If your life needs more orange chairs just putting this out there - got one a couple of weeks ago- it's super comfortable! www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/dyvl...

Ah wow- how did last night compare to previous ones? We saw them at on blackheath 10 years or so ago - I loved them in my youth but had never seen them live until then. His voice sounds so good live - even better than recorded i think.

Ha, it was excellent! Only the second time I've seen them live - really enjoyed it!

James live at the 02. Very good- Tim Booths voice is magnificent! Great evening!

A bit of pre concert prep- very excited to be going to hear James tonight at the 02

Ah, she is great! Also highly recommend the standalone Wych Elm which i heard her talk about at waterstones piccadilly soon after it came out.

No, this was my first of his- we've got Tokyo story on the shelves but I'm certainly tempted to try more

Yes, he's a great character. I also loved the small points of detail- the food and drink descriptions, and the night sleeper trains

Read this several weeks ago - so I was interested to read your take on it. I found it quite a slow burner- but like you found the insight into post war Japan fascinating

There was even a rare fleeting moment of respect from my kids (as we listened at the dinner table!) when my comment comparing Fitzgerald's depiction of children to Elizabeth Taylor was mentioned! They also enjoyed Nicky's f-bomb!

Brilliant @backlisted.bsky.social live last night discussing Offshore. So interesting to revisit this book - one of the best examples I've come across for the merits of rereading- I enjoyed this first time round 10 years ago, but loved it on reread. Fascinating discussion and input from listeners!

Fascinating white burgundy match up for lunch - quiche Lorraine. The chablis is really hitting its stride- definitely drank the first bottles too young. The pouilly was magnificent.

Had an unfortunate accident with a full bottle of pomegranate molasses leaping from the fridge door - properly looked like there had been a murder!

That's a nice line up but surely no real competition - if they have landlord on tap that will be my choice!

Blood orange margarita! Delicious! Recipe from Diffords (tequila, triple sec, campari, blood orange and lime juice, agave syrup)

I'm holding out for the 17th century.

Thanks to @iammilliam.bsky.social for the recommendation of Edge of Darkness on the iplayer. V good, but gosh that was bleak! Might have to read where the wind blows or the death of grass to cheer myself up now!!

Our pyracantha bushes remain covered in berries, which would never normally be the case at this time of year.

Currently listening- the small pipes of Northumbria by Wild Hills O'Wannie - this is brilliant- proper charity shop gold!

First rhubarb picking of the season!

A tale of two books. The Briggs was melancholy, beautifully observed, with moments of real humour. The less said about the Amis the better - it's the first of his lesser works I've actually given up on. But still I persist with him- when he is good he is so good (Lucky Jim, Ending Up).

A sherry evening- followed by a bottle of port! The Taylors was in great shape - amazingly fresh and youthful for something made 57 years ago (and with a dodgy cork!). The standout for me was the amontillardo however- amazing stuff served with an array of tapas.

Lost Doctor Who and the Daleks episodes discovered in 'ramshackle' collection The Doctor's assistant Peter Purves was invited to a screening of the episodes in Leicester.

Wow! Lost Dalek Masterplan episodes found! Here's a story to brighten your day whatever other rubbish may be going on. And a great quote from Peter Purves - "my flabber has never been so gasted". www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Ha, we have chickens but they are firmly contained (due to foxes)- but would definitely be trying given the chance. Owls hooting definitely rivals the frog mating croaks for spring joy!

A bit of sunshine and a hint of spring definitely helps. Birdsong, lighter mornings, frog orgies in the pond.

Oh for the days when the children were of an age where you could get several days entertainment out of a good box!

I did a reread of his earlier works last year, and couldn't agree more. I thought A call for the dead (#1) and this were excellent - really surprised me- and actually on reread i think better books than some of the more acclaimed later works (such as Honourable Schoolboy, which i struggled with

Nice to see a beautiful Great Crested Grebe on the walk in to the office this morning - near South Quay Canary Wharf

I had one memorable holiday on the suffolk coast where a massive flock (thousands) of Barnacle Geese did the most amazing murmuration every night- it was SO loud - but one of the coolest things! I'm not sure about their social media etiquette however.

Yes, definitely one of the better alternative history efforts. His stuff is generally quite underrated- I'm a big fan of his Bernie Samson books.