Book of the day: Pride and Prejudice (no doubt the first of many mentions) Huddled in three layers of clothing, willing the fire to take at last, and scrambling through the laundry basket for a clean pair of socks, I shiver my way through the early mornings in the ice-box of my imaginary castle. Our poêle à bois needs replacing and Winter is unkind to … Continue reading My character, selon ma maison…
According to legend, in the 16th century King Francis I of France presumably lost his way whilst hunting and found himself, late on a Winter’s evening, outside a collier’s hut. Requesting food and lodging for the night, he was admitted by the lady of the house and proceeded to make himself comfortable by the fire (seated in the dwelling’s only chair), whilst awaiting the return … Continue reading The Coalman is maître chez lui…but does he have his own moat?
Book of the day: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I confess I am a monster. My inner Hyde has overpowered my outer Jekyll and I am, at last, awake to extent of my addiction. I am a pathological killer of plants. Despite beginning with honourable (and strictly scientific) intentions, my attempts at nurturing are always thwarted, and, after a perfectly acceptable … Continue reading Ça pousse – janvier: Crimes against horticulture
My text, this dreary Sunday afternoon, is taken from the second book of ‘The Railway Series’, chapter 2: ‘Thomas’s Train’ (I have just put my toddler to bed, in the hope that he might agree to nap today). It occurred to me, during my daily revision of that excellent work, that I ought probably to make some account of my eighteen-month absence from writing, after … Continue reading Nous recommençons: a new beginning
Whilst compiling a list of things I should like to do to make 2018 a better year, and myself a better me, it did occur to me that perhaps there are some aspects of my life that are just right as they are, and with which I certainly oughtn’t to interfere. So, without further introduction, here are 18 things I resolve not to change this year: … Continue reading Ne touchez pas a ça!
18 resolutions for 2018 (with commentary from January 1st 2019): To write more and to attempt not to neglect this blog – again. Hmmmm…. the 7 month illness/DIY break wasn’t ideal BUT was better than my previous 18 month break so I’m writing this up as ‘progress’. To enjoy my son even more and to stop being upset that he is growing up too quickly and … Continue reading Bonne Année!
