The New Year can bring resolutions, revelations, and uncertainty but one event is a constant in my life. Since I was a post-graduate I have been a member of The Study Group on the Russian Revolution, which holds its annual conference in the first week of January. It provides delegates with the chance to hearContinue reading “Discovering Treachery”
Category Archives: Life
I, Baba.
It has been a difficult year. Not in any tragic or dramatic sense but simply a year that has seemed without meaningful purpose or direction. When I turned sixty, three years ago, I actively sought out new challenges and directions for my life. I love being ‘old’ enough to be what and who I want,Continue reading “I, Baba.”
Edinburgh Fringe
There are many arguments or discusions to be had about the growth of the Edinburgh Fringe, who it serves, how it is financially crippling to many performers, whether it is diverse enough etc and I am happy to take part in those debates. However, I have to say going to Edinburgh during August is oneContinue reading “Edinburgh Fringe”
Vivienne Westwood
There are not many celebrities whose passing creates a sadness that is normally reserved for those one knows personally. John Lennon’s untimely death hurt as did Peter Sellars and Eric Morcambe. I valued their talent and mourned its loss. In the final days of 2022 I have been moved by the death of John Bird,Continue reading “Vivienne Westwood”
Saints and Witches
I love a visit to an exhibition and the local Art Gallery currently has two special exhibitions which I wanted to see. The first was The Book of Deer and the second The Galloway Hoard. The Book of Deer is a small ilustrated Gospel manuscript and is considered one of Scotland’s greatest treasures. Written aroundContinue reading “Saints and Witches”
The Soup, and Icecream, of Doom
The Wing Commander is a great cook. He has a tried and trusted collection of favourite recipes among which is a wonderful carrot and coriander soup. It is a special favourite for light lunches and so yesterday he decided, at the last minute, to make a pot of said soup. I had already had myContinue reading “The Soup, and Icecream, of Doom”
Learning to Love Audiobooks
I have had an on/off relationship with audiobooks for several years. I have an extensive library of audiobooks and in the past have tended to listen to them while also reading the actual book. This is slower than reading myself but I do find it engaging to hear someone else’s voice read the words. OfContinue reading “Learning to Love Audiobooks”
Voting Rights
Today is local elections day and I want to go to vote. I have had a low level headache all day so I’ve been slouching about the house wearing an old Disney t-shirt and a pair of baggy joggers. Now the Wing Commander is objecting to me leaving the house in such attire, especially inContinue reading “Voting Rights”
Gym and a Swim
When I joined a gym a couple of months ago my intention was to go twice a week.. Sadly, I have not quite achieved that yet with most weeks having only one visit and some with none at all. This retirement lark is proving to be very busy and all sorts of other things haveContinue reading “Gym and a Swim”
Revisiting the Past
I arrived in Aberdeen as an 18y.o. student to train to be a teacher at what was then known as Aberdeen College of Education. It was a daunting experience for a girl from a small island to fly into the city (my first flight) and find my way to my accommodation, a room in hallsContinue reading “Revisiting the Past”
Significantly Different 