Happy Anniversary!

Five years ago today, Edward and I were handfasted in Loch Avie, with a splendid wedding dance afterward in Steelhead.  To the best of my knowledge, a partnership in SL of 5 years is not very common, but it has been a pleasure and a joy.  It feels like yesterday that we said our vows.  Thank you for walking this path with me my dearest, and I look forward to seeing where the journey takes us!

Happy Anniversary

Wishing my dearest Edward all the best on our fourth anniversary. How time flies when one is having fun! Thank you for making the journey that much sweeter and hopefully for many years to come.

Happy Easter Wishes

On behalf of Edward, myself and the staff at Primbroke Manor, I'd like to extend warmest wishes for a happy Easter to all of our friends, family and acquaintances. May all of the chocolates the Easter bunny leaves for you be foil wrapped!

Happy Valentine's Day!

On behalf of Edward, myself and the staff of Primbroke Manor, I'd like to extend happiest Valentine's wishes to you and yours. Happy Valentine's Day!

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.

For Christmas is Coming...

The weather outside was horrible, the sleet pelting the glass and leaving the cobblestone streets below slick, the gaslamps' glow reflecting dimly upon them. I watched as two dark figures, Mr. Gears and Giles came through the front gate, each carrying two large sacks. They disappeared around to the side of the house, no doubt coming in through the kitchen door so they could hang their wet coats in the scullery and get a bracing cup of hot tea (or oil in Mr. Gears' case) from the cook.

I turned away from the window and surveyed the room before me. Piles of scraps were scattered here and there and a few large sacks were in the corner of the spare room. Other than the disorder, the room was warm and cozy, a fire dancing in the grate and the lights casting a warm glow about the room. Opening one of the large sacks, I dumped the contents onto the floor and knelt down, sorting the bits of fabric into their respective piles, by colour and fibre content. Laudanum the cat purred happily in his basket near the fireplace and I softly hummed a tune I had heard earlier in the week being whistled by some men on the street.

After awhile Giles and Mr. Gears could be heard coming up the stairs with their burdens. As they entered the room, Giles' red cheeks and nose suggested that the weather truly was as chippy as it would seem.

"Where would you like these madam?" Mr. Gears asked.

"Over with the other ones, if you please Mr. Gears"

They brought over the sacks, Giles struggling a little with his and left them with the others.

"Thank you for assisting me with this, I appreciate your help, as I'm sure those who will benefit from these quilts will appreciate them as well" I smiled warmly at the men "I cannot stand to see this perfectly good fabric go to waste while there are those who will be suffering from the cold this winter". Giles nodded in agreement, while Mr. Gears inclined his head at my words. "I'm sure you have things you'd like to attend to this evening, so I'll not keep you here. Thank you again for bringing these sacks over from His Grace's shop". The men turned and left, each heading to their respective activites for the evening.

I opened one of the new bags and looked through the fabrics within. This sack contained a good mix of fine woolens and tweeds, along with some bright red scraps left over from the merino wool long underwear that Edward sold in his shop. All of the fabric was new, it was the discarded bits left over after each garment had been cut out. Most of the fabrics were of a wool blend, but there were some piles of linen and cotton's from the shirts as well as colourful bits from the waistcoats.

In the previous weeks, when trying to learn my way around Babbage, I had noticed a large population of urchins as well as those who seemed to live by their wits alone. As the weather grew cooler, my thoughts had turned to how these people were going to keep warm during the winter in Babbage....the deep snow blanketing the streets, the frosty wind whipping around the street corners, whistling through broken windows. A warm quilt or blanket and a few other items would be very useful to keep the cold at bay. Edward had shown me some time ago his left over fabric remnants and now I would turn them into something warm, useful and comforting for others this Christmas. With any luck I would be able to put together a Christmas hamper for anyone who would like one.

After sorting fabric for an hour, I heard Edward's step in his study and decided I had done enough for one evening. Smiling softly and brimming with ideas, I closed the door to the spare room and started towards the study, looking forward to spending the remainder of the evening with my beloved.

A Happy Thanksgiving to You All

On Behalf of Edward and myself, I'd like to wish all of our family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances a Happy Thanksgiving. Wishing you a day filled with turkey, pumpkin pie and all the other good things as well as time with those you love. Celebrate the Harvest and enjoy!

Ahhh...Summertime!

Life has been busy in Primbroke manor as of late. Edward has been very busy, nipping off in his TARDIS to work on a club of some sort as well as attending to his other business interests. I have kept a lower profile, staying mostly at home, attending to the domestic realm, as it my habit. There is always much to do in the summer, with the garden to attend to, as well as putting up the fruits that are in season.

Mrs. Clowes, Nell and myself have been very busy making jams and other preserves. There are few things more enjoyable than opening a jar of raspberry jam in the dead of winter and having summertime greet your tastebuds as you bite into your slice of toast. As well, there are other fruits such as peaches, pears, cherries and saskatoons that can be put up so they can be enjoyed at their best when Jack Frost is painting the window panes. I also find it beneficial to bottle as much fruits as possible, as I tend to use them in my baking for Rosehaven Recipes as well.

While I've not been out in the public eye much, I have been keeping informed (although usually much after the fact) about events. I would like to congratulate Fuzzball Ortega on his excellent efforts as Steelhead's RFL Team Captain. He did a superior job and should be very proud of himself. I do hope though, that his head won't be too cold this winter, with him having shaved his head. Perhaps it's time to dig out that old Cowboy hat, or find a toque to keep warm.

At any rate, I should go and get back to the kitchen. While it is technically not something a lady in my position should be doing, I rather enjoy working in the kitchen. It reminds me of helping my mother out when I was a young girl. The joys of the height of summer!

P.S. Just a word to the wise....be *very* careful what you put into the Google Images search...."Victorian Canning" brings up quite different sorts of pictures!!! (and yes, I was very careful to have two n's in that!)

Happy Anniversary Edward!

It is with greatest pleasure and happiness that I wish my beloved Edward a happy 3rd annivesary! All the best to you my dearest and I am delighted and proud to be at your side.

Happy St Patrick's Day

On behalf of Edward, our household and myself, I'd like to extend warmest wishes for a Happy St. Patrick's Day! Remember to wear green and the luck of the Irish to everyone!!!

The Household of Primbroke Manor

Just a quick entry, long overdue. After much delay, Edward and I managed to have a portrait done of our household. This was done shortly before we moved from Edison to Babbage, so I'm surprised you can't see the packing crates that were scattered about the room.

Anyhow, in order back row first: Mrs. MaryEllen Clowes (cook), Mr. Giles Earnshaw (groundskeeper and in charge of the stables and garage), Mr. Primary Gears (butler, Edward's valet, etc), and Miss Penellope Humphreys (maid).

Of course Edward and myself are recognizable.

I look forward to when our household is together again. Edward gave the staff some leave so they are visiting their families while he and I are quite cozy in our rooms in the Rookery. I'm enjoying Babbage thus far but look forward to when we are surely settled somewhere.

I Wonder as I Wander...

It is official. Edward and I and our staff are yet again moving. This past week has been frantic to say the least and only now have I found a few moments of quiet to settle at Edward's desk to put my thoughts on paper.

I am sorry to leave Edison. It seems like we arrived here not that long ago and were just getting rather comfortable and settled in. We had finally gotten the house to the point that we were both quite satisfied with it and now we have to pack up and move again. While this move has been a strain on Edward and myself, I do sympathize with our staff as well.

For the time being, we have decided to take up residence in some of the rooms in the Rookery, located in Clockhaven, New Babbage. While they are not quite what we are used to, I believe that they will be comfortable enough for a temporary solution, until something more suitable is found. We have decided not to go through with the bother and expense of refurbishing the rooms, but will make them habitable with draperies, carpets and of course plenty of hot, soapy water and elbow grease!

Mrs. Clowes has been complaining incessantly that she is certain that fresh milk, eggs, butter and other produce will not be able to be had in New Babbage. I have assured her that New Babbage is quite a bustling city and I'm sure that she will find all of this plus much more at the markets. In fact, I think it will be quite exciting to be living in the midst of the ebb and flow of humanity. My only main concern is that our gardener, Giles Earnshaw, might find the lure of the public houses and other pursuits to be very much to his liking. I must ask Edward to have a word with the male staff about expected conduct and behaviour while we are at the Rookery.

Anyhow, I should get back to the packing. Since many of our belongings are going into storage for the time being, supervising the packing to make sure the correct items are packed is necessary. I'm sure the next time I can write we will be comfortable settled in Clockhaven.

On behalf of Edward and myself (and especially to Edward), I would like to wish all of our friends, family and acquaintances a very Happy Valentine's Day. May cupid rekindle the romance of existing relationships for those attached or spark something new for those who are not.

Happy Halloween

On behalf of Edward and myself, I'd like to wish all of our family, friends, neighbours and acquaintances a very happy halloween. May you get lots of treats and very few tricks tonight!

Happy Rez Day Edward!

Three short years ago, one Edward Pearse rezzed for the first time and made tracks to Caledon where he established a tailor and habardashery shop for gentlemen. Shortly after his arrival, he came across a Christine McAllister (who was invisible due to rezzing issues) and they became friends.

How time flies when you're having fun! All the best to you my dearest on your rezz-day!

(this is one of my favorite pictures of Edward)

Let Us Give Thanks

On behalf of Edward and myself, I would like to wish all of our Canadian friends a happy thanksgiving. May your day be snow free and your turkey moist and easily carved.

Froggy Went a Courtin'

Last night Edward and I attended the Babbage Ball, the theme being soot black. I managed to cobble together a gown from various bits and pieces as I discovered, much to my dismay, that I have a complete and utter lack of black formal ballgowns in my wardrobe.

Upon my arrival, after the usual friendly greetings, the Baron told me that I had just missed a most....happy....announcement. Apparently, Dr. Oblensky is getting married. I had no idea he would have had time to go courting, having just arrived back from wherever he was at. The lady in question (and I cannot recall her name for the life of me, my apologies) seems to be a demure, polite lady with above average physical attributes as well. No one seems certain how Dr. O could have charmed such a fine lady, since he isn't known to be a sweet talker by any stretch of the imagination. I hope for her sake an unfortunate explosion or train tracks are not in her future. At this point, I have no idea of where the bride is registered, and rumour is the date is set for October 31.

The ball itself was enjoyable, as they usually are. Mr. Bats Enoch provided excellent music and a group photo was taken as well. It reminded me of the Steelhead photo we had done years ago, only with a few more people (and everyone wearing black).

After the ball, Edward and I returned home to discover that we have new neighbours. I will have to go over with a plate of cookies and welcome them to the neighbourhood!

In the Good Old Summertime...

On behalf of Edward and myself, I'd like to extend the warmest wishes for a fun filled summer to all of our friends, neighbours and acquaintances. May our Canadian friends spend their Dominion Day occupied in enjoyable pursuits and our American friends celebrate their Independance Day equally well.

May your lemonade be cold, your picnic ant-free and may the mosquitos find your enemies to be far sweeter and tender than you are.

Enjoy your summer everyone!

Happy Anniversary

Happy 2nd Anniversary to my beloved Edward. It's been a delight and pleasure waltzing with you these past two years. I look forward to being your lady and always having the last dance with you in the future. As they say, the best is yet to come!

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.