Middle-aged, Free and Single

Putting Tights on a Cat

Molly cat had a little scab on her left shoulder, about the size of a 5p piece. It wasn’t really bothering her, but it had been there a while so I made an appointment with the vet. That was last year, during (I think) Lockdown Two. Before the appointment came round, the scab disappeared. Fair…

… And Single

I took my car to the garage the other day, and the guy asked if I was seeing anyone. It’s a garage I go to often enough, and the guy who runs it knows that my husband left a while ago. I know this man, his girlfriend goes to the same gym as me, he…

Quite Giddy

I was wide awake at 4 this morning. Alarm was due to go off at 6 ready for me to get into my gym gear and head to the gym for 6.30. Yes, I was that excited. I got up and made myself a cup of tea and a bowl of cereal and took it…

Full o’ busy

Life is a bit hectic. I work 35 hours a week for a large DIY shed as a kitchen designer – but I rarely do just 35 hours, I normally have a couple of hours overtime at least, so my normal working week is usually about 37 hours. On the plus side, my working day…

Clematis

The hedge round our front garden was higher than I could reach when we first moved into this house. Leylandii. Need I say more… 30 metres long, probably more than 8 feet tall. Nothing grew near it, not even weeds, and some parts of the garden were permanently in shade because of it. It used…

Flagging

The first time I ever visited small-town America, I remember being surprised at how many people were flying flags from their homes. Flags on flag poles, flags on porch doors. It was very odd. It was very American. And now here we are, with a flag debate of our very own. I don’t particularly like…

It Isn’t Over

One year on. Or should I say one year in. I worry that there seems to have been a sea-change in people’s attitudes over the last few days. It feels like it’s over. More and more people are getting their vaccines, the numbers are coming down, the sun is shining. We have the prospect of…

No More Sugar – two months on

Back in January I decided to cut back on the amount of sugar I use. I have osteoarthritis in my finger joints, and although it’s not too painful or unsightly at the moment there is no cure and it will get worse over time. A bit of googling suggested that cutting back on the sugar…

She Was Walking Home

Sarah Everard was walking home from a friend’s house at 9 o’clock in the evening when she was attacked. The most normal, ordinary, wholesome thing that you could imagine. Which makes it all the more tragic. But I have a problem. Somewhere in the narrative is a feeling that that’s exactly what a woman ought…

I Protest

So the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill is making its way inexorably through Parliament. It’s a major piece of legislation, covering everything from sex offenders to sign language interpreters. But there is one section that should cause concern to everyone who believes that the UK is a free country – and wants it to…

Advice to Women

In view of recent events, and comments in the media, I’ve gathered together the advice we women have been given throughout our lives to help us to stay safe. I’m sure it’s not a comprehensive list – add the ones I’ve missed to the comments below! With thanks to Philippa H Stewart (@Flip_Stewart), whose post…