There's no such thing as a free lunch? Oh, and more lovely books

They say that there is no such thing as a free lunch, I guess that's true.  The only time I seem to get any free food is if I'm on a work 'do' and then invariably it's the usual buffet, or deep fried ming as I call it.  I just can't bear all those plates of unidentified, batter covered items.  I never know what they are and am certainly not taking a chance on being the first to taste them.  I usually pick someone out to follow when it comes to feeding time, let them be brave and then ask them what it is. That sometimes doesn't really help though, sometimes even when they've tasted it they still don't have a clue.  I'd rather have a pot noodle!

Anyway today I received a £10 voucher to spend at Frankie and Benny's, use by the end of March.  I doubt I'll use it, but I'm sure that I'll find someone who can.   I'm not F&B's biggest fan to be honest, it's all a bit plastic and fast for me.  The last time I was there my veggie friend Sarah got chicken in her meal - not good really is it?

Today was another day of free books too - in fact most days sees a book or two through the letterbox to be honest.   First us was a World Book Night copy of Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, sent to me by my friend Kate in Sheffield.  I've had a hardback copy of Fingersmith on my shelf for ages but somehow never got around to actually reading it.  I know that it's a big favourite with lots of people so now I have a paperback copy I will make sure I read it soon.   I've read Nightwatch and The Little Stranger by Waters - loved Nightwatch but not impressed with The Little Stranger.    My second book of the day was a competition win from Scholastic Books - a special edition proof copy of One Dog and his Boy by Eva Ibbotson.   I love Eva Ibbotson's work, she was a very special author and sadly she died, aged 85 last October, just the day before the proof copies arrived from the printer.  That's really quite sad, the book is beautiful.