On behalf of Edward, myself and our household, I would like to extend the warmest wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy, prosperous New Year. May you be blessed far beyond your hopes.

Settling In

It was a typical afternoon in Babbage, the late autumn sun barely penetrating the smoke and soot in the sky. The weather had taken a cooler turn, and I was very glad for my warm cape. I had been out for a walk, getting my bearings of the city that I now called home, meeting some of my fellow citizens, including a mechanical man, who had the misfortune to be run down by one of the trolleys. Luckily Mr. Lightbulb Brightly was not seriously injured, but I hoped he'd be repaired properly by his creator soon.

Of course, a walk about town would not be complete without seeing the urchins out and about. For the most part they kept their distance from me, but I could not help but to notice that many of them had thin jackets and were not well dressed for the upcoming winter.

Mr. Gears met me at the front door and took my cape for me as I removed my gloves and hat before heading into the parlour for some tea and to look over any letters that came in the post. Settling into my favorite chair, I sorted through the mail, which consisted mainly of various notices, invitations, a few bills, the newspaper and two letters from my brothers. Putting the other mail to the side, I opened the letter from my older brother, Gunnar.

Of course, he was off in some exotic location, his letter full of vividly written tales of daring-do and adventure, the pages barely containing his bold, galloping penmanship. As well, he was madly in love, again, this time with a woman covered in snake tattoos who was the "refreshment server" at a local public house he was currently frequenting. I really did not want to know exactly what sort of "refreshment" she provided. He said he didn't think he'd be making it home for Christmas but would be sending something through the post to Edward and I. He also said he was planning on staying at his current location for a few months, hoping to make some more money doing various jobs to fund his explorations. I sighed as I folded up his letter as Nell came in with the tea tray, the sounds of Mrs. Clowes haggling with the Rag and Bone man in the kitchen trailing in after her.

"Ah, thank you Nell! This is just the thing to warm me up after being out. The weather has gotten so chilly, I really worry for those who haven't a warm place to call home if winter sets in soon. By the way, Mrs. Clowes is not stopping for idle gossip with the Rag and Bone man, is she? Last time he was here, he filled her head with such terrible stories about that voodoo man that she was nearly impossible for weeks!"

"No, ma'am, I don't believe she is. When I left the kitchen, she was trying to get a better price this time as she feels the rags and scraps are of a superior quality. Although, now that I've left, I really couldn't say which way the conversation has gone." Nell smiled slightly before bobbing a curtsy and heading upstairs to dust Edward's study.

I shrugged slightly and sipped my tea, the fragrance of bergamont soothing me, before opening the letter from Lunar. His letter was filled with news from Steelhead, the latest residents, recent social events and of course news of our friends there. Sheriff Fuzzball was managing to keep warm, in spite of his bald head and was maintaining law and order with his usual aplomb. Tensai had not blown up anything major recently but was working on a new device that had great potential and she sent her love. The main part of his letter, though, was devoted to the newest development of the city. Out of the wilderness surrounding Steelhead, Lunar was planning on carving out a unique addition to the community called "Nevermoor". He described it as being a "gothic forest nouveau" and that there would be very little in the way of buildings. He had included some sketches of the statues he was planning having there and with his detailed descriptions I could picture it clearly in my mind. His talents were certainly going to shine with this new development. I made a note to visit him and Tensai before Christmas to see this as well as ready my bakery for the holiday season.

Letters read, I sat back to savour my tea and my mind wandered again to the poorly dressed urchins and some of the other residents that I suspected might not get to enjoy a hot meal on a regular basis, nor warm clothes. My mother had instilled in me the thought that helping others is one of the best things you can do in this world. I sipped my tea some more, when an idea started to grow in my mind....

So Bring Us Some Figgy Pudding....

Just in time for Christmas, Rosehaven Recipes is pleased to present Christmas Pudding with Brandy Butter sauce. The pudding dispenses an individual portion to be enjoyed with a silver spoon and the brandy butter sauce is merely decorative. The Pudding may be found at both my Rosehaven Recipes shops, in Steelhead City and in The Rookery, Clockhaven New Babbage.

Christmas Presents at Rosehaven Recipes

I apologize for the delay in this post...my typist has been exceedingly busy with her life to allow me much time to attend to mine!

At any rate, I would like to let everyone know that there are scarves available for free, my gift to you at both of my Rosehaven Recipe shops. The main shop, located in Steelhead, has a set of scarves in the Steelhead tartan, while my second shop, located in Clockhaven Babbage (in the Rookery) has a set of scarves in the Babbage tartan.

Please enjoy them and keep warm this holiday season!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

On behalf of Edward and myself, I would like to wish all of our family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year, filled with health, happiness and many blessings.

Oh There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays...

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!

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings

On behalf of Lord Primbroke and myself, I would like to wish all of our friends and acquaintances a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. May you be given the gifts of good times, good health and good friends. We hope you enjoy this holiday season, regardless of what you celebrate and are able to be with the ones you love.