Friko's World

There is nothing easier than becoming a recluse, by accident or deliberately, they say. It doesn’t require action, no effort at all, in fact...

that  ‘The functions of the Mistress of the House resemble those of the general of an army or the manager of a great business concern.’ I...

Goodness gracious, how lovely to see so many of you return to this tardy blog; it made me feel all warm and wanted. Thank you so much. I sha...

on this grey and dismal day. That’s about all we can do. “Alice laughed. 'There's no use trying,' she said. 'One can't...

My friend and neighbour Sally is a hard working lecturer and writer. Due to start a research trip to the Amazon rain forest two days after ...

Painting by Stipan Tadic The Blogosphere has been awash with expressions of gratitude during the past week. To have one day in the year ...

Who's a bigot, me? Elderly couple having lunch with very elderly and deaf parent. Woman: "I really don't like it whe...

Image courtesy of seek4media You've just sat down to a nice hot plateful when the phone rings. You're almost certain it will be a ...

WILLOW'S MAGPIE No. 68 Reg Barker was the leader of the Percussion Section at the orchestra of the Royal Opera House.  It was part of...

Mud From A Scraper No. 3 in an occasional series. Musicians on Tour - between rehearsal and performance - One of the least popular featur...

WILLOW'S MAGPIE No 57 At the 'Shamrock' Inn in Kilburn, north west London, the preparations for St. Patrick's Day were...

The Voice of Dissent George Bernard Shaw The World, 20th December 1893 An Atrocious Institution. Like all intelligent people, I great...

Sir Adrian' s Head  . . . . . . . . A young musician, a female clarinettist, having played in an orchestra for a few years, decided...

Sometimes it’s hard to find an interesting subject to post, particularly if you’ve been at it for a year or more, as I have. Going over old...

An invitation to a meal at the house of musicians is fine, provided you are a musician yourself. If not, you are in for a rough ride. I...

Friends for Life Shaggy dog stories are usually soppy, so if you don't do soppy, don't read this post. When Boris first came to live...

The Observer Newspaper has for some time been showcasing the work of the acclaimed photographer Jane Bown. Last Sunday's portrait was of...