Paul Schoon
@paulschoon.bsky.social
Moderately crumbly English local history freak. A Yorkshireman researching early modern social structures and networks in Bedfordshire. Kellogg College, Oxford. I’m here for fun, knowledge and respectful debate, so be nice. Keyboard warriors get blocked.
After expensive blood tests I was told the cat had stomach cancer, kidney failure and hyperthyroidism. I was quoted £800 for an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. An hr later an apologetic vet rang to say that they’d mistakenly tested her as a dog. When retested as a cat she’s in perfect health.
October 24, 2025 at 6:18 PM
After expensive blood tests I was told the cat had stomach cancer, kidney failure and hyperthyroidism. I was quoted £800 for an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. An hr later an apologetic vet rang to say that they’d mistakenly tested her as a dog. When retested as a cat she’s in perfect health.
Mt Teide - approximately 26,000 feet from base to summit. We are so insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Back to wind and rain.
September 20, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Mt Teide - approximately 26,000 feet from base to summit. We are so insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Back to wind and rain.
In a week of grim news, here’s a reminder that we live on a beautiful planet.
September 12, 2025 at 9:29 AM
In a week of grim news, here’s a reminder that we live on a beautiful planet.
I took a last look at Luton Hoo before it disappears. The Capability Brown landscape is being bulldozered to create ‘a championship level golf course’. Supposedly it’s going to be a civic amenity-at least for the elite. A local example of how the planning dept is out of touch with reality.
September 4, 2025 at 8:02 AM
I took a last look at Luton Hoo before it disappears. The Capability Brown landscape is being bulldozered to create ‘a championship level golf course’. Supposedly it’s going to be a civic amenity-at least for the elite. A local example of how the planning dept is out of touch with reality.
As a rule I can’t abide doughnuts- too sweet and greasy. In Poland, I recently came across their version, which are so much more superior and included flavours such as rose and cherry. Blow me down, I’m driving through the local area and see a little Polish deli that sells doughnuts. Happy days.
August 15, 2025 at 8:39 AM
As a rule I can’t abide doughnuts- too sweet and greasy. In Poland, I recently came across their version, which are so much more superior and included flavours such as rose and cherry. Blow me down, I’m driving through the local area and see a little Polish deli that sells doughnuts. Happy days.
Happy Yorkshire Day from t’Independent Republic.
August 1, 2025 at 7:05 AM
Happy Yorkshire Day from t’Independent Republic.
Today’s competition.
July 26, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Today’s competition.
My egg and salad cream sandwich is channeling Donald Trump’s make up.
July 26, 2025 at 12:37 PM
My egg and salad cream sandwich is channeling Donald Trump’s make up.
Back from hols and now spending the morning cleaning toilets. Where did it all go wrong?
July 10, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Back from hols and now spending the morning cleaning toilets. Where did it all go wrong?
Charles IV - his dad was killed at Crecy but he appears to have forgiven the English as he allowed his daughter to marry Richard II.
July 3, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Charles IV - his dad was killed at Crecy but he appears to have forgiven the English as he allowed his daughter to marry Richard II.
Bridge of Sighs (Prague franchise).
July 2, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Bridge of Sighs (Prague franchise).
The Hungarian archive is a step up from the 60s concrete brutalism that is my local archive.
June 30, 2025 at 12:14 PM
The Hungarian archive is a step up from the 60s concrete brutalism that is my local archive.
Hey Scotland - this is what a parliament building is meant to look like!
June 26, 2025 at 10:29 AM
Hey Scotland - this is what a parliament building is meant to look like!
While the world falls apart around us, let’s take joy in the simple things.
Today is the cat’s birthday.
Today is the cat’s birthday.
May 25, 2025 at 8:00 AM
While the world falls apart around us, let’s take joy in the simple things.
Today is the cat’s birthday.
Today is the cat’s birthday.
My all time footballing hero is 80 today. I have such fantastic memories of seeing him play in the great Leeds team of the late 60s - early 70s. Where have all the intervening years gone? Drifted away like Pooh sticks in a swiftly flowing brook.
April 24, 2025 at 5:10 PM
My all time footballing hero is 80 today. I have such fantastic memories of seeing him play in the great Leeds team of the late 60s - early 70s. Where have all the intervening years gone? Drifted away like Pooh sticks in a swiftly flowing brook.
52 years ago today I went to Maine Road to see Mighty Leeds beat Wolves in the FA cup semi final. Billy scored right in front of me, so I’m just out of camera shot. Tonight I’m watching Leeds again, and it’s doing my blood pressure no good.
April 8, 2025 at 8:46 PM
52 years ago today I went to Maine Road to see Mighty Leeds beat Wolves in the FA cup semi final. Billy scored right in front of me, so I’m just out of camera shot. Tonight I’m watching Leeds again, and it’s doing my blood pressure no good.
Evidenced based policing conference at Cambridge Corn Exchange. Looking at the price I think I’ll give it a miss this year!
March 29, 2025 at 7:28 PM
Evidenced based policing conference at Cambridge Corn Exchange. Looking at the price I think I’ll give it a miss this year!
My wife’s embroidered cardigan of an early modern scene. It’s now 45 years old but still looking good.
March 19, 2025 at 4:50 PM
My wife’s embroidered cardigan of an early modern scene. It’s now 45 years old but still looking good.
I suppose I am the exception to this particular rule.
March 13, 2025 at 5:07 PM
I suppose I am the exception to this particular rule.
I came across a dedicated Oxfam book shop in Leeds and thought I’d pop in for a look. Thirty minutes later I came out weighed down with new additions to the library. Searching second hand book stores is one of my guilty secrets.
March 10, 2025 at 7:21 PM
I came across a dedicated Oxfam book shop in Leeds and thought I’d pop in for a look. Thirty minutes later I came out weighed down with new additions to the library. Searching second hand book stores is one of my guilty secrets.
The home of Thomas Chippendale. Unfortunately the Victorians demolished his cottage to make way for a bank.
March 10, 2025 at 8:30 AM
The home of Thomas Chippendale. Unfortunately the Victorians demolished his cottage to make way for a bank.
Seeing JD Vance’s pathetic performance in the Oval Office yesterday made me think of some of the great statesman that have held the office in the past. Oh, how we need a John Adams now. His biography, by the way, is fantastic - one of the best historical books I have read (and I’ve read a few).
March 1, 2025 at 1:02 PM
Seeing JD Vance’s pathetic performance in the Oval Office yesterday made me think of some of the great statesman that have held the office in the past. Oh, how we need a John Adams now. His biography, by the way, is fantastic - one of the best historical books I have read (and I’ve read a few).