June again?

I stepped out of the front door on Saturday night to the mingling scents of fish and chips, and bonfire smoke. Kids were playing on the piece of grass on our road which is there only by virtue of the demolition of a house some years ago. The sun was nearing its setting, creating a haze of foggy, diffused light. There was only one explanation: it must be summer again.

Warmer weather, more sunshine, and less rain changes everyone's outlook on life for a month or two. You can expect to be passed in the street and exchange either a smile or, perhaps, a word of greeting. I can even find it in my heart to say 'Good evening,' to one of those bastard kids who live down that terraced road round the corner when they start screaming. He was very confused. For a time, all the ills of the world dissolve away, parliament being in recess. From the last few summers the most serious news I can recall is that A-Levels have got easier and that this is leading to a rise in paedophilia, or something. So, really, nothing at all.

I'm going to sing at Wells Cathedral and Canterbury Cathedral, and also take my choir to Manchester Cathedral, this summer. It'll be a tiring one, I think. In fact, it looks like I'm going to be running up and down the country like a blue-arsed fly, whether by car, train, or foot, whichever seems, one way or another, more reliable. I'll be looking forward to IBO's unceasing stories, never-ending search for a 'proper' pub, and bitterness about the clergy; SE's most reliable mockery of the above; though perhaps not NCR's presence... hopefully there will be no such thing. Therefore, this summer, I present, in July, the Wells Tales and, in August, the Canterbury Diaries. I trust they will meet with your approval.