In these times when you think it might be a good idea to at least listen to some books, if not read some, you might consider downloading an audible book or three. I thought it a good idea, and steeled myself to buy something from Amazon. I could at least congratulate myself that no poor person was being forced to pack this item as it all came to me through the ether, or to be more exact, it was supposed to. But it did n’t. Now I am a big fan of tech. I decided years ago that I would … Continue reading Have you got a “Cheesed off by date”?

Came across this the other day on our official walk exercise for the day. Looks to me like an Anderson Shelter, these were made by the Government and were intended to protect the population of London from the Nazi Bombs that rained down during the Blitz. They were not altogether that effective, were easily flooded, damp and very uncomfortable I have read recently. They did help lift morale as they gave the impression that the Government was doing useful things to help its people. Where have I heard that recently. This model now sits in a field not far away … Continue reading Anderson Shelter

Here’s a drawing for a change. This is from Glossary: my guide to Gloucestershire Place names and I’m dropping this in to celebrate the launch of my new website, which is over here. The new site is not yet finished, I’ve been busy isolating myself. Filkins: Bits found in your pocket after they’ve been put on a hot wash by your nearest and dearest. Tiny white dots are now evenly distributed like super glued dots all over the garment, and are as permanent as any printed pattern. Framilode: Very heavy shopping, that clinks. France Lynch: Meaning neither here nor there, … Continue reading Filkins

That actually means that we’ve sold you a product and tested it on you, but it does not work properly. So we are fiddling with your existing product, that does not work properly and we will then test this on you, to see if this one works. If this does not work we’ll be coming back and trying something else. When you bought your Standard Motor Car you got exactly that. They’d tested it as best they could back at the factory and it was safe, within reason, and had the basic bells and whistles. It stayed pretty much like … Continue reading “We’re installing an update”

A Park Ranger and a bear in April in LA, Bet it was hot in that suit. One of a series of drawings from earlier posts when I tried to use the same basic drawing as often as possible. I tired of it eventually, I think others did too. A truck in a farmers yard in South West France, it’s a mobile still, he used it to brew a sort of liquor, probably highly illegal but it was in France so people probably just gave a Gallic shrug. Sign in LA. Guiting Power: An actual place name in Gloucestershire which … Continue reading Have a good week

These are from all over the place from the UK, USA ,Greece, Italy, Montenegro and the poppy was on my allotment last year. Continue reading Tree intermission.

I’ve not seen my neighbour for weeks, that’s not unusual as he’s quiet and reserved at the best of times. Then this morning he’s there stepping out early to take the dog for a walk, and he’s grown a beard. Another quiet neighbour has also disappeared, his normally manicured grass cut to within a centimetre of its life is now growing like the other neighbour’s beard. The company that descend on his place every week are nowhere to be seen and the regular sound of mowing and blowing, even if there’s nothing to blow, have evaporated into the new normal … Continue reading Hair

No mention of the c word or the v. Take a tour around these images, all pieces of fine art that I liked, I hope you do too. Continue reading More short intermission…

Some will recall the phrase on the BBC by a cultured voiced announcer : “There will now be a short intermission”. That’s what I’m doing today. Some random images from my archives for no apparent reason, as there’s no apparent reason for anything these days. I hope you enjoy them. Continue reading Intermission

These were the almost last instructions from my dear late father when, back in 1966, he and my mother were flying off to Norway for what for them was a once in a lifetime holiday. They were leaving me and my elder brother to cope as best we could by ourselves, when he uttered these words I asked, not unreasonable, ” Why? “ “So you don’t cut yourself” was his simple reply, thinking that I was obviously far too young to be wielding a bread knife and that I’d be found lying on the floor soaking up blood from a … Continue reading ” Use sliced bread”

My neighbour said to me from a sociable distance. “ I wouldn’t know what that was like” I replied. “Neither do I” he countered, somewhat hurt. I’m sure he’s right. On both counts. Continue reading “It’s like being in prison”

How do you do it? Some people can turn their hands to all sorts of practical tasks to help in a crisis, and for the first time the word crisis is the correct word to use in the present situation. Perhaps a first time in recent years, makes Brexit seem almost inconsequential, even though it’s not. I do it by banging on about stuff and trying to extract a smile. I wake up with ideas, go back to sleep and then forget what I thought of. I’ve been writing “Keep your distance posters” as if I’m employed by the Ministry … Continue reading Making yourself feel useful