It’s Thursday, December 28, just after lunch. Dot is in the city. She has just had a late Christmas present – an appointment with a chiropodist because her toe was hurting. The chiropodist – a young Indian woman who was quite impressive foot-wise – gave her toes a thorough going-over and let me watch! The clinic is on the corner of Old Palace Road and Dereham Road. The traffic in the city was fascinating: we got there with no problem, but cars coming up Grapes Hill were at a standstill. I drove through Westwick Street and down Prince of Wales Road expecting a big hold–up there too, but there was practically nothing. Lots of pedestrians, though, because it’s pleasant – bright and not too cold, despite the rest of the country suffering under the latest Storm. Snow and stranded cars in Scotland.

Back to last Saturday (23rd), when there was a chilly wind, but it was dry. Wrote up blog, checked account and edited pix. Felt a bit strange – extremely tired, of course. Posted rest of cards through local doors and had long phone conversations with Mary and Neville Thrower and Anne Coomes. Later took paracetamol and felt much better, especially when Norwich won 2-0 and Spurs won too. Cooked meal while Dot did hair, after we’d both put fresh sheets on bed. Then drove to Mount Pleasant for Paul’s housewarming. Very nice evening: house is very pleasant (get it?) and we spoke briefly to the Browns and more lengthily to Holly and her boyfriend Rich, and to Jozef, then to Philip and Heather Butcher and someone from Waitrose. Dot had a chat with Heather about the Rosie mystery. After we got home it started raining hard. 

Sunday – Christmas Eve – was dry but with a chilly wind. Took morning worship  – slightly shorter than usual. Dot did prayers and Anna the Lectio. Took Ray home. Spent much of afternoon preparing our Christmas meal, which we ate about 7pm. Quite nice, actually. Dot bought me a new knife to cut the turkey: worked very well but then cut my finger. Ho, hum. Posted cards for Maureen and Jude Sayer and filled up with petrol. Watched Beyond Paradise – bit neat but ok. Drove to Midnight Communion – Graham had Covid, and so Rev Tim stood in: bit jolly for me, but nice service on the whole: good congregation. Had sherry when we got home. Was writing this at 1.15am. 

Monday – Christmas Day – started quite pleasant but became wet. Coldish. Had bath and then drove to church for the Christmas dinner. Not particularly well. Felt as if I was getting a cold. Nasal irritation. Took a long time for the dinner to be ready. Helped a bit in various areas but the hall got cold, which didn’t help. Meal was quite good, though sprouts weren’t done. Sat with Jenny and Jude and Harriet, while Dot was helping a guy who had been feeling bad: his wife had left him a year ago and he had contemplated suicide. Drove home and opened presents: David FaceTimed – also Amy, Oliver, Barbara and Roger, with a cameo from Chrissy, who was preparing food. Afterwards Dot and I cleared up, watched assorted TV and ate a bit of tea. I gradually felt better. In bed finished reading Tunnel 29, a really fascinating book about the Wall and East Berlin, with special and detailed reference to one particular escape of 29 people. 

Tuesday was dry, with some sunny spells. Cool. After breakfast Dot and I walked up to the Rosary and bought some bread at the convenience store on the way back. Saw Mary and Bob, and they invited us for drinks the next day. After lunch did a lot of clearing up while Dot listened to Norwich lose 1-0 at West Brom, largely because Sainz got himself sent off. Felt pretty tired at end of the afternoon. Watched Not Going Out Christmas special – quite funny. Then cooked another Christmas meal – too much to eat, really. Still, nice food.  Afterwards watched a bit of programme on preparations for the Coronation, then David & Co rang and we had a long chat about presents and other things. Ended evening by watching a new Vera, which was excellent. 

Wednesday was overcast and damp, with dry spells. Drove up to Woodside pharmacy and collected pills, which were ready!!!  At home, cleared up some leaves and put bins out. After lunch watched Christmas special of Death in Paradise, which kept up its usual high standard. In the evening we went round Mary and Bob’s for drink and nibbles, which turned out to be a buffet meal, and we stayed till 10pm. All very civilised. Covid, or whatever passes for Covid, seems rife. Des and Chris’s brother started it on Boxing Day, David Archer has had it, as has vicar Graham, Martin Wyatt and one or two others.

Sunday – quite bright; cool wind. Dry. Dot and I both went to Alternative Carol Service, which felt odd because I wasn’t in charge: I’d been organising it all this century! This time Graham had taken it over because I had been expecting to be recovering from an operation. I did one or two bits – introduction and final prayers and one other “angel” section, as well as playing guitar. Went quite well, though in a different style. Nibbles afterwards: spoke to several people, including Jim, who came up from Halesworth. Took Ray home afterwards. Spent rest of day catching up with various things, sorting out presents and writing blog, sending quotes to grandchildren, etc. Watched a bit of TV, including a couple of episodes of The Crown. Des came over and borrowed my air rifle.

Monday was quite pleasant. Up earlyish to greet the gas man, who was due any time after 10 and before 2. Needless to say he didn’t arrive at 10; so I got on with some cards. Dot went to post parcels. Gas man arrived about 12.15, roughly at the same time as Linda came to cut our hair. By this time I had just about finished ironing out all the wrinkles in our electronic Christmas letter, and had had a phone call from Dr Hampsheir, responding to my e-consult on Saturday. Let him know what was happening, and he said he would leave a “token” at reception in case I have to use it to get my medicine from elsewhere if the chemist fails again.

What actually happened: I went to the chemist at about 2.20pm and after waiting for about a quarter of an hour at the end of a seven-person queue while nothing perceptible happened, I drove to the surgery. The receptionist couldn’t find the token, but went away for about five minutes, then returned and said her colleague was sorting it out. Her colleague came back a few minutes later with a prescription, which I took to the chemist next door. They said they couldn’t handle it unless I contacted the other chemist, so that it could be returned to the “spine” first. That was clearly absurd so I went back to the surgery, where the receptionist disappeared again. Eventually Dr Hampsheir came out and took me with him to the chemist, who said the same thing. So Dr H left me there and went away, returning a short time later with a new prescription naming the chemist next door as my pharmacist. I said that suited me fine. Eventually they let me have the pills.

I now have a new pharmacist. I think. I definitely have the pills, I have my hair cut, and the radiators seem to be working. Result. Later got some cards written, including some electronic ones. David, Amy and Oliver FaceTimed, and Amy said her uni course had been discontinued. This could turn out well, though, as she might get a course that suits her better.  Bit worrying for her for a while. Ended evening by watching. No Direction Home – Scorsese’s film about Bob Dylan. Really good. 

Tuesday was very damp and unpleasant. Frustrating time trying to sort out cards, e-cards etc. For some reason my Word document didn’t work properly (on a phone) and I had to create and send a different version. In the afternoon we drove to see my aunt Thelma: she seemed quite perky, though still deaf. Nice to have Dot there. Afterwards drove to Morrisons and got lots of stuff, but when unloading I started sneezing etc. Aargh! Felt very tired. Dot got Christmas stuff out of loft and put up tree. Organised some e-cards. Watched penultimate Vigil. 

Wednesday – Started quite pleasant, but became overcast and then rained quite a bit. Not good. Very busy day. Wrote two pieces for Parish Pump, one in morning, one later. Paul arrived just as we were about to leave for N Walsham; had tea/coffee with him, then drove to Paston, where we dropped off Jonathan’s present and proceeded to N Walsham, where we bought flowers (Sainsbury’s very busy) and put them on the graves. Dot drove back to Norwich and dropped me off at Anna’s to discuss solicitor’s letter. Drove home before she discovered I had car key; so the car wouldn’t start and I had to walk home in the rain – dropping off documents at Leathes Prior before getting last-ditch cards from Revelation. Half-price! At home had late lunch, then caught up a bit. Wrote cards to be sent by mail (ridiculously late) and cleared up a bit. Dot had been working hard on getting the house decorated. She got a nice e-mail from her ex-boss. Very proud. Watched last episode of Vigil – not bad. 

Thursday – shortest day; overcast but mainly dry. Very windy. Managed to get my four pieces for Parish Pump completed. Drove to see Kim for lunch. Kai and Kavana were there: Kai helped us put car in the garage. Very nice food.  Helped Kim plan a celebration for her son. Dot had to go before the end of lunch because Marion was supposed to be arriving with our Christmas cake, but in the event she was late, and by the time she got there, Bridget was in situ and Dot was back at Kim’s. So Bridget took the cake. Meanwhile Dot had been arranging with Mary to take the cake… and Roger rang to say he was about to bring present round… Bit chaotic, but eventually Dot got back for the last course of cake. Kim’s cake, that is. When we got back, around 5pm, Bridget had gone and I walked up to the sorting office with some cards. Everything late… Very tired; so watched a bit of TV – Profile of Mike Yarwood and a Christmas special of Detectorists.

Friday was very tiring, not helped by high winds and soggy atmosphere later. The woman – Helen Watson, former head at Lynn – who is taking over from Dot as a DSSO came round for a chat with her while I (a) went up to the Rosary with flowers for three graves (b) wrote Christmas e-mails. After lunch we drove to Phil and Joy’s with presents and had tea and chat. They are really not at all well. Then on to Angela and Rodney’s for more tea and further chat about Vicki and Anthony and the likely criminal proceedings around Rosemary’s estate : even, unbelievably, a suggestion that she was murdered. Bit late leaving: got back home late for street meet, which turned out to be enjoyable chat at Des’s with Chris’s brother. Would have included Sarah, but her mum is ill in hospital. Des got us fish and chips. Sent final e-cards. Watched end of The Crown and an interview with the guy who plays Jesus in The Chosen, which was very interesting. Felt exhausted at end of day, and my jaw was hurting a bit. Graham has Covid, as have several other people, many of them organists. 

Busy and critical few days, starting on Tuesday (as far as we are concerned), when it was not too cold, though there was some rain in the afternoon. I was writing this at 11.20pm, when Oliver was just arriving at Anndale Court with David and Amy. He left Gatwick about midday.

Dot and I went to the Archant Christmas meal at the Town House at lunchtime. Very good food, and reasonable too. Eighteen of us. Sat with Robin and Shelagh. Tricia didn’t make it: quite ill with high blood pressure etc. Ex-colleague Duncan Jeffery was there. Still lives in Earls Court: had been until recently working on publicity at Windsor Castle. On returning home, we watched the skipman manoeuvre skip on to lorry without proper equipment – very impressive. I lay down in the afternoon and Dot bought a few presents at Riverside. Felt very tired. Watched TV in evening: last episode on Julius Caesar (good), and first of new series of Vigil (also good).  

Wednesday was very damp and grey, but we had to get out in it, because there was a lot of charity sugar to be picked up from schools. I woke early and had a bath while Dot stirred. I then walked to the post office and bought some stamps, then walked up to Revelation to buy Christmas cards, but they didn’t open till 10am. Walked down to Cathedral shop, but nothing worth having there; so walked back up to Revelation and bought cards there, despite very poor selection. Walked home and felt very tired, but had recovered by 1.30, after lunch, when we left to drive to Saxlingham to pick up the first lot of charity sugar. The head there had forgotten to fetch the sugar from his other school, Tasburgh; so we drove there, where the secretary was very helpful and gave us a hand. Sugar is quite heavy.

Then on to Brooke, where there was a huge amount from Brooke and Hempnall; we were given a trolley to get it out to the car. Fortunately that worked very well. Weather was miserable, though. On to Anne and Philip’s , where we had tea and mince pies: Philip was surprisingly with it, though of course pessimistic as always. From there we drove to Helen and Chris’s, negotiating two closed roads (tight turns) and deposited all the sugar on a trailer with assistance from Chris.  Then back home around 4.30 and I cooked salmon for supper. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel too bad. Not well enough to go to Carrow Road, though; so Dot went on her own, all wrapped up and with her green beret. And Norwich beat Sheff Wed 3-1. Saw Freddie outside looking very pleased. He’s doing well. Meanwhile some idiot had parked a huge van across our drive, just when I needed to get up early to get to hospital in the morning. 

Thursday was drier and chilly: bright at times. Had a bad night, as did Dot, but the day turned out quite well. The van was moved about 8am. I had a pre-op with a Swedish-Hungarian nurse called Szilvia, who was reluctant to give the go-ahead because of my recent TIA and high blood pressure. As we reached the car park she rang and said she had arranged an appointment with an anaesthetist at 5pm. So we went back at 5pm, and the anaesthetist was really good, giving me the results of my CAT scan for the first time: there was nothing alarming there. She was also annoyed that my op had been fixed for a Saturday, when apparently they employ locums. She was concerned at the risk of a stroke during the operation and not enough support to deal with it. So the op has been postponed, and I have to get my GP to sort out my medication quickly.

After speaking to her, I’m sure this is the right decision. Earlier I hadn’t been feeling too well but had bought some presents online. Bridget came to clean, and we had a cup of tea with her before going to see the anaesthetist. After supper watched the last couple of episodes of The Couple Next Door, which was on Channel 4 and really poor: ridiculous storyline, bad acting, bad direction, terrible script.  Why did I want to see how it ended? 

Friday was brighter and maybe a little less cold.  Had a bath, then we drove to Catfield (after filling up with petrol) and loaded car up with sugar again, with help from Natalie (head) and two assistants. Paul rang as we left, and got in way of phone call from doctor in response to my e-consult message that morning (prompted by anaesthetist). This turned out to be a Good Thing as it made me call in at surgery later, where we spoke to a really helpful receptionist and were given a copy of the anaesthetist’s letter. I now have to test my blood pressure daily for ten days and have an appointment with a nurse on Jan 2 to make any adjustments necessary to get me fit for an operation “later in the month”.

Nice to know what’s going on at last. Before that we called in at the chemist but my statins will not be ready till tomorrow. Before going to the doctor we called in at Brian’s and delivered a Christmas card plus Tricia’s £11 refund for her Christmas meal. Brian took a long time to answer the door but was quite perky. Tricia was due out of hospital later that day. She too has blood pressure problems – but worse. After lunch we drove to Helen and Chris with the school sugar – after Dot had carefully recorded everything. Straightforward journey this time: had chat with them before heading home. Street meet at 5.30 despite chill in air. Des, Chris, Ciara, Mary and Jonathan.  Sarah has norovirus, but wouldn’t have come out anyway. Watched programme on volcanoes. Our family on their way home to Waterloo from Kingston, where they’ve been visiting Sophie. 

Yesterday was cool but dry and reasonably bright. Dot went into city, and I went to chemist to get pills. Was there for about 40 minutes while they looked – for mine and others – and eventually found the statins and an old order of lansoprazole: two young women who didn’t seem to have much idea what they were doing.  However the urgent prescription for beta blockers couldn’t be filled because they didn’t have the right dose! I now have to ring on Monday to check they have them before I go. Ho hum. Back at home I wrote some cards for tomorrow and ordered some presents online. After supper drove to church for cocoa (tea) and carols, with Graham on the organ in the old church. Quite nippy. Afterwards watched final two episodes of Hidden Assets, which were quite good.  The episodes, not the assets.

Thursday the 7th was a big day, but mainly dull and chilly. Dot was up early to attend her last DSSO meeting, followed by a Christmas meal at the Marlingford Bell, which I am told was excellent. She was given some flowers and a Jarrolds voucher, and lots of nice things were said about her – quite rightly. She is a star. Her boss also said some nice things about my poetry; he had found a couple of books at his late mother’s house. Dot was very tired when she got home and decided not to go handbell-ringing at the Greens’. She wrapped a couple of presents and we compared card lists. We’re all behind this year, of course. Watched the last episode of Shetland – quite good – and the next episode of Slow Horses – brilliant, as always. 

Quite a bit of sun on Friday, and it got milder towards the end of the day. Julia and Allan called in an hour before we expected them, which meant I was still in the bath. Still, I was on the way out and quickly joined them for tea and biscuits. After they left Dot went to shop, and I posted a letter before getting some cash out in the station. Instead of street meet, we went round Sarah’s with some wine and had a really nice time chatting to her.  Fixed a date for New Year’s party instead of our usual Christmas one. I then cooked some salmon and we watched a couple of things on TV. I had taken some paracetamol earlier and felt quite good. Ironically, when I catheterised, there was quite a lot of blood in my urine. 

Saturday was milder, but damp and grey. Mum’s birthday: she would have been 112. Have been feeling quite odd. Wrote most of a possible Christmas letter, mainly while Dot was at Carrow Road, where Norwich should have beaten Preston NE but drew 0-0. Practised guitar for the first time in over two months, intending to take it to church tomorrow if I feel OK. Watched Dr Who and a couple of episodes of Hidden Assets (Belgian-Irish thriller, if you can imagine that), which is very good. Cooked chilli con carne. 

Sunday’s milder: dry in the morning and evening; rain in the afternoon. Went to church in the morning and played guitar for the first time for at least a couple of months. Martin and Dot  the only others in the band; nice service, Communion led by Graham. Afterwards took Ray home. Watched quite a bit of TV. Spurs won 4-1 against Newcastle. Watched strange but good film called Phantom Thread. 

Yesterday was chillier than I expected, but dry. Accompanied Dot to Newton Flotman school to pick up some sugar; we then went to Morrisons for a few items but were home just after midday. Dot counted the sugar and noted it on her table. Put bins out, and for some reason felt quite ill – took paracetamol and lay down for a while. Still shaky when we drove to Eleanor’s for Christmas cake and compline, then gradually felt better. Had wine and cake and some nibbles. Bridget did a quiz that Claire won, and I led the Advent compline we had at Quiet Waters. By the end of the evening I felt much better. Everyone very kind and said they would pray for me on Saturday. Everyone at C&C: Eleanor, Dot and me, Judy, Bridget and David, Vicky, Claire, Phil. 

It’s been generally quite wintry for the last few days, but it’s now getting slightly less cold, but largely overcast and damp – thought there was some sun today (Dec 6). And it was quite busy. I drove up to the chemist’s just after 10am and was pleasantly surprised that they had my pills. Also bought some Vick, because I’ve been stuffed up for a while. Colin is still busy across the road: brought his father today.

Later Bridget came to do one of her Wednesday shifts, and while she was here Graham came round to talk about the alternative carol service, which has been carefully timed to occur the day after my operation, which may mean I’m hors de combat. Disappointing, because I love doing it. Anyway, had quite a long chat and now Dot is at orchestra, probably her last rehearsal before Christmas.

Last Friday was extremely cold (see previous post). Great timing by Colin Wright, who constructed a new rail by our slope in the front garden. Much better than I could have imagined. Des invited us over for drinks in his house with Mark and Sarah: Mark left on Sunday, flying from Heathrow to Perth to join his ship. Des also got us fish and chips, which we ate watching Boat Story on iPlayer, a very imaginative drama in unusual style. Excellent ending too.

Still very cold on Saturday – not above zero all day, though very little in the way of white. Had bath: Paul Henderson came round about 11am after I got out of bath, and we had a long talk over tea and biscuits. Both Jo and Holly have other halves. P seems quite happy. Our TV seems to have recovered, I’m pleased to say. Dot prepared prayers and then I realised she wasn’t down for them, but I cleared it with Howard, who was. Did some notes on current wars for Carrie to go with her angels project, but haven’t heard back from her: she has been in and out of hospital with a heart problem, and Al is also not well. Have written a couple of poems, which is good. Watched a number of things, including a good Dr Who, plus the first part of a series on how the Nazis came to power, and a couple of other things.

Sunday was not quite so cold, but damp and unpleasant. Had to park a long way from church. Ray came again and was in belligerent mood: Judy brought him, but we took him home. Had long chat with Steven. Interesting discussion with Howard and Amanda about words to “Arise, shine”! Listened to Bristol City v Norwich match, which Norwich won 2-1 in the 95th minute after being 1-0 down. Took Dot to ceilidh around 5.40 and picked her up about 9pm. Apparently it went pretty well. I started writing a bit for my website and caught up with other stuff. Watched Spurs draw 3-3 with Manchester City.

Monday’s weather was miserable – again damp and unpleasant. Had a bad night : concerned about my teeth and felt bad. Improved when I got up. Had bath, then drove Dot up to dentist and parked in Surrey Street. She had good news – her tooth was healing well. I went in and spoke to receptionist and dentist, ending up with appointment tomorrow. Bit of a relief. Afterwards went to Morrisons and spent £160 on food. Colin is working on Mark’s garden (see above). Put rubbish out and cleared up. Finished article and poem for website. Cooked lamb shoulder for supper – quite elaborate – sprouts and gravy. Tasted nice. Watched a bit of TV. Paid Phil the rest of Andrew’s money: he and Joy are both under the weather.

Yesterday was damp and overcast again. Went to dentist: he said I had no urgent problem, but Alison said there was an appointment opened up for the afternoon; I initially said no, but changed my mind. So walked up at 2.30, while Dot was having a violin lesson with Anna, and had a filling in the tooth that had been niggling me. Seems to have worked really well. Dot’s tooth all right now too. Second lot of lamb not so appealing. Roger came round in the evening to drop off calendars for Dot and stayed for a while before he picked up Debbie, who had been wreath-making in the city. Watched a couple of things on TV before going to bed.

The weather has turned very cold: this morning (December 1) was frosty, with one or two flurries of snow, but not enough to prevent Colin Wright turning up and installing a rail alongside our new slope. He has just about finished as I write, and it looks very good. I had trouble imagining what it would look like, and he has exceeded my imaginings. A lot of people do, but Colin is particularly good. I have kept him supplied with tea, because Dot has been suffering with a toothache. She rang the dentist and has booked in on Monday; at the moment paracetamol is holding the fort.

Earlier I started the car, and it was fine: I took it for a short drive to reassure it (and me). Naomi Care was supposed to come round for a game of chess, but she is not feeling too good; instead, and coincidentally, her mother Lucy turned up. She is relatively well, and we discussed the recent Julian exhibition over a cup of tea and biscuits. She also had view on the hospital urology department that I was not really anxious to hear. To be fair, they did involve primitive chemotherapy and long-ago events; so I shall assume things have improved.

Last Saturday was also cold; some sun during the day but wet in the evening. Felt pretty lousy in the morning, but much better later. Dot was busy: she went to Carrow Road in the afternoon, where Norwich City won 1-0 against QPR (Naomi and Jonathan were there too); then in the evening she had a Sillars concert at St Catherine’s Mile Cross (Joyce and Ivan there). I drove her to the concert, and David and Bridget brought her back. Apparently it went very well: she has been doing lots of practising. While she was out I sorted out our charitable giving, edited our pix and cleared up generally, as well as writing up the blog and writing a few e-mails. Quite pleased. 

Sunday was cold but dry; some sun. Drove us to church for the first time in a while, because I was preaching. Ray also there – brought by Judy – for the first time in a while. Likewise Alison. Nice service; lots of people thanked me for my sermon. Graham presided at Communion. Hung around afterwards while Dot took part in ceilidh rehearsal. Jaya also came and played cello, plus another violinist. Felt quite well in morning – chatted to Ellie, who comes to Bible study – but worse in the afternoon;  so went to bed for a while after watching some football. Had salmon for supper; watched Planet Earth (we’re all doomed) and an episode of The Crown which wasn’t very good. Spurs managed to lose again. Listened to a sermon on miracles sent to me by Nikki. 

Monday’s weather was pretty miserable, except when we emerged from the hospital, when there was some blue sky. This was appropriate, as we’d just had an excellent session with a nurse called Stephanie, who was very thorough and went out of her way to solve my problems, ending by taking my catheter out and showing me how to use one every evening. She also gave me a provisional date of Dec 16 for my procedure. What a gem. Felt much better after this – had been feeling very down in the morning. Dot went to DCC meeting at the Greens’ in the evening, and I cooked a meal for afterwards. We had a FaceTime with David before she went, and I was a bit helpful with a comment on his site. He seems happy with how it’s going. Lots of messages from various people sending love, prayers etc. 

By Tuesday it was getting very cold. Had a bad night and didn’t feel very well for most of the day, though I improved later on. Brought in bins. Dot went shopping in the afternoon, and in the evening she listened to Norwich turn a 2-0 advantage against Watford (away) into a 3-2 loss. Ray rang and we had a chat. Kim has arrived in Norway. Read quite a bit of Israel book. 

Wednesday was another cold day: felt shivery up to teatime but took paracetamol around 5pm and felt ok after that. Judy came round to watch a couple of episodes of The Chosen. Had a rest in the afternoon while Dot did a lot of tidying up. Watched Dreamer, another film from the Heroes guy, which was very good on education and reminded me of Philosophy for Children. Sillars’ Christmas event at Compleat Angler in evening: Penny and Janet and Graham parked in our drive. Walked down with them. Drank quite a lot but felt ok though there was a slight leakage problem. Talked to Vikki and Anthony, plus Abby and her husband Nigel. Also Karen and one or two others. Buffet was pretty good. Our TV was not working properly in the evening, which was annoying. 

Yesterday was very cold but sunny. Feltbetter, but Dot started to have a problem with her tooth. Sorted out TV enough to watch Shetland, another drama and the first two episodes of the new series of Slow Horses – one of the best things on television.  Took the car up to the garage this afternoon and they put a new battery in. After I drove it home it was hard to start again, which is a bit worrying. Ho, hum. FaceTimed David and Amy while we were lying in bed. Finished my book on Israel, which was very good. Helpful in the current situation. Completed it while waiting for the car. 

Monday 20 Nov – Woke up feeling very ropey in varying ways. Had indigestion for some reason, presumably the borscht. Also felt extremely tired all day, and my head was congested. Stayed in bed most of the morning, then got up and had some bread and jam while watching the cricket final – Australia beating India fairly comfortably, though surprisingly in view of India’s earlier exploits. This was thanks to Travis Head, who scored over 130.

After lunch Anne came round, and we all had a chat before I went to the chemist to pick up my pills (which had arrived at last) and Anne dropped off Dot at the dentist for a crown session. Quite an ordeal, I think. We watched The Newsreader episodes 3&4, which was good, and later a very poor England football performance against North Macedonia, 1-1. Have now finished antibiotics, but feel a bit sore. Not very encouraging, but am trying to remain positive. 

Tuesday- overcast: bit of rain in the evening. Got Dot a drink in morning so that she was up on time for Linda, who arrived a bit early to cut our hair. Afterwards Dot walked into the city for a pedicure at Jarrolds, where she met Kim for some lunch at the wine bar. Meanwhile I was having a bath, which went reasonably well. Read a bit and wrapped Dot’s presents very badly. When she got home we watched a programme on the Princes in the Tower that seemed to rewrite history quite convincingly.

Dot had quiche for supper, and I had an omelette. Also took some probiotics to get rid of the indigestion; seemed to work. After supper we watched two very violent episodes of Boat Story, which were very good if you ignored the violence, which you almost could because it was so unreal. Meanwhile I have developed a dental pain and a pain in the back of my head on the right. What else could go wrong? Lucky to have Dot, but I’m worried about the effect it’s having on her. 

Wednesday – trying hard to be positive, but it’s quite hard. Dot’s birthday, and of course I wanted to be feeling good so that we could do stuff. Weather sort of mixed. Got up and made Dot a cup of tea, and got her presents from where I’d stashed them in the spare room. Spent a lot of time opening presents and cards, which arrived later. Quite a few of them. Of course Dot had actually bought all the ones I gave her, but I did manage to contribute a card I had bought some time before.

After the  openings we did puzzles, and it got quite late, but we managed to rouse ourselves in time to go to Gem for lunch. I was feeling quite shivery, but good enough. Had nice lunch – friendly waiter. Saw Kim passing towards end, and Dot left to meet her. I paid, and the waiter gave me a cake for Dot! Chatted with Kim, and David and Amy FaceTimed to say Happy Birthday. Afterwards their parcel arrived – lovely flowers and chocolate and a card. Dot took pic to send to David, who also sent link to his new site, which looks exciting. Later Oliver FaceTimed, and we had a chat.

I was feeling pretty shaky, and while Dot was at orchestra I tried to change the leg bag, but it was tricky, and the one I picked up was too big (long tube). Decided to leave it on overnight, then change to one the right size tomorrow. Had to change stabiliser too. Pretty fed up by now. When Dot came home had wine and paracetamol, which seemed to help. Her session had gone well. We watched Shetland together, and I collapsed into bed before writing this. Nikki rang much earlier to say she was coming to see us tomorrow. 

Thursday – Chilly, bright spells. Nikki came round about 11 and stayed till just after 2pm. Really encouraging talking to her. Leanne rang her while she was here, and we arranged to watch The Chosen here next Wednesday. Nikki  prayed for me before leaving. Dot dropped her off by John Lewis and then did some food shopping. I tried to write a sermon for Sunday, but didn’t get anywhere – felt shivery and eventually went upstairs and lay down. Bridget was still cleaning but worked round me.

Dot wrote her report for yesterday and had the usual trouble sending it. I sorted it for her. At some point Des came round and said he was going to Glasgow for a couple of days. Dot lay down with me for a while; then we had supper – smoked cod and an eclair. David and Amy rang up, and we spoke about his new website, which I like very much. Told Amy I liked her design. Afterwards watched last episode of The Australian Wars, about what happened to the Aborigines. Horrific.

Friday – Dull with quite a bit of rain. Dot did a lot of violin practice and also went to garden centre to get bird food. She had quite a chat with Mark outside. No street meet tonight. Weather too miserable and cold. Also I’d spent a long time writing a sermon for Sunday and had to lie down. Had a phone call from Steven, who sounded ok. Watched a couple of episodes of The Crown and the final two episodes of The Newsreader, which was ok but could have been better. 

Tuesday 14th – Chilly. A few spots of rain. After a very bad night felt better, but tired. A lot happened. Dot drove to the shops, and on her return Colin came over to talk about putting a railing up by our slope, and return the heavy pots to the patio at the back. As he was doing this, Caren and Phil Gazely turned up out of the blue with some more soup for us – very kind. And simultaneously my brother Phil arrived for a scheduled visit. We had quite a long chat.

Then after lunch Roger and Debbie came round, and Debbie cheered me up by saying some wise things about the hospital, where she used to work, and also suggested that the red bits in my urine were calcified bits of scar tissue, which makes sense. Had quite a long chat and then they gave Dot a lift to Anna’s for her violin lesson. I did some stuff towards our weekend retreat, hoping that I would be able to go, and later got a call from the surgeon’s secretary, who put me on to another number concerning the likely date of my operation. Have rung that number, but no response yet. Flow colour very dark, but that’s normal with the antibiotics. Definitely going in the right direction, I think! Gave myself a thorough going over with shower in the lower area, which made me feel better. Watched a brilliant Jack Rosenthal drama called Eskimo Day, set in the late 1980s. Beautifully done. 

Wednesday was cold but dry. Felt pretty ropey most of the day but improved towards evening after taking paracetamol. Dot went to shops in afternoon and to orchestra in evening. We had soup for supper. Watched a Coen Brothers film, Blood Simple, which was violent but compelling, largely because it stars Frances McDormand, who is pretty much my favourite actress. Shetland continues to be excellent too. Water a better colour, but still flecks of blood. 

Thursday’s weather was pretty miserable: overcast, with a fair bit of rain. Felt under the weather too, but kept going. Ideal clothing was in the wash; so felt a bit rubbed up the wrong way and itchy.  Still, water colour quite good. Ordered some more night bags and established that my pills are on order, though the chemist hasn’t got them. Bridget came to clean, and I gave her some stuff to use at the weekend if I don’t make it. After supper I drove Dot to the Greens for handbell ringing; also posted cards to Ray and my aunt Thelma. 

Friday – Quite pleasant weather, but felt quite ill for first part of day. However, after I took some paracetamol in early afternoon I improved and was able to go on retreat to Quiet Waters at Bungay.  I didn’t make it to Rosie’s funeral, though, which was taken by Heather Butcher. Dot had drink at Alby afterwards with Angela, Rodney, Ian and Tina and Sharon, who is a police sergeant and Rosie’s cousin on the other side. Still not sure about the retreat when I had a sleep in the afternoon, but eventually drove up to chemist to get pills: however, these were not arriving till tomorrow. Wonderful. In the end we put everything in the car and went – loads of traffic but still arrived about an hour before the others – David, Bridget, Judy, Eleanor and Phil. QW staff made us very welcome. After tea I did a quiz I’d prepared, which seemed to go down quite well.  Then Bridget did one of my complines. I went up to bed before 10pm. Room comfortable but very small, especially with all my equipment. 

Saturday – Overcast, with occasional rain. Busiest day since the start of my bladder problems. Up at 8.45 for breakfast (croissant, toast) then did a session on Philosophy for Children, led by Dot , which went very well. Edge of the seat stuff because we were waiting for Claire, who said she was arriving “soon”,  then didn’t come at all. After lunch (lasagne) I led a discussion on getting close to God, followed by a session by Phil on St Augustine.  At some point Bridget, David, Judy, Phil and I walked down to the river. After tea (buffet) we played some games (I-spy, Happy Families, Gin Rummy): I lay down for a while and then we had a Compline in the Chapel, which was very nice. Bed early. Certain amount of soreness. 

Sunday was overcast with a little rain. Not a bad night, considering Dot woke up with spider dream and then knocked her radio on the floor.   Felt fairly ropey most of the day but took part in breakfast, then a presentation on trees by Bridget, then a trimmed back liturgy. Left about 1pm, giving Judy and Eleanor a lift home. Unpacked and watched some cricket, S Africa losing narrowly to Australia, mainly because of poor fielding. For supper had borscht supplied by Caren, which wasn’t as bad as I expected. Watched Planet Earth then David FaceTimed, and we had a chat: he told me about his kidney stones – happily I don’t think I have that. Amy was upbeat: they had both watched the Grand Prix in the early hours. Afterwards we watched Chorister of the Year: I chose the successful three again. Then I went to bed while Dot watched something else. And so my health saga goes on: one more antibiotic pill to take… Nice to be back in my own bedroom. 

Feel a bit like I’m going full circle as far as my health is concerned. Last night was very bad – lots of blood again (though contained within the catheter system) and I couldn’t sleep. Started taking second lot of antihistamines last night – same brand – and by this morning urine was starting to turn a more acceptable colour. For obvious reasons, I feel very tired. But let’s go back to telling the story in order…

Thursday 9th – Sun and cloud ; very small amount of rain. Felt pretty groggy in the morning. Colin came and finished the patio and wall, plus trimming back the ivy. In the afternoon went to hospital, expecting my catheter to be removed, but was told by Maria that I had another infection. Very disappointing. She has booked me in for a new date and is ringing tomorrow about antibiotics.  No date yet for operation. On way home picked up medicines from the pharmacy (Dot’s and mine) then called at Rosary to take a picture of Andrew’s stone. Then I sat in the car while Dot went into Morrisons. Fell asleep and forgot where I was. Miraculously in the evening I was well enough to watch Hamlet on TV (3 hours). David Tennant version. Don’t think I’ve ever seen Hamlet before. Urine looks more like blood. Pretty fed up. 

Friday – Quite cold but some sun, and dry. Woke up with urine looking good and no pain. Found blood mark at neck of leg bag which may have been a blockage. But everything remained much better all day. Didn’t do much. At 4pm rang the hospital as I hadn’t heard from them. Maria rang back and said she hadn’t heard the results, and I should ring tomorrow.  In the evening I felt well enough to street meet for a while: quite cold. Had fish and chips. Watched Australian series, Newsreader, which was quite good. David FaceTimed – all good. 

Saturday  was pretty chilly but dry, with some sun. Decided I would walk up to St Julian’s to see the exhibition. Dot followed after she had breakfast, and then we both walked up to St John’s Timberhill to see theirs. (their exhibition, not their breakfast). Felt quite odd walking so far. They were in the middle of Mass (Anglo-Catholic) so we sat at the back before looking at the much more extensive exhibition. Some good stuff. Then walked home. Lay down after lunch while Dot listened to football. City came from 2-1 down to beat Cardiff 3-2 away. I caught up with some stuff on computer, including ordering permits, which was incredibly difficult to because it had been outsourced. After supper watched mediocre drama on My5, then the documentary Hero, which David had recommended. Very inspirational, especially for younger people. Earlier got a (returned) call from hospital which said I had a secondary infection and probably didn’t need antibiotics – unless I was having an operation. Yippee  – great that they’re so co-ordinated. Ordered antibiotics online from surgery. Actually feeling much better.  

Sunday was a reasonable day, weatherwise. Dot went to church for Remembrance Day service, and I stayed in bed for a while, then got up and watched a bit of the Cenotaph march-past. After lunch we watched cricket and football and then I began to feel a bit odd, so lay down while Dot practised violin. Later made chilli con carne and we watched an awful lot of TV, but I did feel better. Went to the loo a lot. Heather Savigny got in touch: we may see her tomorrow. 

Monday was chilly and becoming very windy. Had an early morning call from surgery, saying my antibiotics would be ready in the afternoon. Also from Neville Thrower checking on how I was. I actually feel more or less ok, but I seem to be producing blood instead of urine again, which is where we came in. Without the pain, though. Had a lovely couple of hours with Heather and Simon, who managed to scale our slope in his wheelchair and have coffee and scones, which Dot made.

After lunch we (ie Dot) drove to the garage and I told them about our warning lights. A technician had a look and said there was a battery problem, which I would have thought they’d have spotted at the service. I have now booked a new battery to be fitted on November 30. Meanwhile it seems to be running ok. From there we went to the chemist’s, who miraculously had the antibiotics – but not the statins that I’d also requested. Nice pharmacist (really) said to try on Wednesday. Ho hum. Dot did some more music practice and we had chilli again. Just before that Dave and Julia rang, and we had quite a long chat on speakerphone. They are about to holiday in Egypt (Red Sea) and shortly afterwards in St Lucia. Watched some football and Under Milk Wood, which was brilliant. Bed early. 

Friday was a strange day, but quite pleasant weather. Dot was picked up by Tracy (the Mazda service manager) just after 10am, and having got the car, she went to the shop. She then prepared for Kristine, who arrived on the 12.45 train. I went to meet her but was feeling decidedly odd. In fact I had quite a bit of pain during the day. Still, we had a good time with Kristine, centring on a long lunch. Afterwards I went and lay down for half an hour.

Kristine left at 4.30, and towards evening I was hurting quite a lot. Some of this, I discovered, may have stemmed from the fact that my leg tube was twisted and not allowing urine through. Anyway after a sandwich I went to bed and slept, after a while. Didn’t get up again that day. Very strange feelings in between sleep. 

Saturday was pretty wet and uninviting. Both had a long lie-in reading papers etc. Neither of us had slept very well, and most of the day I was feeling quite ill, but by evening I felt much better, though I had a little trouble with my catheter. Watched a lot of television, including an unusual film called The Souvenir and the last two episodes of Dark Hearts, the French thriller set in Iraq.  Very well done but annoyingly ended on a cliffhanger. I hate that. 

Sunday was strange again: didn’t seem like a Sunday at all. Weather uninspiring but mainly dry, I think. Didn’t actually go outside. Dot went to watch Norwich lose 3-1 to Blackburn just after watching England lose to Australia at cricket. So not very uplifting. I’ve been feeling pretty groggy most of the day, with a niggle in my urethra which is unsettling. Lack of real progress is frustrating. Watched lots of other stuff, most of it pretty good, including a random piece on the River Dee, where they’re using trees to build up river banks. David and Amy FaceTimed. They both seem well – were about to go out for a walk. 

Monday was quite pleasant weather. Dry. Dot went to dentist and called at Julian exhibition at St John Timberhill on the way. Meanwhile Judy called in with two roast chicken dinners from church. Had a chat for a short time. Felt quite ill in early part of day, but took some paracetamol and felt better later. Catheter is allowing some peripheral flow at times, which is difficult. Went to bed early: Dot has headache, which is very unusual.

Yesterday (Nov 7) was chilly but sunny and dry. Had to get up early because Colin arrived at around 8am to do the patio and a couple of other things. Had to move car and make him a cup of tea, after we’d sorted out the catheter stabiliser, which had come adrift for some reason. Dot left about 8.30 to go on a DSSO visit to Overstrand (The Belfry – school shared by the head at Worstead). Felt better than yesterday…

Dot arrived back from Overstrand to reveal that the warning message fault is still on car. Anna came round for a cup of tea, and we had a chat. Had a lie down in the afternoon after watching some cricket, Colin departed and then Anne arrived, and she and Dot went up to Jarrolds for one of the store’s special evenings, and had a meal at one of the restaurants. I had some interesting sardines on toast and some fruit. Sorted out my computer desktop. Andrew’s gravestone has been erected – received phone call and pic from the stonemasons. Dot got home about 9pm and David FaceTimed. He seemed very well – also Amy. Watched a documentary about Australian wars against aborigines. 

Today is pretty miserable: windy, wet and cold. Colin didn’t come, because it was too wet to do what he needed to do. I had a shower, which of course is tricky with a catheter. Felt shaky afterwards, but improved after lunch. Had call from garage, and I booked the car in on Monday to have a look at the rogue warning message. Saw amazing cricket match between Australia and Afghanistan. Australia seemed down and out, but someone scored 201 and they won; not bad as he was suffering from cramp and could hardly move.