Blog

Describe the most ambitious DIY project you’ve ever taken on. Yes, the kitchen floor. Well more like the entire kitchen as I ripped out the island and a raised floor and retiled the splashback after fitting new work surfaces, a sink and new gas hob. Well, Lily likes it! Only problem is it shows all […]

If you could permanently ban a word from general usage, which one would it be? Why? There was a similar prompt to this last year I’m sure, and my opinion on this word stays the same. It’s not the word itself, it’s how it’s used as an expression. It is just annoying to my ear.

What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months? I’m pretty sure I’ll make it another 6 months! It’s not a given at 70+ but I’m still feeling pretty good! I’m planning my next book and have about half a dozen gigs booked for this year! I’m not going quietly, my

What bores you? It takes all types to make the world go round, and so, please forgive me when I say I find soccer and cricket boring! I know they’re not! But to me? They are. You would probably find what I do boring—reading, writing and music, walking and listening to the radio. But we

What is your favorite drink? There we go, a nice mug of tea. Milk, no sugar. I sometimes add a teaspoonful of honey if it’s cold out, but otherwise it’s Yorkshire Tea and full fat milk. It’s the perfect thing to have at my elbow when I’m writing and my flask is already in my

Who are your favorite people to be around? I won’t lie, I’m happy on my own, with the occasional foray into civilisation! Click my pic to see CAMINO! Here I am in my cozy hermitage, in the back of beyond, just past the middle of nowhere, off grid, off the planet. My trusty companion Lily

Tell us about your favorite pair of shoes, and where they’ve taken you. Why on earth would I have a favourite pair of shoes? I mean, really? I have good boots, sensible shoes, yes. I’ve walked thousands of miles and one pair of walking boots did over a thousand miles, probably 700 miles on the

Share one of the best gifts you’ve ever received. Some gifts aren’t measurable in the usual ways, and a gift can encompass many aspects. Gifts are sometimes associated with a special day, a birthday or religious festival. Other gifts are more esoteric and intangible. The ability hear music and faithfully reproduce it—sometimes years later, is

Write about your approach to budgeting. Easy really. Rent first, electricity/gas next. Food if I’m still solvent. It’s what I was taught and it seems to work ok for me. I’ve got this far….. It’s surprising how easy that makes things, provided you have an income of some sort.

Are you patriotic? What does being patriotic mean to you? I served my country, took the Queen’s shilling and did 15 years. Went a lot of places and saw some weird shit. Did I feel patriotic? Not really. To my mates yes, but the country as a whole? Not really. I used to feel safe