So sorry!

Could they look any more apologetic! The animals think the Platypus has come for an interview and they are one by one dismissive of him as a suitable addition – this zoo is not for you. Then they realise how unkind they have been and apologise. Turns out he wasn’t there for an interview at all, but to give them an invitation to a party. (This Zoo is Not For You – Ross Collins.)

Delightful new picture book that I managed to pick up in hardback, because it is so new, at the Book Festival Children’s Bookshop in Edinburgh on Monday. It’s going to be hard when the grandchildren think they are too old for picture books. Then I will just have to buy them for myself. In fact this one might not get anywhere far!!
 
Thacka Beck (addition to yesterday’s blip)
Knottman2 asked a question about how much water was taken from the river and so highlighted the one bit that I took out of the text because I knew it was getting too long. Here is the answer:
 
The way in which the scheme provided water to Penrith was hailed as a huge undertaking of great value to the town, but of course there were some concerns. Mill owners further downstream – and there would have been many at this time – were worried that the Beck would take out so much water from the Petterill that it would affect the working of their mills that were totally dependent on water power. Eventually it was agreed that Strickland could take out as much water from the river as would constantly ,run through the ‘eye’ or hollowed centrepiece, of a millstone.  Today outside the museum is a millstone to illustrate this – see extra picture (taken yesterday).