Dear friends.  A much needed improvement in the weather this week has seen big progress in the garden. I'm sharing 6 photos for #SixOnSaturday. Several take part in this, and a good blog with which to start is Garden Ruminations. 1. Clematis Montana I know this is a bit of a "Marmite" clematis for many. I have 3 intertwined on the back fence, two pink and one white.   I call it "the monster," although its flowering is always a spectacular highlight. This year the flowers are more even. Last year we pruned it late in the summer, which I knew would affect the flowers, but ..read more

  Dear friends. Today's spotlight falls on a police procedural with an intriguing angle. One of the officers is a creation of Artificial Intelligence, manifested as a hologram. But AIDE Lock is treated as simply one of the investigating team. Here is an outstanding thriller, with an exciting conclusion.  It's my stop on the blog tour for Leave No Trace by Jo Callaghan.  ..read more

  Dear friends.  I love taking part in outfit challenges as they get the creative juices flowing, and remind us of unloved clothes sitting in the wardrobe. Today's challenge lasts for a month at the Kettlewell Colour Club on Facebook, and it's Birds of a Feather. Here are three outfits inspired by plumage.  ..read more

Dear friends. I'm thrilled to bring you an outstanding debut novel today. The Divorcées transports us to 1950s Reno at a time when divorce was uncommon.  Today is my stop on the blog tour for the acclaimed The Divorcées by Rowan Beaird.  ..read more

  Dear friends. Many thanks for all the responses to the Is This Mutton 2024 survey about our reading habits. It was the best response the annual survey has ever had. It shows how universal books are, across every age group and demographic. So what did we find out ..read more

  Dear friends. Today's book spotlight is on Nowhere to Hide by Keri Beevis.  It packs a real punch. Today is my stop on the blog tour.  ..read more

  Dear friends. March is supposed to arrive like a lion and depart like a lamb. Unfortunately it has remained lionine. But I didn't let rain ruin the month. Highlights include a trip to Plymouth,  John Singer Sargent art exhibition,  a ballet and a retro 70s pop concert ..read more

  Dear friends.  Today I'm pleased to share the adventures of a Yorkshire Lass down under.  Elizabeth Isle left 1960s England for Australia for the adventure of a lifetime.  She was part of a cohort known as the "£10 Poms" who were encouraged to emigrate by the Australian government.  This charming memoir is written by Elizabeth Isle's daughter Sue Bavey.  Today is my stop on the blog tour for Kookaburras, Cuppas and Kangaroos. Publisher's Description Fueled by her spirit for adventure and with her £10.00 ticket in hand, Elizabeth Isle leaves 1960s England, dete ..read more

  Dear friends. It's a sobering thought that when 10cc had their first hit, in 1972,  I was 11. Many hits, and different band formations later, and I find myself in London's Royal Albert Hall, looking forward to hearing that amazing back catalogue. We arrived early as we had a booking at one of the venue's restaurants,  Coda by Eric Chavot. A lovely way to start the evening.  As we made our way to the 3rd floor, we could hear "Cry" being performed by the group in a warm-up. It made me excited for the concert.  ..read more

 #StyleNotAge Challenge  Dear friends.  The last Monday of the month means it's the Style Not Age challenge, and this time Anna from Anna's Island Style has challenged the collective to deliver an Ode to Iris. Who else but Iris Apfel, the colourful businesswoman and celebrity who died recently aged 102.  ..read more