It’s halfway through Sunday, November 17, and almost dark. Cold today, but quite bright most of the day. Now a few drops of rain, just after Des popped round with Private Eye, which he lends me regularly. He is just back from Lichfield, where his grandson is rather poorly. Here in Norwich we went to church this morning, and it was surprisingly mild inside the hall. Dot and I played in the band, and I preached: most people seemed to like it. Nice atmosphere generally: Nikki and Phoebe both there, as well as Alison, who hasn’t been well. Chatted with a number of people, including Amanda, who I told about last night’s film (see later on). Amy is back in Southampton, and David is in London. Heading back to Canada tomorrow.
Last Tuesday (12th) – A few showers but mainly dry. Some sun. Linda came round to cut our hair, but we got breakfast in first. Showed David some more pix, but he was doing some work before lunch, and immediately afterwards we went over to the station with him to watch him catch the 13.56 to Peterborough for his dinner and conference. He stayed not too far from Norman Cross, home of his great-grandfather and great-great grandfather.
I had a longish bath and went to sleep. Helped Dot clear up. Watched The Chosen before evening meal, after which we left for DCC. Only just quorate: Graham, Dot and me, Judy and Debbie. Went quite well: compline afterwards (except Debbie). When we got home I did a few steps, then we watched a documentary on Until I Kill You, which wasn’t much different to the series itself. Got e-mail from Louisa at Leathes Prior admitting they hadn’t paid any beneficiaries. Told her to do so. In the nicest possible way.
Wednesday – Dry, not too bad. Judy came round to watch The Chosen (4:5), and as usual I went to church for Bible study, followed by other two. Had chat with Steven before they arrived. Did quite a lot of Acts with the addition of Debbie, who arrived late. Had disagreement with her at end over Israel and Palestine. Oh dear. Dot didn’t stay for Taizé. David messaged to say he was coming back for the night. I contacted solicitors and several other people. Didn’t get through to insurers. Dot made banana bread. Kim is having problems in Cape Town – stolen bag and poss money taken from account. David came home just after 7pm. I had cooked chilli con carne. Nice. Had expensive bottle of red between three of us. David enjoyed conference – he talked to us about it and it was quite encouraging, especially compared to average newspaper fare. Afterwards watched Shetland after David went to bed.
Thursday – Bit chilly, but dry. Had breakfast with David but then we went up to Boots for eye tests while he got the 11am train to London, where he spent the day. Oliver appeared to be in London too, but their paths did not cross. David stayed in London, and Oliver returned late to Aylesbury. We had tea in Jarrolds and then I returned home, hoping for a call from the solicitors. In the end we had another exchange of emails. She (via an assistant) said she would make Phyllis payouts next week. I then wrote several essential emails, and Bridget came to clean. Dot went back up to Jarrolds later and bought herself some birthday presents – trousers and a jacket. It was a customer evening. Meanwhile I contacted the house insurers and managed to get the renewal premium reduced slightly. It’s now just under £1000! I then wrote to Judy about charities she might contribute to (she asked) and wrote most of my sermon. Oh, I had chosen the hymns earlier. Quite a busy day. Tidied room, and when Dot returned we had smoked mackerel fillets. We then watched some of England beating Greece 3-0 in Athens, and much less of a national parks documentary. Both very tired.
Friday – Not unpleasant, but getting colder. At least mentally. Had a bath and finished James Knox Whittet’s book on Islay. Very atmospheric, but don’t think I’d have enjoyed his childhood. Finished sermon and helped Dot a bit with clearing up, making bed and redirecting stuff in preparation for Evetts’ visit. Eventually Dot went to shop while I awaited a call from Louisa at Leathes Prior that never came – though she did e-mail me later. I think we’re gradually getting there. Had longish phone call with Val Gemmell (Smith) about Luke and life generally. She’s having a hard time, and so is he. Saw Oliver, Amy and David have reached Aylesbury. Went out for street meet not thinking many would join us as Des and Chris and Mark were all away. However John, Ciara, Matt and Angela all came out, and we had a really good talk, despite the cold. Afterwards I cooked lamb chops for me, and Dot did the leftover mince with pasta for herself. Watched really good documentary on the Fens , and then one on another National Park, this time in Turkey (Cappadocia).
Saturday – Bit damp and grey. A little rain. Stayed in all day. Dot had been intending to go to church thing, and I was going to Yeomen of the Guard, but neither of us felt up to it. Instead we watched a film, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp, which was brilliant, especially Anton Walbrook as a Prussian officer. It was beautifully directed by Powell and Pressburger, very subtle and emotionally compelling. Highly recommended. Later we watched Airplane!, which was not subtle at all, but very, very funny. Also Mayflower Murders, a series based on a book by Anthony Horowitz: also excellent, especially Lesley Manville. Somewhere in there I cooked salmon and walked over 4000 steps. Also prepared poems for tomorrow. David, Oliver and Amy went to Waddesdon Manor Christmas event and sent us some lovely pictures.