Here, in the wilder Shires, life is good, even in the winter. Four cows are snug in the byre. Hay is piled outside and you can smell its aroma way before you reach it. The cats sit about calmly, [...]
I’m sick of waiting for the government. They couldn’t make a decision to end my life let alone theirs. With Bishops in the Lords and a pseudo Christian attitude in government, it [...]
I have despised the water companies for most of my life. The brook I used to fish in as a kid was ruined by them. They cut all the trees and shrubs along the bank to speed up the flow of water [...]
We have no right to feel too comfortable in this life. Sometimes, I have to challenge myself by considering other people’s stories. Consequently, I listened to the life of poet Lemn Sissay [...]
Welcome to the Dexter, a rare breed cow. They are my neighbours but living outdoors rather than in. I suspect that we meet and chat to them (cowtalk) more than we do our human neighbours. They [...]
The parkruns are starting again after the pandemic. I look forward to an outdoors run with so many people. There is much joy in surging forward in the pack. Whatever, the joy is shortlived, as [...]
It is the 1st September and world CLL day. You might never have heard of it nor understand what it means. I, meanwhile, am a member of this unique club, albeit not a membership I ever desired. [...]
When we moved back to a rural life, in the Peak District, I had it sussed. “Here we are, back to mediocrity”, I said. For certain, I now have to apologise. Yet, I must not be too [...]
Everything you read today implies a negative correlation between age and fitness. Muscle declines from the age of forty, as does bone strength and sexual performance. The brain cells diminish as [...]
I watched that Climate Change Festival on Sky Arts, which was a mistake. It was held at the London Coliseum, my favourite theatre, by English National Opera. It was droll, joyless and portentous. [...]
