Thursday 29 October 2015

What a difference a day makes.

The last two days here have been damp and foggy; even the birds stayed away from the bird table (I think they are afraid of the Sparrowhawk when that sort of weather descends).    Now, today, after a morning of heavy rain, which has cleared away the vestiges of the fog, the sky has patches of blue, there is a breeze and now and again the sun comes out.    So much better weather.

My visitor has just rung to say that she is running late and will not be with me for another two hours.   As I am all ready for her arrival I have a couple of hours to myself.   The farmer has lit the  multi fuel stove early for me and I have a good book, so I shall go and sit by the fire and relax.

If you have not read Ian McEwen's latest book 'The Children Act'
do try and get hold of it - it is excellent.  He is such a brilliant writer.

11 comments:

Rachel Phillips said...

Do you know I have a problem with Ian McEwen? I always read his books but I always feel the same way in the end, I do not like the way he crafts his stories and I do not like his endings. I am drawn to his books like a drug and will no doubt eventually read this one, if only to remind myself of how I feel about him. It started many years ago, not just with Saturday, which was all a bit weird in itself because it was set on the day of the protest March against the Iraq war, and the story line was very disturbing. It started before that and goes on with me. No doubt there will be a lot of disagreement with me here but I know you like to hear my opinion on things. Greetings to you in the sunshine, also a lovely day here.Enjoy your time with your friend.

Joanne Noragon said...

It is so windy here today, leaves are skittering in waves across the roads and flying back high when cars add to the commotion. The bird feeders are blown nearly parallel to the ground, and all my little flying pigs hold on for dear life until the blast subsides.

angryparsnip said...

It is so lovely when everything is done and you have some time to yourself.
Last month a friend call up to say she could come for a visit on Thursday, I had just cleaned the house and except for putting fresh sheets on the bed all was done. Perfect timing !
Have a lovely visit.

cheers, parsnip

Simon Douglas Thompson said...

I love sparrowhawks but have only ever had one close up view, when one came to sit in the baby oak tree where the bird feeders hang...

Gwil W said...

Ages ago I read one.

Black Dogs.

Chris said...

I agree with you regarding Ian McEwen's book. I suggested it to my Book Club but they decided against reading it!

Heather said...

I am so pleased your weather has improved for your friend's visit. I haven't come across that book but will look out for it. I usually enjoy your recommendations.

Sheila said...

I feel exactly the same way as Rachel about Mr. McEwen. Always read his books,
but start them with some misgivings. I was so "down" after reading Chesil Beach,
that it took me quite a while to forget about it.
Have you read All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr? Big bestseller here in
the US. It took the author 10 years to write, and I had to force myself to put it
down so that it would last three weeks. The backdrop is WWII as it's winding down
with many flashbacks to the Thirties. I bet you'd enjoy it. Must be available in
the UK by now

Frances said...

I think that I share some of Rachel and Sheila's thoughts on Ian McEwen. The first book I read by him was The Comfort of Strangers, which sort of set the tone of my future expectations. And yet, I've read most of of his novels. Eventually, I will get around to his most recent one. Right now, my tower of unread and partially read books is higher than ever.

Weaver, have a grand time with your guest. Hoping you all will have great weather.

Heather said...

Happy Birthday Pat - I hope you are having a lovely day.

The Weaver of Grass said...

First of all thanks to anyone who sent me birthday wishes by e mail yesterday. I had a lovely day with my guest.
Next isnt it interesting how books appeal to some of us and not to others. I can't wait to get my handson a new Ian McEwen. But from you replies I seem to be the oly one.
Thanks to Sheila for that recommendation - I shall now look out for it and give it a try.