Check whether your feed is valid. For more information about JSON Feed, see the specification. Find the validator source code on GitHub.
GET validation response in JSON format.
{ "version": "https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1", "title": "Paul Robert Lloyd", "description": "The personal website of Paul Robert Lloyd", "home_page_url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com", "feed_url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/feed.json", "favicon": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/assets/icons/icon.svg", "icon": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/assets/icons/icon-192-any.png", "language": "en-GB", "authors": [ { "avatar": "/.well-known/avatar.png", "name": "Paul Robert Lloyd", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com" } ], "items": [ { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/219/b1/nostalgia_is_a_terrible_drug/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/219/b1/nostalgia_is_a_terrible_drug/", "date_published": "2026-08-07T15:05:09.064Z", "title": "Nostalgia is a terrible drug", "content_html": "<p>Ian Dunt captures a predicament I often find myself facing:</p><blockquote><p>Things in the past only take shape and assume their current form once they are over. Things in the present can therefore never live up to them. They can never provide the same degree of certainty, because they are still happening. So we live with this constant defect where we over-emphasise the innocence of what has gone and we underestimate the quality of what is happening.</p></blockquote>", "external_url": "https://iandunt.substack.com/p/nostalgia-is-a-terrible-drug-9e2" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/212/n1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/212/n1/", "date_published": "2026-07-31T19:30:15.611Z", "content_html": "<p>Stood literally 50 feet away from actual Kylie Minogue! Thank you Nick Cave.</p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/212/j1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/212/j1/", "date_published": "2026-07-31T11:44:36.046Z", "title": "♫ These Alarms by Snow Patrol & Kylie Minogue", "content_html": "<p>♫ <a class=\"u-jam-of\" href=\"https://music.apple.com/gb/album/these-alarms-single/6778102323\">These Alarms by Snow Patrol & Kylie Minogue</a></p><p>Don’t give into loneliness when everything is such a mess.</p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/200/n2/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/200/n2/", "date_published": "2026-07-19T22:03:50.122Z", "content_html": "<p><em lang=\"es\">Viva Espana!</em> The best team won (thankfully). <em lang=\"es\">Vamos!</em></p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/200/n1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/200/n1/", "date_published": "2026-07-19T17:24:07.831Z", "content_html": "<p>The final season of <cite>The Bear</cite> was simply beautiful, and a welcome return to form.</p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/197/j1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/197/j1/", "date_published": "2026-07-16T08:04:57.936Z", "title": "♫ More Than This by Roxy Music", "content_html": "<p>♫ <a class=\"u-jam-of\" href=\"https://music.apple.com/gb/album/more-than-this/724413368?i=724413583\">More Than This by Roxy Music</a></p><p>Thinking back on yesterday and what was, football aside, a beautiful yet unexpected day. A reminder to embrace uncertainty in life and accept the wonderful things it can sometimes bestow. Maybe there’s nothing more than this.</p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/196/n1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/196/n1/", "date_published": "2026-07-15T22:28:32.878Z", "content_html": "<p>I couldn’t have predicted any aspect of today, and for that I’m weirdly grateful. Would have been nice to have seen England in a World Cup final, though.</p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/195/n1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/195/n1/", "date_published": "2026-07-14T21:07:25.382Z", "content_html": "<p>Is it asking too much to want two World Cup semi-final upsets?</p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/193/n1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/193/n1/", "date_published": "2026-07-12T00:06:37.735Z", "content_html": "<p>How the hell are England into a World Cup semi final!? That was a tough watch.</p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/189/n1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/189/n1/", "date_published": "2026-07-08T21:39:22.958Z", "content_html": "<p>During tonight’s pub quiz we won a free drink, bottle of wine, Caesar salad and entry into a super league for penultimate pub quiz losers. Not bad for 2 hours of brainteasing.</p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/187/n1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/187/n1/", "date_published": "2026-07-06T03:11:14.595Z", "content_html": "<p>Well, that match was absolutely worth staying up until 4am for. Gripping game and an amazing performance from England. Phew!</p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/170/n1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/170/n1/", "date_published": "2026-06-19T22:01:57.659Z", "content_html": "<p>In London, a bit tipsy and accidentally on the wrong Underground line. It’s a vibe, and one that makes me wish I actually lived here.</p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/168/n1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/168/n1/", "date_published": "2026-06-17T22:20:11.838Z", "content_html": "<p>Ran 5km along the Thames, won the pub quiz then watched England “kick the ball in the square” two more times than Croatia. Pretty much the perfect evening.</p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/161/n1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/161/n1/", "date_published": "2026-06-10T21:18:43.988Z", "content_html": "<p>Today I learned… Octopuses have beaks!</p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/159/n1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/159/n1/", "date_published": "2026-06-08T20:16:32.490Z", "content_html": "<p>Pulled several short straws in the office World Cup sweepstake: Turkey, Panama and Austria.</p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/137/n1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/137/n1/", "date_published": "2026-05-17T18:05:58.060Z", "content_html": "<p>Continuing with this year’s theme, today I completed my first sprint triathlon, <a href=\"https://resultsbase.net/event/7545/results/4318135\">finishing with a time of 1:55:55</a> (and coming 155 of 157). My only goal was to complete the event, but got a PB in the pool and now have a baseline to improve upon.</p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/128/a1/teazle/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/128/a1/teazle/", "date_published": "2026-05-08T18:00:00.000Z", "title": "Teazle", "summary": "Rest in peace, my fluffy friend.", "content_html": "<figure class=\"align-bleed\"><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/128/a1/image.jpg\" alt=\"Teazle sat with her eyes closed as she bathes in the sunlight.\"></figure><p>This week my family said goodbye to Teazle, who was put to rest on Tuesday.</p><p>She had been a familiar fixture for a good part of my lifetime, having lived to the grand old age of 16. She joined our family in 2009, back when we were living in Walsall and alongside Jenna, <a href=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2011/270/a1/sage/\">Sage</a> and <a href=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2012/282/a1/dessie/\">Dessie</a>. She had known my nieces since they were babies, and made the move to Bexhill in 2014 with my mum and dad.</p><p>Teazle was a small Border Terrier, but what she lacked in stature she made up for in personality.</p><p>She was also mission driven, and that mission was food.</p><p>Around the same time every morning, when she believed it was time for lunch, she would stand in front of my mum, nudging herself forward every few seconds as if to say let’s go. She would similarly <a href=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2023/266/p1/\">encourage my dad</a> to fetch her a biscuit in the evening.</p><p>She had an unwavering ability to sense when dinner was on the kitchen table, and instinctively knew which of us was going to give her something from it first.</p><p>If my brother was eating while sat on the living room floor, she would sit in front of him and show admirable restraint, safe in the knowledge that he would soon give her some of his meal.</p><p>Beyond the constant quest for food, important battles would be fought.</p><p>She had regular tussles with the floor sweeper, barking at it with vigour until my mum put it back in the cupboard.</p><p>She would bark furiously when my mum left the house, then jump onto the back of the sofa to watch her leave.</p><p>She would proudly parade with a stuffed rabbit toy in her mouth after running endless circles around me as I made her chase it.</p><p>Over the years she became less energetic, eventually losing her eyesight and all of her teeth. She no longer tried to squeeze out the front door when I entered the house, or jump on the sofa to watch me eat my tea. But she remained on hand for kisses, cuddles, ear scratches and tummy rubs, and continued to enjoy <a href=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2022/086/p1/\">basking in the late afternoon sunshine</a>.</p><p>She lived a magnificent life, and mine was greatly improved by having her in it.</p><p>Rest in peace, my fluffy friend.</p><hr><p><a href=\"mailto:reply@paulrobertlloyd.com?subject=Reply:%20Teazle\">Reply via email</a></p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/123/a1/great_north/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/123/a1/great_north/", "date_published": "2026-05-03T22:30:00.000Z", "title": "Great North Fun", "summary": "Another trip north, this time to Durham, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Edinburgh and the Berwickshire coast.", "content_html": "<p>Continuing with tradition – and following previous springtime trips to Aberdeen, Inverness and Dundee – last week I again ventured north.</p><p>This time I visited two places I’d only ever glimpsed from the East Coast Main Line: Durham and Berwick-upon-Tweed. I also explored Lindisfarne, spent a day in Edinburgh, and walked part of the Berwickshire coastline from St. Abbs to Eyemouth.</p><h2 id=\"durham\">Durham</h2><p>A single building draws your attention when crossing the railway viaduct that skirts the edge of Durham, that of its imposing cathedral.</p><p>Once described by Bill Bryson as “the best cathedral on planet earth”, it’s certainly one of the more interesting I’ve visited.</p><p>Upon entering, the geometric patterns on the pillars lining the nave caught my attention being at odds with the otherwise typical Gothic design. I of course climbed the 325 steps to reach the roof of its central tower, and was rewarded with views of the neighbouring castle and wider city.</p><ul class=\"align-bleed\"><li><figure><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/durham_cathedral_1.jpg\" alt=\"A gothic cathedral with stained glass windows with columns illuminated by sunlight.\"><figcaption>The cathedral’s nave.</figcaption></figure></li><li><figure><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/durham_cathedral_2.jpg\" alt=\"Light and shadows creating colourful visual effects over part of a tomb.\"><figcaption>Part of Bishop Hatfield’s tomb illuminated.</figcaption></figure></li><li><figure><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/durham_cathedral_3.jpg\" alt=\"A cathedral in the distance, trees and gravestones in the foreground.\"><figcaption>Cathedral seen from St. Oswald’s Church.</figcaption></figure></li></ul><p>I stayed in Durham for 3 nights. It’s a beautiful city and I should have taken more photos of its historic centre. Instead, I spent the rest of my time walking (and running) along the River Wear and strolling around the university’s Botanic Gardens.</p><h2 id=\"berwick_upon_tweed\">Berwick-upon-Tweed</h2><p>From Durham I headed northwards to Berwick-upon-Tweed, where I based myself for the rest of my trip.</p><figure class=\"align-bleed\"><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/berwick_upon_tweed_1.jpg\" alt=\"A building with a spire surrounded by pink flowers and trees under clear blue sky.\"><figcaption>Cherry blossom in Berwick-upon-Tweed.</figcaption></figure><p>This small town, whose ownership was long contested between England and Scotland, has three distinct bridges crossing the River Tweed.</p><p>Berwick Bridge (or ‘Old Bridge’, opened in 1624) is now limited to one-way traffic heading west. The Royal Tweed Bridge (or ‘New Bridge’, completed in 1928) carries the A1. Meanwhile trains travelling on the East Coast Main Line use the Royal Border Bridge (completed in 1850). I think the later was my favourite.</p><figure class=\"align-bleed\"><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/berwick_upon_tweed_2.jpg\" alt=\"A bridge over a river with its arches set against a sunset.\"><figcaption>Royal Border Bridge.</figcaption></figure><p>Near the railway bridge lies remains of Berwick Castle (with the station built on the site of its Great Hall). The old defensive walls surround the center of the town, and these make for a tranquil – if short – elevated walk.</p><figure><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/berwick_upon_tweed_3.jpg\" alt=\"A town with buildings and a clock tower under bright sunlight.\"><figcaption>Town hall clock tower seen from the old bridge.</figcaption></figure><h2 id=\"lindisfarne\">Lindisfarne</h2><p>With all Berwick-upon-Tweed’s sights seen within the space of an afternoon, the next day I caught a bus to nearby Beal, and from there walked to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.</p><figure class=\"align-bleed\"><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/lindisfarne_1.jpg\" alt=\"A cloudy sky over a coastal landscape with poles indicating a path across mudflats.\"><figcaption>Pilgrim’s Way.</figcaption></figure><p>Separated from the mainland by a causeway, I waited over an hour before I could cross it. The alternative was to use Pilgrim’s Way, a path across the mudflats marked by tall poles, but this is not recommended unless accompanied by a local guide.</p><figure class=\"align-bleed\"><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/lindisfarne_2.jpg\" alt=\"An overcast sky looms above a ruined castle and lighthouse amidst a coastal landscape.\"><figcaption>Lindisfarne Castle.</figcaption></figure><p>Once on the island, I tried to speed run its main attractions. Both the castle and the priory were closed, as were most other businesses, having arrived on the main part of the island by late afternoon.</p><ul class=\"align-bleed\"><li><figure><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/lindisfarne_3.jpg\" alt=\"A statue of a saintly figure holding up a cross with one hand while raising his other hand in blessing or pointing gesture.\"><figcaption>Statue of St. Aidan.</figcaption></figure></li><li><figure><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/lindisfarne_4.jpg\" alt=\"An old stone building with a bell tower surrounded by greenery and clear skies.\"><figcaption>Church of St. Mary the Virgin.</figcaption></figure></li><li><figure><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/lindisfarne_5.jpg\" alt=\"An old stone building with a cross and gravestones under clear skies.\"><figcaption>Lindisfarne Priory.</figcaption></figure></li></ul><h2 id=\"edinburgh\">Edinburgh</h2><p>The following day, and again looking for nearby attractions, I took the train to Edinburgh, just 45 minutes north.</p><figure class=\"align-bleed\"><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/edinburgh_1.jpg\" alt=\"An old-fashioned mansion surrounded by trees in a lush green landscape.\"><figcaption>National Galleries of Scotland: Modern Two.</figcaption></figure><p>Via Princes Street Gardens, I headed to Modern Two. After lunch in its cafe and a meander around the galleries, I crossed Belford Road to do the same in Modern One.</p><figure class=\"align-bleed\"><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/edinburgh_2.jpg\" alt=\"A hazy cityscape in soft, diffused lighting of a late evening. In the far distance, rivers and hillside.\"><figcaption>Edinburgh and the Firth of Forth viewed from Arthur’s Seat.</figcaption></figure><p>From there, via the Water of Leith Walkway, I headed over to Arthur’s Seat. I clambered up to its peak during golden hour where I met the most spectacular sunset. With clear skies, I could even see the Forth Bridge in the distance. I’m not sure I was able to capture the luscious scene that lay before me.</p><figure class=\"align-bleed\"><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/edinburgh_3.jpg\" alt=\"Silhouette of buildings against a sunset sky.\"></figure><h2 id=\"st_abbs_to_eyemouth\">St. Abbs to Eyemouth</h2><p>For my final full day in the North East, I again crossed the border into Scotland, this time to follow the coastal path from St. Abbs to Eyemouth.</p><ul class=\"align-bleed\"><li><figure><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/berwickshire_coastal_path_1.jpg\" alt=\"A serene coastal scene with boats moored to the shore by an idyllic body of water under a clear sky.\"><figcaption>St. Abbs.</figcaption></figure></li><li><figure><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/berwickshire_coastal_path_5.jpg\" alt=\"A serene countryside scene with two blue trail markers attached to a wooden post set in an open field of yellow flowers under clear skies.\"><figcaption>Coastal Path.</figcaption></figure></li></ul><p>This path was recommended to me by the taxi driver who drove me back to Berwick two days earlier (and who, it turns out, is Lindisfarne’s postie). Having walked almost 24km on that day, and then half that distance again in Edinburgh, I was glad this route clocked in at 6km.</p><figure class=\"align-bleed\"><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/berwickshire_coastal_path_2.jpg\" alt=\"A rugged coastline with jagged rocks dotting its shore under a blue sky.\"></figure><figure class=\"align-bleed\"><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/berwickshire_coastal_path_3.jpg\" alt=\"A rugged coastline, almost valley-like, set against a blue sky.\"></figure><figure class=\"align-bleed\"><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/123/a1/berwickshire_coastal_path_4.jpg\" alt=\"A serene landscape with vibrant yellow flowers in full bloom amidst rocky terrain under an open sky dotted with clouds.\"></figure><hr><p><a href=\"mailto:reply@paulrobertlloyd.com?subject=Reply:%20Great%20North%20Fun\">Reply via email</a></p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/122/b1/sussex_bicycle_portraits/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/122/b1/sussex_bicycle_portraits/", "date_published": "2026-05-02T19:00:00.000Z", "title": "A Cyclist on the English Landscape", "content_html": "<p>Even though this article is from 2021, Roff Smith’s photographs of Sussex are so incredibly beautiful it still merits sharing.</p>", "external_url": "https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/05/travel/sussex-bicycle-portraits.html" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/114/n1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/114/n1/", "date_published": "2026-04-24T22:28:27.689Z", "content_html": "<p>Caught up with a friend I’ve known for over 30 years, for the first time in 5 years. The 4 hours we spent together flew by in a matter of minutes.</p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/110/d1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/110/d1/", "date_published": "2026-04-20T11:00:00.000Z", "title": "Manage vaccinations in schools: National reporting", "content_html": "<figure><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/110/d1/1.png\" alt=\"A circular badge featuring a polar bear cub.\"></figure><p>The mission patch for the release supporting national reporting features a polar bear cub as this functionality is known internally as ‘mini Mavis’.</p>", "attachments": [ { "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/110/d1/1.png", "title": "A circular badge featuring a polar bear cub.", "mime_type": "image/png" } ] }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/099/n1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/099/n1/", "date_published": "2026-04-09T17:14:22.220Z", "content_html": "<p>In yet another surprising turn of events, today I joined a library. And borrowed a book of fiction. To read.</p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/098/n1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/098/n1/", "date_published": "2026-04-08T21:21:02.310Z", "content_html": "<p>Today has been utterly barmy, and not only the weather.</p>" }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/096/p1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/096/p1/", "date_published": "2026-04-06T22:12:46.222Z", "content_html": "<p>So ends a peaceful, relaxing and enjoyable Easter bank holiday doing mostly nothing, beyond watching some films and TV shows, spending time with my family, and going on short walks with this little old lady. Perfect.</p><figure><img src=\"https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/096/p1/1.jpg\" alt=\"A hairy border terrier bathed in sunlight, and looking off to the side of the camera.\" class=\"u-photo\"></figure>", "attachments": [ { "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/media/2026/096/p1/1.jpg", "title": "A hairy border terrier bathed in sunlight, and looking off to the side of the camera.", "mime_type": "image/jpeg" } ] }, { "id": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/088/n1/", "url": "https://paulrobertlloyd.com/2026/088/n1/", "date_published": "2026-03-29T12:17:46.301Z", "content_html": "<p>Attempted to give blood for the first time today but failed the vein assessment. Gutted. Signing up was easy, and the team at the new donation centre in Brighton are really friendly, so go and <a href=\"https://www.blood.co.uk/\">give blood</a>.</p>" } ] }