Monthly Archives: December 2021

Calling Uncle Fred back from the dead

Posted on 31st December 2021 by Ian

“May his name be blotted out, ” the Yimakh Shemo, the wish that someone will be forgotten forever, is the definitive curse in the Jewish tradition. Perhaps it is an irrational desire, for we shall never know if it has … Continue reading →

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Riding by myself

Posted on 30th December 2021 by Ian

“What did you get for Christmas?” Even after the passing of just five days, how many people could accurately recall all that they were given? By the beginning of December 2022, who will remember even a small fraction of what … Continue reading →

Posted in Out and about | Leave a comment

The last days of conversations

Posted on 28th December 2021 by Ian

The landlord of The Woolpack pub on Emmerdale, was worried at there being no customers in his bar, times being what they are. For many pubs, the times now are not new. I recall sitting in an empty bar in the … Continue reading →

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A fox hunting man on sixty pence an hour

Posted on 26th December 2021 by Ian

Were it not for the pandemic, these days would be a time for hunt meets all around the country. Hunting foxes with hounds might be illegal, but riding to hounds seems as popular as it ever was. Fox hunting was … Continue reading →

Posted in Unreliable memories | Leave a comment

Perfectly wrapped

Posted on 25th December 2021 by Ian

Wrapping Christmas presents seems to demand a degree of manual dexterity that I have never possessed. Buying good wrapping paper this year and a fresh roll of Sellotape, I had thought to make my gifts look more presentable. As it … Continue reading →

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