Soft fruit envy.

The fresh produce on offer in London supermarkets reminds us of France. Like country bumpkins we stand silently in the aisles marveling at things that rarely, if ever, make their way (unfrozen) North of the border. If anyone has heard of a good greengrocer in Scotland please let us know.

Some of the London pubs still have their decorations up. They manage to look positively welcoming in the long winter nights.

Despite the foul weather people are still sitting outside in the evenings. The advent of the patio heater has revolutionized dining in northern latitudes. During our trip we see some - maybe a dozen in total -  folks wearing face masks. The surging flu epidemic may explain why outside seating is popular again. We're both glad we had our flu and Covid shots two months ago.

A fun book on cheese spotted in Daunts the bookseller.

For our journey back ' The Font' reads Dead Cold by T F Muir. He is our local murder mystery writer. The latest novel involves a foul ending at the local 5 star hotel. To set a murder there is improbable but entertaining. 'The Font' considers it to be 'ideal reading for the journey ' which you can interpret as you wish. Angus reads The Great Transformation which has been recommended. For the first time he can make sense of Chinas cultural revolution. That is no small feat.

Driving back from the station on our way home  the view across the Old Course to the Royal and Ancient reminds us why we sold up in London and moved to a small town on a wind swept coast. The planets were all particularly bright last night. It must have had something to do with the cold air.

Plus ca change :https://scottsumner.substack.com/p/america-in-1929

Brain size and Quokkas :https://jonn.substack.com/p/a-brief-guide-to-the-different-sorts

Los Angeles:https://holliesmckay.substack.com/p/more-than-just-things-the-deep-ache