Showing 1 - 9 of 9
Let's give June a warm, wet welcome
Roger Crutchley, Published on 01/06/2025
» It's hard to believe we are already into the sixth month of the year celebrating the first day of June, a month Canadian author M L Montgomery referred to as "the pearl of summer, shining with warmth and joy."
Playing cat and mouse at Downing Street
Roger Crutchley, Published on 06/10/2024
» Important news from London. Larry the Cat has a new housemate at Downing Street. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced the arrival of a white Siberian kitten called Prince. This breed of cat is apparently "good at problem solving" so considering the state of the UK at the moment it should be kept very busy in the PM's office. It is unclear if it will attend Cabinet meetings as being a Russian breed it may face security issues.
No longer feeling under the weather
Roger Crutchley, Published on 12/05/2024
» Being woken up by a thunderstorm in Bangkok on Tuesday morning was a most welcome experience. I had been visibly wilting in the heat for a couple of months, but finally dear old Jupiter Pluvius came to the rescue in splendid style. Just the sound of raindrops falling on the leaves felt comforting and the thirsty birds chirped in with a chorus of thanks.
Is Bangkok in danger of getting greener?
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 19/06/2022
» There is a decent-sized tree just over the wall at the back of my house in Bangkok which provides welcome shade. So I was a bit concerned the other day when workers from the local administration rolled up armed with a chainsaw, explaining the tree was threatening overhead electricity cables.
It all began with Rhett and Scarlett
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 27/03/2022
» With the Oscars upon us this weekend it seems an apt time to recall choice lines from past films.
Enjoying the delicate sound of thunder
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 10/10/2021
» Something you get accustomed to in Bangkok at this time of the year is the distant sound of thunder, Mother Nature's way of reminding us of her power and also not to forget the umbrella if we are going out. I emphasise "distant" because the "flash, bang wallop!" thunderclaps directly overhead can be extremely scary and dangerous. But observing thunder and sheet lightning from a comfortable distance can actually be quite relaxing, almost like listening to the timpani tuning up at the Albert Hall.
All Blacks star remembers the pain of 1995 defeat
Sports, Roger Crutchley, Published on 10/06/2018
» One is an All Blacks legend and the other arguably one of the most exciting rugby players England has produced in recent years. But despite playing in different eras, both Andrew Mehrtens and Anthony Watson recognise rugby's future is very much in the hands of the kids.
The day the tree came tumbling down
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 13/05/2018
» Last week I suffered the distressing experience of watching the biggest tree in my garden be chopped down to a stump. The tree had been there for a decade, growing rapidly every year, and it felt almost like losing a favourite pet. I should explain that although I love trees, this arboreal assault was given my reluctant approval as the tree had grown to a such a height that if it came down in a storm it would demolish half of the house. All the same, I felt very uncomfortable watching it being hacked away branch by branch.
When letters get in the wrong place
News, Roger Crutchley, Published on 11/03/2018
» It will come as no surprise to readers that spelling is not one of my strongest attributes. I stand firmly alongside AA Milne's Winnie the Pooh when the bear admits: "My spelling is wobbly. It's good spelling, but it wobbles and the letters get in the wrong place." I know the feeling well.