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 →

There are times when I have those "why do I blog" conversations with myself. Not because I don't enjoy what I do, but because I wonder if there shouldn't be more purpose to it. Earlier this year I spotted some questions on LA's blog (I think) - if I've got that wrong, do forgive an... Continue Reading →

In the UK, there's been an amusing piece of news referred to as "the caterpillar wars". This relates to one premium brand store suing a budget brand store for producing a similar caterpillar birthday cake to their own. The premium brand store's product is known as Colin, whereas the budget brand store named their offering... Continue Reading →

Books have been lifelong companions - I can't remember a time when I didn't read. At the age of about 11, I recall receiving a large hardback containing abridged versions of classic tales. I suspect the Bronte sisters and Jane Austen contributed, but mostly I recall the adventure stories such as Treasure Island. I read... Continue Reading →

I come from a family who are notoriously relaxed about time-keeping. We were brought up overseas where, if invited to someone's house for drinks at 7.30, arriving at 7.30 would be considered rude. Dinner invitations were no less fluid, and so we became used to time being a flexible concept. Of course, my father worked... Continue Reading →

What expectations would you have of your friends? That they would... read itread it and review it favourablyread it and review it honestlynot read it but share/retweet your marketing posts about the booknot read it but brag about their friend who wrote a book ask for a free copyexpect a free copybuy a copy and... Continue Reading →

I truly admire bloggers who sit down and throw together blogs to post immediately. I love the idea of being able to do that, but I know it's just not for me. I could use the excuse that I'm producing posts for three sites, each of which has a different purpose but, in truth, I... Continue Reading →