Flowers For Her Grave*

“Do you think I’m too old for these,” I say to Seb as we walk past a market stall selling silk flower headbands.  Seb has come to my Office to take me out to lunch before he returns home this evening. Have been thinking about these flower headbands since first noticed them around in the […]

Heartbreak Tennis*

“I’ll let you know my movements but definitely see you later,” Seb’s message. Seb is coming back this evening.  Can’t wait to arrive home, switch on actual Wimbledon and put the artichokes on to boil.  Mum is on Centre Court – maybe will see her on the television. This morning Seb travelled with me to […]

Rope Enough*

“Right, I’m out of the door and on my way,” the message comes through from Seb at 4.04pm.  “Can’t imagine it will take me more than two and a half hours.  So: 6.30pm I reckon.  I’m training it.  Don’t feel like driving.  See you soon xxx.” “See you soon darling,” I reply.  “Please ring doorbell/ […]

Allergic Reaction*

“What are those ones?” I ask the allergy doctor.  I’m staring at my arm where the prick tests are starting to develop.  There are four which have erupted in red, itchy marks. “So those are house dust and both types of house dust mites – the country mite and the town mite – and…did you […]

Allergic To Death*

“So, that’s an eclectic collection of tablets that you’re taking,” the allergy doctor says, in a slow, kind voice.  We’re sitting in his high-ceilinged-book-lined consulting room.  There’s a clay bust of a unicorn on the windowsill.   Gazing at Harold Macmillan and The Cecils and Napoleon I say: “Yes, well I’m on carbamazepine and duloxetine […]

Strange Days*

It’s been a strange day full of some unsettling things.  So, here are some nice things: 1.  Love my Seb. 2.  Will spend some proper time with him soon. 3.  Enjoyed this evening’s artichoke.   4.  And a spinach, beetroot, avocado and sweetcorn salad. 5.  This Rioja is good. 6.  Enjoyed my allergy doctor.  Am […]

A Hell Of A Dog*

“Hello,” I say to the Akita and his owner.  We’re at my pub: where I used to bring the chaps on all those dates last year. “Hi,” the owner says. “He’s amazing,” I say.  “What’s his name?” “He’s called Onyx,” the owner says.  He’s a skinny chap and Onyx himself is a large person.  Beautiful […]

The Triple Petunia Murder Case*

“I like my colour scheme, don’t you?” Mum says.  We’re sitting on the terrace in the parental garden, and all around us are petunias of different pinks and purples:         “They’re stunning,” I say.  “What about those pink-and-green-ones from last year?” “Couldn’t get any this year,” Mum says.  “Asked at the garden centre, but […]

The Sea, The Sea*

Seb is still asleep.  Have been awake since 7.20am.  It’s now 10.01am.  Don’t understand how he can sleep for sooooooo long in the morning.   Sunlight streams through the thin curtains.  Can hear the roar of the sea and the screeching of the gulls. We’re missing a beautiful day out there.  Just want to walk […]