Saturday afternoon, October 26 – Rather dull, but not too cold. Still. Dot is at church, attending a talk/discussion on a theme by Brian McLaren. I drove her there and on the way back called in at the Rosary to check on Andrew’s grave, which now has a neighbour – Claire somebody. Also looked at Mum and Dad’s grave and his parents’ of course. Earlier we had Colin and his son Jordan round to cut our hedge and trim back the ivy. They also cleared the gutters for Mary next door, and in doing so had to cut back our roses pretty severely.
Years ago, last Monday, it was cool and a bit windy. Was expecting to be able to pick up my car from the garage, but it needed extra work, specifically a wheel bearing; so it had to stay in overnight. Looked at Scotland photos in preparation for Cannons’ visit tomorrow. Caught up with computer stuff and watched various things on TV, including another episode of Leonard Cohen drama. Good in many ways, but too many irritating adverts – and Cohen is presented as being much more depressive than I feel he was. Maybe I’d just like him to be more like me. Running out of food – had intended to go to shop tonight, but no transport.
Tuesday – Mild: quite a bit of sun. Phone call from garage around 11.30 to say car would be ready at 1pm. So walked up through Close and caught the 36 to Reepham Road, walking through to the garage and arriving just before 1pm. Car was ready, and Ingress went through details. Drove home in good time to welcome Liz and David Cannon for 2pm. They came to look at our pictures of Scotland, and Dot cooked a couple of cakes – one fruit cake and one sponge. Fruit cake delicious! Probably the other was too. Cannons stayed till 5.30 and caught bus home. Then after I’d cooked chilli, Eleanor and Judy came round for a lift to Claire’s for cake and compline. Bridget and David also there. Watched next episode of The Chosen after problems getting into it. Wanted me to sign in and then wouldn’t let me. Bed late.
Wednesday – Mixture of sun and cloud: dry. Usual Wed morning: had a bath before watching a bit of The Chosen with Judy. Then headed off to church for Bible study – Debbie and Steven, but no Ellie. Dot and Jude, of course. Before that, though, finished reading Steeple Chasing, bought for me by my grandchildren and really interesting. After Bible study, Dot stayed for Taizé, but I picked her up after 2.30 for a big shop at Morrisons. Also filled up with petrol. Later of course Dot went to orchestra rehearsal with Janet.
Thursday – Dry and quite a bit of sun. Fred got in touch and suggested we meet up; so we’ll be going over to Beeston Regis tomorrow. Loss of a rare free day, but it will be nice to see them. Chose hymns for Sunday. In the afternoon went to memorial service for Rik, who lived in The Lathes and died suddenly. About 20 in hall. Dot and I played for the only hymn – Lord of the Dance. Some interesting occasional music, including Pink Floyd and Adam and the Ants. Stayed for tea and sandwiches, then took Dot round to Anna’s for violin lesson and went home, where Bridget was cleaning: she had had to borrow Des’s key to get in!
After she left I walked up to meet Dot but didn’t get very far : met John Drake at bus stop. Later cooked fish and watched some TV: football, cricket, a documentary on the Cairngorms and a new crime series – DI Ray. I say new, but as usual it was about drugs gangs and not only that, one of the characters was an actor from another series with an identical role. Eventually we’ll have one big all-encompassing crime series about a massive drugs gang, which never ends.
Yesterday – Lovely day: mild and sunny. Woke up fairly late and had a bath. Dot drove us to Beeston Regis by main Cromer Road, partly because entrance to Spixworth Road was blocked at lights. Arrived marginally early – would have been earlier but followed selfish tractor for miles. Had tea, cakes and chat in Fred and Sue’s caravan, then walked up Beeston Bump. Beautiful – new railings and improved steps. Back a bit late. I drove and we arrived home about 15 minutes late for street meet. Held up on Riverside Road; so Dot walked last bit. I put duck legs in the oven then joined them : Des, Chris, Ciara, Mary, Matt, Angela, Jonathan. Afterwards watched another episode of So Long Marianne, as well as cricket and The Cleaner. David FaceTimed and we had talk with him and Oliver. They had been canoeing and golfing on driving range. Amy is apparently doing well and enjoying university.