Yesterday.

Well, as I write, here in NZ, it's the 22nd of July. So yesterday was the 21st, though of course right now it is still the 21st in some places. Anyway, the 21st is the anniversary of the death of Robert Burns (in 1796, at Dumfries). Earlier this year I met someone who hadn't heard of Burns. I was surprised but obviously these things happen. I mean, it's not as if he's forgotten and I hope when that day comes that I'll be long gone. Anyway, Burns died, at 37, leaving a family in a bad way. A sad story, but common enough in those times, I expect. There is a statue of him in the Octagon in Dunedin (see it on 'Slightly Saltirical', if you like). I visit it every time I'm there and when I'm done I visit him (so to speak) in a painting by Charles Hardie that is on display in the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. It depicts Burns meeting Sir Walter Scott.