Author Archives: admin

Watched the England versus Portugal match last night. It was quite an experience: I joined with the groans of thousands as Wayne Rooney was injured and had to go for an x-ray – apparently he will be off for several weeks … Continue reading →

There is a whole new genre of writing, all to do with setting up home (permanent or otherwise) in another country. It is similar to the plethora of moving-house programmes o­n TV – great escapism. Unlike the Lilian Beckwith type … Continue reading →

So far I have managed to avoid mentioning Euro 2004 and all the hype. Football is not among my favourite sports, spectator or otherwise. However, yesterday I watched the England verus Croatia match. o­nce I had managed to stop laughing … Continue reading →

Re the Olympics: the lack of women competitors from strict Islamic States has always troubled me. This year, despite the Olympic Charter, which espouses equal rights (and that includes women) there are still five nations entering male-only teams. (in 2000 there … Continue reading →

My head is full of the song of the skylarks – a magical sound, sadly not heard as much as it used to be. Theories abound as to why they have declined in number, but it could be because of … Continue reading →

I am reliably informed that o­ne who whistles is called a Siffleur. I even checked it in the dictionary and it is correct. Sadly, I cannot yet class myself as o­ne, though I am trying.

A good friend is undergoing an unpleasant operation o­n Monday. It is hopefully going to remedy a lot of pain and discomfort. So it seems a good time to remind people that I am still praying – quietly of course. … Continue reading →

As I am still supposed to be keeping quiet I have resolved to try and develop my listening skills. The trouble is that people expect more than the odd Mmmm in response. As my work depends so much o­n having … Continue reading →

I have discovered a new hobby – whistling. It is good for breath control and does not seem to trouble the vocal cords. When I was a child my mother informed me that young ladies do not whistle… She spoke … Continue reading →

Since when have the news presenters delivered the news standing up? And what is the purpose? Is it (a) to make viewers believe it is more important; (b) to make us believe the news casters are more important; or (c) … Continue reading →