Category Archives: history

Nine Shopping Days till Christmas

Posted on November 25, 2011 by

Not quite December but already Christmas lights twinkle along Princes Street and the festive tree on the Mound is being buffeted by teasing zephyrs. The Big Wheel spins… My mother liked writing poetry. This strand travelled down her mother’s side … Continue reading →

Posted in history, poetry, Scotland, travel, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

The town of towers – and dogs

Posted on November 11, 2011 by

I’ve been in San Gimignano in Tuscany three times and each time I remember it differently. The town is known for its medieval towers (around 72 at its peak, now reduced to 14). The first visit was an aside on … Continue reading →

Posted in history, holidays, italy, travel | Leave a comment

Lavatories

Posted on June 10, 2011 by

One of the pleasures of being home after being away is that you return to your own known space. Whatever you call it, the loo, the lavatory, the George (why? I have a vague memory that one of Britain’s Hanoverian … Continue reading →

Posted in history, lavatories, travel | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment