Jasper Fforde Ffan

[Maud Fitch]

Love the photo actually; sort of a cheeky devil-may-care-Gannon . But what's wrong with freckles and pigtails?
Not on you, of course, Gannon, but generally.

I've read "Back to the Pillaga" but not those other authors - although "The Girl in the Hard Hat" did get good reviews.
I must check them out because I support Australia writers and I think they're up there with the best of them.
Anna Funder is enjoyable and my country farm friends have recommended "Fifty Bales of Hay" by Rachael Treasure,
apparently agricultural erotica .

[Gannon]

Love the photo actually; sort of a cheeky devil-may-care-Gannon . But what's wrong with freckles and pigtails?
Not on you, of course, Gannon, but generally.

I've read "Back to the Pillaga" but not those other authors - although "The Girl in the Hard Hat" did get good reviews.
I must check them out because I support Australia writers and I think they're up there with the best of them.
Anna Funder is enjoyable and my country farm friends have recommended "Fifty Bales of Hay" by Rachael Treasure,
apparently agricultural erotica .

Howdy there Maudster. There is absolutely nothing wrong with freckles, they are very cute, Hades still has them now. Did you enjoy "Back to the Pillaga"? "The Girl in the Hard Hat", sounds good, woman working in what society thinks is a man's world, having to work twice as hard and doing a better job than any of the men.

Are you joking about "Fifty Bales of Hay". Hilarious. Agricultural Erotica, hahaha, is that even a genre?

Still waiting for my Jasper Fforde. It is long overdue now, I think it's time to start searching, have not read any JF for a long time now.

Yesterday, while I was posting, I was minding my nephew at the same time. He was waiting to play a game and asked me what I was doing. I told him I was talking to my best friend Maudster. He looked at me and did his little thinking face and then said, "Maudster, I like that name!"

[Maud Fitch]

Are you joking about "Fifty Bales of Hay". Hilarious. Agricultural Erotica, hahaha, is that even a genre?

Still waiting for my Jasper Fforde. It is long overdue now, I think it's time to start searching, have not read any JF for a long time now.

Yesterday, while I was posting, I was minding my nephew at the same time. He was waiting to play a game and asked me what I was doing. I told him I was talking to my best friend Maudster. He looked at me and did his little thinking face and then said, "Maudster, I like that name!"

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! We need a little Smilie face blowing a kiss. The blushing Smilie isn't a happy one.

Yes, Gannon, I am deadly serious about "Fifty Bales of Hay" - my veterinary friend has the paperback.
Yes, "Back to the Pilliga" is a good rural outback story, I enjoyed yummy PI Lachlan Sinclair and the family tensions.

Your nephew sounds totally adorable, please tell him that I like 'Maudster' too.

The slowness of your Jasper Fforde book is annoying. You'll need your fix before you forget what he's all about.

[Gannon]

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! We need a little Smilie face blowing a kiss. The blushing Smilie isn't a happy one.

Yes, Gannon, I am deadly serious about "Fifty Bales of Hay" - my veterinary friend has the paperback.
Yes, "Back to the Pilliga" is a good rural outback story, I enjoyed yummy PI Lachlan Sinclair and the family tensions.

Your nephew sounds totally adorable, please tell him that I like 'Maudster' too.

The slowness of your Jasper Fforde book is annoying. You'll need your fix before you forget what he's all about.[/quote]

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY back at ya Maudster.

I'm glad that you enjoyed "Back to the Pilliga". I think I will start with that one. I can't believe that "Fifty Bales of Hay" is a real book, I thought you were making a joke.

Jasper is taking so long to arrive, I will have to read the last book to remember the characters and storyline. I did have a book take about six months to arrive a few years ago, but I find it hard to believe that can happen in this day and age.

Without finishing it, I can heartily recommend "Wolf Hall". Great book. I love the politics and the balance of power shifting between the crown and the church.

Well the weekend is nearly here again, so I hope you have a great one.

ps- Did you hear that Captain Cook's pistol was sold at auction for $220000. Wow!

[Maud Fitch]

.....Jasper is taking so long to arrive, I will have to read the last book to remember the characters and storyline. I did have a book take about six months to arrive a few years ago, but I find it hard to believe that can happen in this day and age.....

ps- Did you hear that Captain Cook's pistol was sold at auction for $220000. Wow!

And double wow! I had to count those zeros! Shame he didn't have it with him when he visited Hawaii.

Glad Hilary is keeping you occupied, er, interested, um, entertained.....I'm reading S. J. Bolton "Now You See Me" and it's a crime thriller based on Jack The Ripper, rather a copy cat killer in modern day London. Well written, good characters but I have to gloss over paragraphs because of the graphic nature of the murders.

Tsk, tsk, you are so right. There is no excuse for slow delivery these days, no matter what the item. You'd think a book would travel light! Jasper used to send out his own autographed books but has long ceased doing so. My cousin ordered a mask from USA and the courier company actually sent daily emails charting its progress across the country, in the air and then Australia. It took about five days and I was impressed.

Wishing you a very enjoyable weekend (fishing?) and please don't get sunburned.

[Gannon]

And double wow! I had to count those zeros! Shame he didn't have it with him when he visited Hawaii.

Glad Hilary is keeping you occupied, er, interested, um, entertained.....I'm reading S. J. Bolton "Now You See Me" and it's a crime thriller based on Jack The Ripper, rather a copy cat killer in modern day London. Well written, good characters but I have to gloss over paragraphs because of the graphic nature of the murders.

Tsk, tsk, you are so right. There is no excuse for slow delivery these days, no matter what the item. You'd think a book would travel light! Jasper used to send out his own autographed books but has long ceased doing so. My cousin ordered a mask from USA and the courier company actually sent daily emails charting its progress across the country, in the air and then Australia. It took about five days and I was impressed.

Wishing you a very enjoyable weekend (fishing?) and please don't get sunburned.[/quote]

Howdy howdy Maudster.

Captain Cook probably did have his pistol at Hawaii, but it only had the one shot.

"Now you see me", sounds good, but you can't gloss over paragraphs. That's like pulling the sheets over your head and closing your eyes watching a horror movie.

Thanks for sharing your cousin's story, now I feel even worse.

I will not be getting sunburned this weekend, I am spending it indoors reading. I'm putting on sunscreen just in case.

Hope you have a great weekend whatever you are doing.

-- Sun Feb 17, 2013 2:55 am --

Howdy Maudster, nothing to do with Jasper Fforde, just something to give you a laugh.

I did end up going with my brother fishing today. I started the day with a slide down a three metre embankment. It was mostly mud so I ended up sliding down into the water. We then had a one hour hike to the fishing hole we wanted to try. For 55 minutes of this hike it poured rain, so hard that it actually hurt. On the way back(after drying out) while walking back through shin high water, I tripped over a log and fell into the water. My brother could not stop laughing. I was soaked for the whole day. Ahhhrrrr, I should have stayed at home with my feet up and finished "Wolf Hall".

I swear to you that I am not normally this clumsy and accident prone. At least we both caught a nice haul of Whiting and I am cooking them up tonight.

Hope you had a great weekend, hopefully nice and dry.

-- Sun Feb 17, 2013 2:55 am --

Howdy Maudster, nothing to do with Jasper Fforde, just something to give you a laugh.

I did end up going with my brother fishing today. I started the day with a slide down a three metre embankment. It was mostly mud so I ended up sliding down into the water. We then had a one hour hike to the fishing hole we wanted to try. For 55 minutes of this hike it poured rain, so hard that it actually hurt. On the way back(after drying out) while walking back through shin high water, I tripped over a log and fell into the water. My brother could not stop laughing. I was soaked for the whole day. Ahhhrrrr, I should have stayed at home with my feet up and finished "Wolf Hall".

I swear to you that I am not normally this clumsy and accident prone. At least we both caught a nice haul of Whiting and I am cooking them up tonight.

Hope you had a great weekend, hopefully nice and dry.

-- Fri Feb 22, 2013 12:30 am --

Maudster, you have disappeared again!!!!

[Maud Fitch]

Hullo dear Gannon. You did give me quite a good laugh. I could picture exactly what happened to you!!! Ouch, ouch and double ouch - but I guess you did the sensible thing and went home to read.

I love fresh fish (haven't had whiting for years) but tonight I'm making tinned salmon rissoles.

Sorry about my lack of communication but when I log on, I use the JF and CmcC forums as my special treat. It's true.
I answer other posts and add my bit to the ongoing threads before I settle down to reply to The Best Two. Regrettably
I often leave this too late and the boss at work, the dog at home, a looming deadline or the phone takes me away.
You probably have heard me crying "Nooooo....."

Perhaps I should revise my strategy and only reply to JF and CmcC and let the rest take their chances?

No Jasper news, Gannon, but your fishing tales are just as good!!!

[Gannon]

Hullo dear Gannon. You did give me quite a good laugh. I could picture exactly what happened to you!!! Ouch, ouch and double ouch - but I guess you did the sensible thing and went home to read.

I love fresh fish (haven't had whiting for years) but tonight I'm making tinned salmon rissoles.

Sorry about my lack of communication but when I log on, I use the JF and CmcC forums as my special treat. It's true.
I answer other posts and add my bit to the ongoing threads before I settle down to reply to The Best Two. Regrettably
I often leave this too late and the boss at work, the dog at home, a looming deadline or the phone takes me away.
You probably have heard me crying "Nooooo....."

Perhaps I should revise my strategy and only reply to JF and CmcC and let the rest take their chances?

No Jasper news, Gannon, but your fishing tales are just as good!!!

It's funny you should mention salmon rissoles. My late grandmother used to make the best salmon rissoles. I love them, and haven't had them for a long time now. I am going to insist we have them one night this week. Thanks for bringing them up.

More storms and flooding. Oz has really be copping a hammering lately.

We went fishing early yesterday morning, and thankfully no accidents. I did however manage to cast my brother's favourite lure into a tree(but we got it back).

Have you been following the Oscars? I hope Hugh can get the best actor, but I have a strong feeling it is going to be Daniel Day Lewis. Maybe Jackie Weaver or Naomi Watts can get one for us.

I will finish "Bring Up the Bodies" in the next couple of days, fantastic book, I actually like it better than "Wolf Hall".

I will let you know how the Salmon rissoles turn out.

Hope you have a fantastic weekend Maudster.

Ps The JF and CoMc forums are my favourite as well.

[Maud Fitch]

Hi there, Gannon (and anyone else who may be reading this) I certainly hope you've had a pleasant week. And eaten those salmon rissoles for dinner. Accompanied by a nice salad or perhaps a side serving of hot chips. Yum!

Yes, floods floods and more floods. Untold damage and heartache for so many Queenslanders. I'm thoroughly sick of the rain. It's not gentle sprinkling tinkling rain, it's pounding down tropical style, gutters overflowing within minutes, high humidity and carpet mould, even in my car.

I didn't put any money on the outcome of the Oscars this year. Lincoln's Daniel Day-Lewis wasn't too much of a surprise nor was Jennifer Lawrence in Silver Linings Playbook, a movie which was loaded with Oscar bait, and no shocks for Life Of Pi awards or Quentin Tarantino but I was astonished that Anne Hathaway only got best supporting actress. Oh well <shrug> it's all a bit incestuous anyway.....

Keep those fishing stories coming. My only news is that today I've been a member of these Forums for two years!!!!!

In closing, just a small PS: on 17th February, Jasper Fforde visited Bloxham, near Banbury, Oxfordshire and talked
to Paul Handley, editor of Church Times, about his (according to Handley) "unique blend of comedy-sci-fi-thriller-crime-satire" and I thought that was a pretty good description.

[Gannon]

Two years! My oh my how the time flies (or is it flys, I always get them mixed up).

Carpet mould in the car? Maud, Maud, Maud, you do keep the windows up don't you?

Have not had the rissoles yet. Somebody (no names) forgot to get the salmon.

You are right, there were no real surprises at the Oscars. With regards to Lincoln, I have a friend who said that they wanted to walk out after half an hour because of the way Daniel Day-Lewis talked while playing Lincoln. Wow, I thought that was a bit harsh. Some of my favourite movies have DDL in it, "The Last of the Mohicans", "In the Name of the Father", "My Left Foot", he really is an amazing actor.

I got a reply message about my missing Jasper. The book store said that it was unclaimed at customs and was sent back to them. Hmmmm, something smells very fishy here. They have sent it again so I am once again doing the waiting by the mailbox thing(this time in a raincoat )

Talking about the rain, it was raining so hard here, and somebody (no names) had not cleared out the gutters. After about 24 hours of this pelting rain, the water started coming through underneath the gutter. So somebody (no names) had to get up on the roof in the pelting rain and clear out that section of the gutter. Now we live in a two story house on a hill. The drop to the ground where the problem was is easily over 15 metres. So somebody (no names) had to tie a rope around a tree on the other side of the house and crawl across the roof on their hands and knees and clean out the gutter. I was fine until I got to the gutter and looked down. Anyway no accidents and mission accomplished.

I have started on "Back to the Pilliga" and so far it's a nice enjoyable read.

DATo has got me so interested in "Ender's Game", that I am going to order a copy and have a look.

I think you would like "Wolf Hall" and "Bring up the Bodies", both sensational books. They have really got me into the whole Tudor period. Henry VIII and Cromwell two very interesting characters. I love the whole power struggle between the church and the crown.

The weekend has snuck up on us again, hope you enjoyed your days off and are in wonderful spirits. May you have a fantastic weekend Maudster.

[Maud Fitch]

Carpet mould in the car? Maud, Maud, Maud, you do keep the windows up don't you?
I have 4 X 4 air-con. You know, the type where you wind down all the windows.

I got a reply message about my missing Jasper. The book store said that it was unclaimed at customs and was sent back to them. Hmmmm, something smells very fishy here. They have sent it again so I am once again doing the waiting by the mailbox thing (this time in a raincoat )
Gee whiz, you could have walked over there and been back by now!

Talking about the rain, it was raining so hard here, and somebody (no names) had not cleared out the gutters. After about 24 hours of this pelting rain, the water started coming through underneath the gutter. So somebody (no names) had to get up on the roof in the pelting rain and clear out that section of the gutter. Now we live in a two story house on a hill. The drop to the ground where the problem was is easily over 15 metres. So somebody (no names) had to tie a rope around a tree on the other side of the house and crawl across the roof on their hands and knees and clean out the gutter. I was fine until I got to the gutter and looked down. Anyway no accidents and mission accomplished.
That whole thing sounds pretty hairy. At least you did WH&S precautions. Reminds me of the time I rang around to get someone to clean out my guttering and because the house is split levels, they wouldn't do it. I told them my 70 year old father used to do it! Pack of wimps these days, eh.

DATo has also got me interested in "Ender's Game", even though it's classed as Young Adult. Orson Scott Card has written heaps of series including the Ender Wiggin series but I've only read one of his novels "Lost Boys".

Okay, that's it from me for the time being. Hope you enjoy your weekend (and maybe salmon rissoles) and I hope the Jasper Fforde book arrives via speedy express delivery. Don't want you to catch pneumonia waiting in the rain!

[Gannon]

Carpet mould in the car? Maud, Maud, Maud, you do keep the windows up don't you?
I have 4 X 4 air-con. You know, the type where you wind down all the windows.
Hahaha, my car is the opposite, most of the buttons don't work so you can't wind the window down even if you want to.
I got a reply message about my missing Jasper. The book store said that it was unclaimed at customs and was sent back to them. Hmmmm, something smells very fishy here. They have sent it again so I am once again doing the waiting by the mailbox thing (this time in a raincoat )
Gee whiz, you could have walked over there and been back by now!
Good Plan Maudster, but how do you expect me to walk over the water. Ahhh think about it.

Talking about the rain, it was raining so hard here, and somebody (no names) had not cleared out the gutters. After about 24 hours of this pelting rain, the water started coming through underneath the gutter. So somebody (no names) had to get up on the roof in the pelting rain and clear out that section of the gutter. Now we live in a two story house on a hill. The drop to the ground where the problem was is easily over 15 metres. So somebody (no names) had to tie a rope around a tree on the other side of the house and crawl across the roof on their hands and knees and clean out the gutter. I was fine until I got to the gutter and looked down. Anyway no accidents and mission accomplished.
That whole thing sounds pretty hairy. At least you did WH&S precautions. Reminds me of the time I rang around to get someone to clean out my guttering and because the house is split levels, they wouldn't do it. I told them my 70 year old father used to do it! Pack of wimps these days, eh.

Not even going to joke about this one, I admit, I was (how will I put this) SH**ING BRICKS!! I had to do it though because I think that the eaves were going to collapse.
DATo has also got me interested in "Ender's Game", even though it's classed as Young Adult. Orson Scott Card has written heaps of series including the Ender Wiggin series but I've only read one of his novels "Lost Boys".
Yeh, I noticed all of his books when I was looking for "Ender's Game". Did you know that a signed first edition, first print in very good condition will set you back about $2500. Suffice to say, I got the one with the coffee stain.
Okay, that's it from me for the time being. Hope you enjoy your weekend (and maybe salmon rissoles) and I hope the Jasper Fforde book arrives via speedy express delivery. Don't want you to catch pneumonia waiting in the rain!

I was trying to work out a way to use the laptop in the rain, when I thought why don't I just go upstairs take the raincoat off, have a coffee check the forums(hopefully Maud will have posted ) then put the raincoat back on and return to my post( post, get it).

Ok Maudster I am off, hope you have a wonderful weekend full of joy and happiness.

[Maud Fitch]

Rain rain go away come again another day.....any progress on the JF book or waterproofing the laptop?

Are you waiting for "Shades Of Grey"? I'm sorry to say I've forgotten - it's been so long! What book are you actually waiting for? If it's not the original SOG, I'm going to put the pressure on, Gannon, and you will have to read it.

Well, I'm sort of having a week of 'joy and happiness' but the wet weather has dampened my enthusiasm. And it's my day off!! In cold damp countries where their homes are set up for numerous layers of clothing, boots and waterproof jackets in a porch or hallway (some have drying cupboards), it would be easier to walk the dog, tramp across soggy grass or pursue outdoorsy pursuits. I'm so used to everything drying outside, in one hour flat, that I'm spoilt when it comes to living without the room for perpetually moisture-laden extras. <whine, whine>

Stay cool and remember, I'll be applying pressure to your TBR list reeeeeal soon.

[Gannon]

Rain rain go away come again another day.....any progress on the JF book or waterproofing the laptop?

Are you waiting for "Shades Of Grey"? I'm sorry to say I've forgotten - it's been so long! What book are you actually waiting for? If it's not the original SOG, I'm going to put the pressure on, Gannon, and you will have to read it.

Well, I'm sort of having a week of 'joy and happiness' but the wet weather has dampened my enthusiasm. And it's my day off!! In cold damp countries where their homes are set up for numerous layers of clothing, boots and waterproof jackets in a porch or hallway (some have drying cupboards), it would be easier to walk the dog, tramp across soggy grass or pursue outdoorsy pursuits. I'm so used to everything drying outside, in one hour flat, that I'm spoilt when it comes to living without the room for perpetually moisture-laden extras. <whine, whine>

Stay cool and remember, I'll be applying pressure to your TBR list reeeeeal soon.

Howdy, howdy Maudster. The book I'm actually waiting on is "The Woman who Died A lot". You're right, it's been so long that I will have to do a bit of study on the Thursday Next books to get myself up to scratch. I'm looking forward to reading it very much.

I'm definitely going to get "Shades of Grey". I am quite proud of my Jasper collection, and it sounds very interesting.

Just heard on the news that another cyclone is developing off the coast, this one may be heading toward our town. We have our fingers crossed that it will miss us.

I know what you mean about drying clothes in all of this rain. We have clothes lines set up under the house and they get that awful smell when they dry. I never thought I would say this(you know how much I love the rain) but, come back sun, come back.

[Maud Fitch]

Howdy, howdy Maudster. The book I'm actually waiting on is "The Woman who Died A lot". You're right, it's been so long that I will have to do a bit of study on the Thursday Next books to get myself up to scratch. I'm looking forward to reading it very much.

I'm definitely going to get "Shades of Grey". I am quite proud of my Jasper collection, and it sounds very interesting.

Just heard on the news that another cyclone is developing off the coast, this one may be heading toward our town. We have our fingers crossed that it will miss us.

And you can be rightly proud of your JF collection, Gannon, with those signed first editions and all!!!!!
I think "The Woman Who Died A Lot" is a deviation from his cleverly odd style towards being even oddly cleverer.
Yes, "Shades Of Grey" is definitely different. But not 'different' in 'that' kind of way.

More tropical lows, more rain, hopefully no cyclone. We have broken all records for the most recorded rainfall ever recorded since Queensland rainfall records began.

Stay dry.