Merkin

But so much of Harry Potter requires bombism, Root. Fry wins it, hands down, done and dusted. Excellent video and audio stitching. Your work, Camy?

Looks like Chapter 63 here on my computer screen, Ivor. Definitely the last one.

Stephen Fry could read aloud the instructions on my tax forms and I would listen entranced. His book, The Ode Less Travelled, is one of the very best for explaining poetry and the poetic forms. Plus it’s a bit naughty and good for a snicker or two.

Can't be positive, Cole, but early in the story Reiko, lost in the woods, had just completed a training course with 'The German Red Cross'.

As I may have mentioned, my understanding of, and interest in, British versions of puddings is strictly limited to Sticky Toffee Pudding. (Sorry, had to step out a moment to check some addresses). I found out about STP when in England about ten years ago. While hiking in the lake district I stumbled upon a hotel hosting a meeting of the Sticky Toffee Club, where I learnt that STP was not only an addictive guilty pleasure, but it was also a moveable feast and the Club had a circuit of such feasts planned over the weeks to come. Somehow I had more BritRail passes than I knew what to do with, and so spent the next few weeks following the circuit, scarfing down puddings, and hiking off the calories in the days between meetings. Since returning to the States I've often longed for STP and I finally located a lady in Texas who bakes and sends out what seems to me to be an authentic STP. You may want to try it, but be warned it is extraordinarily expensive, although each cupcake-sized pudding can be considered two servings if you consider the calory count. https://stickytoffeepuddingcompany.com/ I think the club in England still exists; here's a glimpse of their activities: https://www.facebook.com/Sticky-Toffee-Pudding-Club-257742077596572/

Maybe that's only 'woo-woo' to you folks on the West Coast but around here we take things like that pretty seriously. In fact, we have Congressional Committees that specialize in witch hunts.

woo-woo?

Chapter six up and getting all legal on us. Since I've never had more than two cents to rub together, reading about all that money is a treat.

Good news, Mike, hope all goes well. Watch out for teenagers in the middle of the night!

Chapter 3. I wish I had an Uncle Bernard.

Yes, Biff, I do want to read more. What you have teased us with is well-written and filled with both unique detail and strong characterization that lead me into the story. I want to find out what happens next. I'll look forward to seeing more of it.

I applaud this incredible effort, Rutabaga. Having the thumbnail bios and the chapter reference will be invaluable. Thanks. BTW, Nigel, don't you plan on posting twice a week?

Aside from the use of Cockney to confuse that particular mystery, Cole, I believe Dick Francis made a real effort to give his American readers access to his work by taking time within his novels to explain British quirks and customs. Once he became famous he resided in Florida and rarely returned to England except to deposit his cheques.

I so admire how Cole has built toward this moment, chapter by chapter, one painful revelation after another, like digging away at a scabbed-over wound.

Perhaps we Yanks should set test questions using 'get-got-gotten' when trying to unmask British spies amongst us.

There is very little room behind my ear these days what with my eyeglasses, hearing aids, and now the damn Covid masks. Consequently I forget about almost everything.

As is the word 'sweet'. For shame, Cole, I thought you'd be caught up on that distinction between meat-based and sugar-based treats--haven't you been watching The Great British Baking Show ? At any rate, this discussion appears to be endlessly misunderstood, and I think any good English/Irish/Scots cookbook would clarify everything for the Yanks among us. Plus I think the Brits have been having us on just a bit.

Although I can be tempted by Spotted Dick, my very favorite is Sticky Toffee Pudding.

British writers appear to have a lot more nuance to trudge through than we Yanks do. I think a major concern for them would be maintaining consistency for character class, rank, or origin throughout a story.

Let me get this straight, Bruin. You didn't go to the Wimpy Burger for the burgers, but for the doughnut?

When I was a kid we often called a burger a 'wimpy' and I believe it was in honor of the Popeye character. To learn that there was an actual chain of burger bars named Wimpy is outstanding.

Now that is just wrong.

Pay no attention to Camy, Cole. That salad and many like it are served all over the South. The classic version of it is the Waldorf Salad, using apples and raisins and celery. The main controversy about these salads seems to be whether to use Duke's mayonnaise or some other brand. Since I grew up in New England I prefer to use Hellman's and as a result my fruit salads are often shunned at local covered-dish suppers here in Virginia.

Very special.

Hooray! Exactly as I remember, and now I can read it again. Woo hoo, to quote a three-toed flightless bird.