【推荐1】Pa went to the city to look for work.

Every night, I lie awake in bed and wait for the train to stop. Wait to hear the sound of his work boots dropping on the step by the kitchen door. Every night, the train goes by for someone else’s pa coming home. Not mine, not yet. Every night, I go to sleep with the sound of train wheels in my head, whispering, “Maybe tomorrow, maybe tomorrow. ”

The smell of coffee wakes me. I run into the kitchen. There he is. Pa lifts me onto his shoulders and pretends to stagger from my weight. “You’ve gotten so big as a horse. I can hardly lift you up anymore. ” He puts me down, and I stare at the two bags on the table. One says FLOUR, the other, SUGAR.

Ma says, “I’m going to bake a pie for your pa’s homecoming dinner. Go down to the cellar Jimmy, and bring me that jar of apples from the shelf. ” She smiles at me with a “mind now” look. There’s no need. Don’t I know it’s the very last jar on the shelf?

I take the steps two at a time, not bothering to hold on to the wooden rails. I stand on tiptoe to take down the preserves. I put both my hands around the jar. I can hear Pa laughing upstairs and Ma joining in. I want to be with them in the kitchen. I hurry up the steps, and my bare foot catches on the middle one. I put out my hand to steady myself, but I fall down, the jar slipping through my fingers. The jar smashes on the hard-as-rock mud floor. Bits of apple fly everywhere.

Ma’s footsteps, Ma’s voice: “Are you hurt?” She checks me for cuts. “Go on upstairs now. Mind you don’t cut your bare feet. ” I want her to yell at me, but that’s all she says.

Upstairs, Pa wipes my eyes with the tail of his shirt. “Never mind, old son, accidents happen. ” I bury my face in Pa’s torn old jacket. I smell the miles he’s walked looking for work to bring us those bags on the table.

“I’m going to bake my mama’s sugar pie.” Ma says, “It’s a special-occasion pie, and it doesn’t need apples. ” “I’ve always wanted to taste sugar pie. ” Pa says.

【推荐3】Whether you’re a child, teenager, young adult or are middle-aged, respecting your parents is an important value. Your parents are the people who raise you, devoting time, energy and money to your development.     1     Whatever your age, there are 4 ways to show respect.

● Respect their belongings.

One important way to show respect is to show regard for the things important to your parents. For younger children, this may mean not touching jewelry or other valuable things.     2     Don’t take advantage of your parents’ kindness and generosity. And never borrow things without asking first.

● Punctuality.

    3     Therefore, always be on time. For teenagers, showing up on time means coming home by curfew (宵禁). Adult children should show up on time for family dinners or events, or to pick a parent up for a medical appointment. Call if you’re going to be late because parents worry about children, whatever their age.

●    4    

Remembering birthdays, anniversaries and other special days is a sign that you honor your parents. Make plans to take them to lunch or dinner or bake a cake or cookies. Most parents don’t expect expensive gifts, but a handmade gift is always appreciated. a phone call from a grown child who lives too far for a visit is a welcome sign of respect.

● Be kind.

Kind words and affection are simple ways to show respect. Tell your parents you love them. Listen and allow your parents to speak without interruption. Show a sincere interest in what your parents have to say. Be patient with your parents and don’t rush them. Never talk back or be rude or disrespectful. Acknowledge your parents’ achievements.     5    

【推荐2】When thinking about quitting（停止）smoking...

List all the reasons why you want to quit. Every night before going to bed, repeat one of the reasons 10 times.

Decide positively that you want to quit. Try to avoid negative thoughts about how difficult it might be. Develop strong personal reasons as well as your health and responsibility to others. For example, think of all the time you waste taking cigarette breaks,rushing out to buy a pack,hunting a light, etc. Set a date for quitting—perhaps a special day like your birthday,a holiday. If you smoke heavily at work, quit during your vacation. Make the date holy seriously, and don't let anything change it. Begin to condition yourself physically; start a modest（适当的）exercise; drink more water; get plenty of rest.

Immediately after quitting...

The first few days after you quit, spend as much free time as possible in places where smoking is prohibited, e.g. libraries, museums, theatres, department stores, etc.

Drink large quantities of water and fruit juice. Try to avoid wine, coffee, and other drinks which remind you of cigarette smoking.

Strike up a conversation with someone instead of a match fora cigarette.

If you miss the feeling of having a cigarette in your hand, play with something else—a pencil, a pen, a ruler. If you miss having something in your mouth, try a fake（仿制的）cigarette.

【推荐3】London weekend Walks

Westminster Abbey

11:00 am Westminster Underground

This walk is the best choice for the first-time visitor. We'll show you where kings and queens were crowned (加冕), where they lived and where they are buried. You will see where politicians have shaped the course of history over the years. This walk finishes at the House of Parliament, which you can visit afterwards at a good discount.

Canals and Cafes

11:00 am Camden Town Underground

Camden Town, with its canals, cafes and studios, is the home of many artists, musicians and writers. The high point of the walk is a visit to Camden Lock, London's most exciting street market. You may like to take a canal trip to London Zoo after this walk.

Historic Greenwich

2:00 pm Tower Hill Underground

The walk begins with the best boat ride in London, five kilometers down the river from Tower Bridge to the Royal Naval College in Greenwich. From there you'll walk through Greenwich Park past the Naval Museum and other historic buildings to the village itself. We'll take you down narrow streets with busy shops and markets, back to the riverside where this walk ends.

Unexpected London

3:00pm Tower Hill Underground

This walk begins with a ride on Europe's most modern city railway giving you fine views across the Thames and riversides area. We will get on and off the train for mini-walks to discover the hidden corners of the former port of London.

To go on one of our walks, simply meet your guide in the street outside the underground stations. All these walks last about two hours and end near underground stations. A walk costs ￡4.50 (￡3.50 for the elderly). Children under 12 can go for free but they must be with an adult.