Tony Hatfield's Retired Ramblings

Rambler's Christmas

Mr and Mrs Rambler are spending this Christmas and New Year in the United States. At the moment we are with in-laws in Austin TX. Austin is an oasis of liberals- an expression not to be confused with any definition... Read more →

McTeeth's Revenge.

When I was a kid, I was told never the take the mick out of other people's misfortune. I should have known when I wrote this about that McKeith woman I would suffer! Sure enough, within two or three days... Read more →

What does he know?

In his latest Ephems Brian Barder warns: "Bloggers beware: if you post politically motivated material on your website, the cops will come after you." Since two o'clock, this passed over the Rambler's home six times . I'm no aircraft spotter,... Read more →

Success!

Today, for the first time since subscribing to the Guardian Crossword, Anne and I have completed the "Everyman". O.K., it's not an immense intellectual feat, but we will certainly celebrate tonight. Read more →

"Watch the Wall"

In either the first or second year in my secondary school, I can remember being hauled off on a field trip along the Northumbrian coast from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle. It was a foul winter's day and as I've never... Read more →

Symptoms of Old Age ?

On Monday, I put in my monthly appearance at South Shields County Court, where, since I retired, I have worked sporadically for the local Citizen’s Advice Bureau. The court finished at about midday, and after packing my traps I returned... Read more →

First day's work

This Sunday 9.30 a.m off we both went to "Plot 12 ". At that time no one was around, though within half an hour the troops started arriving. And a friendly lot they are. Our next door neighbour even offered... Read more →

It's really ours now!

When we returned home last Wednesday, there was a large envelope amongst the rubbish delivered by our local postman. It contained an tenancy agreement for the allotment together with leaflets aimed at new starters. There was also a key to... Read more →

Sicily- September/October 2005

Another link has appeared down the left hand side of this page. A click on "Sicily 2005" and you will reach a photo album of our week in western Sicily. The photos are thumbnails click on the image to see... Read more →

Rita stands Austin Up!

I have a brother in law in Austin Tx, so I've been pretty anxious the last couple of days over the track of Rita. As he's probably at the City Limits festival this weekend I'm pleased to read this from... Read more →