Cruise part 2

 Tuesday tai chi. Tender to Dun Loughaire then train to Connolly station signs very poor. Eventually got train then bus - driver said don't take card and elderly don't pay. Got to florist whuch turned out to be a private house. The neighbour very kindly took us to a new Tescos where we bought flowers, coffee and sandwich. Uber to cemetery where council man rand up and we found the grave of Joe and Breda. Taxi back to Tescos and he gave us some euros to pay for the bus. Then two trains took 2 and half hours. Spa, Dutch dinner, orange night was great fun. Spoke to the captain. I danced! 

Wed Cobh. Taxi to Fota. Uber drove off and the driver could not take card so did not charge! Huge grounds and no map so ended up having to retrace steps in walled garden and no seats. Victorian garden is lovely and there are seats there. Tea then tour of house. Kitchen most interesting. Bath and toilet not convenient at all! REceptionist was os helpful getting the taxi to come to the front door! Spa. Vivace Mozart and Latin. Pinnacle grill exc steak and huge baked alaska. Show very good but we both dropped off!musicals 

Thursday at sea Last tai chi.Liona said I was doing very well. Exc presentation about a city on the sea and what goes on behind the scenes. Spa. Rest after lunch. Trying to finish Helen Macdonald book Vesper flights from ship library. Vivace Schumann. Jorge played Bach cello suite and my request Salut d'amour which I filmed. Stephen Garcia very funny. We have booked April cruise on 8th deck so near to spa. Packed so much more to get in! 

Friday breakfast upstairs taxi driver was at taxi stand and eventually got him to drive to us! Caught train and had assistance. On the journey posted photos on facebook but later removed Dublin one as AM objected. Reese still working on bathroom which looks great! In fact the finished the next day Saturday. 

What thoughts after the cruise? The kindness of strangers, the warm welcome of all the crew, the comfort and rest, fascinating encounters (so many so unhappy about Trump) wonderful views and moving experiences especially Titanic and Britannia. We’re booked for April to Lisbon, Funchal and Morocco! And we return home to a beautiful new bathroom (bath removed and new units)

Mass at Anerley. Excellent fundraising dinner at UNACC with Martin Freeman Croydon’s Frank Sinatra.

At Beckenham Methodist farewell to Duncan and Laura Macbain who are moving to Broadstairs. I played Sheep may safely graze, Dad’s voluntary on Ar hyd y nos, Thiman Dorian pastorale and Finlandia. The Bach and Sibelius were favourites of Vi and Brien Liz’s Mum and Dad. Very nice summer party at SJ and Henry and family came.

On Monday I watched the moving livestream of Gus Mills funeral - he was remarkable.To our first Prom Edward Gardner conducting LPO with Louise Alder. The first piece was wierd. Songs of the Auvergne beautifully sung. An Alpine symphony was most impressive. We had a great view of conductor and organist. We were moved to a box.

Tuesday to Hassocks for the celebration of Julie Smith’s life in a lovely house Danny’s where she lived. The 4 children all gave moving tributes and the music was great! Julie taught me to swim. Lovely to see Nina again. Fr John was very good. On way home to B and Q Crawley.

Wed met Louise and Sean at Clapham Junction. Sean was great washing the walls of the hall and putting all the pictures up. Have seen First night.

Thursday To Guys and a lot of help to improve the hearing aids. To Zurbaran at the National Gallery which is superb. How nice to be greeted by Louise from the Nazareth community! It’s good that most of the pictures are big so all can see them. Jeff changed his chat so went to DIY shop in South Norwood. To Dulwich gallery friends view of Portrait of a great city. Photographs never appeal as much as paintings but there are some fine images. Good to chat to Jennifer Scott and meet old and new friends. Prom Elgar 1.

Friday to Unacc. Louise came and took the cupboard back to IKEA. Sean has been great! Fixed two picture frames and stuck plate back together again. To Dunelm. Prom Schumann 4. Louise on the Piano but did not spot her! Caught up on diary.

Sat SM from Bose. To Beck M to practise and shopping at Marks. Hot again. I was disappointed this week when I replied to an email to play tomorrow and was told it had been filled but the advert was still saying open! No apology having asked me to play!