​COLOURFUL REMINISCENCE

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." | 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.l

"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 tor 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

​HOT POTATO

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

​SERIOUS THOUGHTS

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

LIVE SIMPLY

​Live simply, so others may simply live.

Unknown writer. Well penned.

When the need is there, be sure you are there in strength.

© 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

TRUTH IS POWERFUL

It has a way of making itself known in many difficult situations.

© 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

LOVE IS HERE

With you

Around you

Ready to share With those you

Really want to be there.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly Storyteller of WobblingPen.

  

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

x

THE EMPTY HOUSE

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

TANGLE

During our circumnavigation of the world, making human contact, in friendship and battle.

Over time and with technology, it is hard to tell friend from foe.

We are so interdependent, no matter where we live, on food, fuel, finance, armaments, water, and weather.

In this tangle that we weave, those we class as friends sleep too with our enemies, out of necessity.

Seeking water, fuel, food, armaments, and finance through the back door.

How will all this unravel? The tangle of human hate, greed, and friendship? Hard to say.

As we watch humans, their homes, and whole communities pulverised.

Instinctively, it is to keep family, friends, communities, and self-sufficiency close.

Using truth, the law, barter, and our friendships strong, to keep the peace for all living

in this oh-so-tiny, fragile world.

2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Image by Nesto_regularcat from Pixabay

A LITTLE LEAK

 

A little leak of which we dare not speak.

A cough, a giggle, releases at first very little.

As time goes by, it becomes more than a trickle.

It is an embarrassment when you are caught short.

Out away from home and familiar facilities.

So you cut out excursions unless you know the area and convenient loos to pop into.

In time, still trying to hide, you start incontinence padding.

At first, it works; then it hurts, if hygiene slips and bugs come a-calling.

Time to share this embarrassment with your doctor.

It can hit any age, or gender, with multiple causes.

He will explain you are certainly not on your own; no need to hide.

Check the statistics; they will reveal this hidden, silent scourge, your disorder.

Using his skills, a plan will be made to tackle your condition.

Urine samples, medication; occasionally, a surgical consultation might be sought.

To restore you back to order, a normal, functioning human being.

Able to wander anywhere you wish without agonising about embarrassing little leaks.

2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition on Unsplash

SHOE HUNTING

I cannot imagine I am the only woman whose feet extend to size 10.5 narrow or beyond.

What on earth happens to them? Just scrolling through the adverts is frustrating, infuriating, demoralising. 8.A and a few at 9.A. One or two at 10. Then you hit a dead end.

Trying to find the size you need, which is carefully hidden in most internet shoe advertising, without scrolling all the way through. The shoes you fancy are dangled before your eyes as you search and search: are they the right size?

Only to have hopes dashed as they stop at 8, two and a half sizes too early.

A thrill starts when advertised in half sizes, ’til they inexplicably stop at 9.5.

Oh, what do women do when they are tall and have long feet?

How I long for summer when I can flip-flop about in almost bare feet. Best of all not to have to ask someone to put on my shoes for me. The half size, too, becomes an irrelevance as your foot is not constricted by a heel. At times, you can pace around in flip-flops in men’s sizes, providing they are narrow enough.

How I long to wear the shoes so elegantly displayed in adverts; there are quite a few.

Only the size is the last thing to view, if it can be found on the internet advertising; infuriating.   

Yet again, they stop at 8, 9, 10. That elusive half size, 10.5, if found, they announce they have run out of stock.

What happens to women who, I know, are exhaustingly searching for size 11 or 12? What about the half sizes needed? Forget it?

Not everyone is able to meet the horrendous cost the longer sizes demand.

Even flip-flops or sandals with a bit of bling, when found, come with a painful financial sting.

The search goes on, and on, wearing one pair out trying to find another.

2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Image by imthan from Pixabay

​HEAT WAVE

When the cold of winter is reluctant to retire, we long for summer sun! 

Not a heat wave!

Tender skins soon flare in painful redness, blisters rising.

Without protection of shade or cream, animals’ paws fry on sizzling roads and pavements.

Water becomes essential to carry with you and frequently sip.

Watch out for the old and the young wilting and fainting, needing support.

Wild animals and birds seek water, too, to drink and keep feathers clean to fly free.

Seek shade when possible, keep activities restricted, and cope sensibly with this burst of sun.

2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Luis Graterol on Unsplash

I AWOKE THIS MORNING

                                           

I awoke this morning, ready to go.

What to do? Where to go? I don’t yet know.

The sun is peeping through the window, encouraging me out.

I linger a little longer, puzzling out a rota.

There are things demanding attention I really ought to do.

Yet the sunshine is enticing me outdoors

For fresh air, and interesting conversations.

Oh, what to do? Where to go? I still don’t know.

I soon will thought, as sunshine has been such a rarity.

I think the outdoors is going to win.

Chores can be left till after dark, before bed.

There—decision now made, guilt free. I can go out.

 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo by Denise Leisner on Unsplash

COMICAL MOMENTS 2

Taking an opened plastic bag of rice from the cupboard. I removed the carefully attached rubber band. Poured what I needed for our meal into the saucepan, then could not find the oh-so-useful rubber band. After searching for a while, I found an alternative clip.

On completing a few other tasks, I washed my hands, only to find the rubber band wound around the base of my fingers.

2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Image: pixabay.com

TYPICAL ENGLISH SCENE

The crack of willow, a gentle breeze.

The brilliant sun, showing up grass, short and green.

Players exercising for a match on this beautiful day.

Family and friends gathered together to cheer both sides on.

Time to start: spread out, chaps; keep your eyes sharp.

Leave no gaps.

The ball hurtling at speed towards the wicket.

A crack of the bat sends it spinning out of harm’s way.

A gentle clapping and murmurs of “Well done, Trevor”.

As sandwiches are munched and wine and cold drinks are consumed.

On a typical English summer’s day.

2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Picture 2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

COMICAL MOMENTS 1

I let Lily, our cat, out the back door tonight and, as usual, waited for her return, busying myself with a bit of writing.

I became aware she had not returned, asking to be let in. So I opened the door and called her. It was windy, so I called several times. Still no cat. 

“Where are you, Lily?” I called, only to hear a cry behind me in the room. She must have sneaked past when I struggled with the door in the wind. The look she gave me said it all.

2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

​CHERRY BLOSSOM TREE

Cherry blossom buds protectively closed against winter’s killing touch.

Bursting free as the sun, with its dainty dances, flits warmly across the branches.

Bees pollinating as they fly urgently from tree to tree.

Hurrying to complete their task before the threat of late frost;

Destroys the blossoms from which bright delicious cherries might grow.

Staining lips and fingers as the pickers take the fruit,

Rescued from the blight and damage of snow,

To make a fabulous cherry pie.

🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸🌸

2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay

​WEALTH

Wealth has reached hideous proportions, in the hands of so very few.

Not earned, just grasped, with fear, bomb blasts, and data stolen, manipulated, and hard to trace.

The law bought, tainted, rewritten on behalf of the super rich, in multiple places.

To hide their misdemeanours and increase their corrupt wealth amassed over generations and by new, bright, dodgy minds.

A few millions are given with fanfares, presented as gifts to keep the populations quiet.

As slowly they are strangling freedoms long fought for and cherished by ordinary people.

Our homes have always been our castles, places of safety; even they are threatened in the data-taking and manipulation miles from our shores.

There are good people amongst the wealthy, of course,

who share encouragement and finance to develop and support new science and medicine, soil enrichment, and water and sea replenishment, and openly pay their taxes.

We just need many more of those, perhaps more mini than mega wealthy.

2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Image: pixabay.com

​A LITTLE BIT OF WHAT YOU FANCY DOES YOU GOOD

A little bit of what you fancy does you good,

Is it a dance or a song?

Or is it music to soothe you all day long?

Do you have a sweet tooth for sweets you have to try?

Or drinks with colourful names,

Topped with tropical fruit to make you sigh?

Or more music to start you dancing under the sun or moonlight sky?

Or is it an outfit to make you stand out in a crowd?

As you cast your eye appraisingly about,

For someone to surrender your heart too.

A little bit of whatever you fancy does you good.

It sure does!

Copyright © by WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

​BAG SEARCH

When searching my handbag

To find something small I had slipped in

Opening zips and poppers,

Probing in small concealed slots.

Groping to the bottom,

Trying to prevent things from tumbling out.

I fumbled and fumed,

At my public display

Of disorganization.

While trying to be so cool.

A moment of clarity,

As my brain slid into gear.

I’d left it on the bedside table,

It certainly was not HERE!

2026 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Image: pixabay.com

​A SAD BUT BEAUTIFUL ENDING

A vase upon the window ledge

Has held a gift of tulips colourfully displayed.

Each day, on opening my eyes, a touch of pleasure surged.

Seeing each flower upright, straight and tall.

As petals opened, showing their perfection.

For days I enjoyed their presence.

Then a slow drying and aging of the petals’ tips

Warned of their decline.

Yet still they retained a certain beauty in their changed shape.

Not one petal has the bunch yet let slip.

With my camera I captured the vision that has held me captivated.

On opening the curtains tomorrow, the petals might be detached on the shelf.

A gift that has given me pleasure while living.

I hope you, too, from this tale, enjoy the flowers I was given.

© 2025 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

​EASTER EXCITEMENT

A promise made so long ago in a land of palms and sand.

Passed down from generation to generation into far distant lands.

The message is not always the same amongst different people.

Yet, at the core of this special time, all religions teach kindness,

love and peace, and to share what you have to eat, in God’s name.

Children delight in eggs, coloured real or chocolate, made and filled, awaiting the dawn of this special celebration.

My heartfelt wish is for peace and love to reign supreme and spread around the world at this Easter time.

A happy Easter to everyone from the WobblingPen Team.

© 2026 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Image: pixabay.com

JUST THINKING CAT THOUGHTS

Hello, cat lovers. I have been thinking; it helps to do that from time to time. Easter seems to be a good time to choose.

The garden seems to be livening up, bulbs bursting into flower, leaves on trees straining to burst open to provide hiding places for nesting birds. I don’t chase birds anymore, just do lots of watching.

It is a bit early to curl up in a cosy spot outdoors as rain keeps passing over, making everything wet, wet, wet. I hate being wet: Wobbly throws a towel over me, giving me a wriggling, rapid, all-over rub. I then have the task of licking my fur back into line, when I could be resting. She does not understand that I can dry myself on the bottoms of couches and bedding, and roll all over the carpet to make sure I am really dry. Much more fun!

Another Easter: we have shared quite a few now together, growing older and, I believe, wiser, as I think back to when I chose her and moved in. Dad took longer to accept I had come to stay, not just to be a casual visitor.

We hope more of you are looking forward to a happy Easter, just as we are.

Spread kindness as much as you can, and watch smiles in thankfulness spread too. 

Happy Easter to everyone.

© 2024 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Image by LECLA from Pixabay