Paul's Race to 75 Part 5

Tioman Island in the South China Sea was the setting for the musical South Pacific.
A romantic setting for Valentine's Month

Books read so far:
1 North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
2 The Duchess of Bloomsbury Street by Helene Hanff
3 The Guards by Ken Bruen
4 Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
5 Lyrics Alley by Leila Aboulela
6 Shadow by Karin Alvtegen
7 The Road Home by Rose Tremain
8 One Pair of Hands by Monica Dickens
9 Pure by Andrew Miller
10 The Appointment by Herta Muller

Currently reading
The Battle of Pollocks Crossing by J.L. Carr

Ellen to reply to you here on your post on the last thread. Sorry to see things are a bit difficult at the moment. I'm also someone who needs plenty of space to cope with the stresses and strains of life and this does occasionally cause friction with SWMBO who has to do without my company more than she would like only to have me retreat into myself at times when she needs more attention. Each relationship is different and most are worth working for - I trust that yours will work out the way you want it too. xx

Hi Paul! OMG! Thread 5! You are red-hot, sir! Love the Tioman Island photo! So what did YOU think of War Horse??

Wow, that's a very pretty shot, Paul. Did you take that photograph yourself?

Paul, you are a wise young owl. I think everyone needs space from time to time. I am someone who needs my space. I love being in company, but not all the time, and that goes for the hubster's company too. I think a successful relationship is one where there's compromise on both parts.

Now that I think of it, I wonder if there's a correlation between the amount of space one needs with the number of books one reads?

Hi Paul. Looks like I posted on your last thread just in time to make the cutoff! I'm glad your new picture doesn't feature a landscape that gives me vertigo.

Thanks Mark - I'm with the others on War Horse mate I'm afraid as I really enjoyed it. I think the fact that it impinged a bit on the Bambi situation found me seeing it at a time it would touch me more than most.

Caro - No I do tend to be a magpie with other people's pictures! Hahaha books and the necessity of space being linked - well we do need our own time to digest the books do we not?

Donna - happy to oblige with a less vertiginous photograph!

Hello and welcome to your new thread. May it be filled with many more interesting stories, and maybe some books :)

Hahaha Megan I was forgetting about the books too! Presently have three on the go - all of which should be completed tomorrow. More to follow...

I'm off to Bangkok on Tuesday apparently to meet the transport minister (hope the plane is on time!) Will get plenty of reading done on the plane with any luck.

Hi Paul, I'll keep your last thread starred - so many good stories that give me some hope that maybe one day I might find that guy who respects my need for space, my need for reading time, etc.
A dog would be nice, too. A good guy with a nice dog would be perfect.

I never got a proposal, I just almost witnessed one. I was talking to my best friend on her mobile phone, she was on her way home. At some point she opened the door to her house and interrupted me, saying "Boyfriend must have had some accident with flowers - there are petals and leaves all over the floor in the hallway". We talked on a little, then she said "Sorry, I have to switch you off, there are candles everywhere in the living room and boyfriend holds a bouquet of roses and looks a little impatient - do you think he might actually want to propose to me?".

I went to college in her home town, she went college in mine. We met a my parents' church where she was the accompanist. I didn't pay much attention to her. She asked me over to her parents house one evening when she came home for a visit, mainly as a favor to my mother who fed the college kids a lot. This time I noticed.

Fast forward a year later. We're listening to my parents' old 45 rpm records of Fifties music. "Mission Bell" comes on, I blurt out "Wanna get married?" she said "Yep" so we did. 27 years come May.

What a great story Jim!

Just a quick detour, not far, from the romantic proposal stories, a moment from lunch today:

Teenage son crushes milk jug under his arm while making Hulk face.

7 year old daughter says: "If a girl saw you do that, she would faint, because you're only 13."

Paul, lovely photo. I want to plant myself in that location.
And lovely response to my little rant, too. Thanks for that. I fully believe the relationship is worth it all, and it's validating to know that others can relate to the struggles of balancing intimacy and together-time with alone time. I love the former and I need the latter.
xo

Paul, another stunning photo -- thank you! Sorta wish I was there right now...

>13 nittnut: LOL, Jenn. What did he have to say about that?

Love the photo, definitely my sort of setting.
I saw on Linda's thread that you mentioned cutting edge YA for your daughter, Yassie, and you to read. I wonder if she's read anything by Mal Peet, The Penalty would be more to your liking and you'd both probably love Exposure as well as Tamar.
Extremely edgy are books by Adam Rapp, my 'favourite' is Under the wolf, under the dog. Melvin Burgess and Kevin Brooks are always worth reading and I loved MT Anderson's two Octavian Nothing novels.
My oldest daughter is a Yasmin, which I always thought would lead to the nickname of Mini, but no her school friends all shortened it to Yassie, now her friends call her Smin.

Absolutely gorgeous photo! Years ago, when I was still living in Ottawa, I saw a 5* theatre performance of South Pacific, and I've never forgotten the exotic-ness of it!

Nathalie first proposal witnessed but not participated in story! I'm certain there is Mr. Wright out there for you complete with recently obtained pooch and full of understanding for the needs of the 75ers!

Jim - nicely put together in a physicists straightforward way! 27 years - In 1985 I was busy edging towards rejection before my finals unsuspectingly seeing my girlfriend every second weekend and planning a future I alone believed in.

Linda - nice to see you and note that your to the grave and beyond love story has touched the hearts of everyone here. Give my best wishes to Mr. Thursday!

Jenn - Your son would clearly get along with mine - extremely proud that he is already taller than his little Dad (at only 12) - he spends more time posing himself before the mirror than he does at looking where he is going! Lovely kind hearted boy without an ounze of harm in him (he was crying like a baby over War Horse) - Im sure that they would be fast friends. Your daughter sounds like she would get along with Belle too.

Ellen thanks for your nice comments - Tioman is a wonderful spot to visit - a real island paradise with crystal clear waters and unspoilt by progress.

Anne - Guess it is just a little bit warmer than your place just now!

Kerry - Commented elsewhere about you being one of the "go to" people on YA fiction. Passed the recommendations to Yassie and will wait for her choices! Her name gets stripped down to Asin although Mini (which I don't recall anyone using to her) would suit her dimunitive stature.

Nancy - can't recall the South Pacific movie but it is Tioman's claim to fame.

> 15 Anne, he's not entirely sure what to make of the things she says. He's not sure if she's mocking him or actually serious. I'm not totally sure either...

Paul, it's true, as big as a man, but still a little boy inside. Mine is tall too - 5'9" and about 150 lbs. Kind of scary. My husband is just 6 feet tall, and I think that our son will pass him up in the next year. He grew 4 inches last year. Does your Belle know all the buttons to push on her brother too? :)

Hi Paul, just checking into your new thread. I posted awhile ago on your old thread not realizing that the move was already on. Anyway, I am here now and will try to keep up!

Jenn - I am only 5ft 6 so Kyran doesn't have as far to travel but he's there already. Belle is very much the young lady of the house and her elder siblings join me in calling her the clone as she is so reminiscent of her mother in all her terrifying glory!

Judy - lovely story of the start of your 33 years of marriage over on the last thread - and nice to see my guru here on the latest thread so early!

HI Paul! that's a lovely picture! Those clouds are so low you can almost touch them!

Hahaha Chelle - I had a thing with the girls who I took on the lake cruise for Belle's birthday a couple of weeks ago - they were all convinced when we went under the main bridge that they would be able to reach up and touch the underside of it - of course they all jumped up in vain!

Confession time - needed a bit of cheering up yesterday so bought a couple of books while waiting for the cinema - good job I only had 30 minutes or my plans to reduce the TBR could be in absolute tatters as I felt that familiar tingle as I was going up and down the aisles counting up possible purchases.

The Hanging Shed by Gordon Ferris
First Frost by James Henry

....made the cut. Now 6 books this year so at least I am still reducing numbers!

You're being a very good boy Paul. I'm up to 9, but then again, I did allow for 2 books per week in my planning, to try to help prevent all-out binges...

Paul, you're doing fine. I tend in times of budgetary despair (electricity bills seem to arrive the day before the kids' birthdays without fail) that a bookshop binge cheers me up something wonderful. Of course, I wish I could have moments of despair that require bookshop therapy that aren't budgetary in nature, it does seem rather wrong to go shopping when I have no money. :)

With my goal of reducing Mt TBR, I've read ~14 books this year, and my Mt TBR numbers have stayed steady. Hm.

(The books coming in are mainly library books, or books that I hadn't catalogued yet, although have had in the house for some time. I'm a bit slack. :)

needed a bit of cheering up yesterday so bought a couple of books

Oh, Paul, we have all been there, indeed. Sorry you needed a bit of cheering up, but not really surprised given all you've been through in the past couple of weeks! I know nothing about either book you bought, but I hope you enjoy them.

xo

Hi again Paul, I am intriged by First Frost, I see it is based on the character from R.D. Wingfield's series which I love. I hope this author stays true to the unique character of Jack Frost! Must add this one to my wishlist.

ETA: Actually both these books sound really good, so of course, both are being added to the wishlist!

Ilana - I'm struggling with it actually. Yesterday I almost let myself off the leash so to speak and only SWMBO waiting upstairs in the bookstore coffee shop and looking down upon me saved me from myself!

Tania - I have finished only 7 books this year with everything going on around me and only added 6 so I am still in credit so to speak, but not as planned. You are so right - the "money Gods" seem to know both when I need money and if I receive some extra they dictate what I have to do with it - C'est la vie I suppose.

Ellen - thanks, I'm not really in bad form at the moment I suppose - it is just a little unusual for me to have to take a bit more care with expenditure - we have several clients with large payments pending receipt and my natural conservatism asserts itself upon my habits until the cash flow hits the target because I am literally terrified of not being able to pay my wonderful staff, and take care of my extended family and menagerie!

Judy - there is a foreward to the edition of First Frost written by RD Wingfield's son which is very very complimentary about the replication of his Dad's style. Looking forward to it quite a bit to be honest as the Frost series is simply a joy.

Beautiful picture to start the thread - and not vertigo inducing:)

Hope all is well with Bambi.

Thanks Calm - I am off to Thailand tomorrow morning and returning on Wednesday evening. Hopefully Bambi is home by then.

Hi, Paul. That's a lovely photo you have topping your thread.

needed a bit of cheering up yesterday so bought a couple of books

I've been there, done that -- just last week, in fact.

Another thread already!! I can't keep up! Enjoy your trip to Thailand.

Terri - hahaha recent shared experiences and all that!

Deb - Thanks, should be an interesting trip.

I'm currently trying to resist the urge to purchase. I'm entirely fed up and feel the answer to all my problems would be more books. The fact that the problem is my life has no direction is beside the point......more books will fix it.

Hi Paul! Have a great trip! Beautiful photo as well.

Jenny - that is the inescapable logic I too came to.

Thanks Kerri!

Uh-oh. The answer to all my problems isn't more books? Rats.

I hope your quick trip to Thailand is fun and productive!

Jenn - whoever said they weren't needs to be.......................!

Ellen - not really looking forward to it if truth be known. Meeting the Thai Transport Minister a Mr. Ruangsuwan apparently to discuss quite a large project. The prospective business partners are not people I know too well and I'll be doing my best to avoid the seamier side of the city tomorrow. Watching ladies open bottles of coca-cola with their reproductive organs is something I will be happy to avoid at all costs.

#40

Is it bad that part of me would want to go and watch.......just out of utter curiosity and intrigue!

That is a tremendously fine photo! Two days of little LT and I am soooo behind.

Puff puff - man, you are hard to keep up with these days, Paul! Hope your Thailand trip is lucrative. Looking forward to your review on 'Pure' which I have already popped on the WL!

It is so very easy to get far behind in your thread... Thailand coming up? Wonderful!
I think?

ditto what Prue and Kath said :)

Paul, I hope you successfully avoid the seedier aspects of the Bangkok scene and that your meeting with important people goes well. I smile to myself when I imagine your hosts asking you what you want to "experience" while you're in Thailand, and you gleefully saying "where's the bookstore"?

Looks like all the engagement talk here has led to wedding talk over on Chelle's thread!

Jenny - Apparently there are almost as many ladies in attendance than guys!

Lucy - thanks and i notice also that your own thread is doing a rip-roaring trade at present too.

Prue - thanks - I'm almost there with Pure. I'll do the review when I get back from Bangkok tomorrow night. (hopefully with a couple more)

Kath - Don't think I'll get too much time for sightseeing as it promises to be work work work.

Kara - nice to see you and thanks - no doubt I'll post up a blow by blow when I get back.

Megan - Thanks for all the kind hints and suggestions re my forthcoming NZ trip. I think you may be right as my idea of a good time is not exactly what they will be expecting of a 40 something white guy in Bangkok!
Nice to think of me being some sort of conduit or half-way house with proposal talk moving to the next obvious level round by Chelles!

Safe travels, Paul!
Best of luck with your "prospective business partners" and all VIPs :)

Paul - Perhaps your prospective partners aren't keen on the steamier seamier side of Bangkok either and you'll all just go out for a fabulous meal and an evening at Saxophone, my favorite jazz club in Bangkok just across from the Victory Monument on Phayathai Road.

Have fun if you can anyway.

Happy travels Paul. I've not been to Thailand yet and hope to get there someday. Wish you all the best with your business dealings.

Safe travels, Paul!

"Watching ladies open bottles of coca-cola with their reproductive organs is something I will be happy to avoid at all costs." the mind boggles .......

I think my book buying/reading maybe netting off ..... so I let myself believe

I can't keep up with your thread!!!!!

Enjoy Thailand, am envious. Ask the transport minister if he wants to transport me to Bangkok. You could tell him that I need a more favorable impression of the newish airport than I got the last time I was there shortly after it opened when I waited 3.5 hours for my luggage (longer than the flight took from HK!!) and didn't get to my hotel until 2 a.m. Not to mention the dearth of places to eat when a departing flight was late. Or a surreally rude (astonishing in Thailand....) airport staffer who used unprintable language to me while I was trying to find a connecting gate (flying back to BKK from Chiang Mai). So obviously, I need to replace that set of recollections with a new one!! :-)

I'm with you on the "entertainment" front. But I wld like to reconnect with some Thai friends from grad school and there are a few places there I've yet to see. And I'd like to go back to Laos, which I loved when I first went there. Ho hum. Dream on. In the meantime I'll have to content myself with the volume of Thai short stories I just got (Sightseeing by Rattawut Lapcharoensap) and Colin Cotterill's latest Dr. Siri mystery, set in Laos.

I am quite sure the answer to all life's problems is more travel and more books. The best possible combination.

Oh, proposals. I and the ex-bf-who-broke-my-heart witnessed one at the table next to ours at dinner one night. Guy got down on his knee right beside our table. Luckily, she said yes.

Sarwadika!

Cee - thanks and so far so good. Got met at the airport - amazingly imside the terminal building we were met by our partners who buggied us to the diplomatic section and we proceeded to cut the cue by about an hour! The chap whose name is Mr. Bunpot had the complete run of the airport; quite scary really.

Caro - Already stuffed full actually. Mr. Bunpot took us to a seafood place called Oberoi where the nosh was to die for. Prawns as big as your arm, tom yam pla and tom yam kun never equalled in my experience, cuttlefish, crab, fish, mussels....Won't make it for jazz as I am bushwhacked - they are off for "massage" whilst I have a couple of books to finish! Not really my scene, not big on massage at the best of time but including the inverted commas even less so. btw I have never seen so many condoms in a single hotel room!

Thanks Ilana - seems the idea is to try to revitalise the area around the new central train station. They have a link now to the airport with a very modern station and 280 acres beside it. In my experience stations are busling and crowded places - this one in a city of almost 13 million people is next to deserted! Quite bizarre really but when you notice that the architectural features of the building is facing the wrong way round I realise that the development will have to start on the opposite side first to draw crowds into the station. Should be an interesting discussion tomorrow with the guy responsible for the station in the first place - White Elephant Station.

Roni - Mr. Bunpot is taking us around everywhere so we should stay safe. Doesn't his name sound like a character from a Bond movie? He is 77 apparently but looks 68 when I pointed this out - I was served an extra prawn and a further order of sticky rice and sweet sweet mango.

Alex - looks like I am to be spared the Tiger show. My friend was telling me that he went to a show with his french friend and the lady proceeded to smoke a cigarette inhaling deeply from a region God did not intend it and after a few puffs passed the cigarette to the frenchie who calmly finished off the cigarette! ewwww

Suz - my impression of the airport (and a fleeting one at that) was much improved on last time! It is apparently the world's largest single terminal airport and is designed to seriously tick of transferees - marathon distances to walk - signage appalling.
I have also had the Dr. Siri strongly recommended to me (Mark or Judy I can't remember).
City is of course vibrant and traffic laden and a great experience if you know where to go to soak it all up safely. Laos is lovely and has a slowness of life that is wonderful to behold. I also love Cambodia although the killing fields and the prison museum are extremely harrowing experiences.

8.

One Pair of Hands by Monica Dickens

It seems quite bizarre that Charles Dickens' granddaughter would find herself impelled into domestic service but this is the premise of this "memoir" from Monica Dickens. Written in a flippant and carefree tone she manages to hold herself largely above the fray in a series of positions she is patently unsuited for.
Good fun but a touch dated - Ms Dickens must have been great fun to know.

7/10

Paul, it sounds like you're hanging out with some powerful people there......

Is Monica really his granddaughter?

Ellen - they are also very nice to be fair - the meal was lovely and because they know I don't eat pork they took me to a seafood restaurant (no meat at all let alone pork).

I believe it is true that Monica was his granddaughter and she wrote almost as much as he did. At least on the 200th anniversary of his birth I have finished something related to him!

LOL. Yes, I keep thinking I "should" read something by Dickens this month......

Paul, you are Paul.

xo

Monica Dickens? Appreciate the education, Paul. Glad you enjoyed a fun read. Must agree it does seem "bizarre."

hahaha don't worry about it Sheila....erm ....Ellen. xx I used to get everybody's name wrong all the time. In fact I am especially forgetful right now. Mad panic in the house this morning as I reaslised that I couldn't find my passport - SWMBO, dear Erni (my long suffering coffee-making superwoman of a maid) and I turned the house upside down until Erni had the presence of mind to check the car glove compartment where apparently SWMBO had put it for safe keeping! Anyways we set off to go to the train station to get the airport shuttle and I realised just in time that I had left the flight ticket behind!

> 60: ewww that would be a reason for divorce in our house!
We always plan everything ahead, I can get panic-attacks when I get to stressed and Frank has problems with it too, so always check, re-check, double check before leaving.

I always check too Anita...only it is usually immediately prior to departure! Drive the household mad to be honest - it's a good job I'm so loveable in other ways!

I had to get an entirely new passport in Kuala Lumpur because my mother did precisely the same thing! Well, not the car glove compartment, but she began moving the family passports from one bag to another, was distracted partway through, and then assumed mine had been lost or stolen. So for five years in the 1980s, I had a passport issued in Kuala Lumpur!

I loved Monica Dickens in the 70s/80s. Started with Mariana, though, which I read and devoured in 1977. I'll re-read that this year (if I can find my copy!) But I'm not sure how much of her adventures were really out of what we today would consider dire financial necessity, vs. just wanting to be a bit more independent of what were rather healthy family resources; she went to the school I briefly attended (St. Paul's, which I don't think was cheap bec. my parents were thrilled they didn't have to pay fees) and she was a debutante. She was Dickens' great-grandaughter.

Speaking of Dickens (Chuck not Monica) I can't seem to read Mr. Bunpot's name without thinking of CD. Sounds very Dickensian to me (even though I know it isn't).

Suz - you are right Great-Grandaughter she was (always check your facts before simply typing from memory in a foreign country)! To be fair to her she makes it abundantly clear in the book that it is curiosity if not boredom that moved her to try being a Cook-General rather than necessity - it was also her first book.

Charlotte there is something Dickensian indeed about Mr. Bunpot's name but certainly not his countenance.

And YOU laugh at me about my travel adventures, Paul?! Ok, I will admit that I've arrived at the airport only to realize I'd left my passport at home and the hubster dashed off and pulled a Senna all the way home and back to the airport, passport in hand. My knight in a black BMW to be sure! I don't think I've actually brought a flight ticket to the airport with me in at least 2 years though. Everything's e-ticket these days, I just turn up with my passport and tell the agent my final destination. Lo and behold, they haven't not ever found me in their system.

Hi Paul! Just catching up ..with threads 2,3,4, and 5. It's very difficult to keep up with your threads and, as usual, I am too far behind to comment on all the interesting conversations.
I hope Bambi's recuperation at home is going well.
Monica Dickens is Charles" great - granddaughter? I have Mariana on the TBR pile. I'd consider reading it for the big 200th birthday, but I'll be hard pressed to finish Bleak House on time for it to count toward the TIOLI challenge.
Safe travels Paul!
...back to lurking..

Hi Paul- Are you still banging around Thailand? When do you go back? Hope the trip is going well.

Drooling over the Thai food, it's scrumptious stuff, and it must be lunch time around here by now...

My last passport expired about 15 years ago. Er.

Paul, I'm glad you can have a sense of humor about the passport in the glove box and then forgetting the flight ticket! I once got halfway to the airport and realized I had forgotten my iPhone -- I hate to admit I'm that attached to it, but I couldn't imagine going off to my conference without that connection to home. Turned around, got the phone, rushed back to the airport. Stressed out but made the flight anyway. Of course, I'm one of those who gets to the airport early, figuring I can always sit around and read.

I'm one of those freaks of nature who adores airports/stations etc. I will take a book and read, or mostly simply sit and people watch, but I always make sure I'm very early.

I also have no problem sleeping in airports, as long as they are 'civilised' ones with plenty of people around. I curl up on top of my luggage and away I go. I've slept overnight in a variety of them :)

I enjoyed One Pair of Hands but Ms Dickens started to annoy me a lot in the sequel One Pair of Feet!

70/71: I don't like airports, but I'm paranoid about getting there with more than enough time to spare. I missed a flight ONCE, and now I feel this innate need to be there 2-3 hours before takeoff. You never know when there's going to be a delay getting through security!!! And if I have a book, I can read. So, no problem, really.

>71 lunacat: I *love* airports and train stations, too! They have so much potential. Plus, I like any place where there are a lot of chairs. So I can sit and read. and read and read and read.
I can't sleep in airports (or on planes), but I have sleeping problems in general so that is no surprise.

LOVE this crowd... early to the airport - read, read, read!
I usually throw a walk in there too as most airports have good long passageways.

Hope you were successful, Paul, and have arrived home safely. :)

Enjoying the discussion, Paul, but nothing much to add. I've got to get to Thailand some day. Hope you had a good, safe trip.

Passport in the glove box! uh-oh.

>73 dk_phoenix: Ive only ever missed ONE flight too....thinking myself a seasoned traveller I was getting cocky about arrival times and lo and behold, the traffic lights went red each time we arrived at them, and I just missed the flight. I was shocked, as I dont miss flights! I think the lady thought I was going to cry so she got me a cheap-o on the next mornings flight :) Never again will I stay at the pub for that one last beer.

Caro - my travel adventures are not a patch on yours - you have the frequency and experience to knock me into a cocked hat! On the food front had chicken rice at the Montien Hotel which was absolutely to die for - apparently the chef was poached from Chatterbox at the Mandarin Oriental in Singapore - yummy!
E-tickets - see that's the thing, rushed back and collected the ticket and when I checked in of course the lady never asked for it as all she needed was my passport - what a chump!

Kelly - thanks for de-lurking! Got back very late last night (SWMBO collected me from the KL Sentral (not a typo it is S) train station past midnight (it is now 7.15 a.m. in KL) and noted that Bambi is still running up his bill at the Vets! He seems slowly better and Hani is hopeful of bringing him home very soon.

Mark - safely home as noted above after a hectic day yesterday. Mr. Bunpot who it seems is amongst other things a Senator in Thailand (there is 150 of em apparently) introduced me to some of his friends yesterday including the head of the state railways, the President and Vice President of the Senate, the tourism minister, the transport minister and the director general of the House of Representatives (whatever that is). Of course I ran out of calling cards just before meeting the most senior of all of them the President of the Senate which Mr. Bunpot rescued by producing some more (I didn't give him any so I was a tad flabbergasted). Quite surreally had espresso and coconut ice cream in the office of the Director General who sought my "professional opinion" on choosing the new logo for the Parliament's coffee shop which is being taken over by one of Mr. Bunpot's friends. Got the distinct impression of being over sold by the old man - in the office of the Senate President he waxed lyrically for a while in Thai (Bunpot's english is almost non-existent) when the President turned to me and asked if I was following the conversation - my response of "not really" was replied to from behind the back of his hand with a charming "don't worry it's a secret!"

Tania - my passport is also almost full. I've spent a fortnight cultivating a new beard only to have the Malaysian immigration officer to confirm that I am now far more handsome than before whilst referring dismissively to my passport photo. I always choose a lady immigration officer in KL as they are far more friendly!

Ellen - An interesting story yesterday as I was waiting for my counter to open (I always like to get to the Airport early) when I was approached by an absolutely gorgeous young lady who told me that she was from the tourism ministry doing a survey on foreigner's expenditure in Thailand. Didn't let on that I had met her boss a few hours earlier but did fill in her questionnaire - I guess she will be a bit surprised that I didn't spend any money at all (until the airport bookshop anyway).

Jenny - I also don't mind airports as it is always an opportunity to read a fair bit whilst waiting. Not sure that I would be keen to sleep there though.

Dee - minor irritation did ensue with One Pair of Hands but overall it was charming.

Faith - I made it four hours early yesterday - you would have been proud of me. Mr. Bunpot was determined to change me on to an earlier flight and seemed surprised that I didn't really want to - bit superstitious about last minute changes and I wanted to finish my books!

Nora - As you will see above I entirely agree with you! I love trains and they are definitely my favourite mode of travel. The visit to Thailand was mainly to discuss rail projects and why they have a state-of-the-art train-airport link station that is almost totally deserted.

Cee - Bangkok airport has the most walking of any airport in the world as it is the longest single terminal airport anywhere. Great when you have plenty of time like me but probably less so if you are running (literally I'm sure) late.

Joe - always nice to see you mate and I have't too much to add either as I've almost exhausted the anecdotes!

Megan - hahaha your pre-travel routine! We had one lady travelling to our project in Gibraltar many moons ago who managed to miss two flights we organised for her. Still she was the one who sent her husband a Valentine's card which had FROM YOUR EVER LOVING WIFE emblazoned on the cover and she had written inside "Guess Who?!)

9.

Pure by Andrew Miller

Bit torn about this one if truth be told. Exquisitely written with some memorable scenes but the story was more than a little disturbing. Jean-Baptiste is summoned by the minister's representative and instructed as a young engineer to relocate the church and cemetary of Les Innocents. So basically he has to have the place dug up. Rape, attempted murder, strange love, prostitution and dead bodies abound as does pestilence and disease.
Set in the period immediately before the french revolution and presaging it somewhat this was an admirable but not particularly likeable book.

7/10

Oh and by the way and as hinted in a couple of posts above - I slipped again and bought two books in the airport book shop. Both on my hitlist and series that I am following:

The Troubled Man by Henning Mankell (finally an edition in the format I like)
Agent 6 by Tom Rob Smith

Both are favourites so I won't be able to wait too long before polishing these off.

So when do you get back, Paul? good trip so far?

btw, when are you off to NZ? I'm trying to finalize my March dates, and want to make sure I schedule my trip to KL around your vacation dates.

Hmm, going to pass on Pure, but appreciated your comments, Paul. Tickled you found The Troubled Man in an edition you like; I'm not nearly that far in Mankell's Wallander series, but I'll get there eventually.

Caro - back already! Off to NZ at the end of March (28th if not mistaken)

Nancy - It won the Costa Book of the Year and is really well written but I found the story a little too strange for my liking.

kidoki Paul ... I'll slip KL into my schedule before you guys head down south. ;-)

...Every time I see Pure I see Prue!...
Welcome home, and dont worry about the 2 book airport slip up, you can make up for it when you visit NZ as books are so expensive here you'd hardly be buying any.

Caro - great news!

Megan - dyslexia rules KO!

Woe is me, sick with dyslexia. Does that come with a day in bed as I would love that today.
*calls Andrew at work*
"Im coming down with a bout of dyslexia, can you come home and mind the kids? Thanks dear!"

Sounds like a case fo wisfhlu thinkging?!

Pure sounds like it might be similar to Perfume - one of my al;l-time favourites - so you haven't put me off. Run run to A Prayer for the Dying which I am loving to bits. Extraordinarily good. In every way.

Oh - as someone who lived in Wellington for two year a decade ago - spend more time there than in Auckland. It is the culture capital of NZ, I think - and simply beautiful. Te Papa museum, the Cable Car ride, just fantastic place - great restaurants. Enjoy!

I could just dive right into your picture of Tioman Island, Paul! Lovely.
It's funny, we were trying to decide on a really good movie to watch last night and South Pacific wasn't even thought of. Must put in movie queue.

I don't know, Paul. Pure sounds kind of interesting to me. Think I'm going to put it on the 'borrow from the Library' list.

Welcome back.

Hehe. I love the sound of Mr Bunpot. He would be a fabulous character for a novel :)

#79 - Pure does sound interesting. I'm actually looking for fiction set during revolutions for next year, but I suppose this wouldn't really work since it takes place before. Oh well.

And the adventures of Paul continue... My passport is currently being renewed. I hope I don't miss out on a trip a road while I'm waiting for it. Probably no worries there. The only trips I have planned for the next few weeks involve grandkids in Kansas and Texas.

So, you and Katie didn't connect in Thailand? I hope I have better luck meeting up with her and Stasia next month in Texas.

Thank you for introducing a new author, Monica Dickens. I must get acquainted with her.

Hi Paul. I love being an armchair traveler on your thread. The stories about Mr. Bunpot and Bangkok were great. Welcome home. :)

Ditto from me, Paul. Very entertaining. As lunacat said, Mr. Bunpot belongs in a novel.

Prue, I haven't read Perfume yet but Pure has a macarbre feel to it that certainly comes across in the movie version of Perfume.
Thanks for the tip on Wellington - we will definitely pay the capital a visit. (Cushla is there too if I'm not mistaken).

Lynda make sure you move the bedside table before you dive into the picture! There are several islands off the east coast of the peninsular that are to die for. Perhentian and Redang are also lovely.

Charlotte - I wouldn't try to put you off - it was very well written indeed but a tad strange.

Jenny I really need to find a way to upload the pictures of Mr. Bunpot - he is a senator of Thailand apparently and an all round fantastic host.

Kerri - it sorts of hints at the coming revolution - revolution literature we would be back to The Scarlet Pimpernel, A Place of Greater Safety and A Tale of Two Cities again. Any other recommendations anyone?

Donna - Kansas and Texas are both a fair distance aren't they from Missouri? I really wanted to get the time to meet up with Katie during my trip but Mr. Bunpot had my time well and truly taken up! Monica Dickens wrote a heck of a lot of stuff really and much of it is quite light reading and some good YA stuff.

Thanks Paul - I've actually started one of those fun lists (if anyone wants to add to it) and have received some interesting suggestions (and some odd ones as well):
http://www.librarything.com/list/183/all/Fiction-Set-During-a-Revolution

10.

The Appointment by Herta Muller

The problem with this was not the thing itself but my expectation of it. I read plenty of Koestler when I was younger and was always gripped and horrified by it. This was billed as the successor to the great man but it didn't make it for me. The story of our protagonist's reflections as she travels to keep an appointment with the state police of Ceaucescu's Romania. Certainly not a disaster but the matter-of-factness makes our lady an unsympathetic character but possibly more believable as a result. For example she is denounced by a male factory colleague for posting notes in clothes seeking a husband in Italy and we are told that this is because she has spurned his affections. Later we find out that she had seduced the sme fellow and then jilted him. The twist in the tale which I wont spoil is no surprise and neither is it that this was not and never will be Koestler!

6/10

Happily following your reading adventures, Paul, though I confess I've not even heard of Herta Muller or The Appointment. That said, I can relate 100% to The problem with this was not the thing itself but my expectation of it. How often I've tripped over my expectations! Thanks for the review.

Herta Muller writing in German won the Nobel prize. She is from Romania and is one of the stranger choices for the prize IMO.

Glad you're home safe, Paul!

welcome home Paul :)
Pure........I like disturbing so on the list it goes!

Hi Paul- Glad you made it home safe & sound! Hope you have a chance to take a breather. Good review of Pure. Sounds interesting.

Anne, Kara & Mark thanks so much. Pure will not leave anyone without opinions!

>79 PaulCranswick: Rape, attempted murder, strange love, prostitution and dead bodies abound as does pestilence and disease.

Wow that certainly covers a lot of ground Paul.

Bonnie, I don't think I have incited so much interest in a book with what was basically a lukewarm review!

I'm glad to see I can safely avoid all book bullets here today Paul. Thanks for your visits today. I've been very unsociable lately, hope I'm forgiven. In fact, your thread is my last stop for tonight. xx

Other than Darkness at Noon, which gripped and horrified me when I read it at age 15, which Koestler would you recommend?? I'm intrigued by Herta Muller, I confess.

I see a Kiwi meetup coming...

Oh, I'm going to re-read Mariana this year, but prob not this month. Would be cool to have a Monica Dickens challenge or group read at some point; she is one of those authors that has become v.v. overlooked of late. Re-read The Fancy last year.

Stopping by to say hi! Sorry to hear that Bambi is still at the vet's! I hope that she will be able to return home soon. Glad you've got your trip done to Bangkok. I think I'm having myself a bit of a ScandiCrime February, at least so far! :)

Ilana - You are not forgiven my dear simply for the reason I was never of a mind to hold you to task anyway! I have also been a little slow around the threads recently with my travelling in the way somewhat. I have devised a system whereby I check the threads of 2 dozen friends at least once a day with the rest of my starred threads either as and when they are on the first page of the group threads or on a once a week sweep. I have had to do this as simply I would never have got anything else done otherwise! Needless to say my favourite Quebecoise (Don't tell Antoine) is in the former group. Hope you are happy with your lot and have a good rest. xx

Suz - A couple or three of Koestler I would recommend Arrival and Departure, The Gladiators and Thieves in the Night.
Hopefully there will be a couple of Kiwi meets at least.
I agree on Monica Dickens - I will try to find some of the boxes where I have a few of hers stashed and I'll be up for a group read or challenge (so long as it is not Follyfoot!) The Winds of Heaven is one I know I have and I seem to recall enjoying it immensely.

Paul, you are always ever so kind and I adore you for it. xx

I need to get back to Scandicrime this weekend I think. I miss the darkness in my reads. haha

Ilana typing whilst blushing - thank you so much!

Caro - I have Mari Jungstedt's third up soon. Set on the Swedish island of Gotland with Inspector Knutas it is a sure bet for enjoyment.

I love making you blush Paul. My job is done for today! ;-)

Nah, Follyfoot is for teenage girls. The Winds of Heaven would be interesting; I remember reading that eons ago, but my copy has definitely vanished.

I'm going to do some Scandicrime this weekend, too, Caro -- mini readathon??

Ilana hahaha you're finished and it is 8.25 am here and I have just got started!

Suz - Give me a couple of days start on the Monica Dickens as you would have finished it while I'm still admiring the front cover!
Should be able to fit in Knutas this weekend I'm up for that too!

LOL -- I have to FIND it first!!

Keep me updated Suz as group reads with your esteemed self definitely need to work on some sort of handicap system!

Oh, piffle. *grin*

Hahaha Suz

BAMBI UPDATE

SWMBO is agitating for his release from the Vets. So he is definitely home this weekend.

Great! Looking for more pictures when that happens.

Roni - will do - I think SWMBO has tons of photos!

Paul
I'm stopping by to say how very much I appreciate the fine, fine man you are!

Linda - aw shucks I have had so many lovely comments this morning and I have only been awake for an hour! I hope that life is being a little more considerate to you at the moment after such a difficult week or two.

Yay for the return of Bambi to the bosom of her family home. She has been away for a long while now that I think about it. Poor old sausage, she will have missed you all :(

Megan - can confirm that she will have missed SWMBO, Kyran, Yassie and Erni - Paul, Belle and Fitria (SIL) much less so!

he he, I guess some people are cat people and some are just not.

Belle and I would join the canine crowd struggling to get a good view of the telly.

Hi Paul. Checking back in after my week of unacceptably long work days. I love that you only spent money once you got to the airport - and that what you bought there was books. We are all just sick sick sick. Well, not really. I love our love of books.

Regarding the reviews suggesting that Herta Muller would be the successor to Koestler, I have succumbed to that marketing strategy on two or three occasions (although I can't remember the specifics) and I am absolutely convinced that it's simply never true. The second writer might be worthy in their own right, but they are never (as far as I can tell) the true successor to the original. Usually because the original was really darn good!

I'm in for the Kiwi meet-up!!!!!!

AND I'm so glad that Bambi is coming home this weekend. That little guy has had more people around the world pulling for him than most cats get. :-) I hope he continues a positive recovery.

Ellen - nice to see you so bullish at the moment and buzzing rightly so with things going swimmingly! Must confess that I also subsequently bought fridge magnets for SWMBO in lieu of Yves Saint Laurent and to ensure that I would be fed, clothed and housed on my return.

You are so right about the marketing ploy of introducing the successor to.... It is invariably a disappointment as if you pick up the book for that reason you are normally predisposed to favour the original and heading for sure fire disappointment.

Great news if you can join in NZ. How far is it from Seattle?

Bambi has had yet another minor setback it seems and SWMBO says he can't come home today. I think it is becoming a ploy to make sure I have no money left to spend on books!

Paul - it's funny you should have mentioned Mari Jungstedt because I took it off my bookcase for my next read.

Hahaha Caro what do they say about great minds....and then there was us!

Poor Bambi. It's one setback after another!

I know! Bambi is not a lucky charm.

Hani is going to see the "vet" in the evening and so hopefully she can determine poor old Bambi's release!

>100 PaulCranswick: I know what you mean about expectations. I always expect the Nobel Prize to be a source of new (to me) and wonderful writers to explore and am always disappointed when I do not connect with one. I had a similar experience with Elfriede Jelinek. But I own The Appointment and will give it a try one of these days. Thanks for your review!

Poor wee Bambi ... but perhaps it was a good thing she wasn't released sooner because at least the staff at the vet were right there to help her instead of you guys having to detect that something else wasn't right and then having to bring her in again. *pat pat stroke stroke Bambi ... pat pat Paul's wallet*

oh no! All the fun adventures, stories and books, and now bad news about Bambi..
I think you need a new vet.....

Linda - nice to see you here - your first posting here if I'm not mistaken? The decisions taken by the Nobel commitee don't always get made solely on literary merit IMO.

Caro - You are right of course Bambis' better off with those that really know how to care for him. LOL on the wallet - c'est la vie - it's only money!

Hi Paul- Wow, I got behind over here! Big surprise, right? I hope you are enjoying your weekend and getting some R & R in.

Mark I think I need a little less R&R than you do - sounds like you had a tiring day or two on the beat!

Oh no - not another Bambi setback, the poor thing! Sending "Get well and return home soon" wishes!

I haven't read any Herta Mueller yet, but I have one of her books on my shelf, Herztier/ "Land of Green Plums". Her writing must be beautiful, but the sadness and darkness of her stories scares me, I am not yet ready for her.

Elfriede Jelinek is another winner I shoud read one day, but an extract of one of her books (could have been Lust) I read about 20 years ago put me me off her writing.

Thanks Nathalie for the Bambi wishes. Jelinek's writing can be a little explicit and garishly sexual - amazing to me that she won the Nobel but there you go. Hope the business is going along swimmingly and that you have a great weekend.

Sending good wishes for Bambi too!

Hi Paul, I've gotten a little behind on your thread as well. Sorry to hear that Bambi hasn't yet been returned home, glad to hear that your trip went so well, and enjoy your return to the world of Scandicrime this weekend.

Dropping by to ride the Bambi rollercoaster. Doesn't your vet know Hani's true name? Doesn't the vet know the meaning of the word 'obey'?

Just kidding. I could not agree more that it's far better to have Bambi in the hands of the professionals until he is truly well enough to come home.

fingers crossed for Bambi to get sprung soon!

Anita, Judy, Charlotte and Kara - thanks so much for the continued good wishes to Bambi - don't know about everyone else but I wish we had a different topic here to talk about than SWMBOs poor cat! The proposals topic has faded from view......anybody HELP!

Off topic but just to note that Whitney Houston passed away yesterday of causes not immediately known. She was only three years my senior and a marvellous talent from here early releases who went off the rails somewhat. What a waste!

Feast your eyes on these .....

Book autopsies - very cool

https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/111871221189306739012/albums/5707190695657343...

Alex - very unusual pictures. Not sure that those books would be that easy to read though!

Paul, poor you being taken over with nothing but Bambi comments! But that's what keeps you up in the polls isn't it? So don't knock it! Just joking of course, and I wouldn't worry if I were you, topics of conversation are continually changing and morphing in interesting ways.

I saw the news about Whitney Houston this evening too. Doubtless drug-related. Poor thing, she really had a rough time since she married that man. Not that I followed the tabloids or anything. Can't say I was ever a fan either, but it was very sad to see her fall apart the way she did and it's very sad that she passed away so very young.

Ilana - hahaha - you will note my comment over at yours about decamping to your place - but I guess I will have to pop back to respond to you!

Yeah poor Whitney - SWMBO got a better deal than she with Bobby Brown in her choice of hubbys and that is saying something!

Goodness Paul! How can you compare yourself to Bobby Brown?! You're a terrific guy. As for him... well I'm guessing just about anybody else than him would have been a better choice for a husband.

Well...that was pretty much what I was inarticulately trying to say! (Not the terrific guy bit - the rest of it)

I have to agree with you Ilana, not a fan but sad to see a talented woman going too soon and so sadly. And yes, I'm sure you are a terrific guy Paul! And that even though we as human beings are free to make our own choices about our lives..... B. Brown has a lot to answer for.

Thanks (I think) Megan - Bobbi Brown can only get so much of the blame Ms. Houston is ultimately the agent of her own destiny. To be fair we don't know the cause of the death as far as I am aware, but it seems to me that "ordinary" folks have more to cope with and make out ok, but it takes all sorts I suppose. Majestic singing voice and her first two albums were gorgeous but give me Kath or Linda or Darryl anyday as idols and role models thank you very much.

Went to the movies this afternoon with the tribe and Belle was being unusually friendly seeking me out to walk hand-in-hand with daddy and insisting on sitting next to me in the cinema (Chronicle). Smug beyond compare until SWMBO pointed out and Belle revealed that the object of her affection was actually that she wanted a handphone and sees me as the best bet to get one - obviously the old mug has folded!

Also picked up my Literary Review mag from the Pavilion bookstore as well as:

Years of Renewal by Henry Kissinger - Part three of his in office memoirs - the last two were fascinating stuff - this one covers the Ford Administration.

Hi Paul- I hope you enjoyed your weekend and your current books are treating you well. And yes, I don't see you as Bobby Brown or Ike Turner.

No way Mark I'm a much better singer!

>141 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul. Yes, that was my first official visit. I have only this year started to become active in the threads. But believe me, I'm in no danger of ever making your stats. I am more active on Club Read and the Non-Fiction Journal Challenge, but do also have a 75ers thread. Stop by and visit some time!

Smart girl, that Belle .... so when are you getting her a handphone, muggy dad? ;-)

Whew. I finally had time to catch up on your various sagas.

As for Whitney Houston, reports are she had an equal hand in her own destruction. But it's sad when such luminous talent is not enough to create a good life.

Linda - if you don't mind please send me the link to your threads and as a nosey parker I will along there tout de suite!

Caro - She has the thing already - I am absolute putty in her hands - I dare say I'll be back to the back of the queue for her affections tomorrow but today I'll make hay while the sun shines.
The little sneak showed me the diary she is keeping in invisible ink would you believe (it appears when you shine a light on it). In summary she said to paraphrase:
"Mummy smokes but I'm not allowed to tell anyone. Daddy is nice (she must have had the phone in mind already), Sis is not nice. Bro is annoying. He has a girlfriend who is a Princess. I am the only one who is 8."

Judy - quite right. Those with such God given natural talent often burn brightly and then fizzle and fade far too fastly.

I just Googled handphone. Huh. I'm always at least 5 years behind in cell phone technology, probably because I passionately hate talking on the phone.

And a visit to your thread wouldn't seem right without sending my love and best wishes to Bambi. Hang in there, Bambi.

Oh dear. I come to your thread for some entertainment and nearly give myself a heart attack by reading the comment towards the link in #152 as body autopsies - very cool. I cannot say with perfect honesty that I wouldn't be interested in seeing an autopsy, but in my sleepy, befuddled Sunday state, it was a bit much. Plus I choked on my tea.

Even though I then read it properly, I'm still a bit of a muddle, so I'm leaving now, before anything else lands me in mortal peril ;)

>166 PaulCranswick: Here you go. I'm sure there's a fancier way to do this, but I haven't figured it out yet. Hope this works.

Club Read: www.librarything.com/topic/129926
75ers: www.librarything.com/topic/129891
Non-Fiction Challenge: www.librarything.com/topic/129928

Kerri - hahaha - I think it is a terminology thing - some people call them cellphones and some mobiles - Malaysians go for handphone - guess I'm an honorary Malaysian cause my brother doesn't understand me either!

Jenny - completely not guilty on the book autopsies. Posted on my thread by Alex. Not my thing autopsies and I certainly don't think I would want to watch one and even less be the subject of one!

Linda - thanks! See you in a mo.

Belle 1 : Putty Daddy 0. Be thankful she doesn't yet have a car in mind ... imagine what delightful diary tidbits you'd be privy to then! ;-)

You should have more control over what people post on your thread. It's unfair ;)

Caro - since you should mention that - Yassie (15 in a few days time) already has designs on a Volkswagon Beetle. She also "cleaned" me out by forcing me into Clinique to buy "her cleanser" - "don't blame me Dad it's my hormones!" - I haven't got a chance with these three ladies.

Jenny I won't argue with you on that - but I don't think Alex meant any harm - even though it is patently not my thing at all.

Jenny by the way - a good way to tell it is not from me is that I'm far too computer illiterate to make web links that actually work!

delurking to say..
I enjoy phones. I do not enjoy cell phones.. or texting.
They have just become a necessary evil..

Hi Kath - also don't care for texting but it does save a fair amount of dosh in business. Not for pleasure though as my fingers are far too stubby.

Update on the Posting League for those interested and the significant mover (as I predicted is Kath who takes third spot from Stephen)
Now we have :
88 over 100 posts
48 over 200 posts
30 over 300 posts
17 over 400 posts
15 over 500 posts
10 over 600 posts
7 over 700 posts
6 over 900 posts
5 over 1000 posts
2 over 1200 posts
1 over 1400 posts

Top 20

RICHARD 1413
PAUL 1214
KATH 1078
STEPHEN 1071
MARK 1006
JOE 955
ILANA 745
CLAUDIA 670
DONNA 623
AMBER 607
STASIA 582
CHELLE 581
CARO 572
DARRYL 557
LUCY 537
JUDE 439
SUZ 430
MICKY 390
MEGAN 385
SARA 382

Finally made it over here and now caught up on the discussion and the Bambi update. At this rate, I will be back for another visit when your 7th thread is posted!

;-)

Most excellent and interesting statistics, Watson!

162: No way Mark I'm a much better singer!

I think that's the first time I've laughed out loud today and I haven't even heard you sing! Thank you.

174: Hmm, Clinique. As Anna commented in This Life when one of her trainee lawyer flatmates nicked her moisturiser, it costs!

Love Belle's handphone strategy, Paul! I'm familiar with it. Both our kids continue to have an affectionate nickname for me: "The Wallet". It tends to come up when we're in bookstores.

I'm imagining a crowd is starting to develop outside the vet's place: "Free Bambi! Free Bambi!"

Any news yet, or did I somehow miss it?

Hi Paul! Skimmed to catch up. Busy busy over here :) Sounds like you had a whirlwind of a time in Bangkok. Re: the airport - it isn't very well designed and for whatever reason, passport control upon entry was ridiculously slow. Cathay provides a premier lane pass but I somehow missed it - didn't make the same mistake while departing! And I would hate to have to try to catch a connection there...

Lori, hahaha slowing down a little so it might be only number six before I see you again?

Nancy thanks- you'll be pleased to note that you occupy 51st place with 194 posts.

Aw Paul, I hate to say it, but as soon as I saw you mention that Belle was being extra nice to you my first thought was "what does she want now??" You are much too good to them. Shouldn't you maybe consider at least holding out a little so that their affections will continue strong for at least a few days?

Sorry, none of my business, but as you share, I can't help but comment. And what do I know? I don't have children, but judging by how I treat my animals, I'd probably be a strict mum.

Can't believe I'm still in 7th spot. I was sure that pouring my heart out with my depressing blabber would send people running for the hills, but it seems not. Is it very sick of me that I now wonder every day when you'll post those stats and whether I'll still hold on to my spot? You're just evil. But I still love you. xx

eta: that would be treat my animals and not "tread" them.

Dee - happy to oblige - I am one of the few white guys in se asia who actually like going to karoake because they like to sing. Oldies are my bag - Tell Laura I Love Her, Always on My Mind, Let It Be Me, Don't, Yesterday would be my usual reportoire with a smidgen of Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word, Just The Way You Are, We've Got Tonight and Jealous Guy taking me into the 1970s.
Clinique - Yassie studies high maintenance at the school of SWMBO!

Joe - Chicago to Kuala Lumpur kids and their Dads are much the same mate aren't they?
Hani will go again the vet tomorrow and see if Bambi can be "released".

Katie - as I said we were helped on our way in but I was on my own on the way out and it was not the most efficient. A few years we came back from London to KL via Bangkok and the connection was a rush and a palava I wouldn't ever want to repeat.

Ilana - my strategy was actually to hold off for a day or two but I'm far too much of a softie! Sure you would be a great mum if the possibility ever presented itself and that one not joking for a change!
Actually you've never fallen off 7th spot although Cee closed right up until the last couple of days where....surprise surprise....your confessionals has actually boosted your numbers. Interesting that the top 15 has not changed since the first 3 weeks, just shuffled a little.

Hi Paul!
Haven't been spending quite as much time on LT threads lately - trying to set a good example for you young'uns. Not working I see... had to do major catch-up on your thread and many more to go...

I certainly don't see how I continue in the #8 spot since I have nothing of interest to say, have not put much effort into reviews (though I have been really enjoying my reading lately) and have no new or injured pets (thank the goddess). I have loyal, hugging friends I 'spose... who know how badly I need them all.

Carry on with your inimitable entertainment that brightens the day! :)

Cee - sometimes posts are made just for you being you!

Claudia, you don't need any gimmicks, we just come to visit you because of your wonderful self. xx

And Paul, thanks. Unlikely to happen since I'm past my prime, and well so, but thanks.

#171 - Oh! I thought you meant this: http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2008/05/the-handphone-p/

But upon closer inspection, it was never mass-produced...thank goodness.

As the youngest child in my family, I can relate to Belles tactics. Paul, Im sure you could have held out for at least a day! hehe, if being too nice is the worst you can be then its none to bad is it!?

I thought maybe Belle might have had a sudden onslaught of Bambi-related grief, and needed dads cuddles, but no, a handphone. Funny :)

Oh lordy, just skimming through. 56 posts behind.
I love the hand-holding story. So sweet.
Wondering how Bambi is doing.
Wondering how Paul is doing - u seem to be fine?
xo

Paul, your Belle story made me smile as my husband is rather a softie as well. My two girls could wheedle just about anything out of him (and in fact, even in their 30's as they are today, still can), and of course, I have no complaints in that department either! Hooray for Softies!

Ilana - concur with the comments re Cee. If 69 is 1969 then as Sean Connery said you are still able to say "never say never". xx

Kerri - eek, I have enough trouble with cellphones {?) as it is without that weird looking contraption.

Megan - I suppose on reflection being a soft touch is not the worst vice to have. You're right I should have held out a bit longer - she sauntered off to school this morning more like her old self than yesterday.

Ellen - nice to see you! I'm fine and we'll know about the furry friend later today

Judy - Softies of the world unite! I guess we would then make a giant pillow!

Love the stats Paul -- I suspect I've made it into the big leagues mainly by way of the puppy factor!!!

Lucy - you have the puppies as well as you! I have the Bambi factor too of course so the animals are certainly taking over the group!

Hi Paul- Did I tell you I have 2 dogs? Unfortunately, they are both very healthy. Sh*t! Bailey, the oldest, has a gray muzzle and sometimes moves around a bit slow. Does that count for anything?

Did someone say animals?

Mark, hahaha I'll pop over and add one post to your collection in sympathy for you having healthy animals!

Ellen - Cute!

⬆ Awwwwwww!!! ♥

eta: dang! Paul beat me to it. Here I was getting all fancy with the dingbats for the sake of the photo!

Sorry Ilana - Ellen please overlook my earlier post- refer to Ilana's and now I'll add my ...CUTE!

#203 :-) You're a pal. *smooch*

Gratefully accepted but not sure I'll still be in your good books after you read the latest contribution to garden differences over at yours. You know of course that I am kidding!

Hi Paul, just checking in to see how Bambi was doing. Still no word?

Bonnie Hi and Thanks. SWMBO told me we have to go and see the Vet this evening so I will update later.

Since Spook is keeping me company here this evening, I thought he'd like to send get well wishes to Bambi.



However, while I was taking his picture, the other cats felt left out and came in to send their best wishes as well.

on the subject of stats I am trying to win the other end of the table .......

Roni - three lovable and very different looking feline individuals....any reason that Spook is trying to promote photographs of Barack Obama?

Alex - hahaha you're nowhere near the bottom rungs of the ladder.

Ahhh, such happy memories have returned visiting here, of me wheedling things out of my dad. I didn't even bother with my mum most of the time.

Pets was usually what my dad did best (no mobile phones back then.....wow, does that make me old??) - most memorable moment was convincing him to let me have a hamster, and once I had my dad onside, it was all downhill........ :)

What a daddy's girl I was!

Jenny - Dad's love being appreciated your dad must have been so blessed. I have mischievous images of the hamster going downhill at an amazing rate of knots~!

Was going to put up the latest Books Read league but realised that many of the ""contenders"" are not up to date (I surmise) on recording their number of books read. Susan, Morphy and Luci in particular are too busy reading to post up their numbers! Needless to say that Suz is already safely over 50 books already and Susan is nearing that mark too. To meet the 75 target the mortals should be in double figures already.

*zipping through, searching for updates*

Faith - updates a coming by the zipful don't worry.

Gorgeous photos of kitties... did I miss the Bambi update somewhere?

Kath

BAMBI UPDATE

He is home tomorrow seemingly for sure! SWMBO will go and fetch him after lunch and I'll send my driver with the payment. Hopefully we will be able to take proper care of him. Stand by for plenty of photos.

SWMBO on the warpath in other news today. Kyran has somehow managed to lose his thumbdrive (the memory stick or whatever it is called) assorted pencils, his locker key but did find detention for skipping his english homework. Arrived home and she was pulling at her hair like a bereaved mother at a Palestinian funeral. I also caught the lash of her tongue as the bathroom light was out and I thought it fair enough to get Erni the maid to change the bulb. Reflexes still excellent as I managed to duck to avoid the shoe she threw at me but unfortunately my coffee cup was not as nimble! Wide berth for a few hours at least before I attempt to ignite the failing charm!

I should get caught up tomorrow with the books. Almost all re-reads as I was sick and just wanted something very easy.

Feel free to hide out in the cafe for a while, Paul. Discretion is the better part of valor.

Morphy - look forward to seeing your numbers climb dramatically!

Joe - hahaha save me a place close to the fire exit so I can get away quick if she comes along with her cleaver!

Delurking to say I'm glad you have good reflexes, Paul. Your posts make me smile, especially the one about the homecoming of Bambi tomorrow. I feel like we've all gone through the wringer with you; perhaps we should chip in on the vet bill!

Well Donna I'm sure I could arrange a small commission! We'll manage my dear thank you so much - besides which Ringgit Malaysia the local currency will be so unfamiliar to you all that by the ime it has been figured out then Bambi will be running around (but hopefully not flying)!

Paul - good news about Bambi.

Hope you can stay out of the firing line:)

Paul- Great news about Bambi! Yah! I think I heard one of my dogs coughing...oh sorry...just gas!

Calm - Thanks - she is praying at the moment but surprisingly I still feel fine! Valentine's Day has just been ushered in here and I was considering trying my luck but I don't think I would look too good tomorrow with a black eye or two; my client's might think I was a battered husband or something crazy!

Mark - hahaha good try mate but your pooches will remain in excellent health I'm sure as you pile on the posts anyway!

Yay, I'm glad Bambi will be coming home, and hopefully not totting up any more vet bills any time soon. Just think how badly that would inconvenience your book fund ;)

I hope I made my Dad as happy as yours do for you. I wish I could ask him, but I'll just have to make do with knowing how much I loved/love him.

And the hamster did once take a sojourn down the stairs in his ball. A different one had a week long escapade in my grandparents dining-room while we were on holiday. My longest lived one was the only one we couldn't really handle. Pets......*sigh*

Enjoy - even while your son is causing you to have things thrown at you!!!

Jenny, a lovely and deeply touching post:

I hope I made my Dad as happy as yours do for you. I wish I could ask him, but I'll just have to make do with knowing how much I loved/love him.

Not often a tough nut like me has a lump in his throat (unless it is caused by overcooked steak) but you got me.

I guess I'll be ok with SWMBO in the near future as soon as I have got over the mountain she placed where the mole hill should have been.

So what are you doing to celebrate Valentine's Day, Paul? I suggest at least a giant box of chocolates to pump SWMBO with the happy endorphins. And if you get dark chocolates, they're good for her health too. Double bonus!

Caro - I thought we'd go out for a nice meal - I'll have mine in KL she can have hers in Melaka!

229> LOL
flowers? maybe

maybe her mood will change when Bambi comes home :)

I'll have mine in KL she can have hers in Melaka

And I'm sure you'll both have a fabulous time ;)

Kara - roll on I can't wait to see that cat put a smile on her face - I sure as heck am struggling to do so.

Jenny - Of course I'm kidding about to try to kiss and make up.

Wow - she really threw a shoe at you?? My admiration for her grows daily. I don't think I could ever express myself so dramatically, except if it was written in the script!

Hahaha Judy thanks for the sympathetic words for a fellow 75er! I suppose SWMBO almost qualifies anyway....I guess I'm only surprised none of you ladies have asked for details about the type and brand of shoes (no they weren't Jimmy Choos).

There were 75 unread messages and I was feeling a good amount of trepidation re: our favorite patient. But no need to worry, I see. Yay for Bambi!!

Charlotte I don't want to tempt fate but I think our feline will be fine. Thanks and sorry that the number of posts made you fear the worst.

LOL ... too funny, Paul.

>217 PaulCranswick: cant stop laughing at SWMBO update. Will have to read rest of posts later and comment then if need be.

Eta: only found more to chuckle at. It's great fun reading your thread Paul!

Caro / Megan - thanks for the chuckles, need a few. Sleeping beauty is still not happy with her beau.

Hi Paul,
Hope you have a nice dinner with SWMBO - and a VERY romantic make-up after ;-)

Good news on Bambi - Valentine's Day homecoming sounds great. Good luck!

Great news about Bambi. Sorry Kyran is in the doghouse (not the cathouse, mind you). I love the image of SWMBO throwing a shoe your direction and you ducking only to have coffee flying everywhere. I guess I shouldn't be laughing, though, should I? I agree with 230> Maybe her mood will change when Bambi is finally home.

Cee - Hoping so too - thanks for the five hearts - enjoy your day as well.

Ellen - I think Bambi will give her something else to focus on. Think everything got a tad too much for her last night. Sent her a text this morning as she is still asleep so fingers crossed. Btw Erni quickly replaced my coffee.

Btw Erni quickly replaced my coffee.
Whew. Erni is a keeper.

Good luck on the SWMBO front ..... I hope you end up making up wildly and joyously this evening, Paul.

Ellen - she sure is....poor girl gets caught in the cross fire all too often...and always keeps a smile on her face.

Caro - thanks you managed to get my likeness off to a tee....it is probably still your birthday over there but I wish you love and joy on Valentine's too, especially if the hubster is back in town.

Thanks, Paul... if I've done a right job capturing your likeness then you definitely have no fear of SWMBO coming around for make up cuddles and more this evening.

The hubster is currently snoring in his Lay-Z Boy ...a combination of over-eating at dinner and jetlag.

Hi Paul- I am getting some activity on my new thread, the gassy dogs are having some success. Yah! I never thought I would be happy about this!

Paul.... read my answer to your post on my thread. It might brighten your day a little

Caro - Caught up...glad to see that the hubster is back and catching up on his beauty sleep but with one eye open to guard against unwanted tattoos.

Mark - hahaha your dogs are putting the wind up everybody on your brand new thread.