Look and smile

The name Travis Kelce suddenly being bandied about on the radio and television . It would seem that we are among a disinterested few who have never heard of him. Presidents Xi and Putin are set to meet with Prime Minister Modi. Guess that's a trilateral summit but not the one people had been hoping for. 

The news this morning also informs us that Sebastien Lecornu is set to be the next French Prime Minister. The news reader suggests that France faces a 'turbulent' two weeks ahead. You can be sure passions in the small French village where we used to live are running high. The phrase ' Bloquons tout ' pretty much sums up the mindset of our former neighbours.

In Edinburgh a sand sculpture of two dogs is a brilliant way for a Syrian gentleman to earn a little money. Does he bring the sand to work with him ? Does he sweep it up from the pavement at night ? The two dogs are cleverly crafted. Every so often he sprays them with water to stop the sand from cracking.  I've never seen sand sculptures in the middle of a town before. The psychology is interesting. People who would ordinarily rush past look at the dogs and smile and chat.

Into the tailors to pick up some shirts.

The shop has been busy with visitors popping in during the festival in order to stock up on the 'British' look. Even retired employees have been asked if they'd like to come back to work for the month of August. Tartan trews are completely sold out - the Hunting Stewarts were the first to go. Now the Festivals finished the customers have gone and the staff are exhausted. In fact everyone in Edinburgh looks exhausted.

The framer thinks keeping it simple is the best way to go. I agree. The whole process of choosing and paying the deposit takes five minutes. The pictures will be ready in three weeks.

On the way up the hill towards the station there's an exhibition of photos. The sheep are particularly Scottish. My favourite is the happy looking ewe on the second row, in the middle :https://www.instagram.com/markbowmanphotography/

The trains run on time so I'm back at home by a little after noon . The trip into Edinburgh and back has taken just a little over four hours door to door. Outside the house we're greeted by a wonderful double rainbow. It lasts all of two minutes and is gone. 

Almost all the bales in the neighbouring fields have been collected and stored. A start has been made on the potato harvest but the machine that digs up the tubers  has joined the combine harvester in proving to be 'temperamental'. The farmer and half a dozen farm hands are standing round it looking glum. They're waiting for a part from the dealership in Cupar. The farmer, it has to be said, looks glummer than he did when we left.

Last night we watch Thursday Murder Club on Netflix. One of those peculiarly English crime dramas where some comedically doughty pensioners solve a gory case that the Police can't. A pugilistic Pierce Brosnan was outshone by the rest of the cast . An entertaining 2 hours that scores 6/10 or maybe 7/10 if you want to be charitable. It has a more coherent plot line than most in this genre and will be a huge success.

This is apparently a thing :https://www.nationalgeographic.com/history/article/renaissance-fair-origins-elizabethan-theater

Two fun places for a snack in Edinburgh :https://www.one-20.co.uk/food-menus/  and https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Artisan-Pasta-Maker/100064583896630/