English Mysteries Club discussion

Here is where we can talk about subjects not strictly to do with our Mysteries reading. Started in response to an interesting conversation in "Currently Reading" which developed into something else.

For Karlyne, and John, here's a link to lots of lovely photos of short-haired border collies.

My own border collie definitely doesn't qualify! He's a white long-hair with a tricolour "mask". When we first took him on as a rescue he had dreadlocks! During his first bath he was named "Blizzard"...

Thank you: that's the page I saw. I want some of those!

Me too John - some of the are definitely not short-haired though! (I tend to go for the hairy ones, though our vacuum cleaners never seem to last very long as a consequence! LOL!)

I love hairy dogs, too, but my common sense is definitely going to win the day this time. (I think) We've had springer spaniels in the past, and they're lovey tempered dogs, but oh, those ears and underbellies!

Jean wrote: "For Karlyne, and John, here's a link to lots of lovely photos of short-haired border collies.

My own border collie definitely doesn't qualify! He's a white long-hair with a tricolour "mask". When ..."

Thanks, Jean, for the link! I agree, they are certainly not all short-haired. And I think a couple of them were asking me to take them home...

LOL! And I too love Springer spaniels. When I was a child we had a border collie-spaniel cross, and I think my love of border collies might stem from that time. He was a devil though and used to round up everything in sight - small children, cows, you name it!

I am definitely a low maintenance sort of person. I have had beagles for 40 years. I have 3 at home right now one being a foster. Lost Hunter my 14 year old beagle mix last month. Sure do miss him.

So sad.

Oh, I am so sorry Ellen. All dog-lovers know what you're going through right now. The memories kick in, but there's still a big gap. Other pets do help though :)

Ellen wrote: "I am definitely a low maintenance sort of person. I have had beagles for 40 years. I have 3 at home right now one being a foster. Lost Hunter my 14 year old beagle mix last month. Sure do miss him."

Oh, Ellen, I think you just steered me right back to a beagle! I'm so glad that you do have some at home to keep you busy, and, hopefully, to sit on your feet.

And then there are those of us for whom the ONLY dog worthy of the name is a standard poodle. Altho I confess to having wanted a "Lad" type collie since I was knee high to a, well, a collie, I guess.

Annag wrote: "And then there are those of us for whom the ONLY dog worthy of the name is a standard poodle. Altho I confess to having wanted a "Lad" type collie since I was knee high to a, well, a collie, I guess."


My husband had a collie when I met him. Talk about high maintenance! (the collie, I mean, of course)

But well worth it :) (Again, the collie!) Though I was once told poodles were good for people with allergies as their coat is unique and doesn't grow. I do like poodles for their energy. But nothing knocks the intelligent border collie off his pedestal for me I'm afraid ;)

Jean wrote: "For Karlyne, and John, here's a link to lots of lovely photos of short-haired border collies.

My own border collie definitely doesn't qualify! He's a white long-hair with a tricolour "mask". When ..."

So very cute! My brother and his family have a Wheaten terrier, so here is a link for pictures of those (specifically the soft-haired variety)!

Although I grew up with dogs, I am actually a cat person. I started to say I "own" three cats but truthfully it would be more accurate to say that they own me!


Here is a small photo of the oldest one, a tortie...

We've decided 'no more dogs' when our last two border collies (14 and 15) fade out. But seeing those 'teddy bear' wheaten terriers .......

Aw they are gorgeous :) I remember putting that breed on my mental list a while ago. We always had cats while we were both working and commuting, as they are more self-sufficient (and "own" you as you rightly say, Leslie!) and only felt able to give a dog enough attention when my husband went part-time. At that point I made a list of types of dog I like (not necessarily breeds). I think once my husband realised they were all in addition to a border collie, the list fizzled out though! :D

Your tortie reminds me of a cat we had who came and stayed - Tasha (like "tachete" French for speckled, but also because she behaved like a Russian princess.) Incredibly wild at first, wrecked doors, wallpaper, furniture, growled and hissed, but still seemed to want to stay where the food and attention were regular ... and became a little more loving over time ;)

I hope everyone is having (or has had) a happy holiday!

Yes, Merry Christmas everyone :) Hope you are having a good time however you celebrate the season.

I received a vintage Ngaio Marsh, Killer Dolphin, (and a vintage I Capture the Castle, one of my all-time favorties). They made me smile, so, yes, this is a lovely Christmas.

I hope everyone is smelling fabulous cooking smells and smiling all the day!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, and wish you all the best for 2015 8:D Happy reading!

Thanks Sandra! I add my best wishes to everyone for a happy New Year :)

In today's New Zealand Herald is a list of extracts from book reviews - this is my favourite : The review is of the book Clarissa, or, the History of a Young Lady by Samuel Richardson, the review via One Star Book Review Tumblr. "The experience of reading this book is akin to being dragged through a bog of broken glass and Tabasco sauce. Face down. By a very slow mule."
I just love it!

Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice* wrote: "In today's New Zealand Herald is a list of extracts from book reviews - this is my favourite : The review is of the book Clarissa, or, the History of a Young Lady by [author:Samuel Ri..."

Such descriptive writing!! ☺

Ella's Gran wrote: "Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice* wrote: "In today's New Zealand Herald is a list of extracts from book reviews - this is my favourite : The review is of the ..."

I thought it was abeautiful piece of writing! I guess s/he didn't like it much! *:D

Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice* wrote: "Ella's Gran wrote: "Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice* wrote: "In today's New Zealand Herald is a list of extracts from book reviews - this is my favourite : T..."

I reckon you are guessing right! But didn't it just conjure up a vivid mental picture!

Ella's Gran wrote: "Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice* wrote: "Ella's Gran wrote: "Sandy *The world could end while I was reading and I would never notice* wrote: "In today's New ..."

Yes, I couldn't help chuckling as I read it *:D

There is nothing less interesting/humorous than someone judging an 18th century book from the perspective of the 21st century. You have to be acquainted with the "times" in which the book was written to appreciate and to criticize. Henry Fielding's Joseph Andrews was written as a counterpoint to Richardson, and if you want read a critique of Richardson, start with Fielding (who also wrote Tom Jones). I have always felt that critics (or purveyors of "cute" phrases criticizing something) just like to hear themselves talk - rather than being concerned with actually saying anything. Those who cannot "do" or are just lazy, become critics.

Is it appropriate for me to mention my new book about Agatha Christie? Won't say more until I hear that people won't be offended that I share a small promotion here.

I would like to hear about your book.

Thanks. That sounds interesting

I seem to remember something about these 11 missing days - I did not remember Conan Doyle or Dorothy Sayers being involved. That "is" interesting. When did this occur and where? I seem to remember Italy (but maybe I am dreaming). She must have been married and published by then?

I guess I should have listened to Roy or YouTube before asking the dumb questions. Sorry!

Kay wrote: "Thanks. That sounds interesting"

If you ever read it Kay I would love to know your thoughts. Have a great weekend.

Bruce wrote: "I guess I should have listened to Roy or YouTube before asking the dumb questions. Sorry!"

:)

No problem Bruce. If you have any other questions just ask and if by chance you ever read it I would love to know what you think.

I look forward to you sharing this book with us! Thank you.

This article appeared in the NZ Herald some time ago - a mathematical way to solve the Christie whodunnits! Here is the link http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainme...