When I grow up…

Last Saturday, we went to London to see Matilda. My husband was particularly keen, as our daughter has been playing him the My Big Telly song for years. He adores it. I wasn't that sure to be honest. There are so many other plays I want to see and, having read the book to children … Continue reading When I grow up…

Living to please?

'I am a textbook people-pleaser. You can't trust me. I probably need help.' This is my (slightly adapted) favourite quote so far from a series my daughter introduced me to recently. She had been telling me about it for ages, to the point where I agreed to watch a couple of episodes just to stop … Continue reading Living to please?

What flavour are you?

Recently, when the doctor suggested Vitamin D tablets for bone density, he asked me what flavour I'd like. "Sorry?" I was still coming to terms with having not-dense bones and wasn't ready to move on. But, you know, they only have ten minutes... "Well, they come in two flavours." He paused a bit embarrassed, "Lemon … Continue reading What flavour are you?

Slowly, then all at once

Lately, to add to my other foibles, I've been staring at trees. I've always been a bit of a tree freak but in these STRANGE TIMES (sorry), I'm becoming a bit obsessed (in my defence, I am shielding, but not for much longer!). The fruit trees are fat with buds and every day their baby … Continue reading Slowly, then all at once

Looking the part

I read somewhere that there's been a dramatic increase in the sale of eye make-up since Covid, and a decrease in sales of lipstick. I wear both and haven't changed much, though I wear less lipstick. Reusing a lip stick-smudged mask tends to produce the cold-sore-effect, Not a good look. Most of us probably make … Continue reading Looking the part

Pedalling like a believer

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 cycles everywhere and is so devoted to her steed that she customises it to suit … Continue reading Pedalling like a believer

Hearing aid

For years I've been saying inappropriate things. Sometimes people noticed, sometimes not. It probably wasn't obvious most of the time *hopes*. As with everything, you find ways to cope - lip reading, nodding, watching others- a bright smile, laughter, anything to help you join in. But the truth is, you often feel you're observing life … Continue reading Hearing aid

Hills and giving thanks on All Hallows Eve

We're climbing the Malvern Hills,  and I'm wheezing like a catfish. I briefly consider whether dropping dead on a narrow path between trees in sight of the summit, is a good way to go. An action exit, so to speak, in pursuit of something beautiful. But decide against it. There are few walkers up here … Continue reading Hills and giving thanks on All Hallows Eve