Poor, poor girl. It’s not just her mental health – now her weight is an issue. In the past she’s been a svelte, sleek 15kgs. Now she’s coming in at a whopping 16.9kgs! (But we tell her it’s all muscle.) And blame her newfound chubbiness on her grandparents overdoing the treats during the three week [...]

A new acquaintance has inducted me into the weird world of Swedish cooking and beverages. (After telling me of an hilarious excursion to Ikea with his grandparentals in order to eat dinner at the cafeteria – I had to know more!) I’m especially looking forward to trying some kluegg, a festive cola brew only available [...]

There’s a large, comfortable chair in the waiting area outside my office space. It disappeared recently. ‘Why?’ I enquired. “For reinforcement’, I was informed. Hmmm. Glad I didn’t try sitting in the comfortable chair. Will await its return with interest.

“You definitely grew into your looks. You’re an absolute testament to early orthodonic intervention and quality hair products.” (Delivered by someone who has seen the photos.)

There’s nothing better on a cold and rainy day than to queue up outside that old caravan with the upside down olympic rings on the front and the blue, dolphin-shaped jam squirter within and receive through the little window from a work-worn pair of hands, a small bag of piping hot, sugar-coated treats. Mmmmmm.