we had a family discussion about names recently and esther questioned whether 'Gertie' could be a boys name as well as a girls name. Jane said "no, it's short for Gertrude so it can' t be a boys name".

So i added that i though it could be a boy's name as it's also short for 'Gertrand'. Jane looked at me puzzled and asked for an example.

"Gertrand Russell" i replied, very pleased with myself. Esther even went to get the book of names to see if i was right.

about 10 minutes later i realised it was Bertrand and not Gertrand and i felt a bit silly (for a change).

and then, a day or two later, i walked back Gertrand's old house.