Did i tell you that when i returned Cart and Cwidder to the library the other Saturday, the librarian actually asked my advice about the book and DWJ! I was quite shocked, but naturally suggested that she read Howl (who hasn't read Howl and enjoyed it?) and also Hexwood. Two very different stories, and perhaps my favourites. Although Deep Secret does have a special place (and it's one that i would like to own and reread). I didn't particularly enjoy the Chrestomanci stories, apart from the magicians of Caprona; and i think Howl is a particularly strong story.

Maybe this will see DWJ being marketed strongly in my little village library?

You might be interested to know how i am doing money wise. I got the money from my isa (with a pound profit!) and put it back into my nationwide account. It's all going to a good cause (buying a flat), and all in the same place.

I haven't been to hot fat jackets, and am being stricter with how much i spend at work. I have had to spend a little on some necessities (toothbrush head, toothpaste) and no little amount on gift wrap, cards and a present for the wedding and for Marcus' first birthday. Other than that i haven't been going out and spending a hundred pounds in a weekend.

I found out this afternoon that my offer on the flat has been accepted. Now all i need is for the owner to find somewhere. This could take months, since he doesn't know where he wants to move to. And by that i don't mean which partof Birmingham, i mean which part of the UK, or the Channel Islands!

Of course, it does give me time to save up for essentials. Like a fridge and a cooker! But then again, it could mean that after a couple of months he hasn't found anywhere and i'm still without a home and prices have gone up...