Just a short one this time, and that’s not an April Fool joke – or maybe it is. Summer has turned into winter, despite the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s e-newsletter, which started: “After the rigours of winter, April feels tender and mild.” As they live next door to us, and we’ve had snow and an icy wind the last couple of days, they must have the heating turned up.

Wednesday was pretty unpleasant. Rain started in the afternoon, and it was quite cold, though not as cold as Buxton, where it was freezing at 9pm. Dot went to orchestra in the evening, picked up again by Janet. Popped over to Des with EDPs, which have built up over a number of days. No sign of an article on Alan Harrison, which had been promised by the Head of News. Had a bath and caught up on reading. 

Tuesday was much already much cooler than the weekend. I didn’t venture out, but Dot spent all day at a Head Teachers’ Conference at the Cathedral Hostry. I caught up with all kinds of things on the computer. We had a light meal in the evening. David FaceTimed again: he’s given notice on his apartment. Watched a number of TV programmes – catching up again. Feeling a bit odd. Sore shoulders and very heady. 

Yesterday was very cold indeed, with wind and occasional snow or hail showers. Dot dropped me off at church just after 10am, and after refreshments I led the usual Bible-based discussion, proceeding through John’s Gospel and taking in the wedding at Cana.  As well as Leanne and Nikki, I had Steve and Helen, from Bowthorpe, and Stacy, who goes to Surrey Chapel sometimes. All very exciting. Dot came back later, and afterwards we went to Morrisons for food and petrol. At Morrisons we ran into Ruth Colmer and had a good chat. She’s looking very well. Bridget came in the afternoon for cleaning. Dot’s knee is much better. Watched quite a bit of television, but nothing memorable. 

Today I got up very late, finished off a piece on 20mph limits for my website, which everyone will hate, and e-mailed Alan Harrison to tell him how to send a letter to the EDP to complain about mistakes in his article, which appeared today on Page 39. Needless to say the mistakes were introduced after I sent the original story in. It also took almost a month to get printed. Times have certainly changed.

Bit of a gap there. Sorry. Last Monday – a week ago yesterday – was sunny and mildish. I rang Lily up, as it was her birthday – had forgotten to send card. She is in a bit of a bad way – has had mini-stroke, also has fibromyalgia and is awaiting results of a scan because she’s losing weight. Also oesophagus problems. After lunch I went to pick up pills: chemist was shut, and I had to wait. The chemist’s has really gone downhill since it was taken over by Well. Then walked up to to the sorting office to post a birthday card to Sam. On the way back I walked past “no through route” sign to get a view of the back garden. As a result two people also walked past the sign: I warned them both – the first went on to try to get through, but came back; the second (a woman) took my advice and went down the road instead. I found this ignoring of signs reassuring for some reason. We went to Morrisons later, and I filled the car up with petrol.

Tuesday was fairly mild, with quite a lot of sun. We were literally the only ones in the cinema to see The Duke, a brilliant film about art theft. Made me laugh and cry simultaneously. Had a bit of a bad night: not sure what’s wrong. Stomach wasn’t quite right, but nor was my head. Neck and upper arms giving me a bit of pain. Gave key to Chris/Des so that they could replace Philip as key holders – also informed police. Later gave Eleanor a lift to Cake and Compline at Judy’s. Nice evening, though without Vicky, who is having covid problems, mainly with George. David was also absent, singing. Went to bed early.

Wednesday was sunny and warm, for the time of year. Dot went to a DSSO meeting at Diocesan House, and I phoned Lily, who had tried to get through to me last night. Her scan results showed a mass on her pancreas, possibly pancreatic cancer. Of course she was upset. We had quite a long chat. Later I e-mailed Ian Clarke about non-appearing news story and got a good response (though it still hasn’t appeared, a week later). Then Andrew Brierton, our cooker repairman, rang and arrived early to fix the rubber seal on the bottom oven: £71. Did quite a bit of Paston editing, and Dot did more work in the garden.

A couple of Green councillors called round, and I had a go at them, but of course they had an answer for everything. I do quite like Ben Price, but not his policies. Then I walked into city and bought some new shoes from Hotter, and some acidophilus. On the way I tried to help two women in a car who looked lost, but don’t think I helped very much. Got home feeling very tired. We watched Witchfinder, which is funny, and then Dot went to rehearsal at St Mary Magdalene – picked up by Janet again. Had a bath and read a couple of chapters of Middlemarch, which is quite hard going when nothing is happening. Very dense.

Thursday was warm and dry. Walked to church and back to do Bible study with Leanne and Nikki. Graham and Debbie also there, plus Robert. Had another good session: now well into the first chapter of John’s Gospel. Didn’t feel too well in the afternoon – possibly a result of carrying a heavy rucksack. Lay down for a while till Bridget came to clean. Wrote to Thelma and to Ben Price, Green councillor, about 20mph limits. David sent chocs present to Dot for Mother’s Day – a surprise package! She was very pleased. Packed for tomorrow. Watched documentary on original Peaky Blinders, plus the end of This Is Going to Hurt, which was OK. 

Friday was warm and dry. We left just after 9.30 for Derbyshire. Stopped at Cambridge Services, then swapped drivers on A50. I drove more than Dot because her knee was hurting a bit. Arrived at Buxton about 1.45pm. Evetts already in town. We unpacked  – after speaking to the Polish waitress – and had a nice room. Met the Evetts at the Pavilion, where we had an ice cream. Then walked a bit in the park till Dot felt her knee and walked back on her own, I continued with Dave and Julia, and we looked at the Crescent, which has been redone – very nice. Walked back on my own from there, and caught Dot up not far from the hotel. Felt very tired. Went to sleep for a while. Had drink with Evetts at 6.50, then Dinner. I had mackerel fillet – very good. Brief drink afterwards, and we skated round what we really thought about vaccinations. Dave and Julia still wearing masks to walk around hotel.

I had a bad night, but Saturday dawned sunny, and we had a good breakfast. Drove to Chatsworth in Dave’s car. Very busy, but we were lucky in getting a table for both coffee and lunch. In between walked round gardens (£15 each) and took some photos. After lunch we looked in greenhouses and shop. Bought some marmalade. Back at hotel we had a slightly earlier dinner, fortunately, as there was table of about 18 starting at our usual time. Three of us had excellent lamb; Dot had fish and chips. Felt a bit better. 

Th clocks went forward for summer, but I still didn’t feel too well. Had to take another lot of paracetamol at 3pm. Head very woozy, and stomach gassy. However, I still had quite bit of energy compared to Dot (using poles) and Dave (bad back). Dave drove us to Lyme Park, and we had tea/coffee in the cafe by the lake. Then walked up to the house and did a tour of the gardens. Lunched in the Alehouse and watched a brief film about the history of Lyme Park. Others went to the shop while I climbed the hill up towards the tower. Didn’t  go all the way in case I held others up as they headed for the car, but in fact I was ahead of them. Dave drove back via the lovely Goyt Valley.  Later I went to fill up with petrol, then had a bath. Evening meal was very quiet – we had a waitress to ourselves. Good, too – salmon. Afterwards had quite long chat before bed. 

Yesterday the sky was still blue, and it was quite warm until evening, when a chill developed in the air. Got up early, breakfasted about 8.20am and left by 9.20am. Good journey, stopping to change driver on A50 and then at Cambridge Services (Dot-Tim-Dot). Home by 1.30pm. Had a banana sandwich, then Dot drove me to hospital – horrendous journey through the city, but we got there in time. My appointment was slightly early in fact – nice consultant – we agreed I would have the op because it was riskier not to. But I’ll have an ultrasound first, hopefully within two or three weeks. Got bus most of the way home, but again a horrendous journey – so much jolting over bad roads and speed humps – so much so that I got out at Orford Place and walked home. Spoke to David on FaceTime – he’s keen to get rid of the apartment as quickly as possible. Had a bath, then we went to the annual parish meeting and meal at St Luke’s, which was quite pleasant. Home just before 10pm.

Big news of the week is that David is flying back to England on April 3 for 12 days. Dot is already in hugging mode. I am scheduled to see a consultant on March 28 after driving back from Buxton – barring accidents. These two events are not connected. Nor is this: Dot’s knee is much better.

In other news, last Wednesday was grey, and wet from midday. Pretty horrible by the evening, when I met Dot on Rosary Road: she was dropped off by Janet after orchestra rehearsal. Bit of a Covid alert – she had to do a lateral flow test this morning before attending rehearsal: negative of course. This morning Dot went to shop for food for tomorrow’s meal for Phil and Joy. I spent quite a bit of time on Paston editing. Cooked meal and cleared up. 

Thursday was quite pleasant weather, with a lot of sunshine. Walked to church in the morning and did Bible Study with Nikki and Leanne. Really enjoyed it. Had chat with Carrie. Walked back with Nikki as far as Tombland. New woman – Stacy – from Surrey Chapel, which she described as homophobic. Interesting. Others in group were doing a Ukrainian support prayer and flags for the church window.

Welcomed De Sousas home from Madeira – three days late, because of storms – in the afternoon: Chris has injured her foot. Bridget came and cleaned. Washed and cleaned car – well, it was mainly Dot, but I provided staunch back-up. I picked up Phil and Joy and brought them home for meal cooked by Dot for Phil’s 70th birthday. Had a good time and took them home quite late. Back at Aspland Road after 11pm. Gave him two bottles of wine and a puzzle. Also a book of Dad’s handwritten sermons. Mileage just under 100.

Friday was sunny but with a bit of a chill out of the sun. Dot’s afternoon visit to Thurton was cancelled; so we stayed at home. Watched Four Weddings and a Funeral, in bits. Also Grantchester, which is truly awful: ridiculous premise, dubious script and appalling direction. Des and Chris came round in the afternoon with Madeira cake and wine/sherry. Then out in street with wine at 5.30: Des, Chris, Jonathan, Bob, Mary. Very good Hello Fresh duck. 

Saturday was sunny but quite cold. Haircut in the morning, quite early. Dot’s concert day. Drove her to St Peter Mancroft in early afternoon for rehearsals. She stayed there all day (pizza for lunch), and I walked up for the concert later. Before that checked posting times because I have a Covid test to complete and it has to go the same day as I take it. So I’m taking it tomorrow morning. Then bought some bread and bagels for Dot, because the ones she had had gone off in a big way. Saw TV programme about gallstones, using 3D modelling. Quite shocking, size wise.

Concert was very good, including Mozart and Schumann piano pieces. Sat next to Neville, Bridget and David, and Neville’s friend Ann. Also there were Angela and Rodney and a very  full church. Cold walk home. Watched Italy beat Wales at rugby. In Wales. Italy’s first ever win, I think. 

Sunday was again quite cold and not so sunny. Dry, though. Took Covid test supplied by Zoe and posted it before church. Led the service: Leanne came with her daughter Evelyn, and Nikki too. About 20 altogether, but Anna had a migraine and couldn’t come. Howard did sermon on very difficult passages! Had a DCC non-election afterwards. Judy accepted as churchwarden. Dot did a lot of sewing in afternoon, mending a duvet cover. In the evening we watched A Room With a View – great film. FaceTime with David – he is coming to UK from April 3 to 15! Oh, I said that.

It’s now Wednesday, and it’s rather grey, with some light rain. I’m trying to reproduce my previous entries because I deleted them by mistake (or possibly put them somewhere else) at a stroke while using my iPhone. Tried various ways of retrieving them, but have now given up. So…

On both Monday and Tuesday, if I remember rightly, it was quite mild, with a fair amount of sun. We received intermittent messages from Des, who is on holiday in Madeira, postponing his arrival back because there were no flights as a result of a storm. He is now due back tomorrow morning, after deciding to stay a night at Stansted instead of getting an extortionate taxi when his flight arrives just before midnight. 

Monday was Howard’s 60th birthday bash at the Rumsey Wells on St Andrew’s Street, where the speciality is pies. In fact, it’s all they do. I had a straightforward steak and ale (or Moo) and Dot had something involving mushrooms (Shroom). They were presented on mashed potato and gravy with sides of mushy peas, onion pieces and grated cheese. And they were delicious! There were 17 or 18 of us, and of course plenty of wine. Both Dot and I drank too much and staggered home just after 11pm. We had both said a few words in praise of Howard at Anna’s request. Really nice evening. Spoke a lot to Ray and to Debbie, surprisingly. 

Earlier Anne had come round and taken Dot for a walk to Boots and back. This meant she had done a lot of steps for the day, and in the evening was not walking too easily.

Both had a bad night and woke up for the final time at 9.30 Tuesday morning. Colin came round after a hospital appointment for plantar fasciitis, a painful foot condition. Not much they could do for him, apparently. It will probably go eventually, but he’s had it for months. He looked at our broken wall and cracking facing on the garage front and decided he could fix both quite easily – a “Saturday morning job”. 

At 5.30 we had a DCC meeting at Golden Dog Lane, at which everyone except Elwira was present. Howard was a generous host again. I walked both ways, but Dot drove. I met Trevor Burton in the car park and had a brief chat: he has just started acting again. There were differences over set-up with reference to Covid, but Graham handled it very well. Later we had a FaceTime with David and Chrissy, with Apollo the cat featuring quite strongly.

I am reading Middlemarch, by George Eliot. Superbly written and very funny.

Last Wednesday (March 9) was milder, I believe, though I didn’t go out. I had intended to go with Dot to Hickling and possibly drop in to see Lily, but the cooker repair man was scheduled to come in the morning. In the end he didn’t, and I rang him to find he’d deleted the appointment accidentally. So he came in the afternoon, and fixed the cooker with the help of a bulb  that we kept from last time, plus his own new element.

In the morning I had cleared up and done various other things. Dot went to orchestra rehearsal in the evening – picked up by Janet – and I had a lie down before preparing for Bible study tomorrow and practising a few songs for Friday. Watching a serial called Our House, in which I foresaw a key twist, which was quite satisfying. War in Ukraine continues, but Putin not making much progress, other than killing people and knocking down buildings.

Thursday brought quite pleasant weather – reasonably mild till mid-evening. Walked up to church and eventually did a Bible Study with Nikki and Leanne, two really interesting young women (in their early 30s) who have had lots of problems but are very bright, if slightly crazy. In a good way. Leanne lives in The Lathes, in Sophie’s old house. She has four children – the youngest, whose father is in prison, has some problems. Dot came up with the car later on and had quite a long talk with Graham (the vicar). Robert and Alison were also there, as was Debbie.

Later on Dot went to Morrisons and the card shop. I changed my guitar strings and rang the consultant’s secretary and left a message about my operation. In the evening Dot and I walked to Carrow Road to watch Norwich City go two down to Chelsea in about ten minutes, but come back to lose only 3-1. Jonathan and Naomi decided not to come. Watched last two episodes of Our House, which were very clever but a bit sad. Went to bed very late, but completed well over 7000 steps in the day.

On Friday I kept thinking it was Saturday. Fairly pleasant at first, but in the afternoon it started raining and became windy and colder. Dot and I did some music practice at church with Phil: hymns for Sunday and some of my songs. Robert and William turned up and we got a cup of tea! After lunch Dot went shopping, mainly to get a knee brace.  In the evening Dot drove us to Mary and Neville Thrower ‘s in LeStrange Close for a lovely meal (fish pie) and good conversation. Home well after 11pm. 

On Saturday the weather had improved, though it was still chilly. Drove to Filby Bridge Restaurant to celebrate the golden anniversary of Joyce and Ivan Lincoln and were surprised to find Fred and Sue there: they’d come over from Banbury and were staying at the caravan for a few days afterwards. Sat next to them: food was excellent, though quite a lot of it. Had fish and chips and Eton Mess. Met Joyce’s daughter Alison, who is studying to become a vicar, and we had two other vicars on our table – man and wife. Fred and Dot both said a little in response to Alison’s speech. Restaurant  was on bank of Ormesby Little Broad, very beautiful in the sun. Got home about 4.15pm. Tired. Didn’t have much tea! Watched England lose to Ireland at rugby after getting a man sent off in the second minute. Nice. However Spurs lost too, and Liverpool won. Not nice. Watched Queens of Mystery – first episode: quite well done and unusual. Watched Grantchester to give it a chance, but it’s wholly unconvincing. 

Sunday was fairly mild and dry. Went to church in the morning: Bridget and Sharon were there, as well as Nikki. HC with Graham – Anna did lectio. Dot made a superb cake for Howard’s 60th. In the afternoon we listened to Norwich losing 2-1 to Leeds after equalising in the 90th minute. Not much hope for them now. Des e-mailed to say his flight would be delayed and he won’t be back till Tuesday. Watched a couple of episodes of Peaky Blinders (quite good), one of Killing Eve (going off badly) and one of This is Going to Hurt (not bad). Norwich on first on MOTD. Aargh! The pain!

Dot has just departed for Hickling school, and I’m waiting for Andrew, the cooker repair man. Bit annoying, as otherwise I would have gone to Hickling with Dot, but it was an offer I couldn’t refuse. Cookers are important.

Looking back, last Friday, March 4, was good for Norfolk. We were dry till quite late, while the rest of the country was wet. Dot went to Taverham school in the morning. Then she was busy on the computer, trying to fix up a knee appointment with a physio, and changing the date for meal with the Throwers, among other things. I got a call from Tracy at the hospital offering appointments for my gall bladder operation, but I asked about a scan first, and she said she’d get a clinician to ring me. So that’s probably gone for a burton. A clinician hasn’t rung, of course.

Out for our usual drink in the evening: Mary, Bob and Ciara came out; Des and Chris off to Madeira on Sunday. I scanned a covid pass for them. We think we saw the end of The Holiday, but if so it was an appalling ending: but then the rest of it was pretty bad too. Everybody was so bad-tempered and melodramatic that you wanted to punch them all in the mouth. Dot and I both signed up for cancer research. 

Saturday was a messy day. Drizzle/light rain throughout and becoming very cold towards evening. Started feeling very down because of the operation issue, but got over it. Dot’s knee is still bad; so I drove her to Carrow Road through a fair amount of traffic, just in time for her to meet Jonathan and Naomi. Then I drove home and walked back, managing to arrive before the game started. Pretty awful game, with City on the wrong end of all the decisions, conceding two penalties, both of which were iffy, and in the end they lost 3-1. Loads of people left early, when we were 3-0 down, including Jonathan and Naomi.

Apparently Lucy is quite ill, and Naomi has to give her internal antibiotics three times a day. She should really be in the hospital but won’t stay there, sadly for N. Walked slowly home with Dot and got really cold. Then the cooker broke halfway through cooking a guinea fowl. Switched it to the other oven, and it was delicious. In the middle of all that Amy FaceTimed us. We had to get back to her – she asked if she could come to see us on April 6, and of course we said yes. Her mum will drop her off. 

Sunday’s weather was mixed, but mainly OK, though there were a couple of very wintry showers. Went to church in the morning. Service rather spoilt by reversion to Covid fears, spacing chairs out and opening window. Got a bit angry about it. Cheered by newcomers Nicky and Alison. Also Nic Golding came, which was nice. Had our main meal at lunchtime, a few stomach twinges (too much fat?) but improved. Amazon parcel arrived, and Des left his key: they were staying at Stansted for the night. I went to Lowestoft for a revived Seagull session: Dot stayed at home to rest her leg. Carrie came round while I was out and had a talk with her. The Seagull went very well. About 15 there, including Lynne, Kaaren and Sue. Ivor did a very good funny song on accordion: Ethel from the Bethel. I did five poems including one I wrote that morning (Dream). Drove through Loddon on the way home to avoid road works. 

On Monday there was quite a bit of sun, but it was chilly in the shadows. Finished rota and sent it out. Went to Morrisons and spent well over £100 stocking up. Also filled up with petrol. Kim came round at 2.30pm and stayed till nearly 7pm. Brought cakes and sweets. Dot made scones (yesterday) – delicious. Good conversation with Kim, who is very encouraging until she gets on to the subject of the new world order. After evening meal we read the Lent psalm etc and watched another episode of No Return, which is rather depressing. But if you will go on holiday to Turkey, what do you expect?

Yesterday was sunny, but with a very cold wind Dot went to Alpington in the morning: traffic was very bad because of road works in King Street combined with everything else. Planners sadly have only half a brain and don’t connect how one restriction could affect others. I managed to edit Margaret Paston’s will, which was not as bad as I thought it might be. In the afternoon walked to the Rosary in an icy wind. Rearranged flowers. Then booked Andrew to do the cooker tomorrow after stumbling across his last visit in this blog. Finished watching No Return, which wasn’t too bad. Also saw most of a film called Misbehaviour, about Women’s Lib and Miss World, which was pretty well done. 

It’s Friday, and it’s been a busy week. Dot has had a lot of trouble with her knee, but is able to drive, and is now at Taverham School on a DSSO visit, hoping to avoid chaos caused by the closure of Sweet Briar Road to put right some kind of flooding issue. Still, only “a few weeks”. There seems to be no kind of urgency to deal with road problems.

On Monday I managed 8500 steps! It was mostly dry and cool, but rained in the evening, when the water went off because the very competent workers making a mess of Riverside Road managed to break into  a water pipe, spilling huge amounts down the drain. It was fixed by the time we went to bed, though. In the morning Dot went to practise violin, which now costs her £25. In the afternoon we went to Sainsburys because there was a traffic jam on the way to Morrisons. Dot then dropped me off in Tombland, and I walked up to Essex Street to make some revisions to my story on Alan Harrison. Had  a cup of tea with him and we talked about Israel and various other things. Then walked home, taking in The Crescent off Chapelfield Road, out of interest. Had mussels in the evening and watched a film, Internal Affairs, which was quite good.

Tuesday was St David’s Day and Shrove Tuesday. Dry most of the day, but some rain later. Dot and I went to the Town House for our monthly Pensioners’ Breakfast – had a full English, which is a bit shocking. Usual suspects present, plus Ian Gray, a former printer. Spoke to him at length, then sub-editors. Brian doesn’t seem too good. Rewrote Harrison article and sent it off. Dot went to a Carrie pancake event at church. In the evening we had our Cake and Compline group round – minus David, who had a choir rehearsal – for pancakes and compline. I wrote an extra compline page relating to St David and a bit about Ukraine, where the situation is getting worse. Nice atmosphere in group.

Wednesday was mainly dry, but some light rain in the evening. Not too cold. Dot feeling down about it her knee, but we went to the cinema in the afternoon and saw the new Death on the Nile, Amazingly I remembered at an early stage who did it and not only why but how, but it was still an excellent film with great  photography. Later on Dot went to orchestra rehearsal. David FaceTimed – Chrissy’s birthday. 

Thursday was quite a pleasant day, not too cold, and sunny. Dot went into the city on the bus for foot and lip work, while I walked to the church hall for our weekly chat with Carrie’s female recruits and Graham. Eventually I did a Bible study with Nicky and Leanne, which was a lot of fun. They are very bright and slightly crazy, and have a clear connection to God. Both in their early 30s. Dot drove to pick me up at lunchtime.

Later took Dot up to the walk-in centre and left her there: she eventually rang and I picked her up and took her to Boots to get some gel. She now has a diagnosis, which has taken a bit of weight off her mind: she has a sprained ligament in her knee cap, and it will eventually get better. Still painful, though.

Meanwhile Bridget had arrived to do the cleaning. I sent the final approved piece on Alan Harrison to the EDP, and at 6pm Dot and I – after being held up in traffic – met Anna and Phil at the Ten Bells pub in St Benedict’s to talk about the music group. Moved immediately to The Plough because TB was too noisy, and chatted for an hour – and a bit more with Phil after Anna left because Bethany was arriving. Home for a late meal, then watched another episode of The Holiday, which is pretty awful in terms of plot and especially script. But feel compelled to see the end. Don’t know why. Second day of reading psalms for Lent. Now on 44. 

Wednesday was a calmer day, and dry. Andrew’s block of pictures arrived and looks very good. In the afternoon Dot drove me up to Essex Street so that I could interview Alan Harrison, 91, about his desire to wind up the CNSOBU. Had a very interesting chat, which I recorded as well as taking notes. Afterwards I walked home down St Stephen’s, which looks a terrible mess.

Shortly after I got home Dot left by car for Anna’s to have a chat with her followed by a safeguarding meeting with Howard and others. From there she drove straight to orchestra. Meanwhile I cleared up the house and caught up with some other stuff, mainly e-mails that had piled up. When Dot got back we watched some of Teacher’s Pet, an old film which was excellent. It’s about teaching journalism! Dot’s knee seems much better.

Thursday was very wet to start with; a hail shower later, then mainly dry. Cold. Dot went to Yarmouth, and I walked up to church for a chat with Carrie, Graham and Leanne, Nicky and Alison – women who want a Bible study, and me to lead it. Caught up on computer in the afternoon, including the news piece on Alan Harrison (used the recording). Finished watching Teacher’s Pet, which was excellent. In the evening we drove to a meal at Graham’s – excellent food and a good chat: gave him my AWA renewal info, but he didn’t seem bothered and was keen to be encouraging. Watched a programme on the Big Freeze of 1963. Nearly 60 years ago!

Friday was brighter and not quite so cold, especially later. Dot drove me to church for music practice, stopping on the way so that I could pop promised poetry books through Nic Golding’s door in Magdalen Road. Phil, Matt and I played some worship songs, then a couple of mine, then a caelidh. Meanwhile Dot was driving to Brooke to see the head there. Out for drinks with Des and Chris at 5.30pm – well wrapped up. Then in for a meal followed by listening to City lose 2-0 to Southampton – having failed to get it on NOW TV, which has developed a fault. Watched the last episode in current series of Death in Paradise. Not one of the best, though it had chess in it.

Yesterday was a strange day: woke very late – it was sunny and looked quite pleasant, but neither of us went out of doors. We were busy catching up with various things that needed to be done on computers. Sent off my Harrison piece to Harrison for checking. Sent some money for Chrissy to buy a birthday present. Dot spent a lot of time working on DSSO reports and compiling and sending an e-mail to all church members about the music group. Watched Scotland lose to France at rugby, and later saw the last two episodes of The Promise, a very good French thriller with a minor motive flaw. Why would a policeman accept the word of a very strange girl that his daughter had been complicit in a murder, and then kill himself? Wouldn’t he have asked her first? Also watched Vera. Had seen it before, but they’re always good.

Today was sunny again, but with an icy wind. I know that because I went outside. To church, then after lunch for a stroll down to the Julian Bridge and over it to get my steps up and observe what a mess the council is making of King Street. I’m not sure what is more annoying – the mess, or the inordinate time it takes to complete the work. No-one in authority seems to care if roads are closed, and the work is funereally slow. I can only assume that they are trying to blind us to how bad it will be when it’s finished on the assumption that we’ll be so relieved the work is over that we won’t care.

On the plus side, had a good long chat with David on FaceTime; he is thinking of getting rid of his flat in Aylesbury, because the rent is going up. Dot has been working hard on school reports and e-mails to heads. News all about Ukraine – strong sanctions by other countries: hope it doesn’t tip Putin over the edge. Watched last episode of Trigger Point and an excellent documentary on the Nazis against Stalin (0-1).

Extremely windy few days, with Storm Dudley giving way to Storm Eunice and then Storm Franklin. Mirrors events in Ukraine, where war has started on the borders. We are safely back in Norwich, but Dot has injured her knee and is not totally mobile, and I have an odd pain in my back all of a sudden. I expect it will fade away. That’s how it will be.

Last Thursday Dudley was fading away towards evening, but it was chilly, mainly because of the wind. Dot spent the morning at church talking to Leanne and Nicky, two new members/visitors. All went very well, and hopeful that they will come regularly. Carrie was there too, of course. In the afternoon she went for a massage from Verena. I put together a collage of pictures of our family for Andrew, and did another Paston letter. Also wrote a couple of poems – first drafts, anyway. Bridget came and did some cleaning, mainly in the bathroom (she now has Covid). Dot got back when she was nearly finished. In the evening we gave Judy and Eleanor a lift to Cake and Compline at the Archers’. Everyone was there except Vicky. Later watched some Winter Olympics, in which male curlers made sure of at least a silver medal. Walked 4000 steps indoor. Bit worried because I had some minor cold symptoms, which have persisted. Not too bad, though. Window cleaner came. (No connection.)

After an iffy night I felt better on Friday, now riding out Storm Eunice. Lots of wind and rain, but managed to get to church to do some music practice with Matt, Phil, Emily and Dot. There’s been a lot of trees down and flooding, but no real impact on us yet, much to the indignity of Amy, who Facetimed us and David at the same time. Apparently Aylesbury was rather worse hit, and their garden fence was blown down. Edited another Paston letter and a page on Mannington. Watched some more Winter Olympics: suspect Jonathan opposite is watching it most of the time, including late night and early morning. Watched another Vera, but we’d seen it before, and not too long ago, I suspect. Filled dishwasher up with salt and Rinse Aid; also cleaned the filter.

Saturday was a horrible day – mainly wet and cold. Only went out to the bin in the evening, but did quite a bit of walking indoors. Tried to palm off a Paston letter in Latin on Paul; and discovered e-mails from Anne Coomes had been diverted into the Junk folder. No idea why. She rang, or I wouldn’t have known. As a result did one and a half articles for her during the day. Norwich lost 3-1 at Liverpool after being 1-0 up; and Spurs scored in the 95th minute to beat Man City. Watched another couple of episodes of The Promise, which is excellent. Men got a silver medal in curling, with Sweden winning on the last end. Dot had safeguarding meeting by Zoom in the morning, lost connection halfway through, then rejoined.

Sunday was another unpleasant weather day. Now in the midst of Storm Franklin – the real deal (geddit?). Heavy rain and wind all day and still going strong near midnight. Went to church in the morning and led service: there was discussion about rearrangement of chairs in the hall, and I had to haul them back to the business in hand (worship). Dot prayed.

Howard preached, and afterwards Dot and I went with Anna for roast lunch at the Golden Star. Very nice too: we talked about the music group, but I’m not sure we came to any real conclusions. Didn’t get home till well after three. Watched the film Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging, and it was surprisingly good. Also watched the last of the Winter Olympics, including Eve Muirhead and her girls winning gold in curling. Watched quite a bit of football too, and the last episode of the current series of Call the Midwife, which was OK. David FaceTimed and we had quite a long talk on football and social community (I think). Still felt a bit under the weather, but it might be the weather.

Monday was still very windy, with bursts of rain. Drove to Coventry to see Oliver and Andrew, but rang Minster Lodge first – apparently Andrew’s not doing too well at the moment. Took a lateral flow test – negative. Dot drove to Cambridge Services – quite windy, but not too bad. I drove the rest of the way, and we arrived just after 2pm. Nice room but nowhere to plug in charger.

Met Oliver at Wellness car park, and we walked to his flat, which is nicely appointed. Cold wind.  He ran through some of what he was doing – impressive. Walked back to the car, and we drove to the hotel, where we walked by the stream, which was very high. Then into our room (No 3) and on to the restaurant, where we ate at 5.30pm. Service a bit slow, but good food, though portions were on the large side. Afterwards Oliver fixed a few computer problems before we took him back to campus, taking in Beanfield Avenue and The Chesils. He also showed us where he would be living next year – looked good, and not far from campus. Drove back to the hotel, feeling very tired. Dot’s knee troubling her, and my sinuses were not at their best. Went to bed early. Wind has dropped a bit.

Yesterday was showery, but not so cold. Bad night, but breakfast very good. Drove to see Andrew: he wasn’t so well, as we had been warned, and I had a chat with a supervisor about him. His voice is odd, and he has difficulty walking. They’re waiting for results of a blood test. We watched part of a video with him (Wild Britain). Left about 12.20, and I drove to Anglesey Abbey, where we had lunch:  I had a sandwich and a can of wine! Dot had a scone and tea, and drove from there to home. Her knee has been pretty bad, but it doesn’t affect her driving. We got home about 4pm after filling up with petrol. Still not feeling great – a bit sniffly. Watched a lot of TV after unpacking: last two episodes of Chloe, which was quite good, and an episode of Trigger Point, also quite reasonable. Dot made a blackberry and apple crumble.

Today is nondescript outside. Our photographs on canvas have arrived and look very good. They will go to Andrew next time I see him.

Lots of good things happening. My passport, driving licence and birth certificate have arrived back safely from the DBS people, and Amy has done a project on vaccination, which she has texted to us. The window cleaner is now in action outside, and after several attempts I’ve managed to order a collage of family pictures on canvas for Andrew. The doctor told me yesterday I could stop taking beta blockers, though my (not particularly high) level of cholesterol means I have a one in three chance of having a heart attack in the next ten years, which by my calculations means I have a 2 in 3 chance of not having one. So I’m not taking statins.

On the down side we are in the midst of high winds. Yesterday was pretty fierce, with some rain (though it was quite mild), and tomorrow promises to be much worse; so we will be keeping our heads down. Before the winds got up too much yesterday we went to Morrisons and stocked up (just a normal shop – not panicking!). Later I booked a room at Baginton and e-mailed Oliver to check we’re ok for next week. Later while Dot went to see Anne and then orchestra rehearsal, I cleared the kitchen and music room fairly thoroughly, organising the songs for Sunday as I went. Watched a bit of music – Nick Cave and Emmylou Harris mainly.

To get back in some sort of order… Last Saturday was very cold, and windy, but dry. A case of wine arrived at 9am! Had our hair cut at lunchtime, and I had a bath. Went to Carrow Road for a teatime match against Manchester City , which we lost 4-0. Didn’t play too badly, though. Went with Des, who left at half time to go to the theatre, and Matt, who came round afterwards for supper: Dot did carrot soup, her own bread and pavlova. Delicious! Afterwards watched Wales beat Scotland at rugby and the City game on Match of the Day. 

It was still fairly cold on Sunday, with rain in the evening. Church in the morning: I preached again – turned out much better than I had feared! Anna and Howard back from Mexico. Quiet rest of the day. Watched some football and Winter Olympics, plus another episode of Trigger Point, which is quite tense. Took part in a Zoom meeting with Howard, Anna, the Cannons and Matt, listening to a prospective speaker for the Meditation Centre. Wasn’t very impressed, and in fact we have decided against. Had quite a long chat with David (and a bit of Chrissy) on FaceTime just before it. Caught up with e-mails at the end of the evening.l

Monday was a pretty miserable day, grey and raining from about midday. Very few steps for the second day running. Or in this case not running, or even walking. Spent a lot of time on Paston editing, and wrote a piece for my website on road closures. Had smoked prawns for evening meal and discovered that neither of us really liked them. Watched two episodes of Chloe, which is intriguing because you don’t really know what the lead character’s motives are. Earlier watched the first part of what looks as if it might be the end of Call the Midwife, which featured a horrific train crash. Caught up on Winter Olympics.  Still no medals.

Tuesday was another pretty miserable day, weather-wise. Hardly set foot outdoors, but managed over 5000 steps indoors. Lots of rain. Carrie came round at 11.15 and we had a near-two-hour discussion about worship songs. We ended up with two or three books and a CD of sheet music. Quite tired – tried to sort some of our music out but lost momentum and we watched some stuff on TV, notably two episodes of a new French thriller, The Promise, which is excellent. Winter Olympics is still going, and we still haven’t won a medal. Mary Thrower rang and invited us to a meal.