I wanted to give Charlie a hug. He had been yanked into the air by his wrist, yelled at, then whacked. He had got out of his pushchair and was caught by his distraught mother just as he was about to cross the kerb into the road. She was angry, he burst into tears, and…
Rough and tumble
Although I am recovering now, the events over the last three weeks have given a sobering reminder of how bodies - mine at least - age. Despite regular sessions in the gym, my trunk and limbs were suddenly forced to declare, or so it seemed, how they had become less able at coping with physical…
Of ice and men
Exhibitions are an acquired taste, and as I age, going to them tastes better and better. Ice Age Art at the British Museum is one of the best. Not because of its design - I found its juxtaposition of original artefacts with more contemporary art infuriating - but because it set me thinking. Then, over…
Tomato wars
Frank is a thoughtful man who rarely smiles. He also happens to be the owner and chef of Le Symphony, a favourite café of mine. His menu is limited but his omelettes are a dream, and when I am in Brittany it is with him that we - Bernard and I - have lunch most…
A minimalist wedding
The whole wedding scene has gone too far. This year, couples and/or their parents will be spending an average of £16,000 for the pleasure. Hiring out castles, buying matching dresses and suits for those close to the bride and bridegroom, and for lots of couples paying the cost of wedding/bridal consultants/planners who jostle on the…
Spring’s hope eternal
Some see me as an angry man, and I concur. In my defence the anger is usually focussed on only one or two themes at a time and at the moment the issue riling me is the sloppy way we define the seasons, how we are letting skewed reasoning dominate common sense. As I see…
Wake up call
When it comes to providing entertainment, last weekend will take some beating. First it was to the theatre to see Racine's Berenice, then to the cinema for Amour. Both were captivating, the play intellectually and the film emotionally, and one can’t ask for more than that. Added to all this was a most unusual experience…
Coming home
There is something delightful about seeing friends and family being reunited. Standing in an arrivals lounge, or in a station foyer, a whole spectrum of emotions is on display and for those being watched it is as though the rest of the world doesn't exist. And, of course, for those actually involved, the emotions are…