the Galloper's Dispatch
the Galloper's Dispatch
Tis said that "the voyage of a thousand miles begins with a single step." But today that step was backwards, gentle readers.
The Winds from out of the Mainland, The Linden Zeyphers, played havoc with our intrepid band of explorers.
All started well enough. Mrs. Burleigh and I ordered the Byzantium China and it arrived safely. The sweets and scones were all in order and the Cucumber sandwiches from Mrs. Ally Geer's shop were as delicious as could be.
Mrs. Burleigh's Garden was abloom and as fragrant as a potpourri. Its heather and roses were as violet flame dancing in the breeze.
His Grace, the Duke Carntaigh had no difficulty mooring his 24-gun brigantine, HMS Ellen. He sailed in regally and under full sail. Her Grace, Duchess Carntaigh, soon emerged from her stateroom and greeted us, then sat quietly and worked on her score for that evening's performance of her orchestra.
Twas then that the Linden Winds shifted! The mighty winds raged in at gale force, 38 knots by the Beaufort scale! Walking was difficult and one made little headway, try as one might. Our lovely Weeping Willows helplessly bowed and thrashed, sickening my heart, as I cherish those! White caps crashed upon our fair sands and drove our pelicans in-land for the duration.
Despite the winds, some brave souls soon answered our call. Miss Namanari and Mr. Longshaft arrived just as the storm hit, barely allowing them to be seated before its first gusts blew in. Sadly, as our Norwegian comrade, Mr Smashcan, arrived he was soaked through to the bone and had to retire to a room to change his garments.
Being True Caledonians, we persisted with Afternoon Tea! The China performed as promised! Many don't know the frailty of The Chinese porcelain, that it is only a matter of whereupon the force should strike it! Compression of China, unbeknownst to many, strengthens it. As illustrated by an daguerro-type of a heavy ox-cart, supported only by four tea cups, one under each of the four great wheels! Tragically, the fine lace doileys were the first victims and were swept away, heartlessly and without regard for their craftsmenship nor sentimental value! Mrs. Gable-Burleigh's Kindly Aunt Martha had bestowed them upon us at our nuptuals. We grieved later.
Next to fall were the cucumber sandwiches. My Bride had cut the crusts from that Hovis bread just minutes before, with her own delicate fingers, as fine and as strong as the afore-mentioned porcelian. Curse You, Linden Winds!! Have you no civility at all? Now they scattered to the four points of the compass as chickens scurry as a farmer nears them with his hatchet.
Tradition has its place and its importance, but the Expedition awaited us! What was this grave foreshadowing from Neptune? We steeled ourselves and made our way to the pier where the Good Ship HMS Ellen was anchored.
Zoots! The vast ship tossed on those storm struck waves! Her mighty timbers rode the white caps as surely as Ahab rode The White Whale himself!
The party of explorers soon took their places and we stood for the all important Railside portrait.
I cannot tell you how my heart rose at the courage of these brave women and men. Yes! Brave Caledonian Women! Lovely in her gown Miss Namanari and dashing in her safari wear, Mrs. Gable-Burliegh! I may point out, briefly and without hestiation, the remarks of the tailor proved true to thier word:
We completed the portraiture but time ran out and the Linden Winds has won the First Round.
Consultation with the Duke and Duchess and the assembled crew soon showed wisdom the better course and we set about to tighten the ropes on our beloved Ellen. Thanks be to the gods for Our Graces! By their grace and patronage, and their clarity of mind, we saw our way.
By Jupiter we vow to complete this mission and bring civilzation to the Heathen and Honour to Caledon!
Port Neualtenburg awaits!
Tis said that "the voyage of a thousand miles begins with a single step." But today that step was backwards, gentle readers.
The Winds from out of the Mainland, The Linden Zeyphers, played havoc with our intrepid band of explorers.
All started well enough. Mrs. Burleigh and I ordered the Byzantium China and it arrived safely. The sweets and scones were all in order and the Cucumber sandwiches from Mrs. Ally Geer's shop were as delicious as could be.
Mrs. Burleigh's Garden was abloom and as fragrant as a potpourri. Its heather and roses were as violet flame dancing in the breeze.
His Grace, the Duke Carntaigh had no difficulty mooring his 24-gun brigantine, HMS Ellen. He sailed in regally and under full sail. Her Grace, Duchess Carntaigh, soon emerged from her stateroom and greeted us, then sat quietly and worked on her score for that evening's performance of her orchestra.
Twas then that the Linden Winds shifted! The mighty winds raged in at gale force, 38 knots by the Beaufort scale! Walking was difficult and one made little headway, try as one might. Our lovely Weeping Willows helplessly bowed and thrashed, sickening my heart, as I cherish those! White caps crashed upon our fair sands and drove our pelicans in-land for the duration.
Despite the winds, some brave souls soon answered our call. Miss Namanari and Mr. Longshaft arrived just as the storm hit, barely allowing them to be seated before its first gusts blew in. Sadly, as our Norwegian comrade, Mr Smashcan, arrived he was soaked through to the bone and had to retire to a room to change his garments.
Being True Caledonians, we persisted with Afternoon Tea! The China performed as promised! Many don't know the frailty of The Chinese porcelain, that it is only a matter of whereupon the force should strike it! Compression of China, unbeknownst to many, strengthens it. As illustrated by an daguerro-type of a heavy ox-cart, supported only by four tea cups, one under each of the four great wheels! Tragically, the fine lace doileys were the first victims and were swept away, heartlessly and without regard for their craftsmenship nor sentimental value! Mrs. Gable-Burleigh's Kindly Aunt Martha had bestowed them upon us at our nuptuals. We grieved later.
Next to fall were the cucumber sandwiches. My Bride had cut the crusts from that Hovis bread just minutes before, with her own delicate fingers, as fine and as strong as the afore-mentioned porcelian. Curse You, Linden Winds!! Have you no civility at all? Now they scattered to the four points of the compass as chickens scurry as a farmer nears them with his hatchet.
Tradition has its place and its importance, but the Expedition awaited us! What was this grave foreshadowing from Neptune? We steeled ourselves and made our way to the pier where the Good Ship HMS Ellen was anchored.
Zoots! The vast ship tossed on those storm struck waves! Her mighty timbers rode the white caps as surely as Ahab rode The White Whale himself!
The party of explorers soon took their places and we stood for the all important Railside portrait.
I cannot tell you how my heart rose at the courage of these brave women and men. Yes! Brave Caledonian Women! Lovely in her gown Miss Namanari and dashing in her safari wear, Mrs. Gable-Burliegh! I may point out, briefly and without hestiation, the remarks of the tailor proved true to thier word:
"This feminine short sleeve safari shirt combines the best of elegance with freedom of movement. Petite decorative pockets adorn the front of this uniquely designed safari shirt for just the right amount of style for Her expedition".Truer words have NEVER been writen!
We completed the portraiture but time ran out and the Linden Winds has won the First Round.
Consultation with the Duke and Duchess and the assembled crew soon showed wisdom the better course and we set about to tighten the ropes on our beloved Ellen. Thanks be to the gods for Our Graces! By their grace and patronage, and their clarity of mind, we saw our way.
By Jupiter we vow to complete this mission and bring civilzation to the Heathen and Honour to Caledon!
Port Neualtenburg awaits!
posted by John Power at 12:26 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home