Rod Marshall

Before going to church, I prepared some potatoes for boiling. I thought it might speed the process of lunch on our return, in the event of a delay. Until the day before, these potatoes had been left out — because … Read more

The other day, I walked into a room in our new home and was struck by the delicate scent of my wife's perfume lingering in the atmosphere. It made for a pleasant change from the smell of electric motor and … Read more

We have moved house this year. This included a trip on the motorway up north in a van to collect some furniture. As we went on our way, I noticed trains of articulated lorries (semi-trailers) nose-to-tail. Business was busy delivering. … Read more

We have a fireplace in our new home that has no chimney. It was put there as a focal point for the room. Other than that, it serves no good purpose. I love a good fire. I find the heat … Read more

I know what is green and what is blue, and have known so successfully for the last 49 years. My wife and I, however, have differing perceptions about the matter. Now it may well be that my colour perception is … Read more

On Mondays, I start work at lunchtime and continue until 9:00 p.m. I try not to leave my getting ready to the last minute, because I like to arrive at work without being in a state of stress. However, I … Read more

We have had a few cold snaps lately, in the lee of the Cotswold Hills. We had a heavy frost, which fell thickly onto the roofs and windows of the cars in our street. I was later than I needed … Read more

The other day, we were driving when an oncoming large red pickup truck pulled across the road, between us and the car in front, apparently not wanting to wait to find out if there was another car following. As a … Read more

Today, students — most of them — are glowing with pride and bouncing with excitement, as they have been online to find out their results. All the nervous energy, now expended, has been suddenly washed over by the jubilation of … Read more

There is demolition going on just a few streets away from my view of the Cotswold countryside where I work. Workers are pulling down an office block. It is being ripped apart by a huge machine with an enormous set … Read more