I really don't like using a walking stick, but when I get really bad flare-ups I have no choice. It's not just vanity (well, some of it is), it's the fact that it's difficult to hold a walking stick, the huge sack that I call a handbag and also get around and do things that I want to do.

Plus, I am incredibly clumsy. Years ago, before I needed that bloody things walking aid, I was known to accidentally demolish gates, letter boxes and public conveniences.... with a stick I am even worse.

The other day I'd wandered into a rather lovely shop that sold crystals and pagan type jewellery. Well, obviously I wanted to see everything, and to leave my hands free I'd tucked my stick up under my arm. I then wandered around, bending down to see some of the objects on lower shelves.

I was awakened from my happy daze by a man's voice (rather falsetto, actually) saying 'Ooh! Ooh!'8|

When I turned around I discovered that as I bent, so my walking stick stuck out behind me and rose up in the air.... right between the poor man's legs in a certain rather tender place (or so I'm told...) :oops:

'Honestly Mam,' said my daughter as she hustled me out of the shop in a hurry, 'I can't take you anywhere!' :roll: