Many see risk-takers as silly and foolhardy, as lacking insight. Others portray them as brave, adventurous, and praiseworthy. My position is rather different. I see risk-taking as a normal part of our behaviour, moreover one that is a necessary component of our lives. Indeed, risk-taking is so important to human-kind that, without it the human…
Rites of passage
We were on our way back to France. I had successfully negotiated the metal-detector, was no longer barefoot and was just rethreading my trouser belt when, out of the corner of my eye, I saw my suitcase being set to one side. I confirmed that it was mine and was asked to go to a…
Labour of love
Our back garden had a problem. As soon as it rained the earth by the scullery door became all mud and puddles. After three years of inertia we decided to lay a paved path, edged on one side by a row of stones to restrain the herb garden, and on the other by a wall.…
Granny C and the mosquito
Granny C often came to stay. One evening she had been uncommonly touchy and in keeping, after an hour or so of silence, she suddenly announced that the house was far too dusty and that she intended to vacuum the whole place the next day. Then, she upped and went to bed. As usual she…
The bliss of solitude
One great difference between full time work and retirement has been the amount of time I spend alone. As a doctor and teacher I had a career that involved working closely with people and during my last years at work almost every hour was spent in the company of others. Mostly it was with individuals…
Lost for words
"There must be a German word for it," I said, as we breezed past the entrance gate. The magnificent sandstone facade of the house, basking in the evening sun, suddenly shot into in my rear view mirror. "German word for what?" asked my wife. "Realising that was your turning, just after you've gone past it."…
Let them drink tea
What's all this? Joe Collier finds it much easier to create the perfect afternoon tea ritual in France than in England. For around three months each year I live abroad in France, and when away, the ritual afternoon tea gives moments of great pleasure. Preparation begins at around 4.30, so before the 5.00 caffeine watershed. Centre stage…
A surreal wedding
That Friday afternoon could have been heavy. My assignation - a church wedding in the heartlands of Surrey. The journey there took less time than expected thanks to an easy platform change and an early connection. I arrived at Dorking to be met by the bridegroom’s mother. There were three other invitees at the station…