I have a vague recollection of saying 'hands, knees and boomps-a-daisy' as a child, and clapping your hands, tapping your knees and then bumping bottoms with someone. I don't know it as a dance though.

Not reading but re-watching! Saturday evening TV over here is quite dire so, via the computer I am indulging in the 6 episodes of Pride and Prejudice first shown in the mid 90's. I allow myself one a week and I've just seen ep. 3 so have not quite reached the wet shirt incident. I must say it is quite charming and makes a great change from the latest offerings. These days so much on TV has become so grim with way too much violence for its own sake.

Annpan, I have enjoyed some of the 'Fake or Fortune' shows although I do think they are somewhat drawn-out to fill the hour slot! The original 'fakers' must have spent so much time and energy trying to replicate the work of more famous artists I wonder that they didn't concentrate on their own output and make an honest living.

Do you get Antique Roadshow? It is hosted by Fiona Bruce who tours the UK looking at interesting items brought in by members of the public. I enjoy it when something found in the back of a draw or bought for a few pennies at a flea market is found to be a valuable work by an Old Master.

Carolyn, many thanks for the Google article on the Vance book. I made a start on it and then 2 books ordered from the library arrived (rather like buses) so I have had to put it aside for the time being. I presume no-one else has read it?

I did not read Hillbilly Elegy because it seemed dark and depressing from all the reviews. There was a great deal of talk about it so it may well be excellent but I try to limit my reading of such books. There is so much of it in the newspapers that it's all I can handle.