An odd week, alternating between very busy and very quiet days. Mainly warm and dry. Have been watching a series of French thrillers with subtitles (obviously), which are very good. Last Thursday I was not feeling great – very tired – but managed to finish four Parish Pump articles – on Landseer, the Marshall plan, Beatlemania and Paddington Bear. Dot went to Morrisons in the morning, and had the car cleaned. Afterwards a warning light came on in the car, but I think I’ve sorted it. Seemed to be something to do with the battery.
After lunch drove up to the Rosary and did a cleaning job on the two main graves – quite strenuous – as well as putting flowers on both of them and on Andrew’s. Then filled car up with petrol. Watching some old episodes of Outnumbered – really very good. At bedtime thought I might be feeling better, but next morning I was not so good again. Warm weather, though, and dry.
Roger and Barbara arrived about 12.30. We put luggage in our car, and I travelled with Roger to the airport while Dot drove Barbara to the airport hotel. After we dropped off the car (handily ran into Avis guy in the car park – not literally) Roger and I walked to hotel, and I drove us all to Blakeney in painfully slow traffic. Parked in Blakeney Hotel car park and located their flat, then had snack at Two Magpies. Afterwards unloaded luggage and drove home. Street meet at 5.30 – usual four plus Johnathan, Mary and Bob, who are selling the Bongo. Des bought us some chips. Watched a bit of TV until Oliver and Amy arrived about 9.30. After snack and chat, went to bed.
Saturday was mainly dry, but a cool wind in the evening. Dot did a special breakfast, and we walked into the city, then split up. Oliver bought me a book as a birthday present – The Outsider, by Camus. Great choice. Amy had already given me blackberry jam and whisky marmalade! Amy got us some charcuterie as a snack before we left for Blakeney, Oliver driving. He is very good. Arrived about 3.45, and Oliver and I parked at village hall. Chatted and had cup of tea: rained for about half an hour. After it stopped, we walked to the Moorings for an excellent meal. I paid for wine. All of us walked out on to the marsh, but Roger and Barb turned back because they were cold. We looked for a promised meteor shower, but no success. Even tried at St James Hill on way home. Watched highlights of Norwich City’s 4-4 draw at Southampton, then a couple of episodes of Outnumbered. Bed late: 9736 steps.
Sunday saw a mixture of sun and cloud. Mainly dry. After breakfast Oliver drove us to Winterton, which was unexpectedly attractive. The old cafe which had been falling off the cliff was replaced by three wooden stalls. After we walked down on to the beach and back Oliver bought us drinks and an ice cream for me (probably a mistake). We drove back on Acle road (the A47 outgoing had been very busy), and that turned out to be very pleasant. Dot cooked exotic lunch, but by then I wasn’t up to eating much – finished it later. O & A seemed to like it. They left about 4.30 and I went and lay down because I was feeling very tired. Dot watered the garden. Checked O & A progress, which was good. Watched Becoming Elizabeth (two episodes) and a bit of comedy and football.
Yesterday was mainly dry. Anna called in to talk about music at church: we were pretty much in agreement. Watched last two episodes of Clean Sweep, which as anticipated had an unsatisfactory ending, largely because there was no way to end it well. Finished off yesterday’s fish and then watched A Spy Among Friends and a follow-up documentary.
Today has been another quiet day. Dot was not feeling too well; so we didn’t too much except change the bed in preparation for Barbara and Roger coming at the end of the week. The weather was quite mild and dry. Mark is home. The Bongo is gone: sold by Mary and Bob to an academic couple. Quite pleased: it’s a bit of an eyesore. Managed at last to cancel my BT Sport, and also rang the surgery about my urine test: no problem, apparently. Think I’m feeling a bit better, but still heady and tight-chested. Finished The Outsider: liked the style a lot, even though the narrator clearly has something missing in his personality – hence the title. All-round very readable.