Update

18th December

Trying to catch up. Forgot to mention Jonathan’s choir concert. Wonderful, all those young voices, singing beautifully and looking so happy. Did lots of fun things as well as the classics Jonathan started when he was seven, now he’s fourteen, his voice is deepening so he’s been moved up accordingly. All credit to their teachers!
Kay’s choir at St. Mary’s Haddington was similarily inspiring with lots of audience participation.

Didn’t go to Whitecraig.Thought better rest as going out next day. Still not feeling great Sure it’s very strong medication making me feel bad. Can’t let Ailie dpwn and enjoyed her coffee morning. Very Impressed with school (brand new building) and pupils, They had made lots of things, so Helen & I bought something from every stall. Ailie on bakery stall, singing in choir and playing recorder.There were Highland dancers and a boy was having a sponsored haircut. Margo showed me her wee office and I met some of the staff. She took her wee choir to sing in the foyer of the Festival Theatre on Wednesday afternoon as the people were going in. It was an afternoon for volunteers.

Managed to Preston Lodge in afternoon. Another great concert, though a bit different. More modern. Girls very mature! Some great instrumentalists, especially in the brass and guitar sections. Two second year boys sang “I’m a believer” and they were terrific! Reminded me of Bobby and Arthur singing “Lady Rose”. Arthur was twelve and Bobby fourteen. Girls choir did new version of “In the Bleak Midwinter” -lovely. Lots of cheery modern songs as well as the traditional ones. We were served delicious tea, given free raffle. Good to see good community relations still carrying on at PL.

Too much for me all this gadding about. Pretty useless on Friday,and tiler here for kitchen. Alex Scott took me shopping as Dick and Joyce at Bruges, then took me to his house for lunch with Rita. Rested in afternoon as choir at night.Seriously considering giving up the choir, as I don’t seem to have the strength to sing some of the anthems etc. Arthur thinks I shouldn’t decide too hastily as I may begin to feel better, but I feel if I can’t give of my best I’d rather not do it at all as I’d be letting everyone down. As I said to him I’ve been in it nearly sixty years! I would miss singing though, but “The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak” John used to tease me when I was going to choir practice. "You should be able to sing by now, all the practising you've done." he'd say. How I miss him, his love, his common sense, his strength.