"Sal, she’s gone, you don’t have to ring the vet." A rush of grief and relief flooded through me. I knew it was inevitable. I had hoped so much she wouldn’t need help to leave. How could I have doubted her, such a wise, self contained, private old donkey; she knew her time was up.…

February 2006…. No grass, no rain, just cold grey days, even the snowdrops are reluctant to show their little green petticoats. As I look back to this time last year I find talk of camellias, daffodils and singing crocus; no sign of any of them showing their face this cold, dark February. In fact as…

Flanders and Swan’s wonderful old “Song of the Weather” was more direct! I try not to agree but these January days are so short, so grey, so cold. Well, no, not really so cold I suppose, this is South Devon! But sharp, dark and sad, frosty, wet, muddy, slow and oh, so heavy. It all…

And round we go again, 2006! Christmas and New Year have drifted by: parties over, dear family and wonderful friends dispersed, presents received, decorations down, tree dismantled, cards carefully recorded, letters written, warm love-feeling left in my heart. So much food, nice wine! Exhausted!!  Make a plan for 2006, new resolutions, throw them out, new…

The lights are on. It’s nearly Christmas. Huge dazzling banners, twinkley fairy lights, glittering garlands, sparkling Christmas trees; they all light up the evening sky in every town, large or small. Late night shopping, free car parking, crowds, carousels, special Christmas markets, music on the streets, a Ferris wheel in Plymouth, good cheer everywhere, well…