Monthly Archives: July 2021

Looking forward to the indeterminacy

Posted on 6th July 2021 by Ian

An Irish colleague complained at the lateness of the English summer holidays, feeling the best days were past before children had a chance to step into the weeks of freedom on 21st July. The delight of the summer holidays in … Continue reading →

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Johnson grasps the nettle

Posted on 5th July 2021 by Ian

The Prime Minister has finally accepted the principle of there being an acceptable number of deaths. This is not callous indifference or reckless politicking, in every sphere of public activity, there has always been an acceptable level of deaths, it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in This sceptred isle | 4 Comments

You are going to die

Posted on 4th July 2021 by Ian

“Sir, I think I am going to die.” “You are,” I said. “Sir, that’s not a very encouraging thing to say to someone who doesn’t feel very well.” “Do you know,” I responded, “I think the existentialists would suggest that … Continue reading →

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After Nostradamus

Posted on 3rd July 2021 by Ian

According to the radio, yesterday was the anniversary of the death of Nostradamus in 1566. The presenter of the programme described the French astrologer and physician as the greatest “seer” in history. In my teenage years, I would have been … Continue reading →

Posted in The stuff of daily life | Leave a comment

The darkness of dementia

Posted on 2nd July 2021 by Ian

It was always summertime when they came to stay on the farm: my eldest aunt, her husband and her family of four. It was always a happy time. The eldest of my cousins would take me fishing on the banks … Continue reading →

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