High Fidelity*

“Do you know what this is, my lovely?” Seb says, gesturing at the television. “Ummmm,” I say.  There’s Vanessa Redgrave and Emma Thompson clad in Edwardian gear: long skirts, velvet hats, high-necked blouses.  It’s a period film but am not sure what. “It’s Howards End,” Seb says, sounding cheerful.  “This is the film that made […]

The Painted Veil*

China 1925.   Toby Jones, Naomi Watts and Edward Norton are in a remote Chinese mountain town in the midst of a cholera epidemic.  They have opium, bamboo forests and possibly pandas, although haven’t seen one yet.  They are carried everywhere in litters on the shoulders of local people, which seems an excellent way to […]

Gone With The Wind*

“Is that the toast coming up, already?” Mum says, sitting on the arm of the chair, peering into my sick bucket. 11.15 am.  Gone With The Wind Has been playing for forty five minutes or so.  Atlanta is burning.  Am on all fours in front of the television, vomiting into the mop bucket. “Yes,” I […]

The Fugitive*

New Year’s Resolutions 1.  Be kinder to elderly parentals.  Particularly to Dad.  He puts up with So Much. 2.  Do this at least once per day.  But not more than three times per hour.  Mustn’t exhaust self. 3.  Drink less water.  All it does is turn into wee anyway. 4.  Work towards own Keeshond puppy […]

Polly Put The Kettle On*

Some good things: 1.  Met the Keeshond in the attached photo today.  He’s adorable. 2.  Have trial walk with him on Wednesday or Thursday. 3.  It’s the Davis Cup final next weekend. 4.  Whilst the heating has broken at the parentals, am at the flat where it is warm. 5.  Enjoyed some cuddles with the […]

Death Of A Glutton*

Seb is washing up and tidying the kitchen. Can hear running water and the sound of cutlery clattering as he puts it away. Have escaped to my bedroom for a few minutes to write this. We’ve just returned from the cinema – the Michael Fassbender “Macbeth”. Excellent. Bloody, grimy and beautifully shot. Lots of mountains […]

The Documents In The Case*

“I’m calling you from outside the gym,” Seb says, when he calls at 8.30pm last night. “Ah, well done for going,” I say.  “What’s all that noise in the background?” “Well, I haven’t actually been in,” he says.  “Have just arrived here and it’s closed.  So I’m walking home and it’s windy.” “That’s a shame,” […]

The Cherry Blossom Murder*

“How are you lovely?” The message comes through from my Seb. “Just doing some writing on phone on bike at gym.  Didn’t see any eclipse.  Did you?” I say. “No, wasn’t really aware of it,” he says.  “Don’t think it was great down here anyway.  Lovely day now though.  Spring has sprung!”   My darling. […]