The Swipe Volume 3 Chapter 25
The Autumn Switch has finally been flipped. Sweet, blessed rain has anointed the garden, and a late flush of colour and dewy freshness is our reward. A lot of the Crown Prince squashes have fallen off the vine—it seems C was a little too enthusiastic at removing leaves. Oh well, lesson learned for next time and we’ll still have a few for cool-weather soups and stews. The apple tree is slowly being pruned back as it gives up the last of its fruits. One final harvest before we take it up completely. The bed C’s created around it needs a different kind of focus. Tempting to put an espalier tree along the fence, though. Colour, structure and delicious apples? Seems like a winning combo to me.
We can’t rest on our laurels yet. C has a schedule of work drawn up to put us in good stead for the winter—trugs to clear for winter veg, plants to move or take out completely as we get a handle on where the light falls through the day. But we’re both looking forward to the tasks ahead, and the prospect of sitting out at the end of a busy session with a fire-pit crackling, drinks in hand is very appealing.
Wherever you are, whenever you are, however you are, welcome to The Swipe.
Rob is reading…
18 by Alice Loxton. A fascinating glimpse at famous and influential historical figures, caught at a pivotal moment in their lives—their 18th birthday. Structured around the notion of a time-travelling birthday party, this is a great book to dip in and out of, and Alice focuses on some really interesting characters. C gulped this down in a few days, and I’m doing the same.
Rob is watching…
Here’s a guide to some of the greatest educational shows of all time, archived not as you’d expect on the BBC, but through the world’s new most popular broadcaster—YouTube. From Kenneth Clark’s Civilisation to John Berger’s Way Of Seeing, this is an easy way to thoroughly expand your horizons.
Rob is listening…
to this glorious history of groovy folky funk. Come get far out with me,
Rob is eating…
Trout with lentils, based loosely on Marco Pierre White’s recipe. Why don’t we see more of this local, sustainable fish in the shops? I’d much rather eat trout than salmon.
Rob’s Low-Key Obsession Of The Week…
Why some people think that hanging a cheap Chinese-made flag at half-mast is any kind of expression of national pride. Of course, we all know that’s not what it’s about, so I’m deriving a kind of grim satisfaction at seeing them fade, fray and blow away.
A long, beautiful tribute to Fred Walecki of Westwood Guitars. This is the man who sorted out the perfect instruments for the Laurel Canyon crowd back in the 70s, and must therefore had a little influence on the music which flowed out of that fertile spring. He’s still going, I’m happy to say.
As my San Marzanos finally ripen to a rich, glowing crimson, I have a glow of satisfaction that I raised the tomatoes from seed. It could be the start of a new obsession. This experiment feels a little beyond my current skill-set, though.
The story of how ZZ Top turned a rap on a crack dealer’s hustle into their greatest hit in years. I urge you to listen to both versions and check out the clear pathways between the two.
I’m very happy to see a resurgence in 2D hand-drawn animation in markets that don’t really get reported in the western press. Hollywood studios are, I hope, paying attention. The current tranche of animated movies leave a lot to be desired, and I’ve not seen a Pixar movie since Soul. Let’s get back to the source!
The brain, as I honked about last week, is a remarkable thing. Karen Norberg’s brain, doubly so, for reasons I won’t spoil here.
Some incredible images within, a testament to the value spent in years of waiting to capture that perfect fraction of a second. Cynics could argue that photo-manipulation has been involved. I choose to believe not. The build-up is as important a part of the story as the picture.
People can be hard to deal with sometimes. As a confirmed introvert, my default position when faced with difficulties in relationships is to turn away and hide. That’s not healthy. It’s important to recognise how working through problems can strengthen the bonds between people—or at least show how better to deal with friction next time.
One last thing.
To Outro, A Hüsker Dü classic given extra bite and chew with the addition of a Foo Fighter. One of my favourites, turned up to eleven.
Play loud, obviously.
See you in seven, fellow travellers.
