Chapter 41 of The Farm at Lane's End will be published on Friday the 25th of April. We are taking a short Easter break. Enjoy your Easter.
Tuesday, 8 April 2025
Chapter 40
The Farm at Lane's End - Chapter 40
The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life. Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave. In chapter 40, Dave is telling his parents all about the party he went to the night before.
Vocabulary
The bee's knees - This is an idiom. It means an outstanding person or thing.
Second to none is another was of saying the best.
Don't be so cocky means don't be so over confident (arrogant).
Over the moon. If you are over the moon you are overly (very/very) happy.
And now to our story. The Farm at Lane's End, chapter 40
How was the party you went to last night, Dave?
I have to say, mum and dad, it was one of the best parties I've ever been to. It was magic. Mike and Alison did a great job. They were the perfect hosts.
Tell us more, Dave. Spill the beans.
The food was brilliant. Alsion made Beef Wellington. Yumie, yumie. It was the best I'd ever, ever had. The cocktails Mike served were second to none, And the discussions we had were fantastic.
What was discussed, Dave?
Really high things, dad. Mainly philosophy, art, and books. Things you wouldn't understand, dad.
Don't be so cocky, Dave. You should never underestimate people. Life is full of surprises. Be careful what you say.
And, what was Claire wearing, Dave?
Claire, she was fantastic. She was the bee's knees. She wore a dress she had made herself. Beautiful yellows and blues, and her bag was the one I bought her in Paris. Claire was the most beautiful woman at the party.
And, what did you give Alison and Mike?
We gave them a book about French gardens.
And, did they like it?
They were over the moon! They're into all things French.
And, would you be in for a nice cup of tea, Dave?
Yes please, mum. And, if you have it, a nice slice of cherry cake, too.
Questions
Why was Claire the bee's knees? Please describe Claire's dress. Was Claire's dress homemade? What did Alsion serve for main course? Was Dave happy with the cocktails? Why did Ken tell Dave off? Why is it bad to be cocky? Was Claire's bag Italian? What did Claire and Dave give Alison and Mike? Why were Alison and Mike over the moon with Claire's and Dave's present? Why are French gardens so beautiful? Why are English gardens the best in world?
Chapter 39
Farmer Ken - Chapter 39
The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life. Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave. In chapter 39, Ken has a bone to pick with Dave.
Vocabulary
A bone to pick . . I have something to complain about.
to thank our lucky stars . . means to have something to be grateful about.
otherwise - in different words.
It slipped my mind means - means I completley forgot.
All's well that ends well - everything turned out just fine.
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And, now to our story, The Farm at Lane's End, chapter 39.
Dave, I've got a bone to pick with you.
Oh no, what did I forget to do?
You promised to lock the chicken shed before you went to bed last night. When I got up this morning, the chickens were running around the yard. They'd been out all night. And, we can thank our lucky stars, the fox wasn't out. Otherwise, Dave, no roast chicken on Sunday.
Oh, I'm really sorry, Dad. Locking the chicken shed completely slipped my mind. I was listening to some music.
Well, no problem, Dave. Nothing serious happened. All's well that ends well. The fox stayed at home, the chickens had fun being free, and, we still have a chicken for our Sunday lunch.
By the way, Dave, what music were you listening to last night?
I was listening to Mahler's 5th symphony, mum. It's my favourite Mahler symphony.
I didn't know we had any Mahler in our CD collection.
You're right, dad. we haven't any Mahler. I always listen to Mahler on Spotify.
Spotify? What's that, Dave.
It's online music, mum.
Do they only have Mahler, Dave?
No, dad. They have everything. Even the jazz that you like, dad.
Sounds interesting, Dave.
Would anyone like a cup of tea?
Yes, please, mum.
And a nice slice of cherry cake, too?
Questions
Why did Ken have a bone to pick with Dave
Where were the chickens when Ken got up?
Put "all's well that ends well" into a sentence.
Why was Ken able to say - all well's that end`s well?
Why had locking the chicken shed completly slipped Dave's mind?
What was Dave doing the night before?
Was Dave listening to Beethoven's 8th symphony?
What is Dave's favourite Mahler symphony?
What is Spotify?
What have you got to thank your lucky stars for?
Sunday, 23 March 2025
Chapter 38
The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life. Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave. In chapter 38, Dave is helping his dad. They are repairing Jeans car.
Vocabulary
repair - When you repair something you mend something. After repairing the clck it worked again.
to pass something - if you pass something, you give something. Please pass me the sugar. Please give me the sugar,
in the nick of time - at the last moment, just in time.
dent - a dent is a slight hollow. - eine Delle ist eine leichte Vertiefung.
And, now to our story, The Farm at Lane's End, Chapter 38
I say mum, do you know where dad is?
He's in the barn, Dave. He's repairing my car.
Thanks mum, I'll go and help him.
Hello dad, do you need any help?
Oh, you're just in the nick of time, Dave. Could you pass me the big hammer, please? I'm trying to knock this dent out.
It looks pretty nasty, dad. What happened?
Mum drove into a tree.
Oh no, not again. This is the 5th time she's driven into a tree since Christmas. And, it's only the middle of March. What did mum say?
She said she didn't see the tree.
I believe her, trees are difficult to see in the middle of the day.
Well, at least she didn't say the tree was walking along the road. Any way, come on Dave, we've almost finished. Just one or two more bangs and we're there, and, then it's tea time. A nice strong cup of tea and a nice slice of cherry cake.
Questions
Where was Ken? What was Ken repairing? What did Ken ask Dave to pass him? Please put "just in the nick of time" in a sentence. Is Jean a good driver? How many trees has Jean driven into since Christmas? Are trees easy to see in the middle of the day?
German Translation
Ich frage Mama, weißt du, wo Papa ist? Er ist in der Scheune, Dave. Er repariert mein Auto. Danke, Mama, ich gehe ihm helfen. Hallo Papa, brauchst du Hilfe? Oh, du kommst genau richtig, Dave. Kannst du mir bitte den großen Hammer reichen? Ich versuche, diese Delle rauszuklopfen. Das sieht ziemlich übel aus, Dad. Was ist denn passiert? Mum ist gegen einen Baum gefahren. Oh nein, nicht schon wieder. Das ist das 5. Mal, dass sie seit Weihnachten gegen einen Baum gefahren ist. Und dabei ist es erst Mitte März. Was hat Mutti gesagt? Sie hat gesagt, sie hat den Baum nicht gesehen. Ich glaube ihr, Bäume sind mitten am Tag schwer zu sehen. Wenigstens hat sie nicht gesagt, dass der Baum die Straße entlanglief. Wie auch immer, komm schon Dave, wir sind fast fertig. Nur noch ein oder zwei Knalle, dann ist es geschafft, und dann gibt es Tee. Eine schöne starke Tasse Tee und ein schönes Stück Kirschkuchen.
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Klangecke - Evergreens
Margret Jelen-Lornitzo - Gedanken zum Thema Lesen - Zum Anhören hier klicken - Barbara Mittere - The soft gentle tones of healing . Click here to listen Andrea Klar . A passion for weaving Click here - Johanna Malfer - einen Chor leiten Klicken Sie hier
Saturday, 15 March 2025
Chapter 37
The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life. Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave. In chapter 37, Dave and Claire are trying to decide what Dave should buy for his mother for her birthtday.
Vocabulary
need - You need something you really must have.
Want - You want something you would like to have, but, it isn't so important.
The thought that counts - This means the thinking of someone is worth more than the present,
Over the moon, Someone who is over the moon is very, very happy about something.
Words you might like to check - mum's the word -
Marmalade is an English word for orange flavoured jam
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And, now to our story, The Farm at Lane's End, chapter 37
I say, Claire, what can I give my mum for her birthday? what can one give someone who's already got everything they need?
That's a very good question, Dave. I wish I knew. There must be something your mum needs.
Needing and wanting are two different things, Claire.
OK, so let's concentrate on something your mum would like, not on something she needs.
How about a new frying pan, Dave?
Definately not a good idea, Claire. Last year, Dad gave mum a frying pan. She nearly killed him with it.
I can fully understand her, Dave.
Claire, What did you get your mum last year?
Let me think for a second or two, Dave. I know, I can remember. Last year, my dad and I gave mum a present between us. It wasn't so expensive, but, it's the thought that counts.
Was she happy with it, Claire?
She was over the moon! I couldn't belive it.
If I tell you Dave, promise to keep it a secret. Mum's the word!
I promise, Claire. Come on, spill the beans.
OK, You promise not tell?
I promise!
We gave mum a jar of marmalade. And, it wasn't even expensive. Dad bought it at the Church Christmas bazaar.
A great idea, Claire. I'll get my mum a jar of marmalade as well.
And, Dave you don't even need to buy one. I have a jar in my cupboard. You csn take it with you when you go.
Thanks, Claire.
Questions -
Why can't Dave Decide what to give his mum for her birthday?
Would you give your wife a frying pan for her birthday?
How do you unerstand the word want?
Please put the the word "need" in a sentences.
When would you use "spill the beans"?
Please put "mums the word" in a sentence.
Who did Claire buy her mum's birthday present with?
Where did Claire's dad buy the marmalade?
What flavour is marmalade?
Would you like a jar of marmalade for your birthday?
Friday, 7 March 2025
Chapter 36
The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life. Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave. In chapter 36, Jean is knitting a pullover.
Vocabulary
knitting - to knit - to make a garment from wool with 2 knitting needles.
mum's the word is an idiom. It means keep silent, or keep it a secret.
cheeky - showing a lack of respect in an amusing way.
suspicious - showing a careful distrust.
fancy - if you fancy something means you have a wish or desire for something.
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I say, mum, what are you doing?
I'm knitting a pullover for your father.
For his birthday?
No, Dave, it's going to be his Christmas present.
But, mum, it's only March.
I know, Dave. Pullovers take a long time to knit. Especially secret ones.
I understand. I say, mum. I do like the colours. Dad's really going to look great wearing an orange and green pullover. Why did you choose orange and green?
Orange and green are Christmassy colours. Orange for the oranges we eat, and green for the Christmas tree.
Original thnking, mum. So, dad's going to look like a Christmas tree covered with oranges!
Don't be cheeky, Dave. I'm sure dad's going to like it very much.
Where is dad, mum?
He's gone to the village to meet your uncle Andy. They've some business to discuss.
That sounds very suspicious. When will dad be home?
Any minute now, Dave. I must pack up this knitting and take it upstairs. And, remember, Dave, Mum's the word. We don't want dad to find out. It's our little secret.
Your secret's safe with me, mum. And, by the way, mum, what's for tea?
A nice cup of tea and a nice slice of cherry cake.
That's great, mum. Just what I fancy.
Questions
What is Jean knitting? Is Jean knitting a birthday or Christmas present? Is green and orange a good combination? For whom is the pullover? Why is Jean keeping her knitting a secret? How do understand "mum's the word"? Why has Farmer Ken gone to the village? What's for tea? What do you fancy for lunch, tomorrow? Can you knit? Is Jean's secret safe with Dave?
Sunday, 2 March 2025
Chapter 35
The Farm at Lane's End is the ongoing story of everyday country life in England. Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son, Dave. In chapter 35, Farmer Ken and Dave are going to the tip.
Vocabulary
The tip - or rubbish tip - The place where people take their rubbish. The things they want to get rid of. I think we should get rid of the old rusty bike.
To get rid of something means to throw it away.
Holdall - a holdall is a large bag for travelling. Usually used for long weekends.
Words you might like to check - jam jar - fireplace - holdall - I was only pulling your leg.
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Chapter 35 -The Bartons are having breakfast. Farmer Ken has something to say.
I say, Jean, these eggs are the best soft boiled eggs in the world. You're a very talented cook. And, by the way, Jean, Dave and I are going to the tip after lunch. Is there anything you want to get rid of?
Actually, there is one thing you could take. My old holdall. I've filled it ups with old jars. Getting rid of that old holdall and all those old jars would be a very great help.
And, Dave, is ther anything else you can think of that needs throwing away?
Actually dad, there is. We could rid of that horrible old picture above the fireplace in the lounge.
We can't do that, Dave. That horrible old picture as you call it, is an original Turner. It's worth a fortune.
I know, dad. I was only pulling your leg.
So, Ken and Dave, what are you talking to the tip?
We have a full trailer, mum. Those three rusty bikes that have been in the barn for years, that old lawn mower that used to be gran's, that old fridge that's been broken for years, and that sack full of old wellington boots.
That sounds more than enough.
It's enough for one load. And, by the way, mum? What's for lunch?
Another one of your favourite's, Dave. Toad in the Hole.
That's one my favourites as well. So come on Dave, we've got lots to do before lunch. The garden gate needs repairing and the yard needs sweeping.
So, see you at elevenses.
Bye mum. Cheerio Jean. By boys, see you at 11.
Questions - What did Farmer Ken say about Jean's eggs? Where are Ken and Dave going after lunch? How do you understand - to get rid of something? What would you like to get rid of? What does Jean want Ken and Dave to take to the tip? What are Ken and Dave taking to the tip? What is Jean cooking for lunch? What is a holdall? What have Dave and Ken got to do before lunch? What time are elevenses?
The Reichsbrücke in Vienna
Talk49 YouTube Channel - Videos - Interviews, stories, Warmups, The Farm at Lane's End, and more. German and English + + Interviews, Geschichten, Warmups, The Farm at Lane's End, und mehr. Deutsch und Englisch
Friday, 21 February 2025
Chapter 34
The Farm at Lane's End is the ongoing story of everyday country life in England. Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son, Dave. In chapter 34, Dave needs some money.
Vocabulary
To lend - You lend something to someone. Can you lend me your car, please?
To borrow - You borrow something from someone. Can I borrow your car, please?
A tall order - A tall order is an unreasonable request. Wanting me to help him on Christmas day was a very tall order.
That's the way the cookie crumbles is something one must accept. I'm sad, my gold fish has died, but, that's the way the cookie crumbles.
To pull someone's leg means to play a trick on them.
On the strength of something means you believe them because of what they said.
Words you might like to check - To gamble - By the way - upset -
Chapter 34
Farmer Ken and Dave are enjoying a well earned whisky.
I say, Dad, could you lend me ten thousand quid, please?
Ten thousand pounds, Dave. That's a bit of a tall order. Why do you want to borrow so much money?
It's Claire, Dad. She wants to go on holiday. She wants to go to Las Vegas. She wants to gambling.
You mean, Claire wants to borrow ten thousand pounds so she can go gambling! Why can't she use her own money?
Claire says it's better to lose your money than hers.
Well, Dave, you can tell Claire to think again. There's no way I'm going to give you money to throw away. And, by the way, Gambling's a very stupid habbit.
But, Dad, Claire will be upset. How am I going to tell her you won't lend us the money?
Just tell her there's no way I'm going to lend you the money. And, if she's upset, just tell her that that's the way the cookie crumbles.
Actually, Dad, I was only pulling your leg. I really need the money for a new tractor. The old one keeps breaking down. It's become too expensive to keep.
Well, Dave, on the strength of that, I'll give you twenty thousand pounds. Get the best that you can.
Thanks, Dad. I knew you'd understand. Shall I pour another whisky?
Dave, that's a very silly question!
Cheers Dave, Cheers Dad.
Questions
Dave was pulling his father's leg. How much did he want to borrow from his father?
Why did Dave want to borrow so much money?
What story did Dave tell his father about Claire?
What is Las Vegas famous for?
How do you understand "I was only pulling your leg"?
Explain - Can I lend you some money.
Tell us when you would say - can I borrow ten Euros, please.
What is a tall order?
What do you do when you pull someone's leg?
Please explain "on the strength of that" I will give you the money,
Talk49 YouTube Channel - Videos - Interviews, stories, Warmups, The Farm at Lane's End, and more. German and English + + Interviews, Geschichten, Warmups, The Farm at Lane's End, und mehr. Deutsch und Englisch
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Saturday, 15 February 2025
Chapter 33
Thursday, 6 February 2025
Chapter 32
The Farm at Lane's End - Chapter 32
The Farm at Lane's End is the ongoing story of a typical English farming family. The Bartons. Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave. In chapter 32, Ken and Jean are talking about uncle Ron.
Vocabulary
A penny for your thoughts - A penny for your thoughts means please tell me what you are thinking.
Warm hearted means kind and loving. He was such a warm hearted man.
For the life of me - For the life of me is a phrase that means however hard I try. However hard I try, I can't remember his name. For the life of me, I can't remember his name.
A chip off the old block means being the same - usually in character - as one's father. This phrase normally speaks about boys. Girls are "just like their mothers".
Words you might like to check - loft - keen -
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And now to our story - The Farm at Lane's End, chapter 32
A penny for your thoughts, Ken!
Oh, hello Jean, I didn't hear you come in.
I'm not surprised, Ken. You were far away. Lost in your thoughts.
I was thinking about my old uncle Ron. He was such a warm hearted man. Always doing good for others. He was such a nice person.
Jean has a question
Didn't your uncle Ron and aunty Sheila help your mum at one of your birthday parties?
You've got a very good memory, Jean.
Was it your ninth or tenth birthday, Ken?
For the life of me, I can't remember, Jean.
I bet you can't remember the present your uncle Ron and aunty Sheila gave you!
You're wrong, Jean. I remember it well. They gave me a steam engine for my model railway. And, further more, I still have it. The engine they gave me is in a box in the loft. And, another thing, Jean. I can still remeber the present you gave me.
I don't believe you!
You gave me a book about postage stamps. Stamp collecting was one of my hobbies at the time. I used to be a very keen collector. Oh, and by the way, Jean, how did you know I collected stamps?
Your cousin Billy told me. Billy and I used to sit next to each other at primary school. I liked him very much.
You're right, Jean. Billy was very nice, He was not only a very kind boy. he was a great friend as well. He was just like his dad. A chip off the old block. And Jean, You can do something that aunty Sheila could do, too. Your cherry cakes are fantastic,
Thanks, Ken. That's nice of you. Shall we have a cup of tea?
That's a good idea, Jean. There's nothing nicer than a nice cup of tea. I'll put on the kettle immediately.
Questions
Why didn't Ken hear Jean coming in? Who was Ken thinking about? How would you describe uncle Ron? How do you understand "for the life of me" What did uncle Ron and aunty Sheila give Ken for his birthday? Why were uncle Ron and aunty Sheila at Ken's birthday party? How did Jean know that Ken collected stamps? How do you understand the meaning of "a chip off the old block?" Why was Billy just like his father? What has Jean in common with aunty Sheila? How do you understand "a penny for your thoughts?"
Saturday, 1 February 2025
Chapter 31
The Farm at Lane's End - Chapter 31
The Farm at Lane's End is the ongoing story of a typical English farming family. Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave. In chapter 31, Ken, Jean, and Dave are talking about a trip to the coast.
Vocabulary
Used to - Used to is a phrase that tells of something one did, but no more. I used to go to school in London. We used to go to Whitby every summer.
High tide is when the sea is at its highest.
Low tide is when the sea is at its lowest.
To join in - To join in with something means to take part in something. I joined in with the game.
Words you might like to check - Day out, excursion, day trip, trip, outing. / Sea side, coast.
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And, now to our story. The Farm at Lane's End. Chapter 31. The Bartons are planning an excursion to the sea side.
Dave starts - Mum and dad, we haven't been to the coast for a very long time. How about a trip to the sea side?
Farmer Ken thinks Dave's idea is good. - A good idea, Dave. Just like old times. When you were little, we often used to go to the coast.
Jean joins in - I remember, we often used to go to Whitby. We really enjoyed it there. The beach was wonderful. It streched for miles and miles when the tide was out, and at high tide when the sea was in, the beach was completely covered. High tide and low tide. I remeber them well.
Ken has something to say - And, when the tide was out, everyone did what they wanted. Everything from taking long walks to riding their horses.
Jean has something else to say - You're right Ken. And, when the tide was in, we always used to go to that nice little restaurant at the top of the hill for fish and chips. I can still taste it when I close my eyes. The best fish and chips in the world.
Dave has become very enthusiastic - Mum and Dad, we really must go to Whitby again. As dad said, just like old times. Won't it be fun. And, I'm sure, Claire would love to come, too.
Ken has one more thing to say - And, by the way, we could take the train. The steam train that runs between Pickering and Whitby. The N.Y.M.R The North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
The Bartons are happy. Jean puts on the kettle for a nice cup of tea.
Questions - Where are the Bartons going? Why do the Bartons want to go to Whitby? Please explain "we used to go to Whitby when you were little". Where did you use to go to school? What did Jean say about the beach? How do you understand low tide? How do you understand high tide? Where did the Bartons use to go for something to eat? Which meal did they choose? What did Ken suggest at the end of the story? What is speacial about the N.Y.M.R? How do you understand the phrase, and by the way?
Saturday, 25 January 2025
Chapter 30
The Farm at Lane's End - Chapter 30
The Farm at Lane's End is the ongoing story of a typical English farming family. Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave. In chapter 30, Jean is getting ready to go out.
Vocabulary -
To wrap up means to put on very warm clothes.
Brass monkey weather is a coloquial expression that means extremely cold weather.
Treacherous means conditions that hide hidden dangers.
It's bound to be means something that is certain.
Words you might need to check - mittens, scarf, wooly hat, underfoot.
And, now to our story. The Farm at Lane's End. Chapter 30
Jean is getting ready to go out. She's going to the chemist's in the village. Ken is giving her some advice.
You'll need to wrap up, Jean. It's very, very cold outside. You'll definately need your thick wooly hat to keep your ears covered and your mittens to keep your hands warm.
Just then, Dave comes in. He's been feeding the pigs.
I say, mum and dad, it's freezing outside. I can hardly feel my fingers. It's brass monkey weather.
Jean asks Dave about the conditions outside.
Dave, is it slippery underfoot? Is it icy?
It's very, very icy mum. If I were you, I would wear the warm winter boots that dad gave you for Christmas. There's black ice everywhere. The last thing we want is you breaking a leg. We'd have to do the cooking and cleaning ourselves. That'd be terrible.
I promise to be careful, boys. I say, has anyone seen my car keys? I can't find them anywhere. I can't remember where I put them.
If I were you, Jean, I'd take the Jeep. The roads are bound to be treacherous. As Dave said, there's black ice everywhere.
How long will you be gone, mum?
Not very long, Dave. I'm only going to the chemist's. I'll be back before lunch.
Drive safely, mum. See you later.
Bye Dave, bye Ken.
Questions - Please describe the weather. Which month is it? Is it summer or autumn? Is it brass kangeroo weather? Why should Jean wrap up well? Did Ken advise Jean to wear gloves or mittens? What did Dave say about the conditions? Why did Ken suggest that Jean takes the Jeep? How do you understand the word treacherous? How do you understand the phrase "it's bound to be"? Why is black ice treacherous? Why did Jean go to the village?
Wednesday, 15 January 2025
Chapter 29
The Farm at Lane's End is the ongoing story of a typical English farming family. Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave. In Chapter 29, The Bartons are thinking about where to go on Saturday.
Vocabulary
To start the ball rolling means to start something.
The flicks is an alternative word for cinema - cinema/pictures/flicks/the movies
To recite - When someone recites a poem or other piece of writing, they say it aloud after having learned it by heart.
The Vicarage - The vicarage is the house where the vicar and his family live.
And, now our story. The Farm at Lane's End - Chapter 29
Ken starts the ball rolling. I say Jean and Dave. I fancy going out on Saturday. Any suggestions?
Jean thinks for a minute. We could go to the cinema. I haven't seen a good film for years. In fact, the last time we went to the flicks we saw The Sound of Music. And, that was many years ago. I really enjoyed the Sound of Music. A true Austrian story. The Austrians love singing. They sing all the time. Maybe there's a good film on on Saturday.
Dave is not so happy with his mother's suggestion. I would rather do something different. How about going bowling? Claire and I know a good bowling alley in Scunthorpe. Bowling is really great.
Farmer Ken has other ideas. I was thinking of something completely different. There's something on at the vicarage on Saturay. A poetry reading. Mrs. Duncan, the vicar's wife, is reciting from her new poetry book.
Jean is curious. I never knew that Mrs.Duncan was a poet. A poetry reading sounds great to me. What do you say Dave?
Dave doesn't like this idea at all. I know, mum and dad, you both go to the poetry reading, Claire and I will go somewhere different. A perfect compromise.
Farmer Ken agrees. A good idea, Dave. And, on Sunday, we'll all have lunch together. Everyone agrees.
Questions - What did Ken want to do on Saturday? What was Jean's suggestion? What was the last film they saw at the flicks? When did Jean and Ken last go to the pictures? Was The Sound of Music a true story? Was Dave happy with his mother's suggestion? What was Dave' suggestion? Where was the bowling alley? Was Farmer Ken happy with Dave's idea? What did Farmer Ken want to do? Was Jean curious? What compromise did Dave suggest? Have you seen the Sound of Music?
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Words of High Wisdom
Words of High Wisdom from Norway.
Written and read by Nigel A. JAMES
Tuesday, 7 January 2025
Chapter 28
Vocabulary
To comeby - to come by something means to obtain or get something.
To inherit - to inherit means to get something from someone after their death.
Claire, Dave's girlfriend, has invited the Bartons for Sunday lunch. Everyone's having a wonderful time.
Jean Barton likes Claire's crockery very much. "I say, Claire, how did you come by this beautiful crockery?" "I inherited it from my gran. The design on the plates is wonderful. I really love yellow spots on blue backgrounds. This dinner service reminds me of sunny days and happiness."
Farmer Ken is more interested in Claire's cooking. "A very delicious lemon cake, Clair. Where did you get the recipe?" "It was my gran's. She got from a French farmer's wife in France. And, this lemon cake was also my granfather's favourite cake. My gran always made him one for his birthday. Lucky grandfather."
Dave has become interested in Claire's grandfather. "Claire, how old was your grandfather when he died?" "Grandfather was 93 when he passed. He had a wonderful life." "What did your grandfather do, Claire?" "Grandfather was a clocksmith. He made grandfather clocks and grandmother clocks. And, all he had was a very small workshop, And, from his very small workshop, he made very much money."
Farmer Ken is impressed. "Claire, you come from a very intersting background. And, you, too, are an interesting person. Thank you for a wonderful lunch."
Questions
Does Jean like Claire's crockery?
How did Claire come by her dinner service?
Please describe the design on Claire's crockery?
What does Claire's dinner service remind her of?
What was Farmer Ken interested in?
Was Claire's cake an orange cake or a lemon cake?
From whom did Claire's grandmother get the lemon cake recipe?
Was Claire's grandmother's cake Claire's grandfather's favourite cake?
How old was Claire's grandfather when he passed?
What did Claire's grandfather do for a living?
Was Clair's grandfather successful?
Where did Claire's grandfather make his clocks?
Did Claire's grandfather make very much money?
+ + + +
Sunday, 15 December 2024
Christmas Holidays
The Bartons are spending Christmas and new year in America, They will be back with more stories in the middle of January. So, until then, a very happy Christmas to you.
Friday, 6 December 2024
Chapter 27
Vocabulary and phrases
after all - most importantly
to cope - to cope means to manage. I can cope with very much hard work.
cut out - I have my work cut out - I have something difficult to do.
cut out - I'm cut out for the job - I'm clever, talented,
Questions
Why are Dave and Farmer Ken happy?
Why is Dave extra happy?
Which song is Jean singing in the kitchen?
How many eggs does Dave want for breakfast?
Where are the Bartons going for Christmas?
Are the Bartons flying third class with Aeroflot?
What is Andy cut out for?
What is Jean cut out for?
what is Dave cut out for?
How long are the Bartons staying in New Hampshire?
What does Sarah think about farm life?
How are the Bartons getting to the airport?
Why is New Hampshire a nice place to go for Christmas?
Which film was made in New England?
The story - Chapter 27
It's seven o'clock in the morning. Farmer Ken and Dave have just come in from milking the cows. Farmer Ken and Dave are very, very happy. They are flying away. Christmas in New Hampshire. And, Dave is more than happy. Claire is coming as well.
In the kitchen, Jean is singing her favourite Christmas song. White Christmas.
Dave and Ken, breakfast is ready.
Coming mum!
One egg or two, Ken?
Two please, Jean. I'm starving.
And, two for me, too, please. This could be our last decent meal for a long time.
I don't thinks so Dave. We are, after all, flying first class. Even British Airways has very good first class meals. We won't be hungry when we reach Boston.
Ken, what time will Andy and Sarah be here?
I'm expecting them any minute now, Jean. And, by the way, Andy told me that Jean is really looking forward to staying here for the next three weeks while we're away. Sarah believes that running a farm is the easiest thing in the world.
And, I wonder how Andy's going to cope with running his shop and running the farm at the same time. He's certainly got his work cut out for the next three weeks.
Oh, don't worry about Andy. He'll have no problem coping. Andy's cut out for hard work. Just like you Jean, you're cut out for baking cherry cakes, and, Dave, you're cut out for milking cows and cleaning out pigs.
Clair's here, mum and dad. I'll go and help her in with her luggage.
And, here come Andy and Sarah. Everyone's here now. So, let's get our luggage and wait outside. The taxi will be here any second.
Andy and Sarah, thank you for everything. We're very thankful for helping us out.
Yes, we're very grateful.
You're very welcome. I say, Ken. Just one question before you go. Have you any more old blue tractors you want to sell?
Very funny, Andy. And a very happy Christmas Andy and Sarah. See you when we get back in the middle of January.
Have a good flight and a very happy Christmas.
German translation
Es ist sieben Uhr morgens. Farmer Ken und Dave kommen gerade vom Melken der Kühe nach Hause. Farmer Ken und Dave sind sehr, sehr glücklich. Sie fliegen weg. Weihnachten in New Hampshire. Und Dave ist mehr als glücklich. Claire kommt auch mit.
In der Küche singt Jean ihr Lieblingsweihnachtslied. Weiße Weihnachten.
Dave und Ken, das Frühstück ist fertig.
Ich komme, Mama!
Ein Ei oder zwei, Ken?
Zwei bitte, Jean. Ich bin am Verhungern.
Und für mich auch zwei, bitte. Das könnte für eine lange Zeit unsere letzte anständige Mahlzeit sein.
Das glaube ich nicht, Dave. Immerhin fliegen wir erster Klasse. Sogar British Airways hat sehr gute Mahlzeiten in der ersten Klasse. Wir werden nicht hungrig sein, wenn wir Boston erreichen.
Ken, wann werden Andy und Sarah hier sein?
Ich erwarte sie jede Minute, Jean. Übrigens, Andy hat mir erzählt, dass Jean sich sehr darauf freut, die nächsten drei Wochen hier zu bleiben, während wir weg sind. Sarah glaubt, dass es das Einfachste auf der Welt ist, eine Farm zu führen.
Und ich frage mich, wie Andy es schaffen wird, seinen Laden zu führen und gleichzeitig den Bauernhof zu leiten. In den nächsten drei Wochen hat er auf jeden Fall viel zu tun.
Oh, mach dir keine Sorgen um Andy. Er wird keine Probleme haben, das zu schaffen. Andy ist für harte Arbeit gemacht. Genau wie du, Jean, zum Backen von Kirschkuchen, und du, Dave, zum Melken von Kühen und Ausmisten von Schweinen geeignet bist.
Clair ist hier, Mama und Papa. Ich gehe und helfe ihr mit dem Gepäck rein.
Und da kommen Andy und Sarah. Jetzt sind alle da. Holen wir unser Gepäck und warten wir draußen. Das Taxi wird jeden Moment hier sein.
Andy und Sarah, wir danken euch für alles. Wir sind sehr dankbar, dass ihr uns geholfen habt.
Ja, wir sind sehr dankbar.
Sehr gerne geschehen. Ich sage, Ken. Nur noch eine Frage, Hast du noch mehr alte blaue Traktoren zu verkaufen?
Sehr witzig, Andy. Und ein frohes Weihnachtsfest, Andy und Sarah. Wir sehen uns, wenn wir Mitte Januar zurück sind.
Einen guten Flug und frohe Weihnachten.
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