Oh my goodness what a topsy turvey year we’ve had, after such a hopeful summer last year. It will always be the same when there are national emergencies that require robust restrictions to contain them. In our current situation that is a pandemic that just keeps evolving and stopping us Read more…
There can’t be anything more wearying than being landed with the task of sourcing and obtaining a special anniversary gift. Particularly if it’s for a senior family member and several are contributing. I’ve usually been described by that somewhat dubious title of ‘buyer extraordinaire’ – which has proven to be Read more…
I have chums around the country and one or two who live abroad and these are sometimes the most interesting to keep in touch with and in general, we have the very best correspondence. I get to hear al about their lives in the new country, how they go about Read more…
Whilst we’ve endured a lot of restrictions to our movements of late, it has been rather difficult to think of ways to honour birthdays or anniversaires. One splendid though is to send flowers – the ones in postal box format are fantastic these days. No need for anyone to be Read more…
I look through many magazines for inspiration when I need to get giftware – we buy some very colourful heavywight ‘coffee table’ numbers on subscription and they adorn our sitting room, adding a touch of elegance and suggestion that someone in our abode has a high regard for the nice Read more…
With so much of our shopping now sorted via online outlets, some of the joy of picking gifts has disappeared. there’s something rather lovely about being able to handle products to check if they’re what we’d like to give, and receive for that matter. Although the online shop is much Read more…
We all need to get special presents from time to time. That 50th wedding anniversary or the 21st birthday celebration for a favourite nephew – these call for really individual presents. Some folk deplore the idea of receiving a homeware item as a birthday gift. I know someone who was Read more…
It does feel rather odd not being able to just go out and shop or meet a pal for a lunch out. There are going to be so many business failures as a consequence of the lockdown – fledglings that had literally only just got off the ground will be Read more…
I’ve had a really busy few weeks since the start of this year. There have been a few family matters to attend to aswell as a problem with the garage door . . . . That turned out to be a fantastic run of activities bu has finally resulted in Read more…
You can imagine how difficult it can be to get presents for a relatives who are the grand old age of 92 and 97. There can’t be mch left that they haven’t already got at home. The odd new tea mug or matching cup and saucer is a perennial suggestion Read more…