Samhain is probably a better celebration! Sorry you're needing the paracetamol, though!

Samhain is still celebrated on the Isle of Man, so The Wombat tells me. The 'tricking' was practiced in Ireland in the 19th century, but I'm not sure where, why, or when, the 'treating' began. We had Halloween parties at my convent school in the 1960s, I suspect due to the Irish Headmistress' influence. I know that TorT wasn't widespread in England until after ET the movie.

This dratted virus is providing lots of aching so I've given in and taken some pain killers. Problem is, they always send me to sleep. I object to losing chunks of the day, even if I can't do anything more productive than knit.

I hope none of our Hop-tu-naa visitors turn up early - I'll be inclined to send them away and tell them to come back tomorrow!

(By which time I should have sweeties...)

Sorry you're still feeling under the weather. And speaking of which, is that quote from Good Omens. I'm listening to that in the car at the moment and it sounds familiar.

Any trick or treaters who come tonight will be told to come back tomorrow. I'm very strict when it comes to giving away chocolate. Besides, we haven't carved out the pumpkin yet.

Good Omens, yes. It goes on "For every mad scientist who's had a convenient thunderstorm just on the night his Great Work is complete and lying on the slab, there have been dozens who've sat around aimlessly under the peaceful stars while Igor clocks up the overtime." Probably my most favourite Pratchett book. Who's reading the audio version?

I admire your fortitude. MWNN won't be able to resist any little things that knock tonight. He's such a soft touch. I will still be abed trying to beat this virus into submission with lots of sleep.

It's the Audible version with Stephen Briggs reading (he's done some Discworld collaborations and adaptations I think). Took me a while to get used to listening to an English voice as all the previous audiobooks I'd listened to were James's Dresden Files. The only quibble I have with his reading is that he's not too good when trying to do an American accent, but I'm enjoying listening to it.

Would you like me to send you a copy?

Oh I'd love a copy.

Stephen does the unabridged versions of Discworld, too. He's a regular at the Discworld Cons as he's adapted the books for the stage. He's a member of Oxford's Am Dram Soc. but still keeps the day job. Paul Kidby's drawings of Vetenari are based on Stephen.

Oh yes, I can see the Vetinari resemblance.

I'll pop a copy in the post to you next week.

Thank you so much. You are fast becoming my supplier ;)

Ooh - they are, aren't they? Wonderful!

I think Stephen was a little miffed that he wasn't offered a part in any of the Discworld films. The story goes that when he was invited on set, he walked around with an 'actor for hire' sign round his neck.