Crow-taming, a Christmas jigsaw and over-ing

26. 30 January 2026

I think the problem with my sourdough is that it's over-proofed. I think the problem with my novel is that I'm trying to put in too much detail. My bread and writing life seem to be about excess. That was a lame tie-in, but kind of reflects a slightly disappointing day.

                I managed another good chunk of writing and I’ve finished up to the start of chapter 38 of 50, but I stopped at 37 and had a think about 38. 38 needs to be rewritten as a few things have changed. It’s a crucial chapter for two of the characters who have a big row, which Sadie has already told everyone about, but it will be revealed in this chapter that she wasn’t entirely truthful about what they argued about. Thinking about the subject of their argument, I’ve realised that it needs to be a lot worse than it currently seems but I’m finding it difficult to think what James can throw back at her that is damning about her. What I’ve currently written is far too wishy-washy for such a fierce, pivotal argument.

In other news, I’m trying to tame the crows. It’s not progressing at all well. I’ve seen various Reels where people have “pet” wild crows and I’m convinced I should be able to train at least one of them to trust me and visit me. I gave them a slice of my homemade sourdough, clearly expecting them to take it and enjoy it so much they came back to ask for more. Once the finches had failed to pick up any of the large chunks, the crows did come and take it, but their appreciation wasn’t obvious.

Last night, and I suspect this evening could go the same way, I finally made progress on the infuriating car-shaped Christmas jigsaw I’ve had out for two months. Some pieces are missing from the edge and the picture on the box isn’t great and it’s annoying me, particularly as it’s no longer Christmas. I have now done enough that I feel I shouldn’t give up, but a lot of it is red and smokey grey and smokey green

I am appalled by this AI picture. It's the first time "a woman" has been made to look old ... because I said she was doing a jigsaw! AI instruction: A woman with white pixie-cut hair and thick black glasses. She is sitting at a large kitchen table overlooking a garden full of chaffinches. She is frustrated while trying to complete a large jigsaw in the shape of a car with a Christmas theme.

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