Dear Croix,
I think you can probably get all the episodes of Black Books on YouTube. For examples, if you google “Black Books episode one series one YouTube” it should come up as a video about 22min long.
I rewatched another episode the other day. It definitely varied in terms of the script writing and delivery in different episodes, but it was generally good fun.
Years ago I went into a book shop I hadn’t been in before. The woman running it was exactly like grumpy Bernard from Black Books. I could hear some people politely asking her about ordering a book. It was like they were asking her the most annoying thing in the world as she sighed and cursed etc while grumpily looking up if the book could be ordered. They were then told abruptly that it could not. I almost burst out laughing. Then as I perused the shelves I sensed her following me and watching me like a hawk. I picked up a book and began to look at it. She barked, “You’re bending the spine far too much on that book!”, which I was not. I got the message, put the book back on the shelf and did my best to stifle laughter as I quickly left. I was waiting to be hit by a broom on the way out. I noticed that even the exterior of the store looked similar to the one in Black Books. I will go back there one day just to see if the grumpy lady still works there. It was hilarious, like she was determined to have no customers.
Yes, owls have been meaningful for humans for a long time. They are often harbingers of something dark in many cultures. But also have an association with wisdom. Right now I can actually hear a boobook owl calling. They are Australia’s most common owl I think and quite cute, though they can do an intense owl stare too. I’ve had visits from families with babies who have stayed for quite some time. I’ve had interactions with them where I turn my face in circles and they copy. I learned that from interacting with juvenile tawny frogmouths at a wildlife rehab centre who also have this behaviour. The main threat to boobooks and other owls are rat poison which they inadvertently consume when they catch rats and mice that have eaten baits. There’s some researchers studying the impact. Some owls die and some just get quite sick. Getting hit by cars at night is another hazard. They move completely silently which is amazing. The babies can make quite a noise though when mum and dad are off hunting.
I’m glad you are getting a good rest with the flightless birds away. Best to make the most of the quiet before pesky penguins are waddling and inebriated kiwis staggering on the iceberg once again.
I am indeed enjoying flying underwater with my fellow rays - woosh, just caught another fish.
Hope you are enjoying some fish too!
ER
