The Silver Sword is the first book I read at school that had a massive impact on me and it’s remained one of my favourites since.

Salford is 100 today! I grew up feeling ashamed and embarrassed about where I came from but now I feel so proud when I think of all the magnificent art and music and writing the city has produced. Well overdue a visit.

If it’s making you feel sad, you’re not being silly. Your feelings are valid.

I miss that place in Leytonstone. Nothing will ever top that for me.

At the weekend I ate in an Indian restaurant for the first time in easily twenty years and it’s a bit sad I felt like I was in a movie because I associate the entire experience with something I usually only see on telly. It was glorious and delicious and exciting.

You can vent to me!

Thank you!

There’s a Pro version now! I love this one though. It’s so light and really does keep you in the moment.

Cherry blossom taken on Camp Snap Camera

Tortoiseshell cat taken on Camp Snap Camera

Tortoiseshell cat taken on Camp Snap Camera

Cherry blossom taken on Camp Snap Camera

Delighted how the Ultra Camp Snap filter picked up the pink of the cherry blossom and the ginger in the overly-affectionate cat’s tortoiseshell fur.

You absolutely must!

Turret Gateway, Leicester

Richard III, Leicester

Enticed to visit Leicester by Athelstan George Blagden) suffering and singing songs in an Argentinian prison (Kiss of The Spider Woman) and it was a treat. The historical parts of Leicester are nice, and there’s lots of blossom.

Black and white cat sitting on a pink cat tree, taken with a Camp Snap screen-free digital camera.

Feef approves of the Camp Snap disposable camera vibes 💖

I hope you’re both having the most wonderful day. Happy birthday wishes to her!

“It's almost like stealing people's data and giving it to a hyper-intelligent AI as part of an unregulated tech monopoly was a bad thing.”

The Mitchells vs the Machines was a lot more enjoyable than I expected it to be. Gorgeous animation, and Olivia Colman!

🥹

Reinvigorating stroll in the local woods, the cure I didn’t realise I needed.

He is precious!

Addictive! Pom Bears are a good enough substitute but I’d much rather have these.

“That bridge”, LOL.

I’m sure that was also the night (early morning) I got stuck on Nelson’s Column.

LJ entry from July 2004

We decided to walk back to Victoria from TCR. I’d never seen the Houses of Parliament and all that before. Then we came to that bridge Cillian Murphy walks over at the beginning of 28 Days Later, and there wasn’t any traffic on the roads. Of course ”HELLO” had to be shouted.

Zoe Graham’s album “Tent” on vinyl.

Zoe Graham is such a delight. All this talent coming out of Scotland! Go listen to “Good Girl” and “Evilin”, and then the rest of the album whilst you’re there.

That’s how I feel about everything I do in life.

We’ve started S2 of The Night Manager and are disappointed Pine’s new alias isn’t Johnny Bonsai.

Far From the Madding Crowd!

My mum’s first time in Scotland, and the weather was perfect.

Finished Cuckoo (watched for Esther Smith) and the best line is easily: “there’s nothing wrong with you, Steve. You’re one of Jim Henson’s most realistic creations.”

Rookie error!

All the good stuff. This is why I’ve closely followed your recommendations for years.

Black and white cat wearing a blue bow at Tabby Teas Cat Cafe in Sheffield.

Black cat wearing a red bow at Tabby Teas Cat Cafe in Sheffield.

The cats at Tabby Teas in Sheffield are beautiful in every way. Their bows!