Another Christmas – they are definitely coming faster! 2024 has been a challenging year for us. Paul had a stroke at the beginning of August. Thanks to the team at Forth Valley hospital and the extra physio work he has ...more
I thought it was about time I brought you all up to date with what’s been going on. I am delighted to let you know that Vendetta is now available as an e-book and will be available on Amazon ...more
My Dilemma I was in a dilemma. Should I tell you or not? After all I am not looking for sympathy. Then I thought “What the hell, it might do some good”. I’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Very much ...more
January again – I wish my readers all the best for 2022. Let’s hope it will be a better year. Dorothy and I are both well and enjoying our new grandchild – a little brother for Effie. At 2.5 and ...more
What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger comes from an aphorism of the 19th century German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. It has been translated into English and quoted in several variations, but is generally used as an affirmation of resilience. I prefer llegitimi ...more
… and I did not appreciate a single sip! You probably heard recently about the couple who ordered a bottle of wine in a restaurant priced at £260 (the poor things) but were given one that sold at over £4,000 ...more
Hi Folks, I thought it was about time I brought you up to date with what is going on in my life. That is, apart from my fictional activities of diving, parasailing, shooting terrorists and generally saving the world from ...more
As I travel round the country I stay in a wide variety of hotels and BnBs. I recently stayed somewhere and found: – the staff were wonderful – food was mediocre but plentiful – the beds were extremely uncomfortable You ...more
“The sun is out, the sky is blue, there’s not a cloud to spoil the view….. “. I am a Buddy Holly fan and whilst I am delighted the ‘weatherman says clear today’ I do hope the rest of the ...more
Although Balfron is still waiting on the “hosts of golden daffodils”, we do have good news on numerous fronts this Easter weekend. First of all my new website will be up and running within the next fortnight. And for those ...more
The weather is diabolical, the roads treacherous and the wind chill factor enough to freeze anatomical parts of brass monkeys. A don’t think I can ever remember a RED weather alert – we get plenty of YELLOWS in Central Scotland ...more
The year has started with some excitement on the book front. A MILLION TEARS has been produced as an audio book and is available on audible.co.uk as well as on Amazon. The story is unabridged and is nearly 20 hours ...more
I know it isn’t just me but it seems Christmas comes around more quickly as each year passes! That’s the moan out of the way, now for some good news. The new TIFAT book is being published by Methuen on ...more
The nights are getting longer, the days shorter (a bit self evident) and the weather is becoming colder. It means the fire is lit every evening and the central heating is on around 16.00 – I’m warm blooded, you see. ...more
This is the time of year to sit in the garden, in the shade, having a glass or two of Pimms, or a glass of wine – any colour. The BBQ is lit, the meat is sizzling, the salad is ...more
“Dropping through space was exhilarating. In the warm cocoon of their suits, breathing oxygen, the false sense of security left them with a feeling that was indescribable. There was no fear, no thought as to what might happen if their ...more
At this time of the year my thoughts turn to spring and summer. I’m a warm blooded kind of person. I like it sunny and hot. It means barbeques, cold beers and cool wine. It also means wandering the UK ...more
Armistice day not only brings a lump to my throat but tears to my eyes. And this year with the centenary coverage, more people than ever have been reflecting on the bravery of those that fought. “Never in the field ...more
What a crazy few weeks here in Scotland. When asked I say I am British. I am proud to be Welsh AND British. And Dorothy feels the same about being Scottish. We don’t feel that you should have to choose. ...more
Summer is here at last but no global warming when you need it! Where’s the sunshine? You will be able to see from my website the country wide tour I am undertaking, visiting agricultural shows, steam engine shows, as well ...more