Tag Archives: joy

Northallerton joy riders (Rousse)

Posted on June 1, 2026 by Dreamaticus

The last time that we visited Northallerton, we stayed one night in a hotel. Overnight joy riders stole our red Peugeot 205, then dumped it in a school playing field. This time we left the car in a queue at … Continue reading →

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Belle the librarian serves Rousse the criminal (Rousse)

Posted on April 27, 2018 by Dreamaticus

It was a tough route up the concrete staircase in the cold to the main library of Birmingham City University, but so worth the struggle to be greeted by squeals of joy from Belle, on duty at the main enquiry … Continue reading →

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Charity shop Whimsies and a sand slide bring joy to the office (Rousse)

Posted on December 12, 2017 by Dreamaticus

My new office space was appalling. I was shown to a tiny table with a computer at the end end of a long narrow room that accommodated around a dozen academics and research students. On the blue desk next to … Continue reading →

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Christmas cake complications (Rousse)

Posted on January 9, 2017 by Dreamaticus

It was meant to be a simple lunch at my parents’ house, but the complications began as soon as I invited the others to the table. First I noticed that my former colleague AT failed to turn up. Then the … Continue reading →

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Wimbledon tennis star happy in retirement (Rousse)

Posted on March 6, 2016 by Dreamaticus

The two international tennis superstars squealed with joy when they saw me. “We’ll never forget your performance in the semi-final at Wimbledon 2013” said Charlotte as Natalia covered me with kisses. “Do you ever think of coming out of retirement?” … Continue reading →

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The chaos of rapid expansion in UK higher education (Rousse)

Posted on April 20, 2014 by Dreamaticus

The expansion of Queen Margaret University’s portfolio of courses was so rapid that its building could not cope with the additional student numbers. Indeed something had gone terribly wrong during the extra construction work and now many of the institution’s … Continue reading →

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Poodle puppies and the promise of an operation (Rousse)

Posted on May 23, 2012 by Dreamaticus

TPR had been keeping a secret. I had no inkling of the pregnancy, but when I walked into the kitchen and found a new litter of tiny grey poodles I was overcome with joy. Then I panicked. How could we … Continue reading →

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