Tag Archives: finlay

23 November 2008

Plenty of snow over the last couple of days. This was Aspland Road at lunchtime today, when we failed to get up the hill and had to park at the bottom of the road. More tricky than it might have been, because Dot was carrying a large chocolate cake that had been cooked for her birthday by Anna and brought to church. Actually there were three cakes, spelling d – o – t, but two of them were eaten at church. Later this afternoon I was able to go and drive the car up, because the temperature had risen and a snowman in the garden almost opposite had lost its head. Still quite white generally though.

Friday night at the Cathedral was good, and afterwards Dot went off with the girls (Vicky, Annette et al) for a drink in the Maid’s Head while I returned home and watched some average folk music on television, because I was feeling tired. Tiredness still a problem, but everything else seems to be progressing in the right direction, and we’re planning to leave by train at about 11am tomorrow for Scarborough. Forecast is quite good for the next few days, assuming the snow melts and we get some sunshine as promised. The temperature should be in the 5-10C bracket, which could be worse.

Yesterday – Dot’s birthday – we had a lie-in and eventually got to St Luke’s just before 1pm. Afternoon session was interesting. Snow was falling outside, but not enough to worry us on the journey home – just as well, as we were in the MX5. In the evening I cooked steak and chips. The chips mysteriously burnt, though the heat and timing were as always, and I did some instant mashed potato, which was in the freezer and tasted really good. After it was cooked, that is. Managed a bottle of wine between us.

21 November 2008

Latest picture of Dot’s Aunt Ethel, who we visited on Wednesday, after lunching at Park Farm. She was in good spirits. In the evening we went to see Romeo and Juliet, put on by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Theatre Royal. All very well done – set about half a century ago – but marred somewhat because there were thousands of schoolchildren in, and the ones behind us couldn’t stop talking. I wrote to the manager to complain about it, partly because a couple of couples in our row didn’t come back after the interval, and it is £20 a ticket.

Last night we went with Anne and Philip to St Benedict’s Restaurant for Dot’s birthday meal, which was excellent. I felt I could tackle a steak and mushroom pudding, and it was beautifully done. Philip gave us a lift, which was nice because it was very cold. I have been feeling very tired recently, but paracetamol usually helps, and I felt fine for the evening. Today we went (a little late) to the James Finlay sessions at St Luke’s. He’s a former monk who specialises in Thomas Merton but talks generally about contemplative prayer and allied subjects. Very laid back and (but?) very, very good. I came back home this afternoon because I was tired, but Dot returned after popping into the city and really enjoyed it. One of the reasons I came home was because I want to go this evening, when he’s speaking in the Cathedral. I’ve just taken some paracetamol in anticipation!

Dot and I were supposed to be part of the team gettying stuff ready, but I really wasn’t up to it. Very blustery and cold today, which means several layers are compulsory for the Cathedral. Snow is due tomorrow. Wonder what it’s like in Scarborough…