On behalf of His Grace, the Duke of Argylle and myself, we would like to wish our family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances a wonderful New Year filled with health, wealth, happiness and abundant blessings. We look forward to celebrating with you in the upcoming year. Happy New Year to all!
Edward and I arrived in Steelhead after the sun had set, not surprising at this time of year. While Steelhead did not have the thick fog Caledon did, there was a light mist, which gave the town a mystical feel. Edward and I walked to Rosehaven, our trunks having been sent earlier. We passed the Sheriff's house, noting that he had not yet had a chance to decorate for Christmas. For the most part though, the town was looking quite festive.
Lunar had managed to get the fires lit at Rosehaven, so the house was warm and snug when we got inside. Being rather tired, we had a very light dinner and then settled for the evening. Edward read the paper and I read a ladies periodical (so full of excellent holiday ideas!) before we headed to bed and a good night's sleep.
The next few days were spent in a flurry of activity and fun. We decorated the house and our businesses for the holidays, Edward putting out his Christmas gift to shop patrons, myself spending considerable time in the kitchen, baking up a storm. We attended the skating social down at the docks, which was great fun. It was wonderful to see the "old timers" as well as the new faces in town, along with those whom were known but now residents to Steelhead. I think everyone had a lovely time gliding across the ice to the tunes the Sheriff provided.
Ah yes, the Sheriff. After debating the state of his house one evening, Edward and I decided to take matters into our own hands and get his house decked out for the holidays. As well, a very special gift Edward and I had specially ordered had finally arrived. One afternoon, when Fuzz was out on his rounds, we snuck down to his house and put up a tree, swagged the outside of his house and put magical twinkling lights on his roof. The best part though, was the present we left carefully hung above his bed, with the appropriate sprig of mistletoe. Merry Christmas Sugar Booger! :-D
Being in Steelhead was a much needed change for us. We were able to rest after the hurried and frantic packing. Our spirits were calmed and restored as well, spending time among friends and family and just being away for awhile.
Word did arrive one afternoon that our new homeland in Caledon had finally been opened. I was very glad we had decided to spend this time in Steelhead because it would be a very busy time getting the new house (whatever it would be) ready for the holidays in time. However, refreshed and rejuventated, it would be less of a daunting task than it would have been.
I was thankful for Rosehaven in Steelhead. As much as I love Caledon, there are times that I miss the sense of community that used to exist. Perhaps it is just because I'm not involved with society as much as I once was, I'm not sure. Steelhead still has that feel and I hope that it never loses it. I will be glad to have closer neighbours in Caledon again, and I know that it is best to lead by example, so hopefully we will be able to host a few events at our new home.
Edward returned to Caledon before I did, to make sure our new home was fit to be occupied and at attend to a few other matters that required his personal attention. I made ready our trunks and cases and hoped that this truly would be the last move in a long while. On to the next chapter of our lives in Caledon!
The house was eerily quiet, the only sound being Edward's footsteps as he went from room to room upstairs, making sure all the windows were latched and everything had been packed away. We had given the staff an early Christmas bonus and some vacation time so they'd be available when it came time to move. I sat among the multitude of crates in the main hall of Primbroke Manor, quietly surveying the outer trappings of our possessions. Outside, a thick fog smothered everything, wrapping the house like a layer of cotton batting and making it impossible to see further than a few feet beyond your nose. I looked around the grand hall of our home and sighed.
"It would seem everything has been packed and the windows are fastened tight." Edward said as he descended the staircase. "I'll lock the front doors behind us when we leave."
I rose to my feet. "Everything will stay here until the move?" I asked.
"Yes, the Guv'nah hasn't given his approval for the move yet, so Primbroke Manor will have to serve as a storage until we can move. Are you ready to go my love?" Edward asked.
"We might as well. I doubt this fog will lift and it's getting chilly in here. I want to get to Steelhead as soon as possible, preferably in the daylight."
Edward smiled softly at me and escorted me out. He carefully locked the main doors behind us and pocketed the key. He paused for a few moments, deep in his thoughts and then turned to face me. I took his arm and gave it a gentle squeeze, understanding implicitly how he felt about having to leave. I gave him a small smile and we walked to the bridge in silence.
The fog had coated every branch, twig and blade of grass with a thick layer of hoar frost. It made our footsteps nearly soundless and it made for a bit of a surreal experience walking through it. When the sun reemerged, it would be a beautiful sight, everything covered in a layer of sparking frost. It would be breathtaking to behold.
We boarded the train and settled into our comparment for our journey to Steelhead. I was looking forward to returning to my first home for a visit, spending time with old friends, neighbours and family. Rosehaven would seem small after Primbroke Manor, but it would also be cozy and snug. It would be good to have a rest and restore ourselves before the big move. The train slowly pulled out of Victoria City station and we glided through the fog towards Steelhead.
Nell and I were in the linen cupboard taking an inventory of the manor's linen supply as well as determining what needed to be laundered and repaired before the holiday season when we heard Mrs. Clowes, the cook, verbally lambast one of our manservants. By the tone and volume of her voice, she was quite upset, so I hurried down to the kitchen to see what had upset her so.
The stockpot was on the stove, simmering away with visible signs of lunch preparations on the large kitchen table. Beyond the table stood Mrs. Clowes, her face flushed, brandishing a large wooden spoon as Giles Earnshaw assisted men with bringing in many large packing crates with the state seal of Caledon stamped on the side.
"What is the meaning of this?" I asked.
"Ah, good morning ma'am," one of the workmen said, "we are bringing in the crates the Guv'nah is giving to all of those who are being unsettled with the new Linden Laws. Since the weather outside is rather rotten, we thought we'd bring them in to the kitchen."
"You oafs are tracking mud all over my kitchen floor as well as letting in vermin and heaven knows what else!" Mrs. Clowes fumed.
I looked at the floor at the mud and the water that the workmen had brought in with them. Giles was looking rather sheepish when he too looked down at the mess.
"Sorry Mrs. Clowes, I just didn't want the crates to get rained or snowed on. The weather's been so bad lately that leaving them outside would be the end of them for sure."
I sighed deeply.
"It's all right Giles, you meant well. However, you're going to have to help with this clean up. Now, while we have the extra hands here, would you be able to move these to the Mooring Tower? Mr. Gears is out there seeing to the vehicles, he can direct you where to put them. Cook will hardly be able to do her job with all of these crates about."
Some of the workmen gave me a less than friendly look at my suggestion, but I was in no mood to tolerate their nonsense and looked them down with a steely eye. I considered fixing CHED upon them, but I decided it might be prudent to save that should things go for worse.
"Sure thing ma'am, we'll get them over there in a jiffy!" Giles said, happy to escape the fury that Mrs. Clowes would love to lash him with.
The workmen managed to get the crates out to the Mooring Tower, and I relieved Nell with the linens so she could help Mrs. Clowes and Giles tidy up.
An hour later I heard Edward arrive home from the meeting with the Guv'nah. Mr. Gears must have told him where to find me as he came directly to his study, where I had been arranging the recipes for the Steelhead Community Cookbook. He gave me a kiss on the cheek and poured himself something from one of the decanters on the sideboard.
"The weather is still showing us it's worst" he said "It will be a grand day when it decides to get over this fit of ill temper it's having". He went and had a seat on the sofa.
"I agree. It's been a trial to do anything, and usually it's so nice this time of year. I hope it improves before Christmas, or at least for when we move."
"Ahh, so you've heard the news then?" Edward asked.
"Oh indeed! A group of workmen arrived with crates in tow and proceeded to dirty the kitchen floor and annoy Cook to no end. I'd not be surprised if lunch is a bit off today...she probably is still flustered and upset."
Edward chuckled softly. "I can see her reaction now. I'm glad I was not the one bringing in the crates! The Guv'nah has graciously granted those of us moving with packing crates, which is helpful seeing as we destroyed the ones we had after the move from Winterfell."
I sighed. "Yes, yet another move. This has been the year of motion and moving. The next move I make will be inside one of those packing crates and it will be a one way trip to the graveyard! I suppose there's really no point in getting the Christmas decorations in order for here until we are moved.....providing we are moving before Christmas. When are we slated to move?"
"That's not been decided yet, I'll be receiving a cablegram as soon as the Guv'nah knows. However, it will be sooner than later, so I'd not be worrying about the decorations just yet....besides, it's too early for that just yet."
I grinned at Edward "It's never too early for Christmas! I suppose I will content myself with getting the shops ready as well as Rosehaven. I really must go there soon to attend to the bakery as well as see the new land Lunar was telling me about in his last letter. Rosehaven will need to be cleaned will for the holidays too. Perhaps now that we know for certain we will be moving we can take a little vacation to Steelhead for a change of scenery?"
Edward thought about this for a moment. "I suppose we could, I can leave a forwarding address at the Guv'nah's mansion so they can send any messages there. Perhaps we can go in a few days, once we get the packing details sorted?"
I smiled "That would be good. A change is as good as a rest they say, and I'm sure the weather in Steelhead has got to be a little less volatile than in Caledon right now. I shall write Lunar and ask him to make sure there's plenty of firewood at Rosehaven, and if he wouldn't mind lighting the fires....I'd ask Tensai but asking her to play with fire on purpose is always a risky decision."
After sharing a laugh, we both sat in companiable silence, mulling over our own thoughts. I started to do a mental inventory of all that needed to be packed and what supplies we might need. I was very sorry to be leaving Argylle and would miss it, but I was certain that we would weather this nasty storm and eventually the sun would shine again in Caledon for us.
Let's take time to remember the sacrifices made in the past, as well as those that continue to be made today.
Beauty, happiness, pleasure, success, luxury, dissipation.
The Empress is a creator, be it creation of life, of romance, of art or business. While the Magician is the primal spark, the idea made real, and the High Priestess is the one who gives the idea a form, the Empress is the womb where it gestates and grows till it is ready to be born. This is why her symbol is Venus, goddess of beautiful things as well as love. Even so, the Empress is more Demeter, goddess of abundance, then sensual Venus. She is the giver of Earthly gifts, yet at the same time, she can, in anger withhold, as Demeter did when her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped. In fury and grief, she kept the Earth barren till her child was returned to her
What Tarot Card are You?
I turned the collar up on my ulster as I waited impatiently for the trolley to arrive. "That blessed thing is always running you over when you don't want it, but never around when you do!" I mumbled. The rain continued to pour, undeterred by the evil look CHED gave it or my grumblings.
I had been out in Caledon doing various shopping that needed to be attended to, and while Edward had been able to give me a ride to Victoria City in the Parsival, he had his own business to see to in Babbage and could not give me a lift home. Finally, the trolley rumbled into sight and I hopped on and burrowed as best I could into my coat on the trip back to Victoria City. I was thoroughly sick and tired of this unseasonable and unusual weather and relished the thought of the warm fires back at Primbroke Manor...not to mention my bathtub filled with steaming hot water.
Finally, after a trolley, train and boat travel, my feet were planted firmly on Argylle. Clutching my basket of purchases, I stumbled up the hill to the manor, my wet hems clutching my ankles and tripping me. Water dripped from the brim of my hat and trickled down the back of my neck. It truly was not a day fit for man nor beast.
Mr. Gears met me at the door and relieved me of my purchases. He also managed to catch me as I tripped on the carpet, and being hobbled by my wet skirts nearly fell. Nell Humphreys, the maid, came and took my drenched coat, hat and gloves and murmured sympathetic musings about the horrid weather. I smiled softly and started to contemplate the joys of my hot bath when the front door loudly banged shut and Edward blew in.
"By the gods it's a wretched night out there!" he exclaimed as he allowed Mr. Gears to remove his coat and hat. "I'm glad I had the Parsival, even though the lightning made piloting her a bit of a task. Getting from the mooring towers to wherever I needed to be was the tricky part." He looked over at me in my disheveled state and said "I see you made it home too my love. I was wondering if you were going to make it home. I did pass by the shop in Victoria City, but I didn't see you there, so I assumed you had made it home on your own muster."
I smiled "I just made it home actually, and am thankful to be here. It's nights like these that make you appreciate the comforts of your own hearthside."
As the servants hustled off to their various duties, Edward drew me into a warm embrace. I returned his hug, allowing myself to relax in his arms, the ticking of his mechanical arm a familiar and comforting sound and combining with the beat of his heart it soothed me to no end. After a few moments he quietly said "My love, I'm afraid I've got some very terrible news."
I pulled away slightly and looked at him fully in the face, trying to read his expression. "Are you alright?" I asked, wondering if he'd be injured during his travels.
"I'm quite well, my dearest but I'm afraid I've got some very dire news regarding our island and what is going to become of it. The Linden Government has issued their decree, which is not as hopeful as we had hoped it might be."
"Oh wonderful! I'm shocked no one has yet successfully managed a military coup on these dear Lindens," I groused. "I'm sure if we used Tensai's technical know-how and gathered Des, Lunar and the leaders of other lands together, a better and less stupid government could be achieved. They are so complacent that we are just going to sit and suffer and not go where they cannot control us that they think they can issue what they want without recourse."
Edward listened to me rant on for awhile longer before gently placing his fingertip on my lips and smiling at me sadly. "I know it's upsetting, but I'm afraid at this time there's not much we can do but comply with their edicts" he said.
"So, what might these new laws be?" I asked with ill humour.
"First, Argylle as we know it will be no longer. They are implementing new laws that will only allow 10 persons at most onto private islands like Argylle and their surrounding waters. As well, they are not allowing construction, they want these areas to remain wild and uninhabited. I have no idea why anyone would want to pay tax on such an area, but possibly some people will. They have also created a 'Homestead Act' where people may purchase an area of land similar in size to Argylle but will be severely curtailed in settling it. As an additional deterrant, owners are not allowed to have groups of more than 20 persons at any one time on these Homesteads. I am not sure if this is to discourage rebellious crowds from forming or what their reasons are, but that limit is in their rules. The third option is one that is quite complex and would require Guv'nah Desmond's authority to do. Of course, turning one's back on it all has always been an option, but one I'm not willing to look at" he said sternly.
I quietly mulled this over in my mind, looking at each option in turn. I took a deep breath and looked around the hall of Primbroke Manor, where Edward and I had worked diligently turning it from an abandoned manor house to a home. I thought of the hours spent pruning and gardening, of the amount of labour Edward invested to build the underwater observatory. I also thought of my fellow Dukes and Duchesses, the community events that they've held, which gave Caledon it's particular zest and acted hubs for the community as a whole. I was thankful that the first Duke of Greystoke was not around to see this day, where he would not have been able to host a zoo, a winter wonderland and so many other wonderful events at Greystoke. I was certain Caledon would survive, but how many other places would not?
We heard Mr. Gears approach us, to announce that dinner was served. I gave Edward a small smile and we proceeded to the diningroom to eat.
It was the evening of October 30, and Edward and I were making our way home from Penzance after the broadcast of the radio play. We travelled in silence, Edward piloting us home while I gazed at the star filled sky.
Our automaton butler, Mr. Primary Gears, was awaiting our arrival at the door. He took Edward's overcoat, hat and gloves and my wrap as we made our way into the warmth of the main hall of Primbroke Manor. The wood panelling gleamed softly in the flickering firelight and made the room even more inviting. The other servants had retired for the evening, so the house was quiet and still.
"Will you or m'lady require anything this evening?" Mr. Gears asked.
"No, you may retire for the night, we will be fine on our own." Edward replied.
"Very well sir." Mr Gears said before going to his storage area.
Edward headed for the parlour, not ready yet to settle for the night. I followed him, sensing that perhaps all was not well and in time he might need someone to serve as a sounding board for his thoughts.
As I settled in on the sofa, Edward prepared his pipe, taking considerable time tamping down the tobacco and making sure the draw was right before he too, sat down. He puffed away in silence, the crease between his eyebrows becoming deeper, his teeth clenching on the pipestem every now and again. I knit a few more rows of my lace edging, discreetly keeping an eye on him and finally decided to break the silence.
"Is everything all right my love?", I asked tentatively
Edward paused in his smoking for a moment before answering. "As well as one could expect." he replied. "Why do you ask?"
I leaned over and gently tried to smooth the lines between his eyebrows. "I cannot recall the last time you've smoked your pipe, to the point where I question how good that tobacco is anymore and by the intensity of your puffs, and the fact that I'm sure you're leaving teeth marks in your pipe stem, I seem to think something is troubling you. You also have not been yourself these past few days...you have scarcely seemed to notice that Cook has been making the most wonderful meals and you've just been abnormally quiet. This leads me to believe that something is troubling you, and I would be delighted to help you with it, if I can."
Edward looked at me for quite some time, drawing the odd puff off his pipe before he set it aside on the table.
"Have you heard anything in your travels about a new land tax that has been suggested?" he asked.
I thought about this for a moment. "I've heard rumblings of something of that sort, although I've not been out in society much as of late. I know that the letters from Lunar used to be filled with his plans for a new home for Tensai and himself once they had cleared more land, but in the most recent letter he just said that he's had to put them back on the shelf for the time being. What are these new taxes?" I asked.
"What has happened is that the world Government, the Lindens, have decided that private islands such as Argylle are too costly for them to administrate, and as such have decreed that they will be implementing a 66% tax increase as of January first of the upcoming year."
I stared at him blankly, my mind racing over the figures and costs of the taxes of Argylle. I had never paid much mind to the financial end of matters regarding our island home, Edward had always had a firmer grasp on what land transactions entailed, but I knew enough to know that this truly was not a good situation at all.
"What has the Guv'nah said about this?" I asked , "Since we pay our taxes to him, and he is the title bearer of all of the Duchies in Caledon, I am curious to know his stance on what this all means."
"An emergency meeting was held in Oxbridge the other day, and the long and short of it is that he is adopting a wait and see pose. He is stressing that there is no need to panic, that Caledon will remain, but perhaps altered. I have been in contact with him, telegraphing him and will be remaining in close communication with him until this is resolved."
I sighed deeply. "I have never understood the Linden government. They seem to make the most arbitrary decisions, but I suppose they can as they are a dictatorship. They stew and quake, fret and tremble about some things and then plow blindly into other decisions. This could really start a rebellion, if not an all out revolution."
Edward chuckled slightly "Oh, I think they have created a malestrom that they did not expect in their wildest dreams. The newspapers are filled with nothing else but this...people are writing letters to the editor in massive numbers, some eloquently written, others take a more....heated stance. There have been good suggestions but ultimately, it will be the Lindens who decide what step they will take from here. I can't help feeling that they are suggesting such a massive tax increase, so that when they come back with one that is more tempered, it will seem like a gift and we'll all be pleased with it."
I snorted delicately.
He continued, "This has wide reaching ramifications though. Not only is Caledon affected, but our neighbouring sister state of Winterfell is as well. There are many, many communities that will feel the sting of this knee-jerk decision, some will be altered drastically. It's even been rumoured that Antiquity will not survive this at all. If this goes through, it has been said that the Grand Duke will allow all the lands to go back to the Government and all the residents will be essentially homeless."
"That's rather like throwing the baby out with the bathwater." I said. "I suppose we can be thankful that we will not be homeless, we still have Rosehaven in Steelhead, although I doubt we could keep our staff there. I'm sure with a good character, they could find employment in other homes in Caledon, as good help is so terribly hard to find."
Edward sighed. "No, we will not be homeless, that is true, but I would be sorry to see this all go. We will have to sit down and take a hard look at the accounts and see if this tax increase is justifiable and feasible. Until we hear official word from the Guv'nah about his next step, we will have to just be patient and wait."
"Oh lovely...patience was never one of my better virtues." I grumbled. "However, you are right. There's nothing we can do but sit tight and bide our time. I do hope though, that the Linden Government change their stance at least a little bit and perhaps for once try a little clarity rather than their usual 'clear as mud' way of sharing information."
"Yes, and perhaps someday pigs will fly!" Edward laughed.
I giggled, "Well, if bunnehs can, I'm sure pigs are next!"
We settled again, Edward puffing on his pipe in a more relaxed manner and myself to my knitting. I couldn't help feeling that the spectre of this new decree was lurking though, like the fogs that came in off the water at night. Was this some sort of Hallowe'en game of Trick or Treat? I softly sighed and resigned myself to being patient. Only time would tell what would happen next.
What can I say...I think I even own that dress, and most assuredly the hat! ;-)
Your result for The Steampunk Style Test...
71% Elegant, 41% Technological, 80% Historical, 12% Adventurous and 6% Playful!
You are the Citizen, the embodiment of steampunk’s everyday side. You realize that there is far more to a rich, living environment than adventurers and lunatic engineers. For every gentleman-scientist or airship fleet admiral there are a dozen or more “ordinary people” who prevent the genre from devolving into a mass of cardboard caricatures, and you take pride in exploring the great diversity of a steampunk world’s population. Your clothing could easily come from any social group or society, and you are equally liable to dress upper, middle, or working class. However, the unifying feature to your fashion sense is that it does not get carried away with “looking steampunk,” instead creating a person who could have just stepped out of the crowd in a novel. Some people may claim that your style is too close to historical accuracy to be steampunk, but fortunately you know better.
Try our other Steampunk test here.
I have not yet solved why my chickens keep disappearing, although I will say that they are not vanishing at the alarming rate they once were. I have my suspicions that a certian owl owned by Miss Mara Razor might be at fault, but as I've not had time to investigate properly, I don' tknow for sure. Her owl seems to be rather fat and sassy these days. As well, this is just not serious enough to be bothering the Sheriff with these days, since trouble has surfaced in a Steelhead. I'll just keep them locked up and under wraps until I can take care of it myself.
As for the trouble in Steelhead, well it would seem someone or something has it out for our dear Sheriff. Silver tipped bullets were fired at his house, including some into the chest of the scarecrow my dear Edward made for the Scarecrow competition at last year's Harvest Festival. Sheriff Ortega's cousin has been wandering about, muttering all sorts of strange and bewildering things under his breath, Tensai has been circulating, exceedingly well armed...even for her. Lunar is developing a worry line where that mark is on his forehead and basically the entire town is very, very tense. We've had to turn in all of our silver as a preventative measure.
To his credit, the Sheriff is remaining calm about this....however, I suspect he is far more worried than he is allowing himself to show. I hope whomever is responsible is captured quickly...Steelhead is a lovely town, warm and welcoming. The murder of poultry is one thing...attacking our Sheriff is quite another. All I can say is that I hope whomever is behind this is caught before Tensai gets ahold of him or her.
Today as I was out in the back garden of Rosehaven, feeding my chickens I noticed something that has made me very upset. One, possibly more of my chickens have gone missing! Now while these chickens are nothing like the Steelhead breed, having been imported from Caledon, they are still very dear to me none the less. Because of them, I have a steady supply of eggs for my baking, as well as eating and of course, once the older ones quit producing, I will have chicken for the stewpot as well (and we all know how comforting chicken stew is on a cold winter's night). They are also very friendly birds and would not harm anyone, unlike the Steelhead variety which was known to tackle and defeat elephants.
I did not notice any tracks around the chicken coop nor any in the yard itself. While Sheriff Ortega's club *is* next door, and he has been known to "wolf out" on occasion, I cannot for the life of me picture him stealing a few chickens. He has slightly better morals than that. I have a very solid fence around my property as well, and my dear hens like to stay in the shelter of the backyard and have never been known to stray anyhow.
Having lived through the turkey murders, I am very alarmed at the disappearance of my birds and hope to find a solution soon. Perhaps a stroll through the neighbourhood will give me some clues....
As many of you are probably aware, Christine was unable to attend the anniversary party for her and Edward on the 15th. Below are some photos to show you what was going on here in RL that made it impossible for me to be in world.
A few trees at my parent's farm
Someone's t.v. tower
I don't think those trees were planted quite like that...
A pivot irrigation sprinkler...not quite looking like it should.
One of several downed power lines.
The cenotaph in Burdett, which is 11kms from where I live. They had a tornado touch down there. 
More of the cenotaph, different angle.
A house in Burdett...I think
Marks from the storm.
Now these next pics are taken of a house that I sold to a family this past spring. It was a lovely farm home, with brick on the outside and well protected by trees. The family was in the home when the storm struck, but are ok.
The front of the home. There was a porch area with a brick planter and climbing vines on the front at one time. 
The garage area.
An uprooted tree in the yard. 
The garage sidewall...or what's left of it.
The backyard. Pieces of the roof everywhere.
More of the backyard, notice the big building in the background. It would seem someone just peeled back part of the roof (it's not a very good pic, I know)
The front of the house again.
Needless to say, I feel very VERY lucky that the worst damage my own home suffered was some holes in my front screen door and my flowers being decimated. None of our windows were broken, our roof is intact and for the most part, our trees are fine. Everyone is pitching in and working together to get things cleared up.
So, I'm sorry Christine missed the party, but I think it's a good excuse to have another one, just because. :-)
In celebration of the Inauguration of the Duchy of Argylle and the Duke and Duchess of Argylle's first anniversary, you are invited to attend a reception at Caledon Argylle, Tuesday, July 15 at 7 pm SLT. It would be appreciated if attendees wore clothing that was suitable for such an event.
We look forward to having you celebrate with us. Your presence is gift enough.
*sighs deeply and glares over at her beloved* My dearest Edward decided to tag me in this "Name your memoirs" thing. I don't think he realizes how much I dislike being tagged and that my creativity does not extend to this sort of brain game. However, rest assured, he will be hearing about it for quite some time in the future. ;-)
So...what to call my memoirs....I considered a few possibilites, but seeing as it's a 6 word maximum, that curtails my natural wordiness. So, below are a few of the possibilities:
1. Lady's Companion to Duchess of Argylle
- this doesn't really work as I started my journal LONG after my days at Le Jardin, but I'm a bit pressed for ideas.
2. The Neglected Journal of Christine Pearse
- very apt, I think
4. Too Busy to Write Much Down
- again very apt....I'm usually too busy doing to spend much time writing about it.
And my personal favorite:
5. Pass the Anti-Drama Spray Please!!!!!
Anyhow...the rules and my tags:
1. write the title to your own memoir using six words.
2. post it on your blog.
3. link to the person that tagged you.
4. tag five more blogs.
I don't know how to link, so just go and read my beloved Edward's journal....I'm sure you can find your way
And now for the list of Victims....I mean tagged people:
1. TotalLunar Eclipse
2. Fuzzball Ortega
3. ZenMondo Wormser
4. Puck Goodliffe
5. Abigail Raymaker
There!!! Done!!!! Good luck to all of you! :-)
Please pardon the lack of pictures for this journal entry, but I cannot for the life of me find my camera in all this mess. To make a long story short (which I'll go into depth with later), Edward and I have moved yet again...but this time back to Caledon, to our very own Duchy! I'm sure by this point the post office will have given up and just sent everything to Rosehaven in Steelhead to be on the safe side. You can find us at Caledon Argylle, just north of Penzance and East of Brigadoon. There's plenty of room to sail or fly and hopefully soon I'll have a rest area ready for those who are looking for a place to picnic during their outings.
As soon as we are unpacked and settled, I'm sure there will be a celebration of some sort. Personally, I thinking of having a "Burning of the Trunks and Packing Crates" party, just so we don't have to do this again! Now where on earth did I put the teapot???
My typist knew that when she went on her trip to the United Kingdom that she would have to contend with the malicious tongues of those who have nothing better to do than to meddle in the lives of others. She forgot (ever so briefly) that there was a good chance of gossip occuring in SL as well.
Today I received a telegram message from a friend who was concerned that he did not see my mailbox standing with Edward's at Davaar in the Cay. As it happens, Edward and I will be moving houses to the Highlands, which is an area in Caledon we both favour and have harboured hopes of living there for some time. We will miss our friends and neighbours in the Cay. but this was an opportunity too good to pass up.
Since I will not be in world for an interval of time, Edward and I thought it would be prudent for me to pack all my belongings ahead of time, in case the land transfer took effect when I was unavailable. That way, my lost and found folder would not become cluttered (something like the rest of my inventory) as Edward cleared away our things for Sir Tele, who is the next caretaker of the corner plot. This is why my mailbox is not in it's customary place as well as why the land is not in bloom like it was.
I look forward to my return and will miss my friends and neighbours. Once we are settled in the Highlands, I'm sure we will open our home to guests with a housewarming party. Until then, rest assured all is well between Edward and I. Bon Voyage!
As many of you readers may know, both my brother and my beloved husband are builders with skill. Wander around Steelhead and Steelhead Harbourside and you will see the many works of my brother (including his pink....yes PINK house....I think it needs flamingos in the front yard). He's also ventured into making treehouses as well. He is known for his flair with building and his skills are sought after by many, including the Duchess of Loch Avie, among others.
Caledon Penzance is the home of my beloved's latest build, the Radio Riel office building. If you've not seen it yet, you really should. Many little details are added that make the whole even that more perfect and pleasing. Adding to his list of building accomplishments are his shop in Victoria City, Caledon as well as the "Garage" (officially known as the Cay Mooring Tower, but in all seriousness, Edward did need a place to house his carriages, horseless and otherwise as well as the other modes of transport he has) in the Cay.
So, I am surrounded and buttressed by two wonderful builders. I have attempted making structures in the past, mostly for my own pleasure or purposes. My buildings have been rather simple and not of a grand scale by any means. I've never sold my buildings but have given away a couple to those who were needing shelter. I usually tinker with my cakes and perhaps make accessories like a table to hold my baked goods on. Until Miss Burton approached me.
Miss Burton has a photography business and was needing a shop in which to operate it. She had a definate idea on what sort of feel she wanted for this building and asked me to build it. I was a bit surprised as I don't consider myself to be a builder of great calibre, but said I would do my best. Last night, I was able to show her the completed building and she was delighted. She said it was all she had hoped for and couldn't wait to get it on the ground, as soon as a land transaction had taken place.
So, dear readers, as much as I would have loved to have included pictures with this entry, I'm afraid you are going to have to wait until the building is standing firmly on the ground for which it was intended. Then I shall post a few images but I think seeing it in person will be even better. It is quite grand and opulent, but not massive. I am considering rearranging the interior layout and changing one or two exterior details and packaging it to sell, for any interested parties.
I do have to thank Lunar for dropping in to look it over during various stages of completion (and Fuzz too, even though he didn't have any tips to give, he does keep things interesting) as well as my dear Edward for putting up with my questions, giving me good advice and otherwise tolerating me in a fit of creative energy. He also double checked it to make sure everything was to his standard (he's slightly more detail oriented than I am *grins*). It was good to have him there when I wasn't sure which trim to use or wallpaper or how to keep my alphas from being at war (troublesome things that they are!).
Stay tuned for the upcoming pictures!!!
(I apologize for this being so late....my photographic developing fluids froze and finding replacements was quite a challenge! Sadly, none of the photographs turned out, so you will have to use your imaginations, with my deepest apologies.)
Now that the holiday season has passed, the decorations have been put away until next year and life has settled down a bit, I decided to go to Steelhead to give Rosehaven a good cleaning and see to our shops. Since Edward was exceedingly busy with his various projects, I ventured off by myself, planning on getting the fires burning at Rosehaven, so all would be ready for him when he'd be able to catch the train to join me for the Friday night dance. The train is a very safe way to travel these days, even for a woman alone. With the courteous (and well armed) citizens of Caledon on one end and Sheriff Ortega waiting in Steelhead on the other, miscreants dare not meddle with the train. Upon arriving at Rosehaven and getting the fireplaces and the kitchen stove started, I decided to wander over to Harbourside to see how things were progessing in our newest neighbourhood
Upon entering the station, I noticed Lunar had renovated the building to have doors on either side, which was most thoughtful of him. I stepped outside and was greeted by the sight of a community that is starting to build itself up. Doc Wrangler's shop was directly opposite the station (most convenient when the new shipments arrive in on the train!) as well as a pub run by the Lady Protector herself, Diamanda Gustafson. The new doughnut shop was also nearby and it's been rumoured that our dear Sheriff has been seen in there quite often....I'm sure it's to warm his feet as he's doing his patrols.
As I made my way around the neighbourhood, I was delighted to see how well everyone was doing, getting their plots settled. While there are a few tents yet, they do not detract from the surroundings but seem to blend in perfectly.
Miss Eugenia Burton's farm seemed to be taking shape quite nicely too. I didn't see any stock yet, but I'm sure once the weather warms and she's made sure the barns and outbuildings are up to standard, her farm will be flourishing with all sorts of livestock....I have often wondered if she was considering operating a stud ranch, as she seems to have a good eye for male specimens of several species. *winks and grins*
Our noble editor/writer/publisher of the Steelhead Anvil had put the safety of all seafaring traffic first and added a lighthouse to her home. She is very lucky to have a view of Sushi happily leaping in the water. I'm sure Sushi is very glad to be back in Steelhead waters after being away for so long.
Of course, you can't have a stroll though Harbourside without pausing to admire Lunar's handiwork with the bridges. While I do love the smaller stone one, the tall bridge commands admiration. It is truly a thing of grace and beauty, not to mention built to withstand the winds that sweep in off the ocean. While the Grande Hotel and Ballroom is the crowing glory of Steelhead Centre, I would have to say that the bridge is the piece de la resistance in Harbourside.
There seemed to be a couple of plots left, so on my way back to Rosehaven, I stopped by the Town Hall to see what the main map said. Sure enough, there are still a couple plots available, hopefully to be filled soon.
After my travels, the house had warmed up sufficiently and the fires were burning well enough to boil some water (or ice, as it happened to be) for a cup of tea. The residents of Harbourside are making it a charming and delightful (not to mention whimsical) place to be. I look forward to seeing the neighbourhood develop further as people's ideas and plans are brought to life!
Last night was the Caledon New Year's Eve festivities in Penzance, in case you somehow managed to miss all the posters and the journal blitz. It was an event that will not soon be forgotten. I'd like to thank Her Grace, Gabrielle Riel, Miss Persephone Gallindo and Miss Saffia Widdershins and all the other people who put an monumental amount of work into this to make it happen.
Sadly, due to lag being rather bad and things not rezzing properly for me, I didn't take any pictures. However, I'm sure there will be many to be seen in other journals.
Last year, I spent New Year's Eve in Steelhead. There was a small group of us on top of Lunar and Tensai's shop and Tensai managed to crash the sim with her spectacular fireworks display. I was merely Miss Christine McAllister with no skills worth discussing in polite society. While it was a small gathering, it was nice. How things have changed in a year!
Now Steelhead has grown by 100%. The town has shaken off it's old look and is moving forward. We have many new residents who bring their own special traits that add to the community. I have learned how to build (tolerably well) and am active in both Steelhead and Caledon. I've also managed to charm a most handsome, talented, kind and loving man, of whom I barely knew a year ago. My friend list is also considerably longer than it was a year ago, for which I am thankful.
I hope everyone has a New Year filled with health, happiness, success and love. Happy New Year!
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