Holy Innocents

 S and B. Moved jigsaw to back bedroom. Iceland delivery. Lots of emails to clear. Christmas at Salford with Bishop John Arnold. Christmas repair shop. Quiet time. Louise and boys came at lunch time. Tom had to work. Henry arrived 3.30. We had a delicious meal of shrimps, prosecco, beef and puddings. The cracker carols were chaotic. Sang our favourite carols. Only connect with Baileys on ice delicious. Christmas university challenge. Bed at 11.30

Thursday SM, B and S. Delicious breakfast bacon rolls, avocado, smoked salmon. Annie Spain's funeral - Wagner and Strauss and Bach. Nice to be able to watch it. She was 91 - that chorus generation are all going. Louise and the boys went ice skating at Hampton Court. We very much enjoyed the Royal Institution Christmas lectures explaining at last viruses and vaccines! Sewing Bee was fun. 

Friday Lie-in SM, B and S. Can't stand ant-eye Christ is 1 John. American student at B. Fr Timothy preached yesterday, Dean Andrew spoke really well. Washing done. It was fine for a bit but not dry enough to do the leaves. We enjoyed the WMUK quiz although we got only 6 right. Christened my white ceramic 75th birthday mug with prosecco. Ordered new mattress as we get a big discount. Henry came at 8 and was asleep by 10. Christmas University challenge and Only Connect. Saw the New Year in with Baileys. Fireworks were good. 

Saturday Jan 1 2022. Nazareth walk along the Thames. Put up new calendars and Henry helped. He liked the family one. Took him home and Liz checked Clare's. Took Liz for a test as her temperature was a bit up. Archbishop Desmond Tutu's state funeral was impressive and moving. Vienna concert conducted by Barenboim who is 80 this year most enjoyable and lovely scenery and Lippizaners and dancers. Larkins at Christmas was good. 

The morning service on Radio 4 was a reflection on the life of Desmond Tutu. Nicholas Holton mentioned the dedication of a memorial at St Martin in the Field by Tutu to Steve Biko. I am sure I was there on that occasion. The Archbishop of Canterbury spoke really well.

We marked Epiphany today and sang O little one sweet. I played Buxtehude and Gade on "How brightly shines the morning star". I also played the Bach New Year preludes from Orgelbuchlein when I was practising.

Call the midwife Pottery throw down. Loved Pope Francis on Netflix Stories from a generation.

Monday S and B. Holy Name of Jesus. Menotti The Medium from Zagreb. Some strange pronunciations. Not sure the plot really works. Sucking up leaves in back garden now it is drier. 2 black bags. Some fat worms!

Salome from National Theatre decidedly odd. Vespers from Belmont. Only connect and University challenge. Chocolate competition from USA. Finished "Listen".