poppy

Gosh, haven't you had much rain? Our hydro lakes are all low this year and they are threatening us with power blackouts over winter but we haven't got water restrictions. How's the temperatures in Sydney at the moment? We're getting heaps of frosts ....brrrrr. Not so good for gardening (just so I don't get accused of being totally off-topic )

The Fringe Tree is very pretty Muggle. I don't think I've seen one of those before. Does it have a scent? Good luck with the gardening Kylie, just pick a sunny site for veges (probably not a problem in Aussie ) and don't forget to water them. You'll be fine.

Lovely Muggle. Your garden is starting to look quite established even after such a short time. Another plant I can imagine amongst those is the Cranesbill Geranium. Do you like those?

Hi and a big Welcome

Hi Laa Laa and a big Welcome

Hi papermoon and a big Welcome I love your username. Have you ever seen the movie called that?

Hi and a big Welcome

Hi Kelly and a big Welcome

Hi anda big Welcome Tinymoz

Hi Welshman and a big Welcome

Hi and Welcome I was just thinking the other day that there weren't any members from Ireland.

Have you got A Wrinkle In Time by Madeleine L'Engle?

I'm going to pass the name of this book onto my son Kenny. He's a big fan of playing Halo on the Xbox and he didn't realize there were any books based on it.

I think breadmakers are great too. I used to make bread by hand but it is much easier with a breadmaker, if a little less satisfying. I use it a lot for pizza dough, bread rolls, buns and flat bread as well as ordinary loaves. The only trouble is that it is so yummy, you eat too much of it. They come in different loaf sizes so check you are getting one that suits what you want.

Ah ....that's right. He took over Darlington Hall and Mr Stevens kept working for him. He was American and wanted Mr Stevens to show him the ropes ....I think He didn't strike me as being particularly Christopher Reevesy, if you get what I mean, sign of a good actor.

I've just looked it up Prospero and you are right ...it was James Fox, he played Lord Darlington. Apparently it was one of Christopher Reeves last roles before he had his accident, but I don't remember the part he played. Another author I've thought of who reminds me even more of Kazuo Ishiguro is E.M.Forster. Have you read any of his books Prospero? Howard's End was made into a movie and starred Emma Thompson again (also Helena Bonham-Carter and Vanessa Redgrave) I wondered why the two movies seemed so alike and then I saw they were both directed by James Ivory. Margaret (Emma Thompson) from Howard's End was a very appealing character (just so I'm not too way off topic here)

And he's still one of your favourite characters???? The man needed shaking, I tell you The movie was brilliant, I actually enjoyed it far more than the book. Emma Thompson and Anthony Hopkins played the parts so well as did the owner of the house whose name I can't remember.

I totally agree with you that Ishiguro did a brilliant job of depicting the English ...his writing reminded me very much of Evelyn Waugh. He may have been the epitome of an English butler but that still doesn't change the fact that I found Mr Stevens very frustrating and long-winded. If only he had loosened up in the end and told Miss Kenton how he felt ....sigh.

Prospero, I agree with Miss Kenton but I found Mr Stevens to be about the most exasperating male I've ever come across in literature. He was so unemotional and reined in, that I wanted to give him a good kick in the shin. I loved Atticus too, Kylie, but also the three children Scout, Jem and Dill ( Dill I believe was based on Truman Capote) I think my favourite Harry Potter character was Hagrad. Just thought of another one - Anna from 'Mr God This Is Anna' by Fynn

Susie, I understand exactly what you mean. When I was depressed I read the likes of Miss Read, books that were very safe and nice, I think it gives you a sense of security.

I'm in the Nelson area. Lol. Auckland would be quite lively enough for me. Hope you settle in OK

Hi Jude and a big Welcome

Hi Red Alligator and Welcome I originally came from Auckland.

Hiya z10

Sounds like you need a psychologist prospero. Therapy might help.