Ten things I could not do without... (and why)

In no particular order -


A garden
Not just for the flowers and the pleasure of gardening but also for the wildlife it attracts. For me, a pond is an essential part of any garden, however small.

Earplugs
I cannot abide noise and have great difficulty sleeping with any noise around. I love classical music as I go to sleep but, of course, it has to be loud to get through the ear-plugs so unless I’m on my own or having a daytime snooze at GB’s I have to do without it.

My camera
I just love taking photos. I’m sure a psychologist would say they were a substitute for something.... And nearly all my other hobbies tend to revolve around photography in one way or another.

Peanut butter
Not as frivolous as it sounds – I think I am an addict. If I don’t have it on toast for breakfast I have to have some later in the day.

My tablets
‘nuff said

A pen and paper
I am forever jotting down notes and making lists. And I just love brand new note books and jotters. I can happily window shop in a stationers for ages.

My computer
To contact people, blog and store my photos. I also enjoy playing with new programmes but am not happy when the computer plays back.

My spectacles
Until echo-location becomes a human attribute I need them to move without walking into doors.

Comfortable shoes
I find it very difficult to get comfortable shoes in which I can avoid falling over. So my current pair – worn nearly all the time – are Spanish fell boots that are nearly as old as the Spanish fells. They look dreadful and tatty but what the heck...

Books to read
Yes, I know the words ‘to read’ were a bit superfluous since I’m not the sort to put books under table legs.

Ironically my car would have been high up on this list until I became unable to drive. It just goes to show what we can do without when we are forced.