The organist librarian

Back to swmming. Returned scores to CML and did some welcoming at the cathedral but I had to give in as my right knee was playing up. Early at the hall and it was cold and damp. No talk to go to - ticket only quiz. Berln Philharmonic with Rattle Mahler 7 amazing, Boulez Eclat autograph score which I managed to follow most of the time! Home to listen to late prom. Elliot Carter and Boulez with scores but neither appealed! 

Swam 20.  Lovely Nielsen and Mozart from Northern Sinfonia wind ensemble. Sat next too aena prommer of 23 years and briefly saw Simon Surtees and Mary Smith. Mosaic going well but now need to buy glass tiles. Tried to get battery for smoke alarm - no luck so far. To see Dr Ojo. Keep an eye on knee, bloodtest as prostate needs checking and prescription for malaria tablets. Delicious pasta with butter. Talk on film music with Stephen Price. First half of Prom awful, Boulez too loud and scores impossible to follow. New violin concerto notmuch better. Planets god but choir too loud. 

Up in good time for 8.12 a.m. and rang our bells. Gloriana looked great with the flame on TV. Later on the BBC asked if they could use the film! Watched Beethoven 5 from prom and listened to last night's prom Beethoven piano quintet but gave up on the Boulez despite having the score. Watched King Richard II beautifully done on Iplayer.

Tuesday we were late getting away and held up waiting for trains and buses so got to the Hall at 6.45 5 minutes after the 20 minute deadline so joined the day queue. Nearly at the door and told gallery was full and we should buy a £5 day ticket for the arena. I was furious especially at the patronising way the steward spoke to me about the ticket being good value. The principle holds that we paid to attend the concert. Stormed to the front door and Linda was on duty. She put us in the arena foyer for Beethoven 8 and then in the arena which was very full. We endured the Boulez Anthemes 2 played by Michael Barenboim and electronics and decided to go to Acton and not bother with Beethoven 7 or the late prom, Wednesday took Ciarán to Dukes Meadow and it was so hot. He was sick but soon recovered and loved the sandpit and the paddling pool. Ice cream and then he climbed in the buggy and went to sleep! Portugal has clearly helped his confidence in the water. Paddling pool in back garden. A l...

Spoke to Ann. After a damp August this was the sunniest day we had had for some time. To New Addington to see Mr Shannon the optician who has looked after us all for many years. I am to have new glasses costing over £400. I get the eye test free on NHS once every 2 years so no need to claim from the council. Present glasses have lasted since 2000! He was delighted to see the wedding photos. With Liz to Iceland and then to St Edmund's Beckenham to play the brand new Wyvern organ which is splendid and it passed the Howells Saraband for the morning of Easter test with flying colours. Pity there is no 8 foot reed on pedal but 3 manuals and plenty to choose from. Played pieces on "Veni creator" and finished with Suite Gothique of Boellmann. Picnic lunch in garden. Watched HDD from Proms - Boulez conducting Janacek Sinfonietta, Barenboim conducting Brahms 4, interesting programme on bones and muscles (Dr Alice Roberts). To town early to get phone extension checked. Victoria cam...