Last Monday was still quite cold but mainly dry. Walked up to church, but largely inconsequential talk. Dot picked me up at lunchtime, but we returned to hear Stuart talk about the history of Gildencroft, which was really interesting. Took Ray home – his leg is really bad – then did shopping at Morrisons. Dot did work in garden, then Kim called in on way home from station. She took my sermon away and raved about it later. Very encouraging. Spoke to Phil and changed arrangements for tomorrow. Watched Hotel Portofino and Harry Wild  Investigates – the latter surprisingly good.  

Tuesday was a grey day with occasional light rain. Very busy. Caught up with computer stuff on the morning. In the afternoon went to the chemist, who yet again failed to come up with my pills. Then on to pick up Phil, who had early supper with us (salmon) before a taxi took us up to the Theatre Royal for a performance of Girl from the North Country, an excellent production featuring many Bob Dylan songs. Sort of a birthday present for Phil. Afterwards I walked home to fetch car, then picked Dot and Phil up and took him home to Dereham. Then drove home, arriving just after 11.20pm. Believe we saw Northern Lights on way home.  

Wednesday was another rather drab day, weatherwise.  Dot spent much of day making food for tomorrow – she also went to Taize at church. I put Last Princess story on my website, played through some En Passant  games, corrected some Paston letters and listened to a couple of videos on Covid vaccine. Also caught up with e-mails. 

Thursday was chilly but dry. Overcast. Up fairly early to prepare for visit of Julia and Allan. I managed to put rota on diary and website. Very pleasant lunch created by Dot. Intended to go to buy her a new jacket when they left (3pm) but we’d both had a couple of glasses of wine without thinking; so cleared up instead and did packing. I went through another month of En Passant games as well as ordering some wine for next week. Earlier I went up to chemist’s to get my pills: again very slow. Don’t know what’s wrong with them. Watched end of 14 peaks documentary – very good – and two episodes of new series of Clarkson’s Farm. 

Friday – cold with occasional light rain. Left home at about 9.30 and bought Dot a new jacket in Go Outdoors. The girl who advised her asked her if her name was Mrs Lenton: she had taught her at Tuckswood!  Drove down Watton road then cut over to Thetford and the A11. Stopped briefly at Cambridge services for Dot to take over – she then drove as far as Leicester services on The M1, where we bought a sandwich each from Waitrose. I drove the rest of the way. Usual route via Ashbourne. Tired out when we arrived. Brief chat with Dave and Julia when they got back from town, then I slept briefly and had a bath. Drink in the bar and then supper – enjoyed it, but possibly not as good as it used to be. Fish and chips fine. All staff seemed to be new, and lots of people – mainly American – in the bar. 

Saturday – Pretty cold, but dry and no wind. After a hearty breakfast we embarked for a visit to an old water mill at Styal in Cheshire. Some dispute between our hosts on how to get there, but we eventually made it, by a rather circuitous route, passing only about five miles from Anne Coomes’ house. After a coffee, we did a tour of the Apprentices’ House, which was superb, catching the right balance between modern horror at the conditions and the benefits for the workers at the time. Still, all based on slavery… Then went down for a look round the mill, which was again fascinating. Had something to eat and waited ages for tea/coffee, then the toilets were being cleaned… Still, just about time for a look at the water wheel, at the steam engines and straight up the huge chimney. We were given directions back to the car park by a woman with a dog; if only she had given us directions back to Buxton. After a further inter-Evetts dispute, I guided Dave back on to the route he wanted to take, which wasn’t the quickest. But we eventually got back to the hotel. Good ribeye but too much to drink afterwards. In bed too late.

Yesterday was cold but dry. No wind. Spent the day in Buxton. Various shops, cafes. Ended at antiques fair and another cup of tea, this time following chat with local. Walked home, very tired. Meal not great. Long chat afterwards, fixing dates for future meetings.

Today we had a wet start, still cold. Left first after breakfast and bought petrol at Morrisons, then found ourselves behind the Evetts. Followed them a while before they noticed / Dot texted them (not sure which came first). Eventually decided to follow them to this outlet village at junction 28 on the M1. Started on Marks & Spencer which raised boredom to new levels, but the drink and croissant at Costa was fine. Afterwards we split up (again) but kept running into each other. I bought a shirt in Barbours, and Dot got a  Goodmove sweater at M & S and a top on my recommendation at Next. Liked Tommy Hilfinger, but didn’t buy anything. Hundred of young police officers floating around on a training exercise (I asked). They all looked school age.

Drove down to Coventry through rain, and I parked near Minster Lodge and walked over to hand them the picture back. Very odd situation. Old manager had been fired (apparently nothing to do with Andrew) and it was all pretty tense. Green-haired Chantelle was there and assured me that it was all to do with reorganisation (they had a new security door fitted). They had been very, very busy, which was why they hadn’t responded to my e-mails. Didn’t see any residents. Ah well. Drove to Old Mill at Baginton and booked in. Nice room.

A fairly bright Sunday, but quite chilly, though not in church, surprisingly enough. The service was all rather chaotic – I gave Judy the words to one of the hymns, and she didn’t realise I wanted her to distribute them, then couldn’t find them. I started playing the first hymn in the wrong key for reasons much too complex to explain, but it all worked out all right, even when I told Sue, who is coming up in court for taking part in a Just Stop Oil protest, that I would probably have run her over. In the nicest possible way, obviously. June came from Beccles, and Ray was surprisingly perky after the funeral – possibly because a lot of the pain of watching his wife die had been released. I preached, and I think it went down OK. Dot did the prayers, and Graham presided at Communion and played drums (though not simultaneously).

Last Tuesday was dry, with a cold wind but not too strong. Wrote two final pieces for Parish Pump, on Corrie ten Boom and the Royal Yacht Britannia. Watched Vera, then had various visitors: Angela with my trousers, in which she’d put a new zip; Des, who wanted to know if Dot wanted some bamboo (she did, and he brought it over later); and Carrie, who wanted Dot to go with her to Wymondham to take some stuff for her son. She did. Carrie was unwell and afraid she couldn’t get back. In the evening Dot went to football with Des – Norwich beat Birmingham 3-1 – while i walked to church for a DCC meeting that wasn’t very impressive. Graham, Matt, Phil, Debbie, Jude and me. No-one understood Howard’s financial report, and Debbie is not impressive as minutes secretary. Jude gave me a lift to the bottom of Kett’s Hill, and I walked home via Rosary Road. We watched the final episode of The Family Pile (very funny) and I watched a few minutes of a Netflix documentary on the Himalayas on the screen downstairs. Impressive in more ways than one.

Wednesday was not very pleasant: damp with a cool wind. Went to Eric Osborne’s funeral at Surrey (CityGates): good attendance. Spoke to Linda and Roger, plus Jenny and her daughter, when I went up to the Rosary (arriving first despite having to get to my car at the end of Sussex Street after the hearse had left). Also spoke to Chris Rumball, who I probably last saw more than 50 years ago. Recognised one or two other faces, but couldn’t put names to them. Wrote sermon in afternoon and early evening while Dot went to Ash Wednesday service at St Mary and Margaret Church in Sprowston. Afterwards watched North Sea Connection, a thriller with a rubbish ending, plus Hotel Portofino and Would I lie to you?

Thursday provided quite a cold wind, with some drizzle early on, especially as we walked along the riverside path to Kim’s and discovered it was a long way round (though flat). Had tea and cakes with her, and the usual interesting conversation. Left about 2.30 and got home in time for Bridget. I tried to ring the valuer, but no answer at first; then left my wrong phone number by mistake. (I was tired.) In the evening watched three episodes of Desperate Measures, which was actually rather good. We’re also now watching together that documentary on Netflix, about someone who climbed all 14 of the 8000-metre peaks in an astonishingly short time.

Friday was a grey day, with showers. Cold wind. Spent most of day at church for Christine Olga Fiske’s funeral. Arrived at 11 and got stuff ready – tables, food etc. Chatted with Steve, among others. Then into old church for funeral service, which started at 1pm. Good number there – probably about 50. Very well done by Graham.  Afterwards, a long wait while the family went up to the crematorium. Back around 3. While we were waiting, I had a long chat with Nikki, who was quite bouncy and optimistic. When family got back spoke to Steve and one of two others, then a really good “reunion” with the Camplings: Mark and his girlfriend Kate, Lisa and her husband Johnny (both drummers), June and their father. Helped put stuff away before going home. Got home about 4.45 – discovered I’d missed two calls from valuer. Weather still pretty miserable, so invited Des, Chris, Mark and Sarah over for drinks. Later watched Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise, a sequel that was quite good. Printed out a hymn before going to bed. 

Yesterday was very cold with a few showers. Walked to Morrisons to pick up food for the evening, then spent a lot of time sorting various things out. In the afternoon I updated my sermon, filed a worship report for the annual meeting and finished the rota, while Dot went to watch Norwich beat Cardiff 2-0, with Jonathan and Naomi making guest appearances. In the evening David FTd – he’s feeling a bit unwell, but seemed lively enough. Then Graham the vicar came round for supper – I cooked chilli con carne, and Dot did a pavlova. After he left, watched last episode of Desperate Measures – very well done, though a mite far-fetched. Satisfying ending, which is what you want, isn’t it?

Thursday – the day after the funeral – was drizzly, generally damp but not too cold. Glad funeral was the day before. Slow start. Caught up on e-mails, thanking people etc. David went out for walk when he got up, and I had a late bath, but went to sleep and dipped book in bath. Bridget came round and cleaned. In the evening Kevin came for chilli con carne and lots of chatting with David (and us). Oliver and Amy arrived shortly after 10pm. I was very tired, and my eyes kept closing; so I went to bed. 

Friday – Better weather: quite mild. All rather late up. Dot and Amy went to shops. Oliver and I played a number of chess games through the day at quite fast speeds. Honours shared. After brunch we all walked up to the Rosary and looked at Andrew’s grave. Also showed Oliver and Amy various other aunts and uncles, plus other notable graves. Out on street at 5.30 with Des and Chris, Mark and Matt. Oliver went with Des to pick up fish and chips. After meal we looked at various slides after fetching them from loft, and saw old videos on computer. Amy very appreciative. Very tired again. 

Saturday – Quite mild. Linda came to cut our hair in the morning, and I had a bath after that. Phil and Jane Coomes arrive around 12.30, and we all walked down  to Gem for lunch. Very nice, but felt I’d eaten too much. Back home for birthday  cake for Phil; then Oliver and I (O driving) took Dot to St Andrew’s, Eaton, for concert rehearsal. Back home, then Phil and Jane left after a chat. The rest of us went to concert at 7.30: very warm in hall. All usual suspects there, including Adrian and Jane O’dell. Amy and I got lift home with Des and Chris in their electric car. Also at concert: Bridget and David, Neville, Graham, Jaya’s daughters, Rachel from church, Angela and Rodney. 

Sunday – Cooler, but dry. Concocted a quiz and delivered it – won by Dot, probably because she is the same age as me, and my knowledge coincides with hers. Astonishing (to us) what Oliver and Amy don’t know, but I guess we would have been exactly the same at their age, faced with questions from the preceding 50 years. David and Oliver went out and generously bought us a new Apple TV for the lounge, then David set it up, as well as transferring the old one to downstairs, where we now have a new screen (his old one from the garage). Quite excited about using both. While they were out we showed old videos from Photos to Amy, which was quite fun. Had pizzas for evening meal (Dot had gone to shops in the morning), and Oliver and Amy had left by 9pm. 

Monday was mainly bright and not too cool, though with a bit of wind. Felt pretty ropey most of day – not sure why. Much better towards end of day.  David left on 9.30 train, and I had a bath, interrupted by phone call from valuer, who was early for appointment at Phyllis’s house. Dot drove me there – his assessment only took about 15 minutes, and I walked over to church for tea and chat, then walked home. After lunch watched Death in Paradise, then wrote a Parish Pump article on the first people to fly over Everest. In evening drove Jude and Eleanor to Archers for cake and compline, which went well. Claire also there, but Vicky fainted in city and then tested positive for Covid. Ray was also quite bad yesterday. Home and watched Marie Antoinette. 

Yesterday – February 15 – was Andrew’s funeral. Cold start, but developed into a really nice day: not too cold – around 10-12C. Up reasonably early, and Dot and I took the food to Surrey Chapel (CityGates). Dave Rimmer organised it all – very efficient – and we met the musicians and Ralph Manning, who was taking the service. Then back home to get ready properly and pick up David. At church in really good time. Disappointed that no-one came from Minster Lodge, but Mrs Baxi and her daughter (Jennifer and Angela) arrived just after we started.

Service went very well, and we all went up to the Rosary. David helped the Baxis and travelled with them (Jennifer in wheelchair). Beautiful up at the cemetery, and Ralph Manning led the committal. All very well organised. Then back to church for food that they had arranged nicely. Spent a lot of time talking to the Baxis; David talked to just about everyone. Other than the Baxis and church people helping, no-one else came – not even Joe or Sam (though Sam has problems with tenants trashing his house in Southampton). The three of us were pretty shattered afterwards: Dot did a chicken meal, and we read a bit and watched a little television. Bed early.

Sunday -was a bit cloudy but mild. Well, 9C. Dry. Went to church. Bit down in numbers. Led, with band consisting of Matt, Dot, Steve and Carrie, who also preached. Quite good – lot of audience participation. Nikki there, and Leanne popped in at the end. Discovered Jim Green, a new member, is a lay reader. Wasn’t feeling great. Gave Ray a lift home. He’s holding up well. Sorted out stuff on computer – cleared up screen etc. Dot finished preparing her room for grandchildren’s visit. Emptied car for clean tomorrow. Watched Songs of Praise, Vera and some rugby. David FTd – possibility of Coomes visiting on Saturday or Sunday! Chrissy not too well – bad cold. 

Monday – Bit overcast and a little chilly. Dot dropped me at church, but nothing much happened, because Steve was trying to sort out the church accounts without having sufficient information and getting “help” from Debbie. Tried to reassure him. Walked home while Dot was getting the car valeted (£25) and buying some food from Morrisons. Felt rather ill in the morning but improved as the day went on. Did a lot of work of various kinds, for example sorting out stuff we’d taken from car and repackaging it more pleasingly. Also sorted out rota for next week and some queries on Phyllis’s estate from the solicitor. Later on got call from funeral director, making last-minute checks. All OK, I think. Sorted out bins, watched Call the Midwife and another episode of Irish thriller. Dot picked up tickets for tomorrow night’s match from Naomi in case David or I want to go. 

Tuesday – Clearing up most of the day. Picked up food from Morrisons for funeral, and sorted out the fridge. Picked up David from station at about 4.30. He had travelled by train from Gatwick to Cambridge, where he changed on to the Stansted express! Quite a pleasant day; fairly mild. In the evening all three of us went to watch Norwich City beat Hull 3-1: a good game, but very cold towards the end.

End of Monday, 6 Feb – Saw first two episodes of North Sea Connection, a very promising Irish thriller. 

Tuesday – Bright sunshine in Norwich, but some fog elsewhere. Cold. Dot had DSSO meeting at Easton; so I walked to Town House for Archant breakfast. Took me 25 minutes, and I was first there. Very nice breakfast, though I forgot the eggs. Sat with Brian and Tricia, next to the window. Very sunny and got too hot; so very tired on walk home. Had a brief sleep on bed. Wrote piece for website. Watched Amazing Spaces and an old film, The Lady Vanishes (Hitchcock). Really good, if you take its age into account. David FTd – he is coming over for funeral – and then Amy: she is also coming to stay!

Wednesday – Similar weather.  Went to Morrisons and did another big shop. Wrote to a lady from Coventry who had written about Andrew, then Dot went to Taize at church. I walked up to meet her as it finished, and we went to the framing shop and picked up our pictures. Looked good. Have put some up on wall: really just the walls on the stairs to do (a serious miscalculation), but of course that’s the most difficult. While Dot was at orchestra, I looked at some photographs and found a few of Andrew for the funeral. More to check, though. Earthquake in Turkey/Syria all over the news – over 24,000 dead, apparently. Horrific for just about anybody in the area, who are battered  already for other reasons, mainly political.

Thursday — Weather very much the same. Up early so that Dot could travel to Tasburgh, then Saxlingham on DSSO duty. Very tiring day. Sorted out lots of photos of Andrew for the funeral, then helped Dot put up thousands of pictures in various rooms. Still lots to do. Also decluttered notice board in lounge. Later watched Hustlers and today’s episode of Marie Antoinette.  Heard from Linda that Eric Osborne had died. Tried and failed to ring her. Likewise Ray Fiske. 

Friday – Overcast, but not too cold. Dot went to two schools – Wreningham and Newton Flotman – stopping for lunch at a garden centre called Foundry in the middle. Meanwhile Bridget came to clean and did an extra half hour. I put together a collage of pictures of Andrew, and put right one of our own that had gone wrong.  Dot came home and wrote her reports and letters before joining the rest of us outside for a drink (Des, Chris, Mark, Johnathan). Fish and chips afterwards, then watched You Only Live Twice (waste of time) and an episode of Death in Paradise. Posted birthday card to Dave Evetts. Caught up on lots of computer stuff.  

Saturday – Dry and not too cold. Dot went into city in the morning, and after that we spent much of the day putting up pictures and clearing up the house. Quite exhausting / for me, anyway. Dot has loads of energy. Other than that watched rugby, with Scotland beating Wales and Ireland beating France. Sadly Norwich and Spurs both lost. Oliver got in touch to say he is coming next weekend; so we’ll have a full house! Happily I’ve had an e-mail from Ralph Manning, who’s co-ordinating the funeral service, to say that the mp3 files I provided are fine.

Tuesday Jan 31 saw a cool wind, but was otherwise quite pleasant. After lunch I walked to Surrey Chapel to have a look round, and I managed to have a word with the Pastor, who said they could deal with mp3 files for the funeral; so later I purchased the relevant files from Amazon and sent them to him. Also had a look at the room we’ll use, which is really nice. Walked back via The Close, of course, and looked at an exhibition  in the Hostry about a very old cloister – now covered by the new one. To be honest, it wasn’t very exciting.

Continuing to read the latest Leonard Cohen book – a novel and short stories – which I got for Christmas. Very interesting, though unsettling. Just before 7pm Steve Fiske rang to say his mother Christine had just died, peacefully in her sleep. Glad we were able to see her yesterday. Had chat with Kim on phone and agreed to meet on Friday. Also had a call from Sheila, who keeps an eye on my Aunt Thelma, to say that Thelma has vascular dementia and is getting much worse. All very death-orientated. So to stay in the mood, we watched Silent Witness.

Wednesday  was cool but dry. Dot spent most of the day with Anne in the city, and I wrote quite a lot of my sermon for Sunday. In the afternoon went to see Thelma, who was not as bad as I expected, but it was hard work. She finds difficulty hearing, which means I have to shout, and she repeats herself over and over again. I lasted three-quarters of an hour and found it hard to locate a member of staff to let me out. In the evening went with Des and Chris to a wine-tasting evening, which didn’t include much food. Still it turned out to be interesting, because we met a couple of women, one of whom worked at Archant and the other in education. They recognised both of us, though only in a vague sort of way. We all got on well and the four of us promised to visit their walled garden at Little Plumstead. On the minus side, I think I left my glasses there. Watched a bit of a programme on moss but fell asleep. 

I didn’t leave my glasses there. I found them  on the kitchen table on Thursday morning. Bright spells, bit windy but not too cold. Dot went to Hickling in the morning for a school visit. I thought I’d finished my sermon, but then realised it needed reorganising. Aargh ! Walked to church in the afternoon to photograph a part of the churchyard wall that had fallen down (or been knocked down). Then  Dot picked me up and we spent about 90 minutes with Ray, during which he told us a number of stories and gave us a cup of tea. Home in time to catch Bridget, then cooked lamb chops, which turned out surprisingly well spent a bit of time on final choice of hymns – and rang Liz Cannon to check it wasn’t Communion. Feeling quite stressed at end of evening and had a strange pain in my head. Probably just catarrh. 

Friday was again fairly mild and dry. We walked into the city in the morning and had tea/e with Kim in Yalm, then walked to Jarrolds and had lunch in their fish restaurant on the second floor. Had a plate of smoked salmon and a couple of poached eggs on sourdough toast. Walked home through the Close, and Kim came back for another cup of tea with me while Dot finished her talk for Monday.

Mild enough to meet in the street at 5.30 – in this case our driveway, because Des and Chris have a new electric car in their drive. They’re moving it into our drive so that a prospective buyer of their old car, who’s arriving tomorrow from London, doesn’t know it’s theirs. Don’t ask. John also joined us. At 7 Des got us fish and chips, and we repaired to eat it . Watched the last three episodes of Bad Sisters on Netflix. Brilliant. David FTd us, which was just as well, because he revealed that tomorrow’s match starts at 12.30, not 3.

Saturday – Cloudy but dry. Not too cold. Having been alerted to the early match time, (12.30) I took Dot down there: for some reason Naomi’s friends, who had been scheduled, didn’t turn up, but they didn’t miss anything. Norwich lost 3-0 to Burnley. Krul gave away a goal , and they conceded from two corners. Had a rest, watched the remainder of a fascinating programme on moss, cleared up and walked down to meet Dot. Back at house watched Six Nations: Wales lost heavily to Scotland. Practised hymns and watched a bit from Iolanthe that David Archer had sent us. Also Death in Paradise and Hotel Portofino, plus a chunk of Amazing Spaces. Never knowingly understated.

Yesterday was bright and dry, but a bit chilly. Church as usual – great to see Ray there. As a result changed one of the hymns to Amazing Grace – his favourite. I preached, and got quite a good response. Hold-up on Riverside Road because of yet more ill-thought out roadworks.  Dot spent a lot of time preparing for her P4C talk.  I went for walk down by river and along King Street and ended up very tired. Watched quite a lot of TV – rugby, football (Spurs beat Man City 1-0), Call the Midwife and the finale of Happy Valley, which was not as exciting as it might have been, but did wrap it all up.

Today was colder but bright and dry. Walked to church and did a Bible Study with Steve, Debbie and Jude: Acts 3. Went pretty well. Stayed for lunch, which was mediocre, and afterwards Dot gave a talk on philosophy for children (thinking skills). Thought it went really well. Kim came along specially. About 15 there. I had parked the car in the car park using an app – quite expensive, but I didn’t know when we were going to finish. Returned about an hour later (and after Dot had retrieved some papers from the accountants) to find her sunglasses, which were on the piano. Watched Vera and a rather beautiful animated film called A Boy, a Mole, a Fox and a Horse, which was lovely and very Christian. Then spent quite a long time clearing up in the kitchen and putting the bins out. Too much detail?

Friday was cold but dry, with bits of blue sky. Walked to B & M, where we bought fasteners to fix pictures on the wall, plus some lentil crisps. (Interesting combination.) Dot got eye cream from Boots. Wrote to Thelma to let her know about Andrew. Dot ordered food for funeral from Morrisons. Later, drove up to Ray and Chris’s with a meal for Ray: went in after a while waiting, and found Chris in a very poor state, but peaceful, looking on the point of death. Ray was in quite a state, unsurprisingly: tried to comfort him. Lyndsey and a neighbour were there.

Back just in time to go over the road for drinks: Des went and got fish and chips at 7pm. Quality very good this week. Bridget left car here during day while she went to Ely by train. Watched several things on TV, including Death in Paradise, which is top of my comfort viewing list. Kim arrived home by train from Aberdeen at 11.15pm. Toyed with going to meet her, but in the end she got a taxi, which probably made sense. 

On Saturday Lucy rang about her Julian project, in which I am somehow involved. Not sure how. Dot went to North Walsham to put flowers on her mum’s grave (her birthday tomorrow). Brought home some flowers that I took up to my parents’ grave later. I did a lot of clearing up, especially in my room, sorting out Andrew’s stuff, Christmas stuff, files of paper and envelopes, plus other things. Wrote prayers for tomorrow and practised hymns. In the evening watched some football – Spurs winning in FA Cup. Also some episodes on Netflix of Bad Sisters, which is very good, strangely.

Sunday was an exhausting day, though the weather wasn’t too bad. Enjoyed church in the morning – Steve joined us, and Phil played too. Did a couple of songs during Communion and also led prayers.  Nikki’s boyfriend Daniel came for the first time. Seemed a really nice guy. Unfortunately had to shoot off early to get to the George Hotel for lunch with CNS reunion group. Sat with the Throwers and Bussey. Very good food. Quiz afterwards not quite so good.  Question master Tony Friedlander had too much info, a couple of answers were dubious and another he didn’t know. Ho hum. Only home for 45 minutes before we were off again to St Luke’s for a farewell service for Simon Stokes. We were in the music group again. Organised by Nikki – very well. Led by Graham excellently. Bunfight  afterwards, but still too full to eat much. Crashed out at home and watched Vera, which was OK, and a bit of football. 

Yesterday was quite cold, but dry. Dot drove me up to church in the morning as usual, and eventually I did a Bible study with Jude and Debbie (and Graham momentarily) which turned out to be quite interesting. After lunch Dot worked on her philosophy stuff for a talk next week and I wrote a couple of poems that I submitted for a Julian anthology. Also checked some Paston letters for Peter Stibbons. David FTd with Chrissy. In the evening we went with Graham and Carrie to the Fiskes for a “preparation for death” service for Christine. Also Holy Communion. Had a really good time despite what was happening. Daughter Lyndsey was really nice: gave us tea/coffee afterwards. Got petrol on the way home, and watched Happy Valley and Call the Midwife.

This seems a long time ago, but late last Thursday (19th) I picked up Dot and Jaya from Greens, where they had been handbell-ringing – and drove Jaya home. Watched Marie Antoinette, which is pretty good. The Greens leave today (27th) for India. I do not envy them, except that it should be warmer.

Last Friday was still very cold, with some rain. Quite unpleasant, really. Dot’s DSSO school interview was cancelled via phone at 7.45; so Linda came earlier to do our hair. Had time for a bath afterwards before Phil arrived to take me to the funeral director’s, where I paid £4000 deposit for the funeral and saw Andrew’s body. Strange experience. Long time since the three of us had been together. Wrote a poem about it later.

Phil came back for cup of tea just as the plumber (Evan) arrived to fit a new shower pump. This one seemed to work ok – and no extra charge! Message from Joy that meeting had been arranged at Eckling Grange next Tuesday with Surrey Chapel reps re funeral service. Managed to write a Parish Pump article on Christopher Wren, then went to Cake and Compline at Claire’s. Got a lift from Phil Kerrison: Jude and Eleanor went with Dot. Afterwards watched Death in Paradise. 

Saturday was cold. What’s new? Up fairly late – watched  Norwich beat Coventry 4-2 away on NOW Tv, on my iPad – couldn’t get it on television.(Oliver was there, but we didn’t see him.) I felt very tired afterwards and lay down for a while. Dot wrote prayers for tomorrow after having a long conversation with Carrie on the phone. Practised hymns. Watched walking programmes. Des and Chris came over for drinks for a couple of hours, which was very nice. Then started watching Bank of Dave on Netflix. David FTd us and we had quite a long chat, partly about the funeral. He said he might come over! 

Sunday was bright but very cold. Windscreens bad. Drove to church and played guitar. Pretty cold in church. Good sermon from Graham on unity as opposed to uniformity. Played one of my songs in Communion (All will be well) and got some good response. Also to Dot’s prayers. I felt pretty cold all day. Dot reorganised the airing cupboard and her room – great job. Watched a bit of football but not much else.

In the evening drove on my own to Lowestoft for Seagull poetry. About a dozen of us. Got complements from Sue and others about my poetry book: Lynne said she had a copy by her bed! Read two new poems – Unfinished and Last Men Standing, plus four from my book: the fish dock one, Anne Boleyn’s Window (which Sue said made her cry), Liturgy and Failing Fire. Late finish: got home about 10.40pm despite clear run. 

Monday was busy. Cold night, but up a few degrees during the day. Dot dropped me at church. Had interesting Bible study /conversation with Judy and Steve. When Dot picked me up we dropped stuff at dry cleaners, then did a massive shop at Morrisons – £150. Still, we were about to run out of just about everything. Dot also picked up pills – went to chemists twice because they “didn’t have time” to check them first time.  Also got eye drops from pharmacist for her red eyes. I cleared up leaves – pretty tiring – and we watched the first episode of Silent Witness, which is getting a bit obsessed with a side character who does sign language. Other than that, good as usual. After supper I finished off my address for Andrew’s funeral, then watched an early Transatlantic Sessions. Amusing how young they all look – some almost unrecognisable. Guest appearance by Rufus Wainwright, who looked about 12, if that.

Tuesday was slightly less cold; quite pleasant in fact, but still a bit icy between Lenwade and North Tuddenham. Drove to Dereham to meet Andy Rees, pastor of ex-Surrey Chapel, and discuss forthcoming funeral. Nice bloke, but he left his coat behind. We took it with us and I returned it to his house in the evening. Spent quite a long time with Dot looking at pictures and discussing frames. Later watched Silent Witness and Call the Midwife, which was a bit mawkish. Ended the evening with Detectorists, which is brilliant. Wrote second one of three Parish Pump pieces.

Miserable weather again on Wednesday. Misty, damp and cold, with the bonus of actual rain in the late afternoon and early evening. Have managed to put together an order of service for Andrew’s funeral, and finished Parish Pump articles. Dot went to Taize at church, and I picked her up and we took several pictures to get framed. Quite expensive, but they’ll be well done. David FTd while Dot was at orchestra, partly to discuss his bank card. Lots of snow and wind in Waterloo, but everyone is well. Geoff Jary has died, and so have Jane Flatt and Linda Brady, commonly known as Brady. Both the latter worked at Prospect House. Watched Happy Valley, which is tense. Me too.

Yesterday we both woke up very late. I was still in the bath when Dot went into the city, partly to check about funeral food at M&S and partly to buy some boots. I had a phone call from the funeral director about order of service and established that Phil and Joy wouldn’t need a limousine. Later spoke to Jenny Baxi on the phone about the funeral – they hadn’t seen a text message I’d sent a few days ago. Death notice in Coventry Telegraph yesterday (can be viewed online).

Finished Phantastes, an amazing book like nothing I’ve read before. Really deep fairy tale, praised by C S Lewis. Dot arrived home with Nikki, who she’d bumped into, and we/they spend a long time talking about how she was feeling about the future. During this Bridget arrived and did the cleaning. Posted a letter to Jenny Baxi and a card to Debbie Sands from Dot (Debbie’s husband Neil died recently). Felt very tired for some reason and went to bed early, but not before watching a couple of episodes of Bad Sisters on Apple TV, and Marie Antoinette on BBC. Former outshone the latter, despite what I said at the beginning.

Thursday 19 Jan – still, and hovering just above freezing. Today we travelled to Hempnall for lunch with Sue and Roger Eagle. As always it lasted a long time, because we had lots to talk about. Delicious meal from Sue , especially the soup and paratha. Had to go a long way round because of roadworks in The Street at Saxlingham Nethergate: my avoidance system was better going than coming, and we ended up in rush-hour traffic too. Still, after a break we were off again, picking up Jaya and taking her to handbell ringing at the Greens. After dropping them I filled up with petrol, using Dot’s precious voucher. After writing this I shall fetch them.

Last Friday was also dry, but with a cold wind. Up early because Barry came to touch up paintwork in the kitchen. He arrived at 8.30. I had late bath and Dot went to Morrisons. Hospital rang about 12.15 with news that Ray would be ready for collection after his eye operation by about 1.15.  Bridget was here cleaning, and Barry had left by the time we went. We picked Ray up around 1.20 and took him home. He was rather nervous. Saw Christine and Derek and Lindsay.    

Dot dropped me at Kett’s Hill roundabout and went up to Dunelm. I walked home and then to Morrisons to pick up Amazon parcel – vitamin pills – from locker. Got a call from the funeral director, but no date. Everything else ok. At 5.30 we went over to D’Souzas for wine and chat. John also there: Tara still very poorly – long Covid or reaction to vaccine, or something else entirely? At 7 Des got fish and chips, and we took them home to eat. Watched Marie Antoinette and Death in Paradise. 

The Saturday weather was not very inspiring – lots of rain again – but the day was inspiring in that we had our granddaughter with us. Vicky and Matt dropped Amy off (and had tea/coffee) before going on to Reepham to see Kerry. Dot did a complex salad, and raspberry cake dessert, which was delicious. Afterwards we watched Local Hero after I told Amy about the book I’d been reading. Happily she really liked it. We also looked at her Canadian pictures and some others. She was picked up about 5.30pm. We cleared up and watched football and another film, King of Thieves. Norwich beat Preston 4-0 away under their new manager, David Wagner, and Liverpool lost. No message from Adrian. 

Sunday was damp and cold, but with dry spells. Took Heather to and from church. Played guitar. Anna did lectio. Chatted quite a bit afterwards, then dropped off Water into Wine book to Leanne, who was barely up. She said she would come tomorrow. Spent much of the day watching TV, I’m afraid. Saw quite a bit of football, both episodes of Mayflies, a rather good drama about ending life, then the first episode of a new series of Vera – very well done as always. 

Monday was cold, wet later with a dusting of snow. Dot drove me to church in the morning. Discussion with Judy and Graham about music on Sundays. No Bible study because Leanne’s daughter has tonsillitis, and Steve wasn’t keen. Dot picked me up later and we called in at the picture-framing shop to get an idea of what was on offer – very wide selection. Watched a lot of TV again, I’m afraid. Football, Call the Midwife, Happy Valley, Mayfair hotel reconstruction. Plumber came in afternoon to replace the pump. Everything works now, but the pump was not as strong as previous one – Dot rather disappointed because shower not as powerful. She has now rung the plumber, who will replace it.

Tuesday was very cold. Dry. Barry came to finish off the kitchen painting. While he was here Dot and I walked to Morrisons to buy food for specific events. Barry finished about noon, and Anna arrived shortly after 12.30 to give Dot a violin lesson, but we spent half an hour discussing the music “problem” at church. Anna is going to talk to Carrie. Ho hum. Felt tired in afternoon and went to sleep for a while. At 5 Dot cooked a ready meal for Ray, and we took it up to him. I had to scrape the car windows first (had already made a start earlier). Lots of traffic on the way home. Watched the first episode of Silent Witness but didn’t join in poetry Zoom. David FTd us for a chat, and I was able to tell him that Andrew’s funeral is tentatively scheduled for February 15 at 12.15pm. Earlier I wrote a piece for my website on the need to listen to minorities. 

Cold again yesterday, but car windscreen was OK. Bad night. Paul Henderson came round at 11am and stayed till just after noon. He is heading for New Zealand next month. Dot was due to go to North Elmham for Ofsted feedback at 3.45pm, but at 1.20pm Paul Dunning rang to say it had been brought forward to 2.15 – so she left immediately, but still managed to get there in time, and all went well. Meanwhile I had another call from the funeral director, giving the funeral date definitely as February 15 at 12.15pm. At last! Then a call from Phil to say that an elder had e-mailed him, giving the date as Feb 22. I suggested he put him right.

Later I rang Barbara to tell her Andrew had died. She seemed quite perky (generally, not at the news: I have the “happy” knack of making her laugh loud and long). Dot got home before the original time for the feedback, happy that she had avoided driving in the dark. In the evening she went to orchestra, and when she got back we watched the next episode of the excellent Silent Witness. I am reading Phantastes, which is very, very unusual but compelling.

Sunday was cool, windy. Dry in the morning, but very wet from mid-afternoon. Went to church and did sermon and prayers as well as playing guitar. Seemed to go well. Chatted with Steve and Nikki afterwards, as well as Carrie, who is not physically well – may have hernia – as well as worried about other things. Vicky was there: children not doing too well. Phil there but not playing guitar.

Latish home: football traffic. Norwich under new manager David Wagner lost 1-0 to Blackburn in the FA Cup but had 20 corners! Felt a bit under the weather. Watched some football and Call the Midwife. Longish FT with David interrupted initially by call from the Baxis in Coventry. I had left a message that Andrew had died, and they were deeply shocked. Also e-mailed Central Hall and Hearsall Baptist in case anyone there knew him. Rang Phil and Sylvia Ford to fix visits tomorrow and Tuesday respectively. 

Monday was quite pleasant, but chilly. Dry. Dot dropped me at church in morning, and I did a Bible study with Steve, Judy and Debbie – Acts 1. Not too much trouble with Debbie. Cold in hall and I didn’t feel particularly well, though I suspect this may have been something I ate. After lunch we drove to Phil’s with some of Andrew’s stuff and discussed the funeral arrangements. Home, watched some football and Happy Valley, plus Far from the Madding Crowd, a very good film.  Felt considerably better. 

Very wet on Tuesday. Rained quite hard for much of the day, which made transferring Bibles and pictures to Sylvia Ford in Framingham Earl quite difficult. Dot and I went together, and we had quite a nice chat, not to mention scones and tea. Lots of water on the country roads. Didn’t feel particularly well in the afternoon – head clogged up and pressured. Lay down for a while. Funeral director rang up and said Andrew was in Norwich; will be seeing him (FD, not Andrew) on Thursday. He said the funeral would not be till February in all probability. Passed this on to Phil. In the evening watched Silent Witness: excellent as always despite the odd improbability. Des came round and invited us over to his on Friday if the weather was too bad to be out, as seems likely. Mark has left for Mobile, where he will be stuck with the Memphis Blues again, until the ship sails to Europe.

Wednesday was an odd day. Mixture of rain and dry, but pretty grey all round. Finished reading Local Hero, which is excellent, but then I think the film is my all-time favourite. Dot went to Taize at church at lunchtime, and I caught up on computer, preparing for my visit to the funeral director tomorrow. Phil called in about 3.30 after having his hair cut: brought a card with notes I’d left at his. Had a brief chat. In the evening I started off to go to Swan Poets at Halesworth, but traffic in Norwich was bad and there was a road closure at Saxlingham Nethergate. Ended up on several country lanes and then road works traffic lights near Bungay before taking the wrong turn. All felt wrong; so I went home – had been on the road for 90 minutes. Meanwhile Dot went to orchestra. Watched final episode of Series 2 of Slow Horses – really good. 

Drizzle at first yesterday, then dry in a wet sort of way. Chilly breeze. Plumber came to look at shower pump – is going to replace it. Dot drove me to funeral director’s and I spoke to Debbie, Glynn’s deputy, for about an hour. Nice woman. Walked home, partly by riverside path, where I had a chat with a litter picker. Watched football, then Dot realised her planned meal for Ray couldn’t be cooked from frozen. So she got a new one from Morrisons, which she cooked just in time. I drove her and she took it in. Christine seemed very peaceful. 

Came back for our own meal and then watched all three episodes of Stonehouse, which was amusing but left questions unanswered, like how he could be so stupid and why women were attracted to him.