Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wednesday 25 November 2020

Words For Wednesday

 




This meme was started by Delores a long time ago.  Computer issues led her to bow out for a while.  The meme was too much fun to let go, and now Words for Wednesday is provided by a number of people and has become a movable feast. 

Essentially the aim is to encourage us to write.  Each week we are given a choice of prompts: which can be words, phrases, music or an image.   What we do with those prompts is up to us:  a short story, prose, a song, a poem, or treating them with ignore...  We can use some or all of the prompts, and mixing and matching is encouraged.

Some of us put our creation in comments on the post, and others post on their own blog.  I would really like it if as many people as possible joined into this fun meme, which includes cheering on the other participants.  If you are posting on your own blog - let me know so that I, and other participants, can come along and applaud.

The prompts will be here this month but are provided by Margaret Adamson, and her friend Sue Fulcher.  The prompts  will also include photographs taken by Margaret's friend Bill Dodd

Sadly Sue is unwell and Margaret is very, very busy so neither of them are likely to use their prompts this month.  

This week's prompts are:


  1. Furnishing
  2. Tablet
  3. Platform
  4. Arrow
  5. Frame
  6. Content

And /or

  1. Vase
  2. Eagle
  3. Ballroom
  4. Propelling
  5. Brand
  6. Epilogue

 
Have fun.  

Huge thanks to Margaret, Sue and Bill for providing us with the prompts this month.  The prompts will be here next month as well, but I will be providing them.  I will also be asking for your assistance in providing the prompts next year.  If you would like to do so, please let me know in the comments which month(s) you would be able to challenge us. Margaret and Sue have indicated that they are happy to provide the prompts for November next year as well.

112 comments:

  1. Sue Fulcher is still unwell, but has written to the very challenging prompts she and Margaret sent for this month. When Margaret sent her takes to me I was super impressed. I have included them here - and hope that you join me in applauding them.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sue's first story.
    STOIC VEISALGIA FIASCO TABLE THROWING ILEX
    Aargh! I am alive, I think so anyway. My eyes are open so I must be awake. I am laying on the floor, looking at a cobweb gently swaying from the lampshade It could be the floor thats swaying but I don't think so.
    Yes, it's totally self inflicted, all my own fault so after the FIASCO that was my 70th birthday bash, where I was convinced that I was 17, I am attempting to be STOIC about the matter and use my adult head somewhat belatedly. I may even attempt to get up at some point. Oh my poor head!
    I think there's a very long word for this feeling. Oh my goodness what is it? What is it? I do crosswords I should know this. What is it? Viola? Violet? Via?
    I kind of remember a TABLE full of cans and bottles, a cake and lots of food. People laughing and toasting me on my milestone birthday. The way I feel I think it unlikely that I shall see 70years and 1 day.
    Celebrating Christmas and my 70th on the same day is to be avoided at all costs. Plonk and holly. Champagne and ILEX. A lethal mix.
    Oh my life. Oh my head. Can I make it to the bathroom before THROWING up. Quick aspirin, water, anything!
    I've climbed onto my bed, but the word is still escaping me. What is it? Vomit? Voom?
    I have it, I have it! I am suffering from VEISAGLIA. A hangover.
    So signs of recovery. Perhaps I'll make it to 70years and 2 days after all..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well done, Sue! Thanks for posting her work here, E.C.

      Delete
    2. Bliiliant...or is that brilliant!

      Delete
    3. This is a brilliantly written story and I am so very glad Sue was able to put pen to paper after such a long time and I know personally how much effort she took to write both these stories. well done my good friend

      Delete
  3. Sue's second story.
    FERRULE GELATO BREWING INDIGO IRONS WATEFALL
    My name is Kenneth. I am not old but am currently using an NHS walking stick and shuffling. Why? I'll tell you why in a bit. The OT stressed the importance of proper walking stick maintenance, who knew there was such a thing? It is important to have the right height, that the handle should not be sticky and, most important check the FERRULE on the end of the appliance. In the light of my misfortune I certainly endorse all she said.
    So here it is.
    I was walking, enjoying the country path to the beautiful WATERFALL that is the reward for walking uphill for several miles. I was thinking happily about my picnic. I have my thermos flask of coffee. Salmon and cucumber sandwiches and I have my cool bag in which nestles my treat to myself, a tub of my favourite vanilla GELATO from the wee Italian shop in town. I have the appropriate eating IRONS, spoon, knife. napkins. I am metaphorically rubbing my hands together. The WATERFALL is in sight and I am relishing the thought of sitting in it's reviving spray and eating my food.
    I had no idea there was trouble BREWING when I saw the sweet elderly lady coming toward me. She had a bobble hat pulled low over what appeared to be INDIGO coloured hair, sensible brown walking boots and although she was using a stick obviously was a seasoned walker. I mentally noted that it must be difficult to navigate these damp, narrow paths using a walking aid. Ah bless her, I thought, You go girl!
    As she draws nearer I smile and wish her well when suddenly her walking stick slips in the mud and lodges itself between my ankles, causing me to lose balance and roll very ungracefully down the bank and into the stream. As I look up I see a pale, round face looking down at me through the gap in the fence that I had broken on my way down.
    'Are you alright dearie?'
    I wave bravely, smile encouragingly and ask her through gritted teeth to call an ambulance.
    And there it is, a broken ankle and wounded pride and all because a lovely lady hadn't checked the FERRULE on her stick.
    And what’s worse I never found my cool bag and my lovely picnic is floating round the sea somewhere.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well done! The lady owes him a picnic.

      Delete
    2. Loved this Sue ... thanks EC for posting it ...

      Delete
    3. I agree, this lady owes him a picnic! LOL! Well done EC!

      Delete
  4. And my take on this week's prompts.
    ‘Put the damn tablet under your tongue NOW Richard. I know that you are using your walking frame, I know that you are just watching the ballroom dancing. I also know that you are dreaming of the days that it was you propelling your wife around that platform. Your brand was excellence and every competition you entered was sure to furnish yet another gilded vase for the cabinet displaying your prizes.
    You say that you are content to watch, but your eagle eyes are honing in on any error that the competitors might make. Your doctor warned you to take the tablet BEFORE any excitement which might trigger an angina attack. You said that your first heart attack felt like you had been pierced by an arrow.
    We. Don’t. Want. Any. Repeats.
    I really, really don’t want your epilogue (and epitaph) to read ‘He refused to follow his doctor’s advice.’

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great work, Sue. We had a similar theme this week. See below.

      Delete
    2. This is hilarious. I can picture the whole drama.lol

      Delete
    3. Julia: Thank you. I was surprised at just how similar David and my responses were...

      Delete
    4. Yep, i know men like that. Grandpa is one of them, won't follow doctor's orders (he is a doctor, they are the worst).

      Delete
    5. Great story and indeed many a man who I was nursing behaved in the same way

      Delete
    6. This was grand, EC. Maybe she secretly wishes for his epitaph, the stubborn old goat.

      XO
      WWW

      Delete
    7. It's hard for a champion to by idly and watch. I'm sure too it can be taxing on the heart. Well done!

      Delete
    8. A definite thumbs up. I love the way your mind works:) Still waiting for that cozy:)

      Delete
    9. Well done! I wonder how many epitaphs should/do include those words? ;-)

      Delete
    10. Diane Henders: A lot if the true were told I suspect.

      Delete
    11. Well done EC - I'm sure it's true of many ... we, humans, aren't always sensible ... stay safe - Hilary

      Delete
  5. It is fun for people to write their take on these interesting words. Even when I don't join in I still enjoy reading them. Thank you Sue and Margaret and Bill. Hope Sue feels better soon.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DeniseinVA: Thank you. I am always fascinated by the different takes on the prompts.

      Delete
  6. I shot the arrow at the tablet platform but hit the furnishing frame instead. I was sad but still content. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mike: What had the tablet platform (or the furnishing frame) done to you? Thanks for joining us again.

      Delete
    2. Well done Mike for managing to get the first words into only one sentence

      Delete
    3. EC - It was for nothing. Just wait until they do something. They'll be really sorry.

      M - Yes.

      MBFP - I think it was still a little wordy. I'll try better next time.

      Delete
    4. Well done Mike ... great succinct take ... cheers Hilary

      Delete
  7. Alfonso moved his creaking limbs slowly; it seemed as though his ancient FRAME was bent on giving him grief, both physical and mental. Is this what the EPILOGUE is like, he wondered; PROPELLING himself forward, clutching onto a walker? He who had soared with EAGLES, had CONTENDED with everything that life threw at him, through thick and thin. His befuddled mind couldn’t remember who had written of the slings and ARROWS of outrageous fortune, but he was living evidence of what they meant.
    There was a time when he could command the attention of all in a BALLROOM, with footwork and bold manoeuvres to dazzle even the most critical judge; now it was an effort to put one foot in front of the other. How often he had mounted the PLATFORM after a competition to claim his prize, a beautiful, young woman at his side, gazing at him lovingly, honoured to be his partner. His BRAND was unmistakable, the innovation and the finesse of his moves a wonder to all who witnessed them. They were in fact legendary.
    Lost in thought, remembering distant glories he felt a pain in his chest and quickly slipped a TABLET underneath his tongue. He weaved unsteadily around the FURNISHINGS, and grabbed his trophy. Water dripped down his shirt front and a nurse said, not unkindly, “Give me that, Alfonso.” “No,” he replied, it’s my trophy, I won it.” “But it’s not dear (always a condescending ‘dear”), it’s just a VASE. Now put it down and I’ll feed you some nice soup. There’s a good chap.”

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. David M. Gascoigne: We did indeed go down similar paths. I hope neither of us know this reality. The condescending dear gets my hackles up each and every time.

      Delete
    2. Agreeing about the condescending tone. All of us need help at some point, the least those doing the helping could do is remember and practice the kindness they hope to receive someday.

      Very well told.

      Delete
    3. Great story David and I absolutely hate anyone calling me "dear" at any time.

      Delete
    4. Great job. Amazing use of all the words.

      Delete
    5. Regarding the use of "dear", I recently bought a pie and the woman behind the counter took great pains to tell me to carry it flat - just like this, dear! It is a wonder I left her standing!!

      Delete
    6. Hi David - congratulations ... the world of old age homes or similar is wonderful (Sad too, I know) ... but can be such fun - may be turned into an amusing anecdote afterwards. 'Dearie' ... and similar - horrible, but part of life for some ... stay safe dear! All the best - Hilary

      Delete
  8. So this is the epilogue of my life, Gen. Grand mused, sitting in the requisite ballroom farewell dinner. Gen. Grand smirked and winked at other warriors also being propelled out the door. Gen. Rein sighed, then he smashed the Waterford vase on the floor. Why? he was asked. Rein puffed on his cigar, 'Because I can'. Gen. Grand agreed, hoisting his own vase, crushing it as well. 'Because I can'.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan Kane: Destroying a Waterford vase because he can? That is one of the reasons I dislike the entitled class. Great use of the prompts though.

      Delete
    2. They are being pushed out, and are not happy about it, i get that. Smashing vases seems extreme.

      Anyway, i can see the whole thing, you told it well.

      Delete
    3. Well written story Susan but smashing a Waterford vase just because you can NO!!!

      Delete
    4. We are all smashing vases. LOL

      Delete
    5. LOL, those privileged wankers. The vase would feed a poor family for a month or so.

      Well done.

      XO
      WWW

      Delete
    6. Susan - well done ... 'because I can' ... so true by some ... all the best - Hilary

      Delete
    7. I echo Hilary. Well done, Susan.

      Delete
  9. The den, now empty of every single furnishing, looked as cavernous as a ballroom. Even the hearth looked larger than it ever had. Previously it always held that overlarge copper vase filled with whatever in the garden was blooming or berried, along with the antique iron kettle, and the usual assortment of fire tools and bellows. She had never realized what space hogs they were. Now it looked big as a small platform that would accommodate a three-piece combo. It was actually difficult to see the room as it had once been.

    She said a quiet goodby to the room, turned off the light, walked through the hallway to the foyer and picked up the last vestige of the life that was once lived there. In a box were the few remaining items; the tablet her dad used for sketching, a couple of lamps, and an arrow in a frame. She left the eagle behind, as per agreement, but she had no attachment to it anyway.

    Though her cousins thought she should keep the family home, her parents had only occupied the main floor and even it was too large for just one person. When she offered to sell it to any of them, she had no takers but they still gave her much grief about letting strangers live in it. Their unwillingness to be part of a solution, along with the cost of maintaining the uninhabited house were the major things propelling her into action. She was content with her decision and as for any mental epilogue, she dismissed that idea, concentrating on the prologue awaiting the brand new owners. .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anne in the kitchen: I wish her well in her future life. And would probably think long and hard about my interactions with her demanding but not helpful family. Another great take on the prompts.

      Delete
    2. She's smart. A lady i know has several children who have demanded she keep the house they grew up in, even though she's elderly and having a hard time keeping it up. None of them want it, none of them will ever live in it again, but they give her grief every time she says she needs help or needs to move.

      This lady is smart, and wise. She will be happy with the decision.

      Delete
    3. Great story and a wise woman who is doing the right thing now

      Delete
    4. I've seen many do this with always a happy resolution.

      Very well written.

      XO
      WWW

      Delete
    5. Hi Anne - she got on with her own life ... sensible lady. All the best - Hilary

      Delete
  10. Okay, i've used these as part of a, shall we say, cathartic writing exercise. Some days are just crazy.

    The words are over here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. messymimi: I am sorry to learn you have had a crazy day - but look forward to seeing where the words took you.

      Delete
  11. Story using the first set of prompts

    I was beginning to feel like a wreck as I had been looking after my demanding “sick” husband continuously for the past 4 weeks and how he informed me he wanted a new bed – today! I gave him his 9am medications which contained a Valium TABLET and rushed out. I nearly took one myself I was so frizzled.

    Fortunately lockdown had just been lifted and I headed to Ikea to their FURNISHING department. It was well marked out with an ARROW always 6 feet from the next one to ensure social distancing was adhered too.
    My head was spinning. So many beds to choose from so I took off my PLATFORM shoes and lay down on each one in turn. I wished I could just have gone to sleep without my husband’s incessant bell ringing in my ears.

    Finally I settled for a bed with a firm mattress set in a wooden FRAME with a matching headboard. I wondered, would my husband be CONTENT with my choice, probably not!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Margaret Birding For Pleasure: Having been on that caring merrygoround I probably WOULD have gone to sleep while testing the beds. And of course the convalescent won't be happy.

      Delete
    2. Yes, some are constitutionally unhappy, poor sods.

      Take a nap!

      XO
      WWW

      Delete
    3. Hi Margaret - I'm sure I'd have gone to sleep ... especially if the bed was tucked away in a corner. But I know I'd have been found out ... caring is tiring. Your story rings so true ... take care - Hilary

      Delete
    4. This is great! It makes me wonder how many people Ikea and other mattress stores find sleeping on their beds. :)
      ~Jess

      Delete
  12. I was so excited when Donnie invited me to my first prom as I have fancied him for ages and knew he is a super dancer and quite the envy of all the other girls.

    My father is the Headmaster of my school and although he said he had to attend, he said he would not embarrass me in front of my peers.

    My Mum was wonderful as she seemed as excited as myself and regaled me of tales from her first prom night when my Dad told her he loved her. AH!

    Anyhow, we shopped until we dropped but finally purchased the most heavenly ball gown and silver high heeled shoes. She booked a hair stylist and made an appointment to have my n
    ails manicured and even have my makeup done professionally.

    On the evening of the ball, I have to say I looked amazing even through my BRAND new shoes were pinching a bit. In fact I hardly recognised myself but was very pleased how I looked and my Mum was all teared up at the sight of me as I walked down our stairs.

    My heart was thumbing, butterflies were flying around my stomach as the door bell rang and Donnie stood resplendent in his white tuxedo and black dicky bow with a beautiful Orchid for my dress.

    Donnie took my hand and lead me to the waiting limousine. I felt like a Princess and Donnie treated me like one. He is so handsome I could hardly take my eyes off him.

    As we entered the beautifully bedecked BALLROOM, I saw my father across the room who I am sure might just keep an EAGLE eye on me during the evening.

    There was a 7 piece band and as the music struck up, Donnie lead me onto the dance floor and we started dancing the waltz It was not long before the music changed to an upbeat number where we began to jive, with Donnie PROPELLING me in many directions with over arm and underarm moves. It was not long before I began to feel dizzy and on one turn I missed catching Donnie’s hand and crashed into an enormous delft VASE which had a beautiful flower arrangement in it. My feet were in the air and my petticoats on show and I was a mess. Even the band stopped playing due to the noise of the vase hitting the floor and smashing into a hundred pieces. Unfortunately one of the broken pieces lodged into my arm and the blood was spurting out. I really don’t know what happened after that as I had passed out. The accident’s EPILOGUE certainly brought closer to my first prom!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Margaret Birding For Pleasure: I can just see that. Certainly a memory which would never fade. I do hope that Donnie was suitably apologetic. It was after all HIS fault.

      Delete
    2. Loved "eagle eye". Wish I had thought of it.

      Delete
    3. Oh wow, a cataclysmic story.

      XO
      WWW

      Delete
  13. Good set of words, trouble is I usually can't think of anything to write, not like my tongue as it is always moving ..lol

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Margaret D: I am sure you are being too hard on yourself and do hope you will join us.

      Delete
  14. Whatever you tongue is saying, get it down on paper Margaret D.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Replies
    1. Cloudia: I always hope that this will be one of the weeks that you join us.

      Delete
  16. So many wonderful stories here! I'm a bit late after having a lovely long afternoon nap. I'll think of something tomorrow and post it for Friday as always.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Great set of flashes here! Enjoyed reading! :)

    Here's mine:

    Frame every decor disaster with the words - will your furnishings matter in 5 years? Heck, will they even last that long?

    Can I just remind you about the lilies...no, no, not lilies in that vase, the lilies of the field...something about the trouble of the day being sufficient unto the day...sure, I'm probably mixing it all up, but you get the gist, right?

    If salmon pink is what has been delivered, then be content with salmon, do not go hankering after cornflower. That's what I'm saying. Be content with what you've got.

    It did say that colours don't always display accurately on screens, and the tablet is not exactly large...and a railway platform is perhaps not the ideal place from which to order, especially for a no exchange no return offer...and your arrow signs are so tiny and the lighting so poor...it would've defeated an eagle's eyesight, who knows what you ultimately clicked?

    C'mon now, it's not as if you're decorating a ballroom or anything, it's just a bedsit, no need to get this hugely upset over brand and shade and drape. Just calm down.

    Everything fades, everything self destructs given sufficient time, everything's propelling towards annihilation. You'll not even notice the salmon in a year's time, it'll be an epilogue. No, no, that's not the right word, what's the one I want?...not an epilogue...a footnote, right! - that's what I mean. It'll be a footnote. Of decorating history.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Salmon is good for decorating history:-)

      Delete
    2. The impermanence of everything....

      XO
      WWW

      Delete
    3. Nilanjana Bose: Wise words packed into your flash. Wise words about a lot of things. Thank you for joining us again.

      Delete
    4. Hi Nila - everything does eventually fade, and so often things self-destruct ... and yes, we'll all be footnotes in history.
      Take care - and stay safe - Hilary

      Delete
  18. My story for this week is posted on my blog Fools Rush In by Granny Annie at https://granan10.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Granny Annie: I have read it - and thoroughly enjoyed it. I do hope the eagle ate well.

      Delete
  19. I was busy FURNISHING my new apartment, when a message from an acquaintance appeared on my TABLET. It was an invitation to give a lecture on an online PLATFORM. Well, I jumped at the chance. Robin Hood's arrow was the first thing that came to mind. So, I told a rather long drawn-out story about the great outlaw, being careful to FRAME the highlights of the ancient legend in order to make it extra interesting.
    I believed I had succeeded in doing just that, so was rather perplexed when I received only a few, very lukewarm comments!
    It wasn't until I reread the invitation details, that I realised - to my horror - that the CONTENT should have been Greek Mythology!! 😉

    See why I don't attempt this too often?! 😂😂

    Lots of love and hugs ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ygraine: I thoroughly enjoyed this. And NO I don't see why you don't do this often. I smiled (and winced) all the way through.
      Hugs to you too. Always.

      Delete
    2. Ygraine - well that was different - fun ... take care - Hilary

      Delete
    3. Oh! Note to self! Must be more careful reading things in future!

      Delete
    4. Aww, thank you so much everyone...I am so happy (and pleasantly surprised!) that you all enjoyed!😊😊xxxxx

      Delete
  20. I had so much fun with this one.
    --------------------------------------------------------------
    Dear Daddy
    Forgive me for writing on my tablet. As long as you archive the contents of this, it will be the same as saving my letters.
    Thank you for the Ming vase which is displayed proudly in the ballroom framed by the terrace window.
    We are currently furnishing the guest bedrooms with your generous cheque with the brand you recommend.
    In other news Roger had an unfortunate incident with his bow and arrow in the forest and accidentally killed an eagle. The animal rights platform would be all over him if someone was propelled to report him. A crime to kill one I believe.
    As an epilogue, Daddy, a gentle reminder to keep Roger in mind for that new position you hinted at. He promises that he will pay far more attention to his responsibilities this time.
    _________________________________________________________

    XO
    WWW

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wisewebwoman: I am so glad you had fun - which is after all the aim of this meme.
      I doubt that I would give Roger the time of the day - much less a responsible position. I suspect Daddy is well aware of that. You had fun writing it - and I had fun reading it.

      Delete
    2. Hi Wisewebwoman - how long will the Ming vase stay safe ... fun story though - all the best Hilary

      Delete
  21. I love this and the words this time were fun weren't they?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Total fun, could be taken in many directions Anne, reading the different themes is wonderful!
      XO
      WWW

      Delete
  22. Hi EC - 2nd lot ... late, but here:

    The Epilogue to a never ending cycle … the pencils couldn’t propel themselves fast enough around the ballroom … why had they insisted the couple dress as pencils … oh yes –

    ‘the Eagle’, that sharp-nosed beak lady judge, had insisted on this particular brand – so colourful – which reminded her of her hiking days in the Lake District … and visiting the Derwent pencil museum.

    The Pencil Couples kept swishing around the Ballroom … getting dizzier as the music tempo increased … when there was an almighty smashing crash … the Vase, as the winner’s prize, had been knocked to the floor … smithereens everywhere …

    Eyes swivelled … relief … the couples finished twirling … at last the broken vase, knocked off its pedestal by ‘the Eagle’ … brought that contest to its untimely end.

    Take care everyone ... Hilary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hilary Melton-Butcher: I love it. Even at the cost of the broken prize it must have come as a huge relief - much like those competitions where people continue dancing for as long as they can. I remember Derwent pencils too. I longed for a set when I was at school.

      Delete
  23. Forgot 'brand' ... Derwent pencils - are branded ... Cheers H

    ReplyDelete
  24. Replies
    1. Sakuranko: They are - and inspired people with very different stories. Perhaps you would like to join us some week?

      Delete
  25. Replies
    1. Ornery Owl of Naughty Netherworld Press and Readers Roost: Goodness what a mouthful that it. You are not late, and I was intrigued by your very different take on the prompt.

      Delete
  26. This is a story by my friend Sue who helps me pick the prompts.

    FURNISHING TABLET PLATFORM ARROW FRAME CONTENT VASE EAGLE BALLROOM PROPELLING BRAND EPILOGUE

    It was a wild volte, a lively dance. I recall my love PROPELLING me around the BALLROOM like a feather in a storm. We had a wondrous time organising the christmas ball. The servants had to remove all the FURNISHING from the hall to make the dance floor. The PLATFORM for the ourselves and the honoured guests at the far end with the standard of our family, a golden EAGLE with a red ARROW carried in its beak on a blue background, hung behind the main seats. Our family crest stood for strength and loyalty and we were.

    Before the dancing we had feasted, a small affair, only 18 courses but we felt that was about right, after all we didn't want to be too full for the dancing. I remember looking around the hall before everyone arrived and feeling CONTENT that we had fulfilled our obligations to our guests.

    We had sat down with our clerk of supplies when we first heard of the royal progress. It is an honour but very expensive. He made notes on his parchment TABLET of our requirements, and then scuttled off to start preparations; after all there was only two months before their arrival. There was much food to be found for the humans and stabling and fodder for their horses.

    The walls were hung with our best tapestries, unpacked and repaired for the occasion. At each end of the table on the platform was a huge VASE filled with exquisite blossoms and greenery, not easy this time of the year.

    A huge Christmas log was dragged into the hearth and a servant, dressed as a spirit, lit it with a BRAND of sweet smelling cedar branches. It smoldered for a long time, then caught, crackled and flamed.

    As the repast began, our guests were shown to their places by a page carrying a FRAME in which was the royal crest, this was placed in a holder behind the royal couple.

    Much food was consumed; any leftover was to be distributed amongst the servants and villagers. Wine and beer flowed freely and voices became cheerily loud. The merriment then moved to the adjacent hall for the dancing.

    The royal couple led the dance and it was all a great success.
    Our clerk made notes of all the guests and proceedings, the menu and the accounts. It was a huge amount but worth it to bring us to the royal notice. When he presented it to us after all had been calculated he noted in the EPILOGUE, 'the king and his queen were made very welcome and enjoyed the festivities, bestowing on my lord and lady new land and title. I shall have to raise the taxes on the villagers and farmers to pay for it. Perhaps they won't mind, perhaps they will think it worth it!'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Margaret Birding For Pleasure: Please pass my admiration and thanks on to Sue. This is a wonderful story. How the other half (much less than half) live. I do feel for the villagers and farmers though. I suspect that they will mind. Rather a lot.

      Delete
  27. I think that is such a great idea. I'm sure whoever gets the bag will be greatly appreciative of it. I love the pretty flowers as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary Kirkland: It is lovely to see you here. I hope you are ok at this very sad time. And yes, I do hope that whoever receives the bag (any of them) feels loved and cherished.

      Delete
  28. Thank you so much everyone!
    I so enjoyed reading all your fabulous stories, and you have brought a smile to my face on this dreary autumn day...thank you all so much! xxx

    ReplyDelete