Innocence

30 May 201830 May 2018

Cupid, musing on a cloud Glanced upon the roilling crowd And choosing one with studied calm Quite casually, he raised his arm   There, unsuspecting down below The callow youth…

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…

Cyclone Jill and John

28 Sep 201729 Sep 2017

Well, what a day it has been! I have been caught up in a cyclone consisting of two extra-ordinary people...my parents. At my age, it is rare to still be…

Designer Tips on a budget 2

13 Aug 2017

  So you are feeling a little underwhelmed by the feel of your room. You want a change but where to start? Hopefully you have had a chance to take…

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…

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…

Sunday Stupidity

10 Apr 201710 Apr 2017

Miss Moppet arose at the usual hour of 2.30am to begin her day. She tie-dyed the bed sheets a charming vermillion shade and draped them purposefully over the hydrangeas, being…

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…