Three anti- war poems written in 2014 to mark the centenary of World War I
Some tried and tested strategies which will help you cope with elderly parents
A Farm Yard Fairy Tale
We take our feet granted, often neglecting them and wearing unsuitable footwear, but then they rebel...
Swimming is the best all-round exercise which virtually anyone can do.
Discovering you have unwelcome visitors in the form of mice is frustrating, since a mouse infestation can become quite a daunting problem to solve.
Throughout history creative pursuits have been male-dominated. Where were all the female writers, artists , musicians and inventors? They are few and far between.
Here's a selection of my very own Christmas cracker jokes which I compiled after becoming disappointed with the ones found in the Christmas crackers I bought!
Whatever your age, a continual lack of sleep can be debilitating. It's wise to know how to promote a good night's sleep so you'll feel your best each morning ready to meet the challenges of the day.
Written by my mother during an air raid, in the shelter at Finsbury Square. Published in honour of her memory, for the centenary of her birth on 2nd August 1917.
Landlords often get lumbered with dreadful tenants who become an infestation of the worst possible kind. In this instance, the tenant never paid any rent and allowed the property to become mouldy!
Safety in the home should be viewed with utmost importance to preserve the health and well-being of all occupants. Periodic checks are also needed to maintain the fabric of the building.
Online writers have a plethora of resources at their fingertips nowadays - here are just a few Online tools which will be guaranteed to prove useful. They're all free too!
A travel diary of a family holiday to Kefalonia and Ithaca, Greek Islands.
England's West Country is a great place to grow up, but revisiting years later made me see the place from a tourist's point of view.
Moving an elderly parent from one part of the country to another can be a daunting task for all involved. This is the story of bringing my mum nearer to me.
Flooding in the UK is becoming a more common occurrence. Here is a flood victim's account as the events unfolded...
Contrary to popular belief, being a landlord is not the easiest job in the world and developing an entrepreneurial spirit can only come with time and experience.
The home environment can be a noisy place nowadays due to all the technology we take for granted. What can you do to get a little peace and quiet?
An introduction to the problem of plastic pollution discussing the threat it poses to the environment—especially the ocean. What can be done to clean up our oceans and reduce our usage of plastic?
The Spanish Costas are popular destinations that never lose their appeal; here is a description of the locations that provide tourists with all their holiday needs.
The English coastline is full of interesting sights. Both natural and man-made attractions serve to complete a traditional seaside break.
A brief introduction to Devon, UK. Visitors flock to England's West Country particularly during the summer months when there is more sun than anywhere else in the UK
A business trip to Tunisia along with two small children turns out to be a big challenge. There's always a compromise and sometimes business and pleasure just have to be mixed!
One of the Canary Islands, Fuerteventura attracts tourists all year round with its temperate climate and fantastic beaches
Tangier stands at the entrance to the Mediterranean and although only nine miles distant from Spain, across The Straits of Gibraltar - it's a whole world away.
Certain qualities are required if you wish to start your own business. A great deal of thought will need to be put into any proposed venture before you commit yourself.
Working from home won't suit everyone so you need to assess the situation very carefully before beginning any home-based business venture or deciding to move your office into your home environment.
Wondering about Walt Disney's life? Here's a brief biography of Walt Disney.
A tourist's guide to Tetouan in Northern Morocco, a place easily accessible from mainland Europe yet a world apart. Discover a modern town and an older one with an interesting past.
Be like property expert Sarah Beeny! Certain home improvements will help you sell faster or increase value; they will also be of benefit if you just want to stay put and impress the neighbours!
Real estate investment is rewarding in monetary terms but mistakes can be costly. It is vital to absorb as much information as you can so you can deal with the problems that will inevitably arise.
Useful tips for travelling by air this summer whether going alone or with family. What to pack in your hand luggage and how to prepare for your trip is just as important as your travel itinerary.
Tips for purchasing older residential property. How to be wary of the pitfalls individual properties present before committing yourself to buying and avoid the nightmare of a full-scale renovation.
Everyone has their favourite album of all time... 'Tubular Bells' is mine
Greece is an ideal vacation destination, but first-time visitors should be prepared for the laid-back way of life, especially on the smaller islands and remote areas of the mainland.
Investing in real estate can be fulfilling, but be wary of the pitfalls and do your homework first! This article discusses some points that prospective investors need to consider
Finding vacation accommodation is not difficult with the wide choice available nowadays but choosing the right one to suit you requires a lot of forethought.
I was lucky enough to grow up with some of the world's best beaches just on my doorstep so have an expectation of how good a good beach should be.
The Canary Islands are an ideal vacation destination any time of year. Beach lovers will be amazed at the sun-soaked sands and wonderful scenery.
Greece and its islands are steeped in history. The island of Lesbos in the Aegean Sea close to mainland Turkey is an ideal tourist destination.
There are Mediterranean vacation ideas to suit all. Whether it's a cruise, a hotel based stay or a vacation home rental, there will be a great deal to suit you at a price that won't break the bank!
Europe has everything for the discerning tourist; beaches, sites of antiquity and places of cultural interest are commonplace in countries such as Greece, Spain and Italy.
There are plenty of attractions not to be missed in Plymouth, Devon, UK. The West country's only city by the sea lies in an enviable position and is an ideal base for touring South West England
Finding that ideal beach can be easier than you think, especially in the Greek Islands. Do your research before you travel, so you don't miss out on the best ones.
A basic introduction to buy-to let for novice investors. Buying property as an investment can be a minefield, but armed with the correct information you can avoid the pitfalls.
A schoolgirl's crush on her maths teacher does little to improve her grades.
The places you've visited as a child can have a lasting impact on your choice of vacation in later years.
Winter in the UK is no fun when the heating packs up, even though we get less snow than other northern regions. Thank goodness for the Gulf Stream or winters would be even worse!
Spending Christmas in London with a real Victorian was a highlight of my childhood
Remembering my first job at a crab processing plant in Plymouth, Devon, UK
A short story based on true events
A farmyard cockerel causes havoc and amusement in my household - especially with the family cat.
A silly yet cautionary poem about the fate of a man who had stolen some plastic daffodils from a grave in the cemetery and placed them on the grave of another.
A poem about the end of summer and onset of cold weather in a northern climate
A childhood memory of a first vacation
A poem about the death of a friend
A poem about prison visits
A poem about two favourite things
A poem about dying
Tackling condensation, black mould and ventilation issues in the home can be easier than you think
A Christmas shopper's dilemma: should you brave the inclement British weather or stay home and shop online? The supposed arrival of the end of the world on 22nd Dec 2012 added to all the fun!
A poem about midnight mass told from a vicar's point of view
Christmas was an awkward time to become a vegetarian. My family rebelled and my attempt at a meat- free Christmas lunch looked less than appetising.
Searching for an explanation for the Star of Bethlehem in the days before the Internet was no easy task. What was the star? Was there any basis in reality for the biblical phenomenon?
A short story of renewed hope for a family at Christmastime
A brief introduction to St. Nicholas and his associations with Christmas
An amusing anecdote which all mothers at Christmas will identify with. Much that you love them, whatever can you do when your kids never cease to embarrass you? Staying at home is never the answer
The art of collecting unwanted items, animals and people which I've perfected over the years...
Basic information on mortgages for the uninformed. Buying a home is the biggest financial commitment you'll ever make. Getting it right is crucial so you'll need sound advice from a mortgage broker.
Finding a great place to live. Purpose built accommodation for the over 55's is a wise choice because it provides an easy to maintain home thus freeing up more cash to spend on yourself.
Choosing the perfect furniture can be easier than you think and this is especially so for landlords of shared houses who have several letting rooms to furnish and equip.
Regional variations in UK house prices can make all the difference to affordability and profit. Be careful where you buy. The popular phrase: 'Location, Location, Location' is one to bear in mind
Residential property management strategies for novice landlords. Prevention is better than cure when choosing a suitable tenant. Even the experienced landlord is often left out of pocket in a dispute.
Property investment: is it a wise choice? Be prepared for a long-term commitment before making any financial gains.
Things to ask yourself before buying real estate as an investment. Are you the sort of person who can handle long term commitment? Property is a 'hands on' investment requiring dedication.
Investing in a foreign vacation property can be a wise decision. Morocco is where I bought mine, with most property being cheaper and more spacious than in neighbouring Spain.
Can using the Internet to make money online work for you?
If you're 'the hoarder next door', you may find this article useful in addressing your problem.
An introduction to astronomy as a hobby for children
An introduction to the exciting subject of Volcanoes
A basic introduction to astronomy for children. There are many celestial bodies that children will soon learn to recognise in the night sky.
Home improvement ideas for the cost conscious. Working with existing units is worth the effort. Painting existing cupboard doors or putting new doors on old carcases can transform your kitchen.
A brief history of the sandwich and some typical filling suggestions. Sandwiches are an ideal healthy lunchtime choice and nowadays varieties of fillings and bread types are virtually limitless.
A selection of British meals that hold worldwide appeal and are nutritionally sound. These meals are available widely throughout Britain in reputable pubs and restaurants.
Ideas for the typical English Sunday roast which can be prepared virtually anywhere in the world.
Forging new relationships in a busy schedule is never easy but time should be set aside for this if you're determined to meet someone new.
Sound advice for potential vacation home buyers. Here are some questions you need to ask yourself if you're thinking of owning a vacation property either at home or abroad.
Staging your home for a quick sale is easier to implement than you think. With the proper preparation and procedure, you can make your home the best it can be.
Is your living space too cluttered for comfort? Addressing the issue can be less daunting than you think if you make gradual changes that aren't too time consuming
A balanced approach to a sensible weight loss regime. Many of us become adverse to exercise but it must be part of any weight loss plan if you want to see rapid results!
Fight the battle with ageing by enhancing your mental and physical agility. A little exercise each day is all you need to keep in good shape.
Dating issues - should you value friends' advice or not? Dating is far more complex nowadays with the advent of the Internet so how do you make sure you dating decisions don't become dating disasters?
When a husband's hobby gets out of hand, you often have to let it run its course...
A humorous anecdote about a hobby that gets out of hand
Dating disasters are often inevitable when it comes to modern-day dating methods but some sound advice on the subject always helps.
How to stop bitterness from taking root in your life. Moving on and curbing your anger is better than bearing grudges.
What are 'the golden years?' Family life for the middle aged can be fulfilling and productive. Take advantage of your middle years and learn from those both younger and older than yourself .
Is investing in real estate for you? Think things through before making any life changing decisions.
Whether you're investing in rental properties at the lower end of the market or want something more salubrious, the UK has a wealth of residential accommodation on offer.
Cheap and easy ways to improve your home exterior whether you are thinking of selling or just want to add curb appeal
This article highlights some of the biggest mistakes home owners make when it comes to home maintenance; the same applies to tenants who expect landlords to be responsible for just about everything
Maintaining health and fitness in middle age and beyond need not be an insurmountable task
Emotional health and well-being. Adopting clear thinking in a crisis is almost always the best course of action. This enables you to address the problem and move on.
It always helps to see the funny side, but does God have a sense of humour too? Maybe he's lost it... just look what we've done to his planet!
A middle-aged woman's catalogue of dating disasters...
Helpful hints to bear in mind when searching on line dating profiles
Being married to a military man can be a daily challenge!
Trying to address the problem of hoarding can prove very time consuming...
What do men really think of women's on line dating profiles? Is your profile important or is it only your photo that counts?
Goodness can be a chain reaction! Being grumpy just makes everyone else grumpy too!
Can living more frugally actually bring happiness? Do we really need to have all the possessions that advertisers say we do?
How to cope when whatever you do is not enough for your family or others. Saying no is sometimes the best course of action.
Mankind's continual search for the meaning of life presents more questions than answers. Some may pursue a life of pure hedonism if no meaning can be found, and others never bother looking.
Foreign tourists often head straight for the capital when visiting England, but here are two other English cities worthy of a visit: Plymouth in the south west and York in the north.
A rant against modern technology and the annoying noises it makes.
A memoir of a family trip to Tunisia: living as a local rather than in a holiday environment can present quite a challenge
Buying an investment property in Morocco is a wise decision - you can use it as a vacation home and let to holiday makers so it pays for itself.
Is it better to live for the moment rather than let past experiences and future concerns distract you? Dwelling on the past and giving too much thought to the future may spoil present enjoyment.
Freedom is all in the mind; no-one is truly free or ever can be. We may daydream of freedom but it forever eludes us.
How to ensure your home smells fresh and odour free
Dust accumulation in the home; what is dust made of? How can you reduce the amount of dust in the home? What can allergy sufferers do to avoid contact with house dust?
An elderly atheist ponders the inevitable with a stoical sense of humour
A poem about missed opportunity and regret in love.
What are your expectations from shared accommodation and will it suit you?
Letting your home when moving instead of selling - is it the right choice for you? Advice for anyone wondering whether to let their home.
Marrakesh in central Morocco is the most popular destination on the planet. The discerning tourist will find everything here for a memorable vacation
A stay in a typical finca in the mountains of Andalusia, is a welcome change from the typical beach vacation on the Costa del Sol. In the mountains you can find tranquility amidst marvelous scenery,
Would the world be a better place without religion? Would people be kinder to each other or would they still find other things to argue over?
Creative inspiration: where do our ideas come from? Is creativity an inborn trait or is it something anyone can develop over time?
A look at the character in the best selling novel by El James
Ideas that will help you improve the front elevation of your property, whether you are selling your home or just want to give it a facelift
What do you do if your property is flooded? Insurance claims aside, you'll have a vast amount of work on your hands and will need as much help and support as you can get
Ideas for cheap landscaping ideas for your front yard and front elevation
An introduction to Plymouth, Devon, UK. Foreign tourists flock to this West Country city - especially Americans, in search of their ancestry. The city offers many attractions to discerning tourists
Memories of the public swimming pools years of ago - before the big aqua fun- parks came along!
Caribbean travel activities for nature lovers. Nature trails and lush tropical gardens are a typical feature of this ever popular holiday isle.
The concept of deceptive advertising is an interesting subject that many consumers would be wise to investigate before they buy.
If God is our landlord, we're his tenants. He's granted us stewardship of this planet but since we aren't taking good care of it, is it any wonder many religious folks expect the world to end?
Look after your feet to avoid bunions and other foot-related problems by wearing suitable footwear and getting plenty of exercise and fresh air
A cautionary tale of two troublesome tenants who were hoarders and caused no end of hassle, trying my patience to the limits.
When it comes to funerals a sense of humour usually helps! Your dear departed loved ones would likely see the funny side too!
What happens when your kids come home from school one day with some pesky little companions you'd rather not talk about...
Home decorating ideas to give your property appeal, whether you're a landlord, tenant or a homeowner. Property developers also need to decorate properties swiftly and effectively to sell them fast.
A humorous anecdote about riding experiences and horses
Here are some home improvement and decorating ideas on the cheap. Make sure you don't overspend to achieve the look you want - but without compromising on quality.
The eccentricities of three wheeled vehicles - and the man who owned them.
If you're thinking of investing in rental properties, here's some advice from a professional landlord with fourteen years' experience. Property investment involves long term commitment and hard work.
Basic information for first-time house purchasers. These are important things to keep in mind for anyone looking to buy a house.
Buying a home to live in or to let out is a big decision that can undermine your finances, Be wary of the pitfalls! Properties have a habit of eating up cash especially if they're older and neglected
Solid advice for novice property investors prior to purchase
Real estate investment tips for novice investors; advice from an experienced landlord to get you started in real estate.
A humorous look at the inconvenience of modern day conveniences. Do we really need all these "must have' gadgets to get through the day? How many of them just get shoved to the back of the cupboard?
How to deal with negative people so they make minimal impact on your life.
A novice writer decides writing is no easy task especially when family members try to discourage her efforts.
Keeping a diary can be useful - and is often amusing to those around you!
Learning to drive was not as easy as I thought. After nearly a hundred lessons I was beginning to think I should have spent my money on a world cruise instead
A humorous travel diary of Morocco
A family trip to the seaside that doesn't go quite according to plan even with the aid of an ordinance survey map
A not so enlightening new age experience can come as quite a shock for the uninitiated
Tips for eliminating excess sugar from the diet on a permanent basis, whether you need to lose weight or not. Sugar has no nutritional value but is present in many foodstuffs and often goes unnoticed
A family day out to a fun park turns out not so good for mum
The 1999 solar eclipse in Cornwall UK - a personal memoir
House purchase horrors and how avoiding them is often impossible when everyone has their own stance on the matter! Someone must be to blame so who is it?
A humorous look at fear of flying and why it can be so difficult to overcome
Becoming Internet 'savvy' is not so easy when you're a middle-aged technophobic.
Moving an elderly relative to a new home proves to be a daunting task
Is this life all there is? Are we greedy to expect more?
Contemplating the hereafter - if there is one, is universal. Is it positive to dwell on such thoughts or better to appreciate our short lives knowing that this life is likely all there is?
An acrimonious couple argue over their divorce proceedings while they are still living under the same roof.
Holidays to Hammamet in Tunisia offer the discerning tourist a taste of the Mediterranean, stylish hotels and some of the best beaches in the region.
A brief introduction to Tunisia - an ideal place for a vacation. Tunisia has all the attractions of more expensive destinations and is only a short flight away from Northern Europe.
An introduction to Morocco - 'land of the setting sun'. Morocco is located in North Africa; it offers the discerning tourist a wealth of attractions, affordable accommodation and a mild climate.
Memories of finding and purchasing a vacation home in Morocco, Northern Africa.
An introduction to Marrakesh - recently voted as trip advisor's number one destination in the world! Here you can observe a way of life unchanged for centuries.
A memoir of Tunisia. Things don't always go according to plan on vacation and in 2006 an emergency situation gave rise to a permanent connection with Tunisia.
A wealth of money saving decorating ideas for thrifty home owners. You can still decorate and furnish your home to a high standard on a limited budget. Achieve impressive results for little outlay,
Advice for landlords. How do you take preventative steps to avoid bad tenants?
How to easily banish mould and mildew from the interior of your home and preserve your possessions.
A guide to being a dedicated writer and avoiding plagiarism in your writing. Being a conscientious writer comes with certain responsibilities, so plagiarism is something to be avoided at all costs.
An amusing anecdote on the questions children often ask about Easter and how Easter has become a commercial enterprise above all else. It's the chocolate manufacturer's favourite time of year!
A basic guide to controlling personal finance and keeping out of debt. What can you do to improve your situation, whatever your income and commitments?
Pros and cons for workers who wish to work from home
Home-based business ideas and tips for those contemplating giving up commuting and the usual nine to five schedule.
Important issues that need to be considered when buying a beachfront home to let out, or for your own use.
This article discusses the many and varied factors that can have an impact on the price of real estate. Buying at the right time in the right place and at the right price is of utmost importance
Buying a house - is it the best option for you? Would you be better renting? To buy or not to Buy? That is the Question you must ask yourself after weighing up all the pros and cons.
Decisions to make when purchasing a property. Is it best to buy a new or refurbished house? Making an informed decision can save you a lot of money both now and in the future.
Advice for property owners wishing to make a healthy profit when it's time to sell.
How to banish mould from your home and how to stop it returning by putting a few simple and effective measures in place.
It is better to rent or buy your home? What are the pros and cons to be said for both? People nowadays have more choice of housing than ever before so what is right for you?
How to cope when your house mate is being unreasonable and is disrupting the whole household. Being tactful and diplomatic can work wonders - up to a point.
Tips for those wishing to rent a vacation home online. Finding reputable sites can be easier than you think and the whole process be just as safe and secure as using a normal travel agent.
An article that provides useful information to landlords and shows how they can keep their tenants happy.
A memoir of the various pets I've owned as a young child
Keeping a travel journal is a fun way to preserve memories Why not try to keep one on your next trip? You won't regret it and other family members will find your memoirs intriguing,many years later.
A short story about a young girl who hates her job
An exploration of the origin and traditions of St. Valentine's Day and the story behind the familiar characters associated with February 14th
An amusing tale of a mix-up over a school photo
Flash fiction about someone who lies in wait for the right moment