Sunday 15th March 2020

Sunday, and there is no football to watch.

There won't be football for at least two more weekends, but the reality is there will be none for months to come.

So at least we won't have to talk about the latest disappointment regarding Norwich's performace over the weekend. What se could say is that Norwich did not lose over the weekend, and we will take that positive outcome into the next postponed game.

Best do some phys, then cook bacon butties. Because, Sunday.

And in a surprise move, we had something to do.

My good friend, NZ Tony, let me know that a Royal Navy frigate, HMS Kent was coming into port and was available for the public to look round. Sounded interesting, so I got tickets for Jools and I. Although we didn't really think the event would be held with the ongoing chaos of the coronavirus.

But it did, or we got no notification that is wouldn't. So, at twenty to nine we left in the Corsa to drive to the Western Docks to the cruise terminal, what was the old Marine Station, to be checked in for the visit.

Our tour was to begin at twenty past, with the first one starting at nine. But as nine approached, the line had not moved, and people for later and later tours began to arrive. We had to have our tickets scanned, then go through an airport-style scanner and be frisked, apply sanitiser at regular intervals, and then, we were allowed onto the quayside and then to the boat. Sorry, ship.

We walk to the gangway, leading down at an angle of 60% due to the low tide, it was quite some climb down and the wet metal and wooden steps. But we got down safe.

From there we walk along the starboard side of the ship, looing at vents, missle launchers and the turret gun on the fordeck. We were in a long line of people, but were able to see and take photos.

Kids are thrilled, and some of the sailors look little more than kids themselves, including one of the junior officers. But hey, all seem to get younger as we get older.

Down the port side, where kids could climb in the RiB boat, we pass on that. Same on the aft deck where a helicopter is there for inspection. Again kids could climb in for photos, but we pass.

I take lots of shots, some of the signs around the ship warning of unexpected launches of misiles or the tracking and firing of the for gun.

And that was that.

Back on the quay, we bump into one of Jools' cousins who was working on security. We chat for twenty minutes about family nes and so on, and I learn more about the family going back to the 70s when both of them were kids.

And so back home, just along Townwall Street then up Jubilee Way. Traffic was so light it was barely there, so we got home soon enough. Time for a brew, followed soon after by lunch of rolls.

The weather was good enough to allow work outside, so Jools did the garden, and after a while I prepared dinner. Mixed up the batter for Yorkshire puddings, boiled potatoes, and at four began to cook the small rack of lamb.

It all came together fine at fice, and along with a jug of home made cheese sauce and a bottle of pink fizz, was splendid. Daniel adcliffe was on Desert Island Discs as we ate, after which we slouched out due to it all being too nice to leave any.

We tidy up, Jools makes her lunches for the week, and to round off the day we play Uckers, which I win, just, so honour is restored. The last hour was to be spent reading in bed, but Scully was unhappy at me laying on my back rather than my side, so I switch the light out and turn over. Scully snuggles up and she is soon gently snoring.

Life with cats.