Monday, 21 July – Not quite so warm; bit of a breeze and later some rain, most of which we avoided. After breakfast we walked into town by a different route through Victor Hugo gardens. Ended up in a couple of shops – Accessorize, where Dot bought earrings, and Eternity (said Frankie Lee), where we got her a yellow cardigan. Then on to the bus terminal, where we squeezed on to a bus to Jerbourg.
This turned out to be a rocky promontory with great views. A few drops of rain; so we went into the hotel coffee shop for tea and strawberry tart/bakewell tart; then as the rain eased off we headed down the road to a clifftop walk (after advice from passers by), which proved really good. Then back to the bus, which we managed to catch because it was late. Bit more rain, but it eased and by a stroke of strategic brilliance we managed to exit the bus at a point where we could walk across to our hotel without plunging into town and having to climb up again. After a rest we did the packing but couldn’t locate Dot’s watch charger. Had a one-course supper (me steak, Dot chicken burger) then repaired to our room.
Tuesday – Clouds, cooler, rain in evening. Bad night: woke about 5.20 for the last time and made a cup of tea. We had packed the night before. Got down to Reception in good time for transfer 6.30: picked up at another hotel (Great Western) but made good time to airport and checked in after they’d got the luggage roll-on working. Then ate our breakfast bag contents (Dot gave yoghurt to information desk) and went through security. Not too long a wait before boarding: good seats near back: left at 8.30. Stayed on plane when it stopped at Jersey: many got off and more got on. Easy flight to Norwich – impressed by Irish pilot. Seemed very quick, even the taxi-ing. Luggage came through with no problem and we got a taxi from the local booth. Driver Simon full of complaints about closed roads. Charged £17.20 and I gave him £20. Bridget was cleaning – seemed pleased to see us. Had cup of tea with her. Watched Tour de France and then unpacked. Very tired, unsurprisingly. Cooked salmon, watched a bit more TV, and then went to bed. Well before 10pm.
Wednesday – Dull, with spots of rain. Drove to church, where we took part in Bible study, finishing James. Present were Debbie, Jude, Steve and Morgan, back from the USA, where his proposal of marriage was accepted. Not sure who to. He’s young and interesting. Leanne popped in with Evelyn, who has grown quite a bit. They were going out blackberrying and popped in again on their way back. New garden at church is complete and looks good. Dot and I drove from there to Thorpewood, where I had a doctor ‘s appointment. Apparently my liver is rather less than perfect, but more investigations needed. Blood tests next Tuesday. Doc rang me later after he had spoken to specialist. From surgery we came home for lunch, then went to Morrisons. Managed just on 4000 steps today. At some point Mark has weeded our drive. Dot got in touch to thank him. He is very kind. Basic supper, then watched cricket and cycling. I put the luggage in the loft before going to bed.
Thursday – Rain most of day, but dried out around 5pm. Dot had spent much of the day preparing a meal for Anna and Howard, who arrived at 6pm – walking. Howard did repair to our door while the rest of us chatted, then we all ate the meal. Very good. After they left we watched cricket, then cleared up. In bed around 11.30. Earlier I did a bit of clearing up in the bedroom and study and chose hymns for Sunday. David is in British Columbia. Des brought over Private Eye.
Friday – David now in Calgary, presumably with Jackson. Warm and dry day here. Spent most of day on Parish Pump, interspersed with cutting ivy (not much) and watching a bit of TV – cricket and Tour de France, mainly. Street meet at the usual time – Mark, Sarah, Matt, Mary, Joe and Sam. Provided red wine for Mark to thank him for doing our drive. Good long talk. Des and Chris at Lichfield. Call from Stuart McLaren mid-evening to say tree branches had fallen in church hall garden, and he couldn’t reach anyone. Couldn’t go myself because I’d been drinking, but got through to Graham, and he went over. Don’t know what happened but he sent a picture. Quite dramatic.