Having a real life template for Eustace Pedlar at hand makes, in my opinion, his characterisation more vivid. I can sense that AC thoroughly enjoyed putting him on papaer and being able to control what he does and says. Perhaps this was her only way of gaining any acendency of him as he sounds a formidable character from her descriptions in the Autobiography.

But, to me, the delight of the book is Anne. In her, AC invested her own love of travel and adventure. Plus she was gloriously in love with her own husband at the time of writing and this gives Anne and her relationship a passion that never quite appears again in any of her books.

Yes, sometimes it is a little confusing and stretches the imagination, but it full of interesting people, beautiful locations and a sexual frisson that just lures the reader on. I'm not asking for the reasons why things happen in the plot when I'm reading this book, I'm just swept along by it and loving every minute of the ride. Why can't I find a man like that....

Puffinjill

I'm not asking for the reasons why things happen in the plot when I'm reading this book, I'm just swept along by it and loving every minute of the ride. Why can't I find a man like that....

Or ones like Anthony Cade (Chimneys), Derek Kettering (Blue Train), Charles Arundell (Dumb Witness), Adam Goodman (Cat Among the Pigeons), or Thomas Royde (Towards Zero)...*sigh*

You've got it girl!!! Can't you tell, there has been so little romance in my life!! I'm so glad I'm not the only one out here sublimating (if thats the right word) a real life regret with this fiction. Any others you can think of? How about Dr. Lord? Colin Lamb? I could go on...

By the way, I'm glad you see Thomas Royde in that light. I was beginning to think my brain was going soft! I'll go and lie down now.

Puffinjill

By the way, I'm glad you see Thomas Royde in that light. I was beginning to think my brain was going soft! I'll go and lie down now.

Hahaha! I didn't think of him in that "light" until I saw Julian Sands play him in the adaptation.

As for Doctor Lord...he has a kind disposition but he isn't "attractive" looking. Colin Lamb....mmm....he's too bland.

More handsome AC characters, let's see....Bobby Jones (Evans), to a certain extent David Hunter (Taken at the Flood), also to a certain extent Simon Doyle (Death on the Nile), oh and Oliver Manders (Three Act Tragedy).

Can you think of anymore?

Oh,DEFINATELY David Hunter! How could I of forgotten him?! Dr Lord may not be "attractive" but his personality is and the way he loves Elinor - wouldn't we all like to be devotedlt admired from afar as she was by him! So his singlemindedness in love is the reason I find him attractive. Colin Lamb... yes, well, maybe that IS just me (perhaps I'm so used to bland) and my brain really is a bit odd.

I shall spend my day giving this subject some thought and see if I can think of any more. That should get me through a dull monday!!

Puffinjill

wouldn't we all like to be devotedlt admired from afar as she was by him!

You make a good point!

I've also thought of another one: Nigel Chapman (Hickory Dickory Dock).

TAKEN AT THE FLOOD

*SPOILERS*

*SPOILERS*

*SPOILERS*

I loved David Hunter, he was full of charisma and he was attractive! I was so dissappointed when AC chose him to be the culprit! If that hadn't happened the book would have been on my 10 favorite AC list.

Getting back to the original thought (come on, Bundle girl, get a grip!!), I still feel The Man in the Brown Suit is simply about passion - passion for travel, passion for living and the blossoming of Anne's passion. It just feels fresh and alive. Other characters, such as Henrietta Savernake, have a more mature sexuality but Anne is youth; she acts according to that youth, and that keeps the storyline buzzing along and fresh each time I read it. As I said before, who could blame the girl? Wouldn't we all like a life like that?

(I'm still thinking, though Bundle, and I'll let you know if I think of anymore!!!)

Even Race shows up well in the masculine role of 'strong and silent' older man. What say you?

Puffinjill

Getting back to the original thought (come on, Bundle girl, get a grip!!)

LOL. Okay, I'm trying, only I've just remembered John Eardsley a.k.a Harry Rayburn (The Man in the Brown Suit (see, I'm staying on topic now)) *sigh*.

Even Race shows up well in the masculine role of 'strong and silent' older man. What say you?

Race? Mmmm...Well, his feelings towards Anne was touching.

Back on topic and focusing on the best bit of the topic too! Have any of AC's other male characters been portrayed in such a base, masculine way as John Eardsley/Harry Rayburn? Oh, what CAN I say about the man? Almost brutish in his treatment of Anne at times, but HOW attractive that makes him. The pages fairly sizzle when the two of them are sparking off one another!!

And Race does come over well in this book. He seems to be 'Race mark 1' - AC's first mention of him, and based, I think, on older, attractive, colonial men she had met. He bares little resemblence to the Race of later books as she developed the character. But I'm glad we have this early, tantalising view of him.

By the way, can you think of any to add to the list from Marple books? Craddock is an appealing man, if not overtly attractive. Any thoughts?

I find that the relationship between Anne and John/Harry is somehwat similar to Victoria's realtionship w/ Jim (I think that was his name) in They Came to Baghdad. Only John became more caring towards the end but in the begining he was less caring towards Anne. And Jim became less caring towards Victoria at the end whereas he was caring at the begining.. I liked him a lot too. What did you think of him?

As for the men characters in Marple books, I can't think of any. Most of the men seem more retiring in the MM books.

Do you mean Edward Goring, who Victoria followed to Baghdad? I'm assuming you aren't referring to Richard Baker, who she finally stays with! Edward had the glamour, certainly, but definately not a nice guy!!

Puffinjill

Do you mean Edward Goring, who Victoria followed to Baghdad? I'm assuming you aren't referring to Richard Baker, who she finally stays with! Edward had the glamour, certainly, but definately not a nice guy!!

Yes, that's his name Edward Goring. I had forgotten.I liked him up until a certain point...

Certianly not that Richard baker guy! Yuck!

Well, he did come over a little pompous, but there must of been something about him or the projected future with the very lively Victoria couldn't have happened. Maybe opposites do attract!!

I'm struggling to think of anyone who fits the bill in any Miss Marple book. Craddock was as near as I could get and Neele came over very well in Pocket full of Rye, but neither of them exactly set the pulse racing!!Oh dear, there I go again......you must be a bad influence on me Bundle!!

Puffinjill

Oh dear, there I go again......you must be a bad influence on me Bundle!!

LOL! Okay, I'm stopping :0)

NO, no!!!!! Please don't! I'm sure we are making insightful literary comments on this thread and it would be a shame to stop.

Plus it's brightened up a dull week for me, so I thank you!

Puffinjill

I'm sure we are making insightful literary comments on this thread

Sure, talking about handsome literary characters is very insightful ;-)

But I have thought of another: George Challenger from "Peril at End House".

I always viewed him as a little dim even though he was a devoted kind of guy! Can't say I cared for his little sideline in dealing.

I'm still thinking. God, it's so STRESSFUL!! Oh, and very informative and insightful too, naturally.

Maybe, um, Charles Hayward? Perhaps a bit bland again. Oh, Oh, OH, I have it.....Richard Carey!!! Over to you!

Which book was Richard Carey in? I don't seem to remember him.

Richard Carey was in Murder in Mesopotamia. :)

Thats the one!! Darkly handsome, brooding.......and obviously I will also be making more intellegent comments about him and his character portrail, but they seem to have gone from my mind at the moment. Just thinking handsome....brooding.....hot desert....

Thank you Miss Scarlet.

I've read MIM but for some reason I  still don't remember Richard Carey . But he sounds dreamy....

I think my 3 favorite AC guys that we have mentioned so far are Charles Arundell, Anthony Cade and Derek Kettering! *sigh*

Oh and what about Anthony Browne (Sparkling Cyanide)!?!

I'm sorry if my questions seems a non sequitur here, but this is the first time I've used a blog, so bear with me!  I am desperately trying to find the name of a particular novel for my high schooler's reading list, but all I can remember is the ending. 

The book was (like all of Christie's work) a terrific novel and a thrilling ride - and it ended with a telegram (I think) from the main male character to the main female character - something along the lines of Will-You-Marry-Me, but very well done, and romantic, and I remember something like, 'Indicate Greek Orthodox or Church of England' in the body of the telegraph. 

Again, so sorry if this doesn't fit into this particular post (I don't know how to get into the right one) but PLEASE, if any one knows the book I'm talking about, I would be SO grateful (as would be my students!) 

Teresa, Pennsylvania, USA

That was Passenger to Frankfurt, Teresa! Hope your students enjoy the book.

And welcome to the boards!

Bundle, another good choice. But don't ask me to list mine!! Me and lists....not good.

Can you think of anymore, Jill?

You're not encouraging me again, Bundle, are you?! Shame on you!! I HAVE been trying to think of some more (not for my own sake, of course, why would I derive any pleasure from thinking about such characters) because you ask so nicely. But I'm struggling to think of any more right now. love your top three but I think mine might differ slightly. Not sure Charles Arundell would feature so high in mine but I can see where you are coming from!!

Oooh! We should turn our attention to the actors who played them in the adapts!

We could, it would give me an excuse to watch them all again. Like I needed an excuse!! But we will be stuck for our Anthiny Cade as it still isn't ready for sceening. And I seem to remember I was disappointed with the whole of the dramatisation of The Mystery of the Blue Train. None of the cast matched up to how I say them in my imagination. Do you find that sometimes, too?

Puffinjill

None of the cast matched up to how I say them in my imagination. Do you find that sometimes, too?

Oh yes, I find that is the case many times. For example Jonas Armrstrong as Anthony Cade.

Excuse my poor spelling in previous posts. I always seem to be in a rush and never get to check them through properly before submitting. I'm hoping they make sense (but even with correct spelling I might never make sense).

I'm a little bit stupid (I've said it to save you) and don't watch much TV, so I wasn't aware of who Jonas Armstrong was. So I googled the name. Now  I know.

(Prepare for rant)

You mean to say, that that child, whippersnapper, BOY from Robin Hood (which I don't watch but have seen the trailer for) will be playing Anthony Cade!!!!! NNOOOOoo! Hardly rugged man of the world (with buckets of charm) material, is he?! Oh, thats it, I'm off to bang my head against the wall as NOTHING in life now makes sense.

Puffinjill

I'm a little bit stupid (I've said it to save you) and don't watch much TV, so I wasn't aware of who Jonas Armstrong was. So I googled the name. Now  I know.

Hahaha! To save me??

(Prepare for rant)

You mean to say, that that child, whippersnapper, BOY from Robin Hood (which I don't watch but have seen the trailer for) will be playing Anthony Cade!!!!! NNOOOOoo! Hardly rugged man of the world (with buckets of charm) material, is he?! Oh, thats it, I'm off to bang my head against the wall as NOTHING in life now makes sense.

That was exactly my reaction when I first heard about it! I don't have anything against him, and I feel bad for saying this, but He is one of the most plainest looking actors I have ever seen!

And I would love to know what were in the minds of the casting directors!!!

NOTHING is obviously going on in the heads of the casting directors AT ALL. Have they read the book, one wonders? Have they every read ANY book? Please God, never let them try to adapt The Man in the Brown Suit. Who in **** would they choose for for Eardsley/Rayburn??? I cannot even bring myself to think about it.

Pardon my language. Not the way to speak on a sunday morning. I shall try to behave now.

They'd probably just get Edward Fox to play Eardsley! LOL

Rather on the mature side, don't you think? Not that I'm ageist in any way, shape or form, but that definately wouldn't match up with the picture I've got of him in my fertile little imagination. Plus, he always comes across to me as very dry and passionless (although he is a fantastic actor) and if there is one thing Eardsley/Rayburn has, it's passion!!

I refer you back to the start of this thread if you have forgotten how I view this character and the book in general!

I was just kidding about Edward Fox as Eardsley :-)

Thats alright then. I was beginning to think I would need to get you some professional help.

We seem to have cornered this thread for ourselves! I did start out trying to make some interesting and insightful comments about the book (perhaps not that interesting or insightful as they came from me!), but one mention of the raw passion bubbling under the surface and it all went to pot!! That atmosphere certainly lends an extra edge to the novel but I truly love it because it's fun, adventurous, has a great heroine and beautiful locations. Same for you Bundle?

Puffinjill

I did start out trying to make some interesting and insightful comments about the book (perhaps not that interesting or insightful as they came from me!),

Awww! Don't say that. I find your posts interesting and insightful!

That atmosphere certainly lends an extra edge to the novel but I truly love it because it's fun, adventurous, has a great heroine and beautiful locations. Same for you Bundle?

The funyy thing is - is that The Man in the Brown Suit is one of my least favorite AC books! I found it rambling and boring, I'm afriad. But you have pointed out some good aspects of the book that I had never thought of before, Jill.

I'm so surprised!! I thought that any lover of the Chimneys/Seven Dials type of book would have adored this one! Shows you how wrong you can be!! When I say 'this type of book', I meant young, adventurous with a strong female lead (and a hero to die for). I always think of those books as similar in form and I love to read them when I'm in need of some pure escapism. Perhaps I'm just oversimplifying them by just lumping them together.

What about the other characters in the book, Bundle? Eustace Pedlar, et al? None of them help the book along for you?

pardon me for butting in but James Lance should play Eardsley, my reasoning is that Simon Dutton played him in the Film and James Lance played Simon Dutton's son in something on the BBC, I think John Sessions should play Guy Padgett (I don't know why other than Nicholas Grace and John Sessions remind me of each other) and Minks should be played by Stephen Fry (He looks great dressed as a Woman), Honeysuckle Weeks should play Ann Beddingfield and Lil Roughly should play Suzy Blair but Ultimately the parts of Eustace, Guy and if possible Ann should be played by the people who played them in the film.

I don't think you are over simplifying them Puffinjill as I think the same, I think those 3, the one I am reading and the Tommy aND tUPPENCE Books and Why Didn't They Ask Evans should all be adapted properly and sold as a set, I might make my list longer when I have read DU I will see. 

While I am here Can you tell me how I can find a list of the Characters in They Came To Baghdad on the Net, It might help me working out who some people are. 

I've tried googling They came to Baghdad to see if I could find you a list of characters, but no go. Sorry Tommy, but can I help at all? What is it that is confusing you?

To Jill: I think the that The Man In The Brown Suit's concept is great and the idea of the characters looks good in theory. And normally it would be a book that I would have enjoyed reading, but I think in this case it was more about the way in which her concept and ideas were conveyed: what I mean by that is - is that everything was worded in a long, overly dramatic and complicated way.

Thankyou Puffinjill, I will make a little list and ask you about certain people - just the Occupations or status that the reader is supposed to think they have you understand.

To Bundle, That is a minor downside of the book.

We'll work it out together Tommy!

Thankyou Puffinjill, I am assumeing that The Clayton's and Mrs Cardew Trench are just wealthy people staying in Baghdad and I think Marcus is the Manager of the Hotel and Dakin is one side or the other of the law like the Victims but who is Richard Baker? If he is a spy on one side of the law or the other just say yes. I know who the others are.

Where have you got to in the book because I'm frightened I will give away some things too early and ruin the plot for you. You seem to be doing O.K. Richard Baker is an archeologist on this way to his dig. Is his character confusing you?

Victoria has met up with Edward, The Death of Sir Rupert has been announced and Victoria is telling Dakin how she is getting on, I suyppose I just wanted to be reminded what Richard Baker does, I realise that anyone who has a speaking part could be a baddie but they could also be a goodie, I suppose I just have to carry on reading and in the same way MM uses Village Parallells I might use paralell's for instance Mrs thingy Trench or Mrs Clayton might be Suzy Blair's opposite number if you know what I mean, same with Mrs Clayton, I suppose I will just have to see, I have an idea how important some people living or dead are, Thankyou Puffinjill.  

I have had a re-think, Michael Moloney would be better as Pagett but again I don't know why and I have found that They Came To Baghdad was made in the 1950s with Bea Arthur - Golden Girls

It's tricky, isn't it, as in these books not everyone is who or what they seem to be! But you seem to be getting to grips with it well. Keep going with it and all will become clear!

Michael Maloney sounds a good shout, but I'm not sure I would want to see that adaptation of They Came to Baghdad!

I think I know what you mean, Bea Arthur was an American and Victoria Jones is a Cockney so I am not sure I would want to see it either but Ann Beddingfield is a British Character but Stephanie Zimbalist is an American and after being slightly miffed at the fact the setting ewas changed (Althougfh I didn't know it until I read the book years after seeing ther film for the First time) I think the film was excellent so if they got someone like her (If they can't do a British Version) It might not be too bad.

Mmmmm, I'm not sure. I love both books and think I might find these adaptations a bit distressing to watch!! I DO like things to be done properly!

I know exactly what you mean Puffinjill, I too like things to be done properly, I was thinking the other day Michelle Ryan could play Victoria Jones as she is a Londoner and America knows about her now due to the 6, 000000 Man re-make.

Thats a thought. Sounds an awful lot better than the previous one! How are you getting on now with the book? I feel I wasn't much help to you, but I was afraid of giving away too much of the plot.

Uh-Oh here we go again w/ the casting list :-).

But Tommy I think Michelle Ryan would be an excellent choice for Victoria Jones! Well done, mon ami!!

Nothing odd about that, Tommy. We all have different tastes, and certain books will appeal to you that others might not appreciate as much. Thats what makes this site so interesting! You gave it a go and, if you reread it again someday, you might find it less confusing.

Thankyou Puffin, I probably will re-read it one day but this time have a paper and penm with me so I can go back and look up who people are, Anyway over night I have improved my score from 4 to 6.

Thats quite an improvement!

Yes, It would have been easier to read if at some point someone wasn't having a fight with someoneelse and as I say if the Cast had been on Wiki like with some books but on the upside the Archaeologist made me think of the Newsreader with the same name and the Explorer made me think of Alan Wicker which made things easier for me and I think Chapters 4, 5 and I think 6 were really hard going and the Murderer was revealed much too early for my liking and the Penultimate Chapter was I think largely unnecessary and is it mer or did the book start with a Character who didn't turn up again until the final Chapter? Maybe these points are just me being Awkward.

Tommy, I forgot to say, I've got a fantastically helpful book called Agatha Christie A to Z which lists every character she ever used and a short description of who they are and why they feature. Plus it gives descriptions of each book and a simplified version of the plot WITHOUT giving away the solution. Something like this would have been very useful to you when reading They Came to Baghdad if you got a bit snowed under with who was who and what they were doing. I had forgotten I had it, as it was still in a box I hadn't fully unpacked after my house move in June (I will never, ever empty every box, there is just too much to do!) so I'm glad to see it again. It may even help me construct a few of those lists of favourites I've been trying to write.

Anyway (I'm rambling again), I just thought I would mention it!

Thankyou Puffin, I am so glad you told me, I will put it on my list of books to buy, It sounds GREAT! I have a couple, one I can't remember the name of but will tellyou what it is and the other is Christie in 4 Acts or something like that, Never be afraid to ramble on, I do it all the time, Thanks Again.

Is that an omnibus of her plays, by any chance, Tommy? I don't have any of the scripts at all and would love to get a copy of them. Do you know where you got that one from?

Hi Puffin, Christie In Four Acts mentions all who have played Poirot, Tommy and Tuppence and Miss Marple, I remember reading it on my bed one day when I lived in Gloucesterr so that would have been in the 90s and so doesn't mention Geraldine McKewan or Julia McKenzie but it does mention Ian Holm and David Suchet and it mentions the fact that Richard Attenborough and his wife played Tommy and Tuppence on radio and oddly enough even though AC didn't think any Actor would beable to play Poirot properly which is why she took him out of the plays the book says Patrick Cargill played Poirot on stage and it also says Dulcie Grey played MM on stage, the other book I have is Agatha Christies Poirot. which mentions that alot of actors were auditioned for the Parts of Hastings and Japp (I would love to know who they were) 

I haven't heard of either of those books but I will definately look out for them. They sound interesting. Thanks Tommy!!

And I do remember now that I had read somewhere that Richard Attenborough and his wife (was it Sylvia Simms?) has played TandT at some point. But, again, I had forgotten that and can't even remember where I read it. My memory! It's shocking! Soon, all of you out there will have to remind me of my name!!

I just finished reading this book and I loved it. I think I'm becoming a convert to the non series books! The travel agent in me loved the aspects on the cruise ship and South Africa as a setting (I travelled there 5 years ago and it brought back very fond memories) and I really enjoyed Anne Beddingfield as a heroine. Her friendship with Suzanne is a highlight for me because I don't think AC explored too many female friendships in her books. Suzanne was an absolute scream as well. I thought this book was particularly humorous as well and I really enjoyed the diary entries of Sir Eustace as well. He's so naughty! It was also nice to meet a younger, sexier Colonel Race.

I think I give this one a 9 out of 10 and there are only a couple of other AC's that can claim that as well.

Good for you, 3rdGirl!! I knew we would win you over! It's certainly a little cracker, isn't it? Wonderful locations, fantastic characters, a totally gorgeous hero and lots and lots of fun! Like you,I love the friendship between Anne and Suzanne. AC didn't write too many female friendships into her books and I think that was down to her own personal preferences. I remember reading in her Autobiograpy that she preferred and understood how to be friends with the male sex more than her fellow females and this comes through in much of her work. But Anne and Suzanne are a blast! If only we had more of them. And of Harry Rayburn. And of the young tall-dark-and-handsome Race. All of it, in fact!

So, not only do you live in Australia (by the way, how is the temperature now? Still struggling? Poor soul!) but you have visited South Africa! I'm not jealous at all. Just makes my wet week in Exmouth this year seem a trifle dull....

I am so glad you enjoyed the Book 3rd Girl, it is excellent isn't it? Agatha Christie couldn't have persued the the Ann, Suzy partnership because Ann ends up in the arms of Harry and they go off into the sunset together but what Agatha Christie COULD have done was have Race marry Suzy and them appear in further books but5 the problem with that is even though there are is more than one book with eithewr a Male or female Sleuth would it have been room for more than 1 double act, There is Lady Derwent and Bobby aswell as Tommy and Tuppence but they only appear in 1 book. The Ideal solution would have been for either Harry and Ann to splity up in another book and Ann teasm up with Suzy for Crime Solving or for Harry to alweays be away on bussiness to allow Ann and Suzy to persue their Crime Solving or for Harry to be Murdered and Ann and Suzy to investigate, that would have been great as I have not heard of 2 women sleuths apart from the snoop sisters and they were in films, I am not sure if nthey are book related sleuths.

You are so lucky 3rd Girl, Australia is a Country I would love to visit.

I hope you are enjoying Exmouth Jill, I remember it fondly from when I was at College in Exeter, I had the best Chips in Exmouth and met a lovely Lady who came from there. 

Bless you, Tommy, but I'm not there now! That was for my summer (summer?) holiday at the end of July. And jolly wet it was too! but I did get a day out in Torquay and the sun did shine for a little while, so the world seemed a brighter place for five minutes! If I go again, I'll add you to my postcard list!

And I'm intrigued by this 'lovely lady'...

Yes, is thst the scent of romance in the air Tommy??

I was thinking about the friendship between Anne and Suzanne and the only other female friendships I can think of that AC writes about is Miss Marple and Mrs McGillicuddy in 4.50 from Paddington.

Upon reflection, it's interesting that you can tell from her writing that AC prefers the company of men.

I do like all of your speculation Tommy, you've positively run wild with possibilities!

No Romance in the air, she was just a friend I knew at College.

Thankyou 3rd Girl, I love letting my mind run wild and thinking of what could happen to ACs charaqcters if someone was given the task of resurrecxting her Characters like Sabastian Fauks did with James Bond -Never read it, never likely to, not a fan of JB

You are forgetting Miss Murgatroyed and Miss Hinchcliffe and of course there was Miss Marple and Mrs Bantry, pity Mrs B wasn't Miss Marples Hastings 

I'm struggling to think of many other female friendships in AC's books. I think Anne and Suzanne have the best there is. There was Rhoda Dawes and Anne Meredith in Cards on the Table but I wouldn't consider that a great example of friendship! Same goes for Linnet Ridgeway and Jacqueline de Bellefort! Perhaps her female characters were quite right in not trusting those of the same sex!

Miss Marple would have struggled to keep Mrs Bantry's mind on any investigation so I can't see her filling the Hastings role. I get the feeling that, valued as her friends were, Miss Marple would have found a 'Hastings' a bit annoying. Poirot (and his ego) seem to need an audience and someone to bounce ideas around with him so his is more indulgent towards his friend. Miss Marple has no ego to stroke and, although willing to have help, seems a more solitary character.

What about Ellie and Greta from Endless Night. They were both friends.

Rather on the same lines as the friendships mentioned in my last post. Another one that, with hindsight, perhaps wasn't the wisest to make!

Yes. You know, it seems as if  a lot of these female friendships in AC's books were volatile!

What do you think?

Volatile! That's certainly one word for it! I'm not sure the word 'friendship' is the right one either! I know AC prefered the companionships she formed with men rather than women, but I think she has rather a dark view of feminine friendships. We don't all form them to further our own devious ends, you know! Nor do we all steal each others boyfriends/husbands/inheritances. Well, I don't anyway!!

And I hope the reason you have been very kind and friendly towards me on this site isn't a sinister one, Bundle!

AC certainly had a "dark" way of looking at friendships.

And never! My friendship to you Jill is nothing other than what it is: I am truly genuine in being kind and polite towards you and everyone! :0)

Bless you my Poppet! But is this a ruse to lure me to my destruction......

LOL! No.

BTW how come these smilie icons don't work!?

I know nothing about technology, so don't ask me. If something doesn't work I can either kick it or shout at it. Failling to correct the fault with these two methods, I sulk until my partner can fix it. Perhaps you could try my way.