The organist librarian

The provincial weekend came to its conclusion in triumph. Saturday to Osborne House on a  lovely morning sea very calm. toured the house which is hardly cosy then bus to beach where ai sketched yachts then walk to Swiss Cottage and bus back several Catenians went. Swam twice. The dinner dance was excellent. Michael and Janice Douse were great company and the Grumiitts came. Excellent band and dancing. Bed at midnight. Sunday no swm pancakes for breakfast. Quarr and saw Fr Gregiry  70 hosts. Played organ and all went well although Fr disappeared before the psalm to put the sound system on. Hard to hear him. To Albert Cottage exc roast beef lunch and people leaving to get ferrires. To Ventnor tropical garden hottest garden in Britain. Giant water lily in bloom. Champagne with Denise as we reunited her with her bag. Dinner and chat, bit of Poldark. 

We jump ahead to the present. We travelled to Portsmouth yesterday leaving at 8.40. Following the satnav was not great as we ended up via Colliers Wood and our usual Martin Way would probably have been quicker. When we got to Portsmouth RC cathedral time was wasted as we parked some short distance away,then had to find the parish office which is not properly signposted then could not work out how to get the organ on.We got separated at the loos which wasn't good either.Anyway I did play the fine Wells organ for about 10 minutes and we got the noon ferry and met Brian Daley on board. To Quarr for midday prayer the monks not on the same note and practised organ and psalm.Got beer from shop and guidebooks at a reduced rate also chatted to the portrait artist displaying her wares.Shopped for cakes and got to Channel View in time for a swim. Several have come early.Nice dinner and to our room which has stunning views both sides.Watched The Apprentice. Friday after breakfast blew up bal...