Monday – Very warm. Felt a bit dodgy with some stomach pain and funny head (what’s new?), but as usual improved at end of day. Dot went to see Anne for lunch and chat, and I wrote my three pieces for Parish Pump – Wright brothers, Margaret Thatcher and an American Seventh Day Adventist conscientious objector hero. In the evening watched a bit of T√, including Narrow Road to the Deep North, which includes much more violence than it needs to. Rang surgery and stressed my imminent holiday; so now have phone appointment with a clinician on the 26th and have been told it’s not urgent. So I hope they’re right. Elevated liver enzymes, since you ask. I am looking suspiciously at my perindropril.
Tuesday – Still very warm. End of world near. Dot drove me to podiatrist to get my feet looked at: apparently they’re pretty good, except my toes are too close together: most people’s are at my age because we were designed to walk barefoot, and most shoes are too narrow, pushing the toes together. I also learned there are three beats to a pulse – and heard it. That’s good too, especially in feet and legs. Afterwards we came home through traffic and then caught a bus up to Red Lion Street. Popped in to M&S to try to get something for Dot’s hair, but they didn’t have any. We got it later at Boots, on the way home.
But first we had our afternoon tea at the Assembly House – a birthday gift from the Cake & Compline crowd. Very pleasant, though a bit on the sweet side. Service was first class. We took a few small items home to finish them in the evening. Called in at Hays to inquire about Canada, but had forgotten to take passports. Still, got some guidelines and were encouraged to call in again, which we will. Then walked through Castle Mall (including Boots) and on home. Felt very warm indeed. Met Des as we arrived, and had a chat, but we really just wanted to sit down. In fact we ended up lying down for quite a while: got some sleep, and we both read a lot. Dot has finished The Last Battle, which she is raving about and says everyone should read. Meanwhile I have been reading a really good crime novel called One of Us is Dead, by Peter James. Dot revived enough to listen to Norwich City beat Watford in the cup 2-1, and we watched a couple of comedy programmes before going to bed. Upstart Crow is very clever.
Wednesday – Very warm but cloudy. Drove to The Foundry near Tasburgh to have breakfast with Robin and Shelagh, Brian and Tricia. Very nice meal and chatted till past noon. In the afternoon I drove Dot to have her feet seen to – by the same guy, Aidan, who did mine. I read while she had them done, and then we drove up to the chemist, where I picked up my pills. Bach home watched Ridley, a new two-hour police drama that was very good. David FaceTimed and we talked about Diderot , plus a new project he’d planning that might involve Philiosophy for Children material. Had a light meal. Nice messages from Eleanor (card) and Jennie (text). Blackbird died in back garden. Cat or natural causes? Mysterious loud aircraft noises as went to bed.
Thursday – still very warm and dry. Dot and I bussed up to city to Hays and booked our seats on the Canada flight. Hadn’t been able to do it at home. Then on the way back (also by bus) called at the rail station and booked our tickets to Heathrow and back. Bridget came to clean and brought us ice creams. Dot sent away for printer cartridges and I ordered some wine. Then we had street meet one day early: Des, Chris, John, Matt, Sarah. Ciara was fishing and Bob and Mary are away, as are Joe and Sam. Des got us fish and chips – one of each, which was about right. Watched first episode of In Flight, a sort of thriller.
Friday – Dry and quite warm. Went to Morrisons to stock up, then in the afternoon to Christ Church Eaton to hear a talk on plagues which, to be honest, wasn’t very good. Quite a lot there, though, including Eleanor, who we thanked for the very nice card she sent us. Had rock cake. At 5.30 pm had mini-street meet with Matt and Angela, who had had her sisters with her yesterday. Watched quite a bit of TV, including two more episodes of In Flight. Had light tea which included shrimps, which I think may have upset my stomach. Had a bad night and then stayed in bed quite late. Naked Wines and printer cartridges arrived. Got in touch with Evetts to arrange November dates at Blakeney. Finished One of us is Dead, which was very easy to read, though I would have preferred the protagonist to be less stupid. The writer, on the other hand, was quite clever.