Tag: http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post
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Cures For ‘Gardening Hands’
It’s June, and the year is half gone, so I think it’s time we took another look at Mrs CW Earle and discover what advice she has on offer for the month in her 1897 lifestyle guide, Pot-Pourri from a Surrey Garden (you can see my original post here). In the late 19th and…
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Of Pies and Penguins…
Simple Simon met a Pieman, Going to the fair; Says Simple Simon to the Pieman, Let me taste your ware. Says the Pieman to Simple Simon, Show me first your penny; Says Simple Simon to the Pieman, Indeed I have not any. Everyone knows the old nursery rhyme, but how many people are aware…
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Swans, Snow and a Talking Mole
Edred and Elfrida walking down the street before their adventures begin. Oh Lordy, I must be getting old. Or growing up or something. That’s three children’s ‘classics’ I’ve read recently, and I hated all of them, even though they ticked all the right boxes. Which is odd when you consider my weakness for children’s literature.…
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The Gipsy in the Parlour
In the heat of a spacious August noon, in the great summer of 1870, the three famous Sylvester women waited in their parlour to receive and make welcome the fourth. The three famous Sylvester women – Charlotte, Grace and Rachel – are sisters-in-law who married (and tamed) three of the wild Sylvester brothers. They are…
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Nostalgia Rules – OK!
A day trip to London last week resulted in the acquisition of just one book, which is pretty unusual for me – normally I return home aching in every limb after staggering around with a backpack stuffed full of books, and heaving it on and off the train. Anyway, I was very restrained this time…