Tag Archives: christmas

Rain all the way

Uncategorized,
Oliver, Amy and David at Caddington with a selection of Christmas presents

The journey to Coventry and back on Sunday went very smoothly – not much on the road, and a temporary  let-up from the rain. Arrived back in Norwich shortly before David arrived from Caddington. Christmas Eve saw the traditional visit to Waitrose to pick up the turkey (and a few other things), following which we dropped in on Heather and Simon with their presents. Weather damp and unprepossessing, and it continued that way as Dot and I made our way to church for midnight communion, leaving Andrew asleep and David in bed.

Phil, Dot and I had a brief rehearsal in the hall for our playing of Silent Night, for which we had taken a revolutionary approach and learned to play it without written music. The old church was pretty full for the service (over 100, I’m told), and we also had a small choir, which was excellent. I did one of the readings, as Howard was ill. Afterwards I had to take down and put up notices on the gates, then lock the gates for Boxing Day (legal requirement). It was very wet, and this took some time, with Carrie S waiting to take the keys away so that she could open up on Boxing Day morning.

Christmas Day dawned – well, wet again, and the food was delicious. I was also spoilt by the number and quality of presents, in addition to my new iPhone4, which I had bought off David who, together with my wife, now has iPhone5. All very gadget-orientated, and even more so the following day, when we travelled to Caddington to meet the grandchildren, who were delivered by Vicky and Julia. There the children opened their presents, and we had a late supper, after which I travelled north to deliver Andrew back to The Langleys. Again, the weather wasn’t too bad, but there was a lot of traffic on the M1. Happily, however, no hold-ups, and I was back by 9.45pm.

We all stayed the night in Caddington, and returned to Norwich the next morning, when, amazingly, it was wet. Even wetter, in fact: heavy rain all the way, with very low cloud, only relenting marginally when we reached Norwich. Dot and I were the advance guard, and I was quickly down to Budgens, and then Tescos, to procure various items, including a trifle for Amy or, as it transpired, David. Played a lot of games after lunch, and after tea too.

Today it has been slightly less wet. David went shopping for children’s clothes, and Dot and Amy went to Morrisons and Hobbycraft, whence Oliver and I had to meet them because they had accumulated so much stuff. This afternoon it was Coppit (oh yes it was), and now we are about to tackle what looks like a very appetising toad in the hole. Amy has also put together a new year Victoria sponge, with a little help from Dot.

Knee-deep in the season’s activities

Uncategorized, , , , , , , , , , , ,
David and Bridget Archer – providers of fish and chips

I think Christmas is here. At least, we seem knee-deep in all the activities associated with the Christmas season, and a few others too. Not much time to stop and think since my last post.

On Friday we had the traditional Archant pensioners’ Christmas lunch in the traditional hotel, with the traditional rain outside. Quite a pleasant meal: sat with Su, Brian and Julie Bedson, and we were joined by new EDP/EN editor Nigel Pickover, who was his usual expansive self. I have to admit that I quite like him. I said this to Su, and she retorted that I liked everyone, which is not true but a nice thing to say (I think). I was served tea by my first cousin once removed – Lewis (Kitsune Le’) Lenton, who is Mark’s son, an artist and a bit out there. Still, he was tuned in enough to introduce himself, which was nice.

In the evening of the same day we went to a drinks and nibbles evening at the vicar’s. I spent much of the time talking to Melissa Snell: we are very much on the same wavelength, except that she is in love with Bolivia. Also spoke to her husband Simon and to Margaret Comerford. Quite an odd evening, because there were many people there who I didn’t speak to at all. Dot struck up a conversation with a teacher who may have persuaded her to join a music group where she will be able to play her violin.

On Saturday Dot and I went to see Norwich beat Wigan 2-1. Go0d match, which we deserved to win. Our recent record is now second only to Barcelona in the top five European leagues, and we’re eighth in the Premiership. Ran into Peter Franzen (former EDP editor) for the second day running, which is a bit excessive. Weather was not too bad, but I wore lots of clothes, just in case.

Sunday saw the usual Christmas event at St Augustine’s, designed and organised by myself. We were pretending in a rather halfhearted way to be a radio programme, and there was some appropriate dialogue as well as carols, readings and poems. Everyone was very appreciative, which is the nice thing about St Augustine’s. It was followed by our Christmas meal: most people contributed, and it was very good.

Sue and Roger Eagle came round for lunch on Monday: they are really good company, and we have much in common. Had far too much to eat and have been feeling overfull ever since. As a result decided not to go to the Christmas chess event; flaked out and watched a bit of Battlestar Galactica instead.

It was all go yesterday, and fortunately the weather was fine. We started by picking up Dot’s glasses from Little Plumstead school (her gloves are at Barnham Broom, or possibly Diocesan House by now) and then drove to North Walsham for tea and sausage rolls with Jessie. We then proceeded to Sainsbury’s and bought flowers for the cemetery, from where we moved on to Sheila’s. She seemed pretty well, though a little vague on some matters. More sausage rolls, and a mince pie too. From there we went to Rosie’s, where we had ginger wine. Rosie is in quite a bit of pain with her back but is as determined as ever to carry on doing what she always has: in this instance making 175 wreaths for customers and friends.

In the evening, and far from traditionally, we had Tuesday Group fish and chips, supplied by the Archers but eaten at ours. The usual suspects tucked in enthusiastically. Added excitement was provided by Ian, who had locked himself out and spent much of the evening trying to contact his sister, who has a key. Eventually the Archers gave him a lift to Cringleford, where said sister lives, and deposited him there. It was unclear whether he was staying or whether his brother-in-law was going to be able to (a) find the key and (b) take him home.

Today has been fairly mild. We had our hair cut, and Dot left for Barbara’s. I then almost forgot to pick up Philip to take him for his benefits assessment, but Joy rang and reminded me. This took two trips, because as usual they kept him waiting a long time. In between I posted  a package and sorted out the church cheques for paying in. After picking Phil and Joy up and taking them home (dropping in at Surrey Chapel to leave some cards) I returned home and left immediately for the city, where I paid in those cheques and took a Christmas parcel to Dipples, receiving one in return! Quite chilly by the time I got home. Dot has just rung to say she is on her way back.

Rare ventures into the wintry world

Uncategorized, , ,

At last I’m feeling better: it was the longest-lasting stomach problem I can remember having, but it seems to be past. And to add lustre to this damp, cold and windy morning, my blood test results are normal, whatever that means. Well, it means that my PSA level is still negligible (0.1) and whatever caused my recent ailment wasn’t in my system a couple of days before, or couldn’t be detected by a blood test. Isn’t medicine fascinating?

Meanwhile, Dot seems to have got nearly all the Christmas presents, making a sweep through various outlets. I went into the city a couple of days ago and paid in church money, then bought a couple of presents, and some Christmas cards from the Norwich Christian Resource Centre. On the way up London street I bumped into Stephanie, who I hadn’t seen for a long time. So that was all good.

On another of my rare ventures into the wintry outside world I visited the supermarket with Dot. I want that noted. Inside, I’ve written a new article for my website and ordered a couple of Christmas things, as well as organising what Nicholas calls the Christmas play. It isn’t, of course.

What have I let myself in for?

Uncategorized, , ,
Brilliantly exposed shot catching the speed at which Maryta demonstrates how to bend, or possibly how not to.

So here we are in 2011, and here too is my 500th post. The year hasn’t shown any very promising signs yet, and some might say the same about the blog. I suppose it’s more a diary than a blog, but it’s a way of keeping track. Aiming to keep on the path less travelled, but tending to drift. The weather is a bit milder, but damp and grey, rather like a slight hangover.

Things have gone quiet with the departure of David, Oliver and Amy, two of whom have now transferred to Nottingham for a few days. Dot is revelling in her new MacBook Air (after we sorted out one or two issues), and I am just revelling, in a quiet way. The real extrovert revelling was on New Year’s Eve, led by Amy, who was surprisingly resistant to falling asleep and stayed up, with Oliver, until midnight. A born organiser, she made sure we played games and had fun, and didn’t doze off. Oliver was also lively right up to the wire. Where they get the energy from, I have no idea, unless they are extracting it from me in some way. I did manage to create a New Year Quiz, which David won despite disputing some of the answers.

Dot cooked a lovely Greek lamb and garlic meal, and I did sausages for the children, with pasta for Amy and potatoes for Oliver. We were joined by Anne and Philip, who survived the experience remarkably well and seemed to have a good time.

David and the children packed and departed by just after noon on New Year’s Day, which left us just about time to clear up before the arrival of Paul and Maryta for afternoon tea. During this Dot was offered a job as consultant, which may prove interesting.

Yesterday I preached at St Augustine’s on Epiphany – seeing the light. As usual I didn’t feel it came out quite right, but several people said they liked it. Howard led, and Vicky M brought her new baby, George, who is only a couple of weeks old and looked gorgeous, but with a slight air of “what have I let myself in for?” I guess most babies have that, with every justification. I suspect babies know more than they are telling.

Afterwards we went to see A Ethel, who has not been well over Christmas. She looked very frail. Dot made her a cup of tea and promised to return today, which she did, preparing her a little bit of lunch. Hard being alone in your late 80s when you’re not mobile. Dot is now preparing for a session she’s doing tomorrow on “The distinctiveness of a church school” for some staff in the Ringland area. At least, that’s where she’s doing it. I don’t know where the staff are from.

In the loft with the children

Uncategorized, , ,
Andrew playing on the giant wooden xylophone at Dunston Common, where we went for a walk on Boxing Day.

This will have to be a quick one. Dot is in the loft with the children, and David has gone into the city. I haven’t finished preparing the New Year quiz, and I’m sure I’ll be in demand very soon. Hold on – yes, Amy wanted to come out of the loft. Now she’s gone up again.

We’ve had a pretty busy Christmas, which I suppose goes without saying. I fetched Andrew from Coventry on Christmas Eve and took him back on the 27th – two drives of nearly 300 miles, which was tiring, although road conditions were good each time. David arrived in Norwich on Christmas Eve – about an hour after I got back with Andrew – then went back for the children on Boxing Day, then left again on Wednesday to visit the Coomes at Bishop’s Stortford and go on to Caddington before returning here with the children yesterday afternoon. They are staying until tomorrow. Are you following this?

The cold weather has thankfully abated, to leave a murky greyness, which is not exactly thrilling but doesn’t obstruct the traffic. Dot and I went to Christmas Eve Midnight Communion and led Silent Night on guitar; we also did a couple of readings and I assisted with the chalice (slightly unnecessarily). The church was warmer than I expected, and I took the collection away in the absence of treasurer Vicky, looking after her new baby, George.

Jessie, Roger and Philip joined us for Christmas Day, which went well, with the help of a lovely bird from Morrisons and some of Jessie’s scrumptious mince pies. Andrew seemed to enjoy himself. Phil, Joy, Sam and Lucy came round on the morning of the 27th, and I took Andrew over to Clarke’s to get some new shoes. The planned new TV/DVD player will have to wait till things calm down. Andrew seemed short of clothes when I fetched him, and I meant to give him some of mine, but forgot at the last minute. I will probably send him a parcel.

On the 28th David, Oliver and I went into the city, and I bought Dot a new MacBook Air, which David has now set up for her. I also got a cover for my iPhone, and Oliver one for his iPod. Apple seems to work on a different price structure to everything else on the planet, but we go on buying from them, because their stuff is so good. A lesson for others? Or not?

Now Dot and the children are at the shops, buying prizes for tonight’s New Year quiz. So I’d better work on some questions. Should just mention that among many other brilliant presents (some solid reading and watching ahead) David and Bridget came round last night to bring us a voucher for afternoon tea at the Assembly House. Must lose weight.

Christmas and after

Uncategorized,
Amy is amazed by her new iPod
Amy is amazed by her new iPod

After excellent Christmas Eve Communion service, got to bed by about 1am, then left for Caddington about 10.30. Straightforward journey, but plenty of traffic. Snow negligible until nearing Luton, but still lying heavily in Winchfield and surrounding areas. Lovely Christmas lunch cooked by David, followed by opening of presents. Oliver showed his expertise on new F1 Wii game. David generously got us Apple TV, which means we can see our pictures on full screen, as well as renting videos and playing music. Brilliant! After tea (very little capacity) we watched Dr Who, which seemed a reasonable thing to do.

On Boxing Day picked up Andrew from Coventry and got him back to Caddington by 1pm for lunch – this time beef, cooked by Dot. Rather over-bought on the meat front. Still plenty of turkey left over on Christmas Day, and although we managed to finish off the Boxing Day  beef, we had another turkey to cook at home. Andrew and I got home around 6.30pm, Dot travelling about 30 minutes behind with David and the children. I duly cooked the turkey and carved it before going to bed. Earlier we had spent a chaotic time unpacking various presents, and the children got to bed very late.

On Sunday I dropped Andrew off at Phil and Joy’s before 10pm, then continued to set up the church for the morning service. Dot and the children came later, and at first I thought there would be only two others, but eventually we had a full complement of 11, including three children. Relaxing atmosphere, contrasting strongly with preparation of another fantastic meal afterwards, eventually with two brothers, one sister-in-law, one son, two grandchildren milling around while Dot tried frantically to get it all together, with a little help from me. Eventually one brother and sister-in-law went home: meal as always brilliant.

Joe and Birgit came round on Monday morning, then took Andrew to Phil’s while the rest of us bussed into the city and found thousands and thousands of people milling around in search of salvation – in this case something to buy. We managed to get a dress for Amy from M&S but failed to return the original too-small dress because I’d forgotten where I’d put it. Found it as soon as we got back, of course. Also bought Horrid Henry book for Oliver. Popped into Caffe Italia, but it was full, so eventually landed up at home for a snack. Andrew delivered back by Birgit. Had full meal in evening – amazingly, got Andrew involved in game of Coppit with the children – before David set off for home with the children. He managed to forget one or two items (critically, one of them was the Wii power pack) and so the next day we arranged to meet at Coventry, where I delivered said items and Andrew at about 3.30pm.  Afterwards David and I had a drink in a local pub, located by iPhone, before going our separate ways. Think he passed me on the M6, but not sure. I got home about 7.30pm, and had a quiet evening with Dot, sandwich and TV. Managed to avoid more heavy snow falling just west of Coventry, but did get plenty of heavy rain on the way home. Today in Norwich murky, damp and very cold.

Sadly, in the midst of all this Christmas hustle and bustle, we learnt that our friend Rosemary had died. She had been ill, but seemed better last time we saw her. She had fluid on her lungs and died in her sleep – I think on Boxing Day night. There will be a special service remembering her on Sunday. She will be a huge loss to the church as well as to her friends. For many years she has singlehandedly made sure the building was maintained, clean and prepared for services. She has also managed all the hiring of the hall. She was also extremely encouraging and for many on the fringe was the “face” of St Augustine’s.

28 December 2008

Uncategorized, , , , ,

Grandson Oliver takes a break on the way round the Attenborough walk on Boxing Day, which was brilliantly sunny but with a fair ol’ chillin’ breeze, as they might say in Norfolk if they spoke Norfolk as badly as I do. It had got gradually colder as Christmas week went by, and this morning it barely crept above freezing, though there was only a light frost on the windscreen.

Andrew is here for a couple of days. We picked him up on the way back from Nottingham, where we’d spent a very calm and peaceful Christmas with our family at Julia and Dave’s home. Spot the deliberate error in that sentence: yes, it wasn’t calm and peaceful, because Oliver and Amy were there. But it was a lot of fun, and there were far too many presents for everybody. The journey up to Nottingham was very good, but there was a lot of traffic on the way back yesterday, and we eventually diverted off the A14 just after Huntingdon, and Dot navigated a new route through the southern Fens via places like Earith and ending at Mildenhall. We’d stopped earlier at the Thrapston Little Chef, which is usually good, but the service was appalling and the food only passable.

This morning I led morning worship at St Augustine’s. There were nine of us and two children, which is rather more than I expected. Mark Heybourne did a really good talk on Mary, and on bringing light into a dark world. Called at Phil and Joy’s afterward to pick up Andrew, and after a light lunch I took Andrew for a walk via the Rosary (put some winter plants on mum’s grave) and on to St James’ Hill, then back by the river.

30 December 2007

Uncategorized, ,

Yes, well, it’s been a bit busy. Can’t think why: must be the time of year. The picture is a clue: Dot with two lovely grandchildren enjoying Christmas in Bedfordshire. Oliver making light of his broken wrist and Amy making light of anything that moves.

Drove down on Christmas Eve. Traffic heavy, but no hold-ups, and we were there for lunch. Oliver had his arm set in the afternoon, and we amused Amy. She also amused us. Christmas Day and Boxing Day were a cornucopia of delights of different kinds: delicious food, exciting presents – a really lovely time. I got several books and a camera, plus an electronic sudoku from Dot. When I ordered the camera, I neglected to get a memory card, so was restricted to only six pictures before I had to download them to Dot’s computer. Why don’t they tell you need a memory card? I eventually got a 1G card from Comet on Friday, when I was back in Norwich and had been to chiropractor. Good news there – I am back to a monthly visit. Dot and I also had our hair cut at Reepham. I had none off the top but warned Linda I might have to come in for an emergency appointment… While Dot was having hers done I went to Aylsham to deliver the Potters’ presents from D & V, and had a cup of tea and a chat with Kevin. Lisa and Matthew were out shopping. At least, Lisa was shopping: I suppose Matthew might have had his eye on something. He’s nearly three.

Then Dot and I went to Waitrose’s in Eaton, had a sandwich and a drink and then did the shopping for the evening, when Phil and Joy came round for a meal, bringing Andrew, who had been with them all day. I forgot to mention that on the 27th I had picked him up from Coventry and brought him back to Beds for lunch and to see the children. He got on well with them, though it’s quite a while since he saw them.

Yesterday we went into the city and did some shopping. The duck from Waitrose was superb on the Friday, and the lamb was equally good yesterday. The longshore cod off the market rounded off three excellent meals, so not a bad week really, gastronomically speaking! We bought some cheese to take to Nottingham and one or two other things.

This morning I preached at St Augustine’s on the subject of Jesus wanting to hold us and sustain us instead of judge us, as many people seem to think. DA was leading for the first time, and the atmosphere was terrific as usual.

This afternoon we took Andrew out to Rosie’s to deliver a present from Bedfordshire and had a cup of tea and some cake. R was in good spirits, as was A. Very pleasant hour and a half. Must take grandchildren out there next year.

A couple of irritations on the financial front. Got an e-mail from British Gas to say our electricity bill was overdue, though my bank statement showed we’d paid it more than a fortnight ago. Then I tried to renew car insurance on Dot’s car, to be told by Zurich that the insurance on it had lapsed a year ago – despite my having a certificate in front of me showing we were insured up to Jan 2, 2008. The call centre could offer nothing except repeating that we weren’t on their computer, so I told them I’d take my business elsewhere, and I have done so.

Pretty annoying, as both companies had been very good up to that point. Must be something in the air.

Tomorrow we head for Coventry and then Nottingham, where we’re spending the new year. R says it will snow on Thursday, but we should be back by then. Grey and a bit soggy today.