Paws to smile

Things felt grim this morning when I got up. But, as on most mornings for the past 15 years, I started the day with a dog walk. We met up with another dog walker and his dogs, who asked how I felt and I said: “Grim.” However, as we walked and our dogs played, we … Read more

What’s your social style?

I’ve never been a frequent party-goer or a seeker of casual chit-chat. Even as a student attending Latin seminars in the beautiful surroundings of St John’s Lodge in Regent’s Park in London, I used to enjoy solitary walks around the Inner Circle on winter days, listening to the wind in the trees and watching the water spouting from the … Read more

Spending time well

The past two weeks have reminded me how important it is to spend time with those we love. First, spending time with an elderly relative and another who is their carer rekindled the delight of leisurely conversation, shared memories and simple pleasures. On my return, our oldest dog was taken ill with vestibular syndrome: flickering … Read more