Tag Archives: die

Arrogance and recklessness on the road and high seas (Rousse)

Arrogance and recklessness were a dangerous combination, especially on a busy narrow road. At the wheel of his white Mercedes, SM was lucky to avoid a head-on collision with a huge truck. He was not so fortunate when he failed … 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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Shark danger in Lake Ontario (Rousse)

Within hours of landing in Canada I boarded a yacht at the behest of my cousin NT. Suddenly the wind picked up and threw us from the craft into Lake Ontario. Sharks fins circled. I considered whether I would prefer … Continue reading

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The secret bigamist (Rousse)

Until I considered what might happen if I died before TPR, I thought it perfectly acceptable to have secretly married my 35 year old ‘boyfriend’. In practice we hardly ever saw each another, and I wondered if he actually remembered … Continue reading

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Cilla Black death faux pas (Rousse)

One of my former students had a famous mother-in-law: the singer and entertainer Cilla Black. When I called round to see him and his father-in-law I asked after Cilla. ‘What kind of question is that?!’ said the father-in-law. I had … Continue reading

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An embarrassing moment in the National Library of Scotland and a tram death (Rousse)

I could have died of shame when a video posted to my Facebook page sprang to life at full volume breaking the solemn silence of the main reading room in the National Library of Scotland. I had no choice but … Continue reading

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A sudden death – with vegetables (Rousse)

I surprised K and her husband at their vegetable chests on Bruntsfield Links. I asked after K’s mother. They told me that she had died. This was a terrible shock. I knew that G had been ill, but I had … Continue reading

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Broad bean babies transform into aconites (Rousse)

My cousin EV asked if we could look after her newborn baby. I was very nervous about accepting the invitation, especially since the baby was only the size of a broad bean. It was obvious that this would be a … Continue reading

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Copycat campus shootings come to the UK (Rousse)

AM was interviewed first. Then it was my turn. By the end of the day each of us had been offered a chair at Northumbria University. How amazing that we would be working together! We were both happy to be … Continue reading

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Birmingham graduate destinations: deep sea diving, death, and a hot rod librarian (Rousse)

We were all travelling on the Birmingham University French 1986 graduates’ bus. DM passed along the aisle offering cups of tea. I told her that TPR and I had made a brief visit to Rhyl and she said that we … Continue reading

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