Human Interest
For Lizzy D.
I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Lizzy D’s son. I was on holiday at the time, so I had some moments to reflect on my own experience. I penned the following [more…]
Family
Culture
The Nepo Thing
While the term “nepo baby” is a recent addition to cultural vocabulary, the phenomenon of nepotism in entertainment, fashion and media has existed for as long as these industries themselves. Family connections have always played [more…]
Arts
My Elderly Parents
This is the tale about looking after my parents in their final years. I hope this helps those facing this difficult time. This is stuff that worked for me. It may not work for you [more…]
19th Century
Meet The Family
In part one of this odyssey into the past, you’ll recall me being curious and excited in anticipation of the results of a Christmas present DNA test: Who Do I Think I Am? In part [more…]
Health
Time to say goodbye to the NHS
Our Story I write this as a person rather than one of my OTF articles. I feel compelled to write it after our recent experience with the NHS. Some of you know whereabouts I live [more…]
20th Century
What’s in a Name?
A few days ago, the Little Girl Next Door had a school friend come home when school finished at three o’clock. They happily played in the back garden and the visitor stayed for tea. A [more…]
History
Who Do I Think I Am? Part Two
Not who I think I am Oh, dear. Be careful what you wish for. Let sleeping dogs lie. Unexpected consequences. Every family holds its secrets – except yours and mine. All is not what it [more…]
Business
The death of the middle class is the death of civil society
The blame game As we know from every crisis in human history, and especially the more recent ones, the most important item on any politician’s agenda is to find someone else to blame for it. [more…]
Business
The death of the middle class is the death of civil society
The middle class in the West has been shrinking for years, but after the covid crisis and especially after the inflation explosion, whatever was left of it is now basically under threat of extinction. This [more…]