For the past year to 18 months, life has largely followed the same pattern on a daily, weekly, even monthly basis. Of course I'm not alone in this and while there have been memorable highlights of the "got to hold my new grandchild, play with the first grandchild and squeeze my daughter tight" basis, more... Continue Reading →

I recently met (virtually in these days of COVID) a lovely lady who's a professional Declutterer. While not a hoarder by any means, I know I have stuff which is surplus to requirements. I've admitted to myself that there's stuff which remains, not because I'm unable to let go of the items themselves, but because... Continue Reading →

Or, in this case - woman.  I'm slightly embarrassed to admit that I've just had my colours done. You may well ask why I feel this way and, in truth, what I actually feel is a bit daft. Daft that, at my significant age, I doubted my ability to select a wardrobe for myself without... Continue Reading →

There once was a Roman city called Noviomagus Reginorum, which was entirely encircled within walls. No longer Roman, that city is located in the county of West Sussex where I now reside. Those walls are still largely in place, and in their southwest corner stands the Cathedral, together with the Bishop's official residence known as... Continue Reading →

We're a tad more laid back about customer service in the UK. Politeness is generally required, except in those up-market venues when snootiness is mysteriously not only accepted but expected. We don't do American levels of "have a nice day!" and calling people "m'am" or "sir", and I've also noticed my South African friends have... Continue Reading →