I improved my Paxton routine by running Sam before breakfast and then some trouble getting all my tools and things together and then coping with the gardener. I
found the River Bure over the Wroxham car park and then found much of Ropes Hill Dyke and its properties under water due to the tidal surge causing Norfolk floods.
The news full of violence and deaths due to the gun antics of drug barons in London and the Tory Chancellor of the Exchequer remains determined to put VAT on fuel
Awake a little earlier after leaving the curtains open overnight and I therefore managed to walk Sam before breakfast which was a true accomplishment. Then to my office after to take advantage of the extra time to clear my desk and get up to date with bill-paying and administration. Diana was going out for the day but did my packing before she went and so I could then get on.
**"Read More" BELOW for the complete story**
Some trouble getting all my tools and things together and then coping with the gardener who is still muttering about the need to get the shredder repaired but cannot work out how to take it to Ibbetts. It was 3.00pm before I could get away and that was only just in time to miss Diana's family celebrations that had been organised for my absence. The journey went well and I had time to stop for a mug of tea and bacon sandwich at my normal roadside kiosk. It was when I was crossing over Wroxham river bridge that I became concerned as the water was still over the quay and covering the car park of the Riverside Restaurant.
Water was still on the road as I approached Horning and then I found Ropes Hill Dyke road under water together with the gardens of most of the properties. Harnser, its shed and garage were clear but the bungalow was still flooded next door. The strong wind was still from the north-west and it was this and the surging high tides that was now stopping the accumulated rainfall from getting away. At least I could get the car into the garage and give the dog a run round the garden before putting him away in his kennel for the night. This was just clear of the flood water. A time of extremes; of weather and behaviour in equal measure and nobody has seen the like of it locally.
The widow next door, Doris, was very pleased to see me having not been out in her car since the floods came. I was going to take her to Norwich in the morning as I drove to the planning meeting. The news full of violence and deaths due to the gun antics of drug barons in London and there is more foolish talk of arming the police generally which would only escalate the gun-carrying. Labour's shadow cabinet elections fail to result in more women chosen despite attempts at positive discrimination. The Chancellor of the Exchequer remains determined to put VAT on fuel and other things which will be as electorally damaging for the Conservatives as the Poll Tax was all over again.