The Raven and the Cat, sworn enemies,  faced each other across the battlefield, their bodies undulating menacingly in the wind..  Behind each, other creatures followed; the Badger, the Crow and the Griffin seconding the ebony Raven; the Cock, Wolf, and Wren backing the hissing Cat.  As the blare of a horn split the cold dawn, brave Celtic warriors from Southern Sunderland, lifted their heavy shields, reflecting the rising sun off the Ravens’ wings. Unruffled by noise or clime, fierce,…

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Ten women of a certain age. Whispering behind their hands, sussing out secrets. Trading pictures of graduations, weddings and christenings. Comparing notes on diets and surgeries, failed marriages and affairs, careers and retirement plans. Ten women of a certain age, all sipping white wine and speaking at once. Welcome to the 40^th reunion of the class of ’70.

All gussied up in her new outfit, a sunshine yellow sweater and bright, colourful print skirt, she held court in the big chair next to the fireplace. Helium-filled balloons floated over her head, bouncing as her petite body wiggled with joy. Bright, crumpled paper littered the floor around her small feet, reaching up to the growing stack of cards and boxes that filled in the space around her .

Oohs and ahs greeted each new unveiling. A silver bracelet followed a green scarf, a book… Continue

It’s 7 a.m. and I’m staring sitting at the table staring at my empty hands, wondering what to do with them. Normally I’d be clutching my second or third mug of high-test coffee, but, on doctor’s orders, I’m trying to cut back on my daily caffeine intake – damn that bastard -- and I’m beginning to think cutting back a body part would be more tolerable. Preferably one of his body parts (use your imagination).



I’m only allowed one cup per day and my dilemma is when to have it: first… Continue

THOU still unsavoured gem of pleasure,
Thou bastard-child of Succulence and slow Roasting,
Epicurean muse, who canst thus express
A piquant flavor more sweetly than Parsley, Sage or Thyme.
What mystery haunts about thy fellow travelers,
Of mustard or relish, or of both.