I’ve just realised it’s October 29 and not October 30, which means I have an extra day. Don’t know how that happened. Today has been one of those glorious autumn days that you want to last for ever – warm, but not too warm, absolutely still, blue sky, lovely autumn colours in the trees, everyone smiling. Dot had to get up early and go to the doctor’s, so when she returned we decided to go for a morning walk. I decided on Shotesham, because it had been recommended by Joy, a poet who I correspond with. We parked by the ruined church (St Martin’s) and had a quick look, staying safely clear of possible falling masonry (warning signs abound), then walked over to Shotesham St Mary Church and had a look inside. Amazing how all churches smell the same. This church is away from the main village but next to Shotesham Hall, which has a moat but is private. We walked along some footpaths along high ground – for Norfolk– saw a heron in flight and some geese around a pond, then emerged on to the Stoke Road. Walked back by quiet roads – a total of about 2-3 miles. Many pheasants around (we took a detour through part of a wood). After picking up the car we drove down to Shotesham Ford and took a few more pictures. Tried to catch a falling leaf, but failed.

Back at the house I finished a story I’ve been writing for Oliver for Christmas. Now have to get it printed in an acceptable form, though I guess he won’t need so many pictures now that he can read really well. Actually have two stories for him – discovered an earlier one not long ago, called Little and the Piece of Cake. Dot is feeling much better during the day, but coughs a lot at night. Needless to say, the doctor didn’t give her anything for it. She and Barbara are going to London on Monday to present their ideas to what sounds like quite a high-powered educational group. They are being fed, and their expenses are being paid. Only problem is that it’s at the end of a day when Dot and Sue will have been deliveriig Philosophy for Children to a school in south Norfolk. She will be feeling a mite tired at the end of it all, so I hope she recovers quickly from her current ailment.