Author Archives: rpg

About rpg

Scientist, poet, gadfly

Country House

Posted on 10 March 2024 by rpg

It’s March, and that means there’s far too much stuff to do in the garden. A few years ago we went to a PYO and got a pumpkin (or 12, whatever). It was a Blue Hubbard, and we saved the … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Take Five

Posted on 3 March 2024 by rpg

It‘s a crazy mixed up world, and the snowdrops were early and then the daffs were late but now there‘s tulips, tulips I tell you, showing their red little faces among the hyacinths and the daffs at the Gillingham roundabout. … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Opportunities

Posted on 29 February 2024 by rpg

It’s a horrible word, redundant. ‘No longer needed or useful; superfluous’. I don’t feel superfluous, but have to admit to feeling a little less than useful. Some people have been very kind, noting my efforts to continue to support my … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Games Without Frontiers

Posted on 25 February 2024 by rpg

My enthusiasm for sport has always surpassed my ability. Except for soccer. At school, me and John Grant would always play in defence and hope the ball never came our way. I still don’t see the point of that one. … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Family Tree

Posted on 18 February 2024 by rpg

We’re blessed to have a larger-than-usual garden (for these parts). Legend has it that when they built this development at the arse-end of the 1980s, what-was-to-become our plot was down for 2 (or even 3) houses, but they didn’t get … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Heart of Glass

Posted on 11 February 2024 by rpg

Had I not been out the front of the house, watching Joshua earning some pocket money by washing the car,  I’d probably have sent the milk round sales droid on his way. But I was, and we talked, and seduced … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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A Place Called England

Posted on 4 February 2024 by rpg

I planted snowdrops in the green in the woods last Sunday morning, and this Saturday when we visited they were already demurely in bloom. We usually get one crazy forerunner between Christmas and New Year in our garden, but it’s … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Distant Sun

Posted on 28 January 2024 by rpg

Solar is never going to meet all our energy needs, especially not at these latitudes. But even though the one aspect of our roof that is completely covered in solar panels faces west, we still generate significant amounts of electricity. … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Shelter from the storm

Posted on 21 January 2024 by rpg

There’s another storm blowing in, the milder weather pushed before it melting the ice that has gripped Gravesend for the last 4 or 5 days. Rhea has joined the new girls inside the coop for the night, but Arty and … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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Don’t let me be misunderstood

Posted on 14 January 2024 by rpg

Watling Street services, just off the A2, is my local petrol station. You might stop there as you head east from the M25 towards the North Kent coast. It’s cheaper than any of the places further out, and has a … Continue reading → Continue reading →

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