Holidays are an opportunity to both reflect on life, and try new things. I’ve been in the USA doing both!

He always saw himself as a farmer, but to generations of young men, he was a mentor too, helping them develop confidence and a love of the land.

There are few writers whose words move me as much as those of Ronald Blythe. Reading him, strengthens my conviction that I too must write, and stop allowing myself to be distracted.

It was a pleasure to talk about my book to folk in Blaxhall yesterday. The village hall was packed and I sold and signed more than 30 copies of my latest book.

It was great to be able to spend time the other day talking about life as an author, with students at Wymondham College.

I’ll be popping up all over the place, talking about my latest book which launches on 4th April. Here are details of events that first weekend, 6th & 7th April.

It’s taken more than 50 years, but finally I’ve written, and can hold in my hand, the book I’ve wanted to write since I was a teenager.

It’s always good to see things through the eyes of others. It stops me taking for granted, just how lucky I am.

The prejudice of the man I sat beside at the concert was shocking. I should have thumped him.

Our new home has an A rated EPC; proof (not that I needed it) that I will never need a hot water bottle

Our energy bills so far are less than a quarter of what they’d have been if still living in our Norfolk barn. Add the fact that we charge our car at home too, and the energy performance of our new home looks even better

I don’t make new year resolutions, but that time has come to focus 100% of my writing, and stap letting others distract me with ‘interesting’ projects. You might call that blinkered; I’ll call it focused!

I’ve been reflecting on why I dislike Christmas.

I posted this old photo in a Tiptree history Facebook page, and within the hour, was in touch with one of my late mother’s cousins. Seems I come from a larger family than I had always thought!

Blaxhall has a rich folk music tradition. Last night we went to the village hall to hear John Spiers and Jackie Oakes perform. I felt that I was really living the book I’ve just written!

I met a young man today who moved to Leiston for all the right reasons. It’s rural, affordable and situated in a stunningly attractive area. Leiston is slowly changing.

Belinda has been at the Forum the past couple of days, leaving me home alone. I’ve not enjoyed the experience.

The time has come to start the journey that will lead to the publication of my next book Down to Earth.

I just love reading books by long dead Suffolk writers that have stood the test of time and speak to people today. I can only hope that my books will remain current when I am long gone.