Author Archives: alisongardiner1

  I have just been kissed by an alpaca. At least I think I was. I was leaning over the gate admiring her, scratching her neck when she stretched forward and nuzzled at my face. I didn’t think we were … Continue reading →

Viv Bowler and I would like to introduce ourselves as the two new editors for the OR magazine; Viv is head honcho, I’m Editor@Large. We would also like to introduce ourselves as being young and enthusiastic but unfortunately that wouldn’t … Continue reading →

Invited by the Head of English, I talked to my old school a few days ago. More accurately, in case aforesaid teacher may read this, I talked to the girls not the school itself. I recall that I did speak … Continue reading →

I’m writing this while packing for skiing. Hopefully by the time you read it, I’ll be swishing elegantly down a sundrenched slope, laughing with my children skiing along behind, as I wave to the other sportspersons whistling along beside me. … Continue reading →

My family shares my love of ridiculous words. Recently I was sent an e-mail in French. The reply was dead easy since I simply said ‘Oui’ and effectively repeated what they’d asked me. They had signed it cordialement, so I … Continue reading →

A recent visit to to my son’s student house at University could be best described as interesting, although realistically it showed that accommodation had not changed that much since my day. In fact, I think I spotted our old armchair … Continue reading →

The female mind runs on as many tracks as Chicago Central Station, the male mind more like the dual one from London to Birmingham, the northbound one dealing with all the general stuff of life; the other one, sex. I … Continue reading →

The kids are wandering around muttering, “She’s off again.” Frankly, I think this disparaging tone is completely unnecessary. It all stems from my kind motherly decision that they ought to learn all of the world capital cities. There are only … Continue reading →

I’m in Christmas elf mode, trotting around thinking of stockings and toys (no, not that kind, 50 shades readers), trees and lights. Then I thought about wrapping paper- what if it did rap? It’s a concept to fill you with … Continue reading →

I’ve been thinking about the economy. Princes William and Harry being in the Armed Forces, heroically defending us so fiercely must be costing the country a fortune; a Prince’s ransom if they get caught. They presumably have a military valet, … Continue reading →