Last Friday (November 1) was grey but dry. Dot went to see Anne for a walk and a chat. I used the opportunity to try to ring my cousin Barbara again, but still no reply. So I rang poet Hillary, and she did reply. I had thought she was at death’s door, but apparently she’s not so bad, though she does have cancer. She’s still giving workshops at Unthank Road.
In the afternoon I took a roundabout walk to get to Morrisons, where I met Dot and did some food shopping. TV is playing up, which is irritating. Street meet in evening: two of us plus Des and Chris, Mark, Matt, John and for a few minutes Sean and Ciara, who has a bad shoulder. Sarah has a slipped disc. Des fetched us fish and chips. Watched a programme by Brian Cox on the solar system, and The Cleaner.
Saturday – Sunny at first, then greyer, but not too cold. Transport Day for Dot – she received her new driving licence and bus pass in the same post. She also did some more work in the garden, and after lunch I drove her to a church meeting and walked back. She stayed and then drove home in time to hear second half of football on radio. Sadly Norwich lost 2-1 at Cardiff after being 1-0 up. Both their goals scored very late after inadvisable substitutions.
While Dot was out I rang my cousin Barbara again, and for once she answered. Had a long talk, during which I discovered that her husband Roy had died. No notice in paper. Probate still not sorted, but her son Jason is looking after things. She has no mobile phone or computer. Cooked thin steak and then we watched a couple of episodes of Apples Don’t Fall, a rather odd crime mystery. Facetimed David and had a chat: getting cold in Ontario. Realised earlier that Waterloo is south of Minneapolis, which came as a bit of a shock. Oliver is staying with Sophie in Kingston, which is also south of much of North America.
Sunday – Dry; cloud and a bit of sun. Bit of a chill in the air, but no real wind. We drove to church in the morning: I was leading, and Dot did the prayers. About 20 in congregation, including Nikki and Phoebe. Spoke to Marie-Lyse about her son at Warwick University. Liz did one of her Godly plays, this time about the Saints of the Church (it’s All Saints/Souls Sunday). Afterwards had a visitation from the Archdeacon, who seemed friendly enough. He came down with Graham after St Luke’s Church service. Took Ray home as usual – Angel Road closed again”: unbelievable.
After lunch Dot cleared up the Utility Room and the rest off the garden. Not sure where she gets the energy. Offered to take a few people to a Common Lot event because Carrie was incapacitated with post-viral frozen shoulders, among other things, but no takers. Bit of a relief, really. Watched two more episodes of Apples Never Fall; compelling enough to keep watching but without any likeable characters. Also a documentary about how much money the King and Prince of Wales have, plus a brief interview with new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch. A good choice, I think.
Monday – Mild and dry, but a bit overcast. Dot went into city to get birthday presents for Kim and Bridget, and after I had a bath I posted her cut-up old driving licence and caught a bus into the city. Met her in Jarrolds stationery, and we then bought me some new shoes from Hotter. Completed present-buying and walked to Cornish bakery for tea/coffee. Then to Boots in Mall, where we both booked an eye test and Dot bought some shower gel.
After a late lunch at home we watched some football (Spurs beating Aston Villa 4-1) and then drove to surgery to book a blood test for me and pick up pills from chemist. Dot also got blood test results, which were good. Coincidentally saw Carrie at the surgery – driving, so she must be a bit better.
Earlier in the day Anna rang up about Phyllis’s house, which the Diocese has put on the market. Carrie and Debbie concerned about Phyllis’s wishes, and Anna will explore further. My feeling is that the will has been followed, whether or not it reflects Phyllis’s intentions. Howard wrote it for her. Ho, hum. My conversation with Anna was while she was on her way back from Belper by train and I was in the bath. Fortunately not FaceTime. After sausages and good mashed potatoes (first for a long time) we watched final episodes of Apples Never Fall, which really wasn’t very good. Didn’t like anyone in it and the direction was clunky.
Tuesday – Again cloudy, and it seemed chillier to me. Gave Jenny Downing a lift to the Archant pensioners’ coffee morning. Not such a problem as I thought it might be. Lots of people present; we chatted with Bill Woodcock and David Newham. I suggested Bill write a book about the London office of the EDP, where he worked for a long time; he has some interesting stories, but I don’t think he’ll write anything. Robin and Shelagh absent. I rang them afterwards and after a brief conversation with Shelagh I had a word to two with Robin, but he clearly didn’t want to talk and sounded really depressed. Cancelled his booking for the Christmas meal next month.
Mark’s new solar panels are now up, and I believe he has a device that monitors all the power in his house (and enable him to adjust use). Saw him showing it to Des and Jonathan this morning. I can see how it could become compulsive, which is why I don’t want one. Same gores for Sky TV.