Yes we do, though mostly because either we or they moved within the area, so we see them on the bus, grocery store, etc. One former neighbour of dh and I were also neighbours to dh growing up, and both sets of parents are still neighbours. It feels like a small town, but it's not.

I first discovered Roald Dahl's adult books when I happened to see a TV show called "Tales of the Unexpected" based on Dahl's short stories for adults. In fact, Dahl himself introduced some of the stories on the TV show. It was so good, so spine tingling, and I just had to go out and read the books. A couple of my favorite short stories are "Royal Jelly" and "Skin." On the TV show, Royal Jelly was SO well done. I have to try and find that TV series on netflix or something. I personally find many of Dahl's children's book a little bizarre, but looking at the adult short stories, I can see where his writing interests certainly are, and "bizarre" is definitely on his radar.

Yay! Riders fans rock! :thumbup: I'm still sad there are no Rough Riders left in Ottawa, though. :001_unsure:

Wow! Great job. I would have been still on the couch watching TV and eating blueberries. :001_smile: I need to clean my boys' room sometime in this decade. Perhaps you've inspired others, when you simply wanted a nudge for yourself! :D

Yikes! I remember now. So sorry you have an aunt like this. :tongue_smilie: Don't you love that Montgomery can write so believable characters, though. They come to life - though clearly you already had experience with this type of person. :glare:

I'd be curious about her education, both formal and informal, from her early 20s on up. As we all know, learning doesn't stop at age 20, and it doesn't have to be taught by someone else. If someone looked at my educational background, they would miss the incredible amount of history I've been learning just within the last few years as a home educator. Without this, it would look like I never learned a thing beyond basic Canadian history.

Now I need to go re-read the book. :001_smile: Is she the older aunt who doesn't hear very well, so the children have to shout. Or is she the one who nit-picks at everything everyone does?

I need some guidence here, too.

I've seen the title "Letters from Father Christmas" in the front of The Hobbit. I'd LOVE to read this! Thanks for the recommendation and link. :hurray:

That's pretty cool! I have no idea about resources to help him. I'd need to go sit in another room, but that's a different story. My dh's neighbour was an engineer and did stuff like this even as an adult. His favourite story was when dh's mom's stove stopped working and the neighbour went home to take apart his own stove (the exact same kind), then came over and fixed the stove. The neighbour's wife was not impressed that her stove didn't get put back together again quite so quickly! :lol:

:iagree: These dishes are making me hungry! Great ideas!

I LOVED Quincy! Now I want Netflix. :D

I also loved the Chronicles of Avonlea, for further little stories with the characters from the Anne books. (There's also a More Chronicles... for those who just want more!) ;)

Love them both. I believe that these, as well as "Emily of New Moon" are somewhat autobiographical. The Emily series are also wonderful, especially if you have a dd who likes to write - hey, I should have my dd read them. :001_smile:

I have table envy now. Both because it is beautiful, and because you made it yourself! :thumbup1:

Ooops. It would help if I spelled Tolkien correctly! :tongue_smilie: The Languages book looks neat. Thanks for the link. I've heard that the Silmarillian is quite a chanllenging read. I usually read right before bed, letting the book hit the floor when I fall asleep. If the book requires too much brain power (or is too big and heavy :001_huh:), it's not going to get much open-page time, sadly. So, looking for light and delightful Tolkien stories for suggestions. :) Well, I guess if you must, you can also list your own personal favourites. ;)

Glad you didn't get cornered, and that the kids were safe swimming. Probably the best scenario. Plus, you remained good neighbours! :001_smile:

I love The Hobbit, LotR, and a couple lesser known books, such as Leaf by Niggle and Farmer Giles of Ham. I do prefer the stories over his non-fiction works. What are your favourites?

Anne's House of Dreams is my favourite. Story Girl is also EXCELLENT!

The Beverley Hill Billies

I'm not sure what specifically you are stressed about. They are opening their home and lives to you, all you have to do is smile and be polite. A little whining from a 4 yo girl with older brothers sounds perfectly normal to me. I had an older brother and I either wanted to play with him (which he didn't) or I was annoyed by his teasing (which is regular brother behaviour).

Ok, this would be my second retirement home! I was born in Calgary and LOVE the Rockies. :001_smile: I also wouldn't mind the $ for homeschooling in AB - though I'd hopefully be done with homeschooling when I retire since homeschooling IS my job (I'm foggy brained today).

This is my experience, too, with both piano and violin. I also sit in for the lesson, so I know what the teacher is doing with the student and what she wants the student to work on. It is much more time consuming for me, but the results are really worth it.

I think it's the law of puppyhood. Chew toys are only to make your owners happy. Chewing cords, clothing and furniture make the puppy happy! :001_smile:

Wow! What a cute little guy. I love the colouring!