Spent the first three days of the week with Jennie C, who made one of her occasional visits to Norwich. The weather forecast had not been good, but as so often happens, it proved to be wrong. She arrived at about 1.30pm on Monday, and after lunch we took her to Caistor St Edmund for a walk round the Roman town. Because it had been so dry, you could see the outline of the streets in the grass, which made it a bit different. Afterwards, we walked up to the Saxon burial site on the hill.
Tuesday turned out very warm and sunny: we took Jennie for our second visit to Pensthorpe this year, and it was even better than last time, with many little chicks on offer – especially impressive were the avocets (featured in the EDP the same day) and the cranes. Jennie was a little disturbed by the geese and ducks who uninhibitedly tried to persuade us to share a sandwich with them. Later we went on to Blakeney, where we had full afternoon tea at the Blakeney Hotel. As a result I was not at all hungry in the evening, which was just as well, as we did not do enough jacket potatoes for the Tuesday Group, who turned out in unexpectedly large numbers. Jennie joined in the after-meal activities with some enthusiasm. A good evening.
On Wednesday I drove Jennie into town because she couldn’t manage the hill (angina), and she met Dot and Anne R, who had walked up. Not sure what happened after that, but Dot ended up with a new jacket. I was catching up with stuff at home. Maybe writing a sermon – or was that yesterday? Jennie left after an evening meal, and Dot and I flopped out on the sofa.
Yesterday was an odd day, when I suspect there was a brief increase in the strength of gravity, and I found it hard to drag myself into doing anything much. Started by taking Dot to the dentist, and then I went to the bank while she went and got a blood test. Not much happened after that, except on the computer. Checked bank statement, made some payments… Still not sure if I’ve paid my Barclaycard bill, because the site went down when I’d almost finished. Very annoying. It rained quite a bit too. My aunt Kathleen meanwhile has been diagnosed with lung cancer and probably has only two or three months to live.
Unexpected reflection in a piece of scuplture on the Bergh Apton trail
Weather is turning more Scottish after a very pleasant few days. It started towards the end of the Bergh Apton Sculpture Trail yesterday, which we visited with Howard and Anna after a Peruvian church lunch. I had led the service because of an illness in the original leader’s family, and the lunch was provided by our Peruvian member, Elvira. It turned out to be a rather unexotic clear soup with mildly interesting bread, followed by some English cheesecake provided by bride-to-be Donna, who is unexpectedly going to live at Gorleston after the wedding.
The Sculpture Trail, which happens every two years, attracts big numbers, and we usually run into a few people we know. Not many this year, except for former colleague and excellent writer Steve Snelling, with whom we chatted at some length, and Dot’s DSSO colleague Maggie Broad, whom we met as we were leaving, after tea and cake at the village hall. The trail had started very warm – so much so that I took my thin jumper off halfway round. It may have been this that provoked the weather people, because a wind immediately got up, and the temperature dropped steadily until it became really quite chilly. It then rained overnight, just in time for Jennie’s arrival, well, any time now. She’s staying for three days. Roger and Jude dropped in last night for a drink and talk: Valerie’s funeral has been fixed for Friday next week.
In other news, we had a pleasant lunch with the Kibbles on Friday, making a return to the Waffle House after many years, and after that I called in on Phil and Joy, mainly to thank them for looking after our garden while we were away. On Saturday we had our hair cut, and I left Dot in a business meeting with Barbara while I dropped in at Martin and Rupert’s Open Studio, buying £30 worth of assorted small art: boxes and cards. They will be leaving the studio soon: Rupert probably working from his home after he moves into his partner’s house, and Martin spending half his time at a studio near his partner’s home in Kent, which he has for nine months.
What with loads of open studios and the sculpture trail, I suspect there is too much art floating around and not enough people to buy it.
We’ve been back from Scotland for a couple of days now – almost all of that time spent in catching up with paperwork, taking phone calls and dealing with money matters. Fortunately the work from Howard which I anticipated early yesterday did not arrive until the evening, but I shall have to tackle it some time today. The weather has been warm, and Dot and I took time out to walk to the shops yesterday afternoon: a welcome break. Speaking of welcome breaks, one unexpected hassle was two demands for parking payment from the Welcome Break service area at Abington, where we’d stayed overnight on the way north. I’ve written them a sharp rebuttal, but I had to get the proof of overnight stay sorted, scanned and sent, which all takes time.
Andrew’s fees also had to be dealt with because, despite months of notice and repeated reminders from me to them, Coventry City Council have managed not to get their takeover of payments organised. So I had phone calls from the care home owner and from Andrew’s social worker (as we drove past Coventry on the way home!), and two letters from the council waiting. At least I think I now know what he has to pay each week. Reassuringly, the Pensions people have sent back my power of attorney (I had feared they’d lose it), but they still haven’t started paying Andrew’s Pension Credit. No doubt they’ll get round to it.
Anyway, while staying in Scotland I have kept a diary. The reception up there was too poor to be able to write it on my iPhone as it happened, so here it is.
Saturday, May 14
Rather trying circumstances for the journey north. I had a bad night on Thursday, with a stomach upset that kept me awake for much of the time. Not sure what caused it, but its effects linger on as I write, in the rather chilly lounge of the Ballater cottage. We travelled down to Caddington on the morning of Friday, with Dot driving, and reached David’s house at 11.30. Shortly afterwards the three of us left for St Albans, where I’d booked lunch at Loch Fyne. Very good meal, and I felt better enough to really enjoy it. But after we’d given David his early birthday presents and started to head north, I felt very groggy. When we reached the M6 toll I actually dozed off for a split second before being roused by the noise of the road as I slipped right towards the central reservation. As a result, Dot drove from there and we progressed very slowly up the M6, with continual hold-ups as traffic ground to a halt for no discernible reason. We eventually emerged from the horror that is Greater Manchester and reached the Lake District, where we stopped briefly and I felt well enough to take over again, though my stomach was still bad. After a brief diversion north of Gretna, progress was smooth through the Borders, where the M74 is a beautiful road. If only all driving were like that.
Reached Abington at about 9.30, where I managed a sandwich before retiring. Much better night’s sleep, though I had to get up twice. Managed breakfast too, and Dot drove north at breakneck speed, until we reached the A80, which has been in the process of transformation for many years and has now reached the stage of having a 40mph limit for nearly ten miles. One distant day, perhaps, the work will be complete – by which time the ludicrous road safety industry will have achieved such domination that the limit for the entire country will be about 50mph and I will have departed screaming with frustration to my grave.
After this the roads were beautiful again, and we headed for our favourite cafe at Ballathie, only to find it shut. So we motored on, with me driving now, and eventually reached Braemar, where it was wet and much colder. We stopped at the Fife Arms for our customary sandwich, served by the customary delightful East European waitress.
Then on to Ballater, where we found the house in good order. Apparently Ella is preparing it for sale later this year. We had several attempts to unload, being interrupted by rain each time it looked set in sunny, and then enjoyed a couple of car excursions before booking in at the Glen Lui for tomorrow and the Green Inn for next Thursday. Took a few photos in late evening sunlight. Stomach seems on the mend, but my head is not what it should be. No surprise there.
Sunday, May 15
Weather middling. Dot checked out a few shops to see if they were still there, and then waited until Dave and Julia arrived at about 1.30. We’d already had something to eat because their earlier text implied they might have been having something to eat on the way. So we improvised lunch for them and then did a walking tour of town, including the station museum, which had improved once again. Drove down to Loch Muick to take the customary look.
Dot on the Loch Muick walk near Glas Allt Shiel
Monday, May 16
Persistently showery. Down to Glen Muick: set out at about 11.30 in brief sun for eight-mile walk round the loch, starting with bridge and beach at its head. The footbridge seemed a bit the worse for wear, sagging in the middle. I empathised. Firm soggy wind against us. Picnic by beach at Allt Glas Shiel, then ever onward. Wind behind us as we turned for home, but as we did so the rain stopped and it turned quite pleasant. Feeling pretty tired towards end. Herd of deer in the valley busy feeding. Couple of lapwings. Workmen refurbishing toilets. About ten French caravettes en route intermittently for Spittal of Glenmuick: some kind of convention? Drove to Crannach for tea and scones, then to Cambus O’May (means bend in the river on the plain) for look at suspension bridge. Then home. Pause at the moment while we contemplate buying fish and chips.
Tuesday, May 17
Miraculously dry, and even occasionally warm out of the wind. Drove to Log Cabin, where I bought a shirt, Dot bought a top and we had tea/coffee and toasted teacake. Toasted teacake not so wonderful. Quick look round cemetery opposite. On to Knock Gallery, where I bought a picture out of the blue: superb pastel of Linn of Quoich. Reckless, I know. Dot bought ring and earrings, which were discounted. Thence to Braemar, where we lunched at the Fife Arms and were shown the rooms at Dot’s instigation. Very nice. (We’re looking at other options for when Ella really does sell the wee house.) Then to Linn of Quoich, which was as magical as ever. Bridge blocked to cars because it’s falling apart, though not so you’d notice. Julia very interested in restoring abandoned cottages. Back to Braemar just after 4.30pm for visit to Tourist Information and a couple of other shops. Feeling pretty shattered at this point. Back in car, drove up back road beside Clunie Water, then returned on main road to Crathie – quick look at Distillery (closed), then by back road to Knock Castle, which we accessed by driving up very rough road (probably a mistake), then home. Booked in at La Mangiatoia (formerly the Hayloft) for 8pm. Excellent steak.
Wednesday, May 18
Some sun, but very cold wind and occasional rain; even some snow falling briefly on Cairn Gorm. David’s birthday, so rang and wished him a happy one. After posting cards drove to Cairn Gorm. Bridge of Brown cafe not open, so postponed coffee till we not only arrived at the mountain railway but reached the top. Wind on viewing platform immense – guided walks to top abandoned (not that we were going). Did the usual round of exhibition and shop, plus fish and chips for me and baked potato for Dot. After we took a pretty packed train down, I repaired to the car while the other three crazily walked up to the camera obscura in icy rain and pretended they enjoyed it. Drove through Aviemore, then on the way home stopped at the Whisky Castle at Tomintoul, where after much tasting Julia bought a single cask malt. Over the road at the Old Fire Station cafe we had tea and meringue, then drove to the Well of Lecht, where we recklessly walked up to the manganese mine and back, still in a fierce and very cold wind. Chinese takeaway in the evening, followed by several games of Take Two.
Julia and Dave on Craigendarroch, with Lochnagar in the background
Thursday, May 19
Wind still cool, but not so strong. Mainly dry. Started at Larks Gallery, where Dave and Julia bought a photograph, which they arranged to have framed by a woman at Dinnet, in the short time remaining to them. So we drove up there and met her: she was lovely – very friendly and oozing goodwill. From there we drove to the Lochnagar Distillery, but just missed a scheduled tour so returned to Ballater for lunch. I had a new watch battery fitted while the others went to the delicatessen. After lunch returned to the Distillery, where we enjoyed an excellent guided tour from Leanne, despite both Dot and Julia having coughing problems – probably (in Dot’s case, anyway) from tasting barley husks. The tour ended with a bit of tasting, and Julia bought two bottles. Back in Ballater we climbed Craigendarroch at my insistence and rounded off the day at the Green Inn, which as always fulfilled expectations.
Friday, May 20
Heavy rain early (before I got up) but then surprisingly dry and sunny, though with a chill wind. Did the seven bridges walk, and Julia checked the number. Included the secret lochan, so it worked out at just over six miles, and we were all feeling pretty tired at the end. This didn’t prevent the Evetts continuing into town to buy some extra food for lunch, wile Dot and I flaked out for a few minutes before setting the table. After lunch Dot and Julia went shopping while Dave and I first picked up his picture from the framer, Jay Hart, then continued to the Burn O’ Vat, where the visitor centre had been vastly improved. Dave impressed by the Vat itself, and we walked up to a precarious point on top before walking on the other side of the road in a vain attempt to reach the loch (we were getting pretty tired in view of our morning exertions). Returned home to find Julia had bought quite a few things, and I had to go back to Byzantium tomorrow to see Dot try on a skirt. We ended the day with fish and chips and a battered Mars bar (oh yes we did), followed by a bit of bridge and Take Two.
Saturday, May 21: Grey and cold, with some rain later. Evetts left at 9.45, and we went into town to view and buy the skirt, plus a top suggested by the extrovert owner. Then bought food, Dot did some washing and we proceeded to the Log Cabin, where we had bacon and syrup pancakes followed by ice cream. Also bought some postcards and a book on Ballater intended as a Christmas present for the Evetts. Back at the house had a long rest and watched part of a Cohen DVD. Already our all-action holiday has ground to a halt. Listened to Bob Dylan prog (he is 70 on Tuesday) on Radio 4, then three episodes of Dollhouse on DVD. Bed rather late, and had a disturbed night, for some reason.
Sunday, May 22
Mainly dry. Very windy. Went to church (stepping back 40 years) and admired new stained glass window. Then to Station Restaurant for shared expensive Ploughman’s. Headed for Burn o’Vat, but it looked crowded, so we continued to Tomnaverie stone circle – a first for us. Short walk to top of low hill, where we were nearly blown over. Good view of Lochnagar framed by stones. Drove on to Glen Tanar, where we made a brief foray into the visitor centre, which was being refurbished, then walked to the chapel, where we found a sheltered spot and sat in the sun for quite a while watching the birds. Lovely peaceful time. After returning to the car we drove to a spot near the Dee where there is a classic view of Morven. Got a nice picture of a heron in flight and saw a huge fish jumping. Went to Glen Lui restaurant again: good food and service but had stomach upset afterwards, possibly related to something I ate earlier. Watched another episode of Dollhouse. Compelling stuff.
Monday, May 23
Better night. Weather appalling as I write at noon. Very high winds and torrential rain. Apparently a lot of disruption in the west. Finished Leonard Cohen biography: some interesting stuff about the most recent tour, but patchy otherwise and some surprisingly bad editing. Dot is making some phone calls and we’re about to write some postcards… OK, now we’re in bed. We’ve finished and sent all our postcards. I went down to post them just before 10pm, then decided to take a look at the river, which was very high and very fast. Went and fetched Dot to have a look, then drove along to Dinnet for a view from our favourite riverside spot. Certainly impressive, both from Ballater bridge and the one at Dinnet. Some minor flooding along banks. Continuing to rain heavily on and off, and reports of damage caused by high winds further north and west. As a result much of day has been spent indoors, apart from an earlier trip into town for food (plus tea and coffee in Station Restaurant) and a trip to the Burn o’Vat visitor centre, where we chatted to a ranger who had relatives in Gt Yarmouth. Finished Series One of Dollhouse (including unaired pilot). Impressive.
Dot in the Burn o'Vat
Tuesday, May 24
Turned out unexpectedly nice in a relative sort of way, taking into account the customary high winds. Slow start; listened to Radio 4 programme on Bob Dyan’s spiritual journey which was pretty well done, though no-one seems to grasp that you can be Jewish and Christian at the same time (cf Jesus and all the disciples, St Paul etc). Caught a bit of a preceeding green-tinged programme which featured some of the worst poetry I’ve ever heard, full of cliches and without a single bright idea, basically apologising to children for what the previous generation did. (Great coincidental email from Brian Caldecott debunking this whole idea.) After this we walked around the river path – about three miles. River is still high and fast, covering areas of stones we normally walk on. After buying and eating lunch we made for the Burn o’Vat again and after walking the circular path tackled another one which was alleged to be 2.7 miles but was well over three and a-half. Included a nice bit by the loch with a good view of a crannog. We also saw a huge bird that was probably an osprey but looked more like an eagle, which was pretty exciting. It was very big. Also a large number of other birds. Found warm spot to sit as the wind dropped but couldn’t wait long as we were running late for La Mangiatoia, where the steak wasn’t as good as last time. Exhausted after we got home with about nine miles under our belts; tried to watch Cuckoo, but it didn’t make any sense; so watched the first episode of Dollhouse series two, which did.
Wednesday, May 25
Very lazy day, but in justification the weather was overcast and chilly, continually threatening rain, which occasionally materialised. Our long lie-in was disturbed amazingly by men mending the gutters, apparently as part of a job commissioned by the council for the adjoining buildings. We slunk into our clothes while the workmen had lunch, and then drove to Braemar after picking up some info about accommodation from the Tourist office in Ballater. Not tremendously helpful. In Braemar had late, lingering lunch in the hotel, then drove back to Ballater, stopping to walk down to Monaltrie Street, a collection of ruined houses and a mill on the river bank. Last time we were there we saw salmon jumping: no such luck this time, perhaps because the river was so full. There was a chill in the air, so we went back to the car and drove home, where it had just begun to rain. Rang Phil and Joy: all well at home.Had a couple of burgers and watched more episodes of Dollhouse: now six into second series.
Black-headed gull on the Lecht road
Thursday, May 26
Overcast, cold and damp, with frequent rain. Got up a bit earlier and called at Larks Gallery, where we bought a number of items, including a small photograph, which we took to Jay Hart for framing. Then on to Log Cabin (via Dinnet and Strathdon) for bacon and maple syrup pancake. Drove on up Lecht road to take in the cloud views, and a personal appearance by a black-headed gull that seemed to be posing for us. Stopped a couple of times to read, then a short walk before back to house. Green Inn for evening meal – another excellent offering. Two more episodes of Dollhouse. Amazing shades of green in hills.
Friday, May 27
Starting a bit warmer and dry, with some sun, but steady fine rain by late afternoon. Drove to Balmoral, and after a muffin and tea did the long (blue) walk that I don’t think we’ve done before. Very pleasant: really quiet in the woods on the hill. No-one else around at all – almost mystical. As we got back down to the ballroom a fine, steady rain had started to fall, and this did not let up until evening. Had further refreshment and bought a few items both inside and outside the Castle grounds, including a DVD of Deeside. Dot called in at the Estate Office to ask about a few cottages on the estate for future use. Fish and chips in evening. Almost finished Dollhouse: only the epitaph to the second series to go. Did finish reading Anatomy of Ghosts, which became quite compelling: colourful 18C setting for a kind of mystery thriller – worked well.
Dot on the "Balmoral" path near Loch Muick
Saturday, May 28
Sunshine and showers; a bit warmer, except in the wind. Missed breakfast and had early lunch in the cafe on the main street, which was surprisingly good. Dot spoke very highly of her butternut squash, coconut and chilli soup, and my cheese and onion sandwiches came with hotel-like trimmings. Rock cake good too. Drove down Glen Muick in afternoon. Parking is free at the Spittal while the toilets are being refurbished (something to do with power being off). We walked part of the Lochnagar path, starting in bright sunshine, though rather buffeted by wind off the loch. Through woods and up on to sandy, easy part of the track up the mountain, where we took shelter from a shower. Could have gone further, but decided to turn back because of time restraints: we had to be at Banchory by just after 7pm for Ella’s party. Nice walk, though: had a good look at the house at the foot of the path with a view to renting it some time in the future! Got to Banchory by about 7.10 and realised we didn’t know where the hotel was. I had assumed it was the same place as the last time, but it wasn’t. So Dot called in at the police station, where they were very helpful. Banchory Lodge Hotel is in fantastic setting by the river. The Pimms reception was outside in the sun (but the wind was still chilly), and both Dot and I saw a salmon jump. Inside we had a sit-down meal, with a certain amount of swapping of tables, so we talked to a number of people, all of them very pleasant. Exchanged addresses etc with John and Kath Allison from Lumphanan, with whom we ended up. Both teachers – J retired, and K about to, though like Dot she didn’t appear to be anywhere near it. Later joined by Linda and her husband (John? – probably not). Really good time. Meal not huge but very tasty – just how we like it. Drove home carefully (I had moderated my drinking severely) and arrived safely at about 12.45am.
Sunday, Monday, Tuesday: Felt surprisingly well on Sunday and decided to walk the circular route round Craigendarroch. Got a bit lost and climbed a steep bit, then found ourselves on a new path. Got round the other side, but then found ourself on the path back down. Signposts not at all helpful, as the circular path also goes to the top. Anyway it was fun. Very windy. Dot then dropped me off at start of Glen Muick road, and I walked back to town while she had a look at the shops. Started raining, and Dot picked me up by chance in Bridge Street. Finished the packing and had evening meal at Glen Lui, which was excellent yet again. Rounded off the evening by watching the final Dollhouse episode and one or two extras.
Had another bad night. Left Ballater at 11am on Monday and stopped for early lunch at Fife Arms in Braemar. Left there by noon, and Dot drove up to a service station just south of Glasgow, having been held up slightly by an accident on the A9 near Stirling. I then took over the driving and we reached Tebay farm shop around 4.45pm and bought some food, together with a map to show us the way into Kendal. Took scenic route into town, brilliantly navigated by Dot, and reached the Premier Inn just before 6pm. Receptionist found us a parking spot and we had a drink and a short walk before repairing to our room for our makeshift but very tasty meal.
Good room, buy still didn’t sleep well. Left at 9.45am, and I drove as far as M6 Toll services. Last bit frustrating with lots of traffic and occasional standstills. Had muffin, and Dot drove as far as Cambridge Services. Comfort stop, then I drove home, arriving around 4pm. Spent a long time unpacking and looking at financial matters. Paul rang to say Kathleen had gone into a care home.
Will write more about this in due course, but have piled up the miles in the last couple of days. From Norwich to Abington via Caddington and St Albans was 472 miles; a further 154 brought us to Ballater today. Since arriving we have driven up into the hills and down to Corgarff, then later by the back road to Balmoral. After all that, and with the house a little chilly because it’s rarely occupied, we decided on an early night.
Open-top bus full of Canaries heads down Theatre Street
Ignore all previous hectic weeks. This was one was really exhausting, as I prepared for our Scottish holiday and tried to sort out two burning issues: Andrew’s pension credit and the British Gas situation as it relates to St Augustine’s. Having heard nothing for six weeks about Andrew’s money, I rang the pension service and was told that they needed my power of attorney. It would have been nice if they had actually told me this earlier instead of waiting for me to ring, and I am not terribly optimistic now that I’ve sent it to them. I suspect it may get lost somewhere. Of course the fact that I’m going on holiday will confuse them totally, despite the fact that I’ve told them verbally and in writing. I’ve also heard nothing about what money needs to be sent to The Langleys – and of course can’t get through to Coventry City Council at all. I’ve left a message. More confusion looms.
At first British Gas couldn’t do anything about my queries in response to their price-rise letter, because I was not Vicky Myers. So I had to e-mail them the change of treasurer. Then someone was supposed to ring me when I returned from holiday but rang the same day instead, and after much discussion we agreed a new contract: or at least he told me about a new contract, and I agreed to it. Apparently for this it didn’t matter I wasn’t Vicky Myers. It’s a funny old world.
But it can be a nice old world if you can afford it. Last Saturday we had a lovely evening at Morston Hall with the Robinsons to celebrate their birthdays and Anne’s retirement (I think that was the excuse). Top-class food, of course, and top-class service too. I restrained myself from drinking as much of the excellent red as I would have liked and drove home – too fast, apparently (Philip Robinson). But no hangover, which meant my sermon on Sunday was relatively coherent, and afterwards we celebrated Anne Travis’ 90th birthday with a cake supplied by her daughter. Anne, who has not been well, came after the service and seemed quite bouncy, as well as very appreciative. Her actual birthday is tomorrow, and Dot collected money and bought her some flowers and chocolates, which we took round to Chris Fiske’s this morning so that she can deliver them when we’re on our way to Caddington. It was nice to see Chris Denton and Zoe on Sunday.
As well as ploughing through paperwork during the day, I played chess on Monday evening: a rapid tournament in which I got totally won positions in four of the five games and lost two of them. I also lost one I deserved to, so a pretty poor result really, except that I beat my bête noir, Terry Glover, with a very nice finish.
The weather has been much more pleasant, with only a shower or two today. Hope it’s not building up to some solid wetness in Scotland. On Tuesday, after more phoning and writing, I accompanied Dot to North Walsham, where we visited the cemetery and had tea with Jessie, who seemed very well. We got back in time for some quick fish chips before making our way up into the city crowds celebrating the Canaries’ promotion, and got a reasonable view of the open-top bus from near the Forum on Theatre Street. As the crowds dispersed (or moved on to a later viewpoint on the route) Dot and I went into St Peter Mancroft for a concert by the Navarra (string) Quartet. Impressive musicianship, but on the whole I preferred the lunchtime concert on Wednesday at the Assembly House by Mark Lindley (cello) and Elena Kiseleva (piano), which was stunning. We got there with seconds to spare after getting up late and misjudging the time.
Afterwards we had lunch at M&S, and I bought some slippers and socks for the holiday. I then went and paid in some church money at Lloyds before heading home. Much of today has been spent packing, but with lots of other things to do as well. In the end I moved the printer downstairs because it stubbornly refused to connect wirelessly. Printer offline, it bleated inaccurately. It will probably stay down here now. Rang David to see how his bad back was progressing, and booked in at Loch Fyne tomorrow for a birthday meal. Now we just have to get there in time.
While all this was going on our neighbour opposite (No 19) has been doing extensive work to his property and has been removing huge amounts of soil and rubble in skips: a real challenge for the skip lorry necessitating lots of juggling with cars and vans. I kept ours out of the way in the drive as much as possible. Hopefully no bodies will be unearthed. Phil is keeping an eye on the house while we’re away: he and Joy came round Sunday afternoon to survey the plants.
Norwich City are playing the final match of the season as I write, having won promotion on Monday amid incredible scenes at Poringland, where we were completing a bank holiday with the Robinsons. After an unlikely 0-3 loss by Cardiff to Middlesbrough, the Canaries needed to beat Portsmouth away to make sure of promotion, and they did just enough: 0-1 (Jackson). So today’s match is a formality, and there is more than a suspicion that the City players have not been putting everything into training. Still, it’s 0-0 as we approach half-time, and Dot is having her hair cut in the kitchen, courtesy of Linda, with the radio on. (Final score 2-2)
Dot at East Ruston gardens, with Happisburgh lighthouse framed by a hedge
Monday was a good day. We started with tea at the Robinsons, plus a tour of their extension-in-progress. Then Philip drove us to Ingham, near Stalham, for lunch at the Swan, which was very pleasant. I then navigated us to East Ruston, where we stumbled on the Old Vicarage Gardens which, coincidentally, we were looking for. I wasn’t optimistic about these, but after an entrance that seemed like a glorified garden centre, they turned out to be most unusual, more than making up for the biting wind, and with hedges that occasional blunted it. Some brilliant planning, with views through holes in the hedges picking our churches and the nearby Happisburgh lighthouse.
After a pause for tea we returned to Poringland, where we looked at about half the Robinsons’ pictures from their recent world tour before switching our attention to the vital match. The tension was so high that Philip had to leave the house, leaving three of us on the edges of our seats – well, two of us, with Anne mildly interested.
A busy week followed for Dot, with several school visits and an inspection at Elveden on Thursday. She has written most of her report already. On Wednesday I went to see Hilary Mellon about a journalism workshop she wants me to do for her Bridges group. I was a bit doubtful at first, but I think it sounds OK. Gave her a lift to a Bridges meeting at St Mary Magdalen afterwards, which gave me an opportunity to spy out the ground. In the evening I was over at Paston for a trustees’ meeting, at which we decided to continue with our plans for the church in the hope that a new clergyperson who will be PCC secretary will bring order out of chaos. We shall see. Nice homemade ginger biscuits, though. Dot meanwhile was visiting Carrie.
Yesterday, with the weather having settled itself at something very pleasant (no wind at last), my iPhone went on the blink, with the battery not recharging. I took it up to the Apple store, having made an appointment on David’s advice, and they thought initially it was a connection problem. But after I left it with them to charge, it became evident that the battery was faulty, or had reached the end of its life. So when I returned from doing a bit of extra shopping, I was supplied with a new battery, which comes in the form of a new phone, but at battery price (£55). Altogether a good result, especially as I had remembered to cancel the papers for our upcoming holiday, and the new phone recovered its apps and everything else.
This evening we head for Morston Hall, again with the Robinsons, which should be very good indeed. The weather is still excellent, though rain is predicted for tomorrow, when I am preaching at St Augustine’s.
Not Kate and Pippa, but Andrew and myself at Pensthorpe
Just back from Coventry, returning Andrew after a three-night visit. Dot came with us, and we started after Communion and a delicious Anna Green church lunch (Andrew dining at Phil and Joy’s), leaving about 2.45 and getting back about 8.20. Roads were relatively clear apart from a stretch of the A14 between the M6 and Cambridge Services (yes, I know that’s a lot), but as few lorries were involved, everything ran quite smoothly. Dot drove out, and I drove back. Cambridge Services has deteriorated markedly since a lot of other people found it and overran it. Don’t you hate other people? This does not include people we know and love, of course.
Andrew came to Norwich on Thursday, fetched by Phil and I in the Merc. Another fairly straightforward trip, with Andrew as good as I’ve seen him in a long time. On the Friday we watched much of the Royal Wedding, starring Kate and Pippa, with supporting roles for Will and Harry. Excellent reading by Kate’s brother. Afterwards I took Andrew to Dunston – a perennial request – and for a change we walked to St Remigius’ Church, up through Dunston Hall grounds and back down the road to the Common. Andrew surprised me by knowing where we were when we emerged from Dunston Hall gate. On our way home we went up Caistor Lane to view the bluebell wood from afar, then called briefly at Whitlingham, where the wind had got up a treat. Lastly, we called into the Rosary, before returning to the house for steak and chips.
Excellent day yesterday, when we all went to Pensthorpe nature reserve, which proved far better than I remembered it from years ago. Lots of entertaining birds, which is always good, not to mention some red squirrels, which appealed to Andrew. The wind was still sharp, but this was uncomfortable only while we ate lunch at the Snack Shack. Walking round the various paths, beside the Wensum and through a wildflower meadow, around some lakes and into some hides and gardens was no problem at all, in view of the sun and blue sky. Spent about five hours there.
Must mention also Dot’s excellent talk at the Surrey Midweek Fellowship. She spoke about church schools and had them eating out of her hand. The fellowship, not church schools.
A squirrel performs acrobatics to reach our peanuts
Pretty quiet Easter, really – partly because Dot was recovering from some kind of respiratory tract problem (cold, or allergy) and was less energetic than usual. I had intended to go to the Maundy Thursday service at St Luke’s but in the end, typically, didn’t. The weather was very warm until today, when a cold wind brought the temperature down, but not low enough to be unpleasant. On Good Friday, after food shopping, we took some flowers up to the Rosary and then some more to the cemetery at North Walsham. Following that we called in at Jessie’s for a cup of tea, and I managed to break something in her cistern, giving rise to a flood of puns on Facebook.
On Saturday David drove up and met Dot at Ethel’s while I cooked roast beef, which we enjoyed later on, followed by Dr Who, which continues to be remarkable. Sunday was a very busy day: I led the Communion service, which attracted a mammoth nine people, including me, the preacher (John Easton) and the music group (Dot and Phil). Felt good, though. Dot and I were slightly late for the traditional family meal at the Red Lion in Eaton, but not enough to make any difference. Always good food there, and nice to see the German side of the family (Birgit, Joe, Ilona, Elfrida). Afterwards David drove off home to Caddington – the children had been in Ireland with Vicky, and it was nice to see David on his own for a change – and Dot and I had a brief break at home before heading for the Seagull Theatre, Lowestoft, for another evening of poetry and song. Ian Fosten was on good form.
Today I spent some time in the garden, cutting down some stuff that was spreading far too quickly, and in the process removing some rose branches that Dot had apparently been trying to train over on to the trellis. Ho, hum. On the whole, a satisfactory hour or two, especially as I managed to resurrect the church’s Easter candle (see what I did there?). The wick had been unlightable, but I managed to cut the wax back and restore it to a healthy state. Sometimes my practicality amazes me.
While this was going on, Norwich City – who despite my pessimism had beaten Ipswich 5-1 last week – also came back from the dead to beat Derby 3-2 with a goal in the 95th minute, triggering incredible scenes at Carrow Road and in our garden, where Dot was listening to the radio and talking to Anne, who spent a couple of hours with us while Philip was at the match.
Have finished another couple of books: Orchid Blue, by Eoin McNamee, which is about the dubious conviction of a young man for murder in Northern Ireland – poetically and beautifully written, but suffering from the disadvantage that it was a true story and thus deprived of any satisfying twist in the tail; and The Song Before it is Sung, by Justin Cartwright, which is also based on true history but manages to introduce enough fictional content to give it the necessary uncertainty – again, beautifully written and containing some fascinating ideas about different reactions to the horrors that life sometimes throws at us (in this case, Hitler). Conjured up place and period in stunning fashion.
The other award-winning den at Bewilderwood, with its makers
Very, very tired. Possibly something to do with the glass of Sauvignon Blanc I’ve just enjoyed; possibly the heat (have just returned from the Rosary, where I removed dead flowers from parents’ grave and caught guilty-looking couple exiting with lilac from a cemetery tree); possibly the fact that Dot has had a cold/cough and I haven’t been sleeping too well; possibly the amount of stuff I’ve been doing over the last few days.
Today I’ve been trying to put together a booklet of my Lent poems. Downloaded some software that seemed promising, but it would only work if you had a printer that printed on both sides (I think), so I have now resorted to juggling the original pages, which will take a bit longer. Why do I get lured into trying something new? The perennial question.
Yes, it is much, much warmer. Summer is with us. I just hope it doesn’t take a good look round, decide it’s had enough and go away just as we head north for our Scottish holiday. No sign of movement yet. Dot was not at all well on Monday, which meant we didn’t go to Alison’s funeral; and to round the day off, Yosif failed to show up for our chess game yet again. Rumour has it that he’s in Bulgaria, east of Hemsby.
I’ve done quite a bit of work for Howard this week but not received any acknowledgement for the last, most complicated piece, which was an EDP-style article on a plan they have to improve orthopaedic pathways. It sounded more exciting in the article, I have to say, which may be why I haven’t heard back.
On Tuesday I spent much of the morning walking around Norwich with Rob Knee, researching the Paston sites. We then met up again in the evening for the Norwich Writers’ Circle prizegiving at the Assembly House. I won the smallest prize for a minimalist poem, which left me unreasonably less than satisfied, as I had nothing else in the anthology. However, I was the only Norwich prizewinner, and the first prizewinner came from Northern Ireland, so I suppose I should be happy. Walked part way home with Rob, his wife Penny and son George. Hilary was also there after a couple of days of being whisked to hospital with suspected heart attacks (probably angina). She wants me to do a workshop on journalism for her handicapped group, but I have nothing against them, so why should I? I suppose I might. Meanwhile the Cracknells’ son Finnan has been in hospital with a muscle infection, which sounds nasty, but he seems to be making a good recovery.
On my way into the city to buy a ball for Oliver, I ran into Joy, who used to clean for us. Mind you, I didn’t work that out until I’d nearly got home. Her daughter Tiffany also “did” for us at one point, but I can’t remember their surname. Vicky M introduced them to us, but she can’t remember either. Frustrating, especially as I said I’d send her a poetry book.
Far back in the mists of time, last Friday,Dot got a spare ticket to go to watch Norwich beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 – an exciting match, but not as exciting as tonight’s derby at Ipswich, which we really need to win, but probably won’t. On the Saturday the Greens came round for a meal, and we had a predictably convivial time, though Anna had to leave early because her shingles was playing up. Howard went with her, which is only right.
By the way, Dot has had her P4C visit to Holland in September confirmed – exciting. She’s spent most of the day in the city with Anne, which must mean she’s feeling better. She has new shoes too.
One of the two award-winning dens, with its creators
Delightful week, despite the chill wind for much of it. Son and grandchildren visited, and Philip and Jane and their two children camped nearby in the Premier Inn; we spent most of the time together, and I even missed an Archant agm, I was having so much fun.
Our family arrived on Monday. I was due to play chess against Yosif in the evening, but typically he didn’t show up, and I returned for a quiet evening. On Tuesday the Coomes arrived, and we organised lunch and supper for nine. In the afternoon most of us walked into the city by way of the Cathedral Close (leaving Dot fixing the evening food) and then went to the Museum, followed by the Norwich City shop, where I bought a Canaries bag for Oliver and two teddy bears for Amy – one pink and one a traditional yellow. Apparently the NCFC teddy bears are walking off the shelves in the current climate of optimism. As I write City are 2-1 up against Nottingham Forest, being watched by Dot, who got a free ticket from the Robinsons.
On Wednesday we all went to Bewilderwood and survived the chill quite well, considering. Ended up in a den-making competition, with Dot spearheading one, and Phil and David leading the other. Both did exceptionally well, I thought. Another meal at ours in the evening, but the trend changed on Thursday, which was a bit warmer, in a relative sort of way. Everyone except me went to Cromer (Dot by train), bercause I had to wait for the alarm to be serviced and then go to the dentist to have a crown fitted. Not an actual crown, though that would probably have been cheaper. The process (with earlier preparation) left me with little change from £1200, which is about £1000 too much for any tooth work, in my opinion. Of course, I wouldn’t tell the dentist that. They have drills.
Owing to an earlier blunder, I had booked Dot and me into the Maddermarket in the evening, so instead of enjoying a leisurely meal in the Premier Inn with the others, we had a quick starter and then hurtled up to the theatre for an excellent performance of Alan Bennett’s 40 Years On. Sat next to James Goffin – to whom I owe my four years’ teaching at UEA (I took over his course) – and afterwards had a chat with David Newham, another former colleague and long-established Maddermarket actor, who said he was hoping for a part in the forthcoming Under Milk Wood.
Today was much warmer, but it was also the day of departure for our visitors. In the morning we took them up to Mousehold and had a game of football which I feel may take me several days to recover from. Good fun, though. Oliver is dead keen, and very skilful too. Amy organised a party lunch with some assistance from Dot (or should that be the other way round?), and I said goodbye early to meet Anna at the Castle. We were supposed to proceed to Dragon Hall for a meeting on Paston plans, but Sarah at Dragon Hall postponed twice within 24 hours, so I had to spend almost an hour with Anna, which was of course a real trial, not to say very pleasant indeed. Someone needs to get an armlock on Sarah, though.
