On a most oppressively humid morning we continued with garden maintenance. Jackie weeded, planted, trimmed and composted while I dead-headed roses,
dug out two self seeded elder trees, and bagged up some of the refuse.
Steady rain set in after lunch. During a lull I dug out some brambles from the back drive borders, until a direct drenching downpour sent me dashing inside. A later let up enabled me to finish my task and grab a couple of pictures.
During the rest of the afternoon I began rereading:
The title page is accompanied by ‘I saw him lying with his head upon his arm, as I have often seen him lie at school. (p.727)’ offering an example of Mr Keeping’s imaginative perspectives.
As before, I will not add my own observations on this very well known classic, but will post Charles Keeping’s inimitable illustrations as I make my way along this novel of which Charles Dickens wrote in his preface to the 1869 edition: ‘Of all my books, I like this the best,’
‘ ‘Why, bless my heart!’ exclaimed Miss Betsey. ‘You are a very Baby!’ ‘
‘Mr Murdstone and I were soon off, and trotting along on the green turf’ – another vehicle for Keeping’s perspective skill.
‘We stopped to exchange an innocent kiss’ – keeping a safe distance.
Jackie had spent the afternoon at a very well catered for baby shower. She therefore had no need of a meal this evening, yet, for me she
reprised yesterday’s delicious marinaded chicken meal.
That oppressive heat and humidity can sap your energy quickly and can be dangerous. Glad to see the photo of Jackie’s culinary prowess!
Thank you so much, Maj.
I studied ‘David Copperfield’ at university and enjoyed it even more when I reread it years later for the simple pleasure of doing so!
The best reason, Anne. Thanks very much
Jackie’s food looks so delicious, Derrick! I’d love to try it. ā¤ļø??
I think you would like it, John. Thanks very much
I am glad Mr Keepng’s wonderful illustrations are back. Looking forward to more of the same.
Your yesterday’s meal looks fabulous; my compliments to the chef.
Thank you very much, Dolly. After Nigel Lambourne I thought you deserved it š
Miss Betsey’s “bless my heart” reminded me of a favorite Texas expression: “Well, bless your heart.” It can translate as a true expression of sympathy, or a not so subtle way of saying, “You’re a perfect idiot.” There are a few examples here.
Thanks very much, Linda. I liked the link
My dad’s version of the saying was, “Bless his pointed little head.”
š How lovely, Liz. Thanks very much
You’re welcome, Derrick. š
I admire the way you work together and care for each other š Jackie’s dish looks tasty.
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
Such wonderful, characterful drawings!
How lovely that Jackie enjoyed a baby shower, whilst the rest of us were subjected to rather large, drenching downpour today! š
I’m pleased you saw that connection, Emma. š Thank you very much
I remember reading this (and other) Dickens’ books when I was a teenager. I like that Mr. Dickens liked this, of his books, the best. š
These Mr. Keeping’s illustrations are wonderful! The faces, the flow, the details…all fabulous!
YAY for baby showers! š What a bright spot in a downpour-y day! š
OH! And you didn’t miss out on a delicious meal yourself, Derrick…what Jackie reprised looks yummy! š
Happy Day to you both!
(((HUGS))) š
PS…We are to have rain for the next 5 days. We hope it arrives.
Thank you very much, Carolyn. I hope you get your rain X
“Very baby” indeed! Love that expression! Your dinner looks yummy!
Thanks very much, Dwight
Jackie sure spoils you, Derrick!
š Thanks very much, Jill
You have obviously put all that compost to good use in the garden.
The bags are used when new; then used to collect free horse manure; then repeatedly filled with refuse for the dump. Thanks a lot, Tootlepedal
Good recycling.
That meal looked so delicious
Beautiful illustrations
Thank you very much, More
You’re welcome Derrick
Very humid (and hot!) in Maine, too. Aside from “The Christmas Carol,” my favorite is “David Copperfield,” too. Nice to know I am in step with Dickens. š
It is my Mum’s favourite, too, Laurie. Thanks very much
What’s yours?
So far – A Christmas Carol, but that may change š
That’s one of my favorites, too.
Yes
Here itās been cool all day. I must find my copy of that Dickens masterpiece. Itās been too long.
I am enjoying it once more – I rarely reread books. Thanks very much, Gary.
A pleasant reading afternoon ? and delicious looking meal ?
Thank you very much, Ribana. Praise for the meal from you is praise indeed.
Letās not forget that your Head Gardener is a Culinary Queen too ?
š
I’m glad you got to go to a well-catered event for a happy occasion. The detail in the horse picture is interesting, especially the horse hairs.
Thanks very much, Joanna. Keeping is good at horse hairs.
It took me a moment to figure out what I was seeing with the first Keeping illustration. It looked as though David were lying in water.
Yes. Keeping makes us think. I don’t remember that scene in the book and will have to wait until p. 727 to be reminded š Thanks very much, Liz
I wondered that too!!
You’re welcome, Derrick. š
The repurposed compost bags speak volumes of vigorous maintenance underway in the garden. David Copperfield ushers in memories of days in the university, as do many other classics like The Mayor of Casterbridge, Middlemarch, Sons and Lovers, A Farewell to Armsā¦. I am going to enjoy Charles Keepingās illustrations immensely.
I’m so pleased that you like the Keeping illustrations. I have enough for a long time. The only book on your list I have not read is A Farewell To Arms.. I like that you understood the compost bags. Thanks very much, Uma
We were fortunate in not getting the rain until the evening and it certainly was heavy for a time. Sorry you got drenched while digging out those brambles. I am looking forward to more Keeping illustrations.
Thank you very much, Clare. There is plenty more Keeping
Rain is a wonderful thing, but wish it could have held off long enough to let you finish your garden work. It hit 107 degrees here today, better than the forecast of 113 – 114.
I enjoy Charles Keeping’s illustrations. That horse is quite well done, too.
Thank you so much, Lavinia. Sometimes I need and enforced break š I wouldn’t like your heat with our humidity.
I have friends in Guilford, it must have been hot there, too.
No climate change they say. bah-humbug.
I believe it was
And Today we might say say ‘Bless you’ when we actually mean thank you for saying something so nice!
Your supper reminded me of my Chinese crispy beef on Saturday night, though mine didnāt come with the delicious veg!
Thank you very much, Sue
Derrick, youāre one lucky chap but then I guess you do know that, donāt you?
Indeed š Thanks very much, Sheree
Thank you for the photo of the mouth watering evening repast! <3
X Thanks very much, Yvonne
Sitting and re-reading David Copperfield sounds like a good way to spend a day. We’re also having hot, humid weather. It was good of Jackie to see to reprise your repast.
Thank you very much, Merril
Oh great! Two favorite things – gardening and dashing in real quick to escape a downpour and then more dickens and CK!
The eye that has no depth seems to fit Mr M
And so
Glad you are reading this classic Derrick
Glad you noticed the eyes, Yvette. Thanks very much
I am not sure if I “love” all of CK’s illustrations – but glad to see more from him
Some are powerfully scary
Yes – and I will keep looking at the ones you share and can’t wait to hear more of your take on his work
Thanks very much, Yvette
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I like the food pic best today. š
Thanks very much, Chrissy. Good choice š
Ah yes, I heard you were reading David Copperfield! š
Thank you very much, Barbara
Your meal looks tasty.