It’s Monday, reasonably warm, and less than a week to go to my operation, assuming I don’t get another phone call… It’s slightly cloudy, and I’m trying to catch up. Just had a good session at church with a slightly reduced number, but Nikki and Leanne were both there, as was Phil; so all went well until Phil’s dog picked up ticks and he had to rush off. (The dog was with his wife at the time.) Carrie is in Leeds, and Graham may or may not be at the General Synod.

Last Wednesday was warm but overcast, with rain in the evening when I went to meet Dot from orchestra: Janet dropped her on Rosary Road as usual. In the morning Dot went to see Anne, who was worried about her husband, while I did quite a lot of preparation on the retreat I’m leading in three weeks’ time. In the afternoon Dot went into the city to have her feet done and bought a new top. Kim had been hoping to come over but has had a migraine for two days. Watched some Wimbledon: Radicanu  and Murray both lost. 

Thursday was mainly overcast, with some heavy rain in early evening. Quite mild. Left for Blakeney just after 2pm and after an amazingly trouble-free journey arrived at the Manor Hotel just before 3pm. Unpacked and met Julia and Dave, then went to the Two Magpies for tea and donut. Afterwards checked in at Blakeney Cottages about accommodation at the end of August. Good meal – steak and kidney pie ++ – then Dot and I walked out by quayside and got some quite reasonable photos. 

Mixed weather on Friday – warm sunshine with some dark clouds and occasional light showers. Drove to Wells, originally intending to get the bus to Holkham and walk back. But it started raining as we waited and so we decided to start with coffee in the Maltings, then walk up to the beach (over a mile), where we had lunch. Walked over by the new lifeboat station (still under construction) to view the beach – tide on the way out. Saw a couple of oystercatchers and a curlew.

Walked back to the town, stopping a couple of times for a rest, then drove back to Blakeney. (We’d parked in a new car park at Wells). Dot and I walked up to try to find a cottage which we’d talked to Blakeney Cottages about, but couldn’t track it down. On the way back caught the BC woman as she was leaving, and she told us how to find it. However, we later decided to go for the other option, in the centre of the village. Nice meal again – I had fish and chips and was so full I couldn’t eat a sweet. Exhausted.

For the second night in succession I woke around dawn (and several other times – previous night was worse). But Saturday was bright sunshine as we got up and packed. Later windy but quite warm: cloudy. Rain in late evening. Did nearly all the packing before breakfast, then went up to Blakeney Cottages and booked High Tides for the end of August, when the grandchildren are coming up. This is an apartment over the BC office, with great views and a price tag to match.

Back to the hotel to meet Dave and Julia, and we all walked to Morston – hard going; I don’t think its an exaggeration to say I could have done it in half the time. On arrival found the Anchor was shut “for a few weeks”, so decided to go back to the Two Magpies in Blakeney  for lunch. Coasthopper bus happened along at just the right time. After alighting we looked at old cars in the bright new Blakeney Garage, and then Dot and I went and looked at the other cottage we’d considered. We made the right choice.

Met D & E back in the Two Magpies and had lunch – too soon after breakfast really. Afterwards sat on the bench outside for a while. A group of runners arrived by coach. One of them told me they were running from Blakeney to Snettisham, which is about marathon distance. Decided not to join them and drove home, arriving about 2.15pm. Unpacked and tidied up, practised hymns. Then drove to Attleborough for concert in the church, which was excellent. Sillars orchestra and the church choir. Bridget and David were there; also Neville (and Mary with a new clarinet); and Angela and Rodney. Afterwards it was raining. I drove home without lights (until we reached Norwich). A11 not too bad really. Watched a bit of Tour de France.    

Sunday was another long day. Dry, but plenty of cloud. A few drops of rain in the evening. Led church service, which seemed to go well. New woman called Hilary joined us, but she didn’t hang around afterwards. Perhaps she was a diocesan spy? Howard absent because of chaotic church accounts, by which he is slowly being driven to distraction. Carrie preached – good but a bit long. After lunch we walked up to Cow Tower to watch a Crude Apache play on the fisher girls of Lowestoft: excellent except for unnecessary  dismissive comments about prayer.  One or two idiots brought dogs, one of which barked at every passing mongrel, of which there were plenty.

Watched a little bit of Wimbledon, some cricket, then prepared poems for the evening and made supper – duck a l’orange – during which David FTd. Then rushed off to Lowestoft for a Seagull poetry session. Read five poems – three from my new book – and sold four copies! Spoke to Lynne, who had some esoteric advice on whether to have the operation or not – plus Sue, Kaaren, Pat, Ivor, Peter Charmian and of course Ian. Easy journey back. Had several messages from people who thought I was having the operation that day.

Have just finished The Premonitions Bureau – I had a funny feeling I would do it today. A good read, primarily biographical but with some interesting inexplicable events. Dot is at present in Poringland with Anne, because Philip had a nasty fall on holiday at Blakeney and fractured his hip badly at a place where it had already been broken and pinned. He is in hospital, awaiting a long and difficult operation in a few days’ time, and Anne is understandably worried. As if in harmony, the day is grey and threatening, though fairly warm. I am having problems with my eyes which I’m pretty sure are down to hay fever.

Last Thursday was very warm, though sometimes overcast. Spent most of the day in the city: walked up to the Octagon at St Peter Mancroft for our CNS reunion: about 40 of us. Graham Drake spoke on his experiences as a vicar without mentioning Jesus or even God, as far as I can remember. His experiences in the Hilborough Group involving Kit Chalcraft – a friend – were particularly interesting.

Lunch at Bill’s followed – this was excellent. I had marinated chicken and Dot had a burger. Afterwards there was a violin recital by Steve Rawlinson in St Peter Mancroft, followed by his talk, which was fascinating, on his experience as a violinist with the LSO. “An amateur practises until he can get it right, a professional until he can’t get it wrong.” Sat with him and his wife, Jane Gillie, at lunch – also Alan Harrison (92). Mary and Neville there: he looked quite a bit better.

Walked home very hot and tired. David FTd because I had told him my operation had been put back a week until July 10. Told him I wasn’t worried. Out for drinks at 5.30. Des, Chris, Ciara, Freddie, Sarah, Jonathan, and David Walker, a wide boy from the bottom of the road. 

Saturday was a bit cooler and overcast. Quite windy. Did a bit of work on our Retreat and wrote tomorrow’s prayers. Dot went to Morrisons. Practised hymns. Spoke to Ray on the phone – Chris not at all well. Rang Mary next door: she and Bob both have Covid quite badly but had food delivered. In the evening watched cricket and then The Sting. What a great film! 

Sunday was still warm with a bit of a breeze. Church –- did prayers: Communion; ended with two songs – thought music went pretty well. Howard did a rather highbrow sermon. Anna is off with migraine. In the afternoon I walked up to Kett’s Heights to catch a bit of Crude Apache outdoor theatre. Had to get back in order to get to Graham’s birthday barbecue, which was at the Vicarage at 4 and very well attended by both St Aug and St Luke’s members. Dot did one of her famous salads, but there was loads of food as well as the burgers and sausages. Talked to many different people including Phil, Dennis, John Easton, Jenny, Steve and the Cannons. Home by just after 7pm: watched the cricket, marred by abysmal New Zealand bowling, then another good episode of McDonald & Dodds.

Monday was slightly cooler, with a little rain in the afternoon, when Dot went into Norwich and bought several tops. In the morning I drove to church: Carrie was not there because she has a kidney infection. Eventually we had a discussion on first part of Revelation(!) with Luke, Steve and Phil. Nikki was there, but tied up with Debbie. Actually we started the day with a haircut, and while Dot was in the city I had a bath. Later watched quite a lot of Wimbledon – Raducanu and Murray both winning. Also another episode of The Outlaws. Howard has had his bike and tools stolen. 

Blue skies at first yesterday, but plenty of cloud later. Stiff breeze. Drove to Felbrigg – road works and painfully slow drivers. Met Julia and Dave. After tea and scone we walked round the house and then round the walled garden. Had lunch outside, then walked down to the lake and back by rather a long route, avoiding cattle. Had ice cream, bought a couple of secondhand books for Andrew, then drove home. After omelettes, Dot drove to Morrisons and through the car wash. Then we stocked up on food. Store woefully understaffed. Watched last two episodes of Sherwood, which was excellent, with a good ending. England beat New Zealand at cricket, by the way, and won the series 3-0.

It became very hot last Friday. Did a lot of work on charity money and my website piece, among other things. Walked up to the post office with Dot. Later had drink outside (our drive in the shade) with Des, Chris and Sarah before travelling to Paul’s for meal with Philip and Heather Butcher. Lovely evening, covering vast number of topics. Almost midnight when we got home. House so hot I had to open windows, which is not like me.

Saturday saw an amazing change in the weather. It was much cooler, and by evening pouring with rain. With perfect timing, Channel 5 had a documentary about the ten-week heatwave in 1976. Climate change was not mentioned. Got up late and spoke to Simeon Care and Lily on the phone, and Dot spoke to Ray: Christine’s operation is now the day after mine. I have been getting very strange feelings in my head, relating largely to my nostrils but also elsewhere, but i think it’s probably hay fever. Put together brief ideas for a Paston book. Watched Suddenly, a rather old thriller starring Frank Sinatra, which was pretty good, and a 90-minute play called My Name is Leon, about a young lad separated from his baby brother: really well done. 

Dot has finished Middlemarch, and was as enthusiastic as I was. The next day (Sunday) was warmer again, but much more bearable: breezy and some cloud. Church in the morning: Heather leading Communion and a good talk by Liz on the sound of silence. Did one of my songs as congregational hymn (at request of Nikki, who was happily there to hear it). She brought Phyllis. Carrie was not there because Al was very Ill, in and out of hospital. After lunch David Facetimed me for Father’s Day and we had a chat. He was just off to Caledon with Chrissy and her children. I sketched out ideas for our C & C retreat. In the evening Dot went to St George Colegate for a concert by Martin Wyatt’s orchestra. I walked halfway with her and met her in The Close coming back. Watched The Outlaws and a bit of the film Yesterday, one scene of which was shot at the Ramsholt Arms!

Monday was mild, with some sun. Dot dropped me off at church. Plenty of people there. Did Bible Study with Leanne, Nikki, Stacy and Steve. Went well. Dot came later, and we went to Morrisons. Later Kim and Kavana came and had tea and cake, and I think we dissuaded Kim from taking on a trusteeship. Offered them lift to Coventry, and they took it up. Later David FTd and I thanked him for two books he got me for Fathers Day. Amy texted dates she and Oliver and Olivia could come to Norfolk. Watched programme on Bermuda Triangle that was quite interesting, then another episode of Sherwood, which is very good. 

Tuesday was warm and sunny. Picked up Kim and Kavana, and Dot drove out along Hingham road because of anticipated problems with the A11. Stopped at Cambridge services for coffee, then I drove  the rest of the way. Dropped K and K at Kavana’s place – about a mile from Andrew, if that – then drove to Andrew’s. Got sandwiches from Boots first (plus sunglasses) then spent 90 minutes or so with Andrew. He was ok, but had difficulty walking. Left him the collage of photos of our family. I drove out of Coventry (after some difficulty with road works) to Cambridge services, where we swapped. A11 not so bad. On reaching home we went straight round to Gem for cocktails and mezzes. Delicious! Good music also. Watched new thriller, Suspect – not impressed. Then the next episode of Sherwood– very good despite dubious political message. 

Wednesday was very warm. Have finished reading Gilead, which is brilliant in every way. Have now started reading David’s gift, The Premonitions Bureau. I knew that would happen. Extremely interesting so far, focusing on Aberfan. This afternoon I went to visit Lucy and took her books back. She thinks there are others. Had a talk about potential PHS book, and I think it should be ok, but I need to consult the others. Took roundabout way home, which was interesting, and bought petrol. Dot has done quite a lot in the garden. In the evening Dot went to orchestra with Janet, and I met her in Rosary Road – after being propositioned by a prostitute while I was waiting. Long time since that’s happened. Watched McDonald & Dodds police thing – very good. 

Very warm spell reaching its peak today, though it’s strangely overcast. The roadworks at Foundry Bridge have got so bad – single line entrance from both Prince of Wales Road and Riverside – that according to Radio Norfolk the police have launched an investigation. Not sure what that means, but I know it because I’ve just been to pick up my trousers from the cleaners and chose the more roundabout way back, which turned out to be marginally the lesser of the two evils.

Going back to last Saturday, it was warm and mainly sunny. Took trousers to be cleaned (remember them?), then collected Dot’s pills, then went to Morrisons, where Dot was cold – so I gave her my jumper and felt good! After lunch Dot worked on the garden and I caught up with various things, including finding out how to rotate a video! Watched a bit of TV – nothing extraordinary. Cricket was quite interesting, but England v Italy (0-0) was dreadful. Thank goodness we only saw the second half. 

Sun continued pretty warm, but with a bit more cloud. Went to church in the morning. Howard led  and Anna did lectio. Leanne  came but left early because Evelyn was a bit feisty. Had to leave promptly to get to Walpole Old Chapel for the annual poetry reading of the Suffolk Poetry Society. Really enjoyable event in a special venue: ancient, rickety pews just holding together; ancient rickety poets just functioning. Dot took a video of me reading. People we knew: Sue Foster, Beth Soule, Diana Jackman, Lynne Nesbit, Elizabeth Bracken, Mike Banister (who has just lost his wife and has had a heart attack – looking very frail). Plus one or two others – a nice group. Home just after 6pm. FaceTimed David, who’d had a good couple of days away at a posh hotel. Watched the cricket and The Outlaws, but I went to sleep. Very annoying.

Monday was quite warm and dry. Went to church but as Nikki didn’t turn up and Leanne was late, there was no Bible study. Phil came, and with the help of Graham we worked out how the sound system worked – I think. Leanne has a lot of back pain, and Carrie’s husband Al is in hospital with either kidney or prostate problems. Alison is also in pain and didn’t come. Dot had a blood test at the surgery and went to the garden centre. She bought a hanging basket that I put up in the afternoon, after we spent a couple of hours with Des and Chris, talking mainly about their Canadian trip, especially Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Watched cricket again and The Outlaws, which I stayed awake for this time. Also the end of Conversations with Friends, which was basically six wasted hours. Cooked rack of lamb – very good. 

Quite warm and dry again on Tuesday. Went to Archant Pensioners breakfast at Town House. Not many there, but spoke to Brian and Tricia, plus Bill and Jennie. After lunch I drove to North Walsham for a meeting with Peter and Rob about publishing a short book on the history of the PHS. Decided to sketch one out and approach Paul Dickson. 

England beat New Zealand at cricket in an exciting run chase, but lost 0-4 at home to Hungary at football. Watched a couple of really good nature programmes and the first couple of episodes of a thriller, Sherwood, which is very good so far. Dot spent a long time working on the garden. The front looks really good.

Wednesday was again warm. Rob and Penny called with Lucy’s books and my UEA certificate for Footprints! Then Hello Fresh and Naked Wines. I spent most of the day writing three articles for Parish  Pump – on Enid Blyton, Philip Larkin and Princess Diana’s death. Later Fred’s daughter Kate and her daughter Anna left their car in our drive while they went to an Elton John concert at Carrow Road. Dot went to orchestra and I went to meet her at the bottom of Gas Hill, just as everyone came out of the concert. We got back at the same time as Kate and Anna, and they had a cup of tea before going to their hotel up by the airport. Watched the end of State of the Union, which was good, and a nice documentary on Snowdonia. Had a phone call from Ray to say Christine’s operation had been cancelled, and a Voicemail from the hospital to say mind had too.  

Yesterday was seriously warm.  Busy day, too, starting with a phone call to the hospital, where I was told my new operation date is July 3. Then Dot went into the city to meet the violin man from Woodbridge, eventually ending up at Anna’s because A… had locked them out. I left a bit later to get my new glasses. Met up at Olives, where we spoke for 90 minutes or so with Naomi. Then walked to Exchange Street, where we had a table booked for lunch with Kim, recently returned from Norway. She went to the wrong place, but wasn’t too late, and we had a very good lunch and talk. Then home, where Bridget was cleaning, having arrived early. Felt pretty shattered. Watched another good documentary on Snowdonia.

Cake and Compline in the evening – everyone present, and Claire walked upstairs – her ankle seems much better. As they were leaving I had a chat with John and asked about Tara, who is still having problems from Long Covid. Had quite a long talk with David on FaceTime. He has had an exciting meeting which may give new prospects.

Back last night from five days at Snape, starting on Monday, which was cool and overcast. Dot dropped me off at church in the morning, where our group had a discussion about music – no-one liked yesterday’s selection or the speed (very slow) at which it was played. Nor did I, but there we are. Later  Leanne, Nikki, Stacey, Phil and I did a Bible Study, mainly on Jesus as the Bread of Life, which was interesting. Dot came around 11.30 and stayed for a while before taking me home. As we left she slipped and fell (again) but seems ok (again). The path was wet.

Left for Snape at just after 2pm and had a leisurely journey there by the back route. Arrived 3.30pm (half an hour early), had a cup of tea and settled in. To Plough and Sail in the evening for meal. Fish and chips, vodka/gin, wine. Short walk afterwards. I watched Silent Witness while Dot went to sleep. 

Tuesday was warm and pleasant. Walked round Snape to start with, looking in on Remains to be Seen exhibition, which was very interesting., especially figures by Lawrence Edwards. Chatted with girl student from Chicago. Walked along the river path for a bit. Into the main shop – Dot bought some shower gel (I think) – then had lunch in River View cafe. Had some egg concoction that was probably well done but not really my thing. Dot had asparagus and tomatoes on toast, and a bit of cake. Service very slow.

After lunch drove to Iken Cliffs and walked down by the river for a while, then drove to Iken Church and went in. From there drove to Orford, and Dot found an excellent delicatessen-type shop specialising in smoked fish. Bought some stuff there and some from another shop where blackbirds were eating the pears. Also visited the quay and took some brochures about river trips. Later, having checked the forecast, booked one on Regardless – for Thursday. Home, then went to Thorpeness (Dot driving) and parked by shore to do some reading. I went to sleep. Back to Snape via Aldeburgh for tea. Later read, then watched an old episode of Doc Martin and the news.

Heavy rain overnight, but we stayed in bed on Wednesday until it brightened mid-morning. Later it was very warm and dry. We decided to go into Woodbridge to visit the violin shop – Dot has decided she needs a new violin, and I agree. After parking where we had on our previous visit to Woodbridge, we took a rather circuitous route to the violin shop.  The man there couldn’t have been more helpful and told us the likely price, which was what we anticipated.  We then walked back by a different route which brought us close to the river/estuary, and we stopped for a snack at an excellent cafe/restaurant, A-Listers, where the service was in stark contrast to River View yesterday. So was the food: I had salmon pate and Dot had  some meat platter with ciabatta: we shared a bit of each other’s.

Then walked along shoreline and popped into a museum when it seemed it might rain. Then Back up to Honey and Harvey, a cafe we had visited last time. I had lemongrass and ginger tea. The tree in the courtyard had been removed. Bought some fruit and headed back to the car, then drove back to Snape, pausing for a while at Boxhall Woods to read, but it was too hot!! So back to the cottage. Lovely meal at Plough and Snail. Bottle of rose plus sambuca/Tia Maria.  Short walk, lovely sky. Very still. Watched documentary about ash cloud in between falling asleep. 

Thursday was warm, but with a cooler wind when clouds came over, which they did more as the day progressed. Very pleasant, though. In the morning Dot did some shopping and I walked around the site. Then we drove to Orford, arriving well before we needed to for our boat trip on Regardless. There were eight of us in the end, plus the owner and a dog – happily restrained.The breeze was quite brisk, especially outwards as we sailed round Havergate Island, which is a bird sanctuary. Saw some oystercatchers and avocets (I now know which is which), plus a solitary seal at the entrance to Butley    Creek.

Round trip took an hour, after which Dot drove us to Sutton Hoo, and we had lunch in the cafe – sandwiches – followed by the River View Walk, which we’d done before but enjoyed again. View of Woodbridge at a couple of points! Afterwards drove home. I slept for a bit while Dot read, then we had tea and I walked Dot to the concert hall for her violin concert; she had purchased the last ticket. Should have been Nicola Benedetti, but she had tendonitis; however her replacement was excellent. At Sutton Hoo we had a call from Anne, who is just off to Portugal, having deposited Philip in a care home at Bungay for ten days. Later in the evening spoke to Amy on FaceTime.

Yesterday was warm again and mainly sunny. Managed to get out of Malt Cottage by 10am. Drove to Bawdsey Quay and then to Ramsholt Church, where we took a few pictures. Then down to Ramsholt Arms for fish and chips lunch. All went very well. I had wine; so Dot drove back to Snape by a circuitous route directed by Google. Walked a bit and went to loo, then back to car to change (slightly) before going to concert. Doric String Quartet played Bartok – really excellent. Had cup of tea afterwards from cabin by river, then I drove home: 75 mins, same as journey down. Arrived in time for late drinks outside with D’Sousas, who had got back from Canada a couple of hours earlier. Also Mark and John, plus a brief visit from the new French baby.  Unpacked, watched cricket and then the end of Spreadsheet and Silent Witness. Very tired.

Had quite a long chat with David on FaceTime last Wednesday while Dot was at orchestra – mainly about his test-driving an electric car and the time it takes to get one (over two years). Finished my sermon and wrote a piece for my website. Earlier walked to the post office to post Biddy Collyer a copy of her EDP column, which I had told her I liked. She is in London temporarily. Earlier practised some songs for the Jubilee street party at St Augustine’s. Watched State of the Union , an ongoing two-hander about marriage in ten-minute bits. Much better than it sounds. Excellent, in fact. 

Thursday was very warm. Walked up to Boots for an eye test in the morning. All good.  Practised a couple of songs with Dot. After lunch we took our old microwave up to church (heavy lifting by Robert and Graham), then went to Morrisons, filled up the car, and Dot bought a bit of food for tomorrow. She forgot feta cheese and had to go back while I lay down, suddenly feeling ill with stomach/head strangeness. When she got back Bridget arrived to clean (we had forgotten she was coming), and I helped to clear the kitchen. Still feeling rather ill; so Bridget gave Dot a lift to Louise Robinson’s wedding do, which turned out to be mainly drinks and dancing, thought there was some fish and chips. Dot got chatted up. Philip didn’t go. At around 10pm I walked up to London Street to meet Dot coming home. Was obviously feeling better, but as I write this in bed I’m feeling a bit hot and tired. Stomach OK though. Have walked nearly 9000 steps today, which may be why I don’t feel so great. England got NZ out for about 132 in Test, but then lost seven wickets for less than 120.

Friday was very warm. Slept a bit better, but still felt odd. Had to take two lots of paracetamol, which is unusual. Went to Jubilee street party at St Augs and played some songs with Phil, but he arrived quite late. No one took much notice of our singing. There was also some ceilidh and bell-ringing. Had to move car halfway through – put it in St Luke’s car park. Spoke to several people, eg Nikki, her mother, Sharon, Graham’s mother, Bridget and David, Jaya and another nice woman from the bell-ringing team etc etc.  Good attendance. Exhausted when we got home, and Dot fell down on steps and hit her head, but I think she’s ok.  Had drink with usual suspects, including Mark, Sarah and Angela and Matt. Watched cricket – New Zealand did very well, unfortunately for Paul, as he left his car in our drive and took a lady friend to the match. Didn’t see either of them, because we went to bed early. David and Chrissy are away for a couple of nights at a posh hotel. 

Saturday was much colder, but dry. Bit of wind. Day ended with huge celebration outside Buckingham Palace for Platinum Jubilee. Amazing stuff with lights. Dot did lots of cleaning this afternoon while I visited Lily at Hickling. She has terminal pancreatic cancer but is remarkably cheerful. Has lost lots of weight, and her dog has gone to a new home. Had a long talk touching on her condition, her late husband’s late condition and local church members’ condition, plus some interesting memories of Surrey Chapel. Lily was my first “girlfriend”: used to walk her home from church with her niece Linda. In the evening David FTd and told us about their couple of nights away, which sounded really good. Dot and I also practised hymns for tomorrow. My guitar playing is improving, for some reason. Odd. Dot gave me a massage which made me feel quite a bit better: have been having ear pressure problems. 

Today (Pentecost Sunday) was cool again, but without the forecast rain. Heavy skies. To church in the morning. We forgot Dot was doing prayers; so I had to do them off the cuff. Was also preaching – think it was all right. Ray and Christine there – she has been very unwell recently, and I’m worried about her. After lunch watched some of the Jubilee Pageant before starting to pack. Then more Jubilee stuff, a bit of unimpressive England football and the first in the new series of The Outlaws, which was very good. Oh, and England beat New Zealand in the Jubilee Test – rather luckily, but there we are.

At the end of the day last Wednesday I walked up through the Library Wood to meet Dot coming home from orchestra. She’s dropped off by Janet in Rosary Road at the top each Wednesday, and planned this time to walk through on her own, as the light would be only just fading. However, I happened to look at where she was on my phone and decided on a whim to walk up and meet her. I was glad I did, because I found her avoiding a couple of suspicious looking guys waiting at the top of the path. Mind you, I wouldn’t have fancied their chances… in a fight with her, that is.

Thursday was warm but overcast. Dot had a long phone chat with Barbara Vidion. We went to church to practise some music with Phil – went quite well. Then dropped off a birthday card for  Paul Henderson. Popped over to Des’s to check up on plants etc – all ok. Took a bit more rhubarb. Watched two more episodes of Spreadsheet, which is very funny – pity about the unnecessary blasphemy. Walked up to St Andrew’s Hall in the evening for a concert by Steven Osborne – Debussy Etudes and Schubert sonata number three. He also played an excellent little Celtic tune as an encore. Discovered when we emerged that it had poured with rain during the performance. Happily it had become dry again, and we got home just after 10pm. Had brief FT with David, talking about his app.

Friday was breezy but reasonably warm. Went to see Thelma early in afternoon while Dot went into city. No lat flow test demanded, but they still ask for masks, though no-one objected when I took it off because Thelma couldn’t hear me with it on. Thelma seemed pretty well, but was muttering about her money again. Not sure what to do (if anything). After about an hour called in to see Philip Robinson, but they were out; so went to see the Wrights in Yelverton. Had a cup of tea: they both seemed reasonably well, though Pete is aging quite a bit. Had a chat – Geoff Jary is in care home with dementia; Barry not doing too well – hip problems.

Forgot to go out for drinks at 5.30pm.  Watched a three-part two-hander called State of the Union, which was good, and an old film called Angel Face (Robert Mitchum and Jean Simmons), which we enjoyed, though it didn’t really have any tension.

It was sunny a lot of the time on Saturday, but with a cool wind. Dot went into city in the morning. From 2pm we were at Dayspring, primarily for a croquet game with Jonathan, his partner Lesley, his daughter Naomi and some guy who I would be happy never to see again. Dot and I started by playing against Naomi and Some Guy, who took so long to decide what to do with advice from J that I lost interest completely. Same theme continued, and just before 7 I’d had it, and we left. There were some sandwiches in the middle. Did a bit of music practice when we got home, but I was shattered. Watched Beck, which was good. 

Yesterday was cool with spots of rain. Dragged ourselves to St Luke’s by 10am and played in the joint service, which was quite good. Nicky held it all together, including the sound system. On the way home we went to Morrisons, as we were running out of food. Traffic at Foundry Bridge lights was terrible, but not as bad as today. Played through some En Passant chess games. Watched an excellent documentary about the Galapagos, which was remarkable in not mentioning climate change at all. Also a programme on the Queen as seen through her family photos and films. Listened to a YouTube talk by Charlotte Ashenden (the artist we met) about her recent life, and becoming a Christian, which was quite compelling.

Today is still quite chilly. Dot dropped me at church, but it was all a bit chaotic. The usual Bible Study group were mainly absent, and we ended up having a general discussion about various aspects of Christianity – including Dot, who had come back. Nikki brought her daughter Indie and Leanne eventually turned up with her daughter Evelyn. The two girls got on well. Phil came, but Debbie didn’t.

I had intended to go to see Lily this afternoon in Hickling, but when I rang she was not feeling good and was with other people; so we decided I would try later in the week. Later today we watched a documentary about the Wagner group, which was quite frightening, and then the film Desperately Seeking Susan, which was even better than I remembered. Then another episode of Silent Witness, which is good but has one Amanda Burton too many.

Friday evening turned sunny, and we went and stood in Des’s drive with a drink, eventually being joined by Mark, John, Ciara and (in passing) Bob and Mary – separately. Quite late on for supper, then watched a bit of TV, including Here We Go – quite funny – Inside No 9 – quite clever – and a train ride across Scotland – quite weak. 

Saturday was overcast but fairly warm. Finished off my sermon, and we practised the hymns. In the afternoon Dot went into the city. I completed the rota. Had a slightly rushed meal, then walked with Dot to the Greens for a bell-ringing rehearsal.  I sat it out, but it went reasonably well despite a couple of irritating people. Walked home and watched some athletics. 

Sunday was busy, warm and mainly sunny. Church in the morning. I preached, and Dot and I played one of my songs during Communion, which went down well with Nikki. Much appreciated by me. People seemed to like the sermon too. Nikki brought her daughter Indie, who is a little darling. Had a conversation with Andrew on the phone – he sounded OK. Then we went to football. Had a nice chat with a Spurs fan on the way. Norwich lost 5-0: didn’t really mind because it meant Spurs pipped Arsenal for 4th place. Afterwards we watched Beck – interrupted by a phone call from Debbie about a flier she was producing. Then MOTD: Man City pipped Liverpool for the title after coming back from 2-0 down to Aston Villa to win 3-2. Burnley relegated after Leeds beat nine-man Brentford. Late in bed. 

Monday morning was grey, followed by heavy rain in afternoon and evening. Dot dropped me at the church group, which was at The Stage because the hall was double booked.   Not all that wonderful – group too big, really. Nikki and Leanne still made it worthwhile, though. Dot came towards the end, having been to the shop for food – visitors tomorrow. In the afternoon I drove to the chemists to get pills, but they hadn’t arrived. Also got soaked in heavy rain and had to change when I got home. In the evening watched Grace and the first episode of a new Silent Witness, both of which were good. Went to bed feeling quite despondent, for some reason.

Tuesday was breezy; not so warm. Spent the morning preparing for the visit of Julia and Allan Higbee. They got here just before 12, and we had drinks , then lunch. Dot had done chicken salad and blackberry and apple crumble, among other things. Same thing for tea after Higbees left. Very full stomach. Watched the second episode of Silent Witness and a couple of other things. When we got in bed David FTd us, and we had a brief chat. Dot is reading Middlemarch. I may have invited the Higbees to Scotland with us next year.

Today was a little chilly, with quite a breeze and dark skies.It was a DSSO meeting all morning for Dot, during which I managed to write two out of three Parish Pump pieces – finished the fourth in the evening. Fred rang and asked if his daughter Kate and her daughter Anna could stay overnight on June 15, for an Elton John concert. I said yes, of course. Also heard that Andrew’s bedroom ceiling had sprung leak and had to have extensive repairs; so he was going to another home nearby for a week. Bet he’ll like that.

Later I went and got my pills, which had arrived this time. Bridget came round to do some cleaning, and in the evening Dot went to orchestra – picked up by Janet, who has recovered from whatever illness she had.

Cooler this morning, with quite a lot of rain. But sunny now, and Dot has gone to the shops. It’s about 5pm, and I redid some of my sermon this morning as well as catching up on e-mails and similar beasts. Still feeling fatigued but otherwise OK. At lunchtime we watched the first two episodes of an Australia-based comedy called Spreadsheet, starring Katharine Parkinson, which turned out to be surprisingly good in every aspect: script, direction, acting (including a couple of brilliant children).

Back on Monday, the second half of the day was still overcast but warm, though breezy. Dot came back from her interview panel at Brooke just after 4pm. In the evening we watched the rest of Queen of Katwe, which turned out to be a brilliant film about an African girl who was a chess-playing prodigy from a slum in Uganda. True story and superbly done – real depth. 

Tuesday was sunny and very warm. I finished reading Middlemarch  – 838 pages. Mixture of delight and occasional frustration. Wonderful book, funny but very dense. We ate lunch in the garden. Strangely quiet. Wrote poem to read at Jurnet Zoom session in the evening. Theme was work: poem was Poetry at Work. Also read another one – Walking at my own speed. General standard not high, I have to say – unless I wasn’t paying attention, which is possible.

Wednesday was overcast but warm, with a threat of rain overnight. David’s 50th birthday – he FaceTimed at lunchtime. He got our card. Dot feels he should be younger – and he certainly looks younger. Wrote sermon but in need of a bit of editing. Wine and Hello Fresh arrived. Dot did lots of washing, and in the evening I took her to orchestra and walked back. Felt extremely tired – on bed for an hour afterwards. Accidentally watched a documentary on Highland wildlife. 

Light rain at first yesterday, then sunny. Quite warm. Went to see the new Downton Abbey film, which was quite good, though I could have done with more of Tuppence Middleton. Got home just after Bridget arrived to do the cleaning. Earlier I had chosen hymns, and during the day I put a sketchy rota together and found a Compline to photocopy. Bridget had a ready meal with us (or at least in Dot’s study) while she revised for a maths test, and we had Hello Fresh sausages. Then we all walked up to Eleanor’s for Cake and Compline. Meanwhile David Archer was collecting Claire from Stoke (her parents’ place), where she has been recuperating from a broken ankle. All present for C&C.

Earlier David FaceTimed and sent us pix of his birthday celebrations – Cake and steak burgers, though probably not in that order. Watched last episode of Chivalry. Never really worked out what it was about, but it was mildly amusing. Mark is home.

Quite warm today, though overcast and with the threat of a few drops of rain. Dot is at Brooke School on an interview panel which is likely to last all day. I walked up to church for the weekly Bible Study, but felt very tired. However, I got a lift part of the way back with Judy; so no problem there. My post-Covid back/leg pains also seem to gave gone. We didn’t actually have a Bible study because Nikki didn’t make it – problems with her daughter – but we did have a long chat, and eventually Leanne brought her daughter Imogen (14) over, which was nice. Her son Caleb (13) went missing for part of the morning but turned out to be just having a bit of quiet time!

Last Tuesday was fairly warm and breezy. Went for walk in the afternoon after posting a card for Dot. Up to Rosary – tidied grave. Dot did a lot of work on the Brooke School appointment and had a Zoom meeting later in the afternoon. Tending to eat meals in kitchen and chat, which is quite nice. Watched a pretty poor documentary about John Stonehouse and then the final episode of Life after Life, a Kate Atkinson adaptation. Absolutely superb – script, casting, acting, direction. Discovered via Twitter that Karen has won a UEA Innovation and Impact award for Paston Footprints. So that’s what it was all about. Still she’s not well; so mustn’t grumble.

Light rain most of the day on Wednesday, which was unfortunate because Dot was meeting Anne, and they had been hoping to go for a walk (it was Anne’s birthday pon Thursday). Still they did have lunch together. Meanwhile I wrote a piece for my website and posted a poem too. Sunny in the evening. Quick FT with David about his correspondence.  Dot went to orchestra, and Norwich lost 2-0 at Leicester. 

Thursday was mainly sunny but with a chilly wind. Drove to Salthouse to see a Martin Laurance exhibition and bought a couple of prints, plus some cards. Then had mackerel pate at the Blakeney Manor and bought some bread, a sausage roll and a donut at the Two Magpies. Drove to North Walsham and bought some food, and flowers for the graves. Drove home through Wroxham, to find single lane at Foundry Bridge again. Aargh! Arrived home at the same time as Bridget. Felt so tired I had to lie down for about an hour. Spurs beat Arsenal 3-0, and we watched an excellent film called Going Out in Style about three guys who robbed a bank that diddled them. Beautifully done – really enjoyed it. Lovely little cameo by small girl at end. Shattered at end of day.

It was sunny and quite warm on Friday, but a breeze. The surgeon rang early afternoon, and we had a good discussion. Eventually I agreed to go ahead – my operation is on June 28.  Later we went to Morrisons for food, and I got some petrol. Feeling strangely tired, but doing something seems to help. Unpacked while Dot prepared birthday cake for Sunday. Watched Call Northside 777, an old film starring James Stewart. Pretty good. 

Saturday was sunny and warm. Felt a bit iffy in the morning, but much better later. After lunch walked up to the Rosary with flowers for parents’ grave. After arranging them I was about to read while waiting for Dot to pick me up when I was approached by a man who knew most of the history of Surrey Chapel. He knew about my uncle Frank. We had quite a chat but were interrupted by Dot, who was looking for me: she had come early. Showed him where Mr Wetherley’s grave was and then left with Dot (and Eleanor) to go to Carrie’s birthday party. There I had a long chat with Al and then with various people from church, including Nikki and Stacey, Ellie, Graham and others. Thai curry was surprisingly good. Took Eleanor back to ours to pick up jacket, and she walked home. Then watched Chelsea lose on penalties to Liverpool in Cup Final, and by way of compensation watched An Old Man with a Gun – a very good film starring Robert Redford. Had earlier decided against going to Suffolk Poetry Festival. Glad I did. 

Yesterday was much duller but still fairly warm. A few spots of rain. Church in the morning – I led, with Liz Cannon preaching. Dot, Phil and Martin in music group. Nice service. Felt tired in afternoon, but improved. Listened to Norwich drawing 1-1 away to Wolves. Then watched Beck – very good as always – and half of Queen of Katye, about an African chess prodigy. David Archer called in late afternoon and had a cup of tea.