The organist librarian

Swam 20. Liz to King's with sample. To dentist as my filling came out again. Daniel fixed it with stronger fixative and no charge! Meant I missed music but met the family there. We went back to the house for lunch and then to the park so Ciarán could try his leaner bike for the first time with his helmet on  -he did very well. It has no pedals and is made of wood. He enjoyed the slide and swings too. Hot chocolate at the cafe. Seán is smiling and looking about much more. Louise took me by car to get my new glasses which are great! Croydon Park hotel for President's dinner which was excellent - lovely pork, shellfish and puddings. Martin How and Nigel Groome were there! Garveys brought us home. But why was Ruth Eagers there? Bob left the association!

Just listening again to The Choir with Aled Jones discussing new carols. The decorations at work and home and now all up - it does take ages but looks good. I went back to see Dr Ojo and he gave my knee the all-clear. I got my spectacles fixed for £2 at Clapham Junction opticians on Monday - the lens had fallen out 3 times! Now going to work on the Holy Land blog and an article based on it.

Centre of Abu Dhabi airport I am writing this standing in Abu Dhabi airport during a 5 hour wait to get the Etihad flight back to London. We have had a wonderful time. On Monday the 8th Mark the technician kindly brought my new glasses to home at 8 p.m. and they are excellent. Tuesday Liz met me at Feltham and we parked the car and got the bus to Heathrow. I got the train to Feltham from work and we had plenty of time. The Etihad flight to Abu Dhabi was comfortable and an enormous choice of entertainment. I watched "Prince Caspian" and "Tropic of Capricorn". On arrival at Abu Dhabi after a 7 hour flight it was hot and we stayed in the airport. A pretty dull place! The flight to Joburg left on time at 1.30 p.m. and was a guarter full. we could have lain across the seats if we wished! In fact managed to nod off for a bit. We picked up the car without trouble and drove to St John's College.

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