The buildings ... had suffered the inevitable shrinkage of places revisited.

Suffolk has something more than the coziness of Kent and Surrey. There is a hint of wildness in its tamed beauty, and the tang of the North Sea is never far away.

Cats of great personality are always found in association with sensitive, cat-conscious people; it is a two-way process of immense mutual benefit.

I do not believe that it is possible to teach a cat to obey; that is contrary to his nature.

Brutality is sometimes easier to endure than ridicule.

It is often interesting, in retrospect, to consider the trifling causes that lead to great events. A chance encounter, a thoughtless remark - and the tortuous chain reaction of coincidence is set in motion, leading with devious inevitability to some resounding climax.

I simply cannot understand the passion that some people have for making themselves thoroughly uncomfortable and then boasting about it afterwards.