Short tales, usually of woe or stupidity, involving one (usually me) or more members of the Patras family.
Have you been showered with a fair share of fate yet? I certainly have . Let me give you an example. In the latter 1990s one of my ‘hobbies’ was being a South African Police Reservist. I’m not going to go into that right now and only mention it because at one point I was … Continue reading The Funny Side of Fate
I've been wanting to share this with you for a long time, so it might be considered a bit 'unhip' now that lockdowns have been lifted. But, imho it ought to be up there with the classics. When Leon first posted it on FB he managed to raise a few euros for the wonderful A.R.C.H. … Continue reading An EXTREME HAIRCUT
So yesterday wasn’t a regular Black Friday for me, it was more of a Frenetic Phone-call Friday. I received more calls that morning than I normally get in a week! It started at 08:25 when Brad phoned me, though I suppose I’d better give you a bit of background first. Our septic tank needed emptying. … Continue reading Irregular Black Friday (or How to Empty a Septic Tank)
I'm not new to cutting hair. I've been cutting my husband's hair for the past 45 years. I used to cut the kids' hair too, when they were young. and the lad's too even as they got older, as long as they didn't want anything fancy. Which nicely leads me onto... We have been in … Continue reading An Extreme Haircut
Back in my South Africa lifetime, the day arrived when the doc uttered those dreaded words, “Ann, you have to give up drinking alcohol.” “Oh!” “Yes. If you don’t, you will die. And soon.” Well that was squarely to the point, so after going straight to the pub for a consolatory drink, the very next … Continue reading THE PETIT FOUR ENCOUNTER
I’d had a fairly successful day. Been for a haircut, did some editing of my latest book, managed a modicum of success with revamping one of the sketches for said book. I even cooked us (Ziggy, Leon and myself) a lovely super - my version of southern fried chicken with special coleslaw and a few … Continue reading The Trouble with Dogs
I was recently reminded by a friend, of an email I sent out some years ago, which I re-read (yes, I’m an email-hoarder - thank goodness!) and have decided to now share with you. My generosity, you see, knows no bounds. 18 August 2013 Dear Friends, I’m having a bit of a problem with some … Continue reading The Tail of Richard
I swear on my life – which I value greatly – the article which is the subject of this story was genuinely in our local press a while back. I simply could not pass up a chance like this. I almost fell off my chair when I read a headline in the Lifestyle section of … Continue reading Cemetery Celebrations
I had a lovely Christmas, thank you for asking. It was relatively quiet, mostly due to the fact that Brad was missing. He and his girlfriend are in South Africa where they are spending Christmas at Mabalingwe Game Lodge with her family. I had a phone call this morning (Boxing Day) from a ‘Police Sergeant … Continue reading Small Black Plastic Gubbins
I’ve always thought I was pretty good with colours. I mean, I know the difference between lilac and purple, red and maroon, green and blue obviously, as well as black and brown. And I definitely know the difference between grey and blonde. I just needed to make this perfectly clear before I continue. I was … Continue reading FOR SKIN AS SOFT AS A BABY’S…?
The Crazy World of Ann Patras! 