Can you throw some light on this puzzling stone carving? Located on the foot of Caldy Hill , facing Thurstaston Common, this large slab of rock has obviously lain here for centuries, if not millennia. It is covered in lichen and moss, which has softened the edged of the graffiti carved into it. There’s even a small face peering from the rock. But the real mystery is the strangely-shaped indentation which looks as if a person could fit their back and head inside it. Think of a vertical oblong, with the top two edges rounded off and with a smaller round bit on top. What was it for, and who made it? Was it a modest shelter for shepherds, who would perhaps light a fire then nestle into this odd chair? But surely a small hut would have given more shelter, especially if the wind was blowing towards the rock face. Was it, as someone suggested, a Celtic ossuary carved to hold a display of bones or similar items for religious purposes? Was it a Viking look-out point? The location seem...

"T" Saturday March 8th, 2008. Fly free, old friend.  

A "Squirrel" Otherkin Trilogy ?!! *chuckles* The article makes it sound like I'm the sole author of Ruins Terra , Ruins Metropolis and Barren Worlds , rather than being merely a contributor to each. Oh dear.... Not my doing. So, yes, yesterday saw me back at Golborne High School by invitation of Sylvia Taylor , gelertandbess, actor, playwright and filmmaker, who also works to promote and develop the arts within the school. We’ve known each other since we were aged eleven, and used to sit next to each other in English and Computer classes at Golborne High – or Golborne Comprehensive School, as it was then named. Certainly it was interesting to see my old school again. Some things haven’t changed at all, while some are entirely new to me – such as the digital photography suite and the banks of computers in the school library. Back in our day, there was one computer for the entire school! And even that wasn’t a PC as we think of them now, but a monitor and keyboard w...

While in Chester we called into St Werburg's Cathedral, where there was an exhibition of tapestry made by Quakers. Each work showed an aspect of the Quakers' history and their role in social change. The work which had gone into the needlework was admirable. Having done a fair bit of embroidery myself, I can appreciate how much time and effort had been given over to this project. St Werburg's is a favourite of mine. The Gothic architecture is fabulous, and the atmosphere in this ancient and historic place is truly precious.

My dogs are thoroughly enjoying our warm spring days. They have spent the last two hours sunbathing on the patio. This gives the local bird population chance to snatch a peck or two of the seed and fat balls which we’ve hung in our cherry tree. All week, the dogs have been valiantly guarding the garden against any bird brave enough to endure an onslaught of woofing any time they dare try for a beak-full. The lack of rain also means that my dogs have – so far – avoided having to try out their new raincoats in public. The picture shows Ygraine modelling hers, which comes complete with little hood.

I am pleased to anounce the publication of Quiet Lives , ASIN B0013CX3HQ, available only from Amazon.com. Direct link:- http://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Lives/dp/B0013CX3HQ/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202834377&sr=1-12 Four tales of seemingly quiet lives:- Dear Harry - Armajeet writes a parting letter to Harry. He is lovely but she's tired of too much compromise - and her friends would rip him to shreds. Mirror - Having violated Melissa's hospitality, a salesman learns that not all witches comply with New Age stereotypes. The Four Seasons -  When Granny visits, teenager Megan and her mother face a yawning generation gap. Beautiful - Dawn is as tall as a man and twice as broad, yet her determined quest for love, passion and beauty will strike a chord with everyone who has ever felt disheartened by their own reflection.