The Aardvark Blog

Random Thoughts from Lockdown 5
22/06/2020

Well Saturday morning I should have been writing my blogpost for the week, but once again the fog descended and I ended up spending the morning wasting time on Youtube, looking at Rightmove ( yes the lockdown has made property fantasy compulsory for all of us) and playing solitaire. Like I said in my last blog the time of CV is one in which mental health constantly gets smashed and needs re-making.

One joy over the weekend was looking through a book I have bought from the shop 'Piper's Places' by Richard Ingram. Quite a few of the paintings are of places in this area, and there is something about Piper's romantic pallet and view that captures the country - its fields and buildings - so well. Piper was extraordinarily productive and produced enough work for three lives, but I do like his architectural works the best.

Also a help over the weekend was the first of two Khruangbin CDs I have ordered. From never having heard of this group they are now everywhere and their haunting music filled with references to other places and times, seems just right for this moment. However having listened on repeat it has somewhat added to my funk, so this morning on the way in I put on the Ting Tings and sang along to 'Shut Up and Let Me Go'. Where are you now, TIng TIngs, we need you!

On my trash TV watching have nearly got through the first series of Bat Woman. Good but a little humourless. I really miss a bit of the 60's Kapow, and the late Adam West's charm (so great on Family Guy). We miss you too big guy.

High point of last week was my first trip out to look at books. An interesting selection from the estate of a much loved late customer. We have reached an agreement and I will therefore be going to pick them up over the next couple of weeks. Some great poetry and fiction and a superb small group of books on pottery making.

In the interim we are carrying on our programme of processing books from the warehouse. Lots are being earmarked for our sale as I really do want to have a good go at clearing the warehouse this year. Will be lots of bargains when the sale starts on the 11th of July. Meanwhile we continue to get the shop ready for our re-opening on the 6th of July. Thank you for all the calls and emails of support. We are also looking forward to seeing real rather than digital customers. Until then au revoir.