My name is Geoff Le Pard. Once I was a lawyer; now I am a writer. I've published several books: a four book series following Harry Spittle as he grows from hapless student to hapless partner in a London law firm; four others in different genres; a book of poetry; four anthologies of short fiction; and a memoir of my mother. I have several more in the pipeline.
I have been blogging regularly since 2014, on topic as diverse as: poetry based on famous poems; memories from my life; my garden; my dog; a whole variety of short fiction; my attempts at baking and food; travel and the consequent disasters; theatre, film and book reviews; and the occasional thought piece. Mostly it is whatever takes my fancy.
I avoid politics, mostly, and religion, always. I don't mean to upset anyone but if I do, well, sorry and I suggest you go elsewhere.
These are my thoughts and no one else is to blame. If you want to nab anything I post, please acknowledge where it came from.
What drew my attention much more than the photo are you using the word “rucksack”. You are using a German word instead of “backpack”? Another one that is used in English, very interesting! Normally it is the other way around.
Definitely. Always rucksack, or haversack or knapsack. Backpack only arrived here relatively recently.
We also had Duffel bags, which were sort of one shoulder bags sailors used, me hearties.
So cool to know! There are quite a few German words used in English like Kindergarten, Gesundheit, I even heard “Schmutz” (Dirt). So, now I know about another one.
Here in NZ, we use the backpack term. The sport that goes with a backpack, tramping, is now being overtaken by the word hiking, much to the annoyance of many old-school trampers. Look forward to reading about the walk. I enjoy seeing Paddington Bear even in bright blue.
Hi, Suzanne. That’s interesting to know how the words are changing from tramping to hiking. I always thought that tramping was more like going on a road trip and hiking is walking through the mountains. But I think that varies too from country to country or even region to region.
TanGental 
I love Paddington bear.
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Aw me too. Splendid.
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I love the show that my granddaughter watched on Nick junior too.
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That’s radioactive Paddington bear !
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He is glowing rather. Must be dodgy marmalade
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What drew my attention much more than the photo are you using the word “rucksack”. You are using a German word instead of “backpack”? Another one that is used in English, very interesting! Normally it is the other way around.
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It’s always been rucksack for me. Showing my European credentials again!!
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Awesome!!
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Definitely. Always rucksack, or haversack or knapsack. Backpack only arrived here relatively recently.
We also had Duffel bags, which were sort of one shoulder bags sailors used, me hearties.
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So cool to know! There are quite a few German words used in English like Kindergarten, Gesundheit, I even heard “Schmutz” (Dirt). So, now I know about another one.
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Schadenfreude is popular these days. Especially with the political classes.
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Oh, right, that’s another one that surprised me. I mean, it is even difficult for you to know how to write/spell it.
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English spellcheckers recognise it so it must be in common use.
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It still amazes me. If there is another word that comes to your mind, please let me know!
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Not really a surprise when we invented the Tall Poppy syndrome
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😄
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Here in NZ, we use the backpack term. The sport that goes with a backpack, tramping, is now being overtaken by the word hiking, much to the annoyance of many old-school trampers. Look forward to reading about the walk. I enjoy seeing Paddington Bear even in bright blue.
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Hi, Suzanne. That’s interesting to know how the words are changing from tramping to hiking. I always thought that tramping was more like going on a road trip and hiking is walking through the mountains. But I think that varies too from country to country or even region to region.
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Aw indeed Geoff. I doubt dear Paddington has been invited to events on May 6th though.
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I’d rather expect he wouldn’t want to go…
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Aw…
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Your bestest mate 💜
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Indeed
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Paddington and Pooh
Whatever would I do,
Without them?
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My sentiments too
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Exactly. 🙂
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Adorable!
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Great.
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I love these sculpture trails, and a Paddington one must be a delight.
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Can’t stop smiling
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I like the walk along that canal. I look forward to your post.
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It was Grand… sorry, couldn’t resist
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There he is. 😀
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What a delight for you to stumble into your beloved Paddington. I’m curious why he is blue, and I look forward to his blog post.
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It’s been a cold spring..
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Haha!
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