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ジャムの英語生活

英語生活っていうと、ちょっと大げさかもしれません(笑)
毎日ちょっぴり英語にふれたいな~って思うのですo(^-^)o

ネコバク NINETEEN 最終回  

2011-09-22 | ネコバク(2011.7~9月)
In January , exactly six months after the demise of Nathan and Doris Ledfield ,
a sealed envelope that had long been in the vault of the law office was opened in
the presence of witnesses . It was document bequeathing a billion dollars for a Ledfield
Academy of Music , specializing in keyboard and strigs and of such excellence as
to honor the neme of Ledfield in music circles worldwide .
The announcement was released to news media from coast to coast . Included was
an endowment in the from of blue-chip investments that would be available for expenses
not covered by income from such an establishment .
There was one stipulation that stunned the witnesses and divided the good
folk of Moose County . The magnanimous offer was made to any American city with
a population of one million or more !
Press and pulpit lauded the Purple Point couple for their generosity in
the past and their concern for the future quality of life in Moose County ,
specifically : the museum of art and antiques , a facility for the study and enjoyment
of music , and wildlife museum of interest .
Dissenters on the grapevine complained indignantly that the billion-dollar
bequest shold have stayed in Moose County to promote growthe , build a new downtown ,
and improve recreation facilities .
What would Cool Koko say ?
“When your dish is full of cream , don't expect more . ”

ネコバクの最終回です!ネコバクとは『猫は爆弾を落とす』というタイトル
を略したもので、その4文字だけ見ても、さっぱり分からない略語です(笑)
今日、最終回にPick upしたのは、物語のラストシーン。ラストの台詞を訳すと・・・
「自分のお皿にクリームがたっぷり入っているときは、それ以上は期待するな」です
なるほど~。興味が湧いた方は、ぜひ読んでみて下さい

ついでに、昨日の台風報告
我が家の一番の被害者はパパでした。帰宅困難者リストがあったら載っていたかもしれません。
仕事を早めに切り上げて、会社を出たのは3時半ごろだったらしいのですが・・・
4時前に「今、上野!5時前には着く」とメールを入れてきたのはいいけど、
その後、田端で電車が止まり、電車の中で5時間待ち
家に着いたのは10時近くでした。へとへとになって帰ってきました。お疲れ様
満員電車に5時間も6時間も乗っているなんて、私には到底ムリ
家で台風に怯えているだけでも、すっかり体力消耗。
茨城に住む息子の様子も聞いてみようとSkypeして話してたら・・・
TVで緊急地震速報が「茨城」と出たので、すぐに伝えると
「おお~、けっこう揺れてる」との返事が Skype中に地震とは
すぐに安否確認が出来て、よかったと言うべきなのか・・・。

ネコバク EIGHTEEN   台風15号

2011-09-20 | ネコバク(2011.7~9月)
Qwilleran coutinued his walk through downtown , exchanging gerrtings with
passersby_words and gestures that were more somber than usual .
On Main Street he automatically looked up at the second floor of the Sprenkle
Building to see if the five “ladies”were in the five windows . This time one
was missing . Was she unwell ? Having a bite to eat ? Or had she just excused herself ?
He stopped to watch , often wondering if the ladies could see him across the street ,
and if they would recognize his moustache . Then Maggie appeared in the window beckoning
him urgently .
He crossed the street , waving thank you to the drivers who stopped to let
him through the crowded traffic lanes .
At the entrance a buzzer admitted him , and he climbed the narrow stairs
covered with plush carpet thick enough to turn an ankle .
As he expected , Maggie wanted to talk about the Letfield tragedy .

Qwilleran said , “I regret sincerely that I never met the Ledfields . ”

3連休のあとは3日平日で・・・また3連休!?カレンダー見てショックうけてます!
なんだか今週あっと言う間でプライベートタイムが~~~
それにしても、今日は、ぐっと涼しくなりました~
「暑さ寒さも彼岸まで」の言葉の通りに、どうにかギリギリ季節が間に合っている
点は、ちょっとほっとするところですが・・・そうは言っても、またまた大きな台風が
近づいているようなので、あんまりホッともしていられません
まだ台風12号の傷跡も癒えぬ西日本への影響が心配ですね。
そう思ってYahooニュースを覗いてきたら、東海地方が大変なことに!
庄内川の一部が氾濫!?避難勧告や避難指示が出ているもよう
名古屋には友達や親戚多数(><)万里凛!さわ!大丈夫か~い?

ネコバク SEVENTEEN  また韓国ドラマに・・・

2011-09-16 | ネコバク(2011.7~9月)
Dear Qwill ,
Sorry not to meet you . Clarissa has told me so much about you・・・Don't tell
her about this note . You'll see why . She and I used to double-date on ski weekends
with Harvey Ledfield and my friend Greg . We always had a lot to talk about .
I was taking a correspondence course in mystery writing ; every murder mystery
has to have Motive , Opportunity , and Method . And I told them how the hardest part
is finding an unusual method . You can't have the butler poisoning the soup anymore .
Clarissa , who had been doing research on mold for a school assignment , said
that mold found in old houses could cause illness_or even death in old people_and
maybe I could use it in a story . Greg , who was in the building business , said the mold ,
a fungus , could be implanted in the air ducts of a building .
I said I would try using it in a story , and if it sold , I would split the commission
with them . ( I wrote it , but it doidn't sell . )

最近また、お昼の韓国ドラマ再放送に、つかまってしまっている
新聞のTV欄でタイトルに『新』が付いていると、つい目を止めてしまう
そして、タイトルが『マイ・プリンセス』だとか『レディプレジデント』なんかだったりすると
どうしようもなく興味が湧いてきて、1回目だけとりあえず見てみようとなるわけだ。
韓国ドラマにわりと多いシンデレラストーリー的な物に、ついつい引き寄せられてしまう。
今回つかまってしまったのは、普通の女の子が皇女や大統領になる話だ
しかし午後の2時間がつぶれてしまうのは結構つらい。でも見たい

ドラマついでに、昨日最終回だった『陽はまた昇る』の感想も書いておこう
このドラマは三浦春馬が出ているので1回目チェックして見始めたんだけど、
1回目は・・・正直、う~んどうしようかな~って感想だった。ちょっと辛抱して2回目見たら
その後だんだん良くなって、昨日の最終回も結構感動的だった
今クールの私のイチオシ・・・と言っても、もう終わっちゃったから、
今頃イチオシしてもねぇ・・・(笑)

ネコバク SIXTEEN  中秋の名月

2011-09-13 | ネコバク(2011.7~9月)
Qwilleran speculated , “If she was northbound , she was going to the Lanspeakes .
They live in the Hummocks , and they've been like godparents to both Liz and Derek .
And Diane Lanspeak is probably Liz's doctor・・・If we don't hear any further details ,
I suppose we could check with them , Joe . ”
“Liz would want you to know , Qwill . She says you saved her life on Grand Island
and were responsible for her coming to Moose County and meeting Derek Cuttlebrink .
I understand she comes from a very wealthy family in Chicago , but she was glad to
get away form them . Fortunately , she had money from her deceased father . ”
“Is that so ? ”Qwilleran murmured , although he knew more than Wetherby did .
“Liz gave me an antique chair that belonged to her father . Sitting in it is supposed
to improve your intelligence .”
“I should borrow it , ”Wetherby said . “Does it sound as if the wind is picking up
again ? I'd better go and hold Jet Stream's paw . ”

昨日は、お月さま見ましたか~
天気が良かったので、くっきりまぶしいぐらい光り輝く満月でした
パワー貰えそうで、思わず手のひらを月に向けて伸ばしていました~(笑)
今朝、朝刊で陸前高田の『奇跡の一本松』の記事を読みましたが・・・衰弱が進んで
いるとのことで、心配ですね。復興のシンボルの回復を祈らずにはいられません
添えられた写真は、海に反射した月光が一本松の足元を照らし、満月本体は松を頭上から
見守るかのように柔らかなひかりで包み込んでいて、なんとも幻想的で心に残る一枚でした

ネコバク FIFTEEN 遅ればせながら、世陸感想と・・・余談

2011-09-09 | ネコバク(2011.7~9月)
On Saturday morning , the Forty Famous Felines were being transported in their
group cages to the community hall , where they were given a light repast with a little
something added to make them feel good about their adventure . The volunteers
who attended them were accustomed to speaking in soothing voices , and they would
transfer each kitten to his limousine in the proper order . A few salty tears would
be shed over kittens like Prince Hal , Lorna Doone , and Rum Tum Tugger , who were
going out into the wide worle .
From the waiting room on the lower level , each limousine would be brought to
the stage , carried by MCCC spotters , trained for the assignment . The bleak stage
was made friendly by a few potted plants lent by florists , and the auctioneer's table
in center front was softened with a paisley shawl lent by Maggie Sprenkle herself .
Qwilleran was wearing his silk shirt in a neutral color that would show the kittens'
markings to advantage . Purposely , his moustache had not been trimmed .

昨日は、美容院に行って、久しぶりにパーマをかけた
パーマによる髪の傷みが気になって最近はずっとストレートだったんだけど、
なんだかちょっぴり飽きた
久しぶりにパーマかけたら、くりんくりんが、ちょっとかわいくて気に入った

おっと、そんなことより、世陸の感想書かなきゃ
前半のことは、先週ちょっと触れたので、今日は最終日の男子マラソンにしぼって書きま~す!
堀端選手7位入賞と中本選手の10位は、大いに評価しているのは勿論のことですが・・・
埼玉県民の私としては、18位ながらも最後まで全力で走り抜いた川内選手のことを、
取り上げずにはいられないのでありま~す
個人成績では、目標とは大きくかけ離れた結果となりましたが、後方に下がってからも
あきらめることなく、限界ギリギリの走りをして、倒れこみながらゴールする姿は、圧巻でした。
成績なんて関係なく、ただただ感動でした。きっと、応援していた誰しもが同じ想いで見守って
いたんじゃないかと思います。
今朝、たまたまNHKの朝のニュースで、川内選手の話題が取り上げられていて、
昨日行われたという勤務先の夜間の生徒と保護者対象の報告会の様子が放映されていました。
団体で獲得した銀メダルを手にうれしそうな表情の川内選手!銀メダル同様輝いてました
この銀メダルは、あきらめないことへのご褒美みたいだと思いました

そして、これは余談なのですが・・・走っている川内選手を見ながら、ヤッ君と織田裕二を
足して2で割った感じ!?と密かに思ってたら、なんと翌日の『はなまるマーケット』
(ヤッ君と岡江久美子司会)の視聴者からのFAX紹介コーナーで、同じこと言ってる人がいて、
岡江久美子も「似てる!」とうけていて、「ナイス!はなまる」って感じでした~

ネコバク FOURTEEN つくつくぼうしが鳴いていた!

2011-09-06 | ネコバク(2011.7~9月)
The morning after the book signing , Qwilleran walked downtown to Lanspeak's
Department Store to buy a violet-scented gift for Polly , who had originally suggested
the coler of the book jacked .
Carol Lanspeak was at the cosmetics counter , arranging a display .
“Can you belieave it ? We're having a run on violet this morning ! I'm going to do
a window on the color_with items from all over the store , and with books courtesy of
The Pirate's Chest . ”
For Polly , Carol suggested a light violet scent in a gold filigree bottle .
“Do you have time to go back to the office and say hello to Larry ? ”
The owner of the store was frowning over record books . “Come in ! Come in !
Have a cap of coffee , I'm ready to take a break . ”
“I saw you and Carol at the meeting last night . ”
“Compliments on a good presentation . Carol and I knew the Hibbards . ”
“I suppose you know the Ledfields , ”Qwilleran said .
“Quite well , although they don't socialize like the other old-timers . Our daughter is
their physician . ”
“Is that so ? ”Qwilleran sensed another link in the Ledfield Saga .

今日は久しぶりに爽やかないい天気
吹き抜ける風もさらっとしていて、ちょっぴり秋の予感
偶然、道でばったり会った近所の奥様が「つくつくぼうしが鳴き出したから、もうすぐ秋ね」と
言ってました。タイミング良く、一際大きな「ツクツクボ~シ!」の鳴き声も
八百屋に行けば、秋の味覚が勢揃い!そういえば、一昨日、富山からブドウも
届いてた 誘惑の多い秋。万年ダイエットの私が特に悩む季節
食べた分だけ運動しよう~って思うのも、いつものこと
でもキャベツダイエット続けているから、今年は大丈夫かも?

世界陸上のことも、万里凛と会えたことも、書きたいのだけど・・・今日は時間切れ
なので、明日また書きま~す

ネコバク THIRTEEN  気になる台風12号

2011-09-01 | ネコバク(2011.7~9月)
The editorial said : “There has never been an activity center for seniors .
Burgess Campbell has donated an old downtown buiding ; money to equip it is being
raised by auctioning heirlooms donated by old families and collected by a crew of Kids .
Local merchants , organizations , and news media are supporting it .”
On Saturday morning auction-goers lined up in front of the Community Hall ,
waiting to buy tickets : five dollars for spectator seats in the balcony , twice that
for presons intending to bid ; they were given numbered flash cards .
Small objects were displayed on long tables lining te walls ; large items were displayed
on the platfrom . All had DO NOT TOUCH signs , and were under the watchful eye of
security guards disguised as hosts and hostesses . there was even background music_not
recorded but live : bouncy rhythms played by electric guitar , clarinet , and flute .
The emcee said , “Please take your seats : yellow tickets on the main floor , green
tickets in the balcony .”

今回の台風は、とにかく動きがゆっくりでじれったい!どう進むのか進路も気になるし・・・
だって、週の後半は、いろいろ予定があったんですよ。
でも、すでに明日の予定は延期に。。 
そして、今、気になってるのは明後日、土曜日の天気。。。
名古屋の万里凛が仕事で東京に来るので、5年ぶりに会おうという約束に
なっているのです   なので、天気予報をじっと見守ってきたんだけど・・・
どうも、土曜日あたりがのピークらしいので、困ったなと思ってます

9月1日ですね~。学校は、今日が2学期の始業式というところも多いと思いますが、
このあたりは、午前中、曇りで時々薄日が差してて、まだ風もほとんどふいてなくて
始業式に影響なくってよかったなと思います。(でも、とっても蒸し暑い

個人的には、土曜日の夜、大荒れの天気になりませんようにと祈ります☆彡

ネコバク TWELVE 世界陸上韓国テグ!

2011-08-30 | ネコバク(2011.7~9月)
The hot topic of conversation in coffee shops , at bridge clubs , and on the
grapevine during late June was the Heirloom Auction_particularly the anonymity of
donors .
The Lincoln copperplate in Tuesday's paper , the grandfather clock on Wednesday ,
the Victorian teacups on Thursday・・・who had donated them ? Why the secredy ?
The guesses and arguments that resulted constituted the best publicity the auction
could have enjoyed !
Qwilleran knew the provenance of the three teacups , and he prepared to outbid
any and all . He would give them to three women he knew .
Such was the suspense engendered by the Heirloom Auctin series that tickets
were sold out by Thursday night .
For Qwilleran , finding a subject for Friday's “Qwill Pen ”was a problem . Clarissa's
four-part series had said it all ! The auction's charitable purpose , its organization and
implementation , the enthusiasm of the student volunteers , and the generosity
of the unnamed donors . Anything the “Qwill Pen ”might say would be redundant ,
and yet readers would be disappointed if he orerlooked the auction completely .

土曜日に開幕した世界陸上韓国テグTV観戦の日々が続く
今日の見どころは、なんといっても800決勝でしょう
そういえば、昨日のハンマー投げの室伏の金は、ファンならずともワクワク
しましたよね~インタビュー聞いてても、格が違う!一流選手の貫禄十分
いい顔してました 福島選手や金丸も準決勝まで進んで大健闘でしたね
ボルトのまさかのフライングという残念なシーンもあったけど、まだまだ続く世陸
最後までおもいっきり楽しみたいと思いま~す

ネコバク ELEVEN  雨・涼・崚

2011-08-19 | ネコバク(2011.7~9月)
He was getling twinges of suspicion in his upper lip . Actually , Qwilleran
had not been comfortable with the situatiom for some time_not since Koko had
dropped on Harvey's head . It was something the cat had never done before ! Then ,
a second time , he had dropped on the sofa alongside Mitch Ogilvie . Was there
a connection ?
All of this flashed through Qwilleran's mind in answer to Clarissa's question .
He said , “I can understand your concern , but don't let it interfere with
your concentration on your new job . My advice would be to send Doris a handsome
get-well card and enclose a note explaining what happened to your ‘engagement’
and tell her you want to return her ring . Ask how she wants you to go about it .
Enclose your phone numbers at home and at the office . Send the card by motorcycle
messenger .”
When they ordered dessert_cherries jubilee for her , strawberry shortcake
for him_Derek flamed the cherries at the table with a flourish that impressed Clarissaa.

なんだか、我ながら手抜きなタイトル~
でも、雨降ったら、こうも涼しくなるものかと・・・いや、うれしいです!まったく

それにしても、さっきの地震ひやっとしましたね。
最近、茨城あたりでも、多いんですよ。先日、つくばの息子のアパートに
寄った時にも震度3ぐらいがあって、息子曰く「こんなのしょっちゅう」・・・
地震慣れしている息子がちょっぴり不憫です。。。


ネコバク TEN  変化

2011-08-17 | ネコバク(2011.7~9月)
During the evening there was plenty of conversation about cat . Jet Stream
swaggered among the guests and accepted compliments and crumbs of cheese .
Clarissa showed her snapshot of Jerome , the only British Shorthair in the county ,
she thought . Dr. Connie , newly divorced , had acquired a marmalade , related to
Dundee , the bibliocat at the bookstore .
Polly said that Brutus and Catta had made friends with a wild rabbit , who
came out of the woods daily to commune with them thourgh the window wall .
Qwilleran told them that Koko and YumYmu were studying crows aiming for
a degree in corvidology . He refained from reporting Koko's death howl in the
case of the missing rabbit hunter .
Before the evening was over , Weterby played Mendelssohn's Presto Agitato ,
which required incredible nimbleness of fingering Judd , the engineer , insisted
that the music required a pianist to play a thousand notes a minute . Clarissa ,
the journalist , checked to see if Wetherby had six fingers on each hand .


お盆休みには、久しぶりに息子が帰って来たりで、ちょっとした変化があった。
帰省中にケータイを買い換えた息子は、SoftBankからauに!
それに伴い、ホワイト家族は解消 少し離れた場所に住む息子が、
時々暇な時間に近況報告に掛けてくる電話で、時間を気にせずに長電話をするのが
楽しみの一つだった私は・・・ちょっぴり泣けた
代わりにとSkypeをダウンロードしてもらい、遅ればせながらSkypeデビュー

それにしても、すっかり子離れしていたつもりが・・・自分でも戸惑う。
なんだろう?・・・歳のせいかな・・・