Isn't it just Margaret!!

Erika I worked for a pyscopath for years, excuse spelling, and oh the relief when I packed it all in. Ten years now and I still feel the joy when I wake up in the morning

oh yes how I agree. This is a routine I have now invented for myself and there is nothing and nobody to stop me doing it. Bliss

I have just come through to the living room from such an afternoon. I had a zzz, then read my book and drank tea. Listened to the radio. Checked emails. Had a chat on the phone with a friend. I am now totally relaxed. Wonderful

Oh yes I LOVE retirement. Coming up to ten years now and I can honestly say I have never been bored or restless since the day I packed all the commuting in. When it is cold and dark and I wake up in the morning knowing I do not have to go to work, it is the most wonderful feeling in the world!

Multiple Beth deaths would be hard enough when well but when ill I would think are quite dangerous! I have checked out the Poisonwood Bible. I think I will pass....

I agree with you re the anti feminist stance. Jo is anything but oppressed. Professor Bhaer and she have an incredibly equal marriage and work together. As I said above, have any of these writers read Jo's Boys? makes me so cross. If this post make you want to read LW again then I am delighted to hear it

do you mean the version at the top of the post Margaret? I found this copy at a book sale and it is a bit foxed and not in brilliant condition but I had to have it. I have An Old Fashioned Girl also in that edition and with the same illustrations. The bottom picture shows the four copies I used to borrow from the library and I managed to track them all down and very pleased to have them. It is a timeless tale

there are so many interesting aspects in this book. I had flagged up practically every page but realised that I could not possible write about it all. I found the chapter regarding girl/boys books particularly interesting. Adult books fall into the same category. I will quite happily read a so called 'man's' book but can you imagine a man reading chicklit??

Oh do get it! It is a concise book, well written and to the point and I like that kind of writing. The Bronte book is wonderful, simply wonderful

Hi Chris Your query popped up in my in box and nice to know my old posts are still being read! I tend to start this cake on the higher Mark 3 but keep checking because sometimes the cake can brown too quickly on the top. I agree that Mark 2 is a bit low but I tend to go down to the lower mark, cover the top of the cake with foil and cook for longer at the lower temperature. I have cooked this cake using both electric and gas and never had a failure yet. Getting a thermometer to check your oven might be a good idea. I love cooking with gas but if you have been using electricity for a long while some adjusting is necessary. So to sum up, I start off on the higher temperature, then lower, cover the cake with foil and bake for longer than the recipe says. I constantly check to make sure that it is not overcooking. It can be trial and error. If you have another go do let me know how you get on Elaine

I could not believe it when I spotted them. Right on the bottom shelf but I knew the covers well and grabbed them straight away. I am always on the look out in charity/thrift shops. You never know what might turn up I am so proud of my family, yes, cleverness or not!

I never get used to her being so far away but then I think that it could be my other daughter and grandchildren who could be so far from me and I count my blessings

I loved the Box of Delights and remember watching it with my two when they were young. Sompleased to hear thta your daughte will be with you. Having a child on the other side if the world is difficult to cope with so thank good ess for Skype and Facetime. Have a wonderful time

My copy of this which I received ages ago had a totally different cover so assumed that this was still the case so thanks for letting me know

Blimey Margaret yes I do remember!! I am packing up my daughter's parcel this week and am looking forward to hearing from her on Christmas Day when she opens it up

Yes I am home ow and feet up. Knitting that Darth nearly did for me. I prefer large projets and found it very fiddly

Thanks for the compliment Fran. A bit sporadic of late but determined to try and blog a bit more in the new year

Everyone who has seen this photo has had hysterics!