Pumpkin Inspiration
“My sincere condolences.” A good friend sympathized, and we both laughed. I had just told her that one of our three pumpkins had died and shrivelled in our teeny pumpkin patch. I have to admit,...
Full Steam Ahead …
… even though it rained on and off throughout the Port Eliot Steam Fair. After all the sunny weather leading up to the event, it was a tad unfortunate. Unpleasant for the campers and exhibitors,...
Summertime at Trelissick
It’s been months since I’ve been to any National Trust properties and I’ve missed them. But with Britain’s recent heat wave, the lure of shady gardens and a meander around a cool ancestral home was...
Big Things Often Have Little Beginnings
We are keen on Halloween in our family, and a packet of pumpkin seeds brought excitedly last winter had been waiting eagerly in a drawer. Eventually, spring arrived – ideal for planting. My back garden...
Absolutely Delighted …
… to be “People’s Friend” Writer Of The Week and to see my poem ‘Precious Pebbles’ published in the latest Special. I just love the magazine’s cover illustration and photo chosen for my words.
Arrivederci Tuscany
The last few days hurtled by and included a second trip to Florence. Confident with reasonably priced parking arrangements at Empoli railway station and the train ticket purchasing system, we were more relaxed. The journey...
Tuscany’s Town of Towers – San Gimignano
Uncertain of what to expect, I was delighted as we circled the town looking for a car park. High stone walls and glimpses through arches of paved lanes leading uphill through San Gimignano are a...
Tuscany – In the Footsteps of Leonardo
It was an opportunity not to be missed. The small and exquisite city on the slopes of verdant Montalbano where the extraordinary man had lived, was only a short drive from where we were staying....
Tuscan Dream – Florence
At last, I’ve been to Firenze; the city’s Italian name, and I prefer it. From San Miniato, we drove to Empoli train station. The journey into Florence is straightforward and terminates in the centre where...
Enchanted With Tuscany – Pisa and Lucca
Tick. Pisa. That’s another place checked off of ‘my desired destinations to go’ list. It’s a city to suit all ages, a mixture of contemporary and ancient architecture dating back to the Etruscan and Roman...