The kindness of strangers never ceases to amaze me. There are many good, caring people around; we just do not hear of them very often in life. Try spreading acts of kindness and thank-yous around if you can.
©️2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Image by Momma Law
Yesterday, on a rare day of shopping into town, I was touched by several acts of kindness by complete strangers.
The first occurred as we entered a slightly crowded bus. As I negotiated with Anne’s help my three-wheeled walker onto the bus. It is always a moment of anxiety for both of us to be seated before the bus moves off and almost immediately turns a nearby sharp corner.
A woman with bags and a suitcase saw us coming. She instantly struggled out of the nearest seat reserved for the elderly and disabled, moving with difficulty further into the bus. I thanked her for her kindness. Noting another specially allocated seat was occupied by another unencumbered young woman who avoided eye contact.(Charitably, I thought she might have a hidden disability.)
On leaving the bus, we thanked the driver for curtsying the bus down almost onto the pavement. Avoiding a leap of faith to negotiate what I call the Cumberland gap. Most but not all drivers do it automatically.
Entering a remodelled store, we could not find the lift. In days gone by, that was no problem. We would have wandered about looking at items of interest till we found it. Now, age and disability dictate otherwise; planning is required to complete our essential shopping list with the least amount of perambulation. A young man noticed us and went out of his way to point us in the right direction at the back of the store. I gave him a wobbly card and a quick chat as a thank you.
Walking to the next large store, I suddenly ran out of steam and needed to sit down. It happens from time to time. It is soon cured by a sit-down for about ten minutes, then I am off again. We looked around the by-now crowded bank holiday street.
Nothing came into view, then I remembered a little further on an Italian restaurant on a corner with red tables arranged outside, roped off. I asked Anne, “Do you think they are open, and would they serve us coffee?”
We made our way there. I thankfully sat down, while Anne went to enquire. On her return, she reported, “Yes, they would be pleased to do so, though they were not quite ready to open yet.”
A lovely, smiling young waitress soon appeared with two coffees and a jug of water and glasses. Thanking her and exchanging informative chatter. She said she was studying graphic design. I gave her a Wobbly card.
As I recovered, we sat quietly watching the hustle and bustle of street activity, a hobby of both of us. The manager came to greet us. Anne had conversed with him when enquiring about a coffee. She asked where he was from and shared her love and experience of Italy.
Thanking him for opening for us. He said, “Any time, madam, you can sit here when you need to. This is your stop. We will always serve you, and if you come a little later, you can try our excellent pizza.”
“Do you do gluten-free pizza?”
“Yes, we do.” I clapped my hands in delight, “what a treat that would be.”
Anne then said, “I think you could put up a sign, “recharge your batteries here, like the electric cars do.”
Laughing we, thanked him for his kindness, and gave him a Wobbly card. Fully restored, we recommenced our shopping.
Once again, we stepped into a revamped large store, filling with customers. Nothing was as I remembered. I had items to return from another store, and others sorely needed purchasing.
The exchanges were easy as they were on the ground floor, and a shop assistant saw us searching and came to assist us. She helped us through the whole experience and escorted us to one of the elusive lifts. I gave her a Wobbly card. She smiled, saying her daughter was writing a book and she was doing the illustrations. We were delighted to hear it. Thanking her, we were whisked away to the next floor.
The last items I required were also difficult to find. Several people kindly tried to help.
Anne approached another assistant, as we surveyed the daunting racks and racks of bras of many sizes. Plus the inevitable, “Oh gosh, what size am I now? It is some time since I bought a new bra.”
She cheerfully searched high and low till two were found, in the estimated size. She was thanked and accepted a Wobbly card, and said she would certainly look it up.
Enough was enough; time to return home. We slowly made our way to our bus stop. Due to the bank holiday, road works, and traffic accidents, the bus timetable was unhelpful.
I asked a lady sitting beside me, “Have you seen a 465 arrive yet?”
“Yes, I think it went already.” We went on to have a moan about the buses. My heart sank, and Anne came up with a solution, “Why don’t we take a 281 bus to Surbiton, then a taxi home?”
“Anne, that is a brilliant idea. The 281 stops here as I viewed the gathering queue.”
A lovely tall gentleman smiled at us, saying, “Come on ladies, you have earned your years in queues. Come in front of me.” Once on board, we exchanged some local knowledge as we passed a huge public building which was being converted into flats. I gave him a Wobbly card in thanks for his kindness.”
Another couple joined our conversation and expanded all our knowledge regarding the flats. Thanking them for an interesting ride, a Wobbly card was given.
At the taxi rank two taxis waited. One was taken and moved off. The next moved to the top of the rank just as Anne was about to put her hand on the handle. Extending our tired approach by a few more yards.
Once on board, we sank thankfully back, to exchange news with our driver all the way home. Where the last thank you, payment, and Wobbly card were exchanged.
©️2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
The house is waiting with no lights on, no fire lit.
Gripped in the approaching darkness gathering fast
Homeward bound hurries the owner, feeling as cold as can be.
Fumbling the key impatiently into the icy lock, brushing off snow, before stepping into the sheltered porch.
Lights on, slipping off and hanging up coat.
Stepping out of boots, and into slippers and jacket still cold to touch.
You make your way to the fireplace, to ignite the fire allowing warmth and comfort to seep slowly everywhere.
The waiting kettle starts singing its merry song, and you are once again safely back home.
©️2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Image by image by AI generated
Give me a moment and I’ll get over it!
I had a lovely sleepover and woke up in the dark.
Till Wobbly appeared; I knew just what she would say:
Out into the garden, darling, and do what you have to do. Quick now, on your way.
I thought she was joking, as it was pouring with rain.
I had three goes at it, before staying out long enough not to have to do it again.
In relief and delight that that was it for a while, I raced around the furniture,
Charging around the back of the couch, dragging myself, though causing no pain.
Missing Wobbly’s arms clutching a big quick-drying-me-up cloth; I avoided again.
It’s much more fun rolling on the carpet and giving the curtains a quick dry-me run.
I stopped at the food dish long enough to pick up a snack.
Before relaxing flat out on my back.
I told you I would get over it, as I am a very adaptable cat.
© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobbingPen
Very few of us will be untouched by what is happening in the world and not be saddened by it.
We will perhaps be wanting to help, but how?
As writers, poets, artists, and musicians, we have the ability to support change.
Wherever we are, there will be an element of change. I trust for most of us it will be a managed inconvenience. Sadly, for others, it will be disruptive and life-changing.
If there are rules that need adjusting, we need to write to our government to highlight them. For prompt action, time will be of the essence.
Writers are always a good source of information, with their vast and varied knowledge base. Use this talent to help others who might be struggling to find a way through the system. You will be amazed at how grateful people are to receive such help.
The most precious gift we as writers can give is to use our imaginations and pens to whisk the tired, depressed, sick, and the lonely to a better place. To stir emotions, hope, and laughter, allowing time for those suffering to know they are not alone and for them to gather strength from your amazingly informative and entertaining pens.
There are, of course, many other things we can do to encourage others to help, which I hope we already do. Yet it is with our pens we are most needed to press for change and to lift the spirit of our nation to assist mental health.
Our vital task is to tell the truth, avoiding fake news. Do not be fooled; ask or do your own diligent research.
We have watery sunshine and warmth here, birds chattering away. I am getting ready to do battle with a creaking iPad, hoping it will last till the end of the month. It will then be put into retirement, while I am challenged by a younger version. Oh, help, as I am able to make computers do what the manufacturers have never envisioned.
Let your pens flow with information and kindness till we meet here again another day.
©️2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen 💕🌹
Image by Dreamtime
I had listened to those voices so long ago.
Filled with pearls of wisdom, I find myself reinventing from time to time.
The multiple sounds of voices and accents, trying to share their wisdom gained from a generation before them.
Youth has impetuosity, fearlessness, “it won’t happen to me.
Leave me alone, you go on and on, why don’t you leave me alone?”
Alone! The day soon comes when being alone is not so cool.
You become responsible for everything in your life, I mean everything.
It becomes scary, lonely, until you can adjust to the reality of stepping into the real world.
Realigning might be taking a part-time job and a return to education.
Or developing an idea for a business and working at it tenaciously aiming to succeed.
Or knuckling down in a boring job to earn a living, even boring jobs can provide opportunities if you are brave enough to take them.
Love might step in and career plans might go in reverse, perhaps making you change your thinking on life in general.
Or the wide open spaces beckoning you to foreign adventures, some may prevent a return home again.
The opportunities and pitfalls are all there as you step into adulthood.
The wise listen to the past and carry improvements and hope into the future.
©️2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Image by Forbes
I’m going to be happy.
I’m going to shake off the blues.
I’m going to try smiling.
At anyone who comes into view
And wait for someone to smile back in reply.
Hoping they will be comfortable enough to pass it on and on.
With this contagion, smiles will be on their way.
So some of you may be able to smile today.
Chasing any misery and dark moods far away.
Have a Happy Day
©️2025 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen.
Image by castle Dental
Leaving home now is not a natural thing.
Fear sometimes cloaks and surrounds you as you go innocently on your way,
Hoping you will not meet a knife-carrier on the street today.
It is amazing that they have not learnt that it does not give them strength.
It is the means to take their own life away, too.
After the attack, many perpetrators are caught within hours and, after a trial, are packed into jail.
Under threat from attack by other criminals, never knowing who has your back.
Afraid to be alone or join one of a pack, or to be singled out for too much praise,
Which gives rise to other inmates’ jealousy and rage.
Leaving two families in different ways forever changed; no way back.
So, before you pick up the knife, just remember it has the power to destroy many lives,
Not just now but for generations to come, destroying yours, too.
If not caught, the guilt will weigh you down and fear will reside in your chest.
You will never be the man you wanted to be, a man of worth, respected.
Cloaked, not in fear, but in the arms of generations of a loving family.
The choice is yours, mine too, never to carry a knife anywhere with you.
© 2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Image by Getty Images
I am having a grumble, I am having a moan.
When a questionnaire falls through the letter box into my home.
With print so tiny, I just cannot see.
The message they are attempting to deliver to me.
If only you would make the print a little bolder.
I would happily and honestly comply with any questions required in your folder.
©️2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Image by Dreamstime
Misery is not easy to see, as many comedians will attest, when seeking help.
Others hide the pain till it is too late to complain, and lock themselves away to end it all, leaving shock and horror at the ending of a talent so rare and much loved, one bringing fun and laughter to many and increasing their listeners’ well-being.
Questions hang in the air: why did we not notice?
Was there anyone close enough to listen? They must have been very lonely and desperate.
If you have miserable feelings and self-loathing, talk to someone you trust or ring MIND. TALKING COSTS NOTHING, yet could be pricelessly waiting to help you.
The charity, Mind Support Line is 0300 102 1234 (England and Wales only)
© 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Image by istock
I walked my way to happiness.
It was painful, it is true.
Each step brought back a tender memory of you.
I have to confess, I had let things go; I was not at my best.
Keeping myself to myself, staying in bed longer each day.
Dragging myself up for a drink, to watch the TV display.
Till one day, an invitation to take a walk in a beautiful nearby place burst from the screen.
It was a favourite of ours; you would remember it well.
Somehow I found the strength, I know not from where.
To wash, dress, and activate myself, to join the walk.
I hovered at the edge of a small group, till beckoned in.
We each walked at a slow, steady pace, in dribs and drabs.
Quiet murmurs exchanged when comfortable; an hour was spent walking, taking in the view.
Exercising muscles, shaky at best, a halt was called for, a hot brew and a crunchy biscuit.
Exchanging information and invitations of other walks to join if I wanted too.
I remembered times you walked with me, talking, loving, trying to put the world to rights.
We were called to order to walk our way back.
I took a deep breath, a last look around, at the sky and the ground, before following the group.
I felt tired but different, hard to explain, determined to go at least once again.
Now I am a new man, qualified to take groups of adults and children at weekends and holiday times, on happiness walks.
Walks saved me, and new ones top up my happiness feelings from time to time.
©️2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo by StockCake
On approaching the bus stop yesterday, in brilliant sunshine, there was a lovely young lady already sitting there. I said, “Hello, has the bus gone yet?”
“Not yet,” she replied smiling, “but I am not waiting for a bus. I am just waiting to go to a care home for an interview. I used to be a midwife in my own country. I cannot afford to update here to receive an English qualification; it is so expensive. So I thought I would work as a carer, before training as a general nurse.”
I felt quite sad as we are so short of midwives, as I am sure her country is as well.
Suddenly she asked if I had a tissue. I said, “Yes.”
Then she said, “Not for me, but you have some lipstick on your tooth.”
I thanked her for kindly pointing it out. What a lovely young woman, I wished her well as she made her way to her appointment.
It started me thinking of some other instances of possible embarrassment in public.
Walking around with a shop label still attached to new clothes.
Ladies, skirts caught up in underwear when leaving a public toilet.
Gentlemen not buttoning up after using a toilet facility.
Missed-matched socks or shoes put on in the dark.
Going out without false teeth or eye in situ.
At a lovely wedding, the groom while kneeling declared to all the price of his shoes stuck on his soles. It caused a bit of merriment for a while after.
I am sure you could add many more to this list.
I hope that more of us would have the courage to quietly inform the victim of such an incident.
I was glad my young lady told me. I wonder if her interview was successful. I do hope it was.
©️2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo by Vecteezy
Sitting in a taxi, idly glancing as we slip past door after door and streets broad and narrow.
Past road works and traffic jams hindering our carefully timed arrival.
A thought gathered pace: nearby town houses are arranged in tightly spaced terraces with concreted front gardens for cars. Or towering in high-rise homes, hoping the lifts will keep functioning.
Each door has an individual invitation, stamped and decorated with the owner’s taste.
Unless they are rented from an estate, then no choice is allowed as they march uniformly in the obligatory regimented line.
Gathering speed, we slip to the edge of town, the houses larger and further apart, with gardens colourfully manicured, stand proud. Till finally the countryside comes into view, revealing farms, wide open spaces, with tucked-away small hamlets and villages, appearing to stretch the view and senses.
On our way back, I wondered, who lived behind the closed doors?
Just because a house looked grand, even elegant with a dark green, shiny painted door, with a brilliantly polished brass door knocker and letter box. With curtains beautifully draped, all inviting a second look.
It may hide a family in terror of abuse, or awaiting financial ruin and unseen unhappiness.
Yet to the outside observer, it is to be envied. “Wish I could live in a house like that, lucky people.”
Other houses looking tired, even neglected, can contain an older couple, waiting to say goodbye to all they hold dear.
Or a family living in amazing happiness, on limited means, yet sharing what they have with others in the neighbourhood.
It is hard to know what goes on behind closed doors.
©️2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo by LPD Carolina
The sun shone relentlessly day by day,
Shrivelling up to a crisp all around it.
Humans and animals surveyed the sky for respite.
A shower, however brief, would bring relief.
The sky slowly darkened and spread horizon to horizon.
The wind started to blow, fracturing dried, wizened vegetation.
Cascades of brittle plants, leaves, and dust created movement along the ground.
Gathering in heaps in obstructive corners.
Hope rose, rain blessed rain, let it fall, please let it fall.
The sky slowly lightened, and the sun appeared again as strong as before.
Hope vanished, even seagulls screeched in disappointment.
The drought is not over; another heat wave is on its way.
We each need to seriously, very seriously, think about how we use our water daily.
Community hose pipe bans are now in place.
Flush only poo, ration our showers, use wet wipes, or flannels and a wash basin of water to refresh ourselves too.
Don’t let the taps run free, wasting water you have paid for, running back to the rivers.
To be recycled to the dwindling supplies in the reservoirs.
With fish dying as the rivers and streams in patches start to dry and stop their flow.
The time to act is now; there is no time to waste.
The whole world needs to rearrange its water supply, as nature and man are making big changes.
New reservoirs are needed to store water when it is abundant.
Science is exploring better ways to manage and recycle water more efficiently, in many instances.
We need to do our best to assist, as without clean water, no creature in this world can exist.
©️2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Image by ourrossmoor
A labour of love for some, yet many a maid or manservant’s task of weekly dread.
My great-aunt devoted Thursday nights to upstairs bed changing and cleaning. Then Friday evenings were devoted to cleaning downstairs and all her many pieces of silver.
Saturday was for shopping, banking, and buying a beautiful bunch of seasonal flowers, to brighten up the sitting room, arranged in a big heavy crystal vase. (Which I still have brightening up mine.)
I was extremely grateful it was a small terraced house when I stayed from time to time. Though the conversations and laughter we shared were delightful and treasured by me.
©️ 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Image by The Spruce
Wild fires are testing fire fighters in many parts of the World at the moment. Lack of rain for months in some places, is making it very difficult. Whole populations and their animals are on the move, to escape the smoke and fire.
Always report smoke, do not wait to see flames or which way the smoke is going. Fires can create their own weather systems, and change directions in a flash.
The prayer is for rain and our grateful thanks to the firemen.
Stay safe, possessions are replaceable in time, human life is lost forever. Take care and help one another.
©️2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Image by Rosie.org
I only ever dreamt of one love.
Someone who would love only me.
Who, on our first date, would make my heart race
And breath hesitate a moment in my chest.
That’s when I knew you were the one for me.
You knew it, too, as our eyes met and our hands touched for that brief introductory moment.
A flicker of a thrill and excitement passed between us; we knew this was the start of our special time.
’Til the day you asked, “My darling, will you always be mine?”
Our troth was pledged; we never strayed to love another.
The children arrived, seasons passed, and still we remain together, love growing all the time.
We now know the love we found will last ’til the end of our days.
© 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Image by istock
To the sea, to the sea; driving down the A3.
Traffic hold-ups here and there hindering me.
Family on board, packed in tight.
Kayaks secured fast, against being tugged, off out of sight.
Causing an accident that would not be right.
To the sea to the sea; weather is just what is needed.
Sunshine, no rain and light breezes.
We have arrived. This is where we are staying; it looks just fine.
Unpack the luggage; then it is kayak time.
Together we carry them down to the water’s edge.
To be launched into the sea, the sea, the element they were built for.
Wading out, chilling legs to climb aboard, to take the first paddle dips.
Now we are both able to enjoy the freedom and challenge of the weather and the sea.
Taking new memories and thrills of seaside kayaking adventures into the future.
© 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo by shutterstock
Sitting here in dwindling sunshine,
Gentle breezes brushing and ruffling my hair.
Birds singing their final beautiful bedtime messages.
Before settling on their favourite swinging boughs.
As darkness encroaches, they cuddle together,
To stay safely silent for the night.
2026 ©️Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Image by public domain pictures
Courage shows in many ways at the moment the act occurs, either natural disaster or man-made. At that moment, you do something extraordinary and are called brave, a hero applauded.
Courage is needed for much longer, private, unseen by others. As you deal with the memories, the pain, the agonising losses, and the struggle to find yourself and a new life to live.
That takes real courage.
2026 © Penny’s Wobbly of WobblingPen
Image by wordsofencouragementinchrist
I watched your arrival, slowly and surely, cruelly timed in a heat wave.
A bud struggling to open to its full potential.
Sadly, not this time.
Yet you managed to achieve what nature intended you to do.
Flowering a little squashed, yet able to present pollen and nectar for the hungry, weather-battered bees.
2026 © Penny’s Wobbly of WobblingPen
The world is heating up due to the mismanagement of the environment by human beings; this we are told and know to be true.
There are, however, large and growing toxic clouds of damaging debris, the result of wars and exploding ordnance and buildings, which are not, as far as general awareness, included in the calculations for general knowledge.
Did you know it plays a part in climate change?
2026 © Penny’s Wobbly of WobblingPen
Image by image generation system
Meticulously planned years ahead for two world-winning teams playing head-to-head. Fans of both pour from all four corners of the Earth to cheer their heroes on for all they are worth.
Sharing boats, planes, cars, and bikes to arrive on that special night. The lucky find places to stay with friends, family, or in grand hotels. Others are clustered under trees on hard ground, dreaming of winning.
During the day, music pounds, dancers sway, as songs are sung with gusto, adding to the building excitement. As food and drink are consumed, they are ready to make their way to the stadium to cheer their heroes on.
The fans stream to chosen stand ends to shout encouragement to their national side, throwing words, some unmentionable, to distract the other side's players on the field.
National anthems are sung, fidgeted through as, like thoroughbred horses, the crowd is highly strung, braced, ready to go. The referee points to the spot after a coin spin, declaring which end they choose to play first.
The players gather in their allotted places, identifying numbers and colours on their kit. The referee calls them to order, and the whistle blows. The crowd roars. The ball is spinning on its way.
Two halves are played before the end, and there can be only one heroic national winner. In worldwide homes, streets, and bars, the winners will be celebrated, their names engraved in the memories of all who were proud to have been there, the match told and retold.
The losers, hurt by pride, with “if only” bursting through, at the loss of the so-longed-for prize of World Cup winners. They have to realise they, too, are winners to have reached the semi-final of World Football, in front of millions and millions of fans.
It means they, too, are at the top of their game, going home with pride, to celebrate and prepare for the next strong international side, and another World Cup Final game now four years away.
2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen.
Photo by Pexels
I heard a piano tinkling a tune.
Starting slowly, awakening me from a gentle dream.
My body began to stir, to awaken to the tug of each note.
My feet started moving in a rhythm all of their own.
My body responded, too, stretching and moving in time with the tune.
Before sitting up and balancing myself, important before being enticed down onto the floor.
The piano tempo began to increase as I reached my arms up over my head in response to the notes.
Swaying my torso with increased vigour, taking deeper breaths.
The impulsive rhythms swung me in a dance around my bed.
My muscles stopped their complaints and moved in a smoother, amazing, floaty glide.
As I made my way to the bathroom just as the piano tinkling faded, to be heard no more.
I stopped in front of the mirror, fully awake,
for the ablutions and the beginning of, I hope, a fun day.
2026 © Penny’s Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo by Pexels
In a minute, you are safe, secure in one world.
Suddenly, you have somehow left the now and become when.
Cancer has made the difference.
All your perimeters change; the future is now uncertain.
You are setting off on a different path, feeling so immediately alone.
Why me? Why me?
You look around at the doctor, nurse, and the love of your life.
I may not be with you much longer, but I might.
There is hope!
I can have treatment to contain it; I have been advised.
I might die of something else or be cured by the rapidly developing new cancer drugs.
I might be lucky; only time will tell; it takes only a minute for life to change.
I AM JUST GOING TO LIVE EACH MINUTE WELL.
2026 ©️Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo by Pexels
“Have you got everything? Are you sure? It is a long way.”
“You worry too much, Mum. I’ll be fine. There are a lot of us, so no worries, please. Love you.”
The car door slammed, and the car disappeared down the road. She was off.
“What an adventure: to help children you have never met on the other side of the world. I am so proud of you, all of you,” I whispered as I shut the door.
An orphanage in the Philippines needed a hall where the children could assemble for education, sport, and fun, especially in the monsoon weather. The children in several schools in the UK were asked to volunteer to do a sponsored 40-kilometre walk so a hall could be built.
ANCOP, meaning answering the cry of the poor, is a Catholic charity organising the walk. They started in the afternoon and walked through the night, in the dark, chattering excitedly at what might lie ahead, and encouraging one another as things became tougher.
As darkness fell, tiredness and strange noises intruded. “What was that?” “Only an owl.” “I have just seen a fox; saw its eyes in the dark first.” “I never knew there were so many moths and other insects and creatures active at night while I slept.”
Some families and pets joined the last few kilometres to encourage their children to the
finish line. What an adventure: new friendships made, new stories and memories to carry into the future, of the day, and night, their combined efforts brought joy, care, and friendship to others unknown, thousands of miles away and in need.
2026 © Penny’s Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo by Pexels
Summer, always longed for after a grey winter.
The gradual warming and apparel changing.
Thick coats, boots stowed away, as lightweight garments are brought into play.
Not this year. A sudden arrival of temperature rises.
Off the scale, it sits over us night and day.
Delight at summer’s arrival stripped away,
As we awaken tired, already exhausted, to face another, another, and yet another heat-sapping, temperature-breaking night and day.
Work, school, sports and any outdoor activities kept to the minimum.
Opening windows to gaze hopefully at the sky,
Searching for any rain clouds to soak the land, release the heat for all living things.
The children cry in anguish, “When is it going to be cooler?”
The elderly, too; breathing is hard.
Closing the curtains to deflect the heat, leaving homes darker and a tiny bit cooler.
Animals instinctively seek shade and respite, yet there is little or none to be had.
Another night, another day, the weather forecasters say.
It will break with violent storms, so keep weather aware.
“The shops have run out of ice, ice cream, and cold lollipops; a disaster.”
At last, awakening early, a sight for sore eyes: wet patio and refreshed gardens releasing new fresh smells.
Time to open windows and doors, allowing in the much fresher, cooler air.
Bathing in the luxury of coolness, easing the heat through my flimsy night clothes,
I release my plea: please, Mr Sun, be kinder to us and reduce any advance-planned sapping, long summer heat runs, as summer has only just begun.
2026 © Penny’s Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo by Pexels
It was born with the loudest approach warning noise, compared to its size, in the insect world, which made killing it in single numbers easier to do.
Any sound of its incessant whining arrival sends humans and animals in a spin, trying to kill it before it has time to land and inject the skin.
Humans dive under bedclothes, hoping it will give up and move away; not always that easy, so lights on, paper or book in hand, you dive around the bedroom, giving vicious swipes, not always successfully, especially when it settles somewhere high up out of reach.
There it craftily stays quiet ’til the lights are off and you are back in bed. Then it launches the next whining, searching attack, and you get up once more to fight back.
Mosquitoes are part of the ecosystem, food for fish and other underwater creatures, when they are in their larva form. When adults, they become food for birds and other land creatures.
They are also plant pollinators when they land on flowers to collect nectar.
They are dangerous to us only if we are allergic to their secretions, or if they have bitten and sucked blood from a human or animal with a disease, which is then passed on when they bite us.
I am so glad I am not a mosquito.
🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟 🦟
2026 © Penny’s Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo by istockimage
The sound of running water bubbling over rocks.
Creating small waterfalls where leaves spiral about and overtake one another.
Together, they go on to a long, spiralling drop.
To be forced to the surface and propelled out to the quieter edges.
Where they take advantage of a bit of a rest.
Before being caught and rushed along at speed, battered and bruised, shedding bits to drop to the river bed.
Where tiny fish nudge the debris along in a little game.
Before finally gobbling them up as food, at the end of a fun-filled day.
2026 © Penny’s Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo by flicker
We are facing difficult times at the moment, when a new virus has appeared creating anxiety for travellers round the World. Sadly it has started in China this time, at a very difficult time for the Chinese. It is their New Year and the time of the year they move on mass to see their families. Some have been separated from one New Year to another. So the decision to restrict travel in some areas has been important to prevent the viral spread.
It will be causing great sorrow, anxiety and loss of wasted food gifts for their families. My heart goes out to them and to those fighting this virus and the hospital and medically staff working to save them.
Round the World Scientists will be working very hard to find a vaccine to combat this strain. What can we do?
Public Health notices will be released to inform you.
Each Country will be working out their own advice on how to help yourself and others. You can use Google to see what the World Health Organisation advises and what other countries are doing. Keep informed with reliable information. Increase personal and family hygiene activity to a higher level seems to be helpful.
Good news we have had i rain, our water tanks have been refilled, everyone is delighted. For families on tight budgets it is a very welcome gift.
It is amazing how fast the grass and vegetation recovers after a period of drought. Perhaps it is my imagination but a fresh green is tinging the dried brown grass already, the grazing animals will be pleased with the boost.
Take care of one another, be mindful of others in need of help.
2026 ©️Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Image by pbs.org
Hello everyone, I am sitting here thinking, as I often do, looking up at the sky that floats over you too.
The needs of people in different parts of the world and how they are valued.
I have just consumed a small biscuit and cheese meal,
which might have fed you for a week.
I have turned my water tap on for clean water, and it runs freely.
You have to travel long distances to find water clean enough to drink.
For you, the return is dangerous there and back in war zones and when you try to dodge man and animal attack.
I have no worries about my safety when at home or outdoors.
You worry constantly when carrying the heavy,
precious water, praying for a safe return to the thirsty people and animals awaiting a life-saving drink.
Listening to your story certainly makes me, and I hope others think.
How lucky we are to have water delivered by a tap and safe for all to drink.
© 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
image by innoafrica
To the wonderful Dads struggling to provide for their families.
Either together under one roof or divided by separation.
Being a Dad has never been an easy task; it has a learning curve; love, respect, and sharing have to be earned.
The speed of internet messaging, both true and false, can be distressing, carrying good news and bad when away from home.
Careers lasting a lifetime are disappearing almost as fast as glaciers at the poles.
Scary, constant, employment change, for various reasons, seems to be the norm, with AI leading the way.
The world, too, is in a precarious state, both natural and man-made, increasing pressure on families everywhere.
Yet you Dads still find a way to help your families survive and keep on going.
With grief and exhaustion hidden and laughter showing, seeking help to ease money matters.
Reaching out to share love and care to family and friends, no matter where.
Remember, we know these are troubled times and we know you do not have to grin and bear it.
We are here so we can all share it; you are our much-loved Dad.
Happy Father’s Day.
©️ 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Photo by Pexels
While sharing lunch at a RNIB charitable event, I started a conversation with a gentleman opposite me, who had been sitting very quietly.
I started by asking if he would mind telling me his name. “Mine is Penny.” I began.
“I am Bill.” He replied.
“Hello Bill, may I ask you a personal question, please? He nodded his assent.
“Are you blind, partially sighted, or here as a carer for someone else?”
“I am partially sighted and colour blind.”
“Bill, may I ask you another personal question?”
“Yes!” His eyes and face showing an interest.
“What did you do before you retired?”
“I was an electrical construction engineer before I joined the army and took it up again afterwards on demob.
The army was a bit of a laugh when I received my papers. I never thought I would be called up because of my colour blindness.
However, I went for the medical fully expecting to be turned down. To my horror, I was assigned the job of a storeman. “Your colour problem won’t bother you there,” was a remark passed.
My heart sank, “How was I going to tolerate the boredom of a storeman after my exciting engineering career?”
After signing up and going through training, I was assigned to a squad of men working in stores.
One day I thought, “There has to be more to life than this and applied for promotion.” My mates said, “You will have another medical, how are you going to cope with that?”
“I am going to give it a go. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”
At the medical, I was asked all the usual medical questions till my sight was mentioned.”
“It says here you are colour blind, how bad is it? The officer shoved a book over to me and asked, “What colour is this book?”
To me, it was grey, but to others, it was maroon. I heard my mates say pass the maroon book, or look in the maroon book will you. I knew its size and shape, and it had the king’s head on it.
Confidently I replied maroon. He looked a bit surprised and asked “It is lighter or darker than a Post Office pillar box.”
I responded, “Darker, Sir.” I knew that as everyone talks about bright red pillar boxes.
On return to my mates, they asked how I got on. “I passed,” I pointed proudly to the two strips on my arm.
“Blimey, now what are you going to do? You are a leader now! Leading us up the bleeding garden path. How are you going to read the coloured signposts to all the army depots we have to deliver goods to?”
I laughed, “Easy, I will get my second-in-command to drive the lead lorry. I will be at the cows’ tail to repair any breakdowns, a piece of cake.”
So I carried on till the end of the war and my return to civvy street.
©️2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Image by TheDigitalArtist from Pixabay
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The front door was finally firmly closed, the key was given to the agent, and the house was put up for sale. It settled to cope with the silence and emptiness; a sad time.
Wind, rain, sun, and snow continued to batter its exterior as it awaited new owners. There were several false alarms as time dragged on. There is something very sad about an empty house.
Neighbours noticed the coming and going of potential buyers, escorted by the agents,
wondering who will buy, and will they fit into the neighbourhood?
The house wondered, too, as it knew this was a happy place to live.
It stood, waiting for the turn of the key and the joyous voices of a family bringing life back inside and calling it home.
2026 ©️Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen
Image by wevfewv from Pixabay
