Some of you may remember my knee saga ages ago, which ended up with the removal of a huge cyst.  Well all went well till recently, when it started playing up again time I went to Friskis and Svettis, my favourite gym group.  If I don't exer... Read more

I have four Dutch language certificates. The last one even has something like a distinction.  But does it mean I can speak Dutch?  Not at all.    First of all, my certificates date from the eighties.  When we first arrived ... Read more

I always find that it's much easier to make resolutions after a relaxing summer holiday than after the stresses of Christmas.  I always come back laden with ideas for stories, promises to lose weight and keep fit, and all sorts of new projects. ... Read more

I'm off to Rome today.  It's part of a family logistical feat.  My father is eighty-six, and in good mental and physical health.  My mum, at eighty-one, is beginning to be confused (though in tip-top form physically), and he cares for ... Read more

      Sarah James: Into the Yell From its intriguing title to its extraordinary depth and accessibility, this collection of poems is a delight. Sarah confidently leads the reader from suburban England to France, t... Read more

Odd, Writelink is back, seemingly intact, but I still can't reply to my latest 'nonna's notes' post.  The buttons simply aren't there.  So thanks, Jean, Helen, Ann, and Anita for your kind comments.  Jean, browsing around I found the l... Read more

You will remember that Sweeney disappeared during my absence a couple of months ago, then nothing happened until there was a recent huge clean-up of evidence. I can now report that there is a huge hammock swinging in his terrace. I returned from two ... Read more

There is a man at Sweeney's.  About forty, tall, closely cropped hair, grey trousers, black sweatshirt.  Never seen him before.  Not nearly as seedy-looking as Sweeney or any of his friends.  He has one of those high-power hose th... Read more

Every time the phone rings, I jump.  When I see that Luisa is the caller, my heartbeat reaches the sky in the split second before she says. 'No baby.  I was calling to say...'  It's the same with text messages, which all start 'No baby... Read more