Today is Thursday, 11 July, and although it’s reasonably mild, it’s a bit chillier than it has been, and there has also been quite a bit of rain. This morning I decided to visit my brother and deliver him and Joy a bottle of wine and some chocolate for their wedding anniversary tomorrow. I got a link to their son Sam’s sermon on Sunday and a cup of tea. On the way home it rained quite heavily in the Lenwade area. It was dry in Norwich, but by the time I went to get some petrol after lunch, it was raining here. Why hadn’t I got petrol on the way home? Because when I changed trousers this morning I forget to switch my wallet, and so had no money.

Later Bridget came to clean, and Anne dropped in with what I suspect is a present for my birthday tomorrow. We happened to watch the women’s semi-final at Wlmbledon between Paolini and Vecki, which was the sort of match you didn’t want either of them to lose. Unfortunately (or not) Vecki did.

Last Friday, the 5th, was warm but mainly overcast; dry until late evening, when it rained hard. My new adaptors arrived and fit this time. Had an early lunch and drove to Christ Church at Eaton, where after much setting up I gave my talk on my experiences at the EDP.  Hard to use mike, read my script and read slides at same time, but other than that it went very well, and I got good feedback. About 20 people there in all. Organised by Bridget. Mike and Amanda came and a couple of people from our Taize group (Steve and Jane). Tea and biscuits afterwards. Had been feeling pretty rotten beforehand but took various pills and was all right. Afterwards lay down for a while, then went out for street meet. Des’s sister and her husband were there: also John, Jonathan, Matt. Mark is away. Forecast rain held off. Dot cooked excellent sea bass and we watched football and tennis. France beat Portugal on penalties after dire match, and earlier Spain beat Germany 2-1. Radicanu won again. 

Saturday provided the odd shower, but was reasonably warm. Complicated day. Made sure my sermon was Ok. Drove Dot to St Andrew’s, Eaton, for orchestra rehearsal at about 3.30pm and returned home to watch England play Switzerland in quarter-finals. Cooked bacon and eggs at half-time. England were a bit better but not interested in actually shooting till they went 1-0 down with about ten minutes to play. Then Sako scored with an excellent shot from the right. I had to leave before extra-time, but I suspect they had their eyes on the penalty shoot-out, on which apparently they had done a lot of research and practice. They just avoided losing before that and won the shoot-out 5-3; so that worked well.

I discovered the result while Dot’s concert was in progress. Excellent concert, despite it being music from shows and films, which is not my favourite. Switched seats at interval to sit with Angela and Donna and had a good view of Dot, for a change. Also there: Adrian and Jane, David and Bridget, Bernadette Wapshott and her husband, plus of course Neville and Graham. Spoke to several members of the orchestra, including Mary and Yvonne and her husband, who are Scottish. I had parked quite a way from the church; so Dot sat on a bench by the bus stop while I fetched the car. City centre quite crowded, of course. 

Sunday was mixed. Started fine and a bit windy, but dry until about 6.30, then thunderstorm as I left for poetry at the Seagull. Heavy rain later at Lowestoft too. Large attendance at Seagull, including, surprisingly, Liz and David Cannon, who were staying at a local hotel. Liz read three poems – one a very good one about their marriage, based on Naming of Parts. Read five poems –Long Lens, Bungalow Lane, Wildlife, Plain Sight and Holy Island – and the evening didn’t finish till nearly 10.30 – far too late. Home around 11.10pm. Earlier went to church and I did sermon, which went quite well, I think. Dot spoke to Addi afterwards, and Abbay – she’s doing a good job. Dot, I mean. Took Harriet and Ray home again. Harriet still has car clamped but is now paying the fine; so hopefully it will be sorted out soon. Phil and Sharon are trying to fix mike. Caught up a bit on TV in the afternoon, and I cooked some steaks before leaving for Lowestoft. Radicanu out, having previously dropped out of her scheduled mixed doubles with Murray. 

Monday was mainly dry, but rain in late evening and overnight.  Frustrating day, really. Caught up with blog and e-mails in the morning. In the afternoon Anne came round to see Dot, and I went out. I posted card to Roger Mason (birthday) , then started planning out Treasure Trail for C&C group, starting at the Cathedral. At some point, either before I left or during the walk (though I can’t imagine where or how) I lost my glasses and haven’t been able to find them. Good job I bought three pairs. Dot came out to meet me by the big lawn in front of the deanery, and just after she got there, Eleanor arrived with dog. Walked down to river with her and then home, by which time  I was quite tired. Search for glasses yielded nothing. Even rang Anne to see if she’d picked them up by mistake. Watched some tennis and the second episode of Tokyo Vice, which began to make sense.

Tuesday was overcast but mild: rain in the evening. Woke up quite late. Put a few things on Diderot. We went to Morrisons and got some food and plants. In the afternoon I took Dot to Anna’s for a violin lesson and on the way home dropped in at the Cathedral, just in case my glasses had been handed in. Checked with welcome person, who directed me to the verger’s office, where they took my name and phone number. Also retraced steps from yesterday, but no glasses. Didn’t really think there would be. When I got home I walked up to sorting office to post birthday card to Roger. When Dot got home (walking) we watched a bit of Wimbledon. I had done the first few verses of the Cake & Compline trail. Think it works. Cooked eggs, bacon and sausages, and we watched the first Euro24 semi-final. Spain 2 France 1. First half was excellent, but then Spain did an England and it got a bit tedious. Watched Tour de France highlights as usual. 

Wednesday – Quite mild and mostly dry. Jude came round to watch The Chosen as usual, and afterwards I drove to church but had to leave the car up by Wensum Park and was five minutes late for Bible study. Dot and Jude came in a few seconds later. Discussed hymn preferences before looking at passage. Debbie disappeared; so it was just Dot, me, Steve and Jude. Ellie was otherwise engaged. Went fairly well. Dot stayed for Taize. In the evening Dot and I drove to Wensum Valley hotel for the Sillars summer party. Pretty good – excellent buffet, and we were able to sit outside for drinks first. Spoke to Penny, Mary and Caroline , and Vicky and Anthony, but mainly to Steve and Yvonne, the bass clarinetist. They’re Scottish, and we had quite a long chat. All punctuated by roars from the bar when England score or thought they had. Semi-final of Euro 24 ended 2-1 to England (against Netherlands). Saw highlights when we got home. Early in the evening Debbie rang about a poem being used by Mike on the new new church website – still don’t know which one it was. Ho hum. (Now I do – Thursday: it was The Nature of Reality, from my Waving from a Distance book. I had to look it up.)

Quite warm and dry on Saturday, June 29. Very busy day. Judy came early to drop off her car to take train to London to see her niece.  But not before Colin (and Jordan) arrived to cut the hedge (£160). Also trimmed ivy and fixed stone at corner of wall. I got cash out to pay them. Later I spent a lot of time and effort rearranging cupboards in both main bedrooms, checking loft for projector (fail) and finding slide scanner underneath desk in study. Got rid of old medical stuff and put current items in order, making room for music books in cupboard and tidying top shelf in my room. Discovered I have two full boxes of catheters which should last indefinitely. Well, almost.

Watched Switzerland beat Italy 1-0 and then a ridiculous thunderstorm-interrupted game in which equally ridiculous refereeing made sure Germany beat Denmark 2-0. Denmark had good goal disallowed and Germans were awarded non-penalty. Also saw excellent first-day highlights of Tour de France and checked over talk I’m giving to Bridget’s church group. Not happy about it because I can’t get clear idea of how technology will work. Slide scanner didn’t work either. Old technology. 

Sunday started wet but improved. A bit cooler. Went to church and led service – did prayers as well. Was originally supposed to be a joint Communion with St Luke’s, but no clergy available, and only one person came from St Luke’s because Melissa was being ordained, and I think everyone went to that. Howard preached. Had chat with Amanda about how we met our other halves. Took Ray and Harriet home: he seems to be getting worse and she still has her car clamped.

Quite a long chat with Michael, our neighbour, about walking and politics. Watched England scrape through against Slovakia after equalising in the 96th minute and then scoring again in the first minute of extra time. Still pretty dire until subs came on. Also saw Tour de France highlights and a bit of the Spain-Georgia match, which Spain won 4-1. Quick FaceTime with David: Sophie had a seizure, but she seems to be OK now. 

Monday was overcast but dry till evening, when there was a fair bit of rain. Mark has left for three weeks with his ship, off Australia. I have found the projector and think I can buy a connection that would work. However David Archer has come up with some other suggestions, most of which I don’t understand. To be safe, I have prepared a different talk which doesn’t require technology. Tried them both out today – the latter with Dot as audience. Spoke to David briefly on FaceTime, and he agrees about slide scanner – probably out of date. Dot got pills from chemist and bought some more plants.  Watched France scrape through 1-0 against Belgium and then Portugal likewise against Slovenia. The later defended brilliantly but couldn’t shoot. As a result Portugal won 3-0 on penalties. 

Tuesday was a bit cooler. Overcast mainly, rain very early. Drove to the Archant breakfast – food not quite as good as usual, but Robin and Shelagh were there, as was Tricia. Robin had stitches and bruising on his face: looked very nasty but he functioned ok! Brian has also fallen over but is ok. Dithered around in afternoon and actually went to sleep. Ordered connectors/adapters for talk on Friday but don’t think they’ll be necessary. Went to the church  (Christ Church Eaton) this evening for a talk on labyrinths which was surprisingly interesting, given that public speaking was not one of the leader’s gifts. About 15 there and we took Des, who had seen the notice in our window! While there checked iPad with projector – or at least David Archer and his colleague Julie did. Seemed to work ok.

Saw a bit of football and tennis. Both British No 1s won – Katie Boulter and Jack Draper (both lost in next round). Andy Murray decided not to contest singles in view of his many infirmities. Turkey beat Austria 2-1 thanks to a brilliant last-minute save by Turkish goalkeeper , and the Netherlands beat Romania 3-0. Dot feeling very tired – head still funny  But she did sort out a lot of the garage and a cupboard in the kitchen; so…

Dot was a lot better on Wednesday. Cooler, overcast sort of day with splashes of rain, but nothing much. Not in Norwich anyway. Judy came round and we watched 2:7 of The Chosen, then I drove up to church to lead Bible study. Dot thought she’d stay at home and rest. Judy joined the study, and so did Debbie, Steven, Ellie and Phil. Went much better than last week.

After lunch Dot walked up to the dentist and got a clean bill of health, plus an actual bill of well over £100. When I walked up (late, because I’d been checking my new connectors and found that neither of them fitted) I just managed to get there in time. Got prescribed some new toothpaste and I persuaded him not to clean my teeth, which I think causes more trouble than it cures. He did an x-ray, which revealed nothing seriously wrong. Receptionist in jolly mood.

Met Dot in John Lewis afterwards, and she may have bought me a birthday present. Walked home and felt completely knackered when I got there. Phil said Clare had had a similar head to Dot and it eventually went away (try not to picture that). Ordered some Grove Books for the group. Watched a little bit of tennis (win for Radicanu), and then cleared up while Dot went to orchestra. Prepared connectors for return to Amazon. After Dot got home watched Mark Cavendish win brilliant sprint which made him winner of most stages in the Tour de France – ever! 

Thursday was quite a tiring day: dry but mainly overcast and breezy. Got up fairly early and sent back stuff to Amazon (wrong adapters), then picked up pills from chemist. At various points during the day wrote my sermon (though it may not be quite finished) and chose hymns. Helped Dot catch up with her puzzles. Bridget came and cleaned for an hour, and Sarah popped over to return cake container: she seems ok. Dot and I drove up and walked a bit to register our votes (for two different people). I ordered what might be the right adapters from Amazon. Watched some tennis – Andy and Jamie Murray being knocked out of doubles. Had a long FaceTime with Amy about her concert, her health and other things. And last but certainly not least – Oliver got a first at Warwick. Brilliant!

Touch of summer this week. Last Sunday (June 23) was warm and dry. Church in the morning. Heather led and preached, but she wasn’t fully fit. Good, though. One of hymns, chosen as a request from Steve) didn’t fit the tune anyone expected. Ho, hum. I did the prayers. Took Harriet and Ray home. Harriet has had her car clamped for non-payment of a fine she has actually paid. Another cock-up by the council. Felt quite tired and achy in the afternoon, but Dot gave me a massage and I took paracetamol; so felt ok when we drove to Paul’s for supper. Very nice meal – we really like his new house, and we had a good chat too. Parking was very difficult. Scotland lost 1-0 to Hungary; so out of Euros.

Monday was again pretty warm and dry. Started well – did some tidying up in garden and prepared to do charity money, but then decided to install Dot’s printer. This was a nightmare because it wouldn’t find the WiFi in spite of my putting the booster in Dot’s room and then moving the printer down to my study, near the router. Suspect a couple of settings may have been wrong. After talking to David, who FaceTimed us to let us know the timetable for his visit next month, I found a USB connection and with the aid of a couple of adapters connected the printer direct to Dot’s computer. This worked!! Spent almost the entire afternoon on it, though, and got quite grumpy. Hard to believe, I know. Similarly grumpy when Italy scored in the last minute of added time to draw 1-1 with Croatia.

Dot discovered Sarah is going in for a hysterectomy next week. Our evening meal with Anna and Howard was postponed because co-guest Derek Bower woke with high temperature. Did chilli con carne instead. 

Tuesday was hot. Walked up to Boots in the morning to get three new pairs of reading glasses – they seem ok. Went through charity money and sent off several cheques, which I posted on the way to the solicitors in the afternoon. Met Anna there, and we signed a couple of documents relating to Phyllis’s will. Then walked home, and I realised later that my feet were hurting, possibly because I’d been wearing sandals. Toes and instep quite painful: head heavy as well, and Dot has funny head too. I quote. Watched England draw 0-0 with Slovenia, marginally better but very frustrating until they brought on Palmer and Gordon, but it was too late by then. Also watched another episode of The Responder, which is weird. 

On Wednesday saw the last episode of The Responder. Not impressive. Hot weather again. Bridget arrived after 11am and parked her car in our drive so that she could walk to Eleanor’s. Idiots at Great Hospital have decided visitors can’t bring cars in, despite ample space. Later drove with Dot to church for Bible Study: Ellie, Debbie, Judy, Dot and Phil. Wasn’t really happy with how it went. Back home, went to meet Bridget, who had to wheel her hoover from Great Hospital to ours. Coming up Aspland Rd, met Natalie and her husband – she is an Anglia TV newsreader, I think, and she knows Eleanor and now Bridget.

Sarah is out of hospital, having had her hysterectomy, but apparently has covid, though not badly. That is to say, her test was positive, if you believe in that kind of thing. Bridget did our cleaning. In the evening met her again when I walked up to St Peter Mancroft for a talk on faith and film. Extracts from films good, but didn’t like the discussion format, especially when so many of the comments were painful. Bridget and David gave me a lift home. Irritating road works on Riverside Road have vanished. Wore trainers with no socks, and feet felt better. Temporarily.

Thursday – Still pretty warm. Wore shorts! Caught up with editing and captioning my photos – no small task. In the middle of it, Dot had a lot of trouble with Word, which I tried to sort out. Not sure if I’ve done it, but it’s working at the moment. Before that I went to visit my Aunt Thelma in her care home. She’s fading fast, I think. Her 95th birthday is in three weeks’ time and she looks very fragile: slim and little appetite, confined to her bed. Hard to communicate with her now. I don’t think she really hears me well, and she says very little. I gave her a little drink, and an assistant came in with a small mug of tea just afterwards! I was with her for just over an hour, and we both went to sleep at one point. Terry Alcock funeral today; so I had to avoid Carrow Road. Watched final episode of The Outlaws: excellent, unlike The Responder.

Friday – Cloudier and a bit cooler, though warm in the sun. Oliver climbed Kinder Scout with Cameron. CNS Reunion at Willow Centre in Cringleford. Lovely setting. Saw Fred at outset before he went to Ivan’s funeral. Usual crowd. Plus Nick Butcher and Steve Chadwick, who lives in Hamburg and spoke in the afternoon about Deutsches Leben. Interesting, but he spoke very softly. Fred was back in time for that. In the morning, Adrian had put together an autobiographical film about his life, moving around the world in various roles. Very well done. Followed by lovely buffet from Jane. Back in good time for street meet: Des, Chris, Mark, John, Jonathan, Ciara, Matt, Angela and briefly Phoebe. Afterwards watched new comedy show Douglas is Cancelled, which was brilliant in every way. Then a short Dispatches piece about how motorists are being screwed by councils and government. True. We’re all doomed. Doomed, I say. My feet are a bit sore where the trainers rubbed against my instep. Not mentioned by BBC News, strangely.

Another warm and sunny day, thought there was one shower in mid-afternoon. Kristine arrived at 12.44, and I met her at the station while Dot finished preparing food and setting table. She had already been to the shop for a few final things, and I had started writing prayers for tomorrow, which I finished after she left. Had a lovely meal with her, and we walked her over to the station at 5pm for her train, which couldn’t be changed. Came back, cleared up and watched some football (Portugal 3 Turkey 0).

Last Tuesday (18th) was fairly warm and dry. Gas man came early, but farmed out job to an outside agency after finding water in the electrics near the pump. Outside agency coming next day. In the afternoon went with Dot to Rymans to buy printer, but customer service was so bad that we walked out again and had tea and croissant at a new cafe in Davey PLace, where Cath Kitson was. Very good. Then walked up to John  Lewis and bought a printer online, with their help.

It was scheduled to arrive in a few days. Felt exhausted after walk home, but did much of the rota and chose hymns for Sunday. Arranged to see solicitor re Phyllis on Friday next week. Des (back from Lichfield) helped us change position of hanging basket so that the right flowers were in front. Then cooked meal – duck – and chose compline for Cake and Compline: Dot had cooked a fruit cake earlier. Two absentees: Eleanor at Canons’ meeting and Phil somewhere else. One never knows where Phil is (turned out to be BInham). Nice evening. 

Wednesday was mild, with some sun. Dry. No phone call from Dyno, who were doing our central heating repairs; so a bit tense, not knowing when they’d come. Drove to church to do Bible study with Debbie, Stephen, Jude and Ellie. Went quite well. Then drove home so that Dot could go to Taize (one of us needed to be at home). About half an hour after she left, Dyno turned up – a couple of guys who did a great job, repairing stuff in airing cupboard and a valve on a radiator in our bedroom. At least I assume it was a great job: they were friendly and impressive, and it all appears to be working. They were here for a couple of hours.

Later I took Dot up to have her toe done; good job I did, because she had anaesthetic and a swollen toe. I went for a walk up West Pottergate while it was being done. Interesting. Years since I’d been up there. Later I cooked a meal, and then she went to orchestra – picked up by Janet. I wrote a couple of Parish Pump pieces, then realised I’d forgotten about the Scotland-Switzerland match and went up to watch the second half. Result 1-1 was probably fair, though Scotland were a bit unlucky. Incidentally Dyno are a British Gas company, not an outside agency. 

Thursday – Warm and dry. Happily central heating seemed ok. Left it on by mistake last night. Completed two pieces for Parish Pump, on George Stubbs and Joseph Priestley. Went with Dot to Morrisons – filled up with fuel and bought food. Dot had to take care of her foot; so spent some time reading in the garden. Bridget came to clean, and we had a chat about my upcoming talk. Watched England draw 1-1 with Denmark. Very negative and deserved to lose. Went for meal with Mary and Neville Thrower – had a good time, though Neville was a bit shaky. Lovely dessert. Lots of talk about various ailments and reminiscences. Discovered that Mary and Neville got engaged at Linn of Quoich!! They stayed at Bridge of Cally. Amazing.

Friday was mainly sunny and warm. Finished other two Parish Pump articles (Hitchcock and Explorer 6) but not before a surprise visit from my brother Phil. He had come in by bus to enquire about assisted travel by train to Princes Riseborough to see Sam’s new house. In the end I think he decided against it. But I gave him a lift back to Dereham. The window cleaner had come earlier, and later Dot’s new printer was delivered. Out in street for a long time – interesting discussions, especially between Dot and Ciara. Cooked meal and also salmon for tomorrow. Watched some football but nothing very exciting. No surprise there. Also penultimate episode of The brilliant The Outlaws. 

Today, Monday June 17th, was a bit of a muddle. It was largely dry, though we had occasional threatening clouds blowing over. We were both up in good time for Linda, who came to cut our hair. I had pretty much decided that the central heating was causing the trip switch to go off, and so there was very limited hot water, but light and working fridge and freezer. We were awaiting the gas man, who was due between noon and 6pm. Bit awkward, as I was due to go for an eye test at Boots halfway through the afternoon, and Dot wasn’t quite as au fait with what exactly I’d worked out the previous evening. But I needn’t have worried. At 5.45pm I got a call from British Gas saying they’d been swamped by emergency calls and couldn’t make it. They are now coming tomorrow morning. I hope.

Meanwhile I had been looking for my slide copier – unsuccessfully as yet. Also spent a long time with the eye doctor, who said there was basically nothing wrong with my eyes, but of course I needed new reading glasses, having destroyed most of the ones I had. I eventually ordered three: the second one was half price and the third was free. In the evening Dot made a cake for tomorrow (Cake and Compline), having gone to the shop to buy ingredients, and we watched Belgium v Slovakia (1-0), which was a travesty and made me want to stop watching football altogether.

Last Wednesday (June12) was mainly dry. Cool. Walked to church for Bible study, dropping a signed document in at solicitors’ on the way. Dot followed later by car as she had momentary diarrhoea. Quite a good study – Steve, Debbie, Judy, Dot (eventually). Afterwards I drove home and had lunch, as well as publishing my blog. Back to pick up Dot – trouble starting car again; so we drove up to the garage, who fitted a new battery in key fob. In the evening walked to St Peter Mancroft Octagon to hear Malcolm Guite, who was quite good. Trip arranged by Bridget, and Eleanor came too. Coincidentally also the Cannons. Naomi Tuma was helping to organise. MG’s poetry is very different to mine – quite didactic, but very well done. He also sang a couple of songs. Afterwards Bridget gave me and Eleanor a lift home. Dot went to orchestra and was late back because she helped with putting stuff away. Watched an old Death in Paradise before bed. 

Thursday was quite warm, becoming more overcast and cooler in the afternoon. Intended to write my sermon, but things intervened. Accompanied Dot to Dunelm to replace dryer that didn’t fit the hole. New one seems successful. Bridget came early and we showed her our holiday photos instead of her working. Spoke to Des, who is going up to Lichfield again. Watched documentary on Mississippi and then first episode of new series of The Outlaws, which is very funny. Got some ideas together for rota. David FaceTimed us and told us Oliver had got a first on his dissertation. Had quite a long chat. Entered Crabbe competition with Long Lens poem. 

Friday was mainly dry until time for street meet, when it rained heavily. Had Mark and Jonathan round for drinks and had long discussion on politics, on which we were pretty much agreed. Earlier Dot did quite a bit in the garden, and we went to Morrisons. I did a bit of walking by the river. Spoke to Fred: Ivan’s funeral is the same day as the CNS reunion. Before Dot got up Des came round to say he was off to Lichfield. Car is working ok. At Mark’s instigation we are starting a WhatsApp group for street meet. 

Saturday brought sun and showers, one of them a heavy thunderstorm. Got a couple of pix of lightning. Wrote my sermon in the morning and did a lot of catching up in the afternoon, including editing pictures, managing to register my phone screen protector, sorting out loose papers and researching a new printer for Dot. She almost lost the prayers she’d written for tomorrow but I managed to retrieve them and print them on my printer. Watched a bit of documentary on Charles’ birthday. Don’t know why. Started on rota – most key people will be away, it seems. I may take over. Got chess book from David for Fathers’ Day – John Emms’ Simple Chess – Looks good. 

Sunday started very wet, but later warm and dry. Went to church and had to park a long way away again. I preached. Took Ray home afterwards and got home in time to welcome Fred and Sue. I cooked salmon. We had a good chat and then walked up to Tombland with them, where they caught a bus back to Beeston Regis. Walked home and felt exhausted. Had to lie down while Dot cleared up. FaceTimed with David, who was at Caledon. Spoke briefly to Murrays. Fathers’ Day. Watched England win their first match of Euro 24, beating Serbia 1-0. Not very impressive. Then downstairs lights went out for third time, and after experimenting, I think I’ve tracked it down to the Central Heating, which I’ve turned off. Bit of a relief – could’ve been without fridge, freezer and WiFi. Still not certain. Gas man required.

Thursday, June 6 – Quite cool. Sun and showers. Walked into town to buy stuff from chemist, gift shop and butcher’s. Rained a bit. Drove to Braemar and had warm scone and tea in Gordon’s – very good. Then drove to Linn of Quoich and walked up to the bridge, where we found someone working on the house, and a van parked outside. Remarkable. Rained a bit.

Walked back over the top through the Caledonian pines and down to the car. Realised that shiny white building we could see in the distance was in fact Braemar Castle, dominating the valley. Tried to work out how the van got up to the house. As we were about to drive back, the van appeared – it had obviously come down a track on the other side. As we drove along to the Linn of Dee the van appeared again – and yet again, as it took a short cut through the Mar estate. We stopped for a while above the confluence of the Quoich and the Dee, and again at Braemar, where I went to the loo. Stopped for a read near Balmoral, but we both kept going to sleep.

Had pies for supper. I finished London Rules, a Slow Horses story, which was excellent. Dot is just finishing To Kill a Mockingbird. Feeling very tired. Forgot to mention that at the Log Cabin the other day Dot bought me a book about the Scottish islands, with some great pictures. 

Friday – Cold, quite windy with showers. Called at Larks Gallery then drove to Cambus O May and walked across bridge, plus a bit on the other side. Then drove to Log Cabin via Strathdon –  lovely road over hills. Had small lunch then drove back to view of Lochnagar and stopped for a while to read. Then back to Ballater and after a while drove to riverside and walked along path next to golf course. Trees being uprooted on opposite bank as river cuts into bank. Sorted our stuff out and in the evening walked to Crannoch Grill for another very good meal. While at Log Cabin Fred rang to say Ivan Lincoln had died, but I had already texted him that news, having been apprised by Joyce. Sent Des & Co pics of us with whisky in street, and they reciprocated. 

Saturday – Mainly dry. Becoming a bit warmer as we travelled south. Left Ballater at about 10.10 after chat with cleaner and visit to petrol station and (Dot) to Grocer to buy whisky fudge. She drove to Glen Shee, where we stopped for tea and doughnut, then on to Kinross services, where I bought crisps and took over driving. One slight error while bypassing Edinburgh, but not a big problem. Eventually stopped in lay-by near Berwick for sandwich and then on to the Lindisfarne Inn, where we arrived just after 3pm and checked in. Room very hot, but we got it fixed. Meal at 6pm – trout not bad, but Dot really liked her venison moussaka. I slept for a while afterwards, then we drove over damp causeway to Holy Island and back. Problem with starting car – maybe keys have packed up. Locking still works though. Rather worrying. Dot did some walking to make up steps. 

Sunday – Sun, cloud and very windy, but dry. Had a bad night thinking about car key problem. Good breakfast at inn after checking and finding our breakdown coverage was pretty comprehensive. Managed to start car and drove to Holy Island. Paid for three hours’ car parking: four would have been better, but I didn’t realise we were going to walk to the castle and go round it: quite an experience. By the time we got back to town and Dot had eaten a crab sandwich we had only half an hour to spare. Again car was reluctant to start, but we stopped on way to causeway – rather foolhardy in the circumstances – and read for a while. Car did start again and we got back to Inn, then read/slept for rest of afternoon. Had venison pie for evening meal, which was adequate. Both had liqueur to follow. 

Monday – Mixed weather. Some rain as we travelled south, and very windy. Again. After another full English we were last out, and the car started. Dot drove down the A1, which was quite pleasant, and we stopped at Wetherby, which was crammed and confusing. Found our way to fuel and filled up. I drove next, following Google Maps recommendation to avoid congestion on A1, but it went slightly wrong, though we were able to stop at Ferrybridge services on M62, which were very good: Costa girls very friendly and helpful. Also bought food at M&S, and on emerging circled roundabout twice without finding the right route, then headed east on M62 until it joined the M18. This added a few miles but avoided the congestion altogether; so it was a Good Mistake.

Continued south amid fairly heavy traffic and ended up at Cambridge Services, which has been made more confusing by fencing off the area we usually stop in. Nevertheless we reached it by ignoring a No Entry sigh. Dot took over again and drove the rest of the way. The Highways agency have excelled themselves on the Newmarket bypass by not only failing to complete work there after several years, but by parking one of their lorries so that it blocked half of the inside lane, leading to a delay of at least 15 minutes. After that we had to wait for Norwich for the next ridiculous delay on Riverside, where poor traffic light sequences led to unnecessary delays for traffic heading for Riverside Road. An ambulance parked for no apparent reason by the lights didn’t help.

We got home just on 6pm. Very tired, unpacked a bit and ate a bit before watching the final episode of Red Eye, which was very good. Also had long chat with Amy, then Oliver and David. Amy is doing well at the Zoo, and Oliver has finished his exams. David is working hard in many areas. Tidied up, shaved off beard and had a bath. It was midnight.

Tuesday – Plenty of rain and chilly. Dot drove me to hospital for 11am appointment to check my flow! Found this quite difficult: you have to have a full bladder but not go too soon. Anyway, after several cups of water I made it, and the nurse seemed to approve. I have another appointment in three months. Got the 26 bus  to city centre during a heavy shower: horrible bumpy journey as always. Told woman Dot said it would be fine in July and August…

Got off in Orford Place and went to Apple, where I bought a new screen protector for my phone: £34! Woman had three attempts to fit one. Then to Boots, where I booked an eye appointment for next Monday. Then walked home, feeling extremely tired. Cleared up and wrote some essential e-mails etc; emptied cases; paid a couple of bills. Watched a bit of TV – couple of episodes of Rebus, Scottish river documentary in Sutherland, for instance. Had fish pie we bought in services on way home – M&S, very good. Spoke to Jonathan briefly; intended to take car to garage, but it started OK, and I was very tired. Earlier it had locked us in car for a few moments at hospital. 

It’s Wednesday June 5 – the first day after Dave and Julia returned from Scotland to Nottingham – and the weather has turned much chillier. With showers. We had lunch with Ella at the Boat Inn in Aboyne, and she insisted on paying. Very good fish and chips. Ella looked well, and was greeted by several people as we sat there.. After we drove home we managed to get some washing dry by keeping an eye on the weather.

We didn’t do much the rest of the day except read and rest and watch the rain and hail, but we managed to reach our steps goal by walking inside the house! When we went to bed just before 11pm the sky was blue (oh yes) and the rain had stopped.

A week ago, the first full day of Dave and Julia’s visit, there was lots of rain in the evening but it eased up a bit as we walked to the Clachan Grill for another superb meal. Veal chop this time. Started with Cosmopolitans. All very relaxing.  

Thursday was dry but very windy and quite cool. Drove to Drum Castle, which was quite a trek, and did the guided tour, much of which I remembered from last year. Then, after lunch, looked round gardens and then drove home via Ella’s house, Tarland etc. Too late for Cheese Company. Had fish and chips for supper, plus battered Mars bar. Watched some cricket on TV, then had discussion which included some politics. Went to bed. 

Friday was dry, fairly warm but some wind. Drove down to Loch Muick and parked free because the ticket machine was broken. Walked down to the loch side, taking it fairly slowly. Got as far as the bridge, which was apparently made of the wrong wood, then walked slowly back. Dave had a couple of breaks. Saw deer in the glen bottom. Clear view of tops. Then drove to Cheese Company and had a toastie. Nice place. Drove on via Pass of Ballater to look at Glen Shiel Bridge, then over the tops to Balmoral. By now very misty over Lochnagar, so no great view. Down to Lochnagar Distillery, where Dot bought a couple of glasses and some chocolate. On by back road to Ballater, where we had a long rest. Meal at Green Inn: very nice duck. 

Saturday was dry and quite warm. Walked to various shops; Dot got some plasters, and we visited the Wood and Wool shop. Almost had coffee at corner cafe, but didn’t. Drove to chairlift , had lunch after parking at new area (free if you were using chairlift), then all four of us took chairlift up. Dot and I walked to the summit – quite difficult – while Dave and Julia waited for us. Had brief chat with couple of woman climbers and a foreign guy ( I offered to take pic of him and his son). The latter understood what I was saying, and he seemed quite pleased. Afterwards drove down into Braemar (traffic lights where repairing Callater bridge) and we had a look round Fife Arms hotel before  sharing a pot of tea (£3.50). Split up and looked round shops. Had call from Fred to say Ivan Lincoln was on last legs and Joyce not too well either. Went to chocolate shop and bought a selection, then we all drove home. Ate in after visit to Co-op. Dot and I had pie with fried-up vegetables. Cheese and chocs to follow. 

Sunday – sunny in morning; overcast later. Dry. Went for shortish walk to end of road and back through golf course. Then drove to Cheese Company for coffee and out to the Lecht. On the way back stopped at The Watchers, then at the Log Cabin, where we had lunch. Very pleasant. Then drove back to Ballater, where the Duck Festival was in progress. Split up for walk through. Dot and I saw winning giant duck being escorted by pipe band. Also watched very good R&B group on village green, then Dot and I had ice cream and returned to Bertie’s. Julia and Dave had been there for some time. 

Monday was mainly sunny and dry, but with a lively wind. We filled the car up and drove to Balmoral, where we spent most of the day. Lots of construction work on old restaurant site and behind ballroom. Had drinks and later lunch at a temporary cafe in the old mews; temporary loos behind. Visited ballroom, with watercolours by the King – several of them of Norfolk. Later split up to complete tour of grounds and met by the gate at 4pm. Popped into new gallery at car park and bought some cards, then drove home.

Dot spoke to woman opposite who had been laying gravel: she bought the house last September. Discovered that what we thought was a practice by the fire brigade last time had been a real fire, started by the grandson of the previous owner who had been disinherited. He is now in jail, apparently. Later we got Indian takeaway, which was OK. 

Yesterday it rained at first, then mostly dry. Cooler. Had quick walk down to the river before leaving.  The other three had a drink in the corner cafe, but I wasn’t thirsty. Left about 11.30 and drove to Aberdeen airport, where we dropped off Dave and Julia. We then drove back to Crathes Castle by a somewhat circuitous route and had lunch: soup for Dot and scone for me. We then walked round the grounds and eventually the gardens, which were superb. I got some really good pictures and a video of some oystercatchers. Dot drove from there. Eventually we went to the Co-op, and I bought a pie. Dot bought something Indian to go with leftover rice. After supper we watched a bit of TV, and I did some clearing up. Spoke to David on FaceTime. Message from Evetts revealed they’d got home in six hours door to door.

Sitting in Bertie Cottage, Ballater, at 16:40 on Wednesday, 29 May, and the rain is pouring down. If it wasn’t, I would probably be somewhere else. Julia, Dave, Dot and I have been walking round the town today, stopping for coffee at the cafe on the corner and for lunch at the Rothesay Rooms in the former station. We then visited a number of shops and bought some clothes – I got a secondhand shirt for £8 and Dot got a bag and top from Byzantium. For instance. We also booked meals for later in the week at The Fish Shop and the Green Inn.

Back nearly a week ago, on Thursday 23rd, it was overcast, threatening rain that never actually materialised. Made final preparations, delivered newspapers over the road, then left for our journey north. Dot drove to Boxworth services, where we ate a bit of food we’d taken with us and got rid of scraps, including a bottle of coke that was leaking. Dot lost car keys temporarily, but we found them in the car. Had tea and coffee at Costa, then I drove along A14 and up M1 to Donnington services, which were very smart (refurbished?).

Then Dot drove rest of the way to Matlock Premier Inn through sometimes heavy traffic on M1 especially. Quite a nice room. Went out for walk in the wind and discovered a path by the River Derwent, plus a railway line. After a rest had a nice meal: Dot had fish and chips and I  had steak; both had prawn cocktail, wine and whisky (Taliesker). FaceTimed David for progress report.

Friday – Had full English breakfast – which was ok. Left by about 10.30 in overcast weather, with the occasional bit of blue creeping through and then retreating. I drove first, travelling through Buxton and on by a familiar rout along the A6, past Lyme Park and so on. painfully slow. Eventually skirted Manchester airport on a new dual carriageway with ridiculous 50mph limit. Eventually with help from my excellent navigator found our way on to the M61 and made good progress most of the time. It eventually merged with the M6 further up than I expected.

Stopped at Lancaster services, which was pretty terrible – not enough parking, too many people – and got a plug to enable Dot to charge her phone. Had forgotten to bring one. Also filled up with petrol and Dot took over driving. Called in at the wonderful Tebay and had a bite to eat. Parking there now more extensive. After resuming and crossing Shap it started to rain quite heavily, but we made it to Scotland. Quite a good room at Lockerbie/Annandale Water. Had a bite from Cornwall bakery, then later a bit more from Costa. Wrote a poem about the wildlife visiting McDonalds. Walked round lake a bit and took a couple of pix. Early night after failing to get Scotland TV on set in room. Bit chilly outside. 

Saturday – Dry and fairly warm. Left Annandale Water at around 10.30 and I drove north. Made good time, but left M74 too early and found myself on the M8 heading to Edinburgh. This would have been OK, but I tried to get back on the M90 and got in a muddle, even more so after I swapped and Dot drove. Tried to avoid congestion at Queensferry Bridge but went round in circles and visited some very uninteresting places. Eventually I decided to follow the guidance of Google Maps and eventually found ourselves on the Bridge – bit of a hold-up, but not too bad.

Then suddenly we were on the M90 heading for Perth and stopped at Kinross – services familiar from the past. On to Perth, where we joined the A85 and then the A93, stopping at Starbucks just outside Blairgowrie as usual.  I drove from there over the familiar route, hampered by a couple of cars most of the last few miles. They even turned into Golf Road ahead of me! After a rest, we got food from the Co-op, and later walked around the town in the sun, finding that the ATM had been removed and the bank shut. Booked a meal tomorrow at the Clachan Grill. Felt very tired. Had some food, but failed to make the TV work. Nevertheless we watched Rebus and the TV Cup Final highlights on Dot’s computer.

Sunday -Lots of rain morning and evening. Low cloud all day. Got up just in time for church. Very few there – probably more at St Augustine’s. Trinity Sunday.  Woman preacher quite good, but no anecdotes. Five hymns: organist very slow, congregation very quiet. After lunch drove to Log Cabin and looked round, then up to Lecht. Read a bit on way back. Stopped by tree. Drove over new bridge. In evening had dinner at Clachan Grill – or in fact Angus and Ale, which is a side part. Brilliant meal   – steak and brownie for me. Watched programme on Shetlands on Dot’s computer, then started watching what we thought was an hour’s programme on Morecambe and Wise’s 30  best bits, but it turned out to be two hours, and we couldn’t stop watching. Ended up watching final few in bed at midnight. 

Monday – Warm but showers later, some quite heavy. Slept in quite late. walked into town to see if Tourist office was open: it wasn’t. Then on to petrol station: it was, and got some petrol later. While I was checking Dot went to charity shop – I joined her and we bought three books and a top and necklace. Then to Byzantium, where we bought Dot two scarves – yellow and green. Then across road for lunch – bit early for me after late breakfast but I managed cheese and onion sandwich.

Then drove down to Loch Muick – heavy rain, but got nice pic of deer. Back to Aboyne, where we got cash from ATM (I forgot my Pin) and some food from Co-op, much bigger than Ballater’s. Then located Bridge Inn for meal with Ella next week and on to favourite spot on South Deeside road with view of Morven. Rain had stopped. We read for a while. Later had meal and contacted owner because TV didn’t work. (The husband rang back today, and we sorted it out.) David FaceTimed. We’re going to Oliver’s graduation ceremony (streamed). For some reason felt a bit ill towards end of evening and lay down for a while. Think it was a temporary thing. 

Tuesday – Yes, feel better today. Quite warm. Walked into town, bought food from Delicatessen, then went over to Tourist Information and then had scone and tea in corner cafe, followed by a walk down to the chemist, who diagnosed Dot’s boil and sold her some ointment etc, then over the road, where I bought a new shirt. Discovered crack in my iPhone screen – or hopefully in screen protector. Drove up on road above Balmoral and read for a while: took a couple of pictures. Then on to Braemar, where it was raining so heavily that we didn’t get out of the car. Then home via the back road beyond Balmoral.

Walked down to get some wine, then later walked up Golf Road to end and then back along edge of golf course. Prepared evening meal, and Dave and Julia arrived in taxi from airport about 7.15. Had evening meal – toad in the hole – chatted a bit and went to bed. 

The end of last Friday (May17) was also the end of David Wagner as manager of Norwich City. His departure will coincide with that of a number of players, including Sam McCullum and Ben Gibson. We had a street meet with Des and Chris, John, Jonathan, Ciara, Matthew and a bit of Phoebe. Watched Masterchef and the end of Granite Harbour, which was quite good.

Saturday was sunny and warm. Cooler late evening. John helped by putting our hanging basket back a peg or two, and Dot and I cleared up drive a bit. I removed weed from ladder alley. In the evening we went to St Luke’s to play in the Hippo ceilidh band for Carrie’s birthday. My finger was hurting when I practised, but it was OK on the night. Quite tiring, though. Band = Matt, Anna, Dot and me, Phil, Jaya and Alison. Oh, and Graham on drums.Lots of people there, including the Eastons, who we hadn’t seen for some time. 

Sunday was David’s birthday! Spoke to him early (for him) on FaceTime and watched him unwrap his parcels. Sunny and pleasantly warm. Drove to church and unloaded before parking – fortunately, because I had to park a very long way away. In the end didn’t play guitar, because we had a superfluity of musical talent: Matt, Anna, Dot, Phil and Steve. Did do the prayers, though: Pentecost theme. Heather did meditation – good, but she didn’t seem well. Phoebe there. Took Ray home – he was more cheerful but didn’t look too good. Had note from Des to say he’d taken our parcel in – pills and iPhone connections. In afternoon Dot read in the garden while I did a big clear-up in the house. Bridget and David arrived on train just before 6.30 and had a cup of tea before Dot took them home while I cooked duck. Over 4000 steps. Man City won title; Spurs 5th. Arsenal two points short. 

Monday was a bit cooler, but dry and quite pleasant. Rang up solicitors first thing to arrange a meeting with Anna – they rang back and we fixed Wednesday afternoon. Linda came and cut our hair. I paid her and Mr Prinsley. In the afternoon drove up to get my pills, and Dot got chemist to look at spot on her leg. He wasn’t sure but didn’t think it was anything bad. Afterwards we drove to Mousehold Heath and had an ice cream and a short walk. Felt quite tired. Cooked sea bass and later watched quite a bit of TV, including end of Spy/Master thriller, which was clever, and Blue Lights, which was brilliant. Had band on at end – Dea Matrona – who I really liked. Discovered Paul H is in Madeira. Started getting ready for holiday. 

Tuesday was cooler, but dry till early evening, when it started raining. Got most of my stuff ready for holiday. Drove up to Paul’s to drop in his present and card. Des came over to check on flowers that would need watering etc. Later Jonathan called to say courtesy light in car was on. Watched film – The Lavender Hill Mob – which was very good. Also the first episode of The Responder, which w as disappointing. I don’t think I liked anyone in it, but then it was set in Liverpool. 

Wednesday – Overcast , threatening rain (predicted), but it never came. In the morning Jude came to watch the next episode of The Chosen, following which she drove me to church for Bible study. Dot followed a few minutes later. Steve, Debbie and Ellie also present, and Phoebe came for the last few minutes. She had been to therapy (CBT) following a car crash as few weeks ago. We finished off Colossians 1, and then Dot and I drove home.

I finished off preparations for our holiday, while Dot went to get the car cleaned and buy a few things from Boots. Found water in the bottom of the boot: can only assume it came from a bottle that leaked, but there was a lot of it. 

Later in the afternoon I walked up to the solicitors to meet Anna and have a longish chat with Bethany to try to expedite Phyllis’s estate. Agreed just about everything, and were given a date for the money to be distributed – September 14 – which is 22 months after Phyllis died. And then there will probably be a further delay because of the minuscule US shares held (tax, etc). This is roughly the same date Bethany is due to deliver her baby, which means Fiona will be in charge. Can’t wait. Nothing against Fiona, but…  In the evening Dot went to orchestra – picked up by Janet –after we watched School for Scoundrels. Watched the end of Masterchef when she came home.

Sunday May 12th was warm and mainly sunny. Went to Cathedral in the evening to listen to Ashley Grote playing Messiaen on the organ. It was as if someone had created or come across this amazing machine that made a variety of interesting sounds if you learnt to use it. Unfortunately no-one had invented music yet: so there was a limit to what they could do with it. Or possibly like prog-rock, which showed people how clever you were without producing anything worthwhile. Watched an old episode of Hancock’s Half Hour, which was brilliant. 

Monday was still dry and mild, though clouds looked a little threatening during the evening. Caught up with just about everything – sent David some stuff for his birthday and booked a hotel at Matlock. Dot did a huge amount of work in the garden. She seems well now: I was a bit achy in my legs and feet. In the evening we gave Eleanor and Judy a lift to Claire’s for cake and compline. No Phil. Apparently his e-mail arrived late. For some reason Jonathan has power-washed our outside wall, which now looks a bit flakey, though clean. 

Tuesday was mainly overcast with some rain. Got bus into the city and bought a new iPhone from O2. Took some time, but Eurowoman was both friendly and efficient. Left phone there to charge up with apps etc and walked round M&S, but couldn’t find anything for Dot, though she tried a top on. Had a cup of tea and returned to O2, but still had to wait. Didn’t complete loading up till later in the evening. Had supper and went to Morrisons. David FaceTimed us later: his birthday parcels had arrived. Told us Oliver has a bad cold in the middle of his exams. Earlier Dot had long phone call with old college friend Christine Highmore, who moved house about six years ago and now lives near Aylesbury. 

Wednesday was overcast with quite a bit of rain, mainly light. Judy came round to watch another episode of The Chosen, and after a snack she left for church, and Dot and I walked up to the Octagon for a violin concert by Geneva Lewis, who was very, very good, though I liked some of the pieces more than others. It would also have been nice to be able to hear what she said when introducing the pieces, but apparently this had not been given a high priority. Maybe something to do with the fact that it was being recorded for Radio 3. Anna was in the audience, but downstairs and beyond reach.

Afterwards Dot and I walked up to meet Kim at Jarrold’s – at least that was the intention until I fell heavily on St Andrew’s Street, tripping over a road works sign. I cut my head and was quite shaken, though not as shaken as Dot was. She took me up to Boots, who were singularly unhelpful, refusing to even give me a glass of water. We had to buy paracetamol, plasters and wipes, and no-one on the staff wanted to get involved. The pharmacist was on a break. It was quite painful, but I was relieved that I hadn’t broken a limb, which could easily have happened and would have jettisoned our holiday. By contrast to Boots, when I was on the floor several young women showed a lot of concern and were anxious to help. I said I didn’t need an ambulance. The guy in charge of the roadworks was also very solicitous.

Anyway, we sorted ourselves out enough to walk down to meet Kim at Jarrold’s, had a cup of tea/coffee and talked for some time. She then accompanied us up to the top of London Street before parting ways. We continued down through the Close and home. Strangely I felt quite Ok to walk – better than I had for a few days.  At home we watched the excellent Blue Lights and I cooked a meal (salmon) before Dot headed off to orchestra with Janet. She had a good evening, and we watched Red Eye when she got home. Two excellent thrillers in one evening. 

Thursday – Head and finger no worse, though I felt a bit dizzy when I tried to open the loft. Actually feel reasonably well. Very wet morning: decided not to go to North Walsham, but got suitcases out of loft in preparation for holiday. Caught up with emails (again) and wrote an article for my website after a long gap. It was about falling over, and attracted about a dozen comments, though not all on Facebook. David FaceTimed us: Oliver is doing well with his exams despite his cold. Dot sorted out loads of stuff from the music basket, including the school song and a poem I had written set to music by someone. Bridget came and cleaned – concerned about my head! Later struggled to get into NOW to watch Norwich lose 4-0 to Leeds in playoff. They were pretty awful. Watched Masterchef to take our minds off it. 

Friday was ,much nicer: quite warm and dry. We drove to North Walsham via the recycling tip and left some glass and other electrical stuff – but forgot one big sheet of glass which was flat on the floor to the boot. So we called again on the way back: tip far less busy then (early afternoon). At North Walsham we bought flowers at Sainsbury’s, using our vouchers from the cancer research bloodletting a few weeks ago, then indulged in a meal deal (sandwich, crisps, drinks), which we consumed in the cemetery before putting flowers on graves.

Afterwards we called in at the garden centre on the way out of North Walsham and bought a new hanging basket, which John (over the road) helped us to put up later. Good garden centre, with coffee shop (we didn’t indulge this time). Bearing it in mind. Watched a bit of a spy thriller later in the afternoon.