This is the twelfth part of a fiction serial, in 784 words. As Hettie’s sixteenth birthday passed by uncelebrated in nineteen-seventeen, the war seemed like it would never end. They were getting so used to the sight of one-legged or disfigured men in the streets, they had stopped … | Continue reading
Humans have long been inventive and ingenious, but sadly not always practical. A stair-walker for disabled people. (Not very comfortable on flat surfaces) Luxurious propellor-driven transport for travelling across vast deserts. The bus with a single driving wheel. A ‘Turbo-wheel’ … | Continue reading
On Tuesday, we drove the 14 miles to the village of Great Massingham to have lunch in the pub/hotel/restaurant there, The Dabbling Duck. (Photo above) Here is a link to their website, were you can see photos of the interiors and sample menus. https://www.thedabblingduck.co.uk/ Th … | Continue reading
I’m sticking with film soundtrack songs at the moment. Once I get something in my head, it tends to stay there. My wife’s favourite film (so far) is ‘The Greatest Showman’. This is the fictionalised biopic of the life of the circus entrepreneur, P.T. Barnum. I have seen the film, … | Continue reading
This is the eleventh part of a fiction serial, in 756 words. Dad was holding the telegram, and staring at the cold fireplace. Mum screamed as she saw him. “Who is it? Give it to Hettie!” It had young Henry’s name and rank and his service number on the form, with the words ‘Regret … | Continue reading
After a mixed reaction to the song from Beyonce yesterday, I have decided to feature ANOTHER song from the film ‘Dreamgirls’. Undoubtedly the song of the film for me, from the powerful voice of Jennifer Hudson. As with Beyonce yesterday, I do not own any records by Jennifer, and … | Continue reading
We are heading out for lunch soon, a 30-minute drive to a nice village restaurant. Unfortunately, is is chilly and drizzling. Oh well. | Continue reading
This is the tenth part of a fiction serial, in 743 words. The huge increase in the numbers of workers soon after the war started made working at The Arsenal feel very different. Most of the new women were trained to work in the munitions room, where they filled the shells with ex … | Continue reading
There is no denying that Beyonce Knowles can sing. She has had an amazing career, and seems unstoppable. Although I have never bought any of her records, I appreciate her talent. One of her songs has stayed with me since I first heard it, and I really like it. Perhaps because it … | Continue reading
They do say that everything eventually comes back in fashion… | Continue reading
Yesterday, my good friend Antony sent me an e-card for my birthday. I have known him for a long time, and worked with him in two different careers. As you can tell, he knows me well. (I don’t have a beard, but no doubt his options were limited) | Continue reading
Because I wasn’t blogging yesterday, it has taken me all my free time this Sunday to answer comments and leave comments on other blogs. As a result, I scrapped posting a Sunday Musings, and didn’t get around to completing and editing today’s serial episode. I am going to cook our … | Continue reading
More things I found amusing recently. | Continue reading
Yesterday morning, one of my stepdaughters came with our grandchildren to celebrate my birthday. She brought cards and gifts, and also lots of food and a cake for me. She had been up since 6am to make everything, and it was most appreciated. I even had ‘sparkler candles’ on my le … | Continue reading
Skip to content beetleypete The musings of a Londoner, now living in Norfolk Menu Home About Reactions To Disasters Around The World Image ~ March 16, 2024 ~ beetleypete Share this: Twitter Facebook Email LinkedIn Like Loading... Related Posted in Uncategorized DisastersHumourIma … | Continue reading
As I was busy this morning, and have just got back from an afternoon out, I had disabled comments on my birthday post, (so I thought) as I wouldn’t be around to answer them and we are off out again this evening. However, it seems to have affected other posts for some reason. I ha … | Continue reading
Good news! I made it to 72 years old today. It doesn’t sound so bad if you say it quickly. So, we will be going out somewhere this afternoon by way of a celebration, followed by a Thai meal in town this evening. That means no serial episode until tomorrow. | Continue reading
This is the ninth part of a fiction serial, in 761 words. Hettie imagined Germans marching through Woolwich Market Place, and couldn’t understand why everyone else seemed so excited. Dad and young Henry were acting as if it was good news, then Alfred came to the house to tell the … | Continue reading
Skip to content beetleypete The musings of a Londoner, now living in Norfolk Menu Home About Modern Romance Image ~ March 15, 2024 ~ beetleypete Share this: Twitter Facebook Email LinkedIn Like Loading... Related Posted in Uncategorized DatingHumourImage Post navigation < Previou … | Continue reading
As everyone knows by now, I live in Beetley, a village in Norfolk that we moved to in 2012. Even so, I will always be a Londoner. Adele Atkins is also a Londoner by birth, and at the age of 19 in 2007, long before she became a worldwide celebrity, she wrote and recorded a … Conti … | Continue reading
** PUBLISHED A DAY EARLY. SORRY!** Let’s get ready for the weekend with these. | Continue reading
This is the eighth part of a fiction serial, in 767 words. That summer was glorious, the best Hettie had ever known. She went out and bought a straw hat to keep her head cool, tied around her head with a ribbon. In the milling room of the Royal Arsenal, work was made worse by … C … | Continue reading
I was a fan of the late Curtis Mayfield from the first time I heard his voice as part of the group The Impressions, in the 1960s. When he left them for a solo career in 1970, I followed his career as he released albums and contributed music to film soundtracks until his death in … | Continue reading
Stevie Turner has information about free books, (including some of hers) book samples, and great discounts. | Continue reading
Thanks to Hugh for his explanation of how to use, and get the best out of, the new style comments box. Unless you are self hosted, this will soon be coming to your blog, as it is being rolled out by WordPress. Here is the link for great tips, and a clear guide. (I am … Continue r … | Continue reading
I have just been eating my lunchtime sandwich while watching the TV News. Then a report came on that both revolted and outraged me, leaving me shouting and swearing at the television. The social media platform WhattsApp has something called ‘The Catapult Group’. It has hundreds o … | Continue reading
This is a 95-minute documentary film about the first weeks of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, focused on the southern port city of Mariupol. It was filmed by a Ukrainian team of reporters working for the news agency, Associated Press. Winner of the BAFTA for best docmentary, fol … | Continue reading
Continuing my daily quest to improve my mood, I found some more funnies. Cat ones first. Dog ones. Assorted. | Continue reading
This is the seventh part of a fiction serial, in 812 words The family managed to get together for Christmas that year, and even the larger house felt crowded with everyone there. Now there was more money available, they dined on a large capon, and gifts were given by Alfred to th … | Continue reading
This song should probably qualify as a ‘guilty pleasure’ for me. The Canadian chanteuse Celine Dion can undoubtely sing, and sing her heart out. But most of her songs are sugary and sentimental, and I never could stand the theme song from the over-hyped film ‘Titanic’. However, a … | Continue reading
The Scottish band called Texas has nothing to do with America, despite the name. Fronted by lead vocalist Charlene Spiteri, they formed in 1986 and released their first album in 1989, enjoying immediate chart success. Charlene’s distinctive vocals paired with some great songwriti … | Continue reading
(The first one is from a series of ‘saucy’ postcards once popular in UK seaside resorts.) | Continue reading
This is the sixth part of a fiction serial, in 792 words. By the time they moved house, Hettie had grown to enjoy the hustle and bustle of working at the fishmongers, and had even stopped noticing the fishy smell that clung to her day and night. The women there treated her as an … | Continue reading
Last Monday, we drove to Fakenham to colect Ollie’s casket of ashes from the animal hospital. They were very kind there, and the casket with his name plate on it was nicely presented in lovely bag containing a card, and a certificate guaranteeing that Ollie was cremated on his ow … | Continue reading
Wishing every one of you that is a mother a happy Mother’s Day. (Celebrated in England today) Not a day goes by that I don’t think of my own mum, and miss her being in my life. Here she is as I like to remember her. Happily celebrating her 70th birthday in a restaurant, in … Cont … | Continue reading
The photo above is the ‘first house’ you see in Old Beetley. A substantial 19th-century house with flint pebble facings. All of the photos can be enlarged by clicking on them, which will take you to Flickr Saturday afternoon was sunny and dry. After two days stuck inside waiting … | Continue reading
A comment from Annette on yesterday’s song reminded me of K.D.Lang. I had almost forgotten about the talented Canadian singer/songwriter Kathryn Lang, and although I never actually purchased any of her records, I always admired her voice and style. So here is one from 1992 for An … | Continue reading
The sun is out this morning, and these made me smile. | Continue reading
Random photos or sayings that I was pleased to find. The interior of a 1909 Rolls Royce car. That’s travelling in style! Adult awareness. I like this unusual helicopter bed. How wannabe gangsters talk. How to find a nice person. A Mercedes 600 car. That was a REAL car! I wanted o … | Continue reading
This is the fifth part of a fiction serial, in 752 words. At the end of the summer term, Hettie said her goodbyes at school. She would be twelve in January, too old to come back there. But there was no chance of her enjoying a long summer break. Mum had already arranged for her … … | Continue reading
So far this week, I have noticed two new pointless ‘changes’ that WordPress seems to have implemented. The first one is that using keyboard characters to generate emojis in comments or replies seems to have been removed. So the colon and right bracket is no longer translated as … | Continue reading
As I have been waiting for two days to have the central heating fixed, I decided I need some smiles to keep me going over the weekend. | Continue reading
This one dates from 1947, recorded by the French singer, Edith Piaf. I first heard it as a child in the 1950s, and have loved it ever since. Many cover versions have been released, but I don’t think any can match the original. The song is sung in French of course, but this video … | Continue reading
This is the fourth part of a fiction serial, in 757 words. After King Edward died, life seemed to be getting better. With young Henry’s money coming in, him and dad could now afford the luxury of taking the bus to Woolwich for work. Hettie had her school shoes mended, and they ha … | Continue reading