The latest one

Still knitting! It's what I do between tea time and bed time. Is it tea time or dinner, or even supper time? And what about the midday meal? Lunch or dinner?

I remember when my niece from Madrid, visiting her English grandparents, said she didn't want anything to eat at tea time, my brother pointing out to her that, although it was only 5.30pm, there would be no more food until breakfast! Poor child!

It can be very confusing. We have friends who have their main meal at 12.30, lunchtime, others who eat theirs between 8 and 9pm. Friends who eat early and late, who invite us for dinner or supper in the evening. At least you always know lunch is, it is always 'at the top of the day'!

A fascinating subject, based on whereabouts you were brought up, and when, on occupation and on class. When we were little my mother would get one of us to tell the rest of the siblings to "wash their hands and sit up at the table". Another thing that's changed!