Chapter 26

The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.   In this chapter, Jean has had a surprise.    For the characters in this story, please click here 

Vocabulary and Phrases

To carp - If you carp a lot, you never stop complaning.

To ring a bell, if something rings a bell with you, it vaguely reminds you of something.

Well I never is a phrase that expresses surprise.

For the life of me is another way of saying "Oh, my god"

Perish the thought means this is a terrible idea.

Plain jane - A plain jane is a boring unexciting girl.

 + + + +

It's 7 o'clock in the morning.  Outside it is still very cold and dark.  A typical December morning. Farmer Ken and Dave have just come in from milking the cows. The delicious smell of sizzling bacon is coming from the kitchen.  Jean, too, has been busy.

Over breakfast Jean is telling Farmer Ken and Dave about the surprise meeting she had in the village.

I say, Dave and Ken, you'll never guess who I bumped into in the village yesterday.

Who did you bump into mum?  Come on, spill the beans.

Well, I had just come out of the baker's, and, there she was. Blocking my way. It was Anne Cooper.  You must remeber Anne Cooper, Ken.  We went to school together. 

No, I don't remeber Anne Cooper, Jean.

In those days, Anne Cooper was Anne Linney.  Later on she married Brian Cooper.

The name Brian Cooper rings a bell, mum. Wasn't he someone famous?

He was a famous jockey, Dave. A really nice guy. Lots of friends and many girlfriends. And, for the life of me, I never understood what Brian Coooper saw in Anne Linney.  Anne was a very nice girl, but never exciting. She was always a bit of a plain jane.

And, what did Anne tell you, Jean?

Well I never, Ken and Dave!  Anne spent the whole time carping on about just about everything. Everything was bad.  Her husband, her house, her children, her life, and everything else as well. 

So, what's Anne Cooper doing back in Tootenhoe, Jean?

She's here to look after her mother. And, it looks like she's going to be here for quite a long time.

Well, Jean, maybe you'll be seeing her more often from now on.

Perish the thought!  I couldn't think of anything worse.

I say, mum, are there anymore rashers, please?

Of course, and would you like another cup of tea?

Yes please, mum!

And, me too, please.

There's nothing like a nice cup of hot strong tea in the morning.

Questions

What had Dave and Ken been doing?

What was the weather like?

What was the nice smell coming from the kitchen?

What was Jean cooking?

Who did Jean bump into in the village?

Did Jean and Anne go to school together?

Were Anne and Jean best friends?

Why had Anne come back to Tootenhoe?

Is Jean looking forward to seeing Anne more often in the future?

What was Brian Coooper?

What's the best way to start each day?

+ + + + + +

Es ist 7 Uhr morgens.  Draußen ist es noch sehr kalt und dunkel.  Ein typischer Dezembermorgen. Farmer Ken und Dave kommen gerade vom Melken der Kühe nach Hause. Aus der Küche kommt der köstliche Geruch von brutzelndem Speck.  Auch Jean war fleißig.

Beim Frühstück erzählt Jean Farmer Ken und Dave von dem überraschenden Treffen, das sie im Dorf hatte.  

Ich sage: „Dave und Ken, ihr werdet nie erraten, wen ich gestern im Dorf getroffen habe.

Mit wem bist du geroffen, Mama?  Na los, erzähl schon.

Ich kam gerade aus der Bäckerei, und da war sie. Sie versperrte mir den Weg. Es war Anne Cooper.  Du erinnerst dich sicher an Anne Cooper, Ken.  Wir sind zusammen zur Schule gegangen. 

Nein, ich erinnere mich nicht an Anne Cooper, Jean.

Damals hieß Anne Cooper noch Anne Linney.  Später heiratete sie Brian Cooper.

Der Name Brian Cooper kommt mir bekannt vor, Mama. War das nicht ein berühmter Mann?

Er war ein berühmter Jockey, Dave. Ein wirklich netter Kerl. Viele Freunde und viele Freundinnen. Ich habe nie verstanden, was Brian Coooper an Anne Linney fand.  Anne war ein sehr nettes Mädchen, aber nie aufregend. Sie war immer ein bisschen wie eine gewöhnliche Frau.

Und was hat Anne dir erzählt, Jean?

Ken und Dave!  Anne hat die ganze Zeit über so ziemlich alles gemeckert. Alles war schlecht.  Ihr Mann, ihr Haus, ihre Kinder, ihr Leben und alles andere auch. 

Also, was macht Anne Cooper wieder in Tootenhoe, Jean?

Sie ist hier, um sich um ihre Mutter zu kümmern. Und es sieht so aus, als würde sie eine ganze Weile hier bleiben.

Nun, Jean, vielleicht wirst du sie von nun an öfter sehen.

Vergiss es!  Ich könnte mir nichts Schlimmeres vorstellen.

Mama, gibt es noch mehr Kartoffelpuffer, bitte?

Ja, natürlich. Und möchtest du noch eine Tasse Tee?

Ja, bitte, Mama!

Und ich auch, bitte.

Es geht doch nichts über eine schöne Tasse heißen, starken Tee am Morgen.

 

Chapter 25

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. Barton 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?  

+ + + + +

The Farm at Lane's End is the ongoing story story  of the Bartons, a typical English farming family.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.  

In chapter 25, Dave is thinking about Christmas.

Vocabulary and phrases - 

Down in the dumps - if you are down in the dumps, you are fedup or a little depressed.  I'm fed up with my job, I'm a little down in the dumps! 

Off the cuff -  If you do something off the cuff, you do it spontaneously, or without thinking about it.

And, now to our story -

It's Saturday morning.  Farmer Ken, Jean and Dave are having elevenses. Dave is down in the dumps. 

What's wrong Dave?  You don't look your usual self.

I'm thinking about Christmas.  I don't know what to give Claire.  Have you got any suggestions?

How about a cookery book?  Women love cookery books.  Fantastic recipies and lots of brilliant pictures to look at.

A cookery book!  That's a great idea dad.  Have you any ideas mum?

Tea towels make perfect Christmas presents as well.  My mum loved getting tea towels for Christmas.

Tea towels and a cookery book.  2 wonderful ideas. But, I think Claire has enough tea towels and she has a very good cookery book. Claire's meals look just like the pictures in her cookery book.  Her boiled eggs in particlar. Any other suggestions mum and dad?

A head scarf, Dave. All women, especially farmers' wives, love head scarves. Head scarves keep one's ears warm in winter, and keep the flies and sun off our faces in summer. Just right for working outside in the fields.

And what's more Dave, head scarves come in many different colours and designs.

Any more good ideas?

Well, off the cuff, it's hard to think of anything original.  Can you think of anything Jean?

Well, all I can think of are the usual things.  A pair of slippers, a nighty,  a Marks and Sparks voucher, a book token,  a frying pan, and a token for an elephant ride at the zoo.

Mum and dad, you're both fantastic. You've given me lots of super ideas.

We do our best, Dave.

Mum, may I have another cup of coffee, please?

And,  another chocolate biscuit?

Mum, you're the best mum in the world!

Questions

Why is Dave down in the dumps?

Why do cookery books make fantastic Christmas presents?

Why are tea towels the perfect Christmas present?

What do you use tea towels for?

Does Claire want a cookery book for Christmas?

Would you like a head scarf for Christmas?

Why are head scarves good in the summer?

Why are head scarves good in the winter?

Why don't some people like head scarves?

Off the cuff, can you think of a perfect present for your husband/wife?

What did you give your partmer for Christmas last year?

Are birthdays better than Christmas?

Why do you like Christmas?

Die Farm in Lane's End - Kapitel 25 - German translation

The Farm at Lane's End ist die fortlaufende Geschichte einer typischen englischen Bauernfamilie.  Farmer Ken, seine Frau Jean und ihr Sohn Dave.

In Kapitel 25 denkt Dave über Weihnachten nach.

Vokabeln und Redewendungen - 

Down in the dumps - Niedergeschlagenheit - Wenn man niedergeschlagen ist, hat man die Nase voll oder ist ein wenig deprimiert.  Ich habe die Nase voll von meinem Job, ich bin ein bisschen deprimiert! 

Off the cuff - Aus dem Stegreif - Wenn man etwas aus dem Stegreif tut, tut man es spontan oder ohne darüber nachzudenken.

Und nun zu unserer Geschichte -

Es ist Samstagmorgen.  Farmer Ken, Jean und Dave essen zu Abend. Dave ist niedergeschlagen. 

Was ist los, Dave?  Du siehst nicht so aus wie sonst.

Ich denke über Weihnachten nach.  Ich weiß nicht, was ich Claire schenken soll.  Hast du einen Vorschlag?

Wie wär's mit einem Kochbuch?  Frauen lieben Kochbücher.  Fantastische Rezepte und viele tolle Bilder zum Anschauen.

Ein Kochbuch!  Das ist eine tolle Idee, Papa.  Hast du eine Idee, Mama?

Geschirrtücher sind auch ein tolles Weihnachtsgeschenk.  Meine Mutter liebte es, Geschirrtücher zu Weihnachten zu bekommen.

Geschirrtücher und ein Kochbuch.  2 wunderbare Ideen. Aber ich glaube, Claire hat genug Geschirrtücher und sie hat ein sehr gutes Kochbuch. Claires Gerichte sehen genauso aus wie die Bilder in ihrem Kochbuch.  Vor allem ihre gekochten Eier. Habt ihr noch andere Vorschläge, Mama und Papa?

Ein Kopftuch, Dave. Alle Frauen, besonders Bäuerinnen, lieben Kopftücher. Kopftücher halten im Winter die Ohren warm und halten im Sommer die Fliegen und die Sonne vom Gesicht fern. Genau das Richtige für die Arbeit draußen auf dem Feld.

Und was noch wichtiger ist, Dave, Kopftücher gibt es in vielen verschiedenen Farben und Mustern.

Hast du noch mehr gute Ideen?

Nun, aus dem Stegreif fällt mir kaum etwas Originelles ein.  Fällt dir etwas ein, Jean?

Nun, mir fallen nur die üblichen Dinge ein.  Ein Paar Hausschuhe, ein Nachthemd, ein Gutschein für Marks & Sparks, ein Buchgutschein, eine Bratpfanne und ein Gutschein für einen Elefantenritt im Zoo.

Mama und Papa, ihr seid beide fantastisch. Ihr habt mich auf viele tolle Ideen gebracht.

Wir tun unser Bestes, Dave.

Mama, kann ich bitte noch eine Tasse Kaffee haben?

Und noch einen Schokoladenkeks?

Mama, du bist die beste Mama der Welt!

Fragen

Warum ist Dave deprimiert?

Warum sind Kochbücher ein tolles Weihnachtsgeschenk?

Warum sind Geschirrtücher das perfekte Weihnachtsgeschenk?

Wozu benutzt man Geschirrtücher?

Wünscht sich Claire ein Kochbuch zu Weihnachten?

Hättest du gerne ein Kopftuch zu Weihnachten?

Warum sind Kopftücher im Sommer gut?

Warum sind Kopftücher im Winter gut?

Warum mögen manche Leute keine Kopftücher?

Fällt Ihnen aus dem Stegreif ein perfektes Geschenk für Ihren Mann/Ihre Frau ein?

Was haben Sie Ihrer Partnerin letztes Jahr zu Weihnachten geschenkt?

Sind Geburtstage besser als Weihnachten?

Warum mögen Sie Weihnachten?

+++ + + +  ++

The Farm at Lane's End is the ongoing story story  of a typical English farming family.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.

In chapter 25, Dave is thinking about Christmas.

Vocabulary and phrases - 

Down in the dumps - if you are down in the dumps, you are fedup or a little depressed.  I'm fed up with my job, I'm a little down in the dumps! 

Off the cuff -  If you do something off the cuff, you do it spontaneously, or without thinking about it.

Questions

Why is Dave down in the dumps?

Why do cookery books make fantastic Christmas presents?

Why are tea towels the perfect Christmas present?

What do you use tea towels for?

Does Claire want a cookery book for Christmas?

Would you like a head scarf for Christmas?

Why are head scarves good in the summer?

Why are head scarves good in the winter?

Why don't some people like head scarves?

Off the cuff, can you think of a perfect present for your husband/wife?

What did you give your partmer for Christmas last year?

Are birthdays better than Christmas?

Why do you like Christmas?

 

Chapter 24 - With German translation - Have fun and enjoy it!

 

The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.  In this chapter, Farmer Ken gets his comeuppance.

For the characters in this story, please click here

Vocabulary and phrases

Comeuppance - A Punishment or fate that someone deserves. He got his comeuppance in the end.

To cut a long story short - When you cut a long story short, you come quickly to the point of the story.

Apparantly -  Apparantly means as far as one knows. 

To get the better of someone means to be better or smarter than them.

Mobile Junk means rubbish on wheels.

Chapter 24 - Farmer Ken, Jean and Dave are having dinner.  They've all had a very hard day.  Farmer Ken has something to say. 

°  I bumped into  Andy in the village today, and he was very pleased to see me!

°  That's interesting dad.  I'd have thought he'd have been very angry with you.  That old blue tractor you sold him was nothing more than a pile of mobile junk.  You really ripped him off.  That old blue tractor was worth nothing at all.

°  Well, Jean and Dave, that's what I thought, too.  But, as usuall, Andy got the better of me.

°  Tell us more, Ken.  Tell us more.

°  After Andy got home with with the tractor he phoned an old friend of his.  A tractor dealer.  The dealer came the very next day. He took one look at the tractor.  He couldn't believe his eyes.  

° Go on dad, tell us more.

°  Well, to cut a long story short, Andy's dealer friend offered him 15,000 pounds for the tractor. Apparently, there are not many left.  These old tractors have become collector's items.  And, what's more, the dealer told Andy he had never seen such a clean old tractor. Jean, you did a brilliant job cleaning the tractor.

°  Thanks, Ken.That's what my father used to say.  He told me I must have been born wearing rubber gloves.

° I think you're the best cleaner in the world, mum.  Imagine, you could have become a cleaning lady after finishing school.

° And, was Andy happy Ken?

° Andy couldn't stop laughing. He couldn't believe his luck!

° Well Ken, you know what they say, those who laugh last, laugh longest.

° You're right, Jean.  I certainly got my comeuppance.  I will never rip my brother off again.  

° Would you like a whisky, dad?

°  Yes please, Dave. And a very, very big one, please!

° Cheers everyone!

Questions

Where was Farmer Ken when he bumped into Andy?

Was Andy happy or sad?

Why was Farmer Ken angry?

Why was the dealer impressed with the old blue tractor?

Who had cleaned the old blue tractor?

Is Jean a very good cleaner?

How much did Andy pay Farmer Ken for the tractor?

How much did Andy get for the tractor?

Would you buy a tractor from Ken?

Is Andy an honest man?

DId Farmer Ken have a large or small whisky?

+ + + + + + +

German Translation

The Farm at Lane's End ist die Geschichte des englischen Landlebens. Farmer Ken, seine Frau Jean und ihr Sohn Dave. In diesem Kapitel bekommt Farmer Ken seine gerechte Strafe.

 

Vokabeln und Redewendungen

Comeuppance - Eine Bestrafung oder ein Schicksal, das jemand verdient hat. Am Ende hat er seine gerechte Strafe bekommen.

To cut a long story short - Wenn man eine lange Geschichte abkürzt, kommt man schnell auf den Punkt der Geschichte.

Apparantly -  Anscheinend - Anscheinend bedeutet, soweit man weiß.

To get the better of someone - Jemanden zu übertrumpfen bedeutet, besser oder schlauer als er zu sein.

Mobile Junk bedeutet Müll auf Rädern.

Kapitel 24 - Farmer Ken, Jean und Dave sitzen beim Abendessen. Sie haben alle einen sehr harten Tag hinter sich. Farmer Ken hat etwas zu sagen.° Ich habe heute Andy im Dorf getroffen, und er hat sich sehr gefreut, mich zu sehen!

Das ist interessant, Dad. Ich hätte gedacht, dass er sehr wütend auf dich sein würde. Der alte blaue Traktor, den du ihm verkauft hast, war nichts weiter als ein Haufen fahrbarer Schrott. Du hast ihn wirklich abgezockt. Der alte blaue Traktor war überhaupt nichts wert.

Tja, Jean und Dave, das habe ich auch gedacht. Aber wie immer hat Andy mich überlistet.

Erzähl uns mehr, Ken. Erzähl uns mehr.

Nachdem Andy mit dem Traktor nach Hause gekommen war, rief er einen alten Freund von ihm an. Einem Traktorhändler. Der Händler kam gleich am nächsten Tag. Er warf einen Blick auf den Traktor. Er konnte seinen Augen nicht trauen.

Los, Papa, erzähl uns mehr.

Nun, um es kurz zu machen, Andys befreundeter Händler bot ihm 15.000 Pfund für den Traktor. Anscheinend gibt es nicht mehr viele davon. Diese alten Traktoren sind zu Sammlerstücken geworden. Und außerdem sagte der Händler zu Andy, dass er noch nie einen so sauberen alten Traktor gesehen habe. Jean, du hast den Traktor hervorragend gereinigt.

Danke, Ken. Das hat mein Vater auch immer gesagt. Er sagte, ich müsse mit Gummihandschuhen geboren worden sein.

Ich glaube, du bist die beste Putzfrau der Welt, Mama. Stell dir vor, du hättest nach der Schule Putzfrau werden können.

Und, war Andy glücklich, Ken?

Andy konnte nicht aufhören zu lachen. Er konnte sein Glück nicht fassen!

Nun, Ken, du weißt, was man sagt: Wer zuletzt lacht, lacht am meisten.

Du hast Recht, Jean. Ich habe meine gerechte Strafe bekommen. Ich werde meinen Bruder nie wieder über den Tisch ziehen.

Willst du einen Whisky, Dad?

Ja, bitte, Dave. Und einen sehr, sehr großen, bitte!

Prost, Leute!

Fragen

Wo war Farmer Ken, als er Andy begegnete?

War Andy glücklich oder traurig?

Warum war Farmer Ken wütend?

Warum war der Händler von dem alten blauen Traktor beeindruckt?

Wer hatte den alten blauen Traktor gereinigt?

Ist Jean eine sehr gute Reinigungskraft?

Wie viel hat Andy Farmer Ken für den Traktor bezahlt?

Wie viel hat Andy für den Traktor bekommen?

Würdest du einen Traktor von Ken kaufen?

Ist Andy ein ehrlicher Mann?

Hatte Farmer Ken einen großen oder kleinen Whisky?

Chapter 23 - NEW - Scroll down for GERMAN TRANSLATION AND TEXT

 

The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.   In this chapter, we find out about cousin Jane's new job.   

For the characters in this story, please click here

Vocabulary and phrases

Usherette - An usherette is a woman who shows you to your seat in a theatre or cinema.  An usher is a man who does the same.

The first rung of the ladder - The first rung of a ladder is the start of your way to the top.

To commit suicide - People who commit suicide kill themselves.  

Chapter 23

Farmer Ken, Jean and Dave are having breakfast.  

°  Jean, what are your plans for today?

°  I've got a really busy day today.  

After breakfast, I'm baking a cherry cake.  Then, I'm off to the village to the hairdresser's. Then, after lunch, I'm going to my sister Sally's for afternoon tea.

°  Will you be seeing cousin Jane?

°  Oh, didn't I tell you?  Cousin Jane has got a new job.

°  This sounds interesting, do tell us more.

°   Cousin Jane has gone into show busuness.

°   Has she become an actress, Jean?

°   Will she become famous, mum?

°   No, nothing so exciting.   Cousin Jane has has become an usherette at the theatre in Scunthorpe.

°   A fantastic job.  An usherette is a job with a future.  Many famous stars started out as usherettes. The first rung on the ladder to the top.  

°   Marilyn Monroe started her career as an usherette. Maybe cousin Jane will become the 2nd Marilyn Monroe.

°   I hope not.  Marilyn Monroe commited suicide!

°   Grace Kelly also got going as an usherette.

°   And, she was killed in a car crash.

°   Maybe, being an usherette is not such a good idea.

°   Dave and Jean, stop talking rubbish.  Being an usherette is a very good job.  Uncle Andy's wife used to be an usherette.  She's still alive.

°   And, look what happened to her.  She married Andy.  A terrible fate.

°   Jean, put on the kettle.  Let's have a nice cup of tea.

°   What a good idea.  There's nothing nicer than a nice cup of tea.

Questions

Why is Jean baking a cherry cake?

Why is Jean going to the village?

Where is Jean going for afternoon tea?

Will cousin Jane be at home?

What is cousin Jane's new job?

Does being an usherette have a future?

Where is the theatre that cousin Jane has got a job at?

What happened to Marilyn Monroe?

What happened to Grace Kelly?

What happened to Sarah?

Why would you like to be an usherette? 

 

+ + + + + + + + +

Farmer Ken, Jean und Dave frühstücken gerade.

Jean, was sind deine Pläne für heute?

° Ich habe heute sehr viel zu tun.

Nach dem Frühstück backe ich einen Kirschkuchen.  Dann fahre ich ins Dorf zum Friseur. Und nach dem Mittagessen gehe ich zu meiner Schwester Sally zum Nachmittagstee.

Wirst du Cousine Jane sehen?

Oh, habe ich dir das nicht erzählt?  Cousine Jane hat einen neuen Job.

Das klingt interessant, erzähl uns mehr.

Cousine Jane ist ins Showbusiness eingestiegen.

Ist sie eine Schauspielerin geworden, Jean?

Wird sie berühmt werden, Mama?

Nein, nichts so Aufregendes.   Cousine Jane ist Platzanweiserin im Theater in Scunthorpe geworden.

Ein fantastischer Beruf.  Platzanweiserin ist ein Beruf mit Zukunft.  Viele berühmte Stars haben als Platzanweiserinnen angefangen. Die erste Sprosse auf der Karriereleiter nach oben.

Marilyn Monroe begann ihre Karriere als Platzanweiserin. Vielleicht wird Cousine Jane die zweite Marilyn Monroe werden.

Ich hoffe nicht.  Marilyn Monroe beging Selbstmord!

Auch Grace Kelly begann ihre Karriere als Platzanweiserin.

Und sie wurde bei einem Autounfall getötet.

Vielleicht ist es keine so gute Idee, Platzanweiserin zu sein.

Dave und Jean, hört auf, Blödsinn zu reden.  Platzanweiserin zu sein, ist ein sehr guter Job.  Onkel Andys Frau Sarah war mal Platzanweiserin.  Sie lebt immer noch.

Und sieh, was aus ihr geworden ist.  Sie hat Andy geheiratet.  Ein schreckliches Schicksal.

Jean, setz den Kessel auf.  Lass uns eine schöne Tasse Tee trinken.

Das ist eine gute Idee.  Es gibt nichts Schöneres als eine schöne Tasse Tee.

Fragen

Warum backt Jean einen Kirschkuchen?

Warum geht Jean ins Dorf?

Wohin wird Jean zum Nachmittagstee gehen?

Wird Cousine Jane zu Hause sein?

Was ist der neue Beruf von Cousine Jane?

Hat der Beruf der Platzanweiserin eine Zukunft?

Wo ist das Theater, in dem Cousine Jane einen Job bekommen hat?

Was geschah mit Marilyn Monroe?

Was geschah mit Grace Kelly?

Was geschah mit Sarah?

Warum würdest du gerne Platzanweiserin werden?

Chapter 22

 

The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.   In this chapter, Andrew  is selling a tractor.    For the characters in this story, please click here 

Key words and phrases

Rolling in money means you are very, very rich.

Rip off - When you rip someone off you cheat them financially.  You charge them too much for something. a

Every trick in the box.  If someone knows every  trick in the box they are bad.  They know many different ways of doing something bad or criminal.

Questions

Why did Andy phone Farmer Ken?

How much did Farmer want to charge Andy for the tractor?

What was Andy's plan for the tractor?

Why is Andy rolling in money?

Why was  700 pounds for the tractor a rip off?

Who was Dave going to phone to help get the tractor working?

How was Jean going to help with the tractor?

Why do you believe that Farmer Ken is an honest man?

Would you buy a second hand car from Farmer Ken?

Why is there nothing nicer nicer than a nice cup of tea?

Chapter 21

The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and their son Dave.   For the characters in this story, please click here 

Chapter 21 - Key words or phrases,-

I hav.en't a clue, this means I have no idea. I haven't a clue what she's talking about.

Worth a try means it would be a good idea to do it.  It might work.

According to - this tells us what someone has written or said.  According to Andy, tourism would be good for the village.  

A sly old fox is a clever or cunning old man.

To count us in mens to include us.  That's a great idea!  Count us in.

Questions -

What is Andy's plan for Tootenhoe?

What would Andy like Ken to do?

Would the cycle track be near the river or near the house?

Where would the cycle track start and finish?

Who owns the tea shop at the start and finish of the cycle track? 

Why is Andy a sly old fox?

How will the cycle track help Andy?

What does Jean want to sell on her stand?

What advantages will the cycle track have for the village?

What do you think of Andy's plan?

 

Chapter 20

The Farm at Lane's End is the story of English country life.  Farmer Ken, his wife Jean, and Dave their son.        For the characters in this story, please click here

Key words or phrases -

To ENROLL means to register or sign up for something. I have enrolled with the army.  I have enrolled in a French course.  I have signed up for a Spanish conversation course.  

WHAT ABOUT . . . . .?  This a question phrase. It means what do you think of something or would you consider something?  What about going out tomorrow?  Would you consider going out tomorrow?  

ACTUALLY is connected with the truth.  A fact.  I actually did see Mary last week.

TO MAKE UP ONE´S MIND - To make up one's mind is to make a decision. To decide.  Please make up your mind!  Shall we go today or tomorrow??

Questions

Which course have Claire and Dave signed up for?

Where is the French course being held?

Where are Dave and Claire getting their text books from?

Why do Dave and Claire want to learn French?

Is French a romantic language?

Is Paris a romantic city?

When are Dave and Claire going to Paris?

Would you like to go to Paris in the spring?

Why is French food the best in world?

 

Chapter 19

 For the characters in this story, please click here

Key words or phrases

By the way - Another topic that is related, but not directly involved with the subjet being discussed.

Conductor - The leader of an orchestra, the person who directs the orchestra,  The person with the batton. Batton is the short stick that conductors use to guide the orchestra.

Shepherd's Pie - This is a traditional English dish.  Mince meat with a generous topping of crispy mashed potatoes.

To fancy something means to really want something.  I really fancy fish and chips for lunch!  

Questions

When is the concert?

Where is the concert?

What is the choir singing, or, what is the choir putting on?

Is this Ken's favourite Schubert mass?

What time does the concert start?

Who is conducting the choir?

Who is singing a solo?

What have Ken and Jean decided to do before going to the concert?

Where are Ken and Jean going after the concert?

Chapter 18

For the characters in this story, please click here

Key Words / Phrases

Gale force winds - very, very strong winds

Low lying ground / low lying areas  - very low gound at or very near sea level. 

The wind is getting up - the wind is becoming stronger, the wind is getting stronger

Questions

Where did Dave hear the storm warning?

Where was the storm coming from?

Where were the cows?

Does the bottom field often flood?

Why does the bottom field often flood?

Can cows swim?

Was the washing still on the line?

What did Farmer Ken and Dave do first?

What was the weather like in Scotland?

What is Jean going to do to help the poor Scottish people?

Do you like English cherry cake?

 

Chapter 17

For the characters in this story, please click here

Key Words

Pastel colours - Pastel colours are soft shades of colours.  Pastel colours show moods such as optimismus,  joy, peace, and innocence.

Incredible - Incredible means almost impossible to believe.  An incredible story, for example.

A table cloth is a cloth that protects the surface of a table. 

Friends in common are friends that other people you know know as well.

Knives, forks, and spoons are words you should know as well.

Questions

What is Claire's proffesion?

Are Claire's paintings oil or water colours?

Where did Claire study art?

Why do you like pastel colours?

What did Claire cook for dinner?

What was Dave's reaction when he saw Claire's table?

What kind of music does Dave prefer?

What kind of music does Claire love?

What did Dave and Claire discuss over dinner?

Is Edinburgh the capital city of Wales or Ireland?

What time did Dave arrive home from Claire's?

We are on holiday!

The next chapter of The Farm at Lane's End will appear on the 5th of September.   Enjoy your summer and see you soon!

Das nächste Kapitel von The Farm at Lane's End wird am 5. September erscheinen.   Genießen Sie den Sommer und bis bald!

NAJ

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?

The Farm at Lane's End - Chapter 12

 Key Words

Tasty - delicious     A tasty piece of cake.  A delicious meal.

Decide - to make a decision.  To say what you want.

To go for - (idiom) - A decision  To decide on something.  I'm going for a beer.

A dead heat - (idiom) Competition, race, comparison -  When two  players have the same chance.  The race was a dead heat between John and Simon.

The sky's the limit- no limits - you can do what you want.

Questions

In which tearoom are Ken, Jean, and Dave?

How many tearooms are in Tootenhoe?

Is the Bluebird better than the Happy Snake?

Are scones served with plumb jam?

Is Dave enjoying his singing lessons?

What is Sally teaching Dave next week?

Is Dave a talented singer?

How many people are on Jean's invitation list for grandma's birthday party?

Who is England playing in the European cup?

Which team is going to win?

Is Jean sure about England's victory?

Has Austria a good football team?

Chapter 11

 

Key Words 

To cut a long story short - to bring a story to its point.

A peppercorn rent is a very cheap or low rent.

Of late means recently. There have been many price increases of late.

To make ends meat means to get by on very little money. It is very hard for vicars to make ends meet on their pay.

Every little counts means no matter how small the amount may be, it is still very important.

I must be getting on means I must continue my work.

I'll get going right away means I will start immediately.

I'm ready for off means I am ready to depart.

Questions

Are Farmer Ken, Jean, and their son Dave having jam sandwiches for tea?

Is Graham Edwards the mayor?

Why does Graham Edwards want to rent a field?

Did Farmer Ken and Graham Edwards agree on a very high rent?

Is the school finding it hard to get by?

What can Jean do to help the school?

Who is coming to visit on Thursday afternoon?

Where is Dave going on Thursday afternoon?

Where will granny's birthday party be held if the weather is nice?

If the weather is bad, where will granny's birthday party be held?

The Farm at Lane's End - Chapter 10

 Key Words

Favour - when you do someone a favour, you do something that will help them.

To drop by - This means to visit someone for a short time. 

Whilst you are at it - this means you could do something else that's similar at the same time.

Spill the beans - this means to tell all.  To tell everything about it.  To talk about it.

To put on one's thinking cap - this means you will think about it,

Questions

did Jean bake?

What time did the vicar come for tea?

What colour was Jean's dress?

How old was Jean's dress?

What did the vicar s want Ken to doarc?

What kind of cake 

Did Ken agree to read the lessons?

What was the vicar's second wish?

Who had just become the new choir director?

Will Dave join the choir?

And, now, listen to the text - 

The Farm at Lane's End - Chapter 9

 Key Words

By the way - means incidentally or in passing.  Something that is not connected to the subject being discussed.

A lift is when someone takes you with them in their car.  Would you like a lift to the Women's Institute?  Can I give you a lift home?

To look forward to something means to be happy or excited about something that is going to happen.

What a nerve is to say something or do something you shouldn't do or say.

The lessons are two readings from the Bible read in church.   One from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament.

Listen to the text

Questions

What is Jean cooking for breakfast?

Where and when is Dave meeting cousin Jane?

Who is giving Jean a lift to the Women's Institute?

What must Farmer Ken and Dave repair?

What did Rajeev say in his letter to Jane?

How did Jane react to Rajeev's letter?

Does Jane think she is special?

What makes women happy?

Who did Farmer Ken forget to phone?

....