LIVING THE DREAM (APPARENTLY)

esterday was our 27th wedding anniversary. So, did we spend the day guzzling champagne and scoffing down some posh nosh? Of course not.

​The day was just a normal day. Ordinary. I went to work, and later we watched a bit of telly before finishing things off with a nice cup of tea.

​Of course, there were cards. I made one...

Some people might think it portrays us as a bit dull, but I think it captures that quiet companionship we have perfected over thirty-plus years. A completely ordinary, shared stillness, as I sketch away and Morticia dives into her favourite mobile game.

Today is the first day of the Tour de France—easily one of the highlights of my year. I previously wrote about the Tour disappearing behind a paywall, but thankfully the megalomaniacal broadcasters have thrown the fans a small bone. Channel 5 will be showing a one-hour highlights programme every evening at 7pm. It's not perfect, but I'm thankful for small mercies.

​Again, I'm working, so I'll have to catch up when I get home. I will definitely miss those days off spent soaking in the full stages, though.

​That said, I do love watching the final stage in full, and I have found out selected stages will be shown live and free on S4C, the Welsh language channel. I'm not entirely sure if my Duolingo Welsh will get me through the commentary, but this is definitely a win.

​Will Tadej Pogačar make it five GC wins, or will Vingegaard deny him? Let the race commence.

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