It'sMonday.What Are You Reading?

Last night in bed I finished The World According To Bob by James Bowen which is the follow up to the bestselling A Street Cat Named Bob. I am not a cat lover but the first book was recommended to me - and I loved it. It is a feel good book which will bring a teat to your eye in places. The second book is a bit slower to get going and you don't need to have read the first to understand what is going on. There is word of a film.....

Since Bob has appeared, I've made huge strides in my life. For more than a decade I was a homeless drug addict. I was lost to the world and had forgotten what was important in life. Now I've got myself back on my two feet, but as I put the past behind me, I'm still stepping unsteadily into the future. I still need help in the right direction. Bob is always there to offer guidance and friendship.'


James and his street cat Bob have been on a remarkable journey together. In the years since their story ended in the bestselling A STREET CAT NAMED BOB James, with Bob's help, has begun to find his way back to the real world.

Almost every day, Bob provides moments of intelligence, bravery and humour, at the same time opening his human friend's eyes to important truths about friendship, loyalty, trust - and the meaning of happiness. 

In the continuing tale of their life together James shows the many ways in which Bob has been his protector and guardian angel through times of illness, hardship, even life-threatening danger. 

As they high five together for their crowds of admirers, James knows that the tricks he's taught Bob are nothing compared to the lessons he's learnt from his street-wise cat.

Now I am onto another book that I have read rave reviews on - Dear Thing by Julie Cohen - sounds promising.

Claire and Ben are the perfect couple. But behind the glossy façade, they've been desperately trying - and failing - to have a baby for years. Now, the stress and feelings of loss are taking their toll on their marriage. Claire's ready to give up hope and get on with her life, but Ben is not. And then Ben's best friend, Romily, offers to conceive via artificial insemination and carry the baby for them.

Romily acts in good faith, believing it will be easy to be a surrogate. She's already a single mother, and has no desire for any more children. Except that being pregnant with Ben's child stirs up all sorts of emotions in her, including one she's kept hidden for a very long time: Ben's the only man she's ever loved.

Pop over to The Book Journey to see what everyone else is reading today.

LSNED #28

Today we had a history lesson at Knockando Woolen Mill. The woollen mill has been there for 225 years operating since 1784. We learned all about the processes involved in converting the wool into fabric  and looked around the gardens. The mill was featured on Beechgrove Garden (a Scottish gardening TV show based in the North East of Scotland) which will hopefully boost their visitor numbers.

LSNED #27

Spent too much of my lunch break queuing to buy number 2 son this game as part of his birthday present.

Also had to pop into the butcher - who didn't have what I wanted - but happily made it up for me while I waited. Fantastic customer service again.

Popped into the library after work - hubby loves Jack Reacher (the hero in the Lee Child novels - for the record Tom Cruise isn't Jack Reacher but he does own the production company that made the film so that would be why he got the part!) so maybe he would enjoy this author too.

Ben Rinnes - debating whether or not to walk up her again tomorrow. We went up in the snow and ice and I would like to see the view from the top in the sunshine.

LSNED #26

I learned that Douwe Egberts Vanilla coffee is delicious - a cup of which is required first thinh in the morning when I get in to work. Cute jars too!

My lunch hour is the quickest hour of the day. Just enough time to enjoy some home made soup and a few chapters of my book.

Saw this on Pinterest - might have a look for a wooden drainer in Ikea when we go.

Skywatch Friday

A walk around some local woods with good friends.

The view from Ordiquish down over the River Spey to the Moray Firth beyond.

Plenty of fungi.

And Whimberries.

In the woods is Jean Carr's Stone.

This stone marks the sometime-home and reputedly the final resting place of Jean Carr. A distracted character, ousted as a child snatcher, she took refuge wandering in these woods. Another highlight is the steep sidedOrdiequish Burn. 

A group shot.

Pop over to the Skywatch blog to see more skies from around the world.

LSNED #25

I learned after finding a pack in my desk draw that no one ever got ill (or died) from eating an out of date Werthers. They were dated January 2013 but tasted fine.

Today was another new recipe day. This time it was mince and vegetable pie with tumbled spuds - another fab Hairy Dieters recipe. Most of us thought it was delicious - except for number 2 son who took offence to the leeks in it. No pleasing some people.

Saw this pattern on Pinterest - looks simple enough even I could make it.

LSNED #24

Learned that today felt like the first day of Autumn - even the trees are starting to change colour. Not that I mind as love Autumn - and Winter is even better (especially if it snows!)

I learned that the new Instagram prints from Photobox are great. This is my first time ordering them and I am impressed. As always I ordered matt and they have a fabulous retro feel to them.

Talking of Autumn look as this fab photo I found on Pinterest -  I dream of finding a  perfect Fly Agaric mushroom on one of my walks - so I can photograph it!

LSNED #23

I learned today was a happy mail day. Some books I won in a competition arrived and so did this fab chevron punch from Stampin Up. I'm going to enjoy using it.

I have also ressurrected an old hobby - cross stitch. I haven't done any in such a long time. I started this sampler in 2011 - good job I didn't put the date on it when I started - maybe that can wait until the very end as I'm not sure how long this is going to take me to finish!

It's Monday. What Are You Reading?

A Street Cat Named Bob has come highly recommended from several people so although I am not a cat person (or a dog person come to that) I thought I would give it a go.

When James Bowen found an injured, ginger street cat curled up in the hallway of his sheltered accommodation, he had no idea just how much his life was about to change. James was living hand to mouth on the streets of London and the last thing he needed was a pet.

Yet James couldn't resist helping the strikingly intelligent tom cat, whom he quickly christened Bob. He slowly nursed Bob back to health and then sent the cat on his way, imagining he would never see him again. But Bob had other ideas.

Soon the two were inseparable and their diverse, comic and occasionally dangerous adventures would transform both their lives, slowly healing the scars of each other's troubled pasts.

A Street Cat Named Bob is a moving and uplifting story that will touch the heart of anyone who reads it.

LSNED #22

Today I learned that you can scan your won shopping in Tesco - although when I reached the self scan checkout I my trolley was checked which sort of defeated the whole purpose of self scan - thankfully I only had a dozen items.

Another new recipe today - from the Hairy Dieters again - I have to say these are the most used cookbooks in our house at the moment. Tonight we had Goulash which was a big hit all round.

LSNED #21

We had a lovely day out with friends walking through some local woods - singing Onward Chrsitian Soldiers and photographing mushrooms!! I am sure people must think we are mad.

Learned we have some stunning views on our doorstep.

I learned what I have always called whimberries are called blaeberries up here.

The blackberries are almost ready - but it was quite a walk to find decent ones this year.

I also tried a Clootie Dumpling scone for the first time - which I learned was rather delicious.

LSNED #20

I learned that I am now the mother to two teenage boys - help!!

And birthdays have to involve plenty of cake. Although I learned that teenage son number two would prefer a shop bought cake over a homemade one. What is he trying to tell me about my baking skills?

I also learned we have either mushrooms or toadstools growing in our front agrden. No fairies living underneath though - I checked!

LSNED #19

This is something I already knew - I love my local library. I am lucky that I live in town so my local library isn't affected by the councils spending cuts which are closing several of the more rural branches. This was today's haul of lovely new reading material.

I learned that my beloved car needed a wash and brush up - some people might say its a pity I don't keep my house as pristine as my car!

Another new recipe for me today - banana loaf out of the Hummingbird cookery book. I usually use a trusted Mary Berry recipe but this was a nice alternative as it had cinnamon and ginger in it.