Hi Subscriber First Name,

So here we are: August. One day you're free, with the whole of summer ahead, promises of long lazy mornings cross-your-heart-hope-to-die, nothing in your way except farniente and poolside revelries. Fancy drinks with straws, chocolate milkshakes, patties on the grill. And then boom! Done.

Time is a blinding show of rogue fireworks, my friends. Brief flashes across eternity.

We saw our American relatives over the holidays, and it was lovely. Four years is a long time, especially with kids that barely look like kids anymore and the realization that we (the parents) are now officially ancient. Not as tall as we used to be either? Hmm.

I've always had rich, fulfilling conversations with Cynthia's U.S. family members, but so much had happened since we last saw each other. Certain topics were insinuated and tiptoed around, like the thing that shall not be named but only whispered, barely. I sensed an undergrowth of despair but also suspicion, and that's what I found most troubling: that even well-educated, smart, and informed individuals are now unsure of reality and facts at this point. There's a fog.

Repeating lies over and over and over and over…it works, unfortunately.

Ah, well. I'm glad to be back though :)

…

On a slightly lighter topic: we're really enjoying season 2 of The Bear. No idea how in the world they can possibly open on time, but shhhh….no spoilers please. Good Omens 2 is out as well; and Foundation; and The Witcher. I think we should fill up on content while we still can.

What’s that? Mindless escapism, you say? You betcha.

Talk soon
Patrick