Tag Archives: kathleen

Couldn’t compline

Uncategorized, , , ,
From Palmer Circle to Cape Haddock: Roger, Barbara and Chrissy Murray

Strangely warm. Have just walked back from the city after lunch with Keiron at Costa Coffee in London Street, and I was actually reminded of Ontario. K has just gone to a three-day week at Archant and is not happy: I cannot say more. On the bright side, he is producing three books: a biography of an East End Jewish fixer (David Lidvitinov, possibly); a bumper book of dinosaurs for teenage readers; and (as editor) translated poetry by a medieval Hebrew poet from Norwich. Quite a range. He is also ecstatically happy (though in sleep debt) about his family: Rowan, Isla and Lottie.

Earlier I went with Dot and Anne to the pitch-and-putt at Mousehold, leaving them to swing clubs while I walked home through Mousehold and over St James Hill. Felt quite fit, which is nice.

Last night we had an unusual evening at Elvira’s, celebrating her birthday (on the 12th) and although she didn’t know it, our wedding anniversary. We had expected a few people from church, and indeed Phil, Nicholas and Debbie H were present, but so were several others we didn’t know – mainly from her Spanish class. Peruvian soup and bread, plus cake and banoffee pie, with wine and tea. Interesting evening, with Nicholas being questioned about his book and one of the other guests (Dawn) apparently receiving messages from beyond – at some earlier date – aimed at preventing her emigrating.

Slightly different ambience for our dinner at the Greenacres’ in Wymondham last Saturday, though death was not far away. Our host, David, had just survived a heart attack, and the mother of another guest, Denise, had passed on within the previous few days. Surprisingly pleasant in the circumstances. Denise’s husband Tim sort of knew Dot from the education world, and David’s wife Sheila is a head teacher I have done some work for.

Earlier in the day I had been working hard on a Paston walk I was leading on Sunday, and the pace did not let up on the day itself. It began with Howard leading a church service. As we hadn’t been there for a couple of weeks, several people wanted to talk to us, so I was late getting away and didn’t get to Paston until just after 1.30pm – the start time. Lurched into it a bit and got a date wrong, but they turned out to be a nice group (of about 8), and everything went well after that, though two of them lived in Paston and had more local knowledge than I did.

At Edingthorpe Church we were joined by Dot, who had followed me out at a more leisurely pace in the MX5, and we continued to Bromholm Abbey, where we had permission to look round for the first time. By then it was getting very late, and after dropping two members (to be picked up) we started back along the sea front, but a stiff wind was keeping the tide in, and it was clearly going to be hit-or-miss whether we would be able to walk up the beach as far as the gas site. To be safe, we went in to the road and walked along that back to the church. Happily the refreshment providers had stayed on to revive us after our 6½ miles. Satisfying, but very tiring, and Dot and I were both struggling to keep our eyes open as we drove home. There was a compline at 6.30, but we were just too tired to wait. Couldn’t compline.

Monday was Kathleen’s funeral at Earlham Crematorium. Ten family members – Paul, Josephine, Dot, me, Joe, Pat, Stephen and wife, Mark and wife – plus about a dozen from Park Church. Paul gave his usual forthright talk, which included some interesting stuff about Kathleen’s life. The service was led by  the Park pastor, and we had refreshments afterwards at Park. One or two blasts from the past – Neville and Ann Barber, Ada Wurr (wife of David) and others. David is apparently permanently ill with brain damage after contracting an infection following a biopsy for prostate cancer: I felt very ill after both my biopsies – is this a hidden danger that  no-one mentions? David still has the cancer, but it’s very slow-growing. Not a happy state of affairs – I can count myself fortunate.

Still working hard on paper (things like church finances, for instance) on Tuesday, and we had a very small Tuesday Group – just Carrie and Harriet. It went surprisingly well, with Harriet unusually talkative. Matt is still lodging with us but was out that night. He has had his bike stolen, but is not sure whether it was from here or from the pizza shop. Meanwhile from Cape Cod Barbara has booked a house in Devon for our big reunion next August. Some pretty strange e-mails are going back and forth.

A kind of farewell

Uncategorized, , ,
The Rev Heather in the cloisters with Suzi Heybourne

Plenty of socialising in the last few days, with pleasant weather to accompany it. Matt is now lodging with us – so that’s continual socialising, though he is out most of the time (London for the weekend). He’s absolutely no trouble, even when he forgets his keys. But in addition…

On Saturday, a glorious summer day, Heather C was ordained deacon in the Cathedral in a magnificent two-hour service (with mitres) which featured my favourite hymn (I the Lord of sea and sky) and possibly my top Bible reading (Isaiah 6). I went with Matt, but several other St Aug people were at the Cathedral, chatting in the Cloisters and then at the Maid’s Head afterwards for a congenial party. Other friends too – including Mark and Suzi Heybourne, with whom I had a long chat – and to my surprise Philip Butcher, former chaplain at Norwich School Chapel, who coincidentally is married to the Rev Heather who is Heather C’s new boss: ie vicar at Cringleford. Delighted to see him. He’s hardly changed. Great party, which continued till 3.30, after which I walked home in the blazing sun and flopped out. Dot was unfortunately not with us, as she was at a Teach First exhibition and focus group at Reading on behalf of Philosophy4Children – also very successful, so a good day all round.

Peter Jary and Clive Wright

Another party on Sunday afternoon, this time at Poringland Comunity Centre for Peter Wright’s 75th birthday, and his son Clive’s 40th. Had long talks with former friends and neighbours from the village, including people from David’s generation – Barty, Keith and Peter Jary, as well as Elaine and Clive, of course. Clive is now living in Tuckswood with Sharon, a former parent of Dot’s (as she would put it) at Tuckswood School. Peter has a new partner, Helen, and a new baby. Keith has a girl friend in Mauritius, and Barty is now studying plant science. Also spent time with Jarys, Barbara, Bernard and Mary and of course Denise and Peter.  Really enjoyable in a nostalgic way.

Yesterday, after a very hectic day which included Dot spring-cleaning the house, we entertained Menita and Regis for a kind of farewell meal: they are leaving for Paris at the end of the month. Went very well (starters outside in the garden), despite their arriving about half an hour after we thought they were due, which meant the food was less than hot. Delightful evening, with Menita very Italian and surprisingly passionate about politics while Regis tried to keep the lid on in a very French laid back way. We now have a standing invitation to their French home, Naples and so on.

Aunt Kathleen, who died aged 90

The reason it had been such a hectic day was that my aunt Kathleen died early in the morning. We had been to see her on Friday, when she found it very hard to communicate, and we felt she was on the brink. As it happened, we were probably the last people apart from the nursing home staff to speak to her. When Paul was called on the Saturday morning because she was “deteriorating”, she was already unconscious and never came to again, as far as we can tell. She was 90 and had been struggling; so death must have been a relief to her. During yesterday I contacted various people, including her stepdaughter in South Africa, and dealt with several calls from Paul. I also collected the death certificate from Bowthorpe health centre – a real trek in the severe traffic which has been engulfing the city recently, with people looking for new routes because of several road closures.

Today we have just had our hair cut, and I am due to register Kathleen’s death this afternoon, before dropping off the certificate to Paul. Other tasks yesterday included buying a Homebase voucher for Donna (I was reminded by a chance phone call from Howard, to whom I later delivered it), dropping off clothes for cleaning, and then paying in cheques, getting some more currency and buying a football to take to Canada as  present. I should be getting enough exercise.

 

Dog replaced by budgerigar

Uncategorized, , ,
Another avant garde, innovative, not to say derivative, bit of camera work at the Bergh Apton sculpture trail

Doesn’t time fly? And so much happening… Last Friday, for instance, it rained quite a bit. We had excellent lunch with the Higbees at Newton Flotman, made a quick visit to Diocesan House to pick up documents for Dot, and then made for Bungay in the evening. There was a private view at the Cork Brick gallery : Annette and two other women, Diane Griffiths and  Georgina somebody.  The theme was animals, so not really my cup of tea, though Mike’s incidental drawing of a horse was stunning. Annette had some interesting new ideas as well, and Diane had some pretty nifty book work on show – particularly liked one called Book of Salt. Martin and his girlfriend were there, and we spoke for a while to Jane West (McClintock), who writes poetry and is from Norwich.

Down in Suffolk again on Saturday, when we were invited at short notice by June W to an early pizza supper (home made) at Beccles. Preferred the crumble afterwards, and the budgerigar – though the latter was not part of the meal. It appears to have replaced a dog, which has to be good. June seemed on good form, though she deteriorates markedly when you speak to her on the phone, as I did a few minutes ago. She has an appointment with the gynaecologist, which is a good thing: she has been trying to speak to one for ages.

On Sunday I preached a Pentecost sermon and Dot led the prayers at short notice. I had forgotten to mention to her that she was on the rota. In the afternoon we went out into the chilly, soggy  winds of North East Norfolk and took flowers to the cemetery (it was the anniversary of Dot’s mum’s death). Afterwards we visited Judith Rand at Bacton: she is recovering from a double bypass-plus operation. She showed us around her impressive Great Barn house, which would be worth well over a million if it was not in Bacton but Blakeney. Still couldn’t believe it when she said she didn’t think she’d get more than £400,000; she will be selling soon because she can’t look after it on her own, especially now. Afterwards called in at Jessie’s, where we found Roger waiting for his evening meal. Still managed to fit in a cup of tea, but we were home before 6pm.

Monday’s weather was much improved – quite warm, in fact. I called in to see Kathleen. She looks very frail but seemed pleased to see me. She finds it hard to talk and can’t hear easily, so it was bit hard going, but I was very pleased to be there. Read to her a bit from the Bible at her request. Am now involved at Paul’s request in getting him power of attorney. Earlier I bought Dot a new printer, as the wi-fi is so erratic on the one we have. After consulting David, we now have two printers, both connected by wire to their respective computers. That should sort it out. There are times when advancing technology is just not worth the bother.

Yesterday I returned to 12 The Close, where I had tried unsuccessfully to pick up some library lecture tickets the day before. It turned out that I should have been picking them up from the Cathedral Estates Office, and not Friends of the Cathedral, as I had assumed. Well, which would you have guessed if you just had the address? Tuesday Group in the evening featured a rejuvenated C, who had experienced a big improvement after we prayed for her the previous week. Today I have had a high number of phone calls, all from real people and relevant to life as we know it. Exhilarating.

Many chicks on offer

Uncategorized, , , ,
Dot and Jennie at Pensthorpe

Spent the first three days of the week with Jennie C, who made one of her occasional visits to Norwich. The weather forecast had not been good, but as so often happens, it proved to be wrong. She arrived at about 1.30pm on Monday, and after lunch we took her to Caistor St Edmund for a walk round the Roman town. Because it had been so dry, you could see the outline of the streets in the grass, which made it a bit different. Afterwards, we walked up to the Saxon burial site on the hill.

Tuesday turned out very warm and sunny: we took Jennie for our second visit to Pensthorpe this year, and it was even better than last time, with many little chicks on offer – especially impressive were the avocets (featured in the EDP the same day) and the cranes. Jennie was a little disturbed by the geese and ducks who uninhibitedly tried to persuade us to share a sandwich with them. Later we went on to Blakeney, where we had full afternoon tea at the Blakeney Hotel. As a result I was not at all hungry in the evening, which was just as well, as we did not do enough jacket potatoes for the Tuesday Group, who turned out in unexpectedly large numbers. Jennie joined in the after-meal activities with some enthusiasm. A good evening.

On Wednesday I drove Jennie into town because she couldn’t manage the hill (angina), and she met Dot and Anne R, who had walked up. Not sure what happened after that, but Dot ended up with a new jacket. I was catching up with stuff at home. Maybe writing a sermon – or was that yesterday? Jennie left after an evening meal, and Dot and I flopped out on the sofa.

Yesterday was an odd day, when I suspect there was a brief increase in the strength of gravity, and I found it hard to drag myself into doing anything much. Started by taking Dot to the dentist, and then I went to the bank while she went and got a blood test. Not much happened after that, except on the computer. Checked bank statement, made some payments… Still not sure if I’ve paid my Barclaycard bill, because the site went down when I’d almost finished. Very annoying. It rained quite a bit too. My aunt Kathleen meanwhile has been diagnosed with lung cancer and probably has only two or three months to live.

Getting physical

Uncategorized, , , ,
cyclists
The leaders in the Tour of Britain sweep into Riverside Road

Feeling rather battered. No, Dot hasn’t taken to beating me up: I’ve just spent three days doing largely physical work, which is pretty unusual, and my body is feeling the effects. It’s 5pm, and I already feel ready for bed. Not that I shall go to bed, of course. That would be ridiculous. Anyway, the physical work is over for a while.

It started on Thursday, when I was called on to go to Oxburgh Hall, to help take the Paston exhibition down. Lucy was so ill that she had to go to bed, and Jo Berry was concerned that she and her husband would have to do it all on their own. I, meanwhile, had been intending to help Dot set up St Luke’s for the visit of John Bell, from Iona, who was coming down for a two-day event. I also wanted to see the Tour of Britain sweep through Norwich, so it seemed impossible to fit everything in, as the artists who might have helped at Oxburgh (Annette, Mike, Martin) were down in Brighton for an exhibition there. In the end, Dot said she could manage without me in the morning, and I drove to Oxburgh (about an hour away), arriving about 10.30am. I took all the pictures down and cleared the screens before anyone else arrived, and we managed to get everything done by noon, when Teri arrived with help to take away her heavy stained glass piece.

After a cup of tea I made the journey home, arriving just after 1pm, in time for a quick lunch before walking with Dot down to Riverside Road to take up position for the ToB cyclists to arrive. We were there for about half an hour with nothing much happening, but then a squadron of motor cycles swept through, clearing vehicles out of the way ruthlessly, and the first two cyclists arrived rather suddenly. I just had time to snatch a picture before they were away. It was another five minutes before the peloton came through and I got some more pictures. They were followed by all the team cars, having a great time screeching around the Foundry Bridge corner.Then they were gone, and things returned to normal. Amazing organisation really. There was a King of the Mountains section on Mousehold, which must have been more King of the Molehill, I should imagine. The two leaders seemed far out of reach of the others, but by the time they reached Yarmouth they had been caught, and the stage was won by a sprinter.

In the afternoon, Dot and I returned to St Luke’s to finish setting up, then went to Morrisons to get extra provisions. The next day these proved woefully insufficient, and I went first to Lidls and then to Spar to supplement what we had. Even that was not enough: more milk was obtained by Anna later in the day: we used about 35 pints of milk each day for the 140 people attending the event. And that was just in tea and coffee. No food was supplied.

Anyway, back to Thursday evening. Dot and I got to the cathedral early to distribute leaflets, which  proved quite wearing on the back, as there were about 450 chairs to cover, and four leaflets per chair. The session led by John Bell (Different Voices, Same Song – exploring the nature of harmony in community, using music as a metaphor) was brilliant. Despite bring very tired, I was completely captivated and surprised how soon it ended: it was in fact about 90 minutes.

He was also superb in a different way at St Luke’s. Very easy to listen to: he has a relaxed style and a Scottish accent, with a great sense of humour. He spoke mainly using stories, which as one or two people remarked was rather like the parabolic method of Jesus. Quite radical, but compelling in what he said because his aim was not to provide convincing arguments, but to express a point of view which we might be interested in. As a result, we were.  His sane comments about caring for the earth, equality for everyone, generosity and concern for exploitation of people in other parts of the world were mixed with amusing stories about the nature of Christianity and the need to avoid confrontation over issues of theology and who is right. A very likeable man, without any pretensions, and also a gifted musician who could get everyone singing using only his voice (and an occasional burst on piano). On a very superficial level reminded me a bit of Denis Lawson in Local Hero.

Being helpers proved quite demanding, but we managed to hear a lot of what he said, and he was the sort of man you wished everyone could hear. Dot and I had to pay another visit to Morrisons for provisions on the Friday evening, and we followed this by having a meal at Prezzo’s, since that involved little effort. The clearing up on the Saturday was particularly tiring, as many of the helpers had to leave early and there was a lot of furniture moving to accomplish. Did I mention Dot was in charge of all this? She got a public thank-you and two bottles of rather pleasant red wine, one of which we sampled today.

Oliver
Birthday boy Oliver, 8

Of course the previous Saturday was even more significant, as it was Oliver’s eighth birthday. What a star! Dot and I drove down in the morning and met David, Oliver and Amy at the Harvester on the A5 – a favourite eating place of the children. They didn’t know we were coming and were pleased to see our car in the car park. Nice moment. Pleasant meal, and then back to the house for the afternoon, until Vicky arrived to pick them up about 5pm. We stayed for a few hours for tea with David , and then drove home. It was good to see Oliver on his birthday. He got an iPod Touch from his Dad and a variety of things from us. He is growing up fast, as children do.

A couple of other things last week: I performed badly in our pre-season chess tournament, scoring only 2/6 in a rapid-play event, and then visited Kathleen on Tuesday at Dereham Hospital, where she was sent for rehabilitation. She is doing very well. I managed to get in touch with her stepdaughter after failing at first on the number she’d given me. I used the mobile number Paul obtained from Kathleen later in the week. I now have her e-mail address. Hope I’ve got that right.

Among the people at the John Bell event were Claire, nee Osborne, daughter of Andy and niece of Lily from Surrey Chapel days; Di Barrell and her husband, parents of former EDP trainee Nicky and friends of Marion WIlliams; and Bridget Fosten, second wife of Ian Fosten, who we knew as governor of Tuckswood and from visiting him in Lindisfarne many, many years ago.

Same job description

Uncategorized, , , , ,
three in a bed
Three in a bed, and the little one hid up. Dot and grandchildren in the West Runton caravan.

As waste disposal lorries queue up in the street outside, the Oxburgh Hall exhibition approaches rapidly. Rupert Mallin has just appeared with his print, which I will transport to the Hall tomorrow, together with Martin Laurance’s pictures, which he delivered last night. Rupert is happy with his new teaching schedule at City College, but most full-time employees have to reapply for their jobs. This has always seemed an iniquitous device. If your job is no longer there, you are redundant and entitled to compensation; if your job is there, then there should be no legal way to remove you from it unless you’re dishonest or incompetent. Changing the job description slightly is in reality ending one job (redundancy) and introducing a new one.

Happily I am unlikely ever again to be in such a position, though I suppose Dot could change my job description. Would I have to reapply? The suspense is killing me. Have just heard my aunt Kathleen is in hospital with a broken hip after a fall, so will probably pay her a visit this afternoon. That will teach her.

Yesterday was a lovely warm day. Dot went merrily and with memory lapse to Swaffham with her P4C hat on, leaving her colleague waiting for her at the Park and Ride in Norwich. Numerous phone calls later (neither Barbara nor I knew which school they were going to, and Dot had her mobile phone off) the pair were reunited just in time. I have been preparing my poetry workshop for Oxburgh, but in the afternoon delivered a chess game to Mike Read (my rather exciting loss on Monday to Jon Burrows), walking to Knowsley Road by way of Mousehold Heath. Met up successfully with Dot at Phil and Joy’s to deliver Joy’s birthday present and have a long discussion on miracles. At least, that’s what happened.

On Sunday I led the service and preached, with Dot doing the prayers. Everyone else who does that kind of thing was away, either at Greenbelt or elsewhere, so there wasn’t much choice. Afterwards Vicky M said she had been completely healed of a back problem after we’d prayed for her on the Tuesday last week. This Tuesday we had a large gathering for the meal (no connection between last two statements) when we’d been expecting very few. Dot’s friend Carrie came, which was nice. Had a good discussion about prayer, miracles and what we should or could be doing.

Went to see June W earlier in the day. Her problems are still proving recalcitrant, but she was cheerful, and we had a good time with her. Her house and garden are so beautifully organised, sand she’s brave enough to use bright colours on wall and furniture. Her son William is a brilliant artist in leather – produces wonderful things.

Somewhere in the middle of all that (Saturday, actually) we had our hair cut. Thought I’d better mention that.

7 March 2009

Uncategorized, ,

This is a picture received from Howard Morgan in New Zealand, or possibly Australia. It has my grandmother (centre) with her son Ken (lounging behind) and Ken’s wife Eve (next to mother-in-law). The others are a bit of a mystery, because they don’t look much like my uncles, though there is a theory that the man at the right in the foreground could be my father. If so, where is my mother? And what beach is it? Note the beach gear, de rigeur for the 1940s. Howard’s father Frank stayed with my grandparents in Caistor Lane shortly after the war. He had been a PoW, and they looked after him for a while. Today I saw my aunt Kathleen, who apparently took him under her wing, going with him to the beach and cycling with him to Whitlingham. She remembers him and kept Howard’s e-mails, though she didn’t want the pictures. She seems in rude health, apart from arthritis in the legs and back. I arrived back before Dot, who had been enjoying a late lunch with her friend Anne.

I have finished compiling and illustrating a new story for Oliver, entitled Little and the Dark Machine. I wrote it quite a long time ago, but it is not one of the ones that was published in the EDP. I think it’s quite good, he said modestly. Better than the last one, anyway. Speaking of the EDP, yesterday it was announced that about a third of editorial jobs in Archant Norfolk were going – that’s over 50. Life may continue, but not as we know it. It will be interesting to see how bad the EDP becomes, and how quickly.

Since my last post we’ve had a surprisingly excellent meal at the Castle Carvery in Bowthorpe, paid for by one of our friends at church who felt we needed it and saw a promotional deal offered in the paper. She also supplies us with cooking apples, so we shouldn’t starve, whatever happens. We’ve also got a new financial adviser, who I brought in to explain an incoherent document from the people with whom I have life insurance on Dot. I’m not really sure why I have it. The new guy offered to take leaflets about Dot’s business to his clients who were in schools, so it might be a good idea if we organised the leaflets.

I saw my consultant yesterday, who told me my blood was “perfect”, which means the operation successfully removed my cancer. At least I assume that’s what he meant, rather than that I had produced blood that was the best ever seen. However, I am due to have tests to see if my bladder is working properly, because I still have this extremely odd sensation… which it’s probably best we don’t go into.

And I’ve won another game of chess – another quite good game as a guest on Board Two for the C team at Wymondham. Unfortunately we lost 2.5-1.5 and the team will probably be relegated, as will Norwich City if they carry on the way they’re going. Another loss today, and no room for manouevre.

3 March 2009

Uncategorized, , ,

Strange kind of existence at the moment, as if living slightly out of kilter with reality. But the same old things keep on happening, if not in the right order. Today I have been busy sorting out our finances and (I think) avoiding any embarrassment or extra charges over late payments. For the first time ever, I forgot to pay my road tax before it expired, but I believe you have days of grace. Two lots of car insurance haven’t helped the cash flow, especially as my car was also serviced and MOT tested last Thursday. Dot hasn’t been paid for work she’s been doing for months, but no doubt it will sort itself out eventually. Today she has been with Barbara working on her Philosophy, after going to a meeting this morning which actually took place yesterday… At least the days are getting longer, and we’re not providing food for the Tuesday Group tonight, which means we can relax a bit when Dot gets home. Maybe.

My chess doesn’t seem to have been affected. After travelling to West Runton on Friday night to play for the B team (and drawing a game I felt I should have won), I played for the A team last night against the prospective league champions, and managed to win quite a good game. The team also won, 2.5-1.5, so there was general rejoicing. Earlier in the day I had been to Paston to discuss the Paston Guide Book, which I now feel I am closer to understanding. Lucy is not at all well, though. Towards the end Annette turned up: haven’t seen her for a while. For lunch I went to Wroxham Barns to meet Dot and her aunt Jessie, who had been visiting Frank at Wroxham. We had a good lunch. I returned home, and Dot took Jessie back to North Walsham, also visiting the cemetery and Sainsburys.

Sunday was also quite busy. After Holy Communion we stayed for lunch, and then Dot went for coffee with Anna at Greens (the health club) while I came home. In the evening I went to Ambient Wonder, which seemed to go very well, though in silence!

Saturday had been very pleasant. We went to visit Mick and Gill Stedman (pictured) in Framlingham. Mick was our vicar when we lived in Yelverton. We had a lovely lunch and were able to engage in in-depth discussion about our mutual difficulties. We then went for a walk round the town, which was appealing – plenty of old buildings and a wonderfully picturesque castle – as well as being just the right size. Weather was sunny and not too chilly.

In the past few days I had two pleasant surprises from the past. One was a phone call from a woman who I knew when we were in our teens and who I had a bit of a crush on (unrequited). I couldn’t believe it when she said her name, because for some reason I thought she was dead. She was trying to help a woman she knew who went to Paul’s church, so I gave her his phone number – and my cousin Barbara’s, whose friend she was in those far-off days. Hope she got a good response. She now lives in Hethersett. It would be initeresting to meet her.

The other surprise was a contact from Genes Reunited: a guy from New Zealand whose father used to know my aunt Kathleen during the war and who apparently stayed with the family afterwards. He had been a prisoner of war, and apparently the Lenton family fattened him up while he stayed at what must have been their place in Caistor Lane. The son, who is about my age, was overjoyed to hear that he had got the right person and is sending photographs, which should be interesting.

Oh, and last Friday I went with Joe to hear a talk by a Franciscan. The named Franciscan couldn’t make it, but the substitute turned out to be Roger Rayner, David’s old piano teacher. He gave a pretty good talk, hitting most of the right notes.