Prepare to launch

It was a rather damp and gloomy morning. But Ruth was keen to get the boys out into the fresh air, at least for a while. She helped the boys to make Origami paper boats at home, and the fragile constructions were rapidly swept away down the river at Padley Gorge - to general delight. Both boys were swaddled in layers of thermals and waterproofs, and we had plenty of snacks to hand for refuelling.  Luca's outfit certainly brightened up the day (main), and Eben was in an unusually reflective mood (extra).
Later I dropped them off back at home and retired for a nap (neither Richard nor I slept well last night).
Otherwise, as wave after wave of Trump/Musk news rolls through online and press news reports, I find myself turning to Randy Newman for perspective. A sample here from my favourite album of his (Harps and Angels):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tdj1-GpwJc