Many of us have an activity or two in life that transforms us. We change from generally likeable, easy-going types in cardigans, into red eyed gremlins, waving pitchforks. For some, it’s the supermarket shop, for others, driving (I know a … Continue reading The Bad-tempered Cleaning Company
Social distancing can be awkward, can’t it? Maybe you’re more relaxed (I’m what I call a rulie not a floutie). But you may not have asthma and such a history of bronchitis that you can’t say it out loud in … Continue reading Social distancing moves for Brits
Dear Manufacturer of hand gel, Firstly, I’d like to thank you for your sterling efforts to keep the nation’s hands clean and virus-free. These days, your trusty, little bottles are indeed a pleasure to behold, sticking out of people’s pockets, … Continue reading Concerning hand gel: letter and ode
I recently wrote a post on another blog featuring possible letters from fictional characters during Lockdown. You can find the post here. Below are my imagined replies. They weren’t as easy to write but it was fun and I hope … Continue reading Literary Lockdown – letters
Did you know London begins on the A22 just outside Whyteleafe? Unless you’re on the train, and then it’s probably somewhere like Purley Beeches. This is when you’re travelling from Sussex. Of course that’s just my opinion. There are actual … Continue reading Boundaries, baldness and the art of listening carefully
‘Even Michael McIntyre never had to perform for 6 hours solid,’ says Fran Hill, author of new book Miss, What Does Incomprehensible Mean? released tomorrow, 21 May. But can teaching really be that hard? Charting the life of a secondary … Continue reading School – the best days of your life?
I’m walking like a cowboy, my knees are socially distancing from each other and my back aches. But I’m happy. I hadn’t cycled for at least 20 years, probably more. I have a friend who is a veteran cyclist. She … Continue reading Pedalling like a believer
When I was little there were only two occasions when someone might say ‘Bless you’. The first was when you sneezed. The second was when someone wanted to indicate compassion or affirmation, the blesser always being someone of indeterminate age. … Continue reading Aw, bless…
So many questions: – What are social distancing procedures on pavements? Should I tint my own eyebrows? Shall I grow a beard? As far as pavements are concerned, I think there should be a very clear rule that the person … Continue reading Digging up daisies
Once upon a time, many moons ago, when the earth was young, a lighthouse rose tall and strong near cliffs surrounded by rocks. The rocks were large and sharp as jagged teeth. They guarded a narrow channel through choppy and … Continue reading The lighthouse
