STAYCATIONS
As anniversary gifts go, it’s a pretty good one. It’s attractive, it doesn’t take up a lot of space, it’s useful and it tips the scales in the all-important thoughtfulness category. He’s bought her a… Read More »STAYCATIONS
Blog
SALUMI IN SEATTLE
I just drove 250 kilometres for salami of the gods in Seattle. A lamb and gorgonzola sandwich. Was it worth it? Yes, it was. Have you heard of Salumi in Seattle? Maybe not. But maybe you… Read More »SALUMI IN SEATTLE
ADVICE FOR NEW PARENTS
“Well, now, let’s have a look at the baby.” This inquiry had become a regular part of our daily walk. Every day, I’d load the wee bairn into the buggy and head to a neighbourhood… Read More »ADVICE FOR NEW PARENTS
INFERIOR DESIGN
When a space is better suited to a photoshoot than humans. I have just finished counting them. There are 35 phalenopsis orchids in bloom inside this house. Cloud-like banks of pristine petals mirror the cumulonimbus… Read More »INFERIOR DESIGN
SWEARING
Some years ago I had the great pleasure of spending a bit of time with Jay Leno. He’d yet to take the reins of the Tonight Show but he was already famous. Leno’s burgeoning fan… Read More »SWEARING
HOW WE ASSESS STRESS
It’s the most common mental health issue, so why is it so hard to measure? On a scale of one to 10, where would you place your stress level? And everyone answered eleven. Eleven. It’s… Read More »HOW WE ASSESS STRESS
DRINKING
“You. Are. Drunk,” was my cool assessment. “I am?” she replied, a look of astonishment registering on her face. A heartbeat. “I am!” she acknowledged as the irrefutable truth dawned on her. Another heartbeat. “I… Read More »DRINKING
COFFEE ALTERNATIVES
“Hello dark roast, my old friend …” Ahhhh, coffee. Sweet elixir of life … or vile, unsatisfying habit: which is it? After years of coffee consumption, I’m at a crossroads. I didn’t start drinking coffee… Read More »COFFEE ALTERNATIVES
THE GOOD SHIP WHAT’SERNAME
There’s lots to read when you’re kayaking in a harbour. In fact, it sometimes feels like I’m back at university, idling in the library stacks. Everywhere you look, water and words. Strong words, archaic words,… Read More »THE GOOD SHIP WHAT’SERNAME
CHOCOLATE! TWO SCOOPS, PLEASE.
Chocolate? Or vanilla? Chocolate, right? Yeah, me too. When it comes to ice cream, there’s a good chance you’re choosing chocolate over vanilla. Okay, maybe not with a slice of apple pie, but when it… Read More »CHOCOLATE! TWO SCOOPS, PLEASE.