Monday (Aug 29) was cooler and quite breezy, with some showers later. Dinghies were out racing early on, with a high tide catching a couple of cars out. Car park man closed the carnser late and by then unnecessarily. Oliver had bought croissants but did not run. We walked to Morston and had rather splendid pizzas in the Anchor, plus a quick go on darts. Rained as we left, and we called in at an art exhibition by Eddie Goodridge, which was really very good – oils. Had a chat with him and bought some cards. Rain eased off and we walked back to Blakeney. I was exhausted and lay down for a while. The other three went to Cley to buy some fruit. After tea got rid of rubbish, then played Yucca – a bizarre Canadian card game – and watched another episode of Clarkson’s Farm. 

Tuesday dawned cool and overcast. Oliver ran to Cley and walked back, getting caught in a shower as he neared the croissant shop. After breakfast he drove us to Cley NWT, and we walked to a couple of hides. Then back to the centre and lunch – I had a scone and one of Amy’s cheese and tomato sandwiches. Afterwards went to art exhibition by Sally Temple, who uses fingers and oil to paint excellent pictures. Bought some cards and chatted to her. She took to Oliver and Amy and gave some good advice; she has children of the same age.

Amy bought a lovely glass for Saoirse, whose 18th birthday is coming up. Then drove into Cley and parked by the village hall, walking round town and calling in to the bookshop (bought two books). Then bought some fish and ham from Cley Smokehouse. Drove to Salthouse and walked on the shingle beach. Home for another episode of Clarkson’s Farm and tea, then Oliver and Amy left at 6.45pm. Made good time and got home in just under three hours. Meanwhile Norwich City beat Birmingham (a) 2-1 in injury time, and we went to bed early, missing our guests.

Wednesday started with some rain, and continued with a heavy shower after I fetched croissants. Bit chilly too, with a brisk wind, but later it became dry and warmer. Had a bath, and later we put our boots on and walked out on to the marsh to the west of Blakeney, hoping to find where the water went, or if it was navigable out to the harbour that way. But we couldn’t go far – stopped by muddy dykes. So we walked out the other side of the main stream toward the abandoned boat.

Before that, however, the police had closed the road by the Manor Hotel for no obvious reason other than ‘Accident’. It turned out however to be an unexplored bomb in a nearby field, and as we walked seaward, they exploded it. Very exciting. All of us had been within 50 yards of it (possibly nearer) on Sunday. Dot bought a crab sandwich for her evening meal and I had a pot of mussels. I also had one of the grandchildren’s birthday present pots of terrine – black olive of that ilk, and very nice too. Wrote a couple of poems and read some of the book I bought at Cley: Ian Rankin’s Tooth and Nail. Very good. After tea we walked up the High Street looking for Yew Tree Cottage (where Sophie and Rich were staying), then down Little Lane and back round by the Spar shop. Watched a bit of Repair Shop, during which Fred rang to ask if boys could park on Saturday, and then Shetland, revealing that Tosh survived. Yes!!!  Also a bit of Premier League football – not very inspiring results. 

Thursday was bright and warm, though with a brisk wind. Kristine texted to say she’d missed her train, and would arrive an hour later (11.28). Because of traffic we still managed to be late for her, though the obscure disguising of the station at Cromer didn’t help. Drove back along the coast road; she loved the views and the apartment. After a drink we went for a walk round to the other holiday possibility and then over the Pastures, down Little Lane and back down the High Street. We then drove to Cley and had a late lunch at the George and Dragon: smoked mackerel and chips in my case. Then on to Cley NWT, where we took in the view and went to the loo.

Back to the car park at Cley beach, where we went down to the water’s edge and on the way back found a pair of glasses. Left them on a bench, as the car park man had vanished. Drove back to Blakeney: girls did a bit of shopping, or at least shop visiting. Had tea (cheese and cakes), looked at some pictures and chatted before travelling back to Cromer, where Kristine left on the 19.03. Back at the apartment we cleared up and read.

Friday was sunny and pleasantly warm. Got up early (no croissants), packed and were out of the apartment by 10am. Drove up road and got in a very lucky space while we picked some blackberries just off the path to Morston, then bought tea/coffee and drank it while sitting on a bench. Drove home in time for hair cut at 1pm.  I had a bath. Drove to Dereham with Joy’s birthday presents and stayed for an hour. Phil is having a rough time with Parkinson’s. Back home in time for drink-out, where the Blakeney bomb was quite a topic. Quite a gathering, too. Des fetched fish and chips for us. Watched Sanditon and an episode of State of Happiness (scandi noir) then finished unpacking and went to bed. Both very tired. 

So here we are in our beautiful HIgh Tides apartment at Blakeney, with our two excellent grandchildren, delighting in the chaos on the carnser at high tide, when the water encroaches on carelessly parked cars. We arrived almost simultaneously on Friday, when the weather was very warm. It remained warm until this morning, when it dawned windy and a bit cooler. This did not deter Oliver from getting our breakfast croissants from the shop up the HIgh Street, where he has struck up a friendship with the woman who serves there and also organises seal trips.

Last Tuesday Oliver was still in Sweden. We went to Morrisons to stock up on food, then to Colney Woodland Burial Park for Ellie’s funeral. Lovely setting, service a bit unorthodox but quite nice. Spoke to Dale (her son) and Michael and Heather. Debbie and Sharon were there from church. Afterwards to the Village Inn at Little Melton for drinks, where despite going the wrong way, we arrived first. Spoke to Jeanette ( who worked for Dale at Yarmouth and took Ellie out for trips) and also to Sharon. Tired out at home: lay down for over an hour, and so did Dot. Later Bridget and David came round and we watched the Pirates of Penzance DVD, in which David appeared. B & D brought Indian takeaway.

Wednesday was very mild again. Fixed the label machine, which had run out, and contacted BT about the malfunctioning phone. After much discussion – I spoke to a woman who was very hard to understand, and then a man from Northern Ireland, who was slightly easier – they agreed to send a new handset, which arrived after we’d left and was delivered to Mark. Posted birthday card to Julia. Dot went to Taize at church after Bridget had done cleaning. Later Dot went to Rushcutters with some of the orchestra for a meal. I had soup. We watched Shetland. Very worried Tosh may have been killed. 

On Thursday it rained and was cooler. Stayed indoors. Rang Lily – she’s much the same. Had FT with David, mended Roger’s picture, and Dot wrapped Joy’s presents. Did most of the packing for Blakeney. Watched the rest of Clarkson’s Farm. Do not want to be farmer. 

Friday was warm and dry. Finished packing in morning. Left for Blakeney after lunch, called in at Holt to buy food from Bakers and Larners and bought Canadian gilet on impulse. Also socks, for no good reason. Arrived at Blakeney at 3.45 and parked on carnser. Dot got key and I drove round into parking space for High Tides. Oliver and Amy arrived shortly afterwards and parked on carnser (Matt’s car). Spent some time unpacking both cars.  Eventually parked Matt’s car at the village  hall. Walked around and did some reminiscing. Salad. Looked through some pictures. Read Build Up Logically, one of my favourite short stories, to Oliver and Amy. 

Unexpected heavy rain first thing on Saturday, but it soon cleared. Norwich beat Sunderland away 1-0 and we bought meals from van on the car set at half time. Hard to carry back to flat. Bit of a mess. England beat South Africa by an innings. Later walked up to the car via Blakeney Hotel path and drove to Holt. Bought food from Bakers and Larners and had tea and tea cake in cafe at back of main street. Then got pizza from Budgens for next day. Drove back to Blakeney (Oliver doing all the driving) and turned down High Street by mistake and saw Sophie and Rich and their children. Dot jumped out to speak to her. We met again when Oliver and I went to the car to retrieve my binoculars. Oliver helped me with ArriveCanada app. Had tea (too much). Played poker. Amy and I won. They FTd David. 

Yesterday there was some high cloud, but it was largely sunny and warm. Had quite a good night. Oliver ran to Cley and back, then bought croissants. Dot, Oliver and I went for a short walk (out by coast path and round back to garage, calling at shop) and met Rich and children – Iris and Charlie – crabbing. Later all four of us went to the Manor  for tea/coffee in courtyard, then walked through Blakeney Freshes to the coast path and back home. Watched a bit of F1, and later Spurs beating Notts Forest 2-0. Later still watched an animated film, Up, supplied by Amy. Very unusual and well done. This was after we’d driven to Morston and done a short walk out along creek. Earlier we’d seen Sophie and family with Charlotte and family from our balcony and said hello. Bit worried about my abdomen, which is sore. I feel fine, though, and did over 10,000 steps.

Quite a busy day today. Overcast, and a little cooler. Promised rain did not materialise. Dot took me to church this morning as usual: a smaller attendance. I answered some theological questions from Steve. Graham back from holiday, but otherwise only Stacy, Carrie and Jude until Dot came along to take me home. Later Anne came round – Philip has been having more medical difficulties, and I think she needed a rest. Had a good long conversation. When she went, Des came round to discuss his piece about an aspect of his family history. Only two pages, but I tried to give him some advice, though it may come back to haunt me! In the evening watched Van der Valk – excellent – and another episode of Clarkson’s Farm, which was amusing. Earlier Dot spoke to Amy briefly about coming weekend. Oliver is in Sweden.

Last Tuesday was humid. Mainly dry in Norwich, with just a little light rain. Elsewhere in the county heavy rain and flooding. Paston, for example, as Jonathan revealed when we met him at Carrow Road. Put rota together for church while Dot was having a violin lesson at Anna’s. She walked there and back. Played a few LPs and looked at old videos. In the evening saw Norwich beat Huddersfield 2-1, though they should have beaten them about 5-0. Played really well in first half. Later watched Euro swimming and athletics. 

Wednesday was a bit cooler, but pleasant. Quite a bit of rain, but nothing heavy. Spent much of the day at Kim’s. Dot broke off halfway through to go to Taize event at church. Home just before 5pm. Sorted out compline, then Judy came round and we took her to Cake and Compline at Claire’s. No Vicky or Eleanor. Home quite late – Dot lost earring. Watched Shetland and bit of athletics: too late in bed.   

Thursday was mild: quite humid at times. A little rain. Finished sermon. Bridget came and cleaned. Dot sorted out two other bedrooms. Showed Dot some of the old films. She went to handbell ringing at Greens’ in the evening – I walked with her to top of Close. Listened to a few old vinyl LPs and then David FTd to talk about children’s  visit, which seems to have gone really well. Think he’s missing them. They are now back in Aylesbury, probably jet-lagged. Dot walked home with Jaya, and was also tired out. Watched some athletics. 

Friday was dry and fairly warm, but mainly overcast. Got up early and watched cricket. Sorted out travel insurance and got discount by mentioning Dave Evetts. Total £350 not bad. In afternoon Dot picked up her pills and did a bit of shopping at Boots. David FTd around 5pm to show us the pictures of Amy and Oliver’s visit. Excellent. I went outside for drinks at 5.30pm so that he and Dot could have a  chat. Then I came back in and cooked chilli while she went out. Later she went to see Norwich beat Millwall 2-0. I met her halfway, and we watched a bit of Euro athletics. 

Saturday was mild and dry. Robin Bloomfield came to do a few plumbing jobs – new tap in utility room, new plugs in shower room and bathroom, securing loo seats etc – £242. Cleared up after he left and did some other outstanding jobs. Played through En Passant games. Sorted out charity money. Watched some Euro athletics and England getting hammered at cricket by South Africa. 

Yesterday was a little cooler but still quite mild. Church in the morning. I preached on freedom from fear and was congratulated by Harriet on my sense of humour. Swedish woman and her husband came. Three people wanted a copy of the poem I used. Was inspired to write three new poems in afternoon. Drove Ray and Chris home – first time she’s been to church for a while because of chemo effects. As we arrived home Mary asked us to pray for Oscar, who has been threatening the police and may have to go to prison. Watched last day of Euro championships and a bit of Match of the Day 2. Pen y Pigyn featured on a walking programme we follow. 

Last Tuesday, after a good morning, not such a good afternoon. I  booked hotel and parking at Gatwick, but with some difficulty, especially when I tried to install ArriveCan app. Got very stressed and had to lie down. Later Dot listened to Norwich beating Birmingham in the League Cup (on penalties), and we watched the first episode of the new Van der Valk, which was excellent. Good script  – and a good team. 

On Wednesday I wrote two and a half articles for Parish Pump, partly while Dot was at a Taizé service at church. Very warm but not unpleasant. Did some food shopping in the afternoon. Later watched When Harry met Sally, which is a brilliant film, and the first episode of the new Shetland, which didn’t disappoint. 

Thursday was warmer. Almost uncomfortable. The start of a new trend. Finished off Pump pieces. Anna called in with a book from Tony Ward (former vicar now resident in Derby), and later Bridget came to clean. Most of the time she was here we were watching Casablanca, a great film of course. At 6pm we did a Heygo tour of Niagara on the Lake while I cooked duck à l’orange. Later watched the rest of the Runrig DVD, which was brilliant. Then David FTd us, accompanied by Amy, who doesn’t want to come home. Oliver in room too. Later watched Clarkson’s Farm on Prime. Really quite good. 

Friday was hot. Dot went to Morrisons early, and Kristine arrived on the 12.25 from London. Dot did really nice food, and we had a good chat. Introduced her to Runrig, which she seemed to like a lot. Felt very tired late afternoon and lay down for a while, but we all went out for drinks in the street at 5.30. Kristine got the 7pm train home: we took her to the station. Later watched some football, Witness Number 3 and Sanditon. Salmon Rushdie has been knifed on stage.

Saturday was hot. Didn’t go out at all; quite bearable indoors. Posted on website – article and poem – updated various things and then booked a cottage for Ballater next May. Norwich lost 2-/1 to Hull away despite being better in all departments except shooting. Now bottom of table. Watched a bit of Euro rowing and cycling, plus most of Rio Bravo and the second edition of Clarkson’s Farm, which is very funny. How can anyone make a living out of farming? 

Sunday was hot. Church in the morning as member of congregation – odd. I usually have something to do. Long Holy Communion with long chat afterwards. Heather has bad hip. Steve very down. After lunch spent most of day watching TV – bit of Euros, last 3 episodes of Witness Number 3 (3 and 4 much better than 1 and 2). Carrie called in with figs. Oh yes.

Yesterday was pleasantly warm, but overcast. Picked up Anna at 10 and drove to Woodbridge: traffic bad and painfully slow. Found car park and violin shop with no trouble, and parking app worked beautifully.  Dot had a choice of six of eight violins and bought one which sounded pretty good: £2500, less £500 part exchange on her old one. Anna bought a new bow, which was £800. Amazing shop, very pleasant owner and assistant.

Afterwards had lunch in the square outside the shop: really nice food and tea from the Wild Strawberry Cafe. As I was feeling pretty tired, Dot drove back. Watched some cycling and athletics (great finish to marathon) and another Clarkson’s Farm. No rain yet, but promised for tomorrow. I believe Oliver, Amy, David and Chrissy went to Niagara Falls, though there was an attempt to make me believe the picture was photoshopped.

Very pleasant day today – sunny and warm. Walked up into the city with Dot, who had an appointment at Jarrolds, then along and back down through the Close. At least, that was the idea, but as I was resting on a bench I was approached by a very nice woman from Beccles who wanted to know where the Great Hospital was. I started to direct her, then decided to go with her. Surprisingly I didn’t feel too tired, and after showing her the GH, I also showed her the pub at Bishop Bridge, because she was half an hour early for her tour and she thought she might like a coffee. So I walked further than I meant to, and felt surprisingly OK. I even hung the washing out.

Last Thursday I eventually managed to book flights to Canada, using Dot’s computer.  Bridget came to clean, and I cooked dinner (lamb steak). Then Dot walked up to Howard’s for handbell ringing: Bridget gave her a lift back. Meanwhile I played through some En Passant games. And sorted out the dishwasher. 

Friday was a bit cooler but quite pleasant. Plumber Robin came at 11 to look at a couple of jobs, and Kim arrived at the same time. She stayed for a light lunch, and we had a long chat. In the afternoon we watched a bit of Commonwealth Games, and Dot did some cleaning. Had drink outside with Des and Chris’s relatives, plus Mark, and Jonathan for a short time. Then went in for soup, and a few odd jobs. Feeling tired on and off. Watched more Commonwealth Games. Bit of constipation. Children have arrived in Canada. 

After a better night, Saturday was pleasantly warm –- not too hot. Dot went to the match with Matt and Amanda, who left their bikes in the garden. City managed to avoid losing, but drew 1-1 with Wigan. Not tremendously inspiring. I spent ages on a research questionnaire for Imperial College that didn’t seem to ask any of the right questions and ended up with brain games that I wasn’t too good at. Fred called in after the game: he’s staying at Beeston Regis and got the bus in. Nice to see him.

Also had a FaceTime with Andrew: it was his 74th birthday. He seemed much the same and appeared to have received his presents, though one can never be quite sure. In the evening we went to Des and Chris’s ruby anniversary celebration at Silver Rd community centre, and gave Sarah a lift. Nice evening: spoke a lot to Sarah, but also to John and Tara, who were just back from Cornwall, and Sean, Ciara, Phoebe and Freddie, plus Jessica and her husband and Charlie, Des’s best man, from Macclesfield; he and his wife Carol were a nice couple. Ceilidh band were ok, and plenty of people danced. We left at 9.30 because I was very tired, and so was Sarah. Watched a bit of football and Commonwealth Games.

Sunday was pleasantly warm. Led morning worship, with Heather preaching: 27 in the congregation. Nice atmosphere. Watched  a bit of Commonwealth Games and football. Lay on bed for a while – quite tired. Cooked duck legs – very nice. 

Yesterday was mild; quite pleasant. Dot dropped me off at church: the girls were not there, but had good chat with Steve, Alison, Jude, Debbie, Stacy etc. Dot returned later and stayed a while. After lunch Dot went to see Anne, who is having trouble looking after Philip: very hard for her. I trimmed back the ivy and finished Richard Balls’ Shane McGowan book. Felt very tired after looking at insurance, visa and parking. Emptied the dishwasher and cooked the evening meal. Watched last episodes of Everything I know about love, which was quite good, and  The Newsreader – ditto. Also watched MOTD2. That was quite good too.

Last Saturday was mild; mainly overcast. Anne came round and brought me some lovely Provence rosé as a late birthday present. After she left we watched some of the Commonwealth games, plus an episode of Sanditon, which is pretty good. Wrote prayers forSunday and felt better until mid-evening, when I felt very tired; Dot also developed a mysterious rash and was not feeling too good; so we went to bed early. Earlier we listened to Norwich losing 1-0 to Cardiff (A) in the first game of the season; saw highlights on ITV4. Dot had a long phone call from Debbie about Taizé service.

Rain overnight and off and on during Sunday. Quite mild. Went to joint service at St Aug and led prayers : 36 people there. Very nice atmosphere. Felt a bit shaky most of the day – hadn’t slept well. However had a proper meal – Moussaka. Dot still under the weather with a rash. She got some antihistamine pills and went to the Team Ministry service in the old church in the evening. I gave it a miss and watched some Commonwealth Games and England women winning Euro final 2-1,against Germany. A lot of people seemed quite pleased to see me this morning. 

Monday was mild but overcast. Felt quite a bit better, which was just as well, as Dot was under the weather with her rash and lacking in energy. Drove (first time since operation) to church and had pleasant chat for over an hour. Nikki and Leanne didn’t turn up so didn’t do Bible study. Howard and Matt were there doing repair work on end of hall. Had proper lunch and evening meal, which I cooked : haddock, potatoes and peas. Dot did fruit salad. Watched some Commonwealth Games swimming and the next two episodes of The Newsreader, which was good. Earlier Linda came and cut our hair, and I took over some papers to Des, who is back from Lichfield (and Commonwealth Games hockey). Oliver and Amy home from Corfu.

Bad night and a very warm day on Tuesday. Went to Archant Pensioners’ breakfast; Richard Batson came for first time. Too tired afterwards to go to shop, but went later in the afternoon to stock up on food. Watched an awful lot of Commonwealth Games, and had two long FaceTime chats with Amy and David. Amy showed us pictures of Corfu.

Wednesday was still very warm, but overcast and a bit windy. Des called to check on parking for his ruby weekend. Dot seemed to be improving –rash much less, and she perked up towards the end of the day. Watched some Commonwealth Games, including superb win by Eilish McColgan in 10,000 metres. I feel quite a bit better; wrote to Andrew and Thelma and walked up to post. Also ordered some stuff for both of them and for us. Naked Wines delivered before I was out of bed. 

Today (Thursday) is still warm, with some sun. Was feeling better until I attempted to book tickets to Canada, which went ok till I tried to pay. After six attempts (two valid credit cards and one valid debit card) gave up. Got as far as “Confirm it’s you” but no way of doing so. Aargh!!!! After lunch tried again on Dot’s machine, and it went through. Weird. As I write Bridget is here doing some cleaning. I am more than halfway through a book on Shane McGowan: great songwriter but almost impossible to be around. My chess game with Oliver is ongoing.

A confusing week – largely because I failed to record a couple of days; so some of this is from memory. On Sunday, which was very mild but quite windy, Dot got back from church (see last post) around 2.45pm. I was still feeling very tired and had diarrhoea, though I detected a slight general improvement. We watched some athletics: Jake Wightman brilliantly won 1500m world gold. Had a light meal (adaptation of Hello Fresh) and most of a tin of mandarins. Also did a bit of Pump research on Hadrian, but still very tired. Dot a bit slowed down by heat too. Watched end of Tour de France. 

On Monday I went to the surgery for my annual blood check. A very nice nurse (Anne) said I’d had major surgery and was in fact doing well – she looked at my scars. I should reckon on 4-6 weeks before I felt anything like normal. Dot went for farewell meal with colleague (Jon Moule) at Hethersett, and I just relaxed on the bed. Still not really wanting to eat. Linda cancelled hair because she was ill – not Covid, probably migraine. 

On Tuesday I definitely felt better and was up most of the day. Also enjoyed a meal of beans on toast. Spent most of day writing Parish Pump pieces. 

Wednesday was mild; quite pleasant. Couldn’t believe I hadn’t written anything the last couple of days, during which I’ve improved gradually. The weather has been quite pleasant, and we’ve had a chat with David, who seems very well, as does Chrissy. The children are in Corfu with the usual suspects, and Oliver sent us anniversary wishes today: it’s our 54th, and I felt well enough to go to Rob’s talk as Tom Paine at the Maids Head. We went by taxi and met Rob outside by chance. Also our bridesmaid Teresa: it was her birthday and our 54th wedding anniversary. Good talk.

Afterwards walked home through The Close. Bridget was doing our cleaning. We got a Hello Fresh box by mistake and gave it to her. I rested a bit, but later had meal of soup, croutons and strawberries. Long phone conversation with Gill and Mick Stedman as a result of an article I’d written for my website about my operation – Alice through the keyhole! Spent much of the evening watching T20 cricket (England beat South Africa) but also managed to get DVD player to work and watched some of a Runrig DVD that Phil and Joy got me for my birthday. Helped Dot choose hymns for Sunday. Have a bit of an appetite now: digestion improved a bit. At some point – may have been yesterday – watched Fistful of Dollars. What a great film! Not perfect, but inspiring. 

Thursday was a bit dull, but warm. Managed to sort out  the paperwork in my room, which was quite an achievement, paid TV licence and renewed heritage sub, coincidentally at the same moment someone  rang asking me to do so. Des and Chris away at Lichfield: Mark home. Dot went to shops, and I slept for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Saw more of Runrig DVD. Excellent. Had soup for supper. Dot spoke to Barbara V on FaceTime. Watched penultimate episode of The Undeclared War: still very good. 

Friday – today – was again mild and dry. Walked up to the post office to post birthday card to Linda, but felt oddly tired afterwards. Appetite has improved though. Eating quite a bit of fruit: had banana sandwich for lunch. Watched England lose at T20 cricket to S Africa. Dot, after brief foray to shops, had Zoom with Barbara and David about p4c, and later we went out to have drinks with Mark, Sarah, Matt and Angela in Des’s drive.

Tuesday was very, very hot. Felt I might have turned a corner last night, but I still have a limited appetite. We watched a good thriller called The Control Room as well as keeping up with the Tour de France, which is pretty exciting. Feel very tired still. David keeping in touch to see if we’re coping with the weather: I didn’t think there would be a problem, but it’s extremely draining and hard to find a cool place. BBC falling over themselves with apocalyptic scenarios. Happily this evening it’s easing off a bit. In the afternoon we drove up to the chemists to get my pills, but they didn’t have them. Still, it was nice and cool in the car. Dot spoke to Des, who went to the cinema to keep cool. She is now catching up with her e-mails. Watched last episode of The Control Room – really very good.

A thunderstorm in the early hours was much appreciated. Not a bad night – slept till just before 7am, when I took my pills. Gradually feeling better, but still heavy-headed. Dot got me toast after I’d got her a cup of tea. She didn’t sleep so well. Rang up Lily – no real change – and sent off a number of e-mails. Hello Fresh came, and I managed to eat some sausages, which I have to say surprised me. Later spoke to Ray on phone; Christine is really in a bad way. Watched cricket (v South Africa) and Tour de France, plus a very good documentary on Scafell Pike, which I always wish I’d climbed, like Bencathra.

Thursday was much cooler but dry. Dot went to Sutton School in the morning and had a great time. I read through an article Phil had sent me and later spoke to him on the phone about it. Also found a chess game from many years ago that Patrick McDermott had asked about, took a pic of the cutting and sent it to him. Finished antibiotics but still very tired. Bridget came to clean in afternoon, and I am reading The Partisan, which David gave me for Father’s Day. Woke during the night feeling sick, but it soon passed. 

Friday – was dry and mild, though compared to earlier in the week it seemed almost cool.  Dot went to Newton Flotman – another success story. I had a bath after shaving and cutting my nails. After lunch Phil K came round to discuss his manuscript, which went really well, but after 90 minutes or so I had to go and lie down. Slept for a while. Dot went out for drinks, and I popped over to say hello to Des, Chris and Ciara very briefly. Sean has a problematic heart condition. Derek Bower is in hospital with sepsis. Des got us fish chips, and I ate a fair bit while we watched Tour de France. Excellent coverage as always. David FaceTimed and said I looked better. Had a good chat. Watched another episode of The Undeclared War, which is first-class and quite frightening 

Saturday was mild, mainly overcast.  Colin came to cut our hedge and rebuild our wall – £160 + tip. His son Jordan got a first in law. Managed to eat a decent lunch, then Paul came round and we had quite a long chat. He had had to be rushed into hospital when a varicose vein burst and blood spurted out. He lost about two litres, and fainted, but by then had alerted an ambulance. Scary. Had longish phone call with Kristine, who had her cornea cut by flying glass/splinters caused by pigeons. Yes, pigeons. She’s ok now.  Still feeling very tired, and it was a struggle to eat dinner, but at least I had a couple of glasses of wine. Also walked up on to path. Watched cricket, Tour time trial and last two episodes of Faroes noir Trom, which were deeply unsatisfying. 

Today Dot is at church, for a special St Aug Way moot + Communion + shared lunch. Couldn’t quite face it, but probably should have gone. i just feel tired and fuzzy-headed. It probably won’t go until I actually do something.

It seems so long ago – the big day at last. By today I had thought it would be a distant memory, and I would hardly remember I had had my gall bladder out. Instead, I think of little else. It was a very warm, blue-sky Sunday. It hadn’t been a bad night, considering. Had my last bath in ten days, as it turned out, and Dot drove me to hospital. No breakfast, of course. Very easy drive, and we arrived half an hour early. But that was ok. Everything was checked out by various people, and I ended up in pre-op and eventually – after a chat with a nurse, anaestheticist and a surgeon, who had a list of things that could go wrong – changed into a robe and pants and walked into the preparation room.

The next thing I knew it was well after 4pm. Apparently the op had been more complex than I anticipated, and I ended up with four keyholes (which I now find is normal – why did no-one mention this?) Apparently there was a slight bleed on the liver and a hernia repair that seemed to involve my tummy button. Felt pretty lousy, but they seemed keen to get rid of me, in the nicest possible way. They rang Dot, who picked me up about 5.25pm and took me home. Quite a bit of pain and tiredness. The former improved when I took codeine and paracetamol. Watched a bit of TV and had a small meal (fish), then went to bed. 

After that, it was all a bit of a blur. I think I was feeling more or less Ok on Monday, but then I developed a bit of a temperature and lost my appetite. I was certainly feeling well below par, with a very fuzzy head (Not much different from usual, you my say). DurIng Tuesday and Wednesday I wasn’t feeling at all well, partly because I had no appetite and partly because i couldn’t go to the loo (no 2). My birthday passed in a blur, but Kim called in and we had a chat. The weather was very warm, and I had the fan on in my room. In fact tonight (Thursday) was the first time I didn’t feel I had a temperature. Dot keeps trying to get me to eat, but the more she gets me what I like, the more I don’t want it. Very frustrating for both of us. I’v e managed to keep up with the Tour de France, but I’ve been in bed most of the time.

This morning Carrie rang, and we discussed what we thought was wrong. She advised ringing the doctor, which Dot eventually did. The receptionist wanted to speak to me, then consulted the duty doctor, not in hearing, who decided I should go to A&E “urgently”. I really didn’t want to, but of course we did, and it was amazingly easy. Roads were quite clear, and we parked in A&E. Dot was sent off for a coffee while I checked in and did a urine sample, then saw one of the “family doctors” by the entrance. He checked me, particularly the wounds, and felt I did not have an infection, but because my “numbers” were a bit on the tight side he thought I should take antibiotics for a week. I was in there less than half an hour, I think. Dot took me to our chemist’s at Heartsease, who at first expressed disbelief that the hospital could have ordered it electronically, but had to admit eventually that they had. So I am now on antibiotics. Bridget came later to clean, and I wasn’t feeling good at the point. Now I think I may be making progress. David has been in touch a lot. Oliver and Amy have done well: Oliver got a 1st and Amy got an A+ and an A-

Today (Fri) I went to the loo at 5am but still didn’t feel great. Have been again since then. Watched cricket and ate a little bit. Still fuzzy.  Decided not to go to Bungay to help lead a Retreat , and afterwards felt very tired and slept quite a lot. Spoke To David again. Dot went outside and had a drink, then got some fish and chips. By then I felt well enough to eat a few chips and chunk of fish, though it left me with greasy feeling. Watched Tour and some Open Golf, another episode of The Undeclared War, which is excellent. 

Saturday was warm and dry. Felt pretty ropey when I woke up, but improved and was able to eat a little breakfast. Then felt well enough (I thought) to go to Bungay, with the proviso I might come back again if I felt bad. In fact all went well, and to my surprise I was able to eat some lasagne and garlic bread, plus some ice cream. After lunch led a session and then walked down to river, which is stunning, especially in this weather. Took some pics. Afterwards went to bed while Dot did one of her creative sessions. Woke feeling still a bit iffy and ate a little tea – not much. Afterwards Bridget did session on poetry and then I led a short  one on prayer. We prayed for a while then did charades and a memory game which I was pretty bad at. Feeling much better as we went to bed around 11, especially as I was able to go to the loo.

However we both had a terrible night, and I felt pretty awful the next day, especially after I’d eaten a beef pie. We had a Communion service, partly ley by the Quiet Waters guy, who was an Australian Baptist. He and his wife were both lovely. Gradually felt worse, and could not leave soon enough. Fortunately I remembered it was my aunt Thelma’s birthday, and I bought a QW card, and Dot dropped it off. I had intended to take Thelma out for a drive, but of course it was impossible. Managed to watch Tour de France in evening, plus ODI cricket, but by the time we went to be I was feeling pretty bad again.

Today we continue in the midst of a climate crisis – it’s really extremely hot – but I think I feel a bit better. Have watched the Open Golf and have been to the loo twice. Dot did me. fried egg sandwich for lunch. But I still feel extremely tired, though I slept reasonably well.

Monday afternoon was reasonably warm and dry.  Caught up with e-mails and wrote blog. Watched cricket, Tour de France, some Wimbledon. Amy FTd at teatime. She has just finished her exams and seems quite bright – pleased about Blakeney. Made chilli con carne.   Watched McDonald & Dodds. Very contrived plot, but good characters. Also watched The Outlaws – very well written and acted. 

Tuesday was overcast in Norwich at first, but later sunny and warm, cooling in the evening. Went to Archant Pensioners’ breakfast and had one. Ian Clarke came to speak, and he said  in one week that number eleven was closing. Oh no, that’s a Bob Dylan song. He’s actually the EDP deputy editor and he gave us a talk about what was going on, then answered questions. Dot asked two questions that he said were good. I asked a few too. Robin, Shelagh, Brian and Tricia were there, as well as the usual suspects. Anna came round at lunchtime and gave Dot a violin lesson. After watching the cricket we drove out to Beeston Regis to visit Fred and Sue’s caravan, and had a good time which included a barbecue – salmon. Sun quite hot until around 8pm, when it got chilly. We went for a short walk, then drove home. Watched tennis highlights on iPlayer Just squeezed in Cameron Norrie, the British No1 who has reached the semi-finals. England beat India at cricket, and in other news the Chancellor and Health  Secretary both resigned. Not sure why.

Wednesday was overcast all day. Quite mild, though the temperature varied. Dot went to Tasburgh for DSSO while I walked up to the Maids Head to meet Paul Dickson. Discovered I had sold no books at all except the five I had sold myself. Discussed The Lost Princess and a possible Paston book. Agreed to try to produce a couple of sample chapters with Lucy. After lunch went to Morrisons to stock up, and then delivered Dot to a Safeguarding meeting near church (Green Hills Road), following which I drove home, killed a pigeon on the way and tested the tyre pressures (unrelated). They were more or less OK. Watched some Wimbledon, with irritating Nadal beating Fitz (before even more irritatingly withdrawing the next day). Also caught up with Tour de France. Think Boris Johnson resigned somewhere about here.

Thursday was windy, and a bit cooler, at least at first. Dot went up to surgery for a blood test, among other things, and was told she seemed to be in pretty good health, which cheered her up. Later she walked into the city to get something or other for someone or other who is apparently having a birthday soon. I walked some of the way with her and came back via the Cathedral, walking the labyrinth. After lunch we watched a bit of Wimbledon, and she did bit of gardening while I wrote some e-mails and then started looking at stuff for the retreat. Bridget came to clean, and we confirmed when next C&C meeting was. Watched first two episodes of An Undeclared War, which so far is excellent. 

Yesterday Dot was at a Religious Education conference at UEA. Went by taxi, which arrived around 8am! Very warm day. I spent much of it putting final touches to the retreat programme and writing a short liturgy. Met Dot off the bus and we went to the usual drinks gathering at 5.30 – except of course that I’m not allowed alcohol until my operation. Very annoying! Watched a bit of wheelchair Wimbledon. Feel strangely apprehensive. Got lovely card from Kim full of reassurance; so I shouldn’t.

Today has been pretty warm, but a bit windy. Anne came for coffee in the morning after navigating another road problem – a barrier across Koblenz Avenue. Suspect she missed an earlier diversion sign. After she left, walked down with Dot to have a look. On the plus side, there was plenty of work going on. Spent rest of day watching woman’s final at Wimbledon and caught tail-end of men’s doubles. Watched a lot of T20 cricket, but recording cut off in middle. Later watched first episode of new Scandi noir, which is promising. David FTd to check on me before my operation. Had messages from several people, which was all nice. Feel quite strange, which I imagine is normal.