porthesia

Not heard of the garlic puree - I may try that for the greenfly. My cats are very naughty and won't use the garden - they prefer the dirt tray! The eldest cat has really bad arthritis and as the garden hasn't been turned over for years the younger one has decided it's ok for her to use the dirt tray as well! Really really hate dirty trays. These are the first cats I've had who do this

Hi Jule 2 Milner - I do the same with the Narnia books. Due for a re-read but I threw out my childhood copies when we moved - the sticky tape I'd used to repair them had gone yucky. Will have to buy them again - they were such loved and read copies. I don't consider a book to be a good book unless I've read it 3 or 4 times.

Not an oh heck moment but interesting in the light of "things" going missing. Whilst staying overnight in a hotel, I spent a considerable amount of time looking for a particular eye-liner which I had specifcally taken with me. Couldn't find it anywhere, checked under all the furniture etc - gave up . Upon returning home went to return the make-up I had taken away back in to my Caboodles box (can somebody tell me where I can buy a new one of these) and, low and behold, there winking at me smugly was the particular eye-liner which I had taken away with me. There must be a new breed of gremlins who can fly and be back before me in time to put it away.

Fiz, if you can make it around Christmas it is a must, there are so many decorated Christmas trees both inside and out. I'm hoping to persuede DH that we have to go back for a visit but it is quite a way now. None of the NT houses or other house down here seem to do the same thing. Claydon House is also worth a visit. Again they don't decorate for Christmas (or didn't when I was last there) - amazing that all the ceilings and fireplaces are not plaster, but are actually carved from wood.

I would really love to have a thrush in my garden but I have cats. Our garden has been neglected as this house had been rented out for 4 years before we bought it. There were not many slugs/snails in the gardens - until i started buying plants to brighten up the plethora of shrubs - my garden is green, green and yet more green. I also have the wind to contend with and my hanging basket is suffering. After having torn down a climber of unspecified variety (it was trying to get inside the house) I now think replacing the space with a hanging basket was not such a good idea - ho hum I'll learn.

Henry James - Portrait of a Lady - which is why I failed my English "A" level. William Morris - Well at the Worlds End Nikolai Tolstloy - something about Merlin? A couple of other books that if I ever find the packing crate they are in I may give another try

Only just found this thread! At the moment I am reading "Under Heaven" by Guy Gavriel Kay - one of my favourite authors. It has taken me a while to get into this book but enjoying it - though not as much as his other works. I do have a copy of "Against all things Ending" by Stephen Donaldson - admit to having to have a dictionary very close when reading this author - at the moment I am just not "in the mood" but really must read it as the very final book will be out in the fall 2013 - may just have finished it by then! I used to live just 4 miles from Waddesden Manor - admit that I miss it very much. Every Christmas they decorate the Bachelor Wing and it is the most amazing experience EVER!! Recommend booking a time ticket as it gets very, very busy there, but if you are near or passing by it is a must. Usually there is a theme and since the year that The Nutcracker was the theme we now have to have a Christmas tree decorated in white (DH instructions) and there is also has a bit of a ballet theme prevailing - although the small ballet slippers I bought from Bloch are pink!

My DD attended some classes here last year which she thorougly enjoyed and there were some excellent guest teachers as well as Mary Goodhew who is so lovely.

couple of costumes here to give you an idea edited to take out link as it's too long and send via pm

I echo the comments from everyone else - please stay and give us your valuable input.

Good luck with the practice at home. Wish Pineapple and Danceworks would branch out into other cities. It's 1.1/2 hours on the train for us and then tube/bus across London!

There is a really, really nice coffee/tea shop called Allens at 75 Duke Street, Mayfair, London W1K 5PA not far from Danceworks for your husband . My DD attended their Russian Ballet class and thought it was a good class. Will probably go again next week as it's situated well for the shops - I don't find much to do when she does Pineapple.

Oh dear. Don't suppose you are able to get to Pineapple or Danceworks - DD takes classes here during the summer months. Well done for going on pointe next year. Will be looking for an update in September.

As parent of an ex Conservatoire pupil at Tring I can say our experience was not good - we were led to believe the Conservatoire was the same as Associates and were so thrilled when DD auditioned and was awarded a place. Having said that, I am really hoping their new Classical Ballet course will be a success.

Not at the stage of auditioning for contracts but all the information on here, as always, is extremely helpful and insightful. Only hope I remember it all when the time comes!!

DD on same course as you David.

DD did Northern last year and thoroughly enjoyed it - Ballet Cyrmu this year.

I saw this too. Doesn't really fit with my idea of a ballerina but how much do the tights conceal? Maybe I have the wrong idea! DD's legs always look better in her tights - not that they look this picture!

I agree with Pas de Quatre. DD had a young teacher come to the school and the students loved her to start off with . 12 months later none of them had really progressed or learnt much. I found another teacher - really wished I hadn't waited the time but I had to let DD see the problem and she had also during this time informed me that this was now her career choice. Teacher we moved to was so good and worked so hard with DD to try and make up for lost time. The original school had gone through quite a period of trying to find teachers and there had been a lack of continuity so there really was a lot to make up!

Have always used the tube but recently took the bus. First journey had to stand and was in the way of people getting off the bus - no different to the tube except for the atmosphere - far more fun and jolly on the bus - a real sense of camaraderie (sp). Second journey on the bus was bliss - half empty with a seat - so much nicer than even when the tube is half empty as you can see all the shops!

Hi 2dancersmom - thanks for all the information. We were going to stock up before we left but it's useful to know what's around as dd is bound to want something else in addition to what's been provided by us!!

Far too many of these posts apply!!

2dancersmum the letter arrived today. Many thanks for the advice about the leotards, will make sure DD has a selection and also good news there is a dance shop nearby. Are there any food shops close as dd is taking advantage of the accommodation.

My dd also on course 4. Has anyone had their joining pack yet? We were a little late applying so haven't received this yet.

I have been wondering about dying tights for ages. Looking forward to hearing your comments on how they come out.