Being constantly with children was like wearing a pair of shoes that were expensive and too small. She couldn't bear to throw them out, but they gave her blisters.

Well, I woke up one morning around Christmas, went as far as the shops, and when I got to the corner I felt this violent pain in me left leg. I mentioned it to my daughter and she took me instantly to the hospital. It turned out it was vasculitis. In other words, you can have your leg off.

The prize I value most was given to me 60 years ago. I was named the girl with the cleanest fingernails.

The vital accessories to my work are my reference books, such as the complete Shakespeare and a prayer book, and a large refuse bin.

Emotions weren't like washing. There was no call to peg them out for all the world to view.

I've never been put down by a man, unless I deserved it, and have never felt inferior.

There is nothing more guaranteed to reduce a man to the essentials than to live beneath the sky.