Tetchy was his resting disposition. Bitter and cynical when something aroused his contempt. Angry and bigoted when fully ignited. He could threaten, intimidate, and sometimes worse. At odds with the changing times, he looked much older than his 66 years. Even so, it came as a shock when on the 1st of December, 1964, heContinue reading “The last word: a curious story for December”
Category Archives: Domestic life
“Interesting to read in five years’ time”: a pandemic journal of April 2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic gained momentum in the Spring of 2020, I was telling an acquaintance that I’d started keeping a detailed journal, documenting daily events, news, personal reflections and accounts of living under lockdown. ‘I suppose that might be interesting to read in five or so years from now’, was the rather sceptical reply.Continue reading ““Interesting to read in five years’ time”: a pandemic journal of April 2020″
When Spring arrives
The man of March he sees the Spring and wonders what the year will bring* My early days of March are blighted by a heavy cold that vitiates productivity. The flu-like symptoms are made worse as our household struggles with the loss of a dear friend. On the weather front, it’s a month of hail,Continue reading “When Spring arrives”
An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Greenhouse
It was almost a second hand camper van, back in 2020. I was very tempted. Then reason kicked in. In all my years of gardening enjoyment, in various locations, I had never had my own greenhouse. Rationality prevailed and I chose daily enjoyment and utility over occasional camping breaks. It was undoubtedly the right decision.Continue reading “An A-Z of 2024 in the garden: Greenhouse”
Picking apples
Late September brings a frost and then a blusterly gale. In between there is heavy rain. Early October sees the return of warm sunshine, and dry conditions, then a couple of nights when temperatures again plummet. I think it’s time to pick the bulk of the apples. They’ve not been at their best this year,Continue reading “Picking apples”
Wintering through January
With the Christmas decorations packed away and the New Year holiday behind us, I found myself pondering on those moments in the depths of Winter when the darkness persists and the weather forecast hangs over our plans and commitments. Too early yet to think of Spring, despite the slender daffodils in the shops, but maybeContinue reading “Wintering through January”
The unreliable narrator: a Christmas mystery story
In writing not one, but two previous Christmas mysteries, I have come to be regarded as something of an ‘unreliable narrator’. One who misleads and beguiles the reader in order to gain advantage. Apparently, it’s a trope much loved by writers, but I have to say it’s not one I care for. After all, I’mContinue reading “The unreliable narrator: a Christmas mystery story”
Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 11: Further Revelations
Andrew, Michael and Anne-Marie are taken on an extraordinary day out by DC Harris. The amateur sleuths are getting a measure of fame and recognition for their efforts, whilst the accused are now behind bars and expected to put in a guilty plea. Esme and Michael’s divorce is also passing through the legal process, but relationsContinue reading “Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 11: Further Revelations”
Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 8: Lammas
Andrew stirs DC Harris to make contact following a letter about the art robberies, in the Dumfries Weekly. They are now cautious allies in sharing information and hunches, not least the possibility of a double strike occurring in the near future at Kirkcudbright. Anne-Marie, and her mother, along with Caitlin experience the curiosities of theContinue reading “Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 8: Lammas”
Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 7: Lament for Sarah
His grant application complete, Michael goes camping near Kirkcudbright and thinks he might have bumped into the art robbers. Andrew is facing the first anniversary of Sarah’s death and talks at length to Anne-Marie about the whole story. DC Harris has a disarming conversation with Machars Gordon that chimes with a mysterious camper van, leftContinue reading “Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 7: Lament for Sarah”
Quotidian 