How happy is yours so far?

'Happy New Year.' It's probably time to stop saying it now, but we still do, particularly if we're seeing someone for the first time this year. Then they say it back to us because they don't want us to think that they don't want us to be happy. I'm not sure when we stop saying … Continue reading How happy is yours so far?

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

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

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

A lifetime of holidays and I’m still learning…

So it wasn't the best weather, and it wasn't the best place.  The windscreen wipers squeaked double-time all the way there and there was rain on and off all week. It was cold. The upstairs shower didn't work and the toilets were dodgy. The roof in the conservatory leaked in three places and the smoke … Continue reading A lifetime of holidays and I’m still learning…

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

How Merry is Yours so Far?

I've been struggling with semantic honesty lately. Don't know why, but I've found myself analysing what we say and imagining what would happen if we took each other at our word. For an English person this could be social suicide because so much of what we say is cultural, not literal, as in, I really should … Continue reading How Merry is Yours so Far?