2025 proved to be a good year of reading... as distinct from a year of good reading, if you see what I mean. Not that there wasn't quality to be found in my numbers, for there was, with 4 books gaining the full 5-stars and 21 with 4-stars; discovering I'd rated 30% of my total... Continue Reading →

When I suggested we skip celebrating Christmas last year, it spoke of how heartsore we both were. Christmas is not only my favourite holiday season but, over the years, I've managed to infect Himself with the joy too. This year, the focus will be on lots of small joys rather than big activities, and even... Continue Reading →

Inspired by Marty who, sadly, is yet another lovely person who's no longer blogging - here's my annual expression of gratitude, and this year I've gone back to an A-Z format... A for apartment - after the unexpected upheaval at the end of last year, I am so grateful to have found such a lovely... Continue Reading →

I've had lottery wins before - but only of the £5 or £20 variety 😀 and I'm presuming the question is being asked about a big win, something of the life changing variety. Two things come to mind immediately should I be lucky enough to have a big win. As I'm now 68 and Himself... Continue Reading →

Which book cover made you read the book only to find out you actually hate it?It's a tie between The Essex Serpent by Sarah Perry and The Binding by Bridget Collins. Both had gorgeous covers but, while I didn't hate them, they promised much and didn't deliver. What is your favorite or least favorite genre?My... Continue Reading →

Nora Ephron famously wrote a list of things she wouldn't miss after her death, but I don't think you have to be expecting that momentous occasion to look back. Here's some of the things which have changed for me that I can honestly say I don't miss at all... Commuting - or having to travel... Continue Reading →

I've worked for nearly 50 years with only a couple of gaps while still in my twenties. I started life as a lowly copy typist, slowly progressing via secretary to PA/EA/Office Manager, finally to what I call "running small businesses". But I've struggled to put a title to it... 'cos it encompassed so many areas,... Continue Reading →

As I write this, I've been on a period of enforced rest for two months, while Himself's rest period has lasted for seven months. As is my wont, I've been musing on rest itself... what form it takes, and the impact it can have (both negative and positive). Himself is not good at resting -... Continue Reading →

Just of late, in addition to the health challenges I've been dealing with, I've also been feeling somewhat peeved. Sometimes those words have been a true reflection of the emotion I've felt, while at other times, it been very much a polite euphemism. Here's the kind of thing I mean... My car has just had... Continue Reading →

Here's a link to a previous post which explains the origin of this idea. ... that the magnificent British sense of humour has found a way to deal with the outbreak of right-wing idiots who've been painting things in the street (roundabouts and the like) with red crosses - or the cross of St George.... Continue Reading →