You may have noticed great big clusters of whitey-cream flowers appearing on trees here and there. They are elderflowers, and we’re lucky enough to have a tree in our garden, so the other day I made some elderflower cordial. Before you start thinking I’ve gone all domestic goddess on you, it’s incredibly easy to make. …
Having read through piles of analysis of the Nigella Lawson business in the Sunday papers, I suddenly remembered the novels written by Josephine Hart, who was married to Saatchi’s brother, Maurice. Hart, who died at 69 two years ago, wrote only two short novels but they were both powerfully intense, chronicling abusive, dysfunctional relationships. Damage, …
I absolutely LOVE the news that a 52-year-old Frenchwoman has been thrown out of a Baccalaureat exam for impersonating her teenage daughter. In a mean-spirited and purely speculative way, I can’t help but imagine this lady as one of those whip-thin, perfectly poised Parisiennes who spend their lives looking fabulous – and cross. The type …
Here’s a sentence I never thought I’d type: I feel so sorry for Nigella Lawson. She has seemed, for so long, to have had everything on the shopping list of stuff every woman is supposed to strive for. Not one, but apparently two, happy marriages, lovely children, fabulous house, brilliant career. Oh, and she’s beautiful, …
The thing I love best about the Globe Theatre is the way the people who work there smile all the time. They are courteous and helpful with the endless tourists, they explain the quirky seating patiently, they all watch the plays, peeping from behind the scenery and, best of all, they seem to be having …
My garden looks lovely at the moment – in parts. The irises have come out, but anything that needs a bit of sun on its leaves to break out into flower is staying defiantly furled. Not that I blame any of the poor, chilly plants. I am only looking at the garden out of the …
Ok, Ok, I know I complain a lot about the prevalence of serial killer shows on TV. But I am the first to admit that I am now hopelessly addicted to the BBC’s latest offering, The Fall. Gillian Anderson is mesmerising as the chilly, intensely competent and slightly Asperger’s-ish ubertec. As soon as I saw …
One of the most terrifying nights of the year looms. Though of course, it’s not really, or wouldn’t be, for a normal person. It’s a party, for goodness’ sake. People enjoy them. But for me, it’s assumed the proportions and scariness of a yeti standing on the shoulders of the Abominable Snowman, the Phantom of …