In a bun dance

If I'm going to get something, I usually get it in spades - luck (both kinds), children, clutter, dirty laundry, bright ideas, daft ideas...

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The things we learned in Donegal

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We’re still shaking the sand out of our turn-ups because last week we harnessed the Bundance pony and trotted off to Ireland.    Here’s what we learned:    Boo: Hanging out in the dunes at Ards Forest Park   Ireland is warm and sunny. Yes, really. Every day we were there we regretted not bringing […]

Things I’ve learned from family camping in the winter…

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  The bucket list: A lengthy, specific list of wonderful, exciting and exotic things I’m intending to do before I die.     One of the things on it is not ‘go camping in winter in Lanarkshire’. So why, then, was I to be found snuggling down under canvas in a field on the outskirts […]

International Women’s Day – what does making it happen really mean?

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A Sunday ponder: International Women’s Day. What’s it all about? Of course I’m in support, why wouldn’t I be? Obviously, it’s important and, without doubt, the rights of women, their safety and equality should be at the top of everyone’s agenda.  There are women and girls in the world who can’t get education, who are […]

5X50 Challenge – springing into action

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I know it’s snowing outside, but soon it’ll get warmer, brighter and springier. Then there will be no excuse for skulking by the fire. So it’ll be the time of year for taking up a challenge, or it might be if I could be bothered. In previous years I’ve done half marathons, got on my […]

5 benefits of quitting smoking

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According to surveys, approximately two-thirds of smokers would like to break the habit, but only 30 to 40 per cent try to quit every year. If you are on the verge of making the leap to a smoke-free life, this post might give you the push you need. If you’ve tried and failed to stop […]

Do something about dementia: Give my sister your money!

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My sister is a remarkable woman. She runs a successful – award-winning even – pharmacy business, keeps a dog, two small boys and a wife happy, and still has time for other people. Plus she’s pretty good company. However, this time she’s excelled herself. She’s gone and entered the London Marathon. I know that to some […]

Keep St Valentine out of our schools, for the kids’ sake

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“I’m very sad, mummy,” said Boy Three from his seat in the back of the car.    We were on the way home last night – the night before St Valentine’s Day.    “What’s the matter, honey bun?” I asked.      This isn’t an unusual exchange. Often it’s the Worst Day in the World. […]