The organist librarian

When I went to the open garden at Burbage Road the lady serving tea greeted me by name and I did not at first recognise her. It was Cindy Kennett who used to sing in the chorus. Of course her hair has changed! She said Janet her great friend has alzheimer's in Nottingham. I met her sister (whose house it was) and the wife of Aziz who sang bass. Small world! It wasn't long before the name of Giulini was mentioned! Funeral went well. If I had known Jill was a ballet teacher I might have played something different! Finished with CD of The Swan. Jeremy Lloyd played well at Cornhill especially the Elgar! To Forest Hill to see Ros and quiet time at St John's. Now catching up on Planet Child. Buckingham Palace and Victoria and Albert's influence on British music. Liz arrived. Tuesday swam and saw the manager. Henry played happily in the garden. Poulenc Dialogues of the Carmelites from the Met overwhelming and very moving. So relevant to today. Wonderful singing and the orche

I did not go to Hurtado centre but took the decorations off the tree and packed it all away. The small tree and crib stay up until Candelmass. Caught up on TV - carols from King's and a survey of the 50 years of the TV programme also the 1954 broadcast with plummy posh accents. Midnight from Arundel and the cathedral on radio and the Queen's garden with Alan Titchmarsh. To vespers and Mass for Baptism of the Lord. Programme on Hampton Court and the christening of Edward VI.

Programme on the Queen's garden by Alan Titchmarsh.

Spoke to Dennis and Ann Marie and Ann on Skype. They had been to Taronga Zoo and on the ferry, also St John's Glebe and Christ Church St Laurence. Still no plaques for Mum and Dad after 3 years! Planning the weekend. Haircut. Took Josie and Grandma to Buckingham Palace. Once again the disabled facilities were excellent with a new lift and garden cafe. Liked the special exhibition about the Queen's tours and gifts - some wonderful dresses and her own orders. To Victoria to get battery for Liz's swatch and then to National gallery but it is now open late on Fridays instead of Wednesdays! To the cathedral for David Sanger's interesting recital and a bigger audience. Saint-Saens, Karg-Elert, Vierne, Martin Passacaille, Seth Bingham. On way home listened to Strauss Symphonia domestica with score but train very noisy and reception poor. Watched Tudors part 1 and Barenboim conducting East West divan orchestra at proms in Liszt Les Preludes and Wagner Tristan prelude and liebes

On Monday Lauren arrived on standby flight from Sydney and her case came the following day! It is 4 years since she stayed here! Watched University challenge and fell asleep. In fact slept so well missed my swim. Interviews for SAturday adn weekend essistants - impressed by 16 year olds but sad about Darcy who has lost confidence as a result of being knifed while trying to break up a fight. Hope to employ 4 of them. Barbara Costanzo interviewed with me. I went to tai chi and felt fine. However on Tuesday the pain in my left side returned. Watched Maestro and again impressed by Goldie. David Soul was eliminated. Chat to Daniel on Facebook. Wednesday swam 22 lengths. By car to Buckingham Palace with Grandma and Lauren. All well-organised with wheelchair access. Most impressed by the audio guide and the Vermeer and Rembrandts. The state banquet wonderful! Tea in the garden and chatted to a staff member who sings in the Bach Choir and visited Sydney. Dropped off at British school of osteop