‘After all the horrible things we’ve been through,’ he said to me, ‘if I die of cancer, it will make a bad story’: Siri Hustvedt on losing Paul Auster First there was the double tragedy that tore the family apart – then came a deadly diagnosis. The writer reflects on life after the death of her novelist husband

Can this be true ? Must be painful.

"He always had at least one, often two or three, pens in the front pocket of his jeans. "

www.theguardian.com/books/2026/a...

In the View from the Spar charts, we must be in the top 10

#cumbria

If you're anything like us, in a few months you will have a boring garden. Everyone passing will say what a pity and how wonderful it was last year - and then realise you weren't weeding weeds.

news.sky.com/story/parent...

Concern grows for Suella Braverman as she completely forgets she spent nine years as part of the Conservative government, including two periods as Home Secretary, responsible for immigration.

The Schrödinger Strait joins the Gulf of America.
Only a Messiah could cause us to feel sympathy for such a repressive and misogynist regime.

There is something more generally messed up with Bluesky this morning I think.
I'm seeing very little activity, mostly no images, and links not working.
Also very very slow.

The Atmospheric Stillness of Hasui Kawase’s Summer Rain This 1932 woodblock print by Hasui Kawase, titled Summer Rain, captures a tranquil river scene in Japan during a gentle downpour. The composition is dominated by a vast, greenish-blue body of water reflecting a distant shoreline and a sailboat, while a small cluster of houseboats is moored in the foreground. A solitary figure with a blue umbrella walks along the grassy bank, adding a sense of quietude and human presence to the misty landscape.

Summer Rain - by Hasui Kawase. 1932, Japan

The scene at any event mere seconds after someone says:

"Richard would like to say a few words."

France passed a law requiring solar panels on every parking lot with more than 80 spaces.

Equals 10 nuclear reactors
Reduces heat island, shades cars

The US -- 800 million parking spaces. Most of them are uncovered asphalt sitting in direct sunlight.

Why aren't we doing this?

Wonderful blue ceiling

and a slice of daim bar cake

Finally, a good new story!

A reminder that you do not have to use Amazon to buy anything. There are plenty of alternatives.

First lamb of the year! 💚

András Schiff - Schubert - Hungarian Melody in B minor, D 817 YouTube video by Classical Vault 1

Schubert's Hungarian Melody, played by Andras Schiff, who has been refusing to return to his native Hungary under Orban (out of principle, and also b/c pro-regime elements were threatening to break his hands if he returned).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm39...

Lets hope jd vance campaigns for Reform in Britain

Much scarier than Vera

Secret Garden with David Attenborough
Nightmares tonight

or move nearer to the screen ?

On Monday, a woman posts a photo on her "supersausage_charlie" Instagram account. It shows a dog at a Holy Week event in Spain. The dog is dressed like the other religious figures at the event, which involves an all-white outfit and pointy white hat.

On Monday, a woman posts a photo on her "supersausage_charlie" Instagram account. It shows a dog at a Holy Week event in Spain. The dog is dressed like the other religious figures at the event, which involves an all-white outfit and pointy white hat. The caption reads: "Dachshund takes on Semana Santa 🐶✝️🐣 #dachshund #semanasanta #dogsofinstagram #potd #happyeaster"

On Friday, the same woman posts a photo of her dog sitting on their couch. The dog is again dressed in the same outfit. This time, they have a gold necklace with a Christian cross on his neck.

The caption for Friday's post reads: "‼️PLEASE READ‼️ For clarity: the post from a few days ago was a reference to Semana Santa, a Spanish religious and cultural tradition. It was not connected to extremism, racism, or politics in any way. This was already stated in the disclaimer, but it is clear that some either misunderstood that context or chose to ignore it. This account is a dachshund account, and it will remain a space dedicated purely to the joy, humor, and love of sharing life with my dog. Nothing beyond that. Some of the comments left under that post were deeply disturbing. Hate, racism, extremist language, and abusive behavior have no place here. They will be removed and reported immediately. I appreciate everyone who continues to engage with this page with respect, kindness, and the spirit in which it is intended. • #dachshund #semanasanta #potd #spanishtraditions #fypage"

I'm sorry, but this woman posting photos of her dog at a religious event in Spain and then having to frantically clarify a few days later at their "supersausage_charlie" Instagram account is something out of a Curb Your Enthusiasm episode.

Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms at Arakurayama Sengen Park 🌸🗻 Honestly, one of the most stunning views in Japan. So… will you come see it for yourself next cherry blossom season? 😉

Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms at Arakurayama Sengen Park 🌸🗻
Honestly, one of the most stunning views in Japan.
So… will you come see it for yourself next cherry blossom season? 😉

#MountFuji
#MtFuji
#Fujisan
#Sakura
#Japan

That's so cool, thought at first it was AI, thanks for some feel good news

Look forward to snow in Winter, not so much in Spring.
The garden is in shock – again.

Shorkk has set up a crowdfunding page for UK donations to show solidarity with Jibal, an NGO working for social and environmental justice in Lebanon.

www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/jibal-soli...

shorkk.com

I'm reading this in bed, not sure whether I admire you or pity you.

Gambling is easy, right? Wrong: it turns out betting on sport is designed to disturb you | Barney Ronay Could I turn £10 into £1,000? I thought I could but was undone by the harsh reality and lost a little bit of my soul along the way

I conquered the world of gambling:
and now you can too with my simple three and half step plan (disclaimer: plan will not, repeat not work)
www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/a...

108 hiccups
After about 50 Douglas accompanied each one with a confirmatory bark
Apparently it became quite annoying
Particularly the counting

Who among us has never taken a Fabergé egg worth £2m to the pub after a work event?

Across the country, the Lebanese Red Cross, many of whom are volunteers, need immediate support to sustain operations and respond to the growing humanitarian crisis.

#lebanon

donate.redcrossredcrescent.org/lb/supportLR...