Life, the Universe and Everything

A woman I dance with quite lot said to me last night that one of the great things about dancing with me was that I was unpredictable. Quite a relief really because I sometimes worry that I don't use a big enough variety of moves. Years ago, I had a boss who complained I was unpredictable. Can't please everyone!

Stroud is not a place that does "smart". Steep streets remind me of the hill towns of Provence yet the place is where five Cotswold valleys meet. The Town Council is run by the Green Party and every Thursday, the Mayor sits on bench in the town centre and talks with anyone who happens by. This is not some centuries old tradition or even compliance with a European policy on "Open Government" - the current Mayor just thought it was a good idea. Political parties need money and the Green way is to put on a dance and by luck or good judgement they booked the Horsley Band from the nearby village of the same name. That choice is why I passed up the opportunity of a dance nearer home because this band play the finest, the most exciting and most beautiful dance music. Their tunes for English Ceilidh dances are joyous with a raw edge but are never coarse. Dark tunes for French traditional dances are silky smooth… There is a pause and Caroline has transformed herself into a ...

"I'm sorry," said Bruce into the phone, "could you speak up, please? There's a lot of noise in here today!"  The client hung up. Bruce cursed and turned to glare at Damien who was standing by a new machine.  "What the hell's that noisy monstrosity and what is it doing in the Counselling Centre???"  Damien smiled.  "It's the new card printer and it wouldn't fit anywhere else"  "What do we want a card printer for?"  "It's a vital part of the new "People Care System" - and you've already benefited from it yourself!"  "I have?"  "You got a Christmas card signed by the Chair of Trustees"  "It came from that machine?"  "Yes, it even did the personal signature!"  "Fantastic"  Damien, missing the sarcasm, ploughed on.  "It does birthdays too and when a Counsellor or Client is sick, it automatically sends out a 'Get Well Soon' card!...