Tag Archives: Stockton-on-Tees

Objections to the open house (Rousse)

Every time that I visited the White House there was something else there to annoy me. This time I kept tripping up on the rickety metal stairs. I also disapproved of my parents’ open house policy, which meant that the … Continue reading

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Disappointing reunion and relatives (Rousse)

I was rather disappointed with the table setting at the big reunion party. Surely this kind of occasion deserved proper table linen and glasses? The paper napkins and plastic cups were simply not good enough. I would have to have … Continue reading

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Unexpected wedding guests: surprise dinosaur crocodiles and Africans (Rousse)

We were at yet another wedding and I had completely lost the plot. I’d left the invitation, card and present at home and couldn’t remember who was getting married this time. The only clue was that the reception was in … Continue reading

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Christmas plans 2014 (Rousse)

It was Christmas Eve and all that I had bought for the next day’s celebrations was a frozen turkey. There wasn’t a single carrot or brussel sprout in the house. Tesco would be heaving, and I doubted that the little … Continue reading

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How to stop puppy biting (Rousse)

Upstairs at the White House in my sister S’s room, the cocker spaniel puppy would not let go of my hand. His alligator teeth were well and truly clamped into my skin. I really had to shake him off before … Continue reading

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Hanky panky in the headmaster’s office (Rousse)

It was my first day back at school and, before lessons even started, I was called into the headmaster’s office for turning up late. I tried to explain that after years of working in academia I was completely unused to … Continue reading

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A flying cat, a red-haired witch, and an all-inclusive school reunion in Stockton-on-Tees (Rousse)

A flying cat screeched as it swooped over us, the tips of its ears glowing fluorescent green in the darkening sky at dusk. It landed high above us in the canopy of the bare winter trees, only just visible as … Continue reading

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When cloud computing meets Beatnik poetry (Rousse)

Rather than continue our journey south we turned back towards Sheffield. JT was annoyed. She had hoped that we would drop her off in Stockton-on-Tees. Instead we parked in the huge Costco car park, paid the extortionate parking fee, and … Continue reading

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Marcus Brigstocke tour takes in the stationers (Rousse)

Marcus Brigstocke had set the exam paper so it was only natural that it was also he who accompanied me and my sister J to the stationers. Here we would purchase some scrap paper on which I could plan my … Continue reading

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A coiled sausage surprise at the White House (Rousse)

I found the uncooked dinner on the staircase after KA and I returned from the swamp. I wondered whether the coiled sausage in puff pastry would be enough for us all: me, KA, KS and HT. My mother would know. … Continue reading

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