Category Archives: SMILES

“My Garden Age”

Posted on July 24, 2011 by john graham

My Grandfather was a professional gardener, who worked for a garden enthusiast and writer – Avery Tipping.  Together they renovated several manor house gardens in the Chepstow area of Monmouthshire.  At one time there were over 40 gardeners working for my … Continue reading →

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“Fruit Juice Hopes Squashed”

Posted on July 3, 2011 by john graham

Just when I thought I had found the secret to eternal life, my hopes have been shattered. My earlier posts on “Fruitful Research” (9, 23, 30 January; 15 May; 26 June 2011) seemed to suggest that a glass or two … Continue reading →

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“Fruitful Research” 5

Posted on June 26, 2011 by john graham

There seems to be a new wonder fruit found almost every week that helps extend your life.  The problem now is keeping up with all the claims and even knowing what some of the fruits are and how to find … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH, SMILES | Tagged , | 1 Comment

“My Country Garden”

Posted on June 22, 2011 by john graham

Everyone needs a garden in their life.  Not necessarily a literal garden, just somewhere where things can grow.  Everything from plants to ideas to children to peace of mind. Right now at six o’clock in the morning, I am sitting … Continue reading →

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“Breakfast Exercise” 6

Posted on June 5, 2011 by john graham

The New York Times regularly has good coverage on ageing. Recently I was sent a very interesting article entitled “Tai Chi eases depression in elderly”, by someone who knows it is a regular early morning pastime of mine. The report … Continue reading →

Posted in HEALTH, SMILES | Tagged | 3 Comments

Mountains and Molehills

Posted on May 22, 2011 by john graham

I went for a walk this morning for the first time since I retired six months ago.  At the very time when I had the time to go walking I stopped walking.  When you have all the time in the … Continue reading →

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“Fruitful Research” 4

Posted on May 15, 2011 by john graham

Baylor in Texas must be the carrot growing capital of America.  So here’s a message for my gun-toteing, cattle ranching, oil-prospecting cowboy friend John T. in Pampa, Texas.  When the oil runs out you can always turn to carrot farming, … Continue reading →

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“Walk for Life” 2

Posted on April 24, 2011 by john graham

Although they have not yet won the London marathon,  it seems like the Americans are catching up with us. Back in November last year, I wrote about some research from Bangor University extoling the virtues of 30 minute sessions of … Continue reading →

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“Reflection on Blogging”

Posted on April 14, 2011 by john graham

Q1  Why am I blogging? I have something to say about all things “elderly” Writing can be therapeutic   Fun when it flows easily – a topic that fires my imagination Frustrating when on an important issue – the simple … Continue reading →

Posted in ABOUT GRUMBLESMILES, SMILES | 4 Comments

“Silence is Golden” 2

Posted on March 25, 2011 by john graham

In April last year I wrote a blog about the invasion of noise in our lives entitled “Silence is golden”.   It was an early morning grumble, but perhaps not surprising given I was in central London at the time. Now … Continue reading →

Posted in GRUMBLES, SMILES | 7 Comments