June 2026 Round Up

June was too hot. In the UK, the heat record was broken on three subsequent days, each hotter than the previous one. Extreme heat is now something we have to live with, and we are woefully unprepared in this country. Our house was built in 1850 ish and is designed for damp, rainy days, not hot summers. Still, we will find ways of adapting. As I write, another heatwave is brewing for the start of July. Life I went to Leeds to see friends and Los Campesinos. The gig was great, but it was also great to get away and see a different part of the country. My car overheated during the heatwave, which felt like a metaphor for things collapsing. Luckily the fix wasn't too much money. I entered a poetry competition for the first time in a while. Still not that bothered about submissions but it was fun to get myself out there again. My poem aligned with the competition prompt, so why not.[1] Books Only two this month, but I'm reading a few chunky ones at the moment. The Kingdom of Gods - N.K.…