supergran71

Ahem!!!

Kylie it is such a shame that you did that. Although Elizabeth and Darcy are the main characters in this book, it is important to read ALL of the story to understand the people and the world they are living in. Not only that, the way Jane Austen writes and constructs her stories has a special brilliance which you miss by skipping through it. In my eyes that is a sacrilege. Sorry I dont mean to insult you, but please please do find time to read her books, from the beginning and slowly to digest every word and every nuance.

Paula have you actually got all these books???

I did see him on the news and was impressed with his forthrightness. I have never read his books, but will put them on my list to try. He is determined to carry on writing for as long as possible. What a brave man.

Yes they are, I saw a trailer on BBC 1 for it tonight. I think its on over Easter. Looking forward to that

My favourite part is where Darcy asks Elizabeth to marry him. The conversation they have is so cleverly constructed and the way she not only refuses him but positively puts him down. Funnily enough I have just read this part today. I found myself wondering whether Jane herself had had an experience like that. When you think about the sheltered life (compared to today) that young 19th century women had, I find it amazing that she was able to build this scene the way she did. What experience could she have drawn on I wonder. P&P will always be my favourite Jane Austen.

I planted up a lovely Galliarda today, its been hanging around for a couple of weeks poor thing. I also potted up a new Hibiscus for the patio, but I must remember to put it in the greenhouse tonight, in case there is a frost. I have 2 other new shrubs to plant up this week, because OH he of the bad back, is unable to do any of it for quite a while I suspect. I am slowly getting the garden sorted out ready for spring and summer. As for the vegetable patch, he was in the middle of extending that when he hurt his back, so dont know what will happen about that. I can just about manage the runner beans and the tomatoes. Sorry for rambling on and being boring.

Spag Bol

That is definitely going on my TBR list. I love historical literature of this kind. Great review

The Secret Haunts of Men had an unsatisfactory ending I thought and lots of loose ends. Enjoyable read though and very exciting as it moved towards the end. Now moved on to Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

I wonder why you found it boring ii? I'd be interested to know. I haved moved on now to "The Secret Haunts of Men" by Susan Hill. Apparently her first book. The actual story line is interspersed with comments from the killer, obviously psychotic, and then after more storyline, she switches to the developing passionate love the female DS is developing for her boss - pretty juvenile that is - nevertheless it is certainly a tension building story and so far I have no idea who the perpetrator could be and there are 4 people dead !!! I will continue

Going out tonight with the U3A supper club to local Thai restarant.

Cottage chees and colesaw on a bed of lettuce, with celery, beetroot and cherry toms and a slice of wholemeal bread.

Beef stew

Baked potato with grilled salmon and stir fried veg in my new wok.

Gave up on The Blind Assassin for now, have turned to The Murder Room by P D James. Have become totally immersed immediately, she is such a good writer.

I think I did read one of hers years ago, cant remember the title though. Um not sure if I am going to continue with this one though, going to go on to something else and come back to it I think. Its a bit strange, book within a book kind of style which I am not sure I am in the mood for.

Went out today for lunch with friends. Not too impressed with the pub food though. Wont be going back there.

I do embroidery, read and walk (not all at the same time:mrgreen:) I have just taken up painting (watercolours) again and I also like sketching.

I finished Suite Francaise on Monday last.It didnt turn out to be quite what I thought, but I enjoyed reading it. She is a very lyrical writer and her descriptions are very vivid. It left me wondering about the French and their attitude to being occupied. First blind panic and then "oh its not so bad". Strange really. However, when I reached the Appendices it was a different matter and I found tears coming to my eyes. This was the REAL story. Started "Blind Assasin" now by Margaret Attwood.

OH cooking tonight. Did a very nice apple juiced soaked gammon steak, with spuds, roast parsnips, carrots, broccoli and cauliflower. Very nice too. Lovely to be waited on and he still clears away and stacks the dishwasher too bless him

Nici if you feed the garden birds you dont have to buy sunflower seeds separately. The ones they drop from the feeders all over the garden come up great. We have had wonderful sunflowers every year since starting to feed them. I worked hard in the garden on Monday afternoon, it looked so drab and dreary apart from one gallant daffodil which popped up its lovely head in January and is still going!!!

Cod fillet done on my George Foreman on a bed of onion, red pepper and herbs cooked in red wine for 2 minutes first. Served with brown rice. Luvverly oh and low fat choc mousse for afters.

A Rosemary Conley recipe today. Leek and Potatoe mash over minced beef done with chopped carrots and onions, an oxo gravy with tomato puree and mixed herbs. Really nice. Had frozen peas and sprouts with it. Yummy, let's hear it for Rosemary!!!

What's so special about making your own Yorkshire puds?? Easy peasy.