Franklin and Winston

Reading Doris Kearns Goodwin’s magisterial (no other word could do it justice) No Ordinary Time, I am struck by the similarities and differences between Franklin and Winston during the war.

Georgia On My Mind

Eleven years ago (2009) I went with a few friends to Georgia in the Caucasus for a holiday. We took a flight to Tbilisi from Heathrow and when we walked into the baggage hall I knew what was going to happen.

Cork and Orrery

In September 1941 after supper at the White House, “a jolly party”, Franklin Roosevelt asked his guests to name four outstanding leaders. Eleanor chose: Anne Hutchinson, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Emily Dickinson and Carrie Chapman Catt. Franklin nominated: Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Teddy Roosevelt and the Earl of Orrery.

Falcon

The falcon chick born aloft Charing Cross Hospital is showing no signs of leaving his parents. As a single male he may never leave and in a few years may mate with his mother. He’s called Jack but Oedipus might be more apt.

To Autumn

Velux window vents closed, central heating on (set at 60 degrees) a scarf selection across the bannisters in the hall; it’s autumn.

Published
Categorised as Poetry

Annual Review

National Churches Trust send their supporters this 52-page account of what they have been up to.

Published
Categorised as Charities

Aunt Bessie

“It rained on Coronation Day in 1953, but nothing like so badly as at the previous coronation in 1937 when it came down like the best of British stair-rods just after the ceremonies in the Abbey had ended and when people were trying to get home.

Bonking Biographies

There are too many new books, films, television programmes for anyone to do more than skim. Yesterday I watched the first episode of Schitt’s Creek because it has just won  a record-breaking seven Emmys.

Bottom Picking

You will know young captive birds kept in a confined space peck the less fit chicks in their bums. Why? I don’t know but I guess there is an innate instinct to bully and the blood is tasty?

Published
Categorised as Business

Gin and Gems

Next time my sister pops into The Wine House in Trim – it’s temptingly close to the cathedral – I hope she picks up a bottle or two of St Patrick’s Extra Dry Gin.