Sounds like a plan! We’ve engaged in some Swedish death cleaning (döstädning) to reduce the amount of clutter for the child to sort out when we go. Originally, we wanted to be planted in a pod under a tree, but such cemeteries are quite rare in the UK so it looks like it’ll be a standard cremation. Talking of which, we’ve also picked our death songs for the service.

That was indeed the joke!

Indeed! Morbidity (as opposed to mortality) is the major concern to me these days, so I’m doing as much as I can now just in case I can’t do anything in the years to come. If I drop dead then all is good, there are no issues. If I’m stuck at home but still alive, at least I’ll have some good memories to look back on.

Quite.

I always thought I’d be immortal. So far (63-ish) so good. Dying’s the last thing I plan on doing.

I’ve picked up quote a few new (to me) artists and songs via streaming shows. One that stands out is Netflix’s DARK, the montage soundtrack for which is utterly superb and almost none of which I knew before.

Go Your Own Way - Fleetwood Mac

As a retired person: no, apart from by other retired people in the village, because we help each other out with our different skill-sets.

We still have a few friends but they are scattered; we meet mostly at funerals.

Politicians think we’re too expensive (healthcare, pensions, etc.) although they’re careful not to be too nasty, as apparently we vote more than other demographics. The fascists think we might vote for them (not a chance).

The young are busy with their own lives as they should be and so we are mostly seen as an inconvenience or, at best, a future inheritance. I’m fine with this: they’ve got it tough and we help where we can.

The AI crowd know we’re too old for that shit (we remember all the bubbles). We don’t buy much stuff either, so the capitalists and advertisers aren’t happy with us. The pub likes us but wishes we’d visit more often. The fund managers are going off us as our pension funds dwindle. I think the lady in the corner shop has a good opinion of us, although she thinks I buy too much beer.

My actions, mostly.

e.g. causing unnecessary conflict by trying to change someone’s political views when I really should just shut up.

Apparently!

If it were a drug, it would be banned by now.

Another excellent show we thoroughly enjoyed!

Yes, we’ve watched that; it was excellent. I do enjoy the books too.

UK: I’d recommend Slow Horses on AppleTV. Gary Oldman heads a cast of misfits from an MI5 unit of rejects. Drama and comedy in a perfect blend.

DARK. The plot, casting and soundtrack are all superb, and way ahead of most other shows. Although Season 3 will fuck you up, it also nails the ending.

I’ve always had a soft spot for Tromsø in Norway.

What’s the point of such court cases when the loser can simply appeal and appeal and appeal? It’s a stupid system.

Edit: typo.