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Hello, Elle!
I don't understand half-term?
Miss O is on holiday. Her school is closed.
She likes Paris!
I have not heard from her since she went away.
I tend to leave them in peace when they are away.
I have just started "Becoming", and so far it is a very good read.
About her childhood in Chicago, so far.
I always liked Michelle Obama.
Wonder will I be inspired!

Hi, Rusty!
Perhaps your set-up is different.....here, half- term is the holiday break in the middle of a school term.
Bromley schools break for the Autumn half -term from Friday, October 18th for a week.
School term resumes on Monday, October 28th.
The next school holiday after that will be when the schools close over Christmas and New Year.
Let me know what you think of "Becoming"......I may like to read it?
At present, I am reading a book by Peter Robinson......"Caedmon's Song.
And would you believe it is still raining......

Good morning, Elle!
It is dry here, but still dark!
I don't know what term is used for the school holiday here.
When I went to school the unofficial name for the October break was the "tattie holidays".
We went picking tatties to help the farmers and earn some money.
I don't think that goes on nowadays.
It was sore on the back, I remember!
It is early days with "Becoming", but so far, so good.
Michelle tells of her growing up in the South Side of Chicago.
About her family, friends, race, etc.
The book is a present from my granddaughters.
They must have picked up on something I said about Michelle Obama!

Good morning, Rusty!
Yet another wet day here!
The Egyptian geese appear to have five of their eight babies remaining.
Although the predatory heron is permanently in the offing....waiting.
That was very nice of your granddaughters to buy the book about Michelle Obama, for you!
It is good that you are enjoying it!
Yes, I think I would like to read it...I have been impressed by what I have heard about her.
I am away out soon to have my hair cut, and I also need to go the Cobblers whilst out.
I should be back about lunch time.
Enjoy your outing with Miss L- B!

Hello, Elle!
Home now!
Had a nice outing with the girls.
Miss O was there, too.
Less tables at Pine Cone today.
They are making way for more Christmas stuff!
Miss O said this is the "October holiday".
She said they don't use the term "half-term".
I'd say you'd like "Becoming".
I've always liked Michelle, and her book makes me like her even more.
There are no pretensions about Michelle Obama.
I've just started the book (426 pages) but already she is very informative, ambitious, down to earth, and witty.
The Washington Post says "Becoming" could be the "best selling memoir ever."
Have a look at the reviews on Amazon?

Good afternoon, Rusty!
I too am finally home now!
It is a lovely afternoon...we now have sunshine.
Such a change from early this morning!
That was nice, having both granddaughters for company at the Pine Cone.
Yes, obviously , "half term" is not an expression used in Scotland?
I am trying to think whether my Scottish cousins have ever used it ...but cannot recall hearing them say such.
It is widely used across England, though.
I dropped my boots off at the cobblers for heeling, whilst I was out this morning.
I can collect them from tomorrow.
I am anticipating Winter!
Yes, I shall look up the reviews for "Becoming" on Amazon, and see what kind of a price I can get for the book.
I haven't had chance to take a look at the crossword yet......

Hello, Elle!
It has became duller here.
It does not look like "half-term" is in use here, no.
I think "Becoming" is around half price on Amazon.
It has £25 on the cover of my copy.
I did not get a paper today but finished the puzzle online.
14, is a new meaning for me, and 22 is a new word!

Hi, Rusty!
It has been a very pleasant afternoon here.
I've been out with the dog.....whilst my husband went for his flu jab!
I think I definitely had the better deal!
( Speaking of flu jabs...have you had yours?)
I looked up "Becoming" and found it had really excellent reviews.
The cheapest offer on Amazon that I could find was about £12?
So yes, half price if your new copy cost £25.
Does that sound reasonable, do you think?
I have money in my Amazon account...so wouldn't have to lay out any more cash!
Oh, how I've struggled with today's crossword!
I still have about eight clues unsolved.....
I am about to throw in the proverbial towel....the puzzle is too difficult for me today!

Good evening, Elle!
I was going to go for a 'flu jab, too, but when I 'phoned, my surgery had run out of them.
I've to 'phone later in the month (if I remember!).
Yes, £12 was the cheapest I saw, same on eBay.
It sounds reasonable for a book that was flying high in the best sellers charts until fairly recently.
I don't think I would pay that for it, though, but wait for a bit until it is reduced a bit more.
But, if you have money in your account (me too!) why not!
I am only at page 39 and Michelle is still a little girl, but I find the book very readable and interesting.
(And I know she won't be telling wee fibs like Miss Peckwitt did!)
Wonder where "fib" came from?
"Fabrication", perhaps? I shall find out!
I did not find the puzzle terribly difficult?
Have a break from it for a while?

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, best to get your flu jab done as soon as the new supplies come in.
I was surprised when, this year, our surgery contacted us about my husband going for his jab , as more usually I ring them!
But the practice nurse phoned us just before we went to Swanage, so I made an appointment for him for when we returned.
At least it is done now!
Uhm...maybe I'll give it a week or so then, and keep an eye on Amazon to see if the price of Michelle's book drops.... but then I shall order it anyway, I think!
Now.....I looked up the origin of "fib"......
All I found from various sources was ' Fib: Meaning: "a lie," especially a little one, "a white lie," 1610s, of uncertain origin, perhaps from "fibble-fable" meaning "nonsense" '!
I rather thought that your idea of its coming from "fabrication" was a good one?
Did you find any other explanation?
I'm stuck "good and proper" on this crossword, Rusty!