2101.01 THE DAY AFTER THE DARKEST YEAR

I'd say most of us will be glad to see the back of 2020. I called it last year as a shit year but obviously didn't forsee the pandemic and the associated blight to all our lives. 

2012.25 THE CAPTAIN'S YULETIDE MESSAGE

This is probably the most difficult of seasonal messages I've had to deliver. The world in in the middle of a pandemic that that effected everyone in some way.

2012.16 THE GREAT FESTIVE TV ROUNDUP

It's become a bit of a tradition now, I check out the televisual offerings armed with the festive double issue of the Radio Times and a highlighter pen. Then I share my favourite upcoming delights...

2012.07 GOLDEN TIME

Mum and Dad celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary this weekend gone. By 'celebrated' I mean it happened - celebrations are not permitted by law at the moment.

2011.17 GOING NUTS

I'm so tired. I've been struggling recently, both physically and mentally.

2011.08 LOCKDOWN 2.0

So from last Thursday the UK is back in a full lockdown which means we can only leave our homes for essential journeys. All non-essential shops and hospitality have been closed.

2010.13 LOOOOOONG COVID

It's difficult not to talk about coronavirus these days. It's on every news channel and is even seeping into dramas, only a matter of time before they make a movie about it.

2010.01 RESTRICTIONS AND CHIPS

So the second wave of Corona virus is apparently upon us and with it there is a raft of new restrictions. In the midst of all this I've planned a holiday.

2009.06 COUNTDOWN

It seems I am always counting down the days to my next day off or to my next pay day. I can't wait for the time to pass but as I get older I realise I shouldn't be throwing time away.

2008.21 STAYCATION NO MORE

The word 'Staycation' is being thrown around a lot at the moment. People are using it to describe their alternative holiday plans, it's been used in advertising and media too. I hate this term.

2008.07 GOODBYE NAN

I've always considered myself lucky that at my age I still have a couple of grandparents left. Until this week...

2007.13 THE TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES

Did I say Tribbles? I meant Guinea Pigs.

2006.19 WHOLE NEW WORLD?

So the lockdown is starting to be relaxed, people are returning to work and pretty soon shops will be reopening. We have been promised a "new normal" but what does this look like?

2006.07 BLACK LIVES MATTER

I've deliberated about this post for some time but I can't ignore what happened. I can't be silent since that would make me complicit.

2006.06 THE BIG BUILD

We've been enjoying some glorious weather recently. Sunny and dry every day (in fact it is too dry and gardeners all wishing for a downpour). I sought to take advantage of this gloriousness and build my new shed.