Monthly Archives: August 2012

Birthday Belle oversleeps

Realising that I had been asleep for over 40  years, I decided to wake up.  I was astonished to discover both of my parents at the foot of my bed.  And to learn that it was my birthday.

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Californian gold prospector comes clean in Texas (Rousse)

DT’s father was not, in fact, a dentist. We discovered this on holiday in Texas when I needed urgent dental treatment. Thank goodness we had comprehensive travel insurance. DT’s father’s real profession was something of a surprise. We were astonished … Continue reading

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Accommodation for a single husband, cycling safety and wedding dresses (Rousse)

I was running late for my meeting, but the issue of TPR’s accommodation was a higher priority. Thank goodness he had dismissed the suggestion of moving back to the Manor House at the University of Birmingham. However, he still seemed … Continue reading

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Common room queens rule supreme as Rousse gets on with her work

This student common room housed three queens: my sister J, my sister S and ECM. The loyal subjects of each gathered next to their chosen monarch on the appropriate section of sofa, faces turned in awe towards the object of … Continue reading

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Unexpected advice on the cultivation of dahlias (Rousse)

As I walked across the exam room I started to argue the value of timed written assessments that comprise a compulsory multiple choice section followed by a choice of two essay questions from a selection of five. The invigilator hoping … Continue reading

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Fare dodging on the buses (Rousse)

We didn’t have enough change to make up the £6.40 that we needed for the two bus fares. To make up the difference TPR and I gathered up piles of foreign currency, some unusual ochre-coloured coppers, and a mix of … Continue reading

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Diet plans for Rousse

When I overheard my gorgeous Canadian cousin tell a stranger “Don’t worry about Rousse. All you need to do to keep her happy is make sure that she is always supplied with food”, I knew for certain that it was … Continue reading

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A tempting job prospect (Rousse)

I bumped into VJ all decked out in a pink and red floaty dress and leggings ensemble on Colinton Road. “Are you happy in your job?” she asked. “It’s just that I’ve seen something right up your street within the … Continue reading

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Rowan Atkinson secrets overheard in hotel lift (Rousse)

After months of planning, the day of my conference finally arrived. A little behind schedule, I popped into the hotel dining room to see who else had made it to breakfast. A surprising number of delegates were there, the majority … Continue reading

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Supermarket staff sample new Yazoo milkshake range: chilled coffee (Rousse)

The manager at the meat counter was clearly appalled to hear his colleague K tease one of his best customers (me) for her absent-mindedness. When she then asked me to fetch her a frozen banana-flavoured Yazoo drink from the chilled … Continue reading

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