It is most unusual for us to get presents unannounced, but there they were, popped through the letterbox in a brown paper envelope. Out came a pair of hand-made slippers with tough plastic soles and pink crocheted uppers. Accompanying them was a hand-written letter addressed to 'Two friends in UK' and signed by 'Esakwan'. All…
A frame of mind
After much discussion and several site visits our differences were resolved. Nothing major, simply that my wife and I needed to agree just when best to introduce a new layout to the vegetable patch in France. Our plan was to rearrange the patch so that it would have six raised beds, instead of the old…
Cold turkey
It was odd to wake to the sound of the dishwasher, as it had finished its run as we went to bed - it must have turned itself back on during the night! Just as odd was to find that we were without any Internet link. But, unlike the dishwasher, apparently this had turned itself…
A rat problem
Sentimentality has never been my thing, or it wasn't until recently. There had been hints of some softening, when I found myself mulling over family photos, but stronger evidence for real change came when I felt sorry for a rat. The point is that I hate rats. Not being a Beatrix Potter sort of a…
The cake shop and the milliner
After twenty minutes and as many Canadian dollars, my hat, more specifically my hat band, was again in pristine condition. And the change was the unlikely outcome of a chance meeting, a smidgeon of alacrity, and the work of a true professional. I have worn hats for years. The habit started in the 80s when,…
A perfect foil
My recent trip to Canada was full of surprises. Not least amongst them was the decor at my Bed and Breakfast. In my limited experience B&Bs are more functional than fun. My week at Wendy's was different - here was a visual cornucopia. Each day for a week I worked with my son Joshua on…
Time traveller
On trips abroad my mother-in-law would wear two watches. Wherever she was, she needed to know at a glance exactly what the time was at home. I would tease her - surely she could work it out for herself! And why did it matter anyway? But she never changed. Then, one morning last week, I…
The scenic route
Last week a favourite cartoon from the sixties popped into my mind's eye. It showed a large, unshaven prison escapee, dressed in a characteristic arrow-covered uniform, bearing down on an old woman standing by a fork in the road. He asks "Which is the best way to the railway station?" She replies, pointing to the…