Monthly Archives: January 2023

Belle rescues conference at the Hilton London Olympia (Rousse)

I was back at the Hilton London Olympia running a one-day conference. The morning sessions went very well. My former colleague PT was the star of the show as he peppered his presentation with witty asides. I knew it! He … Continue reading

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Urban garden woodpecker and wood (Rousse)

I looked out of the bedroom window and couldn’t believe my eyes: there was a woodpecker on our bird feeder! I looked out a second time and saw my old colleague BP picking up logs from the lawn. ‘Please just … Continue reading

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Hostess goes missing from own party (Rousse)

I met CW outside the beauty salon on Broughton Street. She told me all about the botox treatment around her lips as we walked up the street. Later we met the other members of our book group to travel to … Continue reading

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Teaching and Trainspotting (Rousse)

The school secretary informed me that my first class as a newly qualified teacher would be mathematics with the fourth years – even though I was completely unqualified to teach this subject at secondary level. When I learnt that my … Continue reading

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Shorty gets lost with a stranger in the Scottish highlands (Rousse)

‘Hey Shorty!’ I heard someone shout behind me. A course figure lumbered into view. I couldn’t tell whether it was a man or a woman, but s/he was definitely calling me. ‘I need a lift to work’ said she, for … Continue reading

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Two dead queens and a kitchen conga (Rousse)

T arrived at our door in a terrible state. His marriage was on the rocks. and he had no idea how to win back L. I accompanied T back to his house by foot. We passed some of the royal … Continue reading

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Highland spirit triplets, hopeless handmade goods, an over-priced exhibition, and very public toilets (Rousse)

A set of Highland triplet spirits danced across the heather as they sought to reunite me with my mother and sister S after I came off the narrow single track road in our hire car. As soon as we found … Continue reading

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A neglected guest witnesses wax flowers, uncovers a property tax dodge, and sticks up for non-smokers (Rousse)

I visited J and GC at their new house in the US. They had relocated there for G’s job. His role now extended beyond sound production and included procurement. These days star-struck hopefuls would approach him seeking fame and fortune … Continue reading

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Brothel bedroom shocker (Rousse)

It was so much worse than I feared. Not only was the house incredibly untidy, the whole top floor now served as a makeshift brothel. I hurried upstairs to collect my e-reader, unaware of the new purpose of my bedroom.  … Continue reading

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Unexpected side effects (Belle)

An ex-boyfriend presented me with a small pyramid of white powder on a silver platter, like an old-fashioned butler. As soon as I approached him, with my finger outstretched, I developed chickenpox.

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