Writing a novel in a month. I tried it last year and it was a disaster. I ended up with an unusable one third of a novel. Never again.

'Whiter Shade of Pale' partly because the words are so mysterious but mainly because of the great tune.

Individual. You have time to think and plan and so do your best. I also find them more interesting to watch.

So long ago I can't really remember.

Apart from a little mending I don't really do DIY. However, I did fit on a door handle the other day.

Not really. My favourites changed frequently. I went through a long phase of science fiction but also liked adventures and nature stories. The ones I remember best are the ghost stories – probably because the scariness helped them stick in my mind.

I guess most people break bones at some time. I've broken and arm and a finger – both times falling off a horse.

'At the end of the day'. So many people I know say this. I think they imagine it'll stop a discussion at the point they like, but of course it doesn't.

Visiting a lot of beautiful gardens, opened to the public for charity by the National Gardens Scheme.

Top of the World by The Carpenters

I have two lists. One is realistic things that I might do if I make a little effort. The other is unrealistic, not likely to happen in my lifetime.

First list: visit the Far East, get really fluent in at least one other language, see a Chinese opera.

Second list: find out that we are not alone in the universe, be assured that after I die I'll meet up with my friends and relatives in some way, really understand quantum theory.

it's so long since I listened to a rock album I can't recall most of their names. I remember a lot of the songs though. One I can remember is Sergeant Pepper by the Beatles.

Ordnance Survey "One-Inch" Map

Good if I can walk in a straight line, but if I have to turn corners etc then I tend to get lost. I'm good with maps though.

I've had dogs, cats, guinea pigs, rabbits and canaries as pets in the past and loved them all. However, I've known people who say pigs make good pets as they're intelligent, good natured and vegetarian. If I ever take on another animal I might try a small pig.

Coffee shops

I suspect they do. When the shop is crowded anyone not buying will be encouraged to go. However, if they keep spending money, why shouldn't they sit there?

I always vote when there's an election. My ancestors fought for this right. Some of them risked prison or injury. Who am I to turn my back on their sacrifice.

Writing and reading. All others are new kids on the block in comparison.

Yes, and have done so for years. Volunteering not only helps someone else, but it's a great way of getting to do something you wouldn't be able to do as paid work. I've helped organise art shows and stage shows, managed a shop, taught English and attended conferences in all sorts of interesting places.

I quite like the idea of being a dragon – breathing fire could be fun. But as a vegetarian I couldn't eat the maidens offered to me. In fact I wouldn't want them as offerings – being a grumpy old dragon I'd find their maidenly chatter irritating. So perhaps I'd stick to being human – that's a kind of animal after all.

Pop music and protest. I think the protest applies to me in a rather pale way.

First thing in the morning I'm and introvert – I don't want to talk to anyone. By late morning I'm extrovert and long to go out and meet my friends. Most of the rest of the time I think I'm balanced between. Sitting on the fence is my favourite posture.

I would probably watch Star Trek and its spin-offs.

Pony trap on Inisheer

When I was very young, one of my grandmother's neighbours had a pony and trap. I remember driving it a couple of times along a country road to the next village (where the local shop was). I loved horses and going shopping, so what could be better than that drive.