Chapter 16

 The Farm at Lane's End - Chapter 16

Key Words and Phrases

Inseparable  - always together - impossible to seperate.

Out of the blue - this means something happened unexpectedly (not planned)

To keep in touch - to stay in contact.

In this neck of the woods - in this area.  What's happening in your neck of the woods.

There is more than meets the eye - there is more to this story or situation than is obvious.

To take one's leave means to politely leave.

To drift apart - to gradually seperate or lose contact.

Questions

When did the old friends drift apart?

Where did collin go to university?

What did Collin study at university?

Where did Collin become a lawyer?

Is Jean a very nosy woman?

What did the old friends do together when they were young?

Is Bill Guthrie the mayor of Tootenhoe?

What is Bill Guthrie's legal problem?

At what time did Collin leave?

Chapter 15

Key words and phrases

Pigsty - a place where pigs are kept.

To fancy something - If you fancy something is something you want or something you want to do.  I fancy going out this evening.  I fancy  a yoghurt for breakfast.

At least - This is the minumum. We haven't seen Sally for at least a year.  To stay healthy, one must drink at least 2 litres of water a day.

Something has come up - This means something has happened and you can't come.  I'm sorry, something's come up and I must cancel our meeting.

At my place - this means at my house or where I live.  Let's meet at my place at seven.

To bump into someone means to meet someone by chance (unplanned).  I bumped into Chris this morning.

To spill the beans means to tell all.  Come on, tell us what happened. Spill the beans.

Questions

When did Dave last see Claire?

How old was claire when Dave last saw her?

What was Claire working as when she as 15?

Did Claire use to have short hair?

How has Claire changed?

Did Claire stay for elevenses?

Why didn't Claire stay for elevenses?

Did Claire invite Dave for lunch?

Did Dave promise to bring a bottle of beer?

What is Claire cooking for Dave?

Who did Farmer Ken bump into in the village?

Now, listen to the text.

The Farm at Lane's End - Chapter 14

 Key Words

Something has come up.  This means one must cancel.

I'm sorry, something has come up, I must cancel our meeting this afternoon.

Time on one's hands.  This means that one has time to do something.  I had time on my hands, so I went to a museum.

Your Poison?   This means your prefered drink.  What's your poison?  I'll have a beer, please.

Questions

Are Paul and Dave going to the Queens for a drink?

Who bought the first round?

Who sent Dave her best regards?

Did Dave and Paul play a round of darts?

Who did they see in the pub?

Who was Sally with?

Does Lionel Foxely come from a very poor family?

Why is Sally interested in Lionel Foxely?

Why did Sally cancel her singling lesson with Dave?

Will Dave be having another singing lesson?

Now listen to the text -

Chapter 13

Key Words

How about you?  What would you like (to drink)?

Elevenses - A short coffee break at around 11 a.m.  Usually with a biscuit.

A stick in the mud is a very boring and dull person.

Glued to the box.  This is about a person who spends all their time watching TV.

For some strange reason is the same as saying I don't understand the reason.

As poor as a church mouse talks about someone who is very, very poor.  (idiom)

Questions

Where are Ken, Jean, and Dave having elevenses?

What will happen if Dave has too many chocolate biscuits?

Who did Jean want to invite for Sunday lunch?

What has Sydney become?

What does Sydney spend most of his time doing?

What was the worst thing for Sydney?

What was Syd's job?

How was Dave's singing lesson?

What is Sally interested in?

What has Farmer Ken ordered?

Why did Farmer Ken order a helicopter?

Is Farmer Ken as poor as a church mouse?