Unparliamentary language

In the UK there are rules of etiquette in parliament that forbid members from using language that is inappropriate. These include words like liar, stupid cow, hypocrite, idiot, rat etc. If a member of parliament breaks the rules the speaker will step in and request the language be withdrawn. If the member fails to comply… Continue reading Unparliamentary language

Potato planting and wallpapering

Rachel and Elizabeth at the allotment

We planted some potatoes at the allotment today. Lately Elizabeth has become interested in gardening because she has idyllic visions of being self-sufficient. I can remember going through a phase like this when I was about her age. At the time it motivated me to try making my own soap which I did with a… Continue reading Potato planting and wallpapering

A knitted jumper

My newly finished knitted jumper

I knitted myself a jumper. I've crocheted for years and years but never really tried knitting until this year. I made myself the same jumper I knitted for Elizabeth but in a different colour. She said she wouldn't mind if we had matching jumpers. It's very satisfying to make something with your own hands. Machinery… Continue reading A knitted jumper

The mysterious case of the missing reference

This week my father asked me to get ChatGPT to write a two-page report on the efficacy of green leucaena seeds for controlling gastro-intestinal parasites (worms) in children. He could have done it himself but you how oldies are with new technology so I duly obliged. ChatGPT spat out a report that was very good… Continue reading The mysterious case of the missing reference

More skiing and a 16th birthday

Daniel, Elizabeth, and Rachel at the Lecht

It's Daniel's 16th birthday tomorrow - I can't believe how big he is now. He is turning into a wonderful young man. Yesterday he asked if he could vacuum his room. Although he's the first 16-year-old I've had I can't imagine this is a common request. He's kind, polite, considerate, has a wonderful sense of… Continue reading More skiing and a 16th birthday

The icy Deeside Way and an ant drowns in honey

Last weekend when I took Elizabeth to highland dance I decided to cycle her in Hoss, our cargo bike, because the bike path was looking icy and I thought it would be safer. Big mistake. The bike path near our house wasn't too bad but the further we got from the city centre the icier… Continue reading The icy Deeside Way and an ant drowns in honey