Today, I walked into town to buy gifts. The sky was grey but I didn't mind, as the gloom was eclipsed by prim-lipped tulips and scrawls of magnolia. It was such a treat to be out, after burrowing at home with Covid. Feeling jubilant, I smiled broadly at a woman with child. Her returning stare … Continue reading Designed to be kind
Category: Celebrations
To a poinsettia – this year it may be different
Welcome to your new home. I hope you enjoy Christmas here. Two people live in this house most of the time. Let's call them the vicar (or minister) and the woman (a girl with old skin). It occurred to me that it might be good to flag up a few things to help you during … Continue reading To a poinsettia – this year it may be different
Look up
Dad loved Christmas. His eyes would go all shiny and bright as he recounted stories of his youth, how he and his brothers would choose a Christmas tree, cut it down and drag it home by sledge through the snow. We never knew how true this actually was. As with many of Dad's stories, it … Continue reading Look up
The Unexpected Cost of Celebration
It was the biggest summer since we'd grown sunflowers from seed. I'd got a new job, my daughter got great exam results and two days later she was going to be a bridesmaid for the first time. These things in themselves would have had me doing an Eric and Ernie style dance up the garden. … Continue reading The Unexpected Cost of Celebration