Two days ago I bought a red, shiny beginner’s ukulele. I’ve never learned a string instrument before, just recorder, flute and some very basic piano. The ukulele goes out of tune pretty quickly, but I’ve been assured by a friend that once the strings have had a bit of use they tend to stay put longer.

I would have drawn something at the house we’ve hired for the retreat, but it’s unpleasantly hot and humid outside, and air conditioned inside, and I’m too much of a wuss to torture myself for the sake of art.