Staycation Note

Intro: Less exciting stuff first.

• At work, a talk by Paul Comerford from the ICO Technology team was informative. The ICO are working on updated guidance for handling anonymous and pseudo-anonymous data. They are looking for input, such as case studies of privacy enhancing technology. It made me think of Fathom Analytics, a company who I think are getting it right. Down with Google Analytics!
• We just discovered another hole to the outside world in our kitchen, above our cupboards, hidden behind a chopping board left by our landlord. No wonder it has been so cold in there these past few, bleak months. 😅

Interlude: Darkness. Bright sun rises on a closeup shot of closed eyes. Then, the Windows XP loading sound plays. Eyes open. I’m awake!

• We’ve had friends stay with us this bank holiday weekend, it’s been unbelievably relieving to host for guests in our new home. It’s felt like a proper holiday. I'm refreshed. We nope-ed out of one venue that wasn't taking appropriate covid precautions but otherwise have had a smooth weekend of fun. The weather has been immense, we’ve done a lot of walking through scenic nature, visited cafés aplenty, and I got the chance to cook a roast for 5! There was an excellent rise on the Yorkshires, you’ll be pleased to know. We ate outside in our sunny garden, followed by drinks and ice creams. 🎉
• It was the perfect occasion to use our dishwasher, what a treat. But wait, oh no, it didn’t drain fully when we used it that one and only time, when we moved in, months ago. So we had to clean dishes and mouldy, stagnant, algae water. 🙃
• Remember I deleted WhatsApp? A friend that didn't join the Signal bandwagon sent us an actual, physical letter! We have no printer to reply though, my handwriting is dreadful. Our weekend guests suggested a typewriter in jest. Reader, I really want a typewriter now. Don't suppose you have a cheap one going, or have a recommendation?

Outro: Movie recommendations.

• Army of The Dead is a fun zombie film.
• Uncut Gems is a fun, I-don’t-know-what film. I know, I know, Adam Sandler. It is good though. Stressful. Not what you would expect.