Cotswolds We’re on a carpet jaunt (B’s laying a carpet for a monkey. I’m the mate). So good to get out - been in Suffolk exclusively for too long. A leaflet says of the Cotswolds: ‘Above all, the local honey-coloured limestone, used for everything from the stone floors in the houses to the tiles on the… Continue reading Cotswolds – ‘magical uniformity’?
Words by the Sea-side
As I prepare to move my geography from Suffolk to Norwich, I’ve had two rich and uplifting weekends locally both with words: the Aldeburgh Poetry Festival and Southwolds Way with Words. Both events by sea-side towns. I understand we humans ‘go to the sea’ for the end of our lives: the view is compulsory outwards, looking… Continue reading Words by the Sea-side
Open Dharma @ Telescombe
I couldn’t believe it until the very last moments that Jaya and Gemma were coming to my island. Yes, I know they are Open Dharma, but I still sent an email to the Dominique on Thursday Can i bring a dog b. Who is giving the teachings? (The dog (Kali) I found a home for… Continue reading Open Dharma @ Telescombe
Oxfordshire
It is the peak of the spring burst, oak leaves rising sap green, dappled green white of candles on chestnut trees, may blossom and queen annes lace. Dog walk up to the ancient hill fort, where a fellow dog walker says: people have walked here forever. Walnut trees amongst the hawthorn, sheep grazing, dog chasing… Continue reading Oxfordshire
This could be me or a star
A star is born when atoms of light elements are squeezed under enough pressure for their nuclei to undergo fusion. All stars are the result of a balance of forces: the force of gravity compresses atoms in interstellar gas until the fusion reactions begin. And once the fusion reactions begin, they exert an outward pressure.… Continue reading This could be me or a star
Kali: The End of the Honeymoon
I'll begin at an end. The newspaper headlines today are : End of Obama Honeymoon. I'd given Kali (the dog) to Miranda to look after while Barry and I partied in Norwich at a fancy dress, and our B&B did not cater for dogs. After collecting Kali from Miranda, I found a dog revolt. As… Continue reading Kali: The End of the Honeymoon
London: The End of the Line
Fish Farming a solution? It takes 5 kilos of anchovy to feed 1 kilo of salmon. Eat the anchovy and little fish! Indicators include a rise in plankton and jellyfish - their preditors have all been predicated to humans insatiable apetite for business (not food - 40% of fish caught are wasted (quality control, sell… Continue reading London: The End of the Line
London PROMS Finzi & Apples, Moeran & Trains
Love affair with London continues, with opening of Prom season. Part and parcel is the ease and delight of getting there. Biking down Millionaires spacious tree lined luxury road, into the democratic park with other bicycle commuters, dog walkers, nature: 8 mins door to door. Recognising the same ticket touts outside. Chatting to another waiting… Continue reading London PROMS Finzi & Apples, Moeran & Trains
Sathyu the Bhopal campainger for 25 years
The vortex of London unexpectedly reveals Sathyu coming to London to give a talk at Frontline (Paddington) on Bhopal 25 years on. He took me back 10 years to that campaiging life. Unchanged, except, like me he ports glasses. His dedication to the cause is undiluted and impressive. For 25 years - his adult life -… Continue reading Sathyu the Bhopal campainger for 25 years
Africa 2009 – 07 Mali TIMBOUCTOU
TOMBOUCTOU! Update on the library in Timbuktoo Desert came immediately after leaving Douenza. Camels and thorn trees. We were warned about the road but for the first hundred or so kilometers, it was not unpleasant washboard. Then, inevitably, the groves deepened, the sand drifted, and we veered between vibrating washboard, deep sand track or off… Continue reading Africa 2009 – 07 Mali TIMBOUCTOU
Kalikellett 