I was given the Reader’s Digest edition of David Attenborough’s ‘Life on Earth’ to accompany the TV series for my birthday when I was about 7. I struggled to read the text, but spent hours & hours looking at that book.

He’s here:
@caenhillcc.bsky.social

App on my phone says Koelreuteria paniculata - Goldenrain tree.

I just asked my 21 year old for their favourite childhood comfort read and without hesitation they said Rooftoppers.

One of the great classics of NZ literature - and I think I’m right in saying, it remains the most translated work by any New Zealand writer.

Kevin van Whye ‘Date me Bryson Keller’ and Mason Deaver ‘I wish you all the best’ are both good.
If she enjoys Jane Austen she might enjoy Georgette Heyer? Arabella, The Grand Sophie, Frederica are some of my favourites.

We were there too - wasn’t it wonderful. It’s my husband’s absolute favourite, but I’d never heard the whole symphony before and it was brilliant.
Last night we were at my favourite, Gorecki’s Symphony of Sorrowful Songs, which was so beautiful it made me cry.

Done - hope it helps!
We are a family of dual citizens (my children are entitled to 3 different passports, and my immediate extended family includes 5 nationalities) so I sympathise hugely with your situation.

Yes agree - that lovely frothy whiteness.

Northumberland is gorgeous - beaches, wildlife, hill walks, heritage sites. And very few people.

Those lovely delicate little flowers are definitely not a hawthorn - I think it’s a myrtle.

Yes I think the carving has been identified as 14th century, but it’s possible these might be later additions to an earlier font.

Haven’t read it yet - but ‘Vanished: An unnatural history of extinction’ by Sadiah Qureshi looks fascinating.

I’m so sorry you have to deal with this.
I love following your posts on here & instagram - I’ve learned so much about the brilliant books for kids that are highlighting Black British history. Thank you for all your work - it’s really appreciated.

Life is definitely too short. 😂
I pushed through with Anna Karenina (which I also hated) & then wished I hadn’t.

I’ve never read The Hobbit.
My absolute favourite classics as a child were Rosemary Sutcliff’s books. Eagle of the Nineth and Mark of the Horse Lord are both brilliant.