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Sound the Trumpets - A New Blog for the Older Brigade has Arrived!

Tis The Season of Goodwill!

The season of goodwill is upon us!  The shops online and in the High Streets are buzzing with Christmas fare.  There are 3 for 2 and 50% off, etc, enticing us to spend our hard-earned cash.  But I have become more savvy over the years.  I now make a list and stick to it with self-inflicted discipline to keep myself from going overboard.  I learned my lesson the hard way years ago, and now I am one step ahead of the crafty retailers’ advertising. Seriously, write a list. I do mine around the beginning of August (yes, as early as that).  And, bit by bit, I find out what the grandkids have their little hearts set on, except George, who is 7 and will chop and change from one week to the next and start putting money aside when I price things up.  The older grandkids all want money, so that is easy, and I begin to put money away for them from the beginning of the year; believe me, you don't notice it so much. Around October, I look at my Christmas decoration...

A few of My Story Ramblings!


Here’s a collection of my short story scribbles—each one a little challenge I set for myself: to craft a tale with a clear beginning, middle, and end that actually makes sense (most of the time!). Some are light-hearted, others take a spooky turn, and a few are inspired by real-life moments. I’ll keep adding new stories whenever inspiration strikes—so stay tuned!


Stinky Boots!

Tom came into the kitchen and started to remove his wellington boots.

"For goodness' sake, leave those smelly articles outside!" Marion said.

"So much for a man doing a hard day's graft. These wellington boots help put all your veg on the table," Tom replied indignantly.

"They'll stink the entire house out by morning. Buy some new ones," Marion retorted.

A week later, Tom dropped a pair of brand-new gardening boots on the kitchen floor.
"Here they are—new boots, old ones in the bin," he said, grinning.

Marion ignored the statement.

His old boots were really in his shed, growing vegetables that would, in time, go down Marion's throat.
Tom smiled, thinking, All good fun. She'll never know!


Rocket to the Moon!

John stood in the attic where he and his brother George had once ruled the world with their imaginations. As boys, they’d been pirates, cowboys, and explorers of distant galaxies. But their favourite game had always been “Rocket to the Moon.”

Though many years had passed, the attic still held the echoes of their laughter, the rustle of costume capes, and the faint scent of old cardboard and dreams. Now, the attic was quiet. John, older and slower, wandered through the dusty space, picking up forgotten relics of their childhood—an old toy gun, a tattered cowboy hat, a cracked helmet fashioned from a salad bowl.

Eight years had gone by since George’s death.  John wished for just one more game, one more moment of that endless childhood magic.

Turning to leave, John stumbled over an old shoe. He fell hard, the wooden floor rushing up to meet him.

Then—light.

A hand reached for his.

“Come on, John,” said George with a grin. “Get up. It’s time to play Rocket to the Moon. I’ve been waiting ages for you.”


What Bobby Said!


Louise paced the living room, muttering to herself.

“How am I going to tell Giles I’m leaving him for Tony? How do I say our marriage is over?”

It wasn’t easy to say aloud—let alone to Giles—but the truth was undeniable. She had fallen hopelessly in love with Tony, their charming next-door neighbour. Every stolen glance and whispered promise had only deepened her resolve. Tony, however, was running out of patience. He wanted her to come clean, and fast. If she didn’t do it soon, he’d tell Giles himself.

Louise inhaled sharply. Today’s the day, she thought. She had rehearsed it a hundred times. She would just say it—just get it over with!

As if summoned by fate, the front door creaked open. Giles stepped inside, cheerful and unsuspecting.

She turned to face him, words rising in her throat.

Before she could speak, a shrill, confident voice rang out from the corner of the room:
“How am I going to tell Giles I’m leaving him for Tony? How do I say our marriage is over!”

They both turned toward the sound.
Bobby the parrot tilted his head, looking quite proud of himself.

Louise turned pale. Giles blinked.

Bobby squawked again, with perfect timing:
“Tony says hi!”

Sometimes, secrets don’t need telling—especially when you own a talking parrot

















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