Do you ever have a night where it feels as if you don't actually sleep at all? You're exhausted and desperate to slide into the pool of oblivion but instead, you lie rigid, brain fizzing, eyes popping, muscles poised to act. Occasionally, you seem to skate over the surface of sleep like a swan or … Continue reading To sleep, perchance to dream…
Category: Change
The Bad-tempered Cleaning Company
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 clutch of normally gentle, mild-mannered people in the latter group). Whatever our intentions beforehand, the … Continue reading The Bad-tempered Cleaning Company
Literary Lockdown – letters
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 it raises a smile or two, for you. Dear Paddington, Thank you for your lovely … Continue reading Literary Lockdown – letters
Digging up daisies
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 on the outside steps into/across the road (if it's quiet) or onto the kerb, while … Continue reading Digging up daisies
Why rainbows?
Like you, at this (*Do not use the word unprecedented! DO NOT use the word unprecedented!*) unprecedented time (sorry), I'm noticing the mood swings. I guess we all are. Some days I feel sad and pensive, weepy even. News of the spread of the virus, of the death toll, of friends who have contracted it … Continue reading Why rainbows?
Revelations in isolation
I am never going to be the kind of person who cleans the cutlery drawer. I would rather write an essay/sit an exam/retake my driving test (I might have to by the time this is over). The only thing I would consider swapping it for is an OFSTED visit but even that would depend on … Continue reading Revelations in isolation
Millennium Bug
So it came after all, she thinks, staring out of the window at the rain. It falls in heavy handfuls, flicking fingers at the glass. She's not thinking about the rain but about the millennium bug that they prepared for twenty years ago (can it really be twenty?) It hadn't come. Patient, it had waited … Continue reading Millennium Bug
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
Of losts and founds, friends and strangers…
I googled 'lost'. It said - 'that which has gone and cannot be recovered'. That makes sense, and would apply to these things: - my youth, my cool, my eye sight. When I was young and foolish, I once lost a pile of library books after leaving them in a public toilet and tried to … Continue reading Of losts and founds, friends and strangers…
My Wonky Star
Last weekend I went to Northampton with about 60 other women and 2 men and made a wonky star. Here it is: - I made it in a pyrotechnics workshop - actually, I think it was called pyrography but pyrotechnics sounds better. It's where you burn patterns on wood. In my head, my plan was … Continue reading My Wonky Star








