40 days.

Todays weather forecast promises a 95%+ chance of rain and 40 mph winds. Tomorrow it shifts to a 100% likelihood of 'heavy precipitation' but winds of only 20 mph. So much for the weather fronts moving. There is something almost Biblical about 40 days solid of rain. 

In the twenty minutes that passes while we have our wet and windy morning walk the bakers display of fudge doughnuts sells completely out.

A second tray of the heart shape delights is given pride of place in the centre of the bakers window. With rampant demand like this love must be in the air.

No doubting the power of retail suggestion as we enter the supermarket. Bouquets have been carefully positioned by the front door.

Multi-coloured roses are being offered at £4 a stem. Have you ever seen anything as hideous ? They are bound to appeal to 19 year old Lotharios in search of sophistication. The dozen red roses at £15 for a dozen seem outstanding value in comparison.

Soon to celebrate its 100th birthday in New York :https://russiantearoomnyc.com/

Peru and getting blueberries in winter :https://sftw.substack.com/p/chasing-counter-seasonality

For those interested in AI this reassures about Moltbook :https://dolos.substack.com/p/benthic-cannibals-in-cyberspace

Teaching in China . A bit rambling in a Stanford sort of way but worth scrolling down to the text :https://pekinghotel.substack.com/p/when-i-taught-at-central-party-school

One of the organ scholars letting rip with this in chapel this morning. He's having great Hammer House of Horror fun with the music :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0Fj3UD8gBI&list=RDG0Fj3UD8gBI&start_radio=1