Author Archives: Dreamaticus

Secret old lady’s clothes stash discovered in toddler’s bedroom (Rousse)

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Dreamaticus

Just when we thought that I had dealt with all my mother’s personal effects following her death, I discovered a small chest of drawers stuffed with some of her clothes – in the bedroom of a small blonde child that … Continue reading →

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Ignored by Canadians (Rousse)

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Dreamaticus

At my cousin’s farm in Somerset, I shared JB’s bath water and TPR sorted out our Mac accessories while the Canadian branch of the family ignored us.

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Anonymous author anger (Rousse)

Posted on January 11, 2026 by Dreamaticus

My research group made its home on a single floor of a 1970s high rise. Although the building’s exterior was ugly, we did well to make the inside cosy with antique furniture and carefully positioned ornaments. Everyone seemed happy enough … Continue reading →

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Rainbow clown wigged lawyer granny keeps avocado green toilet in her sitting room (Rousse)

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Dreamaticus

My lawyer paternal grandmother was a stunner, even when wearing her rainbow clown wig. It was a pity that she barely practised law these days, largely due to the frailties of old age. Changes to her lifestyle were evident in … Continue reading →

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A ruined antique, a banana loaf, and paperwork for Holy Island (Rousse)

Posted on January 7, 2026 by Dreamaticus

Almost as soon as I did it, I knew that I should have never plonked a red hot Le Creuset casserole dish on the top of a highly polished antique mahogany sideboard. Sure enough, I’d instantly made a nasty circular … Continue reading →

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Jonathan Ross seeks flat and recognition in Edinburgh (Rousse)

Posted on January 7, 2026 by Dreamaticus

Jonathan Ross stood in my study and spoke with excitement of the prospect of buying a flat in Edinburgh. I suggested that he step away from the window to avoid the risk of drawing the attention of passers-by. ‘You must … Continue reading →

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Interesting work in Stockton-on-Tees with broadcaster-farmer Stuart Maconie (Rousse)

Posted on January 4, 2026 by Dreamaticus

Alongside his broadcasting career, Stuart Maconie worked as a part-time farmer in partnership with my cousin BB. They ran their agricultural operation from my childhood home in Stockton-on-Tees, on the corner of Darlington Road and Kenton Close. I managed to … Continue reading →

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Unexpected guests (Rousse)

Posted on January 1, 2026 by Dreamaticus

We were going to the make the most of the peace of quiet on the last morning at our cosy rental cottage. However, rather than enjoying a lie-in as planned, we unexpectedly played host to a seemingly unending string of … Continue reading →

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Winning the train quiz (Rousse)

Posted on December 25, 2025 by Dreamaticus

TPR issued us all with a National Museums of Scotland worksheet. When I saw the set of questions on early passenger trains from the 1820s, I was convinced that I would win this quiz.

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Donkey-dog terrorises peaceful Northumbrian village (Rousse)

Posted on December 25, 2025 by Dreamaticus

I walked the length of the main street of the pretty Northumbrian village. Where the stone cottages gave way to fields full of livestock, an animal leapt over the wooden fence and bounded towards me. I struggled to identify the … Continue reading →

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