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Finished The Noise of Time, a fictional biography of Shostakovich by Julian Barnes. Warmed to it eventually after the non-linear timeline began to make sense. Interesting rather than enjoyable perhaps given the backdrop of a deeply repressive regime.๐Ÿ“š

Sweetcorn in a local field. Not a crop I recall from my youth or even a decade ago for that matter. Climate change perhaps?

Listening to The Noise of Time by Julian Barnes. Not sure about this one.๐Ÿ“š

Not a great photo but I hope you can see two infant moorhens, one at the top, the other at the bottom. The parents have been passing on food for the past 4-5 days but this is the first time I’ve seen the offspring out and about. It’s awkward feeding them as they’re wary of the mallards.

Finished listening to The Man in the Red Coat by Julian Barnes, an extended and enjoyable riff on the life and times of French gynecologist Samuel Pozzi, his family, friends, acquaintances and general milieu at the time of the Belle Epoque.

An overcast, somewhat rainy day. Contrary to the old adage, there were no ducks in evidence. A few of the trees are starting to turn.

Also, a quick visit to the Williamson Art Gallery to see some new and refreshed exhibitions.

Given I’m on a Julian Barnes streak, I decided to watch The Sense of an Ending (based on his Man Booker Prize novella) and very good it was too. ๐ŸŽฅ

Distant view of a maintenance platform out in Liverpool Bay this afternoon.

Very gentle perambulation this morning. Going to get to 25C today and fairly warm already, albeit with a cooling breeze. I appreciate that other places will be much hotter and am thankful we are likely to be spared.

Enjoyed England, England by Julian Barnes. A clever conceit well-executed. Currently listening to his The Man in the Red Coat. ๐Ÿ“š

Fed the ducks this morning. No juveniles this year alas, I think the heron had them. Last year there was a second brood around this time which may explain the recent return of the heron. However, suspect there may be a moorhen breeding for a second time, hopefully successfully again. They seem to be more careful parents.

Have enjoyed not only the athletics but also the medal ceremonies. Liking the national anthems of Kenya and Japan in particular.

A different plot twist would have been good for the men’s 400m.

Super-exciting mens 1500m last night with excellent plot twist at the end.

Great first day of track & field athletics at the Olympics with an outstanding 10K at the end.

From Wednesday, blue plaque on Frankby Hall commemorating one of its most notable residents, Maude Royden.