Completing the picture started with my last post, this is Birgit’s brother Joe and his wife Ilona, on their visit to our garden last week. Have taken quite a few pictures since then, and no doubt I will catch up in due course.

These stemmed largely from our two-day ruby wedding anniversary visit to the Victoria at Holkham. But before that we renewed our vows in the old church at St Augustine’s – open because it was also the day of the medieval fair. We also supplied the music for the service, after which Annette V had laid on some ruby sparkling wine for a toast, plus petal confetti! She also supplied red roses for the church. I had to make an impromptu speech, which I’m not good at (I need notice of these things), but it was a memorable and lovely occasion. Afterwards we bought a couple of beefburgers from the “medieval” barbecue to keep us going until our celebration meal at Holkham.

We were in the Stone Room, with a huge double bed, and an outlook on to the courtyard, which meant it was quite noisy late in the evening. Because it was so hot, we needed to have the windows open, so I was kept awake by the huge hotel fridge buzzing away outside. Before the meal, however, we walked up into Holkham park and saw some deer. The meal itself was outstanding: I had one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. We also had a glass of champagne each and an excellent bottle of Pinotage. There was also a surprise – a strange coincidence – our friend Stephanie was having a meal there at the same time with some friends. What are the chances of that?

After the high point of the delicious meal, things went rather downhill when I couldn’t sleep, and then the urine infection that had been sort of threatening for over a week (I wasn’t sure that’s what it was) suddenly got so much worse that I had to ring for an appointment at Wells Health Centre on the Monday morning. I saw the nurse (Sam), and she referred me to the doctor, both of whom were really pleasant and concerned. They gave me some antibiotics, which seemed to be making inroads at first, but as I write still haven’t made a huge impact. Dot wanted to go down to Holkham beach and get in the water, and I initially felt well enough for this, though it’s quite a trek. However, we had to rush back prematurely, though Dot did make it into the water.

I then spent quite a bit of time lying on the bed while Dot walked to the local cafe and had a cup of tea. I felt better enough to pop into a couple of the local shops with her, and we then drove into Wells to get some of the famous French’s fish and chips. which were delicious. Surprisingly, I felt much better doing this – and then sitting by the quay reading – than I had done in the hotel room. I felt the antibiotics were working, but the night was really bad, with visit to the loo necessary every hour. (Even worse last night.) Again in the morning and out of bed I felt much better, and after breakfast we drove to Brancaster and spent a couple of delightful hours on the beach. I took some photographs and read, and Dot went into the sea again.

Afterwards we drove home via Holkham Park, which we have earmarked to show to Dave and Julia next year. Magnificently set out; very striking. Then on to Walsingham, where we stocked up in the upmarket farm shop and then had a cup of tea round the corner in some very modern tea rooms: less than £5 for tea and cake for two. There had been thunderstorms overnight, but it had reverted to the same warm and dry weather during the day, though it was a little windier. In the evening the ten-strong Tuesday Group ate in the garden before adjourning upstairs to talk about prayer. Warm and dry again today.

While in Wells and awaiting my health centre appointment we called in at Big Blue Sky, and I left my poetry book for them to consider selling. When we got home there was a call waiting for us expressing interest. I’ve tried to ring back, but unsuccessfully so far.