Truce talks announcement

Another dull overcast day. I woke up at first light and heard the garden blackbird singing. I benefited from getting to bed earlier somehow, but was awake for three hours  out of nearly eleven in bed. Bladder and bowel irritation in the night is inescapable and daunting. The impact of medication after I get up makes it hard to get started. Even if I don't feel tired, my senses are dulled, reactions slow, I'm not fully alert. I find it unnerving.

Artist David Hockney has died. His varied body of creative work embracing photography, stained glass, theatre design and painting invites people to notice things and see them in a new light. It's one the most important contributions any creative person can make. It's no wonder he has enjoyed popular acclaim.

Trump has called off strikes on Iran, claiming yet again that a peace deal to extend the cease fire and open the Straight of Hormuz is imminent. During the day, Pakistani mediators confirmed an agreement has been reached. Possibly this will be signed in Geneva while the G7 summit takes place in nearby Evian. That would be a suitably theatrical occasion for Trump to claim success. Israel's assault on Hezbollah in Lebanon continues unabated. If Netanyahu ignored Trump's calls for restraint, Iran would persist with retaliatory strikes against Israel, halting peace talks again. Netanyahu is facing criticism at home for doing Trump's bidding, as well as open criticism of his unilateral actions from Trump himself. It remains to be seen whether a 'memorandum of understanding' setting the agenda for future talks, will help de-escalate the situation or do anything to bring Israeli occupation of Lebanon to an end.

This evening we went to Chapter Arts centre for the launch of Diana Morgan's new book 'Sojourn with Ice Cream, the second in a trilogy she's writing about an elderly widow who is an intuitive listener to others in need of quiet understanding and support. She spoke about her main character and read passages to her audience. Several people were present whom we have as mutual friends.

Thankfully my head was fairly clear. We were home again by nine, and aiming for another early night.