It still stings, even after all this time. The table cloths were crisp and white, the frock perfect, the back-ground tinkle and hum sophisticated and the waiter attentive. Or at least he was. “I think we’ll have a bottle of the soave (pronounced to rhyme with Hove) thanks.” The sneer was fleeting, but it signalled […]
Why middle-aged women make the best spies
James Bond’s time is up, MI5 has come to its senses. British spy bosses have announced that they’re keen to recruit more middle-aged women to the ranks of the intelligence agencies. More? It’s hard to see where they might fit among the well-cut suits, rippling biceps and broodingly mysterious strangers. Do you notice many […]
My 12 Questions of Christmas
This year I’m actually fairly jolly. Ho ho ho and all that, but some things are baffling me: Who said we have to get all our shopping done by the first weekend in December? Why is a dressing gown and a tea towel the accepted costume for nativity plays? When are all these parties we are supposed to […]
Middle-age: the nightmare no one warned me about
My legs were tangled in the sheets – I couldn’t run. And a weight pressed my chest keeping me pinned down. I needed to get out away. But the scream choked off in my throat as slowly the dream cleared and I realised I was trapped by an affectionate nocturnal visit from Boy Three, who was snoring […]
10 inspiring quotes you don’t need
“If you’ve got your feet in a uni-slipper, concentrate on being comfy instead of wearing yourself out jumping upstairs.”I don’t know if you’ve noticed or not, but the internet runs on quotes. Wise, appropriate, succinct and preferably on a soft-focus sunset background. And most of them are mush. Like Big Macs for the soul.“If you […]