The New Me

28 May 2020

I've been away a while, like some sort of silk encased worm, doing a lot of growing and changing. And so, I have re-emerged in my butterfly form (or do…

Brevity is not necessarily the Soul of Wit

21 Apr 201821 Apr 2018

"It transpired one day that several personages of indeterminate age but of varying ethnic backgrounds (though all of the Celtic race) meandered into the local hostelry where they congregated about…

Naptime for old TJ

9 Oct 20178 Oct 2017

There comes a time in everyman's life when he needs to face up to a few hard truths. One can't go toddling along down the primrose path without reaching a…

Nursery Rhyme Rift Challenge

7 Jul 201723 Jul 2017

I discovered this fun challenge through a wonderful blogging friend and thought I would give it a go. Basically you give an old nursery rhyme a "makeover" and there are…

It’s War!

6 Jul 201723 Jul 2017

As dear old Pepys sat by his candle beetling away at his diary did he realise how many chappies would delve into his old mems and get a shuftie at…

Grinning Idiot

2 Jul 201723 Jul 2017

I was talking with a young man of my acquaintance about the fact that I have a horrible suspicion that people at work think that I am an idiot. "Because…

The Fire Pit

13 Jun 201713 Jun 2017

Anyone who read the terrible tale of my poor grass tree's encounter with fire may wonder that I would ever venture to ignite anything again. I am not a pyromaniac…

Grossly Insulted! My Music Career In Doubt

10 Jun 20176 Jun 2017

It is a prerequisite of being a Japanese teacher that one must appreciate the gentle art of Karaoke. It is inevitable that at some point you will find yourself expected…

Rewind Tuesday – Papa Bouilloire Goes to Oxford 1

30 May 2017

In my early days of blogging I was fortunate enough to spend two magical weeks in Oxford. Although I had my professional obligations, namely keeping a distant eye on 16…

Mondayitis – Burn Baby Burn

15 May 201715 May 2017

PHOTO: Grass Trees Australia Australians will be familiar with what we call "grass trees" or, to give it its proper name "Xanthorrhoea". We used to call them "black boys" but now…

The Golden Meal

5 May 20175 May 2017

I'm wondering how many people out there have a set day where they cook a certain type of meal? I would love to compose a list of people's cooking 'days'.…

Thursday Quote

4 May 20174 May 2017

Divorce is like fishing. You tell the most ridiculous stories about "The one that got away". TJ Paris    

Tips for Flying

30 Apr 201730 Apr 2017

Airline travel is God's way of showing us we weren't meant to fly TJ Paris I am not fond of flying. In fact, it terrifies me. Sadly, being born in…

The Meeple Letters – New Travel Blog

16 Sep 201616 Sep 2016

The Meeple family are about to spend 3 months abroad and invite you to join their adventures. With enough thermal underwear to clad a small zeplin and a smattering of…

Mondayitis – Tweed Underpants?

12 Sep 2016

Australians it seems are generally known for the sunniness of their tempers. Those from the "lucky country" have grown up soaked in sunshine and few have ever known snow. We…