The 17th of October found me in the dentist’s chair, enduring a filling for a tiny cavity that, according to the dentist, would “cause trouble down the line.” Personally, I’m sceptical. That cavity and I have coexisted peacefully for years, and even when the dentist jabbed at it with medieval enthusiasm, there wasn’t so much… Continue Reading

As September began, with the nights drawing in and a chill in the air, the weather took on a distinctly autumnal feel. Daytime temperatures have remained mild enough to avoid abandoning shorts for warmer trousers, but most days have been marked by drizzle. On the 15th, the builders were due to install glass sliding doors… Continue Reading

3rd September 2025 Earlier in the month, we’d had a parade of window installers round to price up some work. The aim: to replace our draughty old curtains separating the lounge and sun room, in the hope of retaining a bit of heat instead of donating it all to the National Grid. Sadly, the work… Continue Reading

10th August 2025 As hosepipe bans began to be implemented in large parts of the country, low pressure appeared, bringing much-needed rain to thirsty crops, lawns, reservoirs and rivers. On the same day, along with dozens of other candidates, Ellis began a walk with a full pack for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. It was… Continue Reading

14th July 2025 On the morning of Thursday, 26th June, Lee brought Mia to stay with us while the rest of the family headed off on holiday to the East Coast. The following day, Jamie and Nala also arrived to stay for the weekend while he and Ruth took a short break in Luxembourg. Tragically,… Continue Reading

27th June 2025 On a day when the temperature soared to a stifling 38 °C, following my morning bike ride through the sun-scorched fields of Leicestershire, Sarah, Charlotte, and Archie arrived at Willow Bank. Our two daughters had decided to take their father out for lunch as a belated Father’s Day treat. I suggested we dine… Continue Reading