Tag Archives: openstudios

28 November 2007

My lovely grand-daughter Amy is pictured on the trampoline I tripped over a few weeks ago, injuring my ribs. All OK now, and my trips to the chiropractor (actually provoked by something else entirely) are now down to one a fortnight. Cunningly I have managed to switch chiropractors – not because the one treating me was no good (he did the job well and is quite pleasant) – but because I prefer the other one’s less vigorous technique. Also he’s Canadian.

A very busy few days since my last post. As it turned out we didn’t do a poetry reading at the Open Studios event, but it all went very well indeed, despite the very cold weather – inside the factory as well as outside. Several friends came, and Dot and I bought a few cards and a couple of blocks. Coincidentally, when David visited on the Sunday he picked out the same blocks, not knowing we had bought them.

The family were up for the weekend to celebrate Dot’s birthday. We took a bus into town on the Saturday, and Dot and I walked around the close-to-icy streets with Oliver and Amy while David and Vicky did some shopping. We popped into Langleys, the toy shop in the Arcade, and Oliver decided he would like just about everything for Christmas. After lengthy deliberation he got a coach to be going on with, and Amy got two or three smaller things. We stopped for a drink and then got the bus back. Norwich City had won a football match for the first time for months – 2-0 against Coventry.

On the Sunday I was preaching and playing guitar at church, though not simultaneously. We followed this with an excellent lunch at Prezzo’s, and then David and I went to see how the Open Studios were going. In the evening I went to the Ambient Wonder music event at St Augustine’s and wished I’d made the extra effort to perform, because they had all the right equipment. It would have been difficult though, because there would have been no opportunity to rehearse or tune up. As it was I introduced Jackson Browne’s Fountain of Sorrow as one of my favourite songs.

On Monday I avoided losing at chess by the expedient of not playing. My stomach was a bit upset, or I might have gone up for a casual game, but instead I stayed at home while Dot went to a YFC meeting. I finished my short story entry for the Fish competition and sent it off. It was a bit rushed, but not bad. I don’t think it will win anything. Yesterday I completed the St Augustine’s Christmas drama, including choice of carols and readings. I went to the Tuesday meal at the Archers’ (shepherdess pie) and allocated the key roles to David and Bridget. No messing. Dot was at a head teachers’ meeting at Trowse. Wrote a carol.

I also had my blood tested. Results will go to the hospital, and I’m hoping that the PSA level will be down. Norwich won again last night – 3-1 away at Blackpool. Strange times.

6 June 2007

Just back from a four-and-a-half-mile walk. The weather has turned cooler again, and grey overhead. Threats to rain have not materialised so far. Over the weekend it was sunny and warm, and we spent Friday and Saturday indulging ourselves with the grandchildren at their home and at Woodside Farm, a favourite spot, where Oliver steeled himself to feed the animals and succeeded! Amy dragged me into the play barn to go with her into the “scary bit”. As far as I was concerned they were all scary bits, because it was built for someone about a quarter of my size. But she needed me to, actually, so that was all right. Oliver is way beyond needing anyone to accompany him, and is on the verge of riding his bicycle without stabilisers: in fact he did a pedal or too while we were there. He also understands the difference between “need” and “want”, which is pretty amazing.

On the Saturday the Coomes came to visit, hence the picture of Phil and David. Their children are growing up fast, and Phil has reached an age we can’t mention.

Went into Bally on the Sunday afternoon (following church lunch) and stayed when Rupert had finished cleaning up from his paper-making workshop the previous day. Few visitors, and the Open Studios were not a success as far as numbers were concerned. But we produced some good work. On Sunday we meet to discuss where we go from here (after Welborne, that is).

Dot is busy working on her Oakington report, following a game of pitch-and-putt yesterday and a long session with Barbara on philosophy on Monday. I’ve had messages from various people following my unexpected appearance as poetry award-winner in the EDP Art, Antiques and Collectibles supplement. Amazing how many people read it from cover to cover.