Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Serres Quenneville Post

Post Update
Since I moved the Journal some of the link backs no longer applies.
I updated the link in the post about my annual visit to the Les Serres Quenneville in Plantagenet, Ontario.
I'll be going back again in June.
They are a good source of Japanese water irises.

Monday, February 27, 2012

The Herb Quarterly

Printed Magazine

Not all garden magazines would benefit from a digital edition.
The Herb Quarterly would lose what makes it so special.
Printed on mat paper and decorated with drawings instead of photos, gives it an old-fashioned look and feel.
I cherish my old issues and consider them artistic.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Fictional Characters

Ruth Galloway Mysteries

Is it possible to miss fictional characters? You bet!
I've just finished reading A Room Full of Bones by Elly Griffiths.
When I need a break from my daily routine, I read.
I was ready to read this book long before it was actually published.
When your expectations are high, the greater the risk of disappointment.
To my reading pleasure, I enjoyed A Room Full of Bones even more than the previous books.
There were more action and tension in this one.
And the best part, it is all so believable.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

The English Garden Magazine

Digital edition

Yesterday, I made a wonderful discovery.
We can now subscribe to The English Garden magazine digital online edition.
Slipcovers and extra bookshelves are not longer needed.
The best part is that the images are as breathtaking as the print edition.
The menu lets you add bookmarks, view in single or double page mode.
You can also zoom in for a closer look.
But don't take my word for it, follow the link to see the sample issue, and you'll be charmed too.  

Update: Well, I've just had a look at my new digital subscription issue (no waiting).
The gardens featured in this magazine are all fantastic.
Oddly, it feels like home.

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

One Good Turn

Kate Atkinson

 I've just finished reading One Good Turn, the second book by Kate Atkinson featuring Jackson Brodie.
This time around, the story is set in Edinburgh.
Our hero makes connections that keep his visit far from typical.
The characters' inner thoughts and reactions are both intriguing and sometimes amusing.
The author does a great job of making the story believable.





Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Case Histories

Kate Atkinson

The Case Histories characters are so engaging; BBC turned it into a television series.
I'm already reading the second, One Good Turn .
Jackson Brodie is a likeable, good-hearted grouch.
Kate Atkinson injects just enough humour in the stories to keep you hooked.
The cases are believable, and the clients are the type of people you can understand.
The story is a good, well crafted murder mystery that won't give you nightmares.



Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Common Moss Rose

Old Post Updated

The links and image on the Common Rose old post are now updated.
This was posted in February, 2009.

The site has been through a few changes since then.

Monday, February 6, 2012

The Crow Trap

Vera Stanhope Mystery
 
I'm just about finished reading the first Ann Cleeves book featuring DI Vera Stanhope.
I can understand why it was turned into a TV series in the UK.

The Crow Trap is a clever psychological suspense story.
Set in Northern England it includes plenty of characters (mostly females) but remains easy to follow.

Too bad Amazon Instant Video is not available to Canadians.
They rent each episode for about the price of a paperback.

Next I intend to check out Case Histories by Kate Atkinson.

Read about the BBC series: Case Histories starring Jason Isaacs.