I made another sourdoug loaf. Rather pleased with this (even if the cold prove is so counter intuitive). Then I made crackers with some sourdough discard topped with bagel seasoning. And, as the oven was on, rock cakes . Then a lamb stew. All in all quite a good day.

Sad to hear of the death of Stephanie Cole....

There should be a name for that sensation one has on finishing an interesting book and finding it's the author's only novel. Example - Where the Crawfish sing, by Delia Owens. (And yes ime aware of her African non+fiction books.)

I don't think I'll ever understand the dark art that is sourdough. Retrieved jar of starter from fridge, awoke & fed it, half-followed my recipe, put the dough in my tin to cold rise in fridge overnight. Took it out this morning, noted it's rather odd shape, Baked it anyway - best loaf ever!!🤔😃

Ok gardening peoples: NR of lawnmower blades replaced -1. NR of lawns lightly mowed -1. Nr of long reach hedge trimmers assembled and tested -1. NR of limbs detached -0. NR of other injuries sustained -0. NR of celebratory beers 1. 😉

New arrival...36 cds of unadulterated delight!

In other news, my first sourdough loaf!

Ast couple of days I've felt a autumnal hint in the early morning air....and it's blackberry time too! Damsons not quite ready...

Over the last few days we've been revisiting the BBC "Hollow Crown" series. Yes they're truncated versions of Shakespeare's plays but golly they're fantastic. Just wonderful. (That's all..)

Interesting Wagnerian double-act this evening... Bayern 4 Klassik - Gotterdammerung 3Sat - Rienzi! Really not sure whether I'm kommend oder gehend.....

Watching the 1973 film of "Jesus Christ Superstar" on bbc4. Superb performances by Carl Anderson (Judas) and Yvonne Elliman (Mary) but Ted Neely as Jesus is just astonishingly powerful. Sooo terriffic

Heads up - the German TV station 3Sat is showing Rienzi (recorded at Bayreuth on 26 July) on 1st August

Treated myself to a new loaf tin...

1st night of the Proms tonight. I've avoided BBC radio 3 today as their presenters were clearly engaged in a competition to see who could get the most references to "BBC" in each hour...

Must apologize if I seem a bit garlicky this evening. There has been slow roasted lamb shoulder studded with garlic. And verily twas marvellous. There are no photos.

And so to Tristan und Isolde courtesy of those lovely people at Longborough Festival Opera. Super hot day for a super performance. fabulous Isolde from Catharine Woodward. Terrific conducting from Anthony Negus. Terrific orchestral playing. Terrific opera from this terrific company 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

I've been baking. Cheese + chorizo loaf, and my 1st ever rolls which turned out better than I'd feared...

Wehe, ach Wehe, o Schmerz!! Those lovely people behind the Operacast.com website have ceased operations. As aficionados will know, their free website provided listings of opera broadcasts on European and US web radio. A true public service. AVE Atque Vale...

I'm sure I'll get tons of flak for this, but at a time when ITV = football, BBC1. AND 2 both tennis. Blummin' ridiculous.

I'm going to start a new trend and work from home in my car with the Aircon on. Not entirely sure yet how I explain my laptop perched on the steering wheel to any passing boys in blue....maybe there'll be a lawyer out there who can spring to my aid....

My wife is binge-watching Poldark. The remake. I simply cannot believe that throughout the entire 5-series run it has never EVER rained on the beaches...

Interested in thoughts about film scanners at the lower end of the market! So many options....

So, anyone doing anything entertaining this cool grey bank holiday? I've been planting up the wall pots. Yes, the very epitome of rocknroll..... (Petunias, btw...)

Another instalment of "Things Which Aren't What They Were". I'm becoming convinced that Pimm's isn't as strong a flavour as it used to be. Think I need another one to double check...

My 2026 blackcurrant project is completed....

We're jamming!

In other news, what would you say are your musical "guilty pleasures"? Mine would be Barbra Streisand and The Seekers. Not, I think, that they ever performed together....

I like to ask whether it's too early, on this lovely lovely day, for a 2nd Pimm's....

I'm a big fan of the Dutch radio station NPO but am bewildered by recent programming! Last Sunday - Bach St Matthew Passion (Makela conducting the RCO live) - and Friday Bach St Matthew Passion (Suzuki conducting, also live). Two complete SMPs in a week...???

I have just enjoyed a lovely week off, doing various tasks at home and just revelling in Not Being At Work. Of course, Monday morning will start to loom at some point over the weekend but am doing my very best Not To Think About It...