People in England will never forget the Great Storm of 1987.  Without any warning hurricane force winds blew in from the Atlantic with devastating effect – many lives were lost and 15 million trees were felled in the worst storm for 200 years.  What made it all worse was the fact that no warning had been given – indeed the … Read More

One Christmas my youngest daughter’s wish was finally granted and a new kitten joined our family.  No one was more delighted than our dog Percy who quickly realised that a new source of food had now become available  – not because he could eat the cat you understand, but because when no one was looking he could help himself to … Read More

At various points during the painting of a picture the casual observer may think they know what the painting is going to be; but then the artist adds more lines and colours and the picture changes.  It’s only when the artist sits back and says, “It’s finished” that you can really know what was in his or her mind from … Read More

If there’s one thing I really hate it’s gardening.  I don’t mind the easy stuff – like mowing the grass, or pulling out those weeds with the purple flowers that come out really easily, roots and all!  It’s all the digging and pruning I can’t be bothered with.  My problem is that the serious weeds don’t just go away by … Read More

In the old days cars usually had to be started by getting out of the car and inserting a crank handle through a hole in the front, which then had to be turned with some effort in order to turn the engine over and get it started.  At some point – presumably leaving a party late at night in the … Read More

Most people like to think that if there is a heaven, the way you get in is by living a good life and earning your place.  In fact most religions work on this assumption and it does seem to make a lot of sense.  We’re always told that in this life we get what we deserve, so why not in … Read More

If there’s one thing every fire fighter fears it’s a backdraft – where a fire in an enclosed space uses up all the available oxygen, but continues to smolder at a very high temperature.  An unwary fire fighter may open a door and cause the room to explode in a fireball as the sudden inrush of air reignites the fire.  … Read More