The election tomorrow

Local elections tomorrow. The government is likely to be blamed for the surge in  food prices and rising inflation. Not all of the current woes can be laid at the Prime Ministers doorstep but he'll take the rap. A 'rout' is being forecast. People don't understand politics and they most certainly don't understand how Hegseths war is dislocating the economy so quickly and in such a major way. They just want to be left alone to get on with their lives - an affordable mortgage, jobs for the kids, a trip abroad every year, a health service that works and decent services for the elderly would suit them just fine. St Andrews, as befits a university town will, of course,  vote resolutely Liberal Democrat. 

The wee town is home to 10,000 students. With final exams nearing they're waking up to the fact that this is the time to knuckle under. As we head off on our morning walk a steady stream of them are heading off to the library. There is a certain 'solemnity' on their faces.

On our way back from the beach we stop at the bookstore to pick up a couple of books we've ordered. The staff in the bookstore now know us by name.

The weather is very Scottish. Warm and sunny one minute, grey and cold the next. On Monday it was in the 20's, yesterday, when Angus decided to paint a garden bench, the temperature fell into the low single digits.  The restoration of the town fountain seems to be nearing its end. The top section has been put in place. Will there be a great unveiling ceremony ?

We stop off for an espresso at one of the pavement cafes. We are the only customers.

A reminder of France for sale in one of the cafes.

We are ( slowly )  learning how to speak to whales - https://x.com/Whyman5Whyman/status/2044448771916824911

Will the roll out of AI be like the adoption of electricity ? :https://x.com/DKThomp/status/2044837052810699218

Affordability - or the lack of it . On the radio this morning a segment saying that food prices will soon be 50% higher than they were pre-Covid:https://www.cato.org/handbook-affordability/introduction

A British peculiarity. St Pauls full to commemorate Tyndall :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hfspk3qp-6w

Rebirth. At long last a decent hotel in San Francisco :https://www.thehuntingtonhotel.com/