Thoughts on return from Ireland

Rumours of my early demise were exaggerated.  I've just returned from a visit to Ireland -- mostly vacation but with some working threads as well.  I had meant to post some remarks and photographs enroute but, well, with a pub on every corner, remarkably few of them offering wifi, it was a little difficult.  I've got a busy week ahead -- some pre-interviews and at least one visit to the big city -- but I'll try to squeeze in some space-related comments and pictures here as the week goes by.  I'll just foreshadow now by saying that I return more perplexed than ever about the vast differences between the organization and rhythm of life in Europe and in North America and more curious than ever about the origins and meanings of some of these differences.

The release date of my book in the US is now very close (July 7) and though the prospect of trying to reach such a massive audience is a daunting one, there were some nice tidbits of news while I was away that should help a bit.  More details as things unfold.

For now I'm going to sneak out to the nice weather and a good book, though with the sun shining and the plants growing, the air is filled with the sound of gas-appliances hacking away at all visible vegetation in the constant effort to make it conform with the sharp corners and fine edges that we want in our built environment. I'm sure with a set of earplugs and a mask I should make out all right though.