Ah, @nicolawriting.bsky.social , such a delightful read. Beautifully written, and the exhausting research was well worth the effort. How wonderful to have such a story on your doorstep and be able to bring it, and the lovely characters, to life and make us think about how much we have lost. Bravo!

Hooray for the BBC for tonight's Countryfile which must be winding up the anti France, pro brexit lot with a programme about Kent and strong links across the channel!

Look what was waiting for me when I got back from holiday. Can't wait to start reading! @nicolawriting.bsky.social

What's the point of a cabinet reshuffle? If person x isn't doing a good job why move them elsewhere to not do a good job? If they are doing a good job, why move them when it disrupts the progress of that good work? Seems like a no win all round? BTW, most unfortunate to have lost AR, she's an asset.

Everyone needs screaming swifts sometimes. Chateau de Castelnau Bretenoux in the Dordogne, France. Absolutely joyful!

The Emperor deigned to put in an appearance this afternoon.

What are your every year must do Christmas recipes? Mine are Delia's Christmas cake, made in early November and doused regularly with brandy, and her red cabbage and apples which is currently filling the house with spicy aromas from the oven.

Anyone else watching Wolf Hall Mirror and the Light? Bloody hell it's brilliant TV. I'm exhausted from that episode! Faultless, beautifully filmed, the script is perfect and the acting completely superb. The BBC at its absolute best.

Hello. I'm another refugee from the increasing horrible other place. Ex librarian, fond of food and cooking, interested in politics, definitely"woke", although I hate the word! I enjoy walking, interested in nature, keep chickens and grow my own veg, with limited success!