May 2024

I recently had a new and unfortunate experience: I entered a dog grooming parlour! Upon being instructed to “close the door, quick,” I was met by an animal the size of a brown bear, looking equally as menacing! In the adjacent grooming room, there were a couple of large, recently coiffured French Poodles. With their

April 2024

This year, our annual Easter egg hunt introduced a novel technique. In solidarity with the cocoa bean shortage, we opted for the tiniest of eggs, snugly nestled within slightly larger, egg-shaped plastic containers. These containers, bedecked in an array of vibrant hues, guided our young egg enthusiasts along the labyrinthine garden paths. Shielded within their

March 2024

Years ago, Sunday drivers used to venture up into our hillside area to admire the apple blossoms or, later in the year, the apple trees on hills and valleys adorned with shades of red and golden-colored autumn leaves. Nowadays, travelers mostly encounter vast areas covered in less aesthetically pleasing white netting. Even in home gardens,

February 2024

Despite having studied amenity horticulture, I don’t harbor a great passion for gardening. Nonetheless, I am happy to assist those who derive enjoyment from creating a colourful and attractive environment, and I acknowledge the commitment required to sustain such a space. Furthermore, I appreciate the seasonal fresh fruit and vegetables that nourish us. I find

January 2024

In this season of introspection, I find myself contemplating the need for change. A resolution echoes within me, a commitment to declutter the tangible remnants of my past that have amassed within the confines of my office. A collection of reel-to-reel audio tapes lingers, their nostalgic whispers unheard due to the absence of a recorder.

December 2023

We are fortunate to live next to the Central Recreation Ground, which serves as an extension to our garden. Several years ago, I might have participated in tree planting during an Arbor Day event organized by the Primary School. Subsequently, our Rural Youth Club engaged in weed and rubbish removal. In recent years, our History

November 2023

With the current proposal to ban engineered stone, due to the hazardous dust produced when it is being cut, I’ve been reminded of the times when I failed to wear appropriate safety equipment, especially that one time when I removed a pan from a scorching hot oven, placed it on top of the stove, took

October 2023

After recent work with a chainsaw, horticultural activities on the Stafford family farm in Lenswood have been reduced to just one Duchess Pear tree and a solitary Jonathan apple tree. Additionally, there are rows of remnant Pink Lady Protea bushes. Since the time of European settlement, the farm has seen the cultivation of a diverse

September 2023

I’ve mentioned before that the first day of September is National Wattle Day.  This year, it was looking like it was going to be Matilda Day! “This here’s the wattle, the emblem of our land. You can stick it in a bottle or you can hold it in your hand. Amen.” Monty Python. I reckon we

August 2023

Like many, I’m guilty of cultural appropriation, the timeless art of borrowing and misrepresenting cultures. I’ve played cowboys and Indians as a child. I’ve attempted to tell jokes with a “foreign” accent.  I’ve tried to portray characters from different countries on the stage.  I’ve laughed at performers like Andrew Sachs playing the clumsy Manuel in