In praise of literalism

The lad in the chemist was polite. He inclined his head and nodded with understanding, but clearly felt obliged to invoke the rule book. "Madam, you know you can buy them over the counter," he remarked, motioning grandly towards the racks of pills and potions behind me. "Well, yes I know," I replied, "It's just...my … Continue reading In praise of literalism

Fearfully and wonderfully made

If I've said anything random to you lately, I apologise. There's only a certain number of times you can acceptably say, "Sorry?" or "Pardon?" without being written off as decrepit or deaf. Though I am, it seems, the latter, for weeks and weeks after a cold. It's not that I can't hear anything. I can … Continue reading Fearfully and wonderfully made

Tea and Other Transforming Things

I refuse to believe you get fussier as you get older  more experienced (we've banned the "o" word in our house due to occasional bouts of melancholy). I mean it's true that answering the question, "Can I get you a cup of tea?" is slightly long-winded these days  - "Yes please, quite strong, but not too strong. … Continue reading Tea and Other Transforming Things

Things I’ve lost and the art of growing down

I am one of those people who sometimes puts things down and can't find them again - lesson plans, cheques, small children. I once left my  son in the meat aisle in a supermarket while I popped round the corner for salad, then couldn't remember which meat aisle (Chicken? Beef? Delicatessen?)  He turned up eventually, … Continue reading Things I’ve lost and the art of growing down