedy drama – Dial M for Middlesbrough. Bridget came and cleaned while I cleared up the study and sorted some stuff out. Had a long FT chat with David in the evening, before watching the cricket.