Intruder

"Here’s a thought – America’s real problem isn’t so much its trade deficit in goods as the inexorable growth in wealth inequality, and the refusal of successive governments to consider taxing wealth – a policy which Mr Trump shows every sign of continuing."

Another day, another voice in my leftie echo chamber, reinforcing the message we all want to hear. Well no, actually; this is from a long opinion piece, quietly ridiculing MAGA economic policies, written by the retired founder of the firm who - since I retired and suddenly, and unexpectedly, found myself having to make life-defining decisions - gives us financial advce. They are deep in the equity dealing, fund managing, financial forecasting world - sober, suited professionals cultivating an image of probity. Their clients are the North Oxfordshire affluent - let's say wealthy - and their job is 'wealth management'. When even they are promoting this message, maybe it is indeed a thought worth having

And another garden picture, which by now you will have worked out also delivers a message. A day when I didn't go for a walk in the cooler air, like MrsM, or visit the hall where our s-i-l is exhibiting her artwork, or go for tea and cake with her and MrsM's brother. Moan, me?

I find the first appearance of these waxy, sharp-pointed, grey green stems, with their sheathed, arrow-tip heads, slightly sinister - partly because they appear so suddenly and grow so fast. Soon they will unfurl leaves and then the delicate neclace of pendulous flowers that is Solomon's Seal, something of an ugly duckling becoming a swan