The organist librarian

Overslept - it was hot in the night and missing Liz. To Thornton Heath library where many of the art group turned up at 10. Did chat to Molly about joining us. Karen was there and we ended up having coffee downstairs and heard about the new 8 year contract! Labour won't be able to get out of that! There is a lovely children's library with a garden! To Farm Street to see Sr Campion. There for 2 hours and reviewed the year. Must try to get a better balance between going out and being at home! To erudite pre-Prom talk on Rosenkavalier and asked a question about early 20th century in the opera and commented on Glyndebourne's horrid sets! The performance was splendid although I did get lost in the vocal score a few times! The new torch I bought from Tescos is great. To Acton and saw Diana Mills at the bus stop. Slept in play room (no curtain) and thank goodness new sofa bed has been ordered. Big hugs from the boys (throughout the day). All look tanned from Egypt. Did you get t...

Woke at 4 a.m. so put on internet to see Barack Obama has been elected which is historic and amazing! Watched on Iplayer an excellent account of 100 years of Mills and Boon seen through 3 different stories. Spoke to Ann - they enjoyed the wedding in Tassie and Mark joined them there. He may come over here next year. To cathedral on buses for 5th session on Paul - we talked about Paul's positive view of death and keeping one's mind on heavenly things. 8 came. There were over 20 at the spirituality day to hear Canon Christopher on "Be not afraid". I was a little disappointed. He came late, did not stay for lunch, was with us for 30 minutes and then did not return for the interesting feedback session. Henrietta was late as usual and talked too much! Fr Christopher relied on personal testimony which was interesting. He listed 4 fears - physical, fear of not coming up to the mark, fear of being found out and fear of the future and death. There might be a parallel with the ...

One more thought on Lear. The removal of Gloucester's eyes is too horrible and the scene was carefully set by Cornwall which made it even worse. The excellent programme says the play is cruel to everyone including those watching it and that is right. Friday swam 30 lengths and Chinese guy I met suggested 2 more lengths of the 25 metre pool would be half a mile! To Hinsley Room to meet Sr Campion my dear spiritual director who have not seen for months. We had a useful chat about what courses I could do. Bereavement counselling is one option but becoming a spiritual director is more me we think! Lovely to see her again. To 5.30 mass and ended up serving. Bishop Longley is so nice - he had been at World youth day in Sydney. Alto lay clerk was cantor and very good too. Good to see Deacon Peter before he moves to Scotland. Watched Glagolitic Mass from proms (could not find our score) and cleared up and hoovered lounge. Mohamad leaving at work so Doris has done a nice card for him - will...