Weeknotes 248

At the risk of becoming a bit repetitive: how can it be October already?

It’s definitely getting darker outside. I’ve eaten several baked potatoes. I already have one (1) pumpkin. 🎃

MORE ON BEEPS: when I mentioned the melodious beep of my new washer dryer, Denise expressed… disappointment? surprise? relief? — to characterise it in any way would be projection really — …that I hadn’t provided audio of the beeps themselves. Well, here you go:

Very pleasing. Who needs podcasts?

This is by far the busiest I’ve been for years. It’s obvious to me that I’m burning the candle at both ends and it’s making me a bit scattered and fractious. I’m confident I can handle it because I’m so aware of it, but still, it’s probably worth keeping an eye on in case I get too fatigued to spot the warning signs.

One evening I experienced the worst leg cramp of my life: my calf locked up hard for what felt like five minutes (probably 30 seconds) of searing pain, then remained extremely sore for the rest of the week. Probably nothing!

On the other hand, I met Alice for Tuesday lunch at Koya and it was as restorative as it gets, the ideal combo of great company and great food. I always get the kinoko atsu-atsu that inspired one of my favourite Anna Jones recipes, and I always enjoy it, and so I did. (I really like the ice cream sandwich too, although I wish it wasn’t called “happy endings”.)

I dropped off my bike at the bike shop to get my rear brakes fixed. It turned out I also needed a new chain, freewheel and full complement of brake pads, but it cost less than I expected and my bike now feels & looks as good as new. As usual, I should get it serviced outside of emergencies because even having it cleaned feels like a massive treat.

Spooky season proper began last night when I watched Oddity, a fun little ghost film that rattles along nicely and has some properly creepy bits in it. I found the performances a bit ropey, especially Gwilym Lee as the obligatory rational man who’s failed to notice the obvious fact that he’s living in a universe where the supernatural is real (“I’m a doctor. Science and logic,” the smug wally says obliviously). But it was unnerving and surprising and nicely written so I’m glad I saw it.

I haven’t had time to watch any more Industry yet, so everyone in the UK who’s started raving about season three will just have to hold their horses until I get around to it. Thanks.

I’ve found 300 out of the “300” bots in Astro Bot, which means I’ve nearly finished, but I’m still delaying the gratification of the last few bits. The last time I did this was with Horizon Forbidden West and I never actually finished it. Oh well, could be worse.

I’ve been doing a lot of washing up.

That’s all. Potato time.