This is my blood

Favourite books of 2025. Sarah Moss's Signs for Lost Children was utterly superb, so beautifully imagined and written. Clare Keegan's Foster made me blub just as much as the film (the Quiet Girl) did. Special mention for AS Byatt's Frederica Quartet, re-read for the third or fourth time.

Well, not a surprise to me, my top podcasts of the year @ppfideas.bsky.social @lrb.co.uk @nedboulting.bsky.social

the Lord is my shepherd, He shaves my entire body to make sweaters

Walking from Edale to Marple Bridge I happened upon the Thornsett Brewery. Not much more than a shed with some picnic tables, but the Amarillo went down nicely. Finished at the excellent Northumberland Arms with a pint of Sonoma and a rempah chicken from Nasi Lemak.

I honestly can’t believe there are still any AI skeptics out there. This tech is obviously revolutionary

Oh, it's cartoon time! @bathedailey.bsky.social discusses the issues with being a beer snob. David Bailey's Just Beer Things #22 — The Snob — Pellicle share.google/zedqYLr1UCS9...

Rewards for a long walk at @redwillowbrewery.bsky.social and Seasons in Buxton

Long walk on Saturday from Hope to Buxton via Eyam and Tideswell. Warm work.

Latest blog is about Easter in Scotland summat-fever.blogspot.com/2025/05/east...

Brilliant week of hiking in the Arrochar Alps last week with a group of friends.

Beers in Berlin.

Great weekend in Berlin. We went sight-seeing as well as beer-drinking.

Popped into the 18th century yesterday, otherwise known as the Three Stags Head at Wardlow Mires. Characterful. Good set of beers. I had the Eyam Quarantine from up the road (actually brewed in Grindlow). Landlord tried to sell us some lurcher pups. Yes, that is a hare with a shotgun behind me.

Nice day in the Peak District yesterday.

Mud.

Wander along the Ashton canal to Stalybridge (buffet bar, obvs)

Sunday rugby. Disappointing to lose but we put on a good show.

I wasn't in a going-out mood last Saturday but I'm glad I made the effort for a lovely evening listening to Amelia Coburn and Jim Moray at Gulliver's. Intimate and warm.

Brilliant weekend in Glasgow for the rugby. Pity about the result but we had a great time anyway. The Kelvingrove Gallery was fascinating.

Here we go @ppfideas.bsky.social