The organist librarian

Delayed as bathroom in use. This place really is a dingy dump. Went with Claire, Owen, Ann and Paul to the Pug and pastry for delicious berry and lemon curd oatcakes. Enjoyed chatting to Owen who smiles and tries to turn over. paul scanned photos and we all enjoyed looking at photo albums. I finished Dad's book apart from the missing sections. After Claire had gone went swimming but my knee played up so only did 10. Sun in my eyes too. After dinner Lauren and Andy came good chat. I went to the shops with Ann a rare opportunity for a quiet chat. It has been most enjoyable but sometimes too many conversations going on! We later heard that Lauren and Andy are engaged! 

Tuesday we went to Taronga Park zoo on the ferry. It turned out to be a lovely day. We saw reptiles including a snake being handled, giraffes, baby elephants from Thailand and an elephant play show, Liz saw a gorilla baby. Binturong, deer, got the little train to see Tasmanian devils, platypus, wombat and nocturnal animals like echidna. To St Mary's cathedral for sung Mass by the boys and saw Thomas Wilson. He had been in Bunbury for opening of the new cathedral. Clare cooked. Wednesday to Manly after I had a swim and Liz went shopping. Had Copenhagen icecream and came back on the ferry. Ann met us at St James King Street for evensong sung by the St Mary's boys. They did well. To Circular Quay for meal with Thomas and met Mark Fisher at the opera house stage door. Took us up into the organ which is the largest mechanical action organ in the world. I played 3 pieces including Dad's march. Mark knew Mum and Dad. Thomas played Bach, Gershwin and Widor Toccata. Went right up i...

Wednesday to osteopath and 3 students this time who worked on my left shoulder as I have no discomfort in side or back. They were impressed at my promming and swimming! Came home and Lauren had prepared nice BBQ with lots to eat. She ws having a quiet day and the new router meant she could use her laptop downstairs. Tried to use laptop to download music without success. To St John's to put pot of orange begonias with message for Mum and Dad's 2nd anniversary. Spoke to Ann and Dennis. Ann had been to Christ Church St Lawrence with Snowy and they had marked the first anniversary with Bairstow just as I did! Mum and Dad were prayed for and the priests remembered Ann. To Westminster Cathedral for organ recital by John Scott on sparkling form. De Grigny, Durufle, Alain and Eschaich all worth hearing but not Messiaen. It seems I am not alone on this one! Met Martin Ball, Adrian, Arnfinn (soon to compete in Montreal), Isabella, David just arrived from Dublin, Martin Baker. It was a go...

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...