The Valentines Haggis.

After a brief spell of sunshine the rain has returned. We wake to find scudding clouds and a strong Siberian wind rattling the gutters and downpipes . This wet weather isn't just impacting Scotland. In parts of England two thirds of Februarys average rainfall has fallen in the first week of the month. The farmer tells us this is the wettest start to the year in these parts since 2016.

The hyacinths in the window of the house by the Sports Bar are now past their best. Inside the large wooden table is piled high with essays waiting to be marked and paperwork to be filed. There's something of the absent minded professor about this never changing tableau.

Down on the shore mechanical diggers are trundling slowly backwards and forwards through the surf. The process of redistributing the sand and repairing the storm damage will take weeks. What a cold and tedious job.

A Valentines Day Haggis wrapped in red paper is nestled at the back of the butchers window. 'The Font' observes that Frenchmen may think they're the worlds greatest Romeos but nothing shouts out amour like a Scotsman bearing a rose festooned Haggis. 

Raised tail gates on the cars parked along the shopping street reveal dog owners removing the sand from their pooches coats. A daily post beach ritual that's so commonplace we usually don't notice it.

Tasting menus seem to have conquered the universe. A very few are good. The majority are mediocre and hostage to the chefs talent ... or lack of it. Amorous students can celebrate Valentines Day for £69.00 ( wine pairing included )  in the local hotels. We wonder how many make use of the overnight stay option.

How the Mediterranean happened :https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/physical-world/2026/case-against-zanclean-megaflood-filling-mediterranean

A newly discovered dinosaur with unusual features :https://connectsci.au/news/news-parent/7809/Spiky-dinosaur-from-China-rewrites-the-script?searchresult=1

More about the secrets of the human mind :https://psyche.co/ideas/spirituality-cant-be-reduced-to-whats-happening-in-the-brain

There are things to buy in Kyoto that you can't but anywhere else :https://bigthinkmedia.substack.com/p/how-a-small-shop-in-kyoto-connects

The Danes are still exceedingly angry. This may be an example of Danish humour. The two youngest look bored :https://x.com/RasmusJarlov/status/2021184890310480067