Chapter 33

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 33, Dave is down in the dumbs.

Vocabulary Down in the dumps - If you are down in the dumps, you are a little unhappy or even a little depressed. I've got too much on my plate means I have very much to do. Crossed one's mind. If something has already crossed one's mind - means that one has already thought about it. She would rather do this than that - means she would prefer this and not that. Prefer = rather. To cope means to manage. I can cope without you! On the subject of something means something related or connected to that we are presently talking about. And now Chapter 33 I say, Dave, you're very quiet this evening. Is everything all right. Oh, I'm Ok, mum. Just a little down in the dumps, that's all. Oh, what's wrong, Dave? Claire's decided it's not such a good idea to go to Whitby on Saturday. She says she's got too much to do. She's got too much on her plate. She'd rather stay at home and finish getting ready for her exhibition. When is Claire's exhition, Dave? It's next week, mum and dad. And, to be honest, Claire really has a lot going on at the moment. She's very, very busy. Can't you go round and help her, Dave? That's already crossed my mind, mum and dad. But, Claire says she can cope much better without me. What has Claire got to do, Dave? Well, it doesn`t sound much. She's got 3 pictures to finish, and 7 pictures to frame. And, to be honest, there's really nothing I can do to help. But, Dave, there is one thing you can do to help. You can give her one of my cherry cakes. I'll bake one tomorrow. A brilliant idea, mum. She'd really appreciate it. You're great, mum! And, mum, while we're on the subject, what's for sweet? Your favourite. Apple crumble and custard. And, of course, whipped cream as well. That's fantasti!c, mum. I'm feeling better already. And, to finish with, a glass of whisky. Not just one glass dad, 2 or 3 would be great. That's my boy. A chip off the old block. Cheers everyone, cheers! Questions - Why is Dave down in the dumps? - What does - I've too much on my plate mean? why would Claire rather stay at home? What jobs must Claire do? - Does Claire want Dave to help her? - When is Claire's exhibition? - What does Jean want to make for Claire? - How do you understand the following - I can't cope without you? Why is Dave a chip off the old block? - How do you understand - that's already crossed my mind? What is apple crumble? Would you rather have cheese cake or cherry cake?