A smile that's infectious.

It remains miserably wet although not as cold as it has been. In weather like this the students, sensibly, opt to lie in. Parking this morning is a doddle. The days are also getting longer. By eight am the daylight has almost started. 

The Lemon 'Love'  Sponge reappears in the bakers window. Perhaps a homewards bound church goer will pick it up after the morning service ?

An old fashioned Tallow Soap display at the farm shop Lavender Honey and Wildflower and Barley are among the scents on offer. These will be popular with the locals.

Dancing Westie shortbread tins in the souvenir shop nest to Starbucks.  If I had to buy a tin of shortbread this would be the one I'd opt for. The souvenir shops are a constant source of surprise. Who dreams these things up ?

Have started to read this. It's had  good reviews:https://www.charlesglass.net/a-history-of-modern-syria-the-people-at-the-heart-of-their-own-story/ A young Down Syndrome lady does the super early morning shift at the booksellers. She has a cheerfully efficient air and has a smile that's infectious.

Shakespeare never grows old. The most brilliant thing seen this week ( and possibly this year so far ). The Irish accent helps :https://substack.com/@augmentedman/note/c-203839810

The Maxwell Quartet were in town to give a concert and then spent Saturday doing  'Master Class' sessions with the students. This little piece was never so beautifully played :https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=OxxNPuFuMMM

Channeling our Quiet Eye:https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/quiet-eye-training/

What is going on in China ? :https://trackingpeoplesdaily.substack.com/p/pla-daily-editorial-on-purge-of-zhang

How bakers cope with 3am shifts :https://cakezine.substack.com/p/how-bakers-survive-winter-mornings