One of the joys of growing older is that I find myself increasingly out of step with popular thinking. It might be increasing grumpiness or resistance to change, but I’m inclined to think that it’s just laziness on my part. I’ve decided that I can take a well-earned break now and let other people take…
Author: Sheridan
Watching old films with new eyes
I know this sounds ridiculous, but I’m struggling to find anything I want to watch on TV, catch-up or any of the countless streaming options on offer. We have more screen entertainment available in our homes than ever before and I’m sure that’s part of the problem: endless choice can be paralysing. Looking at shelf…
What would Dervla do?
Since I’m still not venturing outside Britain (I can’t face the uncertainty of it all), I’m relying on travel writers to take me to fascinating places. I’ve been reading Dervla Murphy’s first book, Full Tilt: Ireland to India with a Bicycle. My immediate thought was, “Why on earth would she do that?” Who would choose…
Wayward genes
A few days ago my son gave me a look that I can only describe as one of bemused disbelief and said, “You have finally lost the plot.” I do find that children are your worst critics, something that I try to bear in mind when talking to my own mother. I don’t think he’s…
Taming technology
I would not consider myself to be an early adopter, although I’m not against technology by any means. In fact, I’m a big fan. Many years ago I convinced my husband, who was an IT professional and understandably didn’t want to bring his work home, that we needed the internet so that I could email…
Do pirates need a summer wardrobe?
Some people might disagree, but I think that wanting to dress like a pirate is a natural human instinct. Perhaps even a right. Who doesn’t want to wear a tricorn hat and swagger around with a cutlass? Hastings was full of pirate wannabes last week and naturally I was there. I’m not a big party…
Keep on keeping up
We are endlessly bombarded with advice on how to remain youthful. Speaking solely for myself, I think that ship has sailed. However, I can’t deny that I’m aiming to keep the best mental and physical health I can for as long as possible, so I do pay attention to advice from convincing sources, especially if…
My brain’s gone to Ibiza
My wonderfully ludicrous wide-legged jeans enjoyed their first outing last night. It’s not that I was building up the courage to wear them in public, you understand, I was just waiting for the right occasion. I was having supper with some friends who I knew would appreciate their true vintage style and not burst out…
I have fought against my better judgement…
Sometimes I wonder if we’re little more than the sum total of all our likes and dislikes. If that’s the case, it would explain why we doggedly hang onto our preferences even if we no longer prefer them. For instance, it took me years to realise that I don’t actually like wine. I’ve been drinking…
WLTM hopeless and selfish family
I do love those emails that arrive from very rich people living abroad who are anxious to transfer a portion of their huge wealth to me. I’m full of admiration for their creative background stories and charmed by their idiosyncratic use of the English language. And naturally I’m flattered that I’m the chosen one.