The CBB
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/

Before Someone is 90!!!!!!!!!!!!
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=4629

Author:  Sugar [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 12:14 pm ]
Post subject:  Before Someone is 90!!!!!!!!!!!!

I seem to have been persuaded by some friends to write this. The usual disclaimers apply!

Sugar’s email pinged and glad for the distraction from her research proposal she opened it. Mail from Kate. She opened it and read it and suppressing a chuckle she reached over for the phone.
“Love it” she squealed down the phone at Kate who removed the phone from her ear.
“Thought you would. Can we leave it with you?”
“Of course, but are you lot up for it?”

Knowing who you lot referred to Kate agreed wholeheartedly.
“Kate…. Did you make a typo?”
“Noooooooo!”
“Bloody hell!”
“I KNOW!!”


Next morning, a party of nine met at Birmingham International Airport leaving devastation in their wake. As the friends fell on each other with glee as they’d hadn’t been together in a very long time Sugar was taking to Pat’s husband who Vikki had nicknamed “Uncle Steve” at the same time Pat had been promoted to Auntie.

“She made me sleep in the spare room.” He grumbled. “Wanted to know why I spent 20 minutes on the phone telling the double glazing idiots we didn’t want our windows doing. I told her they were insistent but she got the hump! You can have her for the entire week at least!” he grinned. “It’ll take her that long to calm down!”

Suddenly over the tannoy they heard an announcement.

“Final Call Party of nine GREEN flying to …….”
“Green? Why use my name?”
Lesley objected
“Cos party of Plum sounds weird …” Sugar replied.
“And her real name is just insulting!” Rachel laughed
“Oh I dunno, I think its true in some circumstances.” Steve grinned as he kissed Pat on the cheek and told her to be good.
“I missed where we were going now!” Carolyn grumbled.
“We’re leaving on a jet plane!” Vikki laughed

A few hours later, the plane touched down and the group disembarked into bright sunshine.

“Will someone tell me what’s going on! It’s been like a flipping secret society all the way over. The Masons had nothing on you lot!” Pat exclaimed as she saw Sugar signalling wildly at Sue and Rachel the Witch. “And God only knows what the cabin crew thought of you three in the toilets together!” she added glaring at Kate Rachel and Sue.

Sue handed Pat an envelope.
“Read this!”
“It’ll make things clearer”
added Rachel as Pat slit the thin envelope and pulled out a piece of notepaper.
“Clear as mud.” She said as she read it.
“What’s it say?” Vikki bounced.

Pat read aloud.
“Feel the wind in your hair with two old friends You can and may hold on. All explosions deliberate!”

Author:  Carolyn P [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 12:29 pm ]
Post subject: 

Love the title of this!! I meant to mention it to you but looks like Kate beat me to it!

Giggling now and wondering where this will lead us!

Author:  Lesley [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 12:52 pm ]
Post subject: 

Nine Green - that's a golf course isn't it? :lol:


Looking forward to how this develops.
Thanks Sugar.

Author:  Katarzyna [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 5:02 pm ]
Post subject: 

:halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo:

Nowt to do with me of course


:halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo:

Author:  Carolyn P [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 8:43 pm ]
Post subject: 

Katarzyna wrote:
:halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo:

Nowt to do with me of course


:halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo: :halo:


Where did you steal all those halos from Kate?

Author:  abbeybufo [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 8:46 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thanks, Sugar
Eagerly awaiting more :lol: :lol:

Author:  Pat [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 9:01 pm ]
Post subject: 

Be careful....be VERY careful!!!! :twisted: :twisted:

Author:  Sugar [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 9:07 pm ]
Post subject: 

Pat wrote:
Be careful....be VERY careful!!!! :twisted: :twisted:


Yes Auntie Pat I shall be VERY careful... not to trip over your zimmer!

Author:  Pat [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 9:14 pm ]
Post subject: 

I did warn you! But as I am writing anyway..... :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

Author:  Katarzyna [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 9:22 pm ]
Post subject: 

Carolyn P wrote:
Where did you steal all those halos from Kate?


*sigh*

always the assumption that if i have a halo it's stolen

this is so not fair

verging on discrimination me thinks

Author:  Carolyn P [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 9:38 pm ]
Post subject: 

I'm the gtood girl, my mum says so!

And it it is not so much you haveing a halo as having quite so many as that!

Author:  Katarzyna [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:16 pm ]
Post subject: 

Ah, erm, well, that many, erm........


no reason to be suspcious at all


*hides extra halos*

Author:  Sugar [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:18 pm ]
Post subject: 

More. Usual Disclaimers. And Auntie Pat if you will tell your friends you are 90 who are they to disbelief you!

“What does that mean?” Dawn was puzzled.
“It means someone doesn’t know how short Auntie Pat’s hair is!” Vikki giggled.
“It’s a lot longer than it was!” Pat retorted. “Sue did you write this?” she waved the note at Sue who shook her head.
“Nope but I know the woman who did!...and it wasn’t any of this lot!”
“Ssshh!”
Carolyn interrupted as the tannoy boomed. “Arrivals announcement. Would Patricia Willimot and party being met by ……”
“That’s US!”
shrieked Dawn.
“SSSSSSSSHHHHHHHHHHH!”
“…please make their way to the exit of terminal 5 after retrieving their baggage.”
“Who is meeting us?”
“Some old friends”
Sugar explained. “That’s all I’m saying!”
“Tell me or I’ll tickle you.”
Auntie Pat wiggled her fingers.
“No! Can’t! Surprise!” said Sugar going to hide behind Vikki before realising it was no hiding place and hiding behind the slightly taller Rachel.

After retrieving their luggage they made their way outside pushing trolleys which had minds of their own and stood in a huddle to the right of the arrivals entrance peering into bright sunshine. Kate caught someone’s eye in the distance and raised her hand to wave, nearly dislodging Vikki from the trolley where she was sitting.

“Coooo-eeeee!”
she cried and everyone followed her gaze and sent up a yell.
“Hilda!”
“Nell!”
“The Abbess!”
“Bill!”
“The Heads!”
“Hilda and Nell!”
“WOW!”
“That about covers it!”
laughed Hilda as she came forward to hug them.
“Hello you people!” grinned Nell. “Pleased to see us?”
“Austrailia?”
shrieked Auntie Pat. “How!?”
“How?”
Nell looked at Auntie Pat worriedly. “Did you drug her?” she asked Lesley. “I thought you weren’t going to!”
“I didn’t!... do I look like Jack Maynard?”
Lesley replied.
“Do you really want her to answer that?” Hilda turned to Lesley and grinned.

“I don’t understand!” Auntie Pat exclaimed.
“Read the note!” Nell suggested.
Pat re-read it and looked up at the Heads who grinned and passed her a motorbike helmet.
“You! Me! A motorbike?” Auntie Pat stuttered.
“One usually speaks in complete sentences. It avoids one appearing to be an imbecile Pat!” Hilda spoke quietly “Shurrup Nell!” she added as Nell spluttered. The others howled with laughter.

“Sorry!” giggled Nell. “Are we ready?... I booked you people a minivan, Lesley you and Kate are the nominated drivers. I thought it might save rows, if we did it that way.” She grinned at the 30 year olds who had licences adorned with points and pointed out the lime green SUV. “Thought you’d appreciate the colour!”
“I’m going to change my name by Deed Poll!”
Lesley rolled her eyes as they walked across to where the van and bikes were parked. “I hate lime green and cream!”

“Do you want to ride Pillion now Auntie Pat?”
Hilda asked.
“Not really…. Would rather wait til we are out of the city.” She answered honestly.
“Who wants it?” Nell looked at the others and Dawn and Sue clambered onto the bikes with little hesitation.
“My mother has seen so little of me recently she’ll think I’ve run off to join the gypsies. I may as well give her reason to!” Sue laughed as she pulled on the helmet and sat behind Hilda.

The others climbed into the van throwing the luggage into the luggage compartment, with the overflow going into the back. So much for travelling light.
“Follow that bike!” cried Carolyn as Hilda and the others zoomed off.

Within an hour they pulled up in Point Nepean and were waved through security by John Coates. “Cherry has coffee and cakes ready in the Study. She told me to tell you.” He yelled at Hilda who was still wearing her helmet.
“Don’t think she heard you John” grinned Lesley “but we did! Thanks.”
“Great!”
said Dawn “I’m starving, you’d think the airline would be able to cope with my allergies!”
“They did cope!”
laughed Sue. “They just didn’t feed you!”
“Don’t worry Dawn
!” smiled Vikki “I sent all the gluten free recipes to Karen ages ago. She’ll make sure you’re fed properly.”
“Everybody out!”
cried RTW as she wrenched open the door.

“So what are we doing here?” Kate asked Sugar as Cherry passed around steaming mugs of coffee and bread twists.
“The Heads are going to take Auntie Pat for a bike ride down the coast a bit”
“Brilliant!”
“Well with the view and the freedom and everything I thought she’d like it. And she’ll be safe with them too!”
“What are we doing?”
“There’s water ski’s and surfboards and quad bikes on the beach if you want to use them. Dad said he’ll take the boat out to watch the dolphins too.”
Shane explained.

“I wanna go with Great Auntie Pat!” interrupted Robbie.
“You can’t Robbie you’re too little” explained Lesley. “Come on a quad bike with me. We can race Vikki and Sugar.”
“Ok Auntie Lesley! Will we win?” Robbie asked.
“I don’t think so Robbie!” laughed Lesley knowing Sugar’s need for speed “but we can try!”
“Why does he get to call you Auntie?”
Vikki pouted.
“He’s 5. You pair are 30 going on 3!” Lesley grinned.
“I’m not 30 I’m 29 and 14 months!” giggled Sugar.

Moments later Auntie Pat came into the study, wearing a full set of leathers and a helmet. She spoke but it came out as an unintelligible mumble, til Nell flicked up the visor.
…….like a lobster.”
“Too hot?”
laughed Carolyn licking her fingers.
“Yeah it’s stifling!” Auntie Pat groaned.
“Auntie Pat, read the note!” Kate handed it to her.
“Oops!” said Auntie Pat removing the helmet and running her hands through her hair. “Can we go headless?”
“Yes we are going to start on the beach and go down the private road.”
“We’ll take the helmets in case we decide to go on a public highway though. I’d much rather you took your helmet off and left your head in place though. Saves a hell of a mess!”
supplemented Nell.
“Brilliant!” laughed Auntie Pat as walked outside she climbed on behind Hilda.

“Hilda? What happens if we see ourselves?” Sue asked “Lots of us work here in Lesley’s universe.”
“No idea. Ask Lesley!”
“Lesley?”
pursued Sue.
“No idea – just shut your eyes!”
“See you guys later”
Auntie Pat cried as Hilda turned the engine and they roared off closely followed by Nell.

As Auntie griped on tightly Hilda eased the bike through the car park, behind the school buildings and onto the beach where she accelerated slowly and built up the speed til the sea was a blurr to the side of them. Meanwhile the others walked down to the beach slowly after having changed into swimsuits and summer hats.

“What are you doing with that umbrella?” Lesley asked Sue who was struggling to carry it without poking various people in the back.
“It’s the red peril.” Laughed Sue.
“Red?” Carolyn looked at Sue. “Its orangey pink.. has the sun addled your eyes?”
“No!”
Sue snapped. “It’s bleached the colour out of the umbrella. And it’s not my fault you can’t recognise a CS reference when you hear one.”
“Are you going to sit under it and doze?”
Kate asked Sue.
“Might do” replied Sue laconically. “Just bought it just in case.”
A few minutes later Lesley was settling Robbie in front of her on a bright blue quad bike while Vikki and Sugar both squeezed into the drivers seat of their bright red one.
“Go Auntie Lesley” shrieked Robbie and Lesley floored the accelerator pedal as the girls yelled. “Wait for us!”

A few minutes later the quad bikes returned and Robbie was eating an icecream.
“Nice?” asked Rachel the Witch.
“Yummy!” replied Robbie. “We winned the race Witchy, Auntie Lesley goed fast!”
“Only cos we let her win!”
laughed Vikki.
“Wonder how Auntie Pat’s getting on?” Carolyn spoke.
“She won’t be too long I don’t think." replied John Coates as he lifted Robbie off the Quad bike.

“Are we having a waterfight?” Dawn asked pointing towards the Supersoakers on the sand.
“We can’t have a water fight without Auntie Pat” cried Carolyn.
“Nooo!”
“Can we stay and watch the sunset?”
asked Sue. There was something about an Australian sunset.
“Sure. We are meeting the Heads here anyway for a BBQ tea.” Cherry explained as they heard the roar of motorbikes in the distance.
As the bikes slowed to a stop everyone started clapping and Pat grinned at them all as she dismounted.

“How was it?”
“Magical”
“Awww”
“Tell us?”
Auntie Pat shook her head and smiled at the Heads. “No! It was for me!”
“But……..”
“But nothing.”
admonished Hilda gently. “It was Auntie Pat’s treat. It was for her!”
“But was it amazing?”
Vikki asked.
“It was one of the most exhilarating things I have ever done!” Auntie Pat hugged Hilda and Nell and whispered something to them.
“Is there anything to eat?” asked Nell shying away from the comments Pat made.

“The fire certainly looks good.” Hilda looked to the distance.
“Where did that come from?” John asked looking at Vikki and Sugar suspiciously knowing that Sugar had got pyromanic tendencies.
“We didn’t start the fire!”
“No it’s always been burning!”
Sugar added
“No that was Billy Joel!” giggled Lesley
“Dinner is ready!” There was a call in the distance.
A few moments later as the group were eating burgers and sausages and vegetarian kebabs and watching the sun set Hilda passed Auntie Pat an envelope with No.2 written on the front. Wiping her sticky fingers on a napkin Auntie Pat opened it and read the contents.

With friends old and new: the essence of Christmas Tyrolean Style Wrap up warm – it’s over a mile.
“Now that IS magical” whispered Hilda to Nell.

Author:  patmac [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:22 pm ]
Post subject: 

Good grief, Pat! I can't believe it!








I thought you were younger than me :shock:

Author:  abbeybufo [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:23 pm ]
Post subject: 

That was lovely :D :D

Thanks Sugar

Author:  Katarzyna [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:23 pm ]
Post subject: 

she looks fairly good for her age doesn't she ;)

Author:  Carolyn P [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:29 pm ]
Post subject: 

What a treat.
Do you think a nonagenarian is really up to coping with rides like that alone, maybe we should accompany her in future, just to make sure she is ok?

Author:  Pat [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:41 pm ]
Post subject: 

I have never said that I was nearly 90! Certain people can't - or won't - read msn convos correctly!!! Can I help it if they get muddled? Poor things can't help it I suppose! Perhaps it's early onset of senility?

Author:  Katarzyna [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:44 pm ]
Post subject: 

Now Pat, that's not right is it, the conversation quite clearly went.....

AP says: & it's a big one!

C says: a zero one?

K says: your 90?

AP says: yep


See!!

Author:  Pat [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:46 pm ]
Post subject: 

Katarzyna wrote:
Now Pat, that's not right is it, the conversation quite clearly went.....

AP says: & it's a big one!

C says: a zero one?

K says: your 90?

AP says: yep


See!!


Quite clearly! C says: a zero one?

I reply at the same time as you but yours goes up first! Like I say, some people won't read msn convos correctly!!! :roll: :roll:

Author:  Katarzyna [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:47 pm ]
Post subject: 

Now stop it - admit defeat gracefully and let Sugar finish telling her story

(tis worth it honest *gloats*)

Author:  Pat [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:49 pm ]
Post subject: 

Have you read the other new one Kate? :twisted:

Author:  Katarzyna [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 10:54 pm ]
Post subject: 

Yes, thank you
and commented :p

Author:  Lesley [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 11:12 pm ]
Post subject: 

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


Robbie and I did not need anyone to 'let' us win - just because I don't have points on my licence doesn't mean I don't go fast - just means they've not caught me yet! :wink:


Oh and I think almost everyone named is in my RCS universe - you'd just be seeing double. Only Patmac isn't is Oz.

Author:  Liane [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 11:17 pm ]
Post subject: 

Fantastic Sugar. Thanks

Author:  patmac [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 11:25 pm ]
Post subject: 

Lesley wrote:
Only Patmac isn't is Oz.


You mean we're not in Kansas any more?

*Clutches Mac to virginal ( :shock: ) breast and struggles valiantly to prevent him from tearing out throat of a mere lap dog.*

Author:  Sugar [ Sat Jun 07, 2008 11:30 pm ]
Post subject: 

Lesley wrote:
Oh and I think almost everyone named is in my RCS universe - you'd just be seeing double. Only Patmac isn't is Oz.


I'll remember that for the other drabble! Patmac isn't in this one, possibly cos Alan might need to remortgage the house to finance it!!

Author:  Dawn [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 1:16 am ]
Post subject: 

:rofl: :shock: :rofl: :shock: :rofl: :shock: :rofl: :shock: :rofl: :shock: :rofl: :shock: :rofl: :shock:

Nuffin to do with me Auntie Pat






but very pleased to be celebrating your 90th with you :twisted:

Author:  Lesley [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 8:11 am ]
Post subject: 

Oooops - just realised - Dawn isn't in the RCS universe - least...not yet! :lol:

Author:  Dawn [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 5:25 pm ]
Post subject: 

Lesley wrote:
Oooops - just realised - Dawn isn't in the RCS universe - least...not yet! :lol:




Eeeep!

:wink:


love you lots Lesley :D

Author:  Kathy_S [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 9:33 pm ]
Post subject: 

Quote:
And she’ll be safe with them too!
Should we believe this? :rofl:

Sounds like great fun, whichever birthday it may be! :mrgreen:

*goes off hunting Pat's reaction*

Author:  Pat [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 9:38 pm ]
Post subject: 

It's actually 60 Kathy!!! :roll: :lol:

Author:  Sugar [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 9:46 pm ]
Post subject: 

And back to the story! Longer bit tomorrow

“How are we getting to the Tyrol?” Lesley asked while Auntie Pat gawped at the note in her hand.
“Through the wardrobe”
“Oh….that’s very Narnia.”
Carolyn grinned.
“Are you serious?” Dawn turned to Hilda.
“Yes. And yes it is THAT wardrobe. I know Digory Kirke.”
“Cripes!”
Rachel whistled. “Do you know EVERYONE Hilda?”
“Not quite!”

“Where is it?”
Sue asked. “The Wardrobe not Narnia.” She clarified as Carolyn began rolling her eyes.
“In the spare room in the cottage. It’s usually locked so we don’t loose Robbie to lands unknown.”
“Don’t fib Hilda Annersley you know for a fact it’s a direct link with the Tyrol! C’mon let’s get back to the cottages you people have to get to the Tyrol!”


Walking back to the cottages Robbie was being given a piggyback by his beloved Auntie Lesley and Rachel and Kate and Dawn were in deep conversation with Hilda.
“So tell us Hilda, just how do you know Kirke?” Dawn pressed.
“I met him on an international conference years ago. I met him when I met Albus and Minevara and Marvel and Henry Higgins…. There’s too many “ands” in that sentence.” She added pedantically.
“Wow!” Kate was impressed. Hilda shrugged. They were just intelligent people and she needed her fix just like Nell needed her Polly Waffle chocolate bars.

Meanwhile Nell was talking to Pat, “Once you go in keep walking past all Hilda’s coats and the umbrellas and general junk and you should see a faint light. Walk towards it and you’ll come out in the Tyrol."
Pat widened her eyes, she wasn’t sure she liked the idea of walking towards the light.

As they walked into the wardrobe, they heard Nell say to Hilda. “Doesn’t she look good for her age?”
“Amazingly well. And she had a full set of marbles too!”


Rachel cackled and hoped Pat hadn’t caught that but as Pat swore at that point and started hopping Rachel very much doubted it.
“Ouch! Some idiot has left a pair of stilletos on the floor here and I just stood on the heel!"
“Strange! Given it’s a WARDROBE!”
chuckled Dawn. “Ohh look there’s a Dalmation coat here.”
“Heaven’s do you think Hilda or Nell are Cruella?”
Sue asked.
“Don’t be daft!” Vikki answered “It’s a costume!... Or I think it is!”
“It better be!”
Kate’s eyes darkened dangerously.
“Yes, it is… look there’s a Primark label on the collar.” Carolyn shone her torch over the garment.
“It’s getting wider now.” Pat called from the front "and there’s a light!”
“Follow that light!” laughed
Rachel as they hurried forwards.

Author:  Lesley [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 9:53 pm ]
Post subject: 

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Love the wardrobe.

Author:  PaulineS [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 10:05 pm ]
Post subject: 

:lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol:
:rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :rofl: :lol: :rofl:
:lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :rofl: :lol:
:rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl:
:lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol:
:rofl: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl:
Thank you Sugar

Author:  Pat [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 10:05 pm ]
Post subject: 

That's 'cos you're not leading the way Lesley!

Author:  abbeybufo [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 10:42 pm ]
Post subject: 

This is lovely Sugar :lol: :lol: :lol:

Author:  patmac [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 11:37 pm ]
Post subject: 

Sugar wrote:
[I'll remember that for the other drabble! Patmac isn't in this one, possibly cos Alan might need to re mortgage the house to finance it!!


I think he might be upset at that idea - he took the idea of having spent a squillion dollars on his credit card remarkably well but there are limits

:shock:

Author:  Liane [ Sun Jun 08, 2008 11:39 pm ]
Post subject: 

:lol: Can't wait for an update. I'm sue a lovely time will be had by all.
Thanks Sugar

Author:  Sugar [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:25 pm ]
Post subject: 

My draft Research Proposal was submitted at lunchtime so I spent this afternoon writing the posts for later in the week.
Love you Aunty Pat!



“Auntie Pat Sprechen Sie Deutsches?” Sugar turned to Pat as they stepped out of the wardrobe into an open space moments later.
“Eh?” “That’ll be no then!” laughed Sue.
“She asked if you speak German.” Rachel explained
“No way!”
“Ahh ok.”
“We could always use Babelfish!”
Auntie Pat suggested as she jerked her head towards Lesley’s laptop.
“Guten Abend”
Bernhilda! Frieda!”
Pat smiled.
“Hello Pat…Wilkommen” Frieda spoke shyly.
“Papa is here to take to our apartment then we will have some fun!” Bernhilda came forward and took Pat’s hand.
“Everyone is coming!” she added forestalling Dawn’s question about what was everyone else doing.

Within minutes they were inside the Mensches apartment, being greeted by a newly married Gottifred and his new wife Gisela who was joining them for the evening with her sister Maria.
“Congratulations Gisela!”
“Congratulations to you too Pat!”
smiled Gisela.
“Hmmm!”

As Frau Mensch chided then to sit down for a meal Sugar hissed at Aunty Sue, who poked Auntie Pat in the ribs and having gained her attention Sugar mouthed to her discreetly. Pat nodded and disappeared and on her return mouthed something to Sue who whispered to Sugar who gave Auntie Pat the thumbs up.

“Ich bin ein Gemüse.” Sugar smiled at Frau Mensch who looked at her with alarm, as both Frieda and Bernhilda smothered laughs and Onkel Reise gaffawed loudly.
Auntie Pat looked puzzled. What on earth had Sugar said.
“I’m sorry mein leibling.” laughed Frieda “Did you mean to say you are a vegetarian? That you don’t eat meat?”
“Yes!”
exclaimed Sugar. “I only ever learnt the basics at school. And they were the basic basics!...Ein Zwei Drei Funf… Eine Kleine Nachtmusik - that kind of thing”
“They must have been!”
giggled the Witchy one. “One Two Three.. Five!”
“You are a disgrace to all things Chaletian Sugar!”
Lesley’s eyes twinkled.
“But Auntie Pat looked it up on Babelfish for me!” she pointed to Pat who was slipping Lesley’s laptop into the fur covered bag that matched her notebook.
“Blame me!”
“I did!”
“You should have said “Ich bin ein Vegetarier”
Gottifred explained kindly.
“What DID I say?”
“Yes what DID she say?”
Auntie Pat was agog.
“I’m a vegetable!” Maria Marani started laughing again.
“Heaven’s above!” Sue burst out laughing.
“It’s almost as bad as Grizel and the Holy water!” laughed Bernhilda as she remembered the incident from years earlier as she ate her potato balls crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. The laughter died down and Sugar was provided with a meal with no veal in it and conversation flowed.

“What are we doing after Abendessen?” Carolyn asked.
“We thought you might like a sleigh ride through the streets.” Herr Mensch answered.
WOW!!!!!!”
“yes please”
“You must go and see Die Grossmutter first”
smiled Frieda

“I thought she was dead!” Rachel spoke in sotto voice to Kate who promptly choked to her first mouthful of Apfelpfannkuchen and was slapped on the back by Vikki.
“It’s EBDisms gone mad!” decreed Lesley.
“Zackly!” Sue joined in the conversation from across the table after being kicked by Vikki. “Her and Him don’t get married til the summer after Eustacia do they?” she gestured to Gottifred and Gisela.
“My CS chronology is rusty! But I think so” agreed Sugar.
“Its in better shape than your German my petite chou!..that’s non existent.” laughed Vikki
“My petite chou isn’t German is it?” Pat called across from her seat of honour at the foot of the table.

After Grace the girls helped tidy the Speissical and were led into the Salon to meet the Mensches Grandmother and with a vague memory of EBD and Joey Pat attempted a curtsey and wobbled dangerously grabbing onto the curtains which promptly disintegrated to steady herself. Apologising profusely she sat next to the old lady with Bernhilda while the others went to get kitted out for the sleigh ride.

A few minutes later they were all squeezed into a large sleigh outside the Mariahilfe Strasse with Rachel Sue Kate and Sugar sitting opposite Carolyn Dawn Pat and Lesley and Vikki sat on the floor on a cushion with the four Austrian alongside the sleigh on skis.

“I can’t belive it’s snowing!” Pat was perplexed. “It’s JUNE!”
“Global warming!” replied Lesley sticking her tongue out to catch the snowflakes: an action copied by all of them.
“It was sunshine yesterday” Gisela explained. “The snow started this morning.”
“Specially for you Pat!”
grinned Dawn.
“Ouuff! I’m cooked!” exclaimed Pat.
“Patricia I have another scarf for you. You can’t take risks at your age!” Frau Mensch came out of the house and bundled the scarf round Pat as Herr Mensch set the sleigh in motion.
“That’s a Dawn scarf!” Vikki cried matching it to Sugar’s blanket which she was wrapped in.
“I’ve got a franchise in Sophie Hammel’s father shop in Innsbruck. Didn’t I tell you?” Dawn beamed. “I’m taking over the world!”
“Ohhhh! It’s like Christmas card land!”
Sue smiled.
“You sound like our friend Joey!” Frieda called to her. Sue remained silent, not wishing to sound like Joey the Oracle on everything.

Meanwhile Pat was talking to Kate. “She kept asking me about my childhood. Wanted to know if I remembered the Queens Jubilee!”
“You must do… even I remember that!”
Carolyn cried. “1977!”
“Oh I remember Queen Elizabeths Jubilee alright! Gross Mutter wanted to know if I remembered VICTORIAS!!
Pat exploded. “Don’t start laughing!” she added but she might have saved her breath as the English girls shrieked hysterically. “Do you realise that would make me a minimum of one HUNDRED AND ELEVEN!” More laughter followed so much so that Maria remarked to her sister that the English girls must be having fun!

The group calmed after a few moments with the occasional giggle from Vikki the only indication of the near hysteria that had occurred. Herr Mensch pulled the sleigh into some parkland and offered the girls a flask of warming liquid.
“It’s Whiskey!” Dawn was an expert.
“Yeuch!” Pat swallowed under duress. “I’d rather have a cuppa coffee!
“Papa says you may build a snowman if you wish.”
Bernhilda came over to them. “It is an English tradition no?”
“Yes!”
they piled out of the sleigh and started to build a snowman.

Suddenly Rachel grabbed some snow and moulded it into a ball and threw it with scant regard for her aim.
“OWW!” Carolyn squalled as the snow hit her full on in the face.
“Ohhh Sorry!” Rachel was falsely apologetic and Dawn retaliated on Carolyn’s behalf. Within minutes all the girls were snow covered, breathless and shrieking and the Austrians had joined in too. Seizing the moment whilst they caught their breath Herr Mensch shepherded them back into the sleigh and took them home.

“You are staying the night with us” Frieda explained when they got back to the house. “You must go straight to bed Mama has something for you Pat she will bring it when she turns out the light.”

This was the motivation the girls needed to get to bed quickly and as they snuggled under the covers, having moved all the beds into one room Frau Mensch came in and handed Pat an envelope with No.3 written on it clearly. She slid it open as Frau Mensch closed the door. Her eyes nearly popped out as she read the note.
“What!” Sue hissed.
Pat cleared her throat and read:

You are cordially invited to a taster day before sitting Common Entrance Exam for a place in Upper Third. Sincerely The Headmistress The Chalet School.

Carolyn gasped.
“Super!” cried Sue
“Amazing” Lesley grinned in the darkness.
“What do you think we’ll do?” asked Vikki
“Don’t care as long as it’s not PT” Pat laughed
“Or Country dancing..” Sugar added
Everyone started laughing and discussing the possibilities.
“Have you had a nice day Auntie Pat?”
“Wonderful Sugar – thank you!”

Frau Marani’s head peered round the door. “Girls…This is not a Gather ….go to sleep – you have a long day in the morning.”

Author:  Jennie [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 8:35 pm ]
Post subject: 

Sugar, you're mad! Thank goodness.

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 9:01 pm ]
Post subject: 

Hmmmm - which Headmistress, I wonder?


Loved that - thanks Sugar. :lol:

Author:  Carolyn P [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 9:09 pm ]
Post subject: 

Not sure I fancy sitting common enterance! Esp if it is the wrong headmistress!

Author:  Liane [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 9:10 pm ]
Post subject: 

Love the comment about the Gather. My dad can never understand why I'm so tired after 'a quiet weekend' with 'the book people'

Thanks Sugar.

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 9:12 pm ]
Post subject: 

:rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol:
:lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl:
:rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol:
:lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl:
:rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol:
:lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl: :lol: :rofl:

Thank you

Author:  patmac [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 9:43 pm ]
Post subject: 

Pat wrote:
It's actually 60 Kathy!!! :roll: :lol:


Youngster!!

It's mad and wonderful, Sugar. Glad to hear you have written more :P

Author:  Sugar [ Mon Jun 09, 2008 11:56 pm ]
Post subject: 

There's 3 more posts written :twisted: :D Fourth being written at the moment.

Author:  Jennie [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 2:05 pm ]
Post subject: 

Well post them then!

Author:  Katarzyna [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 3:52 pm ]
Post subject: 

Some people are so impatient!!


It's worth waiting for you know!

Author:  Jennie [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 5:59 pm ]
Post subject: 

I've heard of patience, Kate, but don't reckon much to it.

Author:  Rachel [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 5:59 pm ]
Post subject: 

It most definitely is worth waiting for.

Thanks for the email version Sugar :lol:

Author:  Sugar [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 6:17 pm ]
Post subject: 

My God do my eyes deceive me? A Witchy!! :witch:

Glad you are enjoying it!! You and Kate ought to stop gloating though in case Uto gets resurected!

Author:  Rachel [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 7:23 pm ]
Post subject: 

You should know I'm only here because of you!

And yes, I actually managed to remember my password at long loooooooong last!

Author:  Pat [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:03 pm ]
Post subject: 

Now you're back on here Rachel, how about drabbling? 8)

Author:  Rachel [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 8:52 pm ]
Post subject: 

Pat wrote:
Now you're back on here Rachel, how about drabbling? 8)


Nah, I don't do that kind of thing anymore!

Author:  Katarzyna [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 10:06 pm ]
Post subject: 

She might manage dribbling though if your not careful!

Author:  Sugar [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 10:11 pm ]
Post subject: 

Some more! Hope you like it! Usual Disclaimers!

The next morning after a breakfast of rolls and jam during which Sue cavilled at the lack of bacon butties, the girls clustered round Herr Mensch.
“Does it really mean what it says?” asked Vikki trying to put her hair in kenwigses for the occasion.
“Ja mein blumen” he smiled at her.

“Let’s hope it’s not German day or I’m going to relying on hand signals and sign language!” laughed Pat. “It won’t be will it?” she added as she tied her tie.
“Frieda is it German today?” she caught Frieda by the arm.
“German today?” She asked puzzled. “Pat this is Austria.” She said gently thinking maybe Pat’s advanced years had affected her memory.

What book are we in?” Rachel spoke in a low tone.
“After Eustacia we must be, cos Gisela married her Austrian yodeller but Die Grandma is still alive and kicking ……so I dunno!” Kate answered.
“Why?” interrupted Carolyn
“She’s thinking about the languages” answered Dawn as Rachel nodded.
“We’ll be thinking about detention if we don’t get a move on! We’ve got a mountain to climb before rollcall.” Vikki changed the subject.
“What mountain?”
“Can’t remember! But we can get the little train up!”
she added as she set off. “Come ON!”

The girls travelled up the mountain side with no major calamities although Dawn’s fountain pen leaked all over her blouse and Lesley’s hat had been blown off in an unexpected gust of wind whilst they were on the steamer.
“Do you think Madame will shout at me?” Lesley wibbled.
“Probably!” Sugar nodded and was grateful for the elastic Bernie had sewn into hers and Vikki’s hats.
“Is it going to be Madame?” Carolyn mused.
“Bound to be!”
“Not necessarily. Could be Mademoiselle or the Abbess”
Sue reasoned.
“That’s very true. It’s not like we can work out where we are on the timeline!” Dawn added rubbing the stain on her blouse and making it worse.
“Whoever it is I bet Matey will have something to say about your top!” Kate grimaced.

Suddenly a voice called out. “Come along girls. Are you here for the taster day”
“Yes, there’s 9 of us. We are all friends.”
Rachel took the lead as both Lesley and Pat seemed to be rooted to the spot.
“Nice to meet you all. I’m Miss Wilson the Senior Mistress.”
“Is Hilda here?”
Lesley found her voice.
“Hilda? Is she a friend of yours?” Nell Wilson asked looking at Lesley keenly.
“Yes..she’s…” Lesley stopped abruptly as Rachels crutch landed on her foot with considerable force.
“You might find her inside, there are a few other girls on the taster day. Come along inside and get tidied up in the Splasheries some of you look like you need it!” she looked at Dawn who flushed.

The first lesson of the day was German and Pat had suddenly started speaking in fluent German after being taught “Mein Name ist Patricia, das Ich neunzig Jahre alt bin und Ich wohne in Doncaster” although Sarah Denny took some persuading that she was ninety opposed to nine but she had decided to consult Mlle and Madame at breaktime as they were both on site for the taster day.

“Glad she’s having more success!” Lesley spoke to another girl in the taster class.
“I hate languages!” she spoke with a soft Scottish accent “By the way…Can we escape with you? I couldn’t get to Brum – the kids are examining and there’s a stress overload in our house!”
“Yes of course Catriona!”
Lesley grinned.
“Would you like to share that young lady?” Miss Denny interrupted the conflab.
“I was just saying hello to Catriona. Pat and she know each other from home.”
“CATRIONA!”
Pat swung round and hugged her friend and before Miss Denny could say anything the bell pealed and the streamed out to collect milk and biscuits from the kitchen.

After break Mademoiselle de Lechanis collected them from the kitchen garden where they had taken their beakers of milk and promptly disposed of them in the bushes apart from Sugar who had been force fed hers by combined forces of Kate and Sue, and they were now sitting in a light green classroom belonging to Third form. Some had brought their own craft projects.

Sue was embroidering a table cloth someone had asked her to do over three years ago and was receiving much admiration from Mlle. Dawn and Vikki were having a knitting race and the needles were moving at a speed. Kate was knitting some bunting and Rachel was looking at some patterns, whilst Sugar was alternatively cross stitching and stabbing herself in the leg with a needle. Lesley, Pat Carolyn and Catriona had been given sheets to hem side to middle as they hadn’t brought a project.

“I wish I’d brought my lime-green teddy now!” grumbled Pat
“You’re knitting a TEDDY?” Lesley’s eyes bulged as Vikki had a disturbing mental image that only the smut Queen could have.
“A teddy BEAR!”
“Thank God!”
replied Lesley as her eyes retracted into her skull. “I hate sewing I can’t even thread a needle.”
“Me neither!”
Pat grimaced.
“Give it here!” Sue held out her hand and both dropped their needles and thread into her palm. “Ugh! They’re all WET!” she exclaimed.
“Ok if you don’t want to do any more Sewing you may go out for a walk to the Dripping Rock” Mademoiselle decided. With that Lesley, Pat and Carolyn left closely followed by Sugar and Rachel.


After the needlework lesson finished they walked outside.

“Where on earth has Pat got to?” Sue asked Catriona. “She was meant to come back!”
“Don’t know but Lesley and Sugar are AWOL as well or should that be MIA?"
“Whichever, they aren’t here and I think we’re missing out!”
“I’ve looked in the kitchen and the chemistry lab, in case they were brewing moonshine but its only one of those stupid magnesium experiments.”
Vikki added, having excused herself mid lesson to go the splasheries after crossing her legs for seven minutes whilst she got the courage to mention bodily functions to Mademoiselle who sent her off without batting an eyelid.
“This is Auntie Pat though!” Dawn added.
“LIBRARY!” the penny dropped with a dull thud.

Author:  abbeybufo [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 10:24 pm ]
Post subject: 

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

thanks Sugar :D

Author:  Lesley [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 11:07 pm ]
Post subject: 

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:


So have I gone to the Dripping Rock then? :lol: If Miss Wilson is Senior Mistress then it should be Miss Annersley as Head - unless it's...oh dear :shock:

Author:  Sugar [ Tue Jun 10, 2008 11:25 pm ]
Post subject: 

Reminds Lesley that we are in Tyrol!!!

Author:  Lesley [ Wed Jun 11, 2008 12:39 am ]
Post subject: 

Reminds Sugar that I personally am in Allhallows. (tongue poking smiley) :wink:

Author:  Sugar [ Wed Jun 11, 2008 2:19 pm ]
Post subject: 

Meanwhile after escaping from the needlework class Pat had followed her inherent sense of direction and found herself near the library, finding the key in the door she had twisted it and slipped inside. She took a breath. Bliss Books Silence Peace Solitude Another world. Thought Pat.

“Let me in!” Lesley hissed. Lesley and Carolyn were outside.
Or maybe not.
“Wow it’s huge.” She took in the shelves of books floor to ceiling and ignoring the shelf of encyclopaedias and language dictionaries moved closer for a better look.
“Allan, Brazil Bruce, Crompton, Oxenham” Carolyn tilted her head slightly and read.
“Nothing unusual” Pat looked towards the Staff shelves with interest.
“Blyton Edwards Rowling Pullman…” Lesley continued listing more current authors.
“OK maybe this isn’t an ordinary library after all…” She stopped as the door opened and Sugar and Rachel came in. “We didn’t like the look of the walk so whoever the Prefect was sent us in here.”

“I’m just going to investigate the staff shelves!”
explained Auntie Pat.
“See if there’s a copy of “Forever Amber” Pat I haven’t ever read it!” Lesley asked.
“Lots of Green ….Hilda Annersley Headmistress!” Pat grinned at Lesley. “Lots of one’s with blurry titles that I can’t read!”
“That’s my new one!”
Lesley exclaimed. “It’s not been published yet! It’s not even finished! I kept getting badgered for more RCS!”
“They are blank!”
Sugar took one off the shelf and flicked through it!
“That’ll be cos it’s not finished! How strange it’s here!” said Lesley “Look lots by you” She turned to Pat “Chalet School Librarian Patricia Willimott……”

The door opened. “There you are!” Catriona exclaimed.
Pat gasped “I thought you were the Abbess or someone!”
“Nope my icy voice is icy but its not that icy!”
laughed Sue as Sugar whispered “Thank God!” to Vikki who snuck in at that point.
“Look there are loads of your books with the titles blurred as well.” continued Lesley.
Auntie Pat chuckled “That’s Guernsey!... Is it blank?”

Carolyn and Sugar reached for copies and flicked to the front page.
“Yes!” Carolyn closed the book.
“The fog swirled around the muffled figures” * Sugar read aloud.
“SUGAR!!!” Auntie Pat wrenched the book out of her hand. One of these days she might actually kill her!
“How come Sugar’s book has words? Mine’s blank!” Carolyn waved a copy with blank pages at Pat.
“She’s read a few chapters already.” Pat explained whilst Sugar looked smug.
“Have you?” Kate raised an eyebrow.
“Mmmm”

“Girls what are you doing in here?” Suddenly the door burst open and Matron was amongst them “You have missed Mittagessen. And what on earth are you doing removing books from the staff shelves may I ask? Who do you think you are? Eustacia Benson?”
Pat stood up “They are my books! I mean I’m the AUTHOR!” she said with emphasis.
“Is that so?” Matey looked sceptical.
“And the other ones are mine!.... I’m Lesley Ann Green!” Lesley wasn’t going to be left out.
“You may be dear but your little friend there didn’t write a book and neither did you!” A new voice was heard from the door.

“That’s enough Annie!... these are new girls.”
“But Matey we’re the library prefects and we vet all the books!”
Annie glared at the group.
“These monkeys were inspecting the staff shelves and you know you and Rissa have no say there as Miss Annersley chooses all the books, so I suggest you hold your tongue. What are you doing here anyway?”
“We heard voices and knew no one should be here. We thought it was someone sneaking in.”
“Very well you may go now then”
she dismissed the two prefects quickly and turned to the others. “We’ll say nothing else about this girls but if you really are Patricia Willimott and Lesley Green you are two extraordinarily talented young girls.” She smiled at them. “I think you ought to go and collect your sandwiches and come up to the Study Madame is here and she wishes to see you.”

A few minutes later after a detour to the Splasheries to tidy themselves the friends streamed towards the Study and Pat knocked on the door.
“Herein!”
Pat pushed the door open and the girl moved shyly into the room. On the settee sat Madge Bettany flanked by Mademoiselle La Pattre and Hilda Annersley. They smiled at the group of women.
“It is School Tradition to curtsey to the Heads but I’m sure you know that.” Madge spoke.
“It’s OK!” laughed Hilda “You have a dispensation! We heard about the certain fiasco at the Mensches.” Mademoiselle smiled at Pat. “We wanted you to know how much we have enjoyed having you amongst us today.”
“Yes, Now I have something for you Pat” Madge smiled.
“Another envelope!” Hilda grinned at Sugar.
“My Sister asked to give you this.” She handed Pat a familiar looking cream envelope with No.4 scribbled on it. She tore open the envelope and fished out the note.

I'm getting married in the morning. Ding dong! The bells are going to chime.
All welcome. Please do come! Jo


* Copyright Auntie Pat

Author:  Lesley [ Wed Jun 11, 2008 3:37 pm ]
Post subject: 

How lovely! Title's still blank then... :lol:


Thanks Sugar.

Author:  Rachel [ Wed Jun 11, 2008 4:01 pm ]
Post subject: 

I think Sugar and I were most sensible not fancying the look of the walk!

Author:  Liane [ Wed Jun 11, 2008 6:53 pm ]
Post subject: 

Fantastic, love the library!
Thanks Sugar

Author:  Pat [ Wed Jun 11, 2008 7:30 pm ]
Post subject: 

Oi! You're not supposed to give things away!!! I'll forgive you though as it was only a sentence! :roll: :wink:

Loved the library though. Just the place I'd escape to.

Author:  MHE [ Wed Jun 11, 2008 10:24 pm ]
Post subject: 

I'm really enjoying reading this - but have decided that some members of the board should not be allowed out of the country!!! The only thing is I dare not read this drabble in work as I am nearly choking with surpressed laughter. :roll:

Author:  Sugar [ Thu Jun 12, 2008 10:03 pm ]
Post subject: 

Some more. Enjoy!

“Jo’s wedding?” Pat was incredulous. “She’s only 18!”
“We know Jack Maynard has been after her since she was 14!”
laughed Rachel
Pat smiled. Of all the things she had wanted to see with her own eyes.

“But Jo gets married after the Anschluss!” Catriona was confused. “Did EBD invent a time machine or something?”
“Are you in on this?”
Pat looked at Madge and Hilda who were grinning.
“Yes!”
“NO!”
“What they mean is yes we are “in on it” as you say ma cherie”
Mademoiselle “but no Elinor didn’t invent a time machine.”
“That’s the other drabble Therese, you are getting them muddled.”
Madge explained. “So are you Catriona. It’s in St Clare’s by our nonagenarian.”

“Are we flying to Guernsey from Innsbruck?”
asked Dawn.
“You could if you want to….” Madge started
“but wouldn’t you prefer to go the way we went or rather the runaways went?” Hilda finished.
“ You are kidding? Through a tunnel under a church and over a mountain? What do you take us for?” Auntie Pat looked alarmed.
“Good Chalet School Girls!”
“But what about the Gestapo?”
Sue added. Her mother would never believe her if she went home with stories of the Gestapo.
“It’s OK we aren’t expecting you to rough it!” Madge laughed. “Not at your age!”
“No and it’s going to take too long so we spoke to an old friend with their own transport.” She pointed to the window.
“S’long as its not a blue police box!” Sugar wibbled.
“Ohhhhhhhhhhh!” Carolyn waved at Elisaveta who was gesticulating wildly.
“Off you go!” Madge chased them off
“We’ll see you there!” added Hilda
“Not all of us” muttered Therese sadly. “Give Josephine my love.”

Moments later the group were being instructed in the safety procedure for the Royal Belsorian Airlines plane.
“Exits are here, here and here.” Elisaveta imitated an air hostess. “And the mini bar is there, there, there and there.”
“More minibars than emergency exits?”
Catriona asked perplexed.
“Yes, it’s a Chaletian Special… I didn’t know who we were transporting. Do you people want something to eat?” she asked. “I know you didn’t manage Mittagessen.”
“What are the choices?”
Rachel asked “Chicken or Beef?”
“Yes or no!”
Elisaveta laughed. “If you give the word to the pilot we’ll get this show on the road.”
“Lift off!”
Vikki tried.
“3 2 1… blast off!” Carolyn tried.
“I’m a Chaletian get me out of here!” Sue giggled and the aeroplane taxied and took off.

Within the hour they had landed at the airport in Guernsey and after a slight detour to look at Hauteville House the home of Victor Hugo in St Peter Port, quickly made their way to Bonne Maison the Russell’s home in the Torteval area of the island with Elisaveta. “Madge is expecting us!”
“I thought Jo had got married in France.”
“That’s were they went for honeymoon.”
Carolyn corrected.
“No, they definitely got married in Guernsey. I ought to know I’ve written it!” Pat laughed.
“You’ll have to let us know if what we witness is accurate!” grinned Sue.
Pat gasped. “What if it is! It might mean people get a spoiler and they might not buy my book!!”
“They’ll buy it!”
Vikki laughed as Elisaveta pushed open the gate to Bonne Maison and bade them wait there for a moment as she disappeared into the house.
“Madame asks we go straight to the Church. It’s like a madhouse in there with all the small fry and Joey is getting awfully het up. It’s only over there." She came out and pointed and they could see the round tower and steeple of Torteval Church St Phillipe peering over the treetops.

They settled themselves in the Church pews and having acknowledged the Groom and various familiar faces sat and waited. The organ struck up and everyone turned en masse to see a blushing Jo Bettany be escorted up the aisle by her brother-in-law Jem Russell, followed closely by her bridesmaids, her sister Robin, friends Simone and Frieda and Grizel and nieces Sybil, Daisy and Primula, and Peggy and Bride wearing the palest lemon dresses and holding posies of rosies. Stopping in front of the altar Jem lifted her Venetian lace veil, a gift from the di Ferrara sisters and Jack smiled at his bride. The Service began and the group were lost in thought.

Then they heard the Vicar ask "Do you take John as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"
"I do"
Joey spoke shyly. "I take this ring as a sign of my love and faithfulness in the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit."

At that point there was a slight diversion as a silent squabble broke out between Bride and Sybil and Bride landed on the floor of the aisle with a suppressed squawk, having being a vicious shove by Sybil.

“May the Lord in His goodness strengthen your consent and fill you both with His blessings. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder." The Vicar carried on regardless and the Service continued until he pronounced Jack and Jo man and wife and they left the church to the strains of the Wedding March by Mendelssohn.

The guests were piled into cars, some riding on the runners and others sitting in foot wells and on laps in good Chaletian tradition as it had been decided that the marriage would be blessed in the Roman Catholic tradition and there were private discussions between Jo and Jack about the possibility of Jo converting to Catholicism but this was a future development and for today they were taking the wedding party and guests to the “little Chapel” in Les Vauxbelets. This tiny chapel just 9ft by 6ft was built just before the War as a replica of the Lourdes Grotto by the Brothers de la Salle and was where one of the Brothers Deodat was going to bless their marriage.

There obviously was only space inside the tiny chapel for the happy couple and the Brother who was officiating but the guests thronged around the entrance and backed up the steps through the arch. The chapel walls were decorated with thousands of pieces of broken china pebbles and shells which made a beautiful mosaic and the effect was breathtaking and Jo in her heavy silk gown and Jack in his morning suit made a good picture with the Priest in his heavy white Chasuble with gold metallic orphrey embroidered detail. The blessing was conducted quickly and Jo and Jack celebrated the Eucharist and came out into bright sunlight.

“Awww that was lovely!” whispered Lesley to Rachel who seemed to have suddenly developed watery eyes.
“Hayfever!” she sniffed. “Flipping pollen!” she added unconvincingly. As the guests mingled outside the tiny chapel Con and Nell wondered off with Robin taking Sugar with them to have some quiet time.

“It’s amazing isn’t it!” Hilda came up to them.
“Breathtaking.” Sue agreed “And soo small.”
“Doesn’t Joey look lovely? Not washed out at all.”
Lesley looked over.
“Yes and Bride and Peggy look pretty too in that colour.” Pat added not noticing the small redhead nearby who on hearing that comment piped up.
Auntie Jo looked pretty and I suppose the others looked nice but they aren’t as pretty as me!”
At this Sues eyes nearly fell out of her head. That spoilt brat needed a slap or two. Meanwhile Rachel and Kate were more vocal. “Sybil Russell you nasty little girl Peggy and Bride looked as pretty as you. Don’t give yourself airs miss…”
And you might not think anyone saw you shove Bride in Church but we did.”
Kate added
“The only reason we aren’t telling your Mother is because it is your Auntie Jo’s special day” finished Catriona.

At that point Jack came up and took Pat by the arm moving her away from the group slightly. “Here I have to give you this!” He handed her an envelope with No.5 scribbled on it in spidery writing.
“Thanks! And congratulations!” she hugged him.
“Yeah I know she drives most people mad but I do love her” he said shyly. “Will you open it?” he pointed to the envelope and she opened it quickly and read:

'Hoity-Toity! Hop-'o-my-Thumb!
Tweedledee and Tweedledum!
All hobgoblins come to me,
Over the mountains, over the sea.
Come in a hurry, come in a crowd,
Flying, chattering, shrieking loud;
I and my broomstick fidget and call -
Come, hobgoblins, we want you all!

Author:  Pat [ Thu Jun 12, 2008 10:21 pm ]
Post subject: 

Love the Belsornian Airline! As for the wedding, that was lovely - including the squabble!!!!

Author:  Lesley [ Thu Jun 12, 2008 10:54 pm ]
Post subject: 

Love it - especially the mini-bars! (hic!)

Author:  Dawn [ Thu Jun 12, 2008 11:34 pm ]
Post subject: 

This is just fabulous Sugar - and I really do love the Belsornian airline's idea of lots of mini bars :lol: :lol:

Author:  Kathy_S [ Fri Jun 13, 2008 12:42 am ]
Post subject: 

This is quite a tour! Lucky birthday girl. :)

(And lucky rest of us. Thank you, Sugar.)

Author:  patmac [ Fri Jun 13, 2008 9:17 am ]
Post subject: 

Quote:
Not all of us” muttered Therese sadly. “Give Josephine my love.”
:cry:

What a lovely 90th birthday trip!

Author:  Rachel [ Fri Jun 13, 2008 2:26 pm ]
Post subject: 

The pollen really is awful at this time of year...

Author:  abbeybufo [ Fri Jun 13, 2008 9:13 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thanks Sugar - this is really great :D

Author:  Carolyn P [ Fri Jun 13, 2008 9:52 pm ]
Post subject: 

Looking forward to tonight's episode.

Author:  patmac [ Fri Jun 13, 2008 10:18 pm ]
Post subject: 

Carolyn P wrote:
Looking forward to tonight's episode.


Ditto :wink:

Author:  Sugar [ Fri Jun 13, 2008 10:38 pm ]
Post subject: 

As the sun began to set the girls walked across to the pretty home that Jack Maynard was to share with his wife.
“Is there another envelope?” Carolyn asked Sugar who nodded.
“I’ve already got it!” laughed Pat “It’s a poem and it makes no sense what so ever! “ She paused and fishing the scrumpled note out of her pocket along with a piece of string, some mints and a rusty nail she read it to them.
“Well we have Tweedledee and Tweedledum already” laughed Lesley as she pointed to Vikki and Sugar who smiled saying “But we’re good girls!”
“Broomsticks?... well we have the Witchy one” added Kate as she grinned at Rachel who cackled in a very witch like manner.

Just then Peter Chester overtook them on the road. “If you girls are going to Les Rosiers you’d better go to our place instead."
“Why what’s the matter?” asked Pat, her curiosity getting the better of her.
“Never you mind!”he snapped as he strode off.


As Peter rounded the corner and vanished out of sight Auntie Pat turned to the others “What is going on do you think?” The discussion that followed came to the conclusion that they had no idea until the light bulb went on in Lesley’s head. “When does Peter Chester visit Les Rosiers in the BOOKs?" she asked grinning.
“When Jo has the trips!” Sue thought about it.
Ahhh don’t be daft!” Rachel the Witch laughed at her. “Babies aren’t made in a few hours!”
“NO!”
agreed Carolyn swallowing a giggle “It takes minutes!”
Lesley looked at them wondering what on earth she’d started. “I bet you I’m right!” she continued.
“You might be! But I’m more interested in that envelope!” Dawn interrupted.

Suddenly a car horn beeped and a rich male voice called out as Sue jumped a mile.
“I’ve been looking for you girls!” he said, his dark eyes smiling “You are wanted down at the Bay! Our girls wanted to show you the Guernsey traditions! Get a wriggle on!”
“Ohhhhhhhhh!”
Vikki smiled.
“Was that who I think it was?” Auntie Pat asked Sue.
“How am I supposed to know who you think it is!” Sue rolled her eyes.
Dawn laughed, “I think it was Auntie Pat!”
“SEE! Dawn knows who I mean!”
Auntie Pat retorted.
“Not really!” Dawn spoke to Sue in a low voice less likely to carry than a whisper. “I just know it’s a bad idea to disagree with the elderly - you never hear the end of it!”

A few minutes later they were walking down towards Rocquaine Bay and were greeted by a short puckish girl with a shock of golden brown hair. “You came!” “Of course!” laughed Sugar. “Wow you lot really out did yourself!” She looked round and grinned.
“Auntie Pattttttttttt!” a small person threw herself onto Pat.
“Hello Kitten!” she returned the hug ruffling the girls silky golden curls.
At that point Janie Lucy came up to them with her sister Anne. “The girls wanted you to see a Guernsey bonfire!”
“If we play our cards right the Coven might appear!”
Barbara Chester sounded hopeful whilst her sister Nancy looked petrified and her cousin Bad Bill made ghostly noises.
“Behave Billy for heavens sake!” his Aunt rebuked him with no effect whatsoever.
“Witches!” Rachels eyes lit up “All I need is a scapel and I’ll be in my element!!”
“Pity Dad’s not here!” Barbara laughed “He’s got plenty. But he’s busy!”
“He’s being busy with someone who IS busy!
” Anne smiled and caught Lesley’s eye who griined. She was right she knew these things.
“C’mon Mummy!” a head of curly black hair bobbed up behind them “The fire’s ready!”

With that the visitors were shepherded down to the fire which was built up slightly down the beach.Within a few minutes the beach was a light with fire torches and the Lucy Sisters had organised some team games and there was much chattering, shrieking loudas foretold in the note and after playing treasure hunt game where various people had knitting needles removed from knitting and Sugar’s glasses had been forcibly removed by Barney Lucy much to the annoyance of Dixon Chester of the other team, the men yelled over that food was ready.

“What do you want Auntie Pat?” Julian asked
“Not a sausage!” she replied grinning and he passed her a beef burger in a bun. “Doesn’t Auntie Pat look well for ninety!” Julian Lucy grinned as she walked away and the others crowded round to be fed.
“I’d always thought Sue was the older. “mused Rachel the Witch.
She IS!... she’s due her birthday card from the Queen next month.” Sugar giggled.
“Sugar?”
“Yeah?”
“If you get to Heaven before I do.. will you dig a little hole and pull me through?”
Lesley asked cheekily.
“If you like but why on earth would I?” Sugar knew Lesley was older than her because Vikki told her.
“It’s just a feeling I get!” she said looking at Sue who was making throttling movements with her hands whilst emitting pretty purple sparks.
“Ohhh that’s pretty!” Vi Lucy came up with Januce Chester, “how do you do that?”
“It’s my party trick.” Sue smiled sweetly.
“It’s a talent!” Kate said grumpily, she’d been trying for weeks and was only getting hot ears. Hermione Granger she was not!


Moments later they were standing round the fire chatting to the Temple contingent. Lesley, replying a question from Nella Ozanne, spoke through a mouthful of sausage. “I’m personally..All Hollowed.”
“What did she say?”
Catriona asked
“I’m personally All Hollowed.”
“Thought so!”
“All Worship the Lesley!”
yelled Carolyn throwing herself to her knees, raising and lowering her arms.
“Get up you wally!”
“We could you St Lesley of Kent”
laughed Vikki
“Yes if you like Victoria of Windsor!” retoted Lesley
“That sounds very regal.” Janie Lucy “I remember her dying! Do you Pat?”
“NO!”
“You must do surely!”
“I’m sick of telling you lot I’m 60 this month NOT 90!”
“Did the number twist round?”
Vi Lucy offered a logical explanation.
“No, but round the twist is where I’ll be before long!” Pat replied shaking her head.
Suddenly there was a bang. “Ohhh fireworks!” Catriona squeed
“Now those are pretty!” Vi exclaimed as Catherine wheels whizzed and fireworks exploded into pretty shapes in the sky.
Is there a Guy?” Vikki asked.
“The boys made it.” explained Nancy Chester “with some help from Kitten.”
“It looks awfully familiar.”
mused Auntie Pat as she munched her burger.
“I thought that!” Dawn agreed. The Guy seemed to be a woman and appeared to have long plaits and was dressed in a gaudy dress.
I don’t recognise but I do recognise that dress!” Elizabeth Ozanne exclaimed. “You better have a decent explanation Michael!” she called to her son who was helping his father and cousins with the fireworks. His reply of “But Mum it’s Guy Fawkes! And it’s a horrible dress!” did little to appease his mother even if it was her cleaning dress!

“Ohhhh LOOK!” Beth Chester called to them “The Coven!”
“Ohhh!”
exclaimations from all with the exception of the younger Guernsey children who hid behind skirts of adults.
“Leave them be! Let them enjoy this night too!” warned Paul Ozanne “You know we leave the Coven alone!”
“Can we go and watch?”
Rachel looked hopeful.
“Yes of course," he assented “I just wanted to keep my lads away and the small fry are very wary too!”

The English Girls wandered over to where the women had gathered in a sheltered area.
“Come closer!” one called out and the girls were welcomed in. “Hello El Witchy!” an elderly women smiled at Rachel using her codename. “Long time no see! We thought you had failed your mission!”
“No! I’m fine! I just found myself rather busy!” She answered not noticing the shocked faces of her friends. She introduced the group quickly and the witches nodded knowingly as “Auntie Pat” was introduced.

The witches induced the group into the power of witchiness and Auntie Pat was given the honour of brewing a potion.
“Hubble Bubble Toil and Trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble.” She laughed as she threw a handful of something into the cauldron and it started spitting sparks!
“Ohh that was that?” she asked
“Space dust!” laughed a witch with bright purple hair.
“She’d be too old! Remember shes nearly 90!” reasoned another with bright pink claws.
“I’m not 90!" said Aunty Pat. "And i think it's minute particles floating between the planets/solar systems”
“No, you’re not 90 and I’m a good girl!” giggled Sugar.
“It’s a sweet!” giggled Dawn “You know from when we were kids, it explodes on your tongue!”

Cationa asked if they could taste the potion. “Are you mad?” Sue asked her “It might turn us green!”
“Lesley is already green!” laughed Vikki catching sight of Lesley whose face appeared to be green.
“Déjà vu!” laughed Sue.
“Well there was facepaint!!” she looked freaky “And Grotbag is a witch!” she added in injured tones.
“What’s in it” Kate asked gesturing towards the bubbling cauldron.
“Try it and see” the Witches suggested “Auntie Pat first.” She offered the cauldron up to another who poured a serving.
“Ok!” Auntie Pat took the cup. “If I fall down dead I’ll kill the lot of you!” she added before sipping. “Ohhhh!” she beamed and drained the lot. At this point the Temple clan came over to make their farewells as time was getting on and the Witches moved away leaving the girls on the beach.

As the group stood one the seashore watching the waves lap the beach and the stars twinkling in the sky one of the witches tapped Auntie Pat on the shoulder with a now familiar looking cream envelope with a Number 6 written in the distinctive blue italic hand. She slipped the notelet out and looked at it, turning it over to check the other side she looked up confused to ask the witch but the witch had vanished in a puff of green smoke and the notelet was blank.

Author:  Pat [ Fri Jun 13, 2008 10:48 pm ]
Post subject: 

So we're not going anywhere?

And now I know why you asked that question!!!!!

Author:  Liane [ Sat Jun 14, 2008 7:01 am ]
Post subject: 

Love it! Thanks Sugar

Author:  Carolyn P [ Sat Jun 14, 2008 7:50 am ]
Post subject: 

Brilliant!

Although I am now wondering what you had to ask AP...hope it wasn't if she really remembered Victoria dying! :lol: :lol:

Author:  Dawn [ Sat Jun 14, 2008 10:39 am ]
Post subject: 

am now seriously worried about where we'll end up with a blank note....
:?

Sugar, please pretty please be nice to AP and us :lol:

Author:  Rachel [ Sat Jun 14, 2008 2:18 pm ]
Post subject: 

Sugar wrote:
“Hello El Witchy!” an elderly women smiled at Rachel using her codename. “Long time no see! We thought you had failed your mission!”
“No! I’m fine! I just found myself rather busy!” She answered not noticing the shocked faces of her friends.



Snurfle! SOMEBODY really did read my LJ memeage!

Author:  Kathy_S [ Sat Jun 14, 2008 5:41 pm ]
Post subject: 

Fascinating.:rofl:

Hope the blank note doesn't mean the disappearance of this drabble.

Author:  Sugar [ Sat Jun 14, 2008 11:05 pm ]
Post subject: 

Rachel wrote:
Sugar wrote:
“Hello El Witchy!” an elderly women smiled at Rachel using her codename. “Long time no see! We thought you had failed your mission!”
“No! I’m fine! I just found myself rather busy!” She answered not noticing the shocked faces of her friends.



Snurfle! SOMEBODY really did read my LJ memeage!


I'm good like that!

Author:  Rachel [ Sun Jun 15, 2008 1:22 pm ]
Post subject: 

Sugar wrote:
Rachel wrote:
Sugar wrote:
“Hello El Witchy!” an elderly women smiled at Rachel using her codename. “Long time no see! We thought you had failed your mission!”
“No! I’m fine! I just found myself rather busy!” She answered not noticing the shocked faces of her friends.



Snurfle! SOMEBODY really did read my LJ memeage!


I'm good like that!


Of course, cos you are a Good Girl, aren't you?

Author:  Katarzyna [ Sun Jun 15, 2008 5:12 pm ]
Post subject: 

Rachel wrote:
Of course, cos you are a Good Girl, aren't you?



Have you been at the drinks cabinet again, this is sugar we are talking about!!

Author:  Rachel [ Sun Jun 15, 2008 5:35 pm ]
Post subject: 

Katarzyna wrote:
Rachel wrote:
Of course, cos you are a Good Girl, aren't you?



Have you been at the drinks cabinet again, this is sugar we are talking about!!


I haven't been anywhere near the drinks cabinet in ages! And I thought you of all people could recognise sarcasm when it's capitalised! :wink:

Author:  Pat [ Sun Jun 15, 2008 8:11 pm ]
Post subject: 

Dawn wrote:
am now seriously worried about where we'll end up with a blank note....
:?

Sugar, please pretty please be nice to AP and us :lol:


Oh yes!!!! Of course you were! You had no idea had you Dawn!!! :roll: :roll:

Author:  Sugar [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 1:32 pm ]
Post subject: 

A little bit more. It will be finished today (hopefully)

“What’s it say?” asked Dawn trying to read over Pat’s shoulder.
“Nothing! It’s blank!” Pat passed it round to the others who came with varying explanations of varying sense but Lesley’s suggestion of invisible ink seemed the most likely.
“Well how on earth are we meant to know where to go!” Pat wailed, missing knowing glances between the friends.
“Stop screeching like a banshee! Go to Les Rosiers and see Jo!” Julie Lucy called down to them from the path where her family were making their way home.


A few minutes later they knocked on the door of Les Rosiers to be greeted by an exhausted looking Madge. Lesley explained that they wanted to see Jo and Madge agreed as they walked up the wide shallow stairs Sue looked at Madge “Well?”
“Three Girls!”
“TRIPLETS!!!!!!!!!!!!”
they squeed.
Madge smiled as from above them the babies sent up a wail. “We had JUST settled them!” she sighed.
“Oops!” giggled Vikki “what is Jo calling them?”
“She hasn’t made a decision yet.”
Jacks voice sailed down the stairs.
“You could call them after Auntie Pat” grinned Lesley
“Yes!” Vikki beamed “Patricia Pat and Trisha!” she giggled til she saw Pat’s face when she stopped abruptly.

On entering Jo’s room they found Jack and Jo jiggling babies until Jo suddenly got up dumping one of her children in Lesleys arms.
“Your dress! I nearly forgot!”
“What dress?”
“Every birthday girl has a new dress. It’s hanging on the back of the drawer. Quick slip it on and then I can fix the buttons before you go to Armiford. And keep your eyes closed!”


“Jo?” Pat wriggled uncomfortably a few minutes later
Ftand ftill!” Jo spoke through a mouthful of pins.
“Sorry…but how are we getting to Armiford?”
“Why on the boat of course!”
“What SORT of boat?”
Pat had read Exile and the idea of crossing the channel with Nigel Willoughby filled her with dread.
“One that floats on water.” She looked at Pat, maybe she needed a lie down. “There you go all buttons present and correct!”
“Why in all that is holy has that dress got branston pickle labels on it!” *
Sue hissed at Kate in sotto voice
“Not the foggiest – fabric shortages maybe!”
“It does look odd!”
agreed
“Jo… why are we going to Armiford?” Sugar looked confused.
“Well isn’t that where we need to go?” Madge added
Carolyn shook her head.
“Why is Armiford in my head then?”
“No idea but we are going near Matlock”
Dawn confirmed.
“My daughter lives near there!” Pat spoke “Ohh it’s weird talking with your eyes shut!” she added. “Steve and I going there for the weekend before my birthday!”
“Where’s your daughter live Auntie Pat?”
Vikki asked knowing the answer.
“In a Castle!”
“I bet you’ll have a lovely weekend!”
Sugar smiled.
“Sugar what are you laughing for?”
“I’m not! I’m a good girl!”


* At the party on Saturday we were shown a picture of Auntie Pat dressed in a dress with Cross and Blackwell labels on it. It was a carnival costume!

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 2:13 pm ]
Post subject: 

Thanks Sugar!

Author:  Rachel [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 2:57 pm ]
Post subject: 

Of course you're a good girl Sugar! (NO capitals this time, just a rolling eye smiley instead :roll: )

Looking forward to the climax of this tale!

Author:  PaulineS [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 3:30 pm ]
Post subject: 

thanks Sugar :roll: :roll: :oops: :oops:

Author:  Sugar [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 4:00 pm ]
Post subject: 

Penultimate post!

The next morning found the girls in minivan on the M25 driven by Lesley who was using such profanity never found in the Chalet School books as they moved at less than 1 millimetre an hour.

“B****** B*******! I hate the b****y M25! MOVE you F****** W*****! Some of us have to get up the F******* M1 yet! And we have a “SOMETHING” to get to you A********!”

“Do you think she’s a bit miffed?” RTW whispered to Kate.
“What gave you that idea!”
“All those little stars coming out of her mouth!"
RTW pointed to lime green asterisks floating in the air momentarily before they dissolved.
“Pretty though!”

All of a sudden the traffic sped up and the cause of the hold up became apparent as a pigeon flew away and Lesley moved into the outside lane flooring the accelerator as Auntie Pats phone started ringing. “I can’t get it!” she exclaimed. “Can’t I take this blindfold off!”
“No!”
Horrors!”
“Yep!”
said Carolyn answering Auntie Pats phone and speaking into it. “Lesley can you pull into the services on the M1 we have excessive baggage to offload.”
No problem!”
Lesley replied as she slowed down slightly so that Vikki and Sugar could wave at the fleet of coaches heading up the motorway.

Half an hour later they had pulled into the services and forcibly removed Auntie Pat from the van and dumped her into a waiting car. This procedure caused a lot of stares as Pat wearing a very unusual dress had been blindfolded by lime green knitting and handcuffed by pink fluffy hand cuffs supplied by Vikki.
“Be careful with her!” RTW warned as she was dropped out of the emergency exit. “Old bones break easily!”
“OWWWWWWW GERROFF MEE!!!!!!!”
“For GODS SAKE!”
Sue gritted her teeth. “Pat will you shut up! Anyone would think you’d been kidnapped by a load of mad women.”
“Hasn’t she?”
Vikki laughed
“Do we look like the WI?” Sue grinned.
“Do you want her in the boot? Kate asked the driver.
“No she’ll be fine in the front.”
“STEVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
Pat screamed “What the hell’s going on!”
“Don’t screech dear! We are going to Helen’s for the weekend! I’m not sure what your friends had planned but I’m sure it can wait!”
With that the girls piled back into the minivan and disappeared from view.

The rest of the journey took considerably less time than they had anticipated as Sugar had taken over the acceleration pedal and she only knew two speeds fast and faster and soon they were standing outside a very grand building greeting old friends as Cara, Liane Patmac and Nicola had made the daytrip.
“That coach is going to hit my car!” Cara exclaimed as a coach pulled into the narrow driveway and parked and the passengers disembarked.
“Hi Lesley!” grinned Nell “We made it!” she stepped aside to let the Mensch and Lucy families out.
“Is everyone here?”
“Yes”
laughed Joey as she stepped down and dumped her daughters on Sue Lesley and Vikki.

The group of women stood around talking as a young girl came up to them. “Are YOU Grandma’s friends?” she asked incredously
“Yes!” replied Nicola “Don’t we look mad enough?”
“I wasn’t sure who I was looking for to be honest!... I’m her granddaughter!
she laughed as she led them up a pathway into a courtyard where the walls were covered with pictures of Pat throughout her life.
“Crumbs! I thought the CBB had some bad piccies!” laughed Cara. “She’ll kill you lot!”
“Probably!”
laughed her sister as there was a car horn in the distance.
“That’s them! I told Dad to beep” her elder daughter smiled.
“We ought to hide!” Dawn herded the cbbers into the entrance hall whilst Hilda took the CS contingent through a passageway to be the back of the building.
“Has she seen us!” Liane asked as she heard Auntie Pat exclaim.
“No, she’s just seen her family!”
“Let’s go!”
Dawn pushed them out into the sunshine

“Surprise! Happy Birthday!” they yelled

Auntie Pat stood there open mouthed then a smile spread across her lips.

Author:  Rachel [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 4:04 pm ]
Post subject: 

Tsk tsk, and I though Lesley was a Lady too...

Author:  Vikki [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 5:12 pm ]
Post subject: 

*splutters*
Lesley doesn't swear THAT much when she's driving, honest..... :wink:


And as an expert on embarrassing photos, I'd LOVE to see some of theses pics of Pat.... :D

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 5:20 pm ]
Post subject: 

I do, you know! :lol:

Sugar were you in the car with me on Saturday?

Author:  Vikki [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 5:33 pm ]
Post subject: 

Lesley wrote:
I do, you know! :lol:

Sugar were you in the car with me on Saturday?


*grin*
Well, I don't remember you swearing quite that much...

Author:  Sugar [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 5:48 pm ]
Post subject: 

Lesley wrote:
I do, you know! :lol:

Sugar were you in the car with me on Saturday?


No but I was on the phone!

Author:  Liane [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 6:25 pm ]
Post subject: 

Vikki wrote:
And as an expert on embarrassing photos, I'd LOVE to see some of these pics of Pat.... :D

They were fantastic!
Thanks Sugar

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 7:29 pm ]
Post subject: 

I was quite restrained on the phone, Sugar! :wink:

Author:  Sugar [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 8:24 pm ]
Post subject: 

Suddenly a flash went off in her face!
“VIKKI!”
“What
?” Vikki appeared from behind Nicola
“Oh Sorry!” Pat rounded on her sister. “You’re as bad as her!”
“Would you like a drink?”
Pat’s younger daughter asked the group. “There’s pimms or juice.”
“Pimms please!”
They replied en masse as Nicola wondered if they had got the pimms idea from the CBB gathers.

At this point the CS friends appeared and surprised Pat and she sat down to open her pile of presents and cards as her son-in-law started up the BBQ

“I know we said invite whoever you liked” Pat’s daughter Helen spoke to Carolyn “I just hope we have enough food!”
We have!”
said a voice from behind a 6ft pile of meat. “Come and get it!”
“It’s like the feeding of the five thousand!”
laughed Hilda as she helped herself to a chicken leg
“Tea Time with Jesus!” Rachel smirked.
“People have called me lots of things but never that!” laughed Tim as he handed Sugar some vegetable kebabs.
“Be CAREFUL Sugar!” warned Pat as Sugar wobbled dangerously on the cobbles for the third time in as many minutes.
“S’ok if I fall someone will catch me!” Sugar was confident of this as Cara grabbed her arm.

"Where have you been Carolyn?" Frieda Mensch asked as Carolyn came back and joined the queue for food.
“I’ve been busy!” Carolyn replied
“What sort of busy?” Rachel wondered aloud
“Busy!”
“Busy as in I’m having a baby?”
Pat grinned
“Busybody?” Sue wondered
“Busybee?” Cherry added handing Robbie a pork rib
“No just BUSY! It is POSSIBLE to just be busy you know!" Carolyn snapped.

After the food had been eaten the cake was wheeled out.
“Lovely cake Auntie Pat!” Lianne laughed
“Is there anything to drink?” Catriona asked
Ginger Beer!” Cara laughed pointing to a gift bag. “It’s a present for Pat”
“That’s very GO!”
Lianne laughed
“Yep!”
“Auntie Pat are your faces edible?”
Vi Lucy asked as she peered at Auntie Pat
“No! What faces? I only have one!”
“Yes,”
laughed her daughter “I bought them off ebay!”
“WHATTT!!??” Pat looked up horrified.
“Look at your cake Grandma!” her granddaughter suggested pointing to a cake festooned with pictures of Pat through various ages.
“Are these the best pictures you could find?” Pat sighed.
“YES!” said her granddaughter trying for the fifth time to light the candles.

“Shall we come back tomorrow?” Sugar asked “It’ll take you all day to light 90!”
“There isn’t 90 on there!”
Hilda guessimated
“No, that would be too much of a fire risk!” laughed Madge as Pat glared at her.
“Pity I quite like a man in uniform!” Sue giggled as she drank her pimms.
“I thought you were a good girl!” Joey looked at Sue with alarm.
“Nah that’s me!” Sugar grinned “I’m a good girl!”
“Sugar we don’t actually believe you!”
Pat grinned as the candles were blown out by the wind yet again.
“No and we don’t believe you when you say you’re not 90 neither!” retorted Sugar
“Pat will you just LOOK as if you are blowing out the candles for a pic!” her sister refocused attention on the cake. Pat smiled as her sister lined up the shot.

“Happy Birthday!” they chorused.
“C’mon old lady let’s get you home!” Uncle Steve grinned at the girls.
“I’m not old!”
“So you said!”
Cara laughed
“All day!” Joey added
“I’m NOT 90!”
“We heard you the first time!”
Lesley smiled
“Does this mean we get to do it again when you are really 90??” Vikki asked.


:popper: Happy Birthday Auntie Pat I hope you had a lovely day!! :popper:

Author:  Rachel [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 8:27 pm ]
Post subject: 

Fantastic Sugar! And I like that we get to do it all over again!

*Wanders off snorting about many many lines*

Author:  Carolyn P [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 9:00 pm ]
Post subject: 

Oh yes...so many things you managed to get in, well done Sugar!

An edible version of Pat was a very interesting idea from her family.

Author:  Lesley [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 9:05 pm ]
Post subject: 

So pleased I got there this time! :lol:

Author:  Pat [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 9:11 pm ]
Post subject: 

Liane wrote:
Vikki wrote:
And as an expert on embarrassing photos, I'd LOVE to see some of these pics of Pat.... :D

They were fantastic!
Thanks Sugar


They were evil!!!

Thanks Sugar. That was great. But now I think I need to write too.

Author:  Kathy_S [ Mon Jun 16, 2008 10:57 pm ]
Post subject: 

Happy, happy birthday, Pat! :cake_candle:

And thank you, Sugar.

Wish we could all have been there in person. :D

Author:  patmac [ Tue Jun 17, 2008 9:28 am ]
Post subject: 

Thank you Sugar, I've laughed all the way through this :P

Author:  Pat [ Tue Jun 17, 2008 8:37 pm ]
Post subject: 

I have some lovely illustrations of these journey courtesy of Dawn. Up to the blank card.

Author:  Dawn [ Wed Jun 18, 2008 7:06 pm ]
Post subject: 

Pat wrote:
Dawn wrote:
am now seriously worried about where we'll end up with a blank note....
:?

Sugar, please pretty please be nice to AP and us :lol:


Oh yes!!!! Of course you were! You had no idea had you Dawn!!! :roll: :roll:


Well I'd been rather frantically trying to finish off the card - so all I knew about where we were heading was that I'd to meet Carolyn at the station in Leeds and we were heading off down the motorway to your daughters and it would take about an hour and a half - didn't actually look at address/instructions until after Saturday just before we set off :lol:

Author:  Susan [ Thu Jul 03, 2008 11:54 pm ]
Post subject: 

Fabulous! You are very clever, wish I really had been there.














Be very careful young lady it is a very very long time since I wrote anything and the bunnies are trying to get out!!!!!

All times are UTC + 1 hour
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/