The organist librarian

Dennis and Ann-Marie came while I was watching Dalai Lama interview and we watched Mehta conducted Vienna Phil from Schonbrunn - Nielsen, Grieg and Sibelius. I got it in the neck because i suggested Dennis might phone first if coming round. To King's a and e - all 4 of us and waited 3 and a half hours. A grim place with drunks. Doctor very good and X rayed it. No osteo arthritis or sepsis so powerful painkillers (2 lots) and home by 3 a.m. 

Spoke to Ann and they are coming to Germany next year with a week with us in July! Finished the mosaic for Alan and Ivor - it just needs grouting and I have planned out the next one. Ta'i chi and Balham library - got The Pilgrim's progress score and more India guidebooks. Wrote 1000 words on Dalai Lama and Christianity for first coursework. I was secretary at Catenian meeting. Vernon came as a result of the Addicscombe pulpit presentation so that's a start. It was a pleasant evening. Watched University challenge and Michael Wood in India and Songs of Praise. Tuesday swam 20.

Karen swopped keyboards (I had taken hers by mistake from Coulsdon) but now I don't have a music stand - Karen will look for it! Result no swim. Mosaic and Linda back from Kos. I was early and got a lot done. Ta'i chi and 2 new recruits. To Balham library and it poured! Got a book on Vaughan Williams and 2 books by the Dalai Lama. To clergy supper of Norwood and Beckenham circles. Picked up Fr Tony from East Croydon and a pleasant meal. Canon Jim Pannett spoke well. Fr Joe was there but avoided any contact with him! A good turnout. Sat with Rene Barrett.

To Houses of Parliament for launch of London Peace network Islamic/Christian. Lady on security liked my librarian tie. Met Lord Bates in the undercroft chapel which is splendid. Some excellent speakers and useful contacts. Good to see Sayed again. Coffee in the cafe and looked at the floor plaques in Westminster Hall. Moving to see where historic events happened. To Tate Modern to Edvard Munch exhibition (excellent) and the digital art project which was fun. The Tanks really are splendid and loved the Crystal Quilt by Suzanne Lacy. How true that many older women feel that nobody cares what they say or listens to them. Not impressed by Jeff Keen, Lis Rhodes or Sung Hwan Kim but liked the singing and running games in the Turbine Hall. To Imperial War museum to see Building the truce. Did a Red Cross questionnaire and met Catriona! The WWII portraits very fine and excellent display of VCs and GCs. The Holocaust display is claustrophobic and moving. Wartime family most interesting. Peace g

Swam 24 and Liz came but the water was cold and the "muzak" far too loud. To mosaic and cleaned up the mosaic and had a session of tile cutting. To St Paul's cathedral queueing in pouring rain. The Dalai Lama received the Templeton Prize which he promptly gave away $1.5 million, £900,000  to Save the children fund because of how they had helped Tibetan children, some to Mind and Life and some to Tibetans in India to study science! He said he had empty pockets - he was charming and amusing. A simple message - money does not bring happiness, love, forgiveness and compassion bring happiness. Jessye Norman sang 2 spirituals and the choir sang Hadley and Britten Jubilate. Stunning organ fanfares and Bach at the end. I was in North transept and could see the podium well and also a screen with the text from the live web cast. White scarves were given out including Andrew Carwood. I was amused at Rowan Williams not having to show a ticket. Met Michael Redman for coffee and a ch