Dalmeny Goes Native

Well, with the carport looking swish after major overhaul, it was time to get rid of the old Glasshouse, which didn't actually have much glass in it, didn't get any sun, and was no use for anything 'cept local cats who probably rested there during their cruise around the neighbourhood.

The wee spot down the bottom of the garden is the only shady spot on the section, so hopefully just right for some natives; 4 pungas, lots of grasses, some verigated shrubs at the back, and a lovely maple type tree that will show stunning red leaves through late summers & autumns to come.

Of course, everything's quite small but hopefully they won't take too long to grow. Have had some hilarious moments covering the fern leaves with muslin type cloth to keep out the frosts ( supposedly it's best to do this while they become established ) but just as well we haven't had Jack Frost visiting yet - the few times I've given it a go a wee wind comes up & I'm running around catching floating ghost like cloths!

All my little native garden needs now is a Nick to come home & plant some grass seeds and a little Jordy to have fun playing around the grasses & fern

Postscript to Dora's Blog

Here's the Australian Cover for the Book Thief...

We also have the UK version; I liked UK cover but something about the above drew me in. I haven't seen the US one, but I agree with D, US covers seem a bit non descript to me too.

When I was spoiling myself with The Girl with the Dragon Tatt00 series there were a couple of covers to choose from & I went in search for the cover I wanted to live with. It will be interesting to see which cover reflects best our interpretations after reading ( for D & me to discuss at later date )

In the meantime I am very happy having another superb Rose Tremain story to emerse myself in.

It doesn't really matter what the cover is as I know it will be just exactly right...

..a serene snapshot; autumn in Cevennes France..exactly how I imagine those regions to be.

My only gripe is that it has a truly ugly stamp advertising that Rose is; Author of The Road Home..winner of Orange Prize etc etc...When you have been an avid fan since the 1970's it seems almost an insult. But I often forget that I have been following favourite authors for decades and there's probably two generations out there catching up. So, nice for Rose that she has a younger membership.

And whatever the cover, it is always such a joy & wonderful connection that D&D share & love the same stories that I do.

Here's a little story that was first published in 1930.

I know there are lots of wonderful stories about trains out there ( Thomas series; Jordy's cousins can supply him for years ) but there's something really nice about passing down stories that remain with you forever...no matter how many decades. Although I had to order it, the wee story about the little train "thinking he can" still lives on. The cover is just how I remembered it, it's just been squashed down to DVD size. maybe just right for little hands!