HOT, LONG AND STICKY

atch up time. I’ve left things a bit long since my last two posts, mostly because they were quite substantial pieces. Now that I'm back at the keyboard, I suppose there’s not much choice but to talk about the weather.

​Some say the inhabitants of these isles talk about the meteorological outlook a lot. We do. Our weather is famously changeable, so there is always something to natter about.

​This last week, it has been all about the heatwave. It’s been sweaty, uncomfortable, and thoroughly tiring—and this particular scorcher happened to coincide with the longest week on our shift pattern. Consequently, I’ve endured long, hot days at work with precious little let-up. Air conditioning isn't universal here, except in cars, so we've all been perspiring profusely, enduring sweaty bits, and struggling to sleep. The scientists say this is going to be more 'normal' in the future. Perhaps investing in the air-con industry would be a clever plan?

​The other major event dominating the landscape is the football happening over in North America at the moment. I’m not a football person, so the vast majority of this is sailing clean over my bald head. It is all anyone is talking about, especially at work. I wish everyone’s team well, but to save us all a bit of time, here are the answers to the inevitable questions:

• ​No, I didn't see last night's match.
• I have zero knowledge of the people or teams you are talking about.
• I have absolutely no opinion on tonight's or tomorrow's match.

​Enjoy your sport, folks. Mine starts very soon. The Tour de France is here in just a few days.

The spirit of the Urban Viking—and the occasional absurdity of navigating the modern world—lives on in my webcomic, Northman. 

You can read the latest chapter here: northman.kirt.me.uk

I’ll be sharing more of my journey and the daily reality of staying grounded in the modern world over on social media. Join in:

Instagram ● Threads

BlueSky ● TikTok