July was a delightful month of unexpected catching up with a lot of old family, friends and colleagues. My father-in-law visited from Iran and has been staying, which has been fun. We’ve managed to swim in the sea on a few occasions, and had some nice meals out. I had a visit from Toby, who was one of my first students in Worcester twenty years ago and now a dear friend. We walked a bit of the coast from Swanage to Dancing Ledge, which was lovely.
Elsewhere I had random contact from a fistful of people, all of whom it was a pleasure to chat with and catch up. I technically had holiday this month but don’t feel rested. I am working on a couple of research papers for university and they are taking up a lot of mental bandwidth. Having guests over also meant that I have had a break in my usual habits and routines, which are valuable to me. I’m not going to talk about the Euro 2024 football.
I have been reading lots but not watching enough movies. I go part-time even further in September, so that may help.
READ: Fingers in the Sparkle Jar – Chris Packham, Philosophy of Zen Buddhism – Byung-Chul Han, Year of the Hare – Arto Paasilinna, Heroes and Villains – Steven Gaines, Non-things – Byung-Chul Han, Amerika – Franz Kafka
WATCHED: A Rainy Day in New York, The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, The Play House, Sweet Smell of Success, Classic Albums: Joshua Tree/U2, Classic Albums: Disraeli Gears/ Cream, Classic Albums: Stars/ Simply Red, Classic Albums: Catch A Fire/ Bob Marley & The Wailers, Robocop 2
