A Sexagenarian from Smithy Fen – Whittlesey Wordsmiths

I’m not sure how many things you are allowed to dump in Room 101, I’m afraid my list is rather long. Is that a sign of old age, am I really a grumpy, Granny ? I’m sure my grandson would have something to say on the subject. And although we do seem to go on about the youth of today, my gripes are not aimed at any one generation, I personally think us oldies can be just as bad…

In order to narrow it down somehow, this is a typical day out shopping for the Fish’s…

The journey:

1 &2. Traffic lights and cones shutting off a lane when there isn’t a workman in sight.

3. People on their mobile phones whilst using the zebra crossing, not even looking up or acknowledging that you have stopped for them.

(Mobiles in restaurants would need a whole new blog).

The Supermarket:

4. People having a natter blocking the aisle with their trolleys, oblivious of your presence.

5. & 6 People packing all their shopping before getting their purse/cards out, and / or keeping the till operator talking when they’ve finished.

7. Children sitting in their trolleys eating something that hasn’t yet been paid for.

No, strike that; change to the parents who let them.

8. Self service tills

‘Unexpected item in baggage area, assistance required’. Aaagh!

Retail Park:

9. Any chain that does not have what I want in store.

‘You can order online; we can’t stock everything.’

(Then don’t complain about Amazon taking your business.)

For No 10, Prats at parking, please see Mr Fish.

I could go on, but goodness me, Room 101’s getting rather crowded, isn’t it?

I sincerely hope I haven’t offended anyone here, and you are not one of the aforementioned people.

But if you are, please feel free to explain yourself, and I’ll consider fishing you out of my Room 101 (no pun intended)

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to write a letter to The Times,

Regards,

Whinger from Whittlesey x

Author of A Sexagenarian from Smithy Fen.

**A Sexagenarian from Smithy Fen by Valerie Fish**

**The Vicar from A Sexagenarian from Smithy Fen** **drawn by Jane Pobgee**

Whittlesey Wordsmiths are having a very productive year, two individual members, Tessa Thomson and Valerie Fish have published their own books. Tessa’s book is of poetry and Valerie’s a collection of limericks. Stephen Oliver has had a number of his short stories accepted for publication, nine at the last count. The Wordsmiths are in the process of completing their two Christmas collections carefully gathered together by Cathy Cade. Cathy is not only an ace editor and proof reader but also a prolific writer too, having published three of her own books. She has had great competition success with her short stories and poetry.Whittlesey Wordsmiths have also benefitted from the artistic talent of Jane Pobgee, not only for illustrations in our upcoming collection of children’s Christmas stories but also in Valerie’s and Tessa’s books.