I started writing a book review (1908 ticked off the list, if that’s any clue) when I realised I was far too tired. So, instead, here’s a picture of a donkey! I dragged my friend Dave to a local donkey sanctuary last Saturday – it’s the third time I’ve been. After cats, donkeys are my favourite animals, and I could (and do) spend hours stroking them and informing them that they are handsome.
Maybe it’s no surprise that Eeyore is my favourite character in Winnie-the-Pooh?
But I shan’t just show you that gorgeous donkey. I shall pre-empt my Weekend Miscellany and point you in the direction of two very brilliant blog reviews which have been posted lately. Claire is just as enthusiastic as I am, maybe more, about The Element of Lavishness: Letters of William Maxwell and Sylvia Townsend Warner, and Darlene writes a really beautiful, personal post about Nicola Beauman’s excellent book A Very Great Profession.
Hope you’re all well – tomorrow’s another late night, so might be a couple of days before I get to grips with reviewing the 1908 book. If you fancy guessing, it’s non-fiction, and the author’s initials are HK…
I was reading Angela Thirkell's August Folly on the weekend and, at several points, there are snippets of dialogue between the central family's donkey and cat. Clearly, you were Thirkell's ideal reader for such passages!
Oh my goodness! I really am! I haven't read a Thirkell for so long, I must make that my next one. (Something of a superficial reason for choosing it… but I love me some cats and donkeys. For some reason I always assumed Thirkell disliked cats…)
Oh isn't she/he sweet? I don't blame you for becoming a regular visitor. Is adoption allowed? I don't mean by you necessarily, Simon, your flatmates might have something to say about that!
This last time, they did have adoption leaflets available. So tempted… plus I would LOVE to have a real donkey myself! But they are pack animals, and would pine on their own (so I must get five!)
Mrs Elton determined to get a donkey cart – soooo necessary in the country!
Arrggghhh!
Oh, Simon, we have a donkey (used to have two but the older one died). Our Daisy is such a friendly, cheerful, pleasant creature. And she is a guardian to the sheep.
You lucky person! How nice – I grew up more or less next to a field with donkeys in, different ones over the years (although Jenny was there for many, many years), and I do miss seeing them on a regular basis.
I never knew there were sanctuaries for donkeys. Not the first time I've learned something knew here, and most probably won't be the last. :)
I think they're the most popular type of charity in the UK!
Donkeys are very cute!!
Megan @ Storybook Love Affair
Aren't they just? ;)
If you love donkeys I suggest you read Caroline by Cornelius Medvei http://www.farmlanebooks.co.uk/2011/caroline-cornelius-medvei/ It is such a sweet little book and packed with donkey facts.
Thanks, Jackie! I've added it to my Amazon wishlist, but also now seen that it's at the local library, so might well pick it up on the way home from work.
Eeyore is by far the best Winnie the Pooh character. In my opinion he only has competition from Piglet (who is quiet and quite sensible) and Kanga (for her omni-mothering capacity).
You're making me want to re-read WTP now!