Author Archives: Dreamaticus

Left hand skin lump diagnosis (Rousse)

I was chatting to JS when I noticed a small lump on the knuckle of the index finger of my left hand. I bit into it, then peeled back the skin all the way to my wrist. On display were … Continue reading

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A private tour of the National Railway Museum, York (Rousse)

My mother had parked her car in Newcastle, but accidentally purchased train tickets that took us further south to York. ‘It’s OK’, we assured to her, ‘We just get off at Newcastle. Nobody will care if we leave our seats … Continue reading

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Love at the cosmetics counter (Rousse)

My young charge and I ran a cosmetics counter in a department store. Customers were few so we enjoyed a lot of free time to get to know each other and – eventually – fall in love, despite our 36 … Continue reading

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Dying gerbil mistaken for dog (Rousse)

Like all farming families, we had many pets. In our household my Granny T was the one responsible for feeding and tidying up after them. So when LTP&S came to visit and P asked about the dying dog in the … Continue reading

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A secret agent and a sacred text (Rousse)

My duties as a secret agent charged with recovering a sacred text were part-familiar and part-terrifying. As I stood on the pavement on Edinburgh’s George Street, I knew that the passing motorcyclist would slap me when he drove past. Then … Continue reading

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Noel Fielding on a first date (Belle)

Noel Fielding picked me up from the office. We walked over a burgundy arts and crafts bridge, Noel pushing his bike one one side, had his other arm around my shoulders.  His quiet voice was a charm to me.  Distracted, … Continue reading

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Reptiles and serpents found at tropical wedding venue (Rousse)

DTJ and KJ were due to host their wedding celebration at a tropical hotel that was familiar to me and TPR. We picked up our wedding present for them – a huge canvas – and walked barefoot to the venue. … Continue reading

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Hostage clings to novel entertainment at end of ordeal (Rousse)

By posting messages about a conference that did not exist, FR arranged my rescue from kidnap by an American gang. While I waited for my formal release, I begged my captors not to take away the two novels in bag … Continue reading

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Bubble ring valuation (Rousse)

Incorrectly identified as a jewellery expert, I was asked to value a bubble ring.

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French at the University of Birmingham (Rousse)

The Birmingham University campus was unrecognisable. It was so hi tech – and the main library had been flattened. SH was still top of the class, and I a complete dunce. I wondered whether there would be time for me … Continue reading

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