6th January 2016 The weather in the lead-up to Christmas, and indeed over the festive period, was thoroughly miserable. However, here in Harborough, we must consider ourselves fortunate, as the North West of Britain fared far worse, with vast areas submerged under water. While we endured grey skies, frequent showers, and a persistent chill that… Continue Reading

21st December 2015 On the 18th of November, Jamie kindly invited Sue and me over for another meal at his apartment. Once again, he showcased his culinary talents and prepared a wonderful meal, with the highlight being a delicious sweet potato mash. However, this time, there was no dessert. Harley joined us for dinner, though… Continue Reading

15th November 2015 Returning from the Blue Boar, we spent the next few days broadening our cultural horizons. First, from seeing ‘Suffragette’ in Stratford, we moved on to ‘The Dark Horse’ at Harborough Theatre. The latter, a true and unsettling tale of a Māori gang member who becomes a chess champion in New Zealand, was… Continue Reading

16th October 2015 The days are certainly taking on a more autumnal feel now, with darkness creeping in ever earlier, preceded by a noticeable nip in the air. The red grapes have been safely harvested (save for a few late ripeners), and their juice is bubbling away contentedly in my largest tub. I’m anxious about… Continue Reading

5th October 2015 They say IT’S JUST A GAME OF RUGBY! Oh no, it’s not. It’s a sad reflection on the state of English rugby. The squashing of individualism by overbearing coaches, relentlessly hammering home the mantra of “being a team player,” has stifled the creativity these players once showed in abundance during their formative years.… Continue Reading

30th August 2015 On the morning of the 10th of August, Sue whisked the boys off to Corby for a brilliant session of ‘Muddy Play’ at the lake, courtesy of the Council. It was an undeniable success, judging by the state of their wellies afterwards. Meanwhile, I indulged in the glamorous task of weeding, spraying,… Continue Reading

10th August 2015 The crayfish trap I’d ordered from eBay finally turned up, and I was practically salivating at the thought of a wok brimming with succulent American interlopers. Armed with the recommended bait, cat food, no less, I set the trap in a deep pool just a few yards upriver from the little garden… Continue Reading

13th July 2015 Summer truly announced itself on the 1st of July when the country baked under clear blue skies and a scorching 37 degrees. The day before had been warm enough, prompting Jamie and a gaggle of his mates to descend on the pool for a splash and a cool-down. But as the real… Continue Reading

28th June 2015 The day after returning from Australia, the family gathered in Willow Bank during the evening for a meal. I gave Sue a copper bracelet with inset magnets to help her wrist, purchased in Byron Bay, and presented Charlotte and Sarah with bracelets made of shells, a small keepsake from the trip. Sunday… Continue Reading