I get nice letters, but really I have no idea. I just try to enthuse people. You've been married for 31 years.

When I'm in Italy on a Friday night, my first supper there is a big bowl of fresh pasta and a glass of local wine, sitting outside. There's nothing better.

Gardening is, apart from having children, the most rewarding thing in life

Be kind to your garden and be gentle on your back!

I am partly to blame for the decking boom, and I am sorry, I know it?s everywhere these days.

Don't overdo the booze especially while flying - just because it's there doesn't mean you need to drink it. Everything in moderation.

I never get bored of my wife. It's lovely.

I've covered a lot of the British countryside and the UK from top to bottom and side to side. It's such a pity more people don't appreciate what's on their doorstep.

Depends on the evening. A good red wine is nice in cold weather. A Claret or a Rioja. I've got a good gin we make from damson plums. And you can't beat a glass of champagne every now and again.

I'm a big fan of the Queen. She carries herself well, as does the Prince of Wales, despite getting lots of stick.

People think cruises are for old folk, but they are amazing, as you get to see so many places, and you're never stuck as you're docked in a different port every day.

...in my dream the shadings of your soul are the dark tincture of rain...

It is possible to feel angered by the compromises all around us, while remaining apathetic to the compromises inside us.

Expectations are made to be exceeded!

Every human heart is human.

I have an enormous metabolism, so I'm lucky.

Every time I change the way I explain myself to myself, I have to rearrange the story of my life.

I'm still not sure I want to be a writer. I think of myself as a storyteller more.

From somber, serious sullen saints, save us, O Lord.

You cannot have the drama without comedy.