The CBB
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Changing Priorities ~ 21st June p16
http://www.the-cbb.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=2706
Author:  bethany [ 10 May 2007, 15:54 ]
Post subject:  Changing Priorities ~ 21st June p16
I got stuck with my old drabble (which I have been very bad at updating), and suddenly the start of this almost wrote itself...
It is set in the early 1960's, I have tried to be accurate with details (like characters ages), hopefully I have been successful. Please do let me know if I have got anything wrong though.

“Oh this is an interesting letter” Joey Maynard said.

“Really? How unusual” Jack Maynard replied with more than a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

Connie and Phil - the only two of their eleven offspring to be at home during term time and therefore present at the breakfast table - giggled and exchanged looks. This type of conversation happened several days a week, the letter in question was always of interest to Joey, sometimes to Con (if it involved an old girl she knew), occasionally to Phil (who was too young to have met or even heard of many of Joey's acquaintances) and almost never to Jack. Jack was usually in a rush at breakfast time, trying to get to the San in time to do some of the ever increasing paper work before seeing all of his patients. His mind was already on his tasks for the day, and hearing about an old girl who he failed to really remember slowed things down.

“How about you tell me about it tonight?” Jack replied, knowing that by then he would welcome things to distract his mind form the poorly patients he would spend the day tending to.

Jack looked at his watch and gulped down the rest of his coffee, and in a gentler voice added, “Sorry Joey, I am worried about that new patient we got last week – the young boy. And it is going to be another busy day today, so I had better get going, otherwise I will be there all night”.

Joey kissed him goodbye, and hoped his day would turn out better than he feared.

Once he had left she sighed, “They really need more staff at the San, if he carries on working this hard I have a good mind to write to Jem about it myself.”

Joey topped up Connie's coffee mug and then her own, “Would you like any more milk Phil?”

“No thanks. Tell us about the letter though?” If the truth were to be told, Phil wasn't very interested in the letter, but thought that if her mother got carried away discussing it, then her morning lessons might start late.

Joey laughed, “I know you better than that young Phil, but anyway this piece of news will be of interest to both of you, not an old girl in sight!”
Author:  aitchemelle [ 10 May 2007, 16:08 ]
Post subject: 
Great start Bethany! Sometimes starting a new drabble helps the old drabble bunnies come back (they get jealous!)
Author:  Sarah_K [ 10 May 2007, 18:05 ]
Post subject: 
Nice try Phil!

It's a lovely start Bethany, looking forward to hearing the news :D
Author:  brie [ 10 May 2007, 18:06 ]
Post subject: 
Looking good, Bethany!
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 10 May 2007, 19:40 ]
Post subject: 
Just one post and already a mini cliff - impressive. Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Alison H [ 10 May 2007, 21:23 ]
Post subject: 
Intriguing start!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 10 May 2007, 23:20 ]
Post subject: 
aitchemelle wrote:
Great start Bethany! Sometimes starting a new drabble helps the old drabble bunnies come back (they get jealous!)


They certainly do! Thanks for this one, sounds interesting
Author:  bethany [ 11 May 2007, 11:22 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for reading, and posting I appreciate it.
I am afraid that this part is a little dull and doesn't answer any questions, but tomorrows part will. :wink:
If writing this does make the old bunnies come back, I hope they have the decency to wait till I have finished writing this first... I don't think I have the brain power to write two things at the same time :?

Over 30 years ago, Joey had been a frail 12 year old girl who lived in Devon with her elder sister, Madge Bettany, and their elderly guardian. When their guardian died leaving them with little money, Madge bravely took her young sister to the Austrian Tyrol and established a small school, which they named The Chalet School. Joey was the first pupil, eventually rising to the prestigious position of Head girl in her final terms. On several later occasions she had taught at the school when they were temporarily short staffed.

Although her school days were over long ago, she still, even today, played an active part, and was described by many as being a part of the school. For the majority of her adult life had lived close by, ready to give words of wisdom, or a shoulder to cry on for any mistress or pupil that needed it. Many “problem” or “difficult” pupils found it easier to discuss their problems with Joey than with a member of staff. This was partly because Joey could be very kind and sensitive to those in need, but also because she wasn't seen as being “official”. Pupils could come to her, and tell her their woes with no danger of punishment.

Joey had married Jack Maynard not long after leaving school. They started their long family with triplet daughters, of which twenty-two year old Connie was the middle triplet. Connie's elder sister Len lived nearby with her new husband and was a part time mistress at the school. Their younger triplet, Margot, was currently finishing her medical training in Edinburgh. At seven years old Phil and her twin brother Geoff were the youngest of the eleven offspring. Joey and Jack were expecting an addition to the family in a few months time, and Phil was very excited at the prospect of no longer being the baby of the family!

With the exception of Phil, all of the girls had attended the Chalet School. Most of the boys had attended it during their kindergarten and junior years. Phil was the frailest child, having suffered badly from an attack of polio when she was a toddler and then influenza as a young child. Her ill health had prevented her from attending the school thus far, though her twin Geoff was currently a boisterous but clever member of the Junior School. Jack Maynard had decreed that it would be best to wait until September to begin properly at school, and even then her health must be carefully monitored. In the mean time Joey had been teaching her at home in the mornings, a job which had been shared with Connie since the Autumn now that Connie had finished her university course.
Author:  Alison H [ 11 May 2007, 11:44 ]
Post subject: 
Joey's expecting again :roll: :lol: ?
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 11 May 2007, 11:56 ]
Post subject: 
She's "busy" again? The mind boggles!
Author:  bethany [ 11 May 2007, 12:06 ]
Post subject: 
Alison H wrote:
Joey's expecting again :roll: :lol: ?


I think the plot bunnies felt she deserved one final attempt at quads before she became too old... ;)
Author:  bethany [ 12 May 2007, 09:59 ]
Post subject: 
Here is today's update. We find out what the letter is about!

The Chalet School background, combined with Joey's friendly nature meant that she received many letters from old girls at the school. This morning's letter however had been forwarded from her publishers. As Joey had been writing books (mainly for children) since she left school, this alone was not so unusual.

Connie had the advantage of sitting next to her mother leaned over and looked at the letter, “She isn't joking Phil, it is typed not hand written for starters. Who is it from Mamma?”

“Wouldn't you like to know?” Joey said aggravatingly

“Yes, about as much as you obviously want us to know” Connie replied, well used to her mother's tricks, “I am sure me and Phil can wait until you tell Papa tonight.”

Phil giggled “I don't think Mamma could wait that long though could she?”

“You should have some respect for me, I am your mother!”

Connie winked at Phil and replied, “First pupil of the famous Chalet School and World renowned author of hundreds of best selling novels?”

“And perhaps even a film.” Joey replied nonchalantly

“Hmm, and that letter is from Hollywood asking you to write a film for them then?” Connie replied sarcastically

“Well, not quite, but nearly! The letter is from an English company, they specialise in adapting books into films and radio shows. They are looking for children's books set during the war – they want to mark 25 years since the war started you see.”

Connie did some rapid arithmetic, “But that wont be until 1964, that's ages away.”

Joey shrugged, “Only a bit over two years if you want to be precise about it. Apparently it is a long process making a film. Anyway, they read Nancy Meets a Nazi, heard that it was based on a true story, and seriously considering adapting it for a film.”

“Wow! A proper film shown at the cinema and everything?”
Author:  brie [ 12 May 2007, 10:00 ]
Post subject: 
Oh. I didn't see that coming!

Thanks Bethany
Author:  Alison H [ 12 May 2007, 10:06 ]
Post subject: 
Oh - this is different :D .
Author:  Sarah_K [ 12 May 2007, 15:01 ]
Post subject: 
:D

Love the way Phil and Connie tease Joey with her respected author status. I've always thought the wartime Chalet books would make an interesting film or TV series so I imagine Nancy Meets A Nazi would too.

Thanks bethany.
Author:  La Petite Em [ 12 May 2007, 17:46 ]
Post subject: 
I thought that too!!!!
Looks good bethany...
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 12 May 2007, 21:58 ]
Post subject: 
*Joey goes to/writes for Hollywood* not something I saw coming but something I'm bound to enjoy. Thanks, Bethany.
Author:  bethany [ 13 May 2007, 09:50 ]
Post subject: 
I got the idea for this partly because I thought that the first half of Exile would make a very interesting film, and Nancy Meet a Nazi is (I think) based on the same plot. To be honest I don't know if there would have been the demand for such a film until a decade or two later, but that wouldn't have fitted with the rest of the drabble...

Anyway, here is today's update:

“Wow! A proper film shown at the cinema and everything?”

“Yes Phil, a proper film. Of course it might not happen, but they want to meet with me to discuss it. Apparently they are looking for something to show youngsters like you Phil, what the war was really like, and Nancy Meets a Nazi fits the bill.”

They talked about the potential of the book as a film for some time. Joey was worried as to whether they would want to change things too much, Connie was interested in how they would turn a book into a film, and young Phil was excited as to who would play the various parts.

“Mamma, who would play you?” Phil asked

“I hadn't even considered that. If this whole thing does come off – and mind you, I wouldn't be surprised if it didn't – it will be very strange indeed to see myself as someone else,” Joey said, with a surprising lack of grammar for a famous author!

“Connie could, she looks the most like you out of all of us, and she is the right age. And Cecil could play Auntie Robin 'cos their hair is the same, and um, I know, Steve could play Papa, and...”

Joey and Connie laughed at Phil's obvious enthusiasm, “I think they will want professional actors, honey. I doubt they would worry themselves too much about the exact hair colour as long as the age was about right.”

Although it wasn't something she would admit to anyone, Joey did spend some time wondering who would play her! Would they find someone who looked like she had in her early twenties, or would they go for someone with more typical film star looks? Joey was modest enough to know that she could never be described as beautiful, or even pretty. The nearest cinema was down in Interlaken, so they hadn't seen many films, but in those they had, the heroines had certainly seemed to be beautiful.

“Ah well,” Joey thought to herself, “what really matters is that they keep the ethos of the book, and teach the younger generation that Nazism was an evil that needed to be stamped out. But that the Austrian and German people can be as kind and generous as those from any other nation you care to name.”
Author:  brie [ 13 May 2007, 09:51 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Bethany. They all seem lovely here.
Author:  Alison H [ 13 May 2007, 10:03 ]
Post subject: 
Joey's so right there.

Wondering who could play her in the film now, though :lol: .
Author:  La Petite Em [ 13 May 2007, 12:43 ]
Post subject: 
Hmmm now this should be interesting. If they change it, Joey will not be happy!
Thank-you Bethany
Author:  Mrs Redboots [ 13 May 2007, 14:24 ]
Post subject: 
La Petite Em wrote:
Hmmm now this should be interesting. If they change it, Joey will not be happy!
Thank-you Bethany


I am sure Joey will be mature enough to realise that some changes will be inevitable, as scenes in a book don't always translate very well to the screen. But I also hope that she will be involved in the screenplay!

Thank you, Bethany. I am going away very soon and am trying not to get involved in any new drabbles - but am so much enjoying this one!
Author:  Rosalin [ 13 May 2007, 14:25 ]
Post subject: 
Perhaps Connie will become an actress instead of a writer. I'm glad to see Phil in this drabble, I felt sorry for her towards the end of the series as she seemed to be given her illnesses so that difficult new girls could be won over by Joey caring about them despite her own family having such trrouble. I hope things are better for her now.
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 13 May 2007, 18:49 ]
Post subject: 
Love Phil in this. Thanks Bethany!
Author:  Lesley [ 13 May 2007, 19:14 ]
Post subject: 
Very interesting - loved Phil's enthusiasm.


Thanks Bethany.
Author:  bethany [ 14 May 2007, 10:06 ]
Post subject: 
Hi, Thanks to everyone who has read this and posted comments, they are really nice to read. Today's update is relatively short and uninteresting, sorry!


Due to the excitement of Joey's letter, and the discussion it generated, breakfast took a long time that morning. So long in fact, that the family's faithful maid Anna came in to see if there was a problem.

Joey and Anna had first met when Joey was a school pupil in the Tyrol, the school was near Anna's family house and so Anna (along with several cousins) had been employed as domestic staff at the school. Shortly after Joey's marriage, Anna started to work for the family, and had stayed there ever since. Mindful of the fact that Anna and her assistant Rösli had a lot of work to do in the house, one of the family was responsible for clearing the breakfast table. Since she had returned home after university, Connie had taken on the job.

“Anna, I am so sorry, we got distracted by a letter Mamma got. I think we've all finished, in fact, I think we finished some time ago! I'll bring the things through for you now” Connie said to Anna in her fluent German.

“Kein Problem mein Liebling.” Anna replied in her native German.

The two of them worked together to clean the table, and then Connie took Phil upstairs for her morning lessons.

Phil and Connie didn't think about the potential film again until lunchtime. They were too busy working on adding money. Connie had been a hard working and diligent school pupil, but Maths wasn't her strong point. It had been her worst subject, and she had been glad to drop it when she reached the Sixth form and could specialise. Connie found that she had to concentrate fully when Phil had Maths lessons!
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 14 May 2007, 15:32 ]
Post subject: 
Lovely Anna there.

And I can just see Con teaching Phil maths and teaching her all wrong. Or Phil having to teach her big sister.
Author:  La Petite Em [ 14 May 2007, 21:38 ]
Post subject: 
My thoughts exactly! Thank-you Bethany!
Author:  Lesley [ 15 May 2007, 06:51 ]
Post subject: 
Can't see Phil learning a great deal!


Thanks Bethany
Author:  bethany [ 15 May 2007, 11:38 ]
Post subject: 
wheelchairprincess wrote:
And I can just see Con teaching Phil maths and teaching her all wrong. Or Phil having to teach her big sister.


I figured that it had to be Connie who taught Phil Maths - imagine Joey doing it? Con was at least hard working at school, whereas Joey only seemed to try if she liked the subject.
Hopefully Phil will be well enough for school before the Maths gets too much for Connie :)


Over lunch, the subject of the film was brought up again with Connie asking when Joey would be meeting with the “film people” who sent her the letter.

“I don't really know poppet. They suggest that I arrange a visit to their office whenever I have the time.” Joey replied

“Where is the office?”

“London, so I won't have the time for months, certainly not until baby number twelve has been safely brought into this World.”

“Surely they don't expect you to travel all the way to London for a meeting?”

“They assume I live in England I suppose”

Phil looked up and joined the conversation, “But the must know where you live Mamma, they sent you a letter.”

“Clever Phil! But they sent the letter to my publishers who sent in on here, so they wont know.”

Joey decided that the best thing was to send a politely worded reply to the film company to explain that she lived in Switzerland, and would be too busy to travel to London until the Summer. She would make sure that they knew she was very excited by the idea, and that maybe one of their staff could visit her for a meeting if they wanted to discuss things before the Summer.

The letter was dully posted, and life continued much as normal at Freudisheim. Jack continued to be very busy at the San, though he became a little more relaxed as his new young patient made much better progress than anyone could have expected. Joey spent much of her time lost in the world of her latest book – along with the forwarded letter from the film company, her publishers had approved the draft of the first chapter of her latest story and asked her to send the finished version to them as soon as she was ready.

Connie's time was partly occupied in teaching Phil, and partly in attempting to re-draft the manuscript to her first book. She had spent much of her holiday times during the last year of her course at university in writing it, and had finally sent it to a publishers in September. Unfortunately they had rejected it as being “too long a book for children of the intended age range”. Consequentially Connie was attempting to re-write the book to be somewhat shorter, and for slightly older a children. She wasn't finding it at all easy, but did not want to give up on her intended career at the first hurdle.
Author:  Alison H [ 15 May 2007, 12:15 ]
Post subject: 
I feel a bit sorry for Con - I know she's doing her writing and helping Phil, but it must be so boring on the Gornetz Platz!
Author:  Fatima [ 15 May 2007, 13:15 ]
Post subject: 
Especially after an exciting university life! I hope she has better luck with her book this time round.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Lesley [ 15 May 2007, 23:04 ]
Post subject: 
Keep going with the writing, Con! :lol:


Thanks Bethany
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 15 May 2007, 23:17 ]
Post subject: 
Is it just me or did the problems with Con's book make anyone else think of Harry Potter?

And as for the maths... I'd forgotten that Joey was bad at that too.

Thanks Bethany
Author:  bethany [ 17 May 2007, 09:25 ]
Post subject: 
Hello,
Thanks again everyone who posted comments - and don't worry, I have a feeling that things are going to get better for Connie in the near future ;)

Sorry that I forgot to post yesterday - all of my creative writing energies went into updating my CV. This is much easier (and more fun!) to write, so I went back to this despite not having quite finished my CV. I live in hope that the plot bunnies will take an interest in my CV...

Nearly a week later Jack, Joey, Connie and Phil were sitting down to Abendessen (as they tended to call their evening meal). Joey told her family that she had two pieces of good news to share, one concerned Phil, and the other herself.

“Phil, you know that I invited Miss Andrews round to join me for Mittagessen today don't you?”

“Of course, that's why me and Connie had lunch on our own upstairs” Phil replied

“Connie and I” Connie corrected absently, curious as to what her mother had been discussing with the head of the Junior School.

“Papa and I have decided that you have made such good progress Phil, that rather than waiting until the Autumn term to start at St Nicholas, you can start there two days a week, starting next week. I discussed all the details with Miss Andrews today, and she will be glad to have you as a part time pupil.”

Phil ran up and hugged her mother, “Mamma, thank you so much, it will be so exciting, I will be a proper Chalet School pupil like Geoff and Cecil and all the others and the cousins and everyone” Phil could not contain herself, and Joey was glad that she had waited until after the main course had been cleared away to break her news, if she had told Phil any earlier it would certainly have been a challenge to make her eat anything at all.

This happy, excited girl was such an improvement on the sad, poorly, frail little girl of the previous year. Joey had to discreetly wipe the tears of happiness from her eyes before anyone saw them.
Author:  Lesley [ 17 May 2007, 09:30 ]
Post subject: 
Pleased for Phil - poor little girl, not able to go to school.


Thanks Bethany
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 17 May 2007, 10:12 ]
Post subject: 
Lucky Phil! And I loved Connie correcting her grammar. Thanks Bethany
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 17 May 2007, 11:05 ]
Post subject: 
wheelchairprincess wrote:
Lucky Phil! And I loved Connie correcting her grammar. Thanks Bethany


Must be Hilda rubbing off on her! Really like this and think it's very realistic Con's first book wasn't accepted and she is pushing on with it. I also really like the interactions between Con and Phil
Author:  Fatima [ 17 May 2007, 15:11 ]
Post subject: 
That's great for Phil. I hope she enjoys herself there.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  bethany [ 18 May 2007, 11:04 ]
Post subject: 
Here is today's update.
I am afraid that updates may be less frequent for the next week or so. I am going to be away from home, so will probably have less time in front of a computer. If I had been organised, I would have written far enough ahead, but I am not. Well, I have lots more written, but there is a big gap after the next episode waiting to be written...

“But Mamma, how will Phil get there? It isn't as if the Juniors are a part of the main school any more. The walk would be challenging enough for Phil at the best of times, let alone through all this snow.”

Phil's face dropped at this thought, “You mean I wont be able to go when it is snowy?”

As it was currently January there was, as you might expect in the Swiss Alps, considerable snow in the area.

“Don't worry Phil, we have it all planned out. On most days Jack will be able to drop you off on his way to the San, on any days when he can't either Connie or myself will drive you there. Now they have those new snowploughs, the road is almost always open, and you tend not to get extreme blizzards after half term round here, so it will only be a problem for the next month or so.”

Historically, St Nicholas had only been for the very youngest pupils, and had been sited close to the main branch of the Chalet School (and therefore next door to the Maynard's home). There had also been a finishing branch of the school a couple of miles away called St Mildred's. The previous year had seen huge changes at the Chalet School, forced partly by the lower numbers of pupils at St Mildred's and partly because St Nicholas was vastly oversubscribed, and many of the local families had complained that it only took boys up to the age of 7. It had been decided to merge St Mildred's with the Sixth form of the main school, and move the KG and Junior school over to the Chalet St Mildred's had used. The new Junior School would take boys and girls from the age of five to ten, once pupils were ready for the Lower Third the girls could progress to the main branch of the Chalet School, and the boys could go to a boys boarding school, either in one of the Swiss cities or in England.

“Mamma, you said you had two pieces of news, what is the second?”
Author:  wheelchairprincess [ 18 May 2007, 16:34 ]
Post subject: 
Sounds like the CS has really been forced to move with the times. And am also wondering what the second piece of news is.
Author:  Fatima [ 18 May 2007, 17:52 ]
Post subject: 
*also wondering about the second piece of news!*

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Lesley [ 18 May 2007, 17:54 ]
Post subject: 
Nice to see the School has changed to meet demand - thanks Bethany
Author:  Cath V-P [ 19 May 2007, 00:39 ]
Post subject: 
Intriguing......thank you Bethany
Author:  bethany [ 06 Jun 2007, 16:32 ]
Post subject: 
Sorry for the long delay between posts, I haven't had much computer access the last two weeks. I am back home now, so hope to get back to more regular posting. Assuming that I get more written of course :)

“Mamma, you said you had two pieces of news, what is the second?”

“I had a reply from the film company, they are going to send a member of staff – a Mr Donald McLeod - out here in a bit over a weeks time. He will be coming here for a skiing holiday, but will be able to spend a couple of days discussing the film details with me first”

“Oooh! Does that mean the film is really going to happen for definite?” Connie asked excitedly

“Not necessarily, but they must be fairly keen I should think.”

“When does he arrive?” Jack asked, joining the conversation for the first time

Joey looked back at her letter, and replied “Saturday the 3rd of February, and he will leave the following Saturday. They ask us if we could recommend a hotel for him to stay in.”

“Hmm, that will be tricky for the first two nights at this late notice. The conference we're running at the San wont finish until the Monday, and it is right in the middle of the skiing season.”

Joey decided to phone round the hotels in the morning and see what she could do. Failing that, they could always put him up at Freudisheim for a couple of nights.
Author:  Lesley [ 06 Jun 2007, 20:30 ]
Post subject: 
Why not put him up there anyway?


Thanks for this Bethany - always good to see updates.
Author:  Sal [ 06 Jun 2007, 22:41 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Bethany :)
Author:  Sarah_K [ 06 Jun 2007, 22:53 ]
Post subject: 
I think I've been reading too many romance fics, my first thought was "oh if he stays at Freudesheim maybe he'll get to know Con better" :lol: Possibly a little premature!

Thank you Bethany :wink:
Author:  Alison H [ 06 Jun 2007, 22:55 ]
Post subject: 
I hope he finds a hotel room - a few days with Bruno and all the Maynard kids and he might run a mile :lol: !

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Jennie [ 07 Jun 2007, 11:44 ]
Post subject: 
Perhaps he'll want Con to star in the film. After all, she did become a film star in one of my drabbles.
Author:  Carys [ 07 Jun 2007, 13:47 ]
Post subject: 
Oh I am enjoying this, I wonder what exactly Connie will get up to.

But what's happened to Marie-Claire?
Author:  bethany [ 08 Jun 2007, 11:10 ]
Post subject: 
Hi,
Here is today's post, it is a little short but the next one will be extra long to make up :)

Cazx: In this universe some long lost distant relative eventually turned up for Marie-Claire. Joey had to put so much energy into looking after Phil when she was poorly that she agreed to Marie-Claire living with them. This story wont really mention Marie-Claire much though.

It turned out that Jack's prediction was correct – all of the hotels on the Platz were fully booked the first weekend of Mr McLeod's visit. Joey had offered him the use of a bedroom and sitting room in a wing of Freudisheim. The wing was currently not in use, an old school friend of Joey's (a Stacie Benson) had been staying there, but was spending a year visiting Yale in America. Anna was always on top of the housework, and so it was little work form them to make those rooms presentable.

Joey and Connie had decided, based on the rare visits Joey had made to her publishers combined with her active imagination, that Mr McLeod would be a rather grumpy man in his early 60's who didn't particularly like children. Consequentially they had given him two rooms in the wing of the house, rather than in the main area. This way if he did dislike children, he could avoid them in his own quarters, and if Joey and Connie found him tedious and dull, they could escape from him!
Author:  Jennie [ 08 Jun 2007, 11:15 ]
Post subject: 
Famous last words?
Author:  Lexi [ 08 Jun 2007, 11:19 ]
Post subject: 
Nice to know that Stacie is off doing her own thing again.

I hope that Mr McLeod is young, extremely good looking and sweeps Connie off her feet :D
Author:  Sal [ 08 Jun 2007, 11:38 ]
Post subject: 
bethany wrote:
if Joey and Connie found him tedious and dull, they could escape from him!
:lol:

Thanks Bethany
Author:  Alison H [ 08 Jun 2007, 11:51 ]
Post subject: 
Aww, people are never how you imagine before you meet them. Hopefully he'll be charming, rich and handsome :wink: .
Author:  Lesley [ 08 Jun 2007, 19:02 ]
Post subject: 
Bet he's the one for Con!

Thanks Bethany
Author:  MaryR [ 08 Jun 2007, 21:16 ]
Post subject: 
Lesley wrote:
Bet he's the one for Con!


My thoughts exactly, Lesley. :lol: But maybe she'd rather have a book published than have a man in tow! :roll:

Thanks, Bethany.
Author:  bethany [ 09 Jun 2007, 08:05 ]
Post subject: 
As promised, today's episode is much longer. I am hoping it isn't too confusing...

It is interesting to see that I am not alone in wanting to find a nice man for Connie to fall in love with. Whether she will find love in this drabble is another matter though ;)

Meanwhile, in an office in London an important discussion was taking place.

“I'm sorry Bob, but it has to be you.” A rather flustered looking middled aged man said.
“But I am still working on the script for the SciFi film.” Bob replied
“I know, Donald was the only one not heavily involved in a project right now. Of all the times for the silly idiot to break his leg...”
“He will be fine though wont he?”
“Oh yes, he wont have a limp or anything. But he wont be able to go out to Switzerland in 3 days time.”
“And I am the best to go in his place?”
“Exactly. Now I would like you to work as hard as you can over the next two days on the SciFi script. Then you can leave it for the next two weeks, and work on this Nancy Meets a Nazi project. You have Friday to read through the book, and the notes Donald made, and you leave early Saturday morning”

“What will we tell um...” Bob reached for the book on the table, “Miss Bettany?”
“Her married name is Mrs Maynard. I was thinking that the easiest thing would be for you to explain when you arrive – there isn't time to send a letter. She hasn't met Donald before, so she wont know what to expect anyway.”
“All right, I will go, though the next three days are going to be busy.”
“Well, you get a week off to go skiing afterwards as a reward for working so hard”
“I am staying there for a whole week like Donald was?” Bob was very surprised to hear this.
“Yes, it was all booked, and it is too late to cancel. It should give you the opportunity to meet with Mrs Maynard again during the week should you need to. Also, it has come to my attention that you haven't been taking all of your holiday entitlement. Donald, being my son, gets away with murder, and has had plenty of holidays this year. I decided that you needed a week skiing.”
“But... um... well, thank you, thank you very much.”

Bob had known his boss was unusual in many ways. He was generally very laid back (but somehow still managed to have things his own way), and welcomed the opinions of even the most junior of his staff. Bob knew that Donald didn't get away with murder, but worked as hard as every one else. He also had a suspicion as to who had paid for the Donald's skiing holiday that Bob would now be taking. To be treated like that by ones boss certainly made the hard work worthwhile!
Author:  Lesley [ 09 Jun 2007, 08:32 ]
Post subject: 
Like that Bob's working on the SciFi film. Wonder if he's ever been skiing before?

Thanks bethany.
Author:  leahbelle [ 09 Jun 2007, 16:45 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Bethany :lol: .
Author:  Rob [ 09 Jun 2007, 23:07 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Bethany!

*wonders if Bob will be so happy to be staying for a weeks skiing after he's met Joey!* :lol:
Author:  keren [ 10 Jun 2007, 12:37 ]
Post subject: 
I am sure he did not expect to be staying with joey
Author:  Jennie [ 10 Jun 2007, 13:26 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Bethany. I bet a couple of days with Jo will ensure that he spends his time on the ski slopes.
Author:  Sal [ 10 Jun 2007, 15:47 ]
Post subject: 
Can someone tell me where to find a boss like Bob's? :)

Thanks Bethany
Author:  Mary [ 10 Jun 2007, 17:28 ]
Post subject: 
I have high hopes for Bob. What a man.
Author:  bethany [ 10 Jun 2007, 17:48 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you for posting comments, it is really nice to know that people have been reading this. I have high hopes that the plot bunnies will allow Bob and Connie to meet in the next instalment :)

As predicted, Bob did have a very hectic three days. He felt like the first time had could sit down was when he was on the plane to Switzerland, and even then he was re-reading Nancy Meets a Nazi.

To say that Bob was a little nervous at meeting Mrs Maynard, and turning her book into a film script would be an understatement. He was usually very good at his job, but knew this was at least partly because he took the time to thoroughly prepare and research things in advance. With only 3 days warning for this project – two of which were spent getting his previous script into a state he could leave it in – he felt more than a little unprepared. He was clinging on to the fact that the company wouldn't have sent him here if he didn't believe he could do a good job.

While waiting for his baggage to appear, he looked again at the detailed instructions given by the Katie (one of the secretarial staff). Apparently a hire had been booked for him, which he needed to collect, and then drive up to the Platz. Katie had written down directions to get to Freudisheim and even added a reminder to drive on the right hand side of the road!

A couple of hours later, Bob pulled up outside a large building that he hoped was Freudisheim, it fitted with his directions but was somewhat larger than he had anticipated. Also, from the file Donald had prepared, he had expected to see some of the eleven children playing outside. Although it hadn't snowed for several days, and the roads had been perfectly clear, there was plenty of snow in the garden, and it was a beautifully clear, sunny day. He didn't know a lot about children, but he imagined that a Saturday afternoon like this and they would be outside.

What he didn't know was that Joey Maynard, having decided that he would hate children, had banished them to either the far reaches of the back garden, or the nursery rooms upstairs! Currently they were all playing upstairs in the nursery out of sight.

Bob took a deep breath, and rang the front doorbell.
Author:  Rob [ 10 Jun 2007, 18:28 ]
Post subject: 
Oooh a new update! Thanks Bethany!

*knocks on the door just in case the bell isn't working, so Joey will know he's there and we can get the next installment of the story!!* :lol:
Author:  keren [ 10 Jun 2007, 20:15 ]
Post subject: 
this sounds good
Author:  Lesley [ 10 Jun 2007, 21:14 ]
Post subject: 
Hope the first impressions are favourable on both sides.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Alison H [ 10 Jun 2007, 22:28 ]
Post subject: 
It's weird how you imagine what people are going to be like before you meet them ... and usually get it all wrong :wink: .
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 11 Jun 2007, 10:36 ]
Post subject: 
Alison H wrote:
It's weird how you imagine what people are going to be like before you meet them ... and usually get it all wrong :wink: .


That is so true! I remember the first time I saw some photos on the CBB of the CBBers and being really surprised with how everyone looked like. I was half expecting everyone to be dressed liked they were in the 1950's and I kind of pictured Lesley to look like Hilda Annersley!! (Sorry Lesley but in my mind the two of you are kind of tangled together).

Anyway I digress. Lovely to catch up with this
Author:  Jennie [ 11 Jun 2007, 14:17 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Bethany, I think this will be an interesting meeting.
Author:  Fatima [ 11 Jun 2007, 15:39 ]
Post subject: 
What a daunting prospect, arriving at Freudesheim! It's a good job Jo banished the children! Thanks Bethany.
Author:  leahbelle [ 11 Jun 2007, 17:01 ]
Post subject: 
I think arriving at Freudesheim to be bombarded by the whole family sounds like a terrifying prospect. I hope he likes them once he gets to know them, though, and that the family likes him.
Author:  MaryR [ 11 Jun 2007, 17:04 ]
Post subject: 
What a bucolic scene he had in mind, children rollicking in the snow, sun shining, etc. :lol:

Thanks, Bethany
Author:  Lesley [ 11 Jun 2007, 17:42 ]
Post subject: 
Fiona Mc wrote:
That is so true! I remember the first time I saw some photos on the CBB of the CBBers and being really surprised with how everyone looked like. I was half expecting everyone to be dressed liked they were in the 1950's and I kind of pictured Lesley to look like Hilda Annersley!! (Sorry Lesley but in my mind the two of you are kind of tangled together).


Oh good grief! :roll: :wink:
Author:  Sal [ 11 Jun 2007, 22:52 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Bethany this meeting should be fun :lol:
Author:  bethany [ 16 Jun 2007, 11:30 ]
Post subject: 
Sorry that it took me so long to update this. I realised that I had left poor Bob standing on the doorstep of Freudisheim for almost a week!

Connie was in the kitchen returning the lunch plates from the nursery when she heard the doorbell rang. She put down what she was carrying, and knowing that her mother was under strict instructions to take things easy, it was Rösli's day off, and that Anna was busy in the kitchen, she ran to answer the door.

As Bob waited on the doorstep, he wondered idly whether it would be Mrs Maynard herself or perhaps a servant who would answer the door. What he didn't expect was to see a beautiful young women. She was fairly tall (though as he would later find out, she was the shortest of the triplets), and slender, but with curves in all the right places! What he noticed most of all were her eyes, they were a lovely rich dark brown colour that matched her hair perfectly. He realised that he should say something, rather than standing there staring!

“Umm, Hello. I am here to see Mrs Maynard, I think she is expecting a Mr Donald McLeod but I had to come instead. My name is Bob Spencer.”

When Connie answered the door she was also amazed at what she saw. Bob Spencer wasn't the stern middle-aged man her mother had anticipated, he can't have been much more than five years older than herself, maybe ten at most. He was tall and slim, with thick dark hair in a slightly unusual style that suited him very well. His skin colour was dark enough to suggest that perhaps one of his grandparents originated from the Indian subcontinent. When he introduced himself, she realised that he looked tired, and slightly nervous. She tried to put him at ease.

“I am very pleased to meet you, I am Connie, Mrs Maynard's daughter. Welcome to Freuisheim!"
Author:  PaulineS [ 16 Jun 2007, 11:38 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for letting Con open the door and let him in at last. I hope he can ski and likes children.
I am enjoying this.
Author:  Rob [ 16 Jun 2007, 13:00 ]
Post subject: 
This is great Bethany, thanks!

bethany wrote:
Sorry that it took me so long to update this. I realised that I had left poor Bob standing on the doorstep of Freudisheim for almost a week!


Errrm ... assuming I read the update correctly, he's still stood on the doorstep! I think that means he deserves another update soon, just so he can go inside!! :lol:
Author:  Alison H [ 16 Jun 2007, 13:17 ]
Post subject: 
Well, he seems quite taken with Con :wink: .
Author:  Lesley [ 16 Jun 2007, 13:23 ]
Post subject: 
They seem quite taken with each other, actually! :lol:

Does Bob have Indian relatives?

Thanks Bethany
Author:  leahbelle [ 16 Jun 2007, 16:57 ]
Post subject: 
Glad they seem to like each other!
Author:  Jennie [ 16 Jun 2007, 20:34 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Bethany.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 17 Jun 2007, 02:53 ]
Post subject: 
Hmm, I wonder if Jo will notice anything between these two :D
Author:  bethany [ 17 Jun 2007, 15:11 ]
Post subject: 
Rob wrote:
Errrm ... assuming I read the update correctly, he's still stood on the doorstep! I think that means he deserves another update soon, just so he can go inside!! :lol:


You are so right Rob, you must be paying more attention to this than I am ;). Well, I wouldn't want poor Bob to spend any longer waiting to enter Freudisheim, so here is the next (rather dull - sorry) section:

After hanging his coat in the cloakroom, Connie led Bob through into the Lounge, to meet her Mother.

“Mamma, this is Mr Bob Spencer. He's the film-writing-man.”

Bob grinned at how Connie described him, then suddenly realised why Mrs Maynard had been too 'busy' to come to London. She looked to be only a month or so away from having a baby. He wondered briefly if 'busy' was a common English way to say a women was expecting a baby. It was rare these days for him to come across an English expression that was unfamiliar to him, but it still happened on occasion. He was very relieved that he had figured this one out before making a fool of himself!

“I am pleased to meet you Mr Spencer. But I thought you were going to be Donald McLeod. Well, I mean, you would always be who you are, but I thought the person visiting the Platz was to be Donald McLeod” Joey Maynard replied, in what many of her friends would describe as 'typical Joey'.

Bob explained how Donald had broken he leg, and he was to be the replacement. He finished by hoping that the original arrangements would still stand, even if he wasn't the man they had been expecting.

“Of course, I knew nothing about the other man anyway. Welcome to Switzerland, I hope you have a wonderful time here.” Joey become rather more the proper hostess.

“Thank you Mrs Maynard, I am sure I will,” he pointed out the window, “the view from here is amazing.”

“I am glad you like it.” Joey replied smiling. “We must have lived here for about ten years now, and I have never tired of the view.”

Edited to fix a typo.
Author:  Miranda [ 17 Jun 2007, 15:28 ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
Well, I mean, you would always be who you are, but I thought the person visiting the Platz was to be Donald Spencer


Wonderful :lol: :lol:
Author:  Jennie [ 17 Jun 2007, 15:32 ]
Post subject: 
Typically Joey.
Author:  leahbelle [ 17 Jun 2007, 16:48 ]
Post subject: 
Lovely!
Author:  Alison H [ 17 Jun 2007, 17:14 ]
Post subject: 
I loved his confusion about the word "busy" :lol: :lol: .
Author:  Lesley [ 17 Jun 2007, 19:34 ]
Post subject: 
Love the way Joey greeted him - if her written work is as muddled as her speech then her editor must be on danger money! :lol:


*Ponders - wonder if Hilda used to beta for her?*


Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Rob [ 18 Jun 2007, 00:08 ]
Post subject: 
bethany wrote:
You are so right Rob, you must be paying more attention to this than I am.


:oops: :lol:

bethany wrote:
Well, I wouldn't want poor Bob to spend any longer waiting to enter Freudisheim, so here is the next (rather dull - sorry) section:


Yay! He got to go inside! :lol:
Not dull at all, t'was very Joey in fact! Thanks bethany!
Author:  alicat [ 18 Jun 2007, 11:38 ]
Post subject: 
am admiring Bob's intelligence for figuring out 'busy' so fast and also womdering what will happen next time he uses it in conversation when not with the Maynards...... :lol:
Author:  Rosalin [ 18 Jun 2007, 19:16 ]
Post subject: 
Also enjoyed his understanding of busy :lol:

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  bethany [ 24 Jun 2007, 11:25 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for all the nice comments, sorry I am updating this so slowly. I had hoped to post daily updates, and to have this finished before I go away in the summer. I seem to be failing miserably at the daily updates, and I don't think there is any chance I will finish before I go away (in less than 2 weeks - eek!). Oh well, this is a long update at least!

After discovering that Bob had not had any lunch yet, Joey suggested that Connie should show him his rooms, popping in to see Anna on the way back. Bob could then have a little while to rest and freshen himself up while Anna heated the soup.

“We weren't sure exactly when you would arrive, and whether you would have eaten or not. I thought soup would be the best option, and it will be nice and warming on a day like this.” Joey replied

“Thanks you, that is very kind. I hope I wont be too much trouble.”

“Not at all, Connie and I haven't had lunch yet either, so we can have it together in half an hour and get to know each other a little.”


Connie led Bob through the house, to the wing where he would be staying. She chatted nearly continuously, partly due to nerves, and partly in an attempt to make him feel at home.

“My Mother decided you could have these rooms, because they are quite separate form the rest of us. You shouldn't be disturbed the kids at all.” Connie said, deciding it would be prudent not to mention that it was also so they could escape from him if necessary!

“There are eleven of you aren't there?”

“You have been doing your research.” Connie teased, giggling slightly. Bob laughed as well which relieved Connie greatly – it was hard to know how to act with someone you want to impress, but barely knew.

“Well, I have to admit, that it was Donald that actually did the research, I just read up on his notes yesterday!"

“Ah, I see. Well, Donald is correct, there are eleven of us but we don't all live at home, so don't worry, it wont be the complete mad house it can be in the holidays! My elder sister Len is married and they live in a chalet a mile or two away. My next sister is in Edinburgh, training to be a Doctor. Four of my brothers are in England at school or university.” Connie decided that it was easier not to mentioned the wards and adoptees who also called Freudisheim home.

“So the remaining, um, five of you live here?” He said trying to keep track of things.

“To some extent at least,“ Connie replied smiling, “The youngest, Phil does, and I do of course. Felicity, Cecily and Geoff all go to school here and come home for weekends. Well, Felicity doesn't always, but she has this weekend.”

“So I only have to remember the names of four of your siblings while I am here?” Bob asked

Connie laughed, hoping that he would remember her name easily, “I suppose it must be a bit overwhelming at first.”
Author:  Fatima [ 24 Jun 2007, 11:54 ]
Post subject: 
I hope he really wants to remember her name!

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  linda [ 24 Jun 2007, 13:09 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Bethany.

I've only just found this drabble. It's a great idea - a film of one of Joey's books. I hope Bob and Connie get to know one another better. He sounds like a very nice young man.
Author:  leahbelle [ 24 Jun 2007, 13:11 ]
Post subject: 
I definitely hope he remembers Connie's name!
Author:  Lesley [ 24 Jun 2007, 13:26 ]
Post subject: 
Getting along well there, aren't they? :lol:


Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Jennie [ 24 Jun 2007, 13:40 ]
Post subject: 
Well, that's good. Perhaps Con will discover that she has a major talent for writing for the screen.
Author:  Alison H [ 24 Jun 2007, 13:43 ]
Post subject: 
I'm sure he won't be forgetting her name :wink: !
Author:  Rob [ 24 Jun 2007, 16:38 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Bob - given only one day to try and understand all the Maynards!
Author:  Rosalin [ 24 Jun 2007, 23:36 ]
Post subject: 
Lucky she didn't include the wards, he seems confused enough with just the Maynards. Although I think he'll remember one of them :D

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  bethany [ 01 Jul 2007, 11:55 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks again for taking the time to post comments. I think this might be the last update for a couple of months, so it is extra long to make up. I am leaving on Thursday (eek! so much to do, so little time!), so I might have time to write+post some more before then, but I am not sure.

Connie left Bob to freshen up and unpack, popped in to the kitchen to ask Anna if lunch could be ready in half and hour, and then went to see if she could help her mother at all. Connie walked into the lounge and noticed that her mother was deeply engrossed in a novel, moving closer, Connie noticed that it was Nancy Meets a Nazi. Grinning to herself, Connie left her mother too it. It seemed that Bob wasn't the only one who had been reading up in preparation for their meeting!

Connie busied herself in laying the table for lunch and helping Anna in the kitchen. At the same time, she couldn't quite stop thinking about Bob Spencer, and wondering how much she would be able to see of him during his week in Switzerland.

“Do the rooms meet with your approval Mr Spencer?” Joey asked, while they were eating their lunch.

“Oh yes, they are great, and the views of the mountains are amazing.”

“I hope you will enjoy your stay here. As you may have noticed, this house is called Freudisheim, which translates to 'Happy Home', and I hope you will have a very happy stay here.”

“I am sure I will, thank you. It was nice if you to give me rooms away from the noise of the house. Though I have to admit, your young children don't appear to make any noise at all so far.”

“Oh, I assure you, they can make plenty of noise when they want to.” Joey replied grinning, “They are on their best behaviour this weekend.”

“Please don't banish them to the far rooms of the house, purely for my benefit. I remember the treat that weekends at home were myself.”

“You went to a boarding school as well?” Connie asked

“I did, not from as young as your brothers and sisters, because I didn't move to England till I was 13.”

“Where did you live before that?” Joey asked, interested to learn more about his background.

“Well, I was born in Rawalpindi in what is now called Pakistan, though it was part of India then. My father was British, from Cambridgeshire. My mother's family come from a small village near the town of Gilgit, I spent much of my childhood there.”

“Gilgit? I am afraid I haven't hear of it, though I was born in India myself, whereabouts is it exactly?”

”Well it is kind of complicated, but Gilgit is now a region of Pakistan called the Northern Areas. India refers to it as Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.”

“So you must be used to impressive mountain scenery?” Connie asked, gesturing at the mountains that could be seen from the window.”

“Not recently, Cambridgeshire isn't know for its mountains... The mountains around Gilgit are amazing, I have never seen anything like it since. Though it is lovely to be among mountains again here.”

Joey realised that this wasn't a subject to delve too deeply into. The look on his face as he recalled the place was a mixture of homesickness and sadness. She managed to turn the conversation to safer topics by asking him if this was his first trip to the Alps.

Apologies if I have inaccurately described the Gilgit area, when I was there I was too interested in the amazing scenery to pay enough much attention to its political history.
Author:  Alison H [ 01 Jul 2007, 12:00 ]
Post subject: 
Mmm ... he sounds very interesting ...
Author:  Jennie [ 01 Jul 2007, 14:32 ]
Post subject: 
Yes, and I hope Con takes to him.

Mind you, I'd always thought that Jo had every word she'd ever written engraved on her heart.
Author:  Rob [ 01 Jul 2007, 15:12 ]
Post subject: 
I think it was her fly-paper memory rather than her heart Jennie ... though Jack was a very skilled doctor!!

Thanks Bethany
Author:  Lesley [ 01 Jul 2007, 19:33 ]
Post subject: 
Glad that he can appreciate mountainous scenery -and another link with him also having been born on the Indian sub-continent.


Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Rosalin [ 01 Jul 2007, 22:48 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Bethany. Hope you have a good trip.
Author:  bethany [ 02 Jul 2007, 11:32 ]
Post subject: 
I've just come down with a cold, so sitting in front of a computer quietly writing this is more appealing than running round doing all the jobs I need to do... Hopefully my stuffy-head hasn't introduced too many more typos and errors than normal.

She managed to turn the conversation to safer topics by asking him if this was his first trip to the Alps.

“It is, I have visited France several times but never the mountainous regions, and Switzerland is completely new to me.”

“Does that mean that this will be your first winter sports holiday then?” Connie asked.

“Yep, I am rather afraid that it will be a bit of a steep learning curve. I was never particularly good at sports while I was at school. Well that isn't entirely true, I did reasonably well at orienteering and running, but they don't require the coordination that I imagine skiing does.”

“Skiing is different to other sports, I was never as good as my sisters at games when we were at school, but I enjoy skiing.” Connie said, hoping to encourage him.

“I do hope you are right, but I am not convinced! I was hoping that you might be able to recommend a good instructor? I am afraid that my German is essentially none-existent, they would need to speak reasonable English.”

“I am not sure, but I am sure that my husband, Jack, will know. Which reminds me, he sends his apologies, but probably wont be home until this evening. He's a doctor and runs the Sanatorium at the other end of the Platz. They have a big medical conference this week, so he is rather tied up with that.”

“The conference that has filled the hotels for the weekend?”

“Exactly, they finish at lunchtime on Monday, so I am afraid we wont see much of Jack until then. But if Jack can't find you an instructor, perhaps Connie could help?”

“But I know as much about local ski instructors as you do Mamma.” Connie replied, slightly surprised. She turned to Bob, “I'm sorry, but I can't think of anyone who speaks good English, and would be free this week.”

“Silly Connie, I meant that you could be the instructor. Bob, Connie has been skiing since she was tiny, and has helped with the teaching of many girls when she was at school. Her English isn't bad either!”

Bob smiled at Connie, “It sounds like you may be perfectly qualified. I may well take you up on that offer, if you aren't too busy, and you don't mind?”
Author:  Alison H [ 02 Jul 2007, 11:47 ]
Post subject: 
Maybe they could get stranded in a nice hut by an avalanche ... :lol: .

*Sending Lemsip and handsome doctors to make your cold better.*
Author:  Rosalin [ 02 Jul 2007, 11:56 ]
Post subject: 
Connie should know how easy it is to teach skiing. You just warn your pupil about their toes crossing and watch while they

(i) Look blank as they don't have a clue what you're on about and

(ii) Find out for themselves as they fall over.

Nothing to it :lol:

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Jennie [ 02 Jul 2007, 12:00 ]
Post subject: 
Is Jo doing a little discreet matchmaking there? Or does she believe that Con will never leave home?
Author:  leahbelle [ 02 Jul 2007, 15:47 ]
Post subject: 
It definitely seems as if Jo is trying to thrust them together...
Author:  Lesley [ 02 Jul 2007, 18:45 ]
Post subject: 
I got that impression too - well done Jo!


Thanks Bethany - hope you feel better soon.
Author:  Rob [ 02 Jul 2007, 19:17 ]
Post subject: 
bethany wrote:
Silly Connie, I meant that you could be the instructor.


:rofl:

Thanks Bethany!
Author:  Sal [ 05 Jul 2007, 17:58 ]
Post subject: 
Nice one Jo,

Thanks Bethany I hope you have a good trip.
Author:  bethany [ 23 Aug 2007, 09:22 ]
Post subject: 
Hello,
I finally got back from my travels to Austria on Tuesday, so here is a long overdue update!
Bethany

“I would be happy to help when I can, but you might want to make enquires about a proper instructor as well because I wont be able to spend the whole week skiing.” Connie replied, secretly hoping that she could in fact spend a large amount of the week skiing with him.

“Her boss is very strict you see, doesn't give her much time off.” Joey added with a grin.

Connie noticed that Bob looked rather confused, and took pity on him, “I work part time here as a Mother's Help, mainly teaching and looking after young Phil. So my mother is essentially my boss”

“Ah, I understand, I hope she is an understanding boss! So, if you only work part-time, you must get a reasonable amount of free time?” Bob replied hopefully.

“I do a little bit of other work as well. I write a fortnightly travel article for a magazine, usually about a city in Switzerland, Austria or southern Germany. This month they want skiing articles instead, I have done one on Zermatt, and thought that this time I would do one about that Platz. It is really good for skiing here, but it is such a new resort that few people have heard about it. I thought it would make a big contrast to Zermatt as well.”

“So if you helped me with my skiing, you could be doing research?”

“I suppose you could say that,” Connie replied grinning.

Anna came in and offered them a top up of their coffee, and removed the plates.

“Bob, would you like anything else for lunch, or shall we take our coffees into my study and make a start?” Joey asked.

Bob would have rather spend the afternoon chatting with Connie, but agreed that they should make a start, and they headed into Joey's study while Connie finished clearing the table. Connie was hoping that they would need a break by Kaffee und Kuchen time, so that she could join them for it. It would be nice to get to know Bob a little more!
Author:  Alison H [ 23 Aug 2007, 09:34 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Con, having Joey as her "boss"!!
Author:  Rosalin [ 23 Aug 2007, 10:05 ]
Post subject: 
Bethany wrote:
“So if you helped me with my skiing, you could be doing research?”


Crafty :wink:

Thanks Bethany, hope you had a good holiday. It's great to see this back.
Author:  Lesley [ 23 Aug 2007, 10:18 ]
Post subject: 
Awww, that's sweet - and I think Joey is going to be a very understanding Boss - if she can't see how attracted Con and Bob are to each other she needs glasses!


Thanks bethany - did you have a nice time in Austria?
Author:  Mona [ 23 Aug 2007, 10:38 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the update Bethany - Con's very sweet.
Welcome back!
Author:  Liz K [ 23 Aug 2007, 10:42 ]
Post subject: 
Can't understand why I haven't kept up with this one, absolutely loving it!

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Jennie [ 23 Aug 2007, 14:24 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Con, with her mother for a boss.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 23 Aug 2007, 15:35 ]
Post subject: 
Alison H wrote:
Poor Con, having Joey as her "boss"!!


It depends. At least Joey seems fairly relaxed about it all
Author:  leahbelle [ 23 Aug 2007, 17:05 ]
Post subject: 
this sounds promising for Connie!
Author:  MaryR [ 23 Aug 2007, 17:32 ]
Post subject: 
Joey seems very pleasant as a boss lady. :D

Enjoying this, thanks, Bathany.
Author:  bethany [ 24 Aug 2007, 08:18 ]
Post subject: 
Hello again,
I did have an excellent holiday in Austria (it is such a nice place!) thank you. We walked past a group of shepard's huts often, but never had to seek shelter in them. We did come out of a cave we were exploring at 9:30pm into a humongous thuderstorm and have to spend half the night sitting inside the cave in our survival bags waiting for the storm to die down, shame the shepard's huts weren't nearer then it would have been a proper CS adventure!
Anyway, enough of me waffling on, here is the next (rather dull) installment.

Bob and Joey were seated either side of her large writing table, which Joey had cleared of its usual piles of paper for this weekend. They both had their copies of Nanzy Meets Nazi out, and Bob had his pile of notes. Neither were really sure where to begin.

Bob took a deep breath and made a start, “I believe that Nancy Meets a Nazi is essentially based on true events. I wondered if we could make a start by you telling me about what actually happened, and what got edited out of the book, or invented to make the story flow? You see, would like to base the film on the real events as far as possible.”

Joey launched into the story she had told many times before, this time however, she tried to remember to highlight events she had missed out of her novel. It transpired that she had stuck reasonably diligently to what had really happened, the main difference was the characters. She explained to Bob, “I thought this would work well as a sequel to Patrol Leader Nancy, so I used the characters I already had. They weren't a part of an English boarding school in Austria, just a group of Guides on a camp, so any parts of the real story that revolved around the school were missed out, or re-written.”

“Would you have any objections to the film being based on a group of school children? I suspect that will appeal to a larger range of children.”

“That's fine, my main concern is the attitude we give to the war, and the distinction between the Nazi's and the Austrian people.”

Once they had that settled they made rapid progress, and spent the rest of the afternoon throwing ideas around with Bob filled pages of his notebook with notes. They were both taken by surprise when at 4pm, Connie poked her head round the door to enquire as to where they wanted their Kaffee und Kuchen.
Author:  Alison H [ 24 Aug 2007, 08:54 ]
Post subject: 
The holiday sounds pretty exciting!
Author:  Carys [ 24 Aug 2007, 11:04 ]
Post subject: 
Glad to see this back again! :D
Author:  Jennie [ 24 Aug 2007, 12:48 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Bethany.
Author:  Lesley [ 24 Aug 2007, 19:06 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Bethany - a real CS style holiday then. :lol:
Author:  Rob [ 24 Aug 2007, 19:42 ]
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Yay its back - thanks Bethany!!
Author:  bethany [ 26 Aug 2007, 12:49 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks for the comments. Sorry there was no update yesterday, my SLOC has just left for a week away at a conference so we were busy yesterday and this morning. I suspect the house will seem very empty+quiet this week, so I might gets lots of writing done. It will get to the more interesting stuff soon (hopefully!).

“Gosh is it really that time already? We must have been working hard. Shall we have a break Bob, and have Kaffee und Kuchen in the lounge with Connie?”

Bob wasn't very sure what 'Kaffee und Kuchen' meant, he assumed it was a German phrase, and cursed himself for not having had time to look through the phrase book he had been lent. He decided that 'Kaffee' probably meant coffee, and a glance at the clock on the wall suggested that the timing was plausible for afternoon tea.

“Sounds an excellent plan, I certainly think we deserve a break.” Bob replied, “Connie, will your brothers and sisters be joining us too?”

“Well, they haven't had theirs yet, but I was going to take it up to the nursery for them, so they were out of your way.”

“You really don't have to hide them away from me, maybe we could all have it together? If they behave really badly, you can banish them to the nursery for the rest of the weekend.” Bob said smiling.

Joey and Connie grinned back, and Connie turned to run upstairs. ”Oh, I almost forgot, would you prefer tea or coffee?”

Bob was relieved to hear that 'Kaffee und Kuchen' did indeed include coffee (or, it seemed tea). “Oh, whichever is easiest would be fine, you have all been so hospitable, I wouldn't want to make any more work for you.”

“Don't worry, you can chose whichever you like. I have tea, but most of the others have coffee, except Phil and Geoff who have hot milk. I have trouble sleeping if I have coffee in the afternoon or evening you see.” Connie decided to gloss over the rather embarrassing fact that, on occasion, her 'trouble' included sleepwalking.

After Connie had left, Bob turned to Joey and asked, with more than a touch of embarrassment, “I am afraid my knowledge of German is none existent, what does 'Kaffee und Kuchen' mean please?”

“Oh I am sorry, you see I lived in the Austrian Tyrol from the age of 12, and we have been out here in German-speaking Switzerland for years and years. We do forget sometimes that not everyone speaks fluent English, French and German like we do. Kaffee translates to coffee, and Kuchen to cake, so basically 'Kaffee und Kuchen' is afternoon tea.” Joey explained
Author:  Alison H [ 26 Aug 2007, 13:07 ]
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I don't speak German either, but I'm afraid that I know the word for "cake" in rather too many languages :oops: :lol: !

Glad that everyone seems to be getting on well.
Author:  leahbelle [ 26 Aug 2007, 13:50 ]
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Alison H wrote:
I don't speak German either, but I'm afraid that I know the word for "cake" in rather too many languages :oops: :lol: !


Me too!

Good to see that Bob's settling in so well with them.
Author:  Lesley [ 26 Aug 2007, 14:00 ]
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Yep, me too - and chocolate for some reason....


Thanks bethany.
Author:  Jennie [ 26 Aug 2007, 14:02 ]
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I bet everyone on the board knows the words for cake and chocolate in at least ten different languages.
Author:  Pat [ 26 Aug 2007, 19:36 ]
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Lesley wrote:
Thanks Bethany - a real CS style holiday then. :lol:


We had a storm when we were in Kitzbuhel. Thunder, lightning, torrential rain. We sheltered along the side of a shop building. It was raing too hard to get round the corner to the door.
Then it stopped raining, the sun came out and the water just drained away!
Author:  bethany [ 28 Aug 2007, 18:46 ]
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I agree that 'chocolate' and 'cake' are important words to know in any language, 'ice cream' is as well :)
Hmm now I am really hungry, must be time to cook some dinner. Chocolate, cake, and ice cream is a healthy balanced meal right?

Once Joey and Bob had “tied up the loose ends” as Joey put it, she led him through into the lounge, where her family had already gathered. Bob was a little nervous, so far he had little to do with young children, and there were four of them in the room ranging from (he guessed) seven to fourteen years of age. Not to mention Connie, whom he really didn't want to look stupid in front of.

“Well Bob, here are some of my family.” Joey said as she gestured round the room. “You people, this is Bob Spencer, one of the 'film-people' as you all insist on calling them.”

There were shrieks of annoyance from several corners of the room, and all speaking at the same time, Joey's offspring attempted to point out that it was her who had come up with the nickname, not them!

Joey put on her stern voice, and requested that they were all quiet and well-behaved. “Otherwise you will show me to be a bad mother you know!”

This just resulted in giggles, but did succeed in breaking the ice, and stopping Bob from feeling so nervous.

“This is Felicity, my eldest daughter at school, and the most musical of my children.” Joey began, as a shy looking girl stepped forward. Bob guessed she must be about 14 or so, he was surprised to notice that she looked very different to Connie and Joey. Felicity had very pale blonde hair, a small slight build with an almost fairy-like quality. “We thought a few years ago that Felicity was going to become a ballet dancer, but since she started playing with young Phil's flute we rather changed our minds.”

Joey then went on to introduce him to ten year old Cecil, who pointed out that she was 'nearly' eleven! Then he was introduced to 'the second twins' Phil and Geoff who were sitting on either side of Connie on the large sofa.

Bob sat himself down next to Geoff, and before he had had a chance to say anything, Geoff pipped up with, 'Are you really going to make a film from one of Mamma's books?”
Author:  Lesley [ 28 Aug 2007, 21:05 ]
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Joey came across so naturally there - lovely.


Thanks bethany.

(Oh and that sounds like a perfectly balanced diet to me! :wink: )
Author:  Alison H [ 28 Aug 2007, 21:33 ]
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Hope he doesn't feel too overwhelmed by all those Maynards!
Author:  Sarah_K [ 28 Aug 2007, 22:06 ]
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Awww I love family scenes!

If Bob can cope with that many Maynards on his first day there are hopes for him yet!
Author:  Rosalin [ 28 Aug 2007, 22:41 ]
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Bob is looking very promising :wink:

Thanks Bethany.

If you want to expand your range of food groups, there's strawberries. They go well with ice-cream.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 28 Aug 2007, 23:54 ]
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Loved the meeting with the Maynards.
Author:  bethany [ 29 Aug 2007, 08:44 ]
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I think that Bob is coping with the Maynards better than I would be! Sorry if this is a bit too long, there didn't seem to be a good place to break it.

Bob sat himself down next to Geoff, and before he had had a chance to say anything, Geoff piped up with, 'Are you really going to make a film from one of Mamma's books?”

“Yes, and we have made a very good start this afternoon.” Bob replied

“Why?” Geoff replied, using what was his current favourite and most overused word.

“Well, for lots of reasons actually. Firstly we think your mother's book is very good, seco...”

“You like Mamma's books?” Geoff asked

Bob smiled, “I have to admit that I hadn't read Nancy Meets a Nazi until a few weeks ago, because it is written for children, but one of our researchers read through hundreds of books, and decided that it would be a very good book for us to use, and I have to say I agree.”

“Wow.” For the first time in his life Geoff looked proud of his mother, years later Joey would point to this day as the moment Geoff realised that parents are people in their own right, that she was more than just someone to cuddle him when he was hurt or sad and to tell him off when he was naughty.

Meanwhile, Bob was continuing in his explanations to a rapt Geoff. “You see, it will soon be 25 years since the Second World War started, and we wanted to mark the event by producing a film for children of your ages.” He gestured round the room to include not just Phil and Geoff, but Cecil and Felicity as well. “We realised that children of your age don't know much about the war, it happened before you were born, so unlike Connie and myself, you have no memories of it, but also because it was relatively recent, you also wont learn about it in history lessons at school.”

“We still know about it though, like rationing” Cecil said, “Mamma tells us about it, and Papa sometimes.”

“Then you are very lucky, some parents don't like to talk to their children about it because it makes them sad to remember about it.” Bob replied

Felicity was thinking hard. “People only a few years older than me might have lost their father in the war mightn't they?”

“Exactly. We wanted your generation to grow up knowing about the war, we didn't want you to all think that Germans were evil, or that war was glamorous, we wanted you to know the truth.”

Everyone in the room looked very thoughtful at this passionate speech, even young Geoff!

Felicity, again the thoughtful one replied, “So one reason you liked Nancy Meets a Nazi is because it shows that Austrian and German people aren't bad, only the Nazi's were bad?”

Bob smiled, “That's one reason, yes. It was a very unusual message to be writing about at the time.”
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 29 Aug 2007, 08:48 ]
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Love the way Bob is handling meeting the younger Maynards. Thanks
Author:  Alison H [ 29 Aug 2007, 08:55 ]
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That was a really interesting conversation.
Author:  Rosalin [ 29 Aug 2007, 10:24 ]
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I like the film company's way of thinking, and Bob is explaining it really well.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Carys [ 29 Aug 2007, 11:00 ]
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Bob interacting with the younger Maynards is lovely!
Author:  Jennie [ 29 Aug 2007, 11:57 ]
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Thanks, Bethany.
Author:  MaryR [ 29 Aug 2007, 16:08 ]
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I was born just after the war and most people DIDN'T talk about it to us. Bob is quite right. It was a much more *stiff upper lip* period and they simply put their bravery and their hardships behind them and got on with life.

Thanks, Bethany
Author:  leahbelle [ 29 Aug 2007, 17:21 ]
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Bob is handling this very well. He's obviously really interested in his subject.
Author:  Lesley [ 29 Aug 2007, 18:25 ]
Post subject: 
Bob's opinion of Joey's book would also stand for EBD's one too.


Thanks bethany.
Author:  bethany [ 30 Aug 2007, 07:24 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you for the comments, it is really nice to know that people are actually reading this.

Joey wheeled the hostess trolley to next to the sofa, and handed Bob a plate, “Please help yourself to some food, you have to eat as well as answering their questions!”

In fact, Bob was able to make a good start on his meal while Connie and Joey occupied themselves with ensuring that the younger children didn't just eat the biscuits and cakes, and that they drunk their milk.

Looking round the room at the happy family scene Bob had an idea as to how he would like the film to end. Previously he had been very unsure where to end it, perhaps the logical point would be when they crossed the border into Switzerland, but that felt unfinished somehow, his next idea had been to end with Joey and Jack marrying in Guernsey, but people watching the film might well know how soon Guernsey was to become occupied, so it was hardly a 'happily ever after' type ending. He had pondered keeping the wedding as the last scene, but moving it to England, but again that didn't seem right.

However, his new idea was to add a further scene after a brief wedding scene (sufficiently brief that the location could be unknown!), one set in the present. This would have all of the Maynard family together during some family event, maybe a picnic. Then he could have a voice over explaining that the film had been based on the true adventures of Joey and Jack, and that now they were a happy family of eleven offspring (or maybe twelve by the time filming happened!). He was about to mention this to the family, but decided it might be better to ask Joey and Jack about it privately first. Then if they disagreed, he wouldn't have got the children's hopes up unnecessarily.

“Will you write the film, or will our mother?” Felicity asked, unlike her younger siblings she felt embarrassed to call Joey 'Mamma' in front of a stranger.

“I will be the main writer, but your mother is helping me. When I have finished I will give her the script to read, to check that she is happy with it.”

“Will it be shown at the cinema for everyone to see?” Geoff asked

“It will,“ Bob replied smiling, “we usually invite the author to attend a private screening before it is released. If you are all very well behaved, then I might be able to invite you all.”

“Let that be an incentive for you then Geoff!” Joey replied
Author:  Alison H [ 30 Aug 2007, 07:42 ]
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Interesting idea about featuring all the Maynards in the film!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 30 Aug 2007, 09:50 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Bethany. Am liking Bob more and more
Author:  Rosalin [ 30 Aug 2007, 10:51 ]
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I hope Joey and Jack say yes, that sounds like a very nice ending to the film.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Jennie [ 30 Aug 2007, 11:36 ]
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Thanks, Bethany.
Author:  Sarah_K [ 30 Aug 2007, 12:45 ]
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The Maynard/Bettany/Russell families would take up a decent sized cinema for a preview!

I like Bob a lot, he seems to understand the family and the situation well.

Thanks bethany.
Author:  keren [ 30 Aug 2007, 14:36 ]
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I like this one too
Author:  Fatima [ 30 Aug 2007, 14:48 ]
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Bob is very nice. And I can just imagine the excitement at the cinema if the young Maynards see themselves on film!
Author:  Dawn [ 30 Aug 2007, 19:13 ]
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I'm really enjoying this - Bob and all the Maynards (well all the ones we've met so far) seem really nice and natural and generally lovely
Author:  Lesley [ 30 Aug 2007, 23:41 ]
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Considering Bob had this dumped on him, he's doing a really good job so far.

Thanks bethany.
Author:  ghoti [ 01 Sep 2007, 22:26 ]
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Aww, he's so nice :)
Author:  bethany [ 08 Sep 2007, 10:45 ]
Post subject: 
The plot bunny seems to have vanished. I was tempted to make this the final post:

And the were all run over by a bus. The End.

Which is what my Dad used to do when he was reading bedtime stories to me and my sister when we were little and he wanted to stop. Magically by the next night, the characters would have come back to life, and he could continue with the next chapter. Probably gave me a rather warped view of children literature... Anyway, I did manage another post, so they may not be run over by a bus till tomorrow.

Kaffee und Kuchen took much longer than normal that day. They had all asked lots of questions, especially Geoff. Bob was very patient in explaining all of his answers, and in making sure that the younger members of the family understood. He was glad that he only had half the family to deal with in one go, but his nervousness with the children was now a distant memory and he was happy to be spending time with such a nice family.

Once the meal was finally finished the 'small fry' went up to the nursery with Connie and Felicity. Geoff had wanted to take Bob out into the garden to show him the snowman they had made during the afternoon. He took a little persuasion that tomorrow would be better, as it was dark outside, and the snowman was right at the end of the gardens!

Joey, after checking that Bob didn't want to discuss anything more with her till after Abendessen went to have a rest. Although the day was turning out much better than she imagined she was rather tired, and didn't want Jack prescribing a day of bed rest for Sunday!

Bob went back to his rooms, and began to write up his notes from their discussions earlier. He hoped to have a rough plan of the film drawn up that evening. After an hour or so of hard work he started to have trouble with his mind wandering, Connie was such a lovely person, beautiful, graceful and intelligent. He had never met anyone even remotely like her before, however, he had to keep reminding himself that she may already be involved with someone. For all he knew she might be on the verge of becoming engaged – he had however, noted that she wasn't wearing an engagement ring (yet).
Author:  Lesley [ 08 Sep 2007, 10:50 ]
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Oh so he has checked then? :lol:

He's hooked, poor fellow!

Thanks bethany
Author:  Alison H [ 08 Sep 2007, 13:10 ]
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*Sending bunny food.*

He could always try one of those casual "So what does your boyfriend think about ...?" remarks to find out whether or not she's single!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 08 Sep 2007, 13:53 ]
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Glad the bunnies have returned for this :D
Author:  Rosalin [ 08 Sep 2007, 14:43 ]
Post subject: 
*offers more bunny treats*

:lol: At Bob checking to see if Connie was engaged.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  keren [ 08 Sep 2007, 19:44 ]
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please keep going,

I am enjoying this.

Hope you have some inspiration.
Author:  bethany [ 09 Sep 2007, 09:10 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you very much for the comments, and the bunny treats, they seem to have worked very well. No one will be run over by a bus today :)

While Bob was busy attempting to concentrate on his work and not Connie, Connie herself was upstairs in the nursery with Felicity, Cecil, Phil and Geoff. Phil was reading a book and Geoff was engrossed with the family's meccano set, Cecil kept casting jealous looks in his direction. Building things with the meccano set was one of her favourite occupations, but she was using this opportunity to work on a secret project.

The secret project had been Felicity's idea originally, and had been eagerly taken up by Len and Connie, and somewhat less eagerly by young Cecil. They were each knitting squares to sew together into a blanket for their new brother or sister. Felicity, as the most artistic of them had chosen the colours, and planned the design, and between them there were hoping to work fast enough for it to be ready before the baby was born.

“I do hope it wont turn out to be twins after all.” Felicity said

“It could be quads like Mamma was wanting.” Cecil added

“Papa said he was sure it would be a singleton, and he is a Doctor. I guess we just hope for the best. We certainly don't have time to make more than one blanket!” Connie replied

The project was a secret from Joey, so Connie had limited opportunities to work on knitting her squares. Felicity had decided that this project should not stand in the way of her producing her usual number of knitted hats and scarves for the annual school sale, so she was also taking this opportunity to make more progress. Cecil hated knitting and usually only managed to make progress when one of her sisters gently reminded her too.

The three sisters chatted while they knitted, mostly about Bob and the proposed film. Although they hadn't seen many films themselves, they were very excited by the prospect. Felicity kept noticing that Connie would stop paying attention, and her eyes would have the far away look usually present while she was planning a new story or poem. For probably the first time in her life Connie's daydreaming was not connected to her literary talents. She kept thinking of Bob, and of how friendly, kind and handsome he was.
Author:  Lesley [ 09 Sep 2007, 12:17 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Cecil, wanting to play with meccano rather than knit - I'm with you there, kid! :lol:

Thanks Bethany
Author:  Alison H [ 09 Sep 2007, 13:27 ]
Post subject: 
:lol: at them all wondering how many babies were going to arrive!
Author:  Rosalin [ 09 Sep 2007, 23:12 ]
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Nice idea of a present from the girls.

Thanks Bethany, glad the bunnys are biting again.

*calls a bus strike in Switzerland, just in case*
Author:  MaryR [ 10 Sep 2007, 16:17 ]
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What a lovely family scene. Reminded me of Little Women - except for the baby talk and the Meccano! :lol:

Thanks, Bethany
Author:  Carys [ 13 Sep 2007, 12:55 ]
Post subject: 
Awww that last scene was lovely!
Hope that there'll be more soon.
Author:  bethany [ 15 Sep 2007, 09:59 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you for the comments, I really appreciate them.

Several hours later and Phil, Geoff and Cecil were tucked up in their beds while their elders gathered downstairs for Abendessen. Bob and Joey had planned to have another meeting after they had eaten to talk through the plan Bob had spent the afternoon drafting. However, Joey took one look at Bob's tired face and her maternal instinct took over and she suggested that an early night was in order.

“I don't know about you, but I feel exhausted after this afternoons work, and I didn't get up very early this morning to fly in from the UK.” Joey pointed out. “Unless you have a strong objection, how about we wait until tomorrow to discuss it?”

“Sounds a sensible idea to me, but I don't want to get in the way of any plans you have for tomorrow.”

“Well, we will be going to the early service at Our Lady of the Snows, but we don't have any firm plans for after that. You are welcome to join us as the service if you want to.” Joey replied, and then wondered if, given that he was born in Pakistan, he might be Muslim not Christian at all, and even if he was Christian he could well be C of E anyway. “Or if you would prefer, there is a Church of England service at a similar time at St Mary's, I am afraid there is nothing up here if you are a Muslim.” Joey added

Connie chipped in her bit, “If you have never been to a Catholic service before you might want to while you are here. It doesn't matter if you are Catholic yourself, Mamma brought us up to think that they are all paths to the same God you see.”

Bob was slightly surprised by all of this, he hadn't met people before who had been so accepting of differences in religion.

“Well, I am C of E myself, as that is what my father was, but if you don't mind I would love to join you at the Catholic service.”

I have to admit that I am not religious myself, and didn't have a religious upbringing, so I hope that I haven't incorrectly used any words here. I felt that if Bob was there on a Sunday, the Maynard's would have invited him to attend a service with hem, so I felt I had to mention it.
Author:  Lesley [ 15 Sep 2007, 10:23 ]
Post subject: 
Seems reasonable to me - though it would have been interesting to see if there were any conflict if Bob had been raised in the Muslim faith. We rarely heard of any other faiths mentioned in the CS series.

Thanks bethany
Author:  champagnedrinker [ 15 Sep 2007, 11:50 ]
Post subject: 
I've only just found this, so I'm hoping that bus has some serious mechanical problems!

A few thoughts that have occurred to me while reading ...
I'm better at knowing the word for "beer" in other languages, more so than cake. ...

Given that Bob grew up in India & has Indian relatives - he probably doesn't find the fact that Connie has come home from University to help her mother the least bit odd.

I too, like the idea of the Film ending with a "modern" day picnic with them all ... hope that Joey / Jack agrees. (Sell it to them that it could be used as subtle advertising for school & san ;))
Author:  Rosalin [ 15 Sep 2007, 12:55 ]
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Re the religion I think they would say Anglican or Protestant rather than CofE, seeing as they aren't in England and all the Protestants worship together anyhow. But it doesn't really matter as we all know what you meant.

Given the attitudes to eg. Naomi Elton, it was thoughtful of Joey to consider the possibility that he wasn't Christian.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Elbee [ 16 Sep 2007, 09:41 ]
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Bob seems a very pleasant young man!

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 16 Sep 2007, 12:38 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Bethany. I'm glad none of them have been run over by a bus! :lol:
Author:  Jennie [ 16 Sep 2007, 14:03 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Bethany.
Author:  Ariel [ 17 Sep 2007, 13:59 ]
Post subject: 
I'm enjoying this, thanks Bethany.

*sends strokes to the bunnies*
Author:  bethany [ 08 Oct 2007, 10:53 ]
Post subject: 
I seem to have got worse and worse at updating this, sorry. The plot bunnies returned while I was going to sleep last night, hopefully they will stay around for a bit (ideally not when I am trying to sleep!)

The next morning Bob awoke feeling refreshed from a very good nights sleep. After spending as few minutes admiring the stunning view from his window, he quickly washed and dressed. He made his way over to the main part of the house where he found Connie laying the table for breakfast.

After checking that he had slept well, Connie suggested that he might want to have his breakfast in his own wing. “My mother is having breakfast in bed at the moment, and my father has rushed off to the San to check everything is running smoothly. It will be just me with all the kids for breakfast, so I suspect it will be rather noisy to say the least. We certainly won’t be offended if you want some peace and quiet.”

“They seemed nice enough yesterday, so I am sure I can brave them this morning” Bob replied smiling.

Breakfast was somewhat more chaotic than Bob had imagined, this was primarily due to Geoff who was in a rather energetic mood.

“I only hope that he quietens down before the service starts.” Connie muttered to Bob.

Bob noticed that Connie hadn’t managed to make a start on her own breakfast, as she was attempting to ensure Phil actually ate her breakfast, while also trying to calm Geoff down. Cecil was at least able to manage by herself, but was too young to be of assistance to Connie. Felicity had a very dreamy look on her face and didn’t seem to be taking in much of what was happening. He was later to learn that Felicity wasn’t a morning person at the best of times, let alone after having stayed up hours after her usual bed time reading a novel (hidden under her bedclothes, and using her torch for light to avoid detection by her parents). Bob realised that he should try and help if he could.

Bob discovered that he could distract Geoff by talking to him calmly, and attempting to hold a conversation. The only slight problem was that the only conversation topic of interest to Geoff was meccano, a subject Bob knew little about. Overall, however, Bob was rather pleased with himself, though he did worry that he might be expected to help Geoff build something later in the day – he suspected that Geoff would be rather unimpressed by his engineering skills!
Author:  Alison H [ 08 Oct 2007, 11:01 ]
Post subject: 
He seems to be becoming a part of the family :wink: .
Author:  Jennie [ 08 Oct 2007, 11:59 ]
Post subject: 
He also wants to to help Con. Hmm.
Author:  Fatima [ 08 Oct 2007, 13:24 ]
Post subject: 
He's very nice - I hope Con appreciates his efforts to help her with the children.
Author:  leahbelle [ 08 Oct 2007, 16:50 ]
Post subject: 
He seems to have settled in well with them.
Author:  Sarah_K [ 08 Oct 2007, 18:24 ]
Post subject: 
:D

Well done Bob!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 08 Oct 2007, 20:20 ]
Post subject: 
Bob certainly is fitting in well!
Author:  bethany [ 09 Oct 2007, 10:14 ]
Post subject: 
I managed to update on consecutive days! Sadly it is a dull bit, just to get us to the next section, which may even appear tomorrow.

With Bob and Connie’s assistance, everyone was ready in time. Joey – having enjoyed a leisurely breakfast in bed – joined them and they set off on the short walk across to the school’s chapel. Connie explained to Bob that the school had its own service later on in the morning; normally the older pupils could opt to come to this early service if they chose.

“You say they ‘normally’ can, is today not normal?” Bob questioned wondering what he had let himself in for.

Connie smiled, “I am sure it will be a normal service, but because of all the visiting Doctors for the conference, the early morning service is going to be busier than normal, so the school decided that people would only fit if the school kept to the later service.”

Connie went on to explain that this meant he would meet her father, or at least see him anyway. He would probably be rushing off afterwards because he was organising tours of the San for the conference guests, and then there was to be a special dinner in the evening due to it being the last night.

***

Bob found the service very interesting, and was glad that he had had the opportunity to go. As the family moved outside, he was surprised to see how much the view had changed. Over the last hour, clouds had moved in and obliterated the Jungfrau. Having spent much of her life living in the Alps noticed this immediately and rushed the family home.

“I don’t think the storm will arrive here for two or three hours, but when it does I think it will stay around for a while.” Joey predicted, “how about you young folk go off for a quick walk now before lunch, I am sure there wont be any opportunity for fresh air or exercise till tomorrow, or maybe Tuesday after this.”
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 09 Oct 2007, 10:20 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Bethany. Love having another update so soon
Author:  Rosalin [ 09 Oct 2007, 18:46 ]
Post subject: 
Are they going to get stuck in a barn or something? Sounds like there's plenty of doctors about to rescue them :lol:

Bob seems really nice and I love the way he's fitting in with Connie's family so well.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Alison H [ 09 Oct 2007, 22:22 ]
Post subject: 
Getting stranded somewhere well away from all the doctors might be better :lol:.
Author:  bethany [ 10 Oct 2007, 10:48 ]
Post subject: 
I managed to update again a day later! I get drabbles written much faster if they are procrastination for something else :) If only CVs and covering letters were as fun to write...


Geoff, Phil and Cecil ran upstairs to change, followed rather more sedately by Felicity who had first asked if her friend Lucy Peters could join them. Joey readily agreed to this, the Peter's lived nearby, and she knew that Lucy was at home this weekend. Connie waited to see if Bob wanted to join them, before following her siblings. Joey assured Bob that they could discuss the film all afternoon if he wanted, and that he should join them if he wanted to.

Barely minutes later the family were assembled in the hallway. Joey reminded the younger ones that Connie was in charge, and that severe punishment would befall anyone who misbehaved. She then reminded Connie not to go too far, as the weather might break sooner than predicted, and to make sure that Phil didn't get too tired.

"In fact I've got a good mind not to let Phil go this time" Joey pondered

"Please Mamma, I will be ever-so ever-so good, I promise" Phil begged, she was starting to get rather tired of always being treated like an invalid.

Connie added her bit in her little sister's defence, "We won't go too far, and Phil needs the fresh air as much as any of us."

Eventually Joey agreed and they left in high spirits.

They planned to do a short walk, out towards the Sanatorium along the rarely used road at the back of the shelf (collecting Lucy Peters on the way) and back along the main road that ran past their house.

"In the summer there are lots of footpaths to walk along, but at this time of year we'd be wading through waist deep snow in those. There won't be much traffic on the roads today, so it should be a nice walk." Connie explained to Bob.

Soon they arrived at the Peters' chalet, to find Lucy outside waiting for them. Connie suggested that Felicity and Lucy should lead the way, while she and Bob brought up the rear. All went well initially, Felicity and Lucy were deep in discussion about the book they were both avidly reading. Geoff, Phil and Cecil were (for the moment) being fairly well behaved as they walked along under Connie's watchful eye. At the back of the party Connie was trying to convince Bob that skiing wasn't really all that hard, and he might even enjoy it!
Author:  Alison H [ 10 Oct 2007, 11:02 ]
Post subject: 
Go on Bob, volunteer for a one-to-one ski-ing lesson!
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 10 Oct 2007, 12:40 ]
Post subject: 
I'm just wondering whats going to happen! Remember Bethany, no buses are allowed :lol:

(I can see that becoming a bit of a joke on the board)
Author:  MaryR [ 10 Oct 2007, 13:20 ]
Post subject: 
Quote:
He was later to learn that Felicity wasn’t a morning person at the best of times, let alone after having stayed up hours after her usual bed time reading a novel (hidden under her bedclothes, and using her torch for light to avoid detection by her parents).

Nice to know I was in such illustrious company all those years ago!! :lol: :lol:

You're teasing us with regard to this storm, Bethany! :twisted:
Author:  leahbelle [ 10 Oct 2007, 17:15 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Bethany.
Author:  Rosalin [ 10 Oct 2007, 23:16 ]
Post subject: 
Well I suppose the buses won't be running in the snow (they don't here, anyhow) :lol:

Approaching storm, little used back road and semi-invalid child. Sounds like a CS book!

Thanks Bethany. Can you persuade the bunny that it likes writing CVs as well as drabbles?
Author:  bethany [ 11 Oct 2007, 10:22 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks everyone for the comments, I really appreciate them. Because it was a Sunday, and a storm is approaching there are unfortunately no buses, but I think I will make do...

Connie noticed that Cecil, Phil and Geoff were playing a version of follow-my-leader. Unlike the normal version, the leader – Phil – was giving the instructions but not actually doing them. Although Connie was glad that Phil was having fun and not tiring herself out unnecessarily she felt sorry for the little girl deprived of the childhood games her siblings could enjoy.

For a while the little ones hopped, jumped and skipped along the road, much to the amusement of their elders. After a while Phil ran out of 'actions' and the game petered out. Unfortunately for everyone Geoff got bored very quickly. He noticed that the ditch that ran along the side of the road in summer appear to be full of soft snow in the winter.

Giving no time for thought, he ran to the side of the road and bounced into the ditch, expecting a soft snowy landing.

He screamed loudly – realising that under the top 6 inches of soft powdery snow lay months worth of compressed snow that was as hard as ice.

“Geoff, where are you hurt?” Connie demanded. “Can you move?”
Author:  Alison H [ 11 Oct 2007, 11:06 ]
Post subject: 
Come on Bob, be a hero!
Author:  keren [ 11 Oct 2007, 13:24 ]
Post subject: 
I like this story, great, an original adventure!
Author:  Jennie [ 11 Oct 2007, 13:42 ]
Post subject: 
Well, at least it isn't into water, leading to a near-death scene. No need to practise the Red Sarafan.
Author:  leahbelle [ 11 Oct 2007, 17:13 ]
Post subject: 
Ouch. I bet that hurt!
Author:  Sarah_K [ 11 Oct 2007, 18:19 ]
Post subject: 
*winces*

Silly kid, though snow drifts do look very tempting!
Author:  Rosalin [ 11 Oct 2007, 19:51 ]
Post subject: 
I hope he isn't too badly hurt.

Thanks Bethany, really enjoying this.
Author:  bethany [ 12 Oct 2007, 10:40 ]
Post subject: 
Here is today's update, I seem to be managing better with daily updates this week. Thanks for taking the time to comment on this :)

Geoff struggled to control his tears enough to talk.

“Don't worry Geoff honey, everything will be OK, I know you hurt a lot at the moment, but I suspect a lot of that is the shock. Just calm down and try to stop crying and we can help you.” Connie said, trying to sound as calm and grown up as she could.

“Phil, you don't need to cry, I am sure that Geoff is crying because he feels silly lying in the snow.” Connie said, while she gave Geoff a few moments to calm down.

Felicity moved over to Phil and stared to wipe her tears away, while Lucy put her arm around Cecil.

“Geoff, can you try moving you arms and legs, to see if they hurt” Connie asked, dreading the answer she might get.

“Um... I don't know.” Geoff replied tearfully.

“Go on Geoff, just try to move a little bit.” Connie urged.

Geoff tried to move and realised he wasn't actually as hurt as he thought. He wriggled first one leg and then the other. To Connie and Bob's great relief they were not hurt. The same was true for his left arm. Finally he wriggled his right arm.

“Awwww” He cried, that had hurt more than he expected.

Connie and Bob carefully helped Geoff to clamber back to the road without hurting his arm any further. He was still crying, and was obviously in some pain from his arm. Connie dared not think what would happen if he was unable to walk home.

Under Connie's instructions, they all helped to gently brush the soft snow from Geoff before it could melt and soak into his clothing. Lucy then came to the rescue with her first aid kit – Guides has recently been reinstated at the Chalet School, and Felicity and Lucy were both keen members and patrol leaders. Lucy's patrol had just taken their first aid badge, ever since Lucy had been carrying around her first aid kit just in case!

In no time at all she had his wrist neatly bandaged. While they had been tending to Geoff no-one had noticed the weather closing in. The clouds that had earlier been cloaking the Jungfrau were almost upon them, and the first flakes of snow were spiralling gently down.
Author:  Alison H [ 12 Oct 2007, 11:10 ]
Post subject: 
OK, there has to be a hut nearby .... :wink:
Author:  Fatima [ 12 Oct 2007, 11:10 ]
Post subject: 
I'm glad Lucy's so well prepared! She's a credit to the guides.

I hope they manage not to get caught in the bad weather.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Jennie [ 12 Oct 2007, 13:04 ]
Post subject: 
Were there any shepherds' huts on the Platz?
Author:  Lesley [ 12 Oct 2007, 21:48 ]
Post subject: 
A true CS adventure in the making!


Thanks bethany
Author:  Rosalin [ 12 Oct 2007, 23:58 ]
Post subject: 
Well I'm glad Geoff hasn't hurt anything more serious than his wrist, but that snow has me worried.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  bethany [ 14 Oct 2007, 12:47 ]
Post subject: 
I think the bunnies got scared at the idea of writing my CV and are running away :( I am afraid this update seems rather dull and boring, sorry.

“Great, just what we need.” Connie muttered, an couple of hours ago a walk with her siblings had seemed a perfectly normal enjoyable activity. Now she was stuck on a rarely-used road, a storm was starting, Geoff had sprained (or maybe broken) his wrist and she was responsible for Phil who got ill so easily, as well as Cecil, Lucy, Felicity and to some extent Bob who had never been to the Alps before. There were no buildings nearby, people tended to live near the San, near the school, or on the higher shelves. The only option was to walk home, and to do it before the snow got any heavier.

Connie took a deep breath, whatever she felt like inside, she needed to at least sound strong and grown up. “Looks like the snow has started a bit early, so lets get moving. We are nearly back to the main road and from there it isn't far at all.”

Connie decided that she would look after Phil and that Felicity and Lucy could take Cecil between them. With a memory of how well Bob had dealt with Geoff at Frühstück she directed him to take Geoff's hand.

Fortunately no-one argued with Connie, and they began their long, slow walk home.
Author:  Alison H [ 14 Oct 2007, 14:19 ]
Post subject: 
No, it wouldn't be the CS world if they just got home safely ...
Author:  Lesley [ 14 Oct 2007, 14:48 ]
Post subject: 
Not dull and boring at all - thanks bethany
Author:  Rosalin [ 14 Oct 2007, 14:52 ]
Post subject: 
Connie's taken charge very well there. I hope the younger children realise that the situation could be serious and don't play up.

I'm very sorry if my suggestion scared the bunnies :oops: *sends bunny treats*

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  MaryR [ 14 Oct 2007, 19:34 ]
Post subject: 
At least getting back to the main road would be useful - keep them going, Con! :shock:
Author:  brie [ 14 Oct 2007, 20:47 ]
Post subject: 
Just read this in one go. Thanks Bethany.
Author:  bethany [ 15 Oct 2007, 11:35 ]
Post subject: 
After what seemed like for ever, but was probably only about five minutes, they reached the main road. Connie breathed a sigh of relief, “We might manage to get a lift form a passing car now, and the going should be easier.”

“How long will it take to get home?” Bob asked.

“Normally maybe 10 minutes, but in this weather, and with everyone tired, it will be a little bit longer I should think.” Connie guessed about twenty minutes but didn't want to disillusion the younger ones.

“How about if I rush back and drive back to collect you?” Bob offered

“Have you ever driven in a blizzard?” Connie questioned, a car accident would help no one.

“No. I live in London, I've barely driven in snow at all.” Bob replied sadly, wishing that there was something he could do to help.

“It isn't a bad idea though, I could rush back and come back with the car. I've driven in the snow before, and know the road really well.”

They decided that Connie and Felicity should rush back as fast as they could safely go to bring back the car. Meanwhile, Bob and Lucy would continue walking slowly back with the young ones. That way they would keep warm, and if the weather got too bad to drive, they would still be making progress.

Connie instructed Bob and Lucy to make absolutely certain that they stayed on the main road, even if the weather got worse.

“Remember that our drive way is the third road off, the first is the one we walked down this morning and the second is the drive to the school. ours is the only one with a hedge leading right up to this road.” Connie hoped that she was right to reply on Bob and Lucy to look after themselves and the children. It did seem like the only sensible option.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 15 Oct 2007, 11:43 ]
Post subject: 
Con is really keeping her head together in this. Thanks Bethany
Author:  Fatima [ 15 Oct 2007, 12:07 ]
Post subject: 
She's right to rely on them; I just hope they don't lose their way looking for the driveway, though.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Alison H [ 15 Oct 2007, 12:34 ]
Post subject: 
I still can't believe they're going to get home with no trouble ...
Author:  claire [ 15 Oct 2007, 18:46 ]
Post subject: 
don't say that Alison, she might run him over with the car before they'reall back
Author:  babycassied [ 15 Oct 2007, 19:54 ]
Post subject: 
Just found this - really cool!
Author:  Lesley [ 15 Oct 2007, 21:15 ]
Post subject: 
Hope all goes well for them.


Thanks bethany
Author:  Rosalin [ 15 Oct 2007, 23:41 ]
Post subject: 
It does seem like a good idea but I'm rather worried at the prospect of them splitting up.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  bethany [ 16 Oct 2007, 10:42 ]
Post subject: 
Connie and Felicity walked back at as fast a speed as they could possibly manage, and in ten minutes time Felicity was inside helping Anna to prepare for the influx of cold and tired people. Meanwhile, Connie was driving the car carefully back along the road.

Although they had walked back at an incredible speed, there had still been time for the snow to become harder. In fact it wouldn't need to increase much more before it would be too dangerous to drive...

Further along the road, the rest of the party were making very slow progress. Phil was very tired and scared, this was the first time she had been out in such a snowstorm before, and regardless of what Lucy and Cecil said to her, she was convinced that they were all going to die.

Geoff was also getting tired, but he was a sturdy young boy, and it didn't take too much encouragement from Bob to keep him going. In fact, when he realised that it was his right arm he had injured he perked up considerably at the thought of all the work he would be unable to do at school!

They made such slow progress that Connie was getting quite concerned. She had driven past the drive to the school and the turning for the back road, and some way further, yet she still hadn't reached them. To be sure that she had driven far enough, she decided to continue to the point at which some half an hour earlier they had joined the main road. Seconds after deciding this, she was very relieved to glimpse the tired party through the snow.

Everyone was very grateful to climb into the warm car, and to know that Felicity was ensuring that hot drinks would be ready for everyone when they returned.

Connie, with the task of driving them home in the ever worsening snow was less happy. She edged the car very slowly and carefully along the road, counting off landmarks in her mind. First the junction with the small back road, then the corner, then the driveway to the school. She knew that the Freudisheim driveway must be very soon, but she couldn't see it at all. She stopped the car for a moment and got out, hoping that she could find some landmark on foot.

“It isn't much further,” Connie announced climbing back into the car, “I could just make out the hedge.”

A few minutes later the car pulled up in the driveway and they were all safely home.

I decided that they had been out in the snow long enough, and it was time they got home and let me carry on with the main story of Bob and Connie and the film... (this whole walk in the snowstorm was never meant to happen at all :? )
Author:  Alison H [ 16 Oct 2007, 10:49 ]
Post subject: 
Oh well, glad they got home OK!
Author:  Fatima [ 16 Oct 2007, 10:53 ]
Post subject: 
And it's shown Bob how capable Connie is, despite what her family might tell him!

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  brie [ 16 Oct 2007, 11:24 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks bethany
Author:  keren [ 16 Oct 2007, 11:57 ]
Post subject: 
That was a great solution to the adventure!

for once, the CS girls save themselves and DO NOT get lost in the snow!


Couldnt any of the 6th formers in EBDs CS drive? Didn't the school have cars? much better the EBD's semi-disasters.
Author:  JackieP [ 16 Oct 2007, 13:08 ]
Post subject: 
keren wrote:
Couldnt any of the 6th formers in EBDs CS drive? Didn't the school have cars? much better the EBD's semi-disasters.


I seem to recall Louise at the wheel of the school car in New...

Thanks for the update though. Can't wait for more.

JackieP
Author:  Elbee [ 16 Oct 2007, 13:19 ]
Post subject: 
I'm glad they got home safely - it was an exciting adventure but without going over the top into EBD-land!

Thanks, Bethany.
Author:  Billie [ 16 Oct 2007, 13:53 ]
Post subject: 
Just read the whole thing. Thank you Bethany! Glad they got home safely.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 16 Oct 2007, 17:01 ]
Post subject: 
Glad they made it back safely. At least Phil can say she finally had an adventure in the snow just like the others!
Author:  Rosalin [ 16 Oct 2007, 19:20 ]
Post subject: 
Well done Bob and Connie for getting them all back safely. I liked Geoff's optimistic way of looking at his injury.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Lesley [ 16 Oct 2007, 21:54 ]
Post subject: 
Good end to the trip - thanks bethany.
Author:  bethany [ 17 Oct 2007, 10:54 ]
Post subject: 
Thank you very much for the comments, and for not minding that Connie was able to cope and not be rescued by lots of handsome Doctors. I had originally planned for Bob to be wonderfully heroic and to save the day, but Connie wasn't having any of it!

Upon hearing the car arrive, Anna and Felicity rushed out to help Geoff and Phil into the house. In the excitement, no-one except Bob noticed that Connie had stayed in the drivers seat.

“Are you all right?” He asked

“I'll be fine, thank you. I'm just feeling a little shaky, the reaction I suppose.”

“I can understand that, I was very impressed that you managed to drive the car through that, I certainly wouldn't have managed it. There's no rush to get inside, I imagine that the younger ones will demand everyone's attention.” Connie was relieved that his response was sympathy and understanding, she had half expected him to carry her indoors.

“Oh yes, it will be hot drinks, hot baths and probably bed for the afternoon. That's why I was going to sit here for a few minutes, until I calmed down.”

“Otherwise you'll be included in the 'treatment'?”

“Exactly. I'm far too old to spend the rest of the day in bed, besides I have plenty of things to do.” Connie replied, who was starting to feel quite a lot better.

“How about we sneak our way inside, and try and find ourselves some hot drinks? I am sure we will both feel better for them.”

Shortly later they were sitting down inside, drinking mugs of hot coffee, and true to Bob's prediction feeling much better for it. In fact by the time that Joey found them, they both looked the picture of health and were able to escape any treatment Joey may have prescribed.
Author:  Alison H [ 17 Oct 2007, 11:18 ]
Post subject: 
Hope Jack doesn't try to dose them!
Author:  Hannah-Lou [ 17 Oct 2007, 17:27 ]
Post subject: 
Just found this, and really enjoying it! :D :D
Author:  Lesley [ 17 Oct 2007, 17:37 ]
Post subject: 
How lovely of Bob to be so supportive.

Thanks bethany
Author:  Sarah_K [ 17 Oct 2007, 17:57 ]
Post subject: 
Oh that's brilliant! I'm glad to see Connie being so self-sufficient and Bob knowing how to be helpful without treating her like a wilting flower :D

Thank you bethany!
Author:  Rosalin [ 17 Oct 2007, 23:40 ]
Post subject: 
They seem to have a nicely equal relationship.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Jennie [ 18 Oct 2007, 13:47 ]
Post subject: 
I hope they don't keep looking at Con and wondering aloud if she's going to walk in her sleep.
Author:  brie [ 18 Oct 2007, 18:32 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Bethany. It was nice to see an update.
Author:  leahbelle [ 20 Oct 2007, 20:41 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks, Bethany!
Author:  bethany [ 22 Oct 2007, 11:20 ]
Post subject: 
Sorry for the lack of updates, the bunnies are not cooperating, and I am not organised enough to be ahead of what I am posting (well I have got some stuff written or later on, but there is a gap before I get there).

“You really can be very reassuring Jack, I don't know what I would do without you.” Joey said. She had phoned up Jack to find out what she should do about Geoff's wrist.

“Glad to hear it. How are the other children, no more injuries I should know about?”

“They all seem to be fine, even Phil. She is very tired, and according to Lucy Peters, she was very scared, but now that she is tucked up in bed she doesn't really seem any the worse for it.”

“I am very glad to hear it. I would say you should keep her in bed for the rest of the day, we can't take any chances with her health. Do the same for Geoff until the snow dies down enough for me to drive round and take a look at his wrist.”

“Of course. What about Connie?”

“What about her? She seems to have done remarkably well, you can tell her that I am very proud with how well she did, and the same for Felicity and Lucy.” Jack replied.

Joey went on to explain that she had been worried that Connie might revert to her old trick of sleepwalking.

“I wouldn't worry too much Joey, it is several years since it last happened. I certainly wouldn't mention it to her. I it makes you happier, I'll see how she seems when I come round to look at Geoff's wrist, I can always prescribe a dose for her then.”


Not long later, the snowfall relented, and Jack was able to safely drive to Freudisheim. He was fairly certain that Geoff had sprained his wrist, but decided that an X-ray would be wise in case it was broken. Connie volunteered to go with them to the San, so that Joey and Bob could work on the film. On the way they dropped Felicity, Lucy and Cecil of at the school, because as Joey pointed out, the snow looked like returning at any moment and it wouldn't do for them to miss several days of schooling.
Author:  Alison H [ 22 Oct 2007, 11:39 ]
Post subject: 
Oh well, at least some of the kids are out of the way so hopefully Bob and Connie will get a bit more time together!
Author:  Jennie [ 22 Oct 2007, 12:08 ]
Post subject: 
If Jo doesn't monopolise him.
Author:  MaryR [ 22 Oct 2007, 13:28 ]
Post subject: 
Joey, relax! If she sleepwalks, she sleepwalks! :lol: Maybe she'll bump into Bob that way and we'll have a lovely, romantic, moonlit scene!! :twisted:

Sorry, Bethany! Ignore me and I'll creep away! :lol:
Author:  Fatima [ 22 Oct 2007, 17:08 ]
Post subject: 
*enthusiastically supporting Mary's idea* :D

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  leahbelle [ 22 Oct 2007, 17:15 ]
Post subject: 
I like Mary's idea, too!

Thanks, Bethany.
Author:  Lesley [ 22 Oct 2007, 18:32 ]
Post subject: 
I do wonder why sleepwalking is thought so terrible - and how sedating Connie would help?


Thanks bethany.
Author:  Sarah_K [ 22 Oct 2007, 18:39 ]
Post subject: 
Well done Jack for being sensible about Connie, I guess Jo's always going to worry a little *g*
Author:  Billie [ 22 Oct 2007, 22:59 ]
Post subject: 
Well, if she sleepwalks, she can bump into Bob. He'll look after her. Stop worrying, Joey.
Author:  LizzieC [ 23 Oct 2007, 05:58 ]
Post subject: 
MaryR wrote:
Joey, relax! If she sleepwalks, she sleepwalks! :lol: Maybe she'll bump into Bob that way and we'll have a lovely, romantic, moonlit scene!! :twisted:


So long as she doesn't get hit by a bus (or an ambulance!) it'll be fine :lol:
Author:  Billie [ 23 Oct 2007, 22:09 ]
Post subject: 
No, indeed, please don't hit her with a bus, that would be terrible.
Author:  Rosalin [ 25 Oct 2007, 23:35 ]
Post subject: 
Maybe Phil or Geoff will turn out to sleepwalk and Connie and Bob have to deal with it together.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  brie [ 26 Oct 2007, 13:08 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Bethany. I'm enjoying this. For some reason I keep forgetting I'm reading this drabble, and then I finally remember and theres lots of lovely new updates!
Author:  bethany [ 27 Oct 2007, 14:53 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks very much for the comments, sorry that I am not managing to update regularly. This post isn't very interesting, but we are soon getting to more interesting stuff (hopefully), and best of all it is stuff that I have already written!

With only a sleeping Phil left at home the house was unusually quiet, and Bob and Joey were able to have another discussion about the film. As had been the case the previous day, they were amazed at how much they were able to achieve in only a few hours. By the time Jack returned with Connie and Geoff they had a rough draft of the film written down, as Bob pointed out, “All I need to do now is write the detail!”

Bob had suggested how he thought the film should end, nervous that Joey would object to having her family actually in the film. He was pleased (and somewhat relieved) that Joey didn't dismiss his idea outright, but said that she would need to think it through and talk it over with Jack first.

“You won't need them to act, or read lines or anything?” Joey questioned

“No, I don't think so. I was thinking maybe a picnic somewhere local, so we can have the mountains in the background. The kids could just be playing or whatever they like, and back at the studio we would put together a voice-over explaining who they were.”

“Well, I suppose it would make the whole thing seem more real to people watching. I think I'll probably say yes in the end, but I need to talk it through with Jack first. You don't need an answer right away?”

“Of course not, if you could decide before I've written the end scene it would help, but these things get written and re-written so many times it wouldn't matter too much.”

They heard the sound of an approaching car and Joey changed from being Josephine M. Bettany the published author to Mrs Maynard the worried mother. She rushed through to the front of the house to find out how Geoff had faired.

“Don't worry Joey, no broken bones” Jack announced, “He'll not be able to use that arm for a week or so, but no lasting damage.”
Author:  Rosalin [ 27 Oct 2007, 15:16 ]
Post subject: 
I'm glad that Joey is willing to consider Bob's idea for the ending.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Lesley [ 27 Oct 2007, 15:34 ]
Post subject: 
That's lovely. Thanks Bethany - Joey is very realistic here.
Author:  Alison H [ 27 Oct 2007, 17:19 ]
Post subject: 
Glad that Geoff's all in one piece!
Author:  brie [ 27 Oct 2007, 17:50 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Bethany, that was a nice update to come home too!
Author:  bethany [ 28 Oct 2007, 21:46 ]
Post subject: 
Hello, here is today's update, and for the first time in ages I actually have the first draft of the next bits written as well! So I will have no excuse in not posting more tomorrow :)

While Jack was at home, he went up to check on Phil. She was so much stronger these days than even just a few months ago, but he knew it would be sometime before she was as strong as her siblings, and that that would depend upon her not becoming ill again. He hoped that because Connie had kept them moving, and therefore relatively warm she might escape even a cold.

He found that Phil had woken up from her sleep, but was following her mother's instructions and had stayed in bed reading a book.

“How are you feeling little one?” Jack asked, his doctors eye noticed that she looked her usual self.

“I'm fine Papa, I don't feel at all poorly in any way, honest. If I am good and don't get up today, I wont have to stay in bed tomorrow as well will I?” Phil asked, knowing that she stood little chance of being allowed up that day, and even if she was, bedtime was rapidly approaching.

“I am very glad to hear it, but I am not making any promises now. If you are a good girl and rest for today, you eat all of your tea, and you get a good nights sleep then I will see what I can do about tomorrow.”

“Thanks Papa, I will be very good, I really will.”

Jack kissed his youngest daughter, and returned downstairs to let Joey know that he wasn't worried about Phil's health, at least, no more than normal anyway. Connie asked if Phil was supposed to sleep for the rest of the afternoon, or if she should go up and keep her company.

“Thank you Connie, I am sure that she will appreciate the company. I think she will sleep better tonight if she is awake for the next few hours. Don't let her get out of bed, and keep her quiet please.”

Relieved of her anxiety over the twins, Joey remembered her manners and introduced her husband to Bob. To Bob's great relief, they seemed to get on well in their brief meeting.
Author:  Lesley [ 28 Oct 2007, 22:02 ]
Post subject: 
Pleased that Phil looks to have escaped illness.


Thanks bethany
Author:  Alison H [ 28 Oct 2007, 23:27 ]
Post subject: 
Glad that Phil's OK, and also that Bob seems to have made a good impression on Jack.
Author:  Rosalin [ 28 Oct 2007, 23:46 ]
Post subject: 
Poor Phil. Her illness does seem to have made her quite mature. Glad she seems to be OK this time.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  bethany [ 29 Oct 2007, 10:50 ]
Post subject: 
“Jack, I think it would be better if I stayed here this evening to keep an eye on the twins. Would you mind terribly if I didn't accompany you to the Conference Dinner tonight?” Joey said, suddenly remembering that she had planned to attend this special meal to mark the end of the conference Jack had been organising.

They discussed it for a while, and then Bob pointed out that if they did go, there would still be three adults in the house – himself, Connie and Anna. Between them they should be able to deal with any problems that came up, and it seemed likely that both Geoff and Phil would be tired out after the days excitements and not cause any trouble.

Eventually Joey gave in, on three conditions. The first was that Phil had to remain well and healthy for the next hour (until it would be time for her to leave). The second was that she would phone at least once in the evening to check there were no problems. Thirdly, Bob and Connie would have to promise that they would phone the San at the first sign of problems.

It wasn't that Joey didn't trust Connie or Bob – they had obviously coped extremely well that afternoon – she just couldn't help feeling protective over Phil.

Bob had to admit that he was looking forward to spending the evening in Connie's company, and getting to know her more. He only hoped that she would feel the same way.
Author:  Alison H [ 29 Oct 2007, 10:57 ]
Post subject: 
Hope they get a peaceful evening and that the kids don't keep waking up and disturbing them!
Author:  Jennie [ 29 Oct 2007, 13:08 ]
Post subject: 
Go Bob! Go Con!
Author:  Fatima [ 29 Oct 2007, 15:42 ]
Post subject: 
I hope the twins behave themselves and that Phil is ok. *wishing Connie and Bob a pleasant evening*

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Rosalin [ 29 Oct 2007, 18:26 ]
Post subject: 
Hope Bob and Connie have a pleasant evening with no further alarums and excursions and Joey manages not to worry and have an enjoyable time too.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Sarah_K [ 29 Oct 2007, 21:23 ]
Post subject: 
Here's hoping for a quiet evening so Bob and Connie can get to know each other better *grins*
Author:  Lesley [ 30 Oct 2007, 07:50 ]
Post subject: 
Hope it's a good evening - for everyone.

Thanks bethany.
Author:  brie [ 30 Oct 2007, 11:32 ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Bethany.
Author:  bethany [ 30 Oct 2007, 12:52 ]
Post subject: 
Lesley wrote:
Hope it's a good evening - for everyone.

Me too! Here is today's update.

Fortunately Phil remained perfectly healthy for the next hour and Jack and Joey were able to leave for the conference dinner. Once Geoff and Phil had been fed and safely tucked up in bed, Connie and Bob were able to sit down together and begin their dinner.

Anna had decided to cook them the best meal she possibly could, partly because she felt they deserved a treat after their adventures in the snow in the afternoon. However, her main reason was that she wanted Bob and Connie to enjoy their evening, Anna had noticed the looks that Bob was giving Connie when he thought no-one was looking. She had also noticed a certain spark in Connie's eye that had not been present before Bob had arrived. It would be several days before Joey noticed, and much longer before Jack did, but Anna had worked for the Maynard family for a long time and had known Connie since she was a baby.

Anna came from an extended family where people married young, and having seen Len happily married to the nice Dr Reg she felt it would be lovely to see Connie also achieve such happiness. Especially because Bob seemed to be such a nice young man.

Consequentially, she had prepared the traditional Austria starter of Käsesuppe which she knew was one of Connie's favourites, followed by roast beef, because she remembered that that was popular in England on Sundays. For desert she had made Apfelstrudel because she had to yet to met someone who didn't like it.

“We are lucky, Käsesuppe is my favourite, but Anna doesn't make it very often.”

“I'm guessing that 'Suppe' means soup, and it certainly looks like soup. But I'm afraid that 'Käse' means nothing too me.” Bob said, looking at the creamy coloured soup with interest.

“Sorry, I keep forgetting that you don't speak any German, Käse means cheese.”

Bob tasted it and agreed with Connie that it was indeed delicious.
Author:  PaulineS [ 30 Oct 2007, 13:16 ]
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Thanks hope that they continue to enjoy their evening.
Author:  Alison H [ 30 Oct 2007, 13:27 ]
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:lol: at Anna.
Author:  Jennie [ 30 Oct 2007, 14:27 ]
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Go, Anna, matchmaking is good!
Author:  brie [ 30 Oct 2007, 14:28 ]
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Anna, the matchmaker- I like it!
Author:  Fatima [ 30 Oct 2007, 14:58 ]
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Good for Anna!

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Hannah-Lou [ 30 Oct 2007, 17:09 ]
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I love the thought that Anna put into planning the meal, and her reasons for each course :D
Author:  leahbelle [ 30 Oct 2007, 18:02 ]
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I hope they have a lovely evening. Anna is so thoughtful.
Author:  Lesley [ 30 Oct 2007, 20:00 ]
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Anna seeing more than either Jack or Joey - probably because they don't see Connie as grown up yet. :lol: It can take years!!!

Thanks bethany.
Author:  Rosalin [ 30 Oct 2007, 23:02 ]
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Lovely of Anna. Evening is looking good so far...

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 31 Oct 2007, 00:10 ]
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Good on ya Anna
Author:  roversgirl [ 04 Nov 2007, 14:31 ]
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as a new member, am enjoying all the drabbles, particularly this one :)
Author:  bethany [ 04 Nov 2007, 15:49 ]
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roversgirl wrote:
as a new member, am enjoying all the drabbles, particularly this one :)

Hi Roversgirl, thanks for your comment, and welcome to The CBB! :)

“I suppose almost everyone you know speaks fluent German?” Bob asked, feeling slightly jealous.

“Most of the people who live up here do, but you'd expect that in German speaking Switzerland. Most of my brothers don't speak very good German at all because they are at school in England they don't hear the language very much. Oh, and most of my university friends only learnt French at school so speak no German at all.”

Bob felt quite relieved at that, he didn't want Connie thinking he was stupid or ignorant. “Did you go to university in England?” Bob asked, until then he had assumed that she had been helping out at home since she had left school.

“I read English at Oxford.”

“Really? I read English too, but at Cambridge.” Bob replied.

“Is that supposed to make us enemy's?” Connie replied smiling.

“I think we can probably rise above any Oxford/Cambridge rivalry.”

They talked about their respective courses, and discovered that they shared many of the same favourite authors. They were also both interested in some of the recent Sci-Fi books, though Bob was more widely read in this area. He promised to lend Connie one of the Sci-Fi books he had brought with him. When Anna came in with their main course they were so involved in their discussion that they barely noticed her. Anna smiled, everything seemed to be going to plan, and their friendship certainly appeared to be developing well.
Author:  Fatima [ 04 Nov 2007, 15:56 ]
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It's nice to see that they have so much in common.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Lesley [ 04 Nov 2007, 16:03 ]
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Like that they both read English at Uni. And that they both like Sci-fi - very sensible! :lol:


Thanks bethany.
Author:  Jennie [ 04 Nov 2007, 16:16 ]
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Thanks, Bethany. All going according to plan, then.
Author:  Rosalin [ 04 Nov 2007, 16:41 ]
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Lots in common. Better and better.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Alison H [ 04 Nov 2007, 16:48 ]
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It all seems to be going well. Now maybe they need to get away from the rest of the Maynards for a bit ...
Author:  brie [ 04 Nov 2007, 17:15 ]
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Loving Anna the matchmaker!

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 04 Nov 2007, 20:46 ]
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brie wrote:
Loving Anna the matchmaker!

Thanks Bethany.


So do I
Author:  bethany [ 05 Nov 2007, 19:01 ]
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Alison H wrote:
It all seems to be going well. Now maybe they need to get away from the rest of the Maynards for a bit ...

Have you been reading my notes? ;)

Sorry that it is moving a bit slowly at the moment, Bob and Connie seemed to be enjoying their dinner so much that I didn't want to rush them...

The conversation petered out for a while as they enjoyed their delicious roast dinner.

“Anna really is a wonderful cook, you must enjoy living here.” Bob said, breaking the silence. “The food she has made us must be a thousand times better than what I could cook for myself, and I have had quite a few years of practice now.”

“It is rather good isn't it? We are being a bit spoilt tonight though I must admit. I'm not sure if Anna thought we needed a treat after our little adventure in the snow earlier, or if she want to impress you. Either way I am not complaining! I can cook for myself, and I did while I lived in Oxford, but it is nowhere near as delicious as this.”

“Do you find it strange living at home, after being independent in Oxford?” Bob asked. Although he enjoyed his visits home, he knew he wouldn't find it easy to actually live there.

“Oh yes, it has got easier though. It helps in a way that I am working here, which makes it different to just living here, if that makes sense?”

“Yeah I know what you mean, if you are working you are an adult who looks after the children, rather than one of the children yourself.”

“Exactly. It felt very odd at first working here, but I think it has worked out well. Now that mother is expecting another baby, and Anna is the only member of staff they do need my help, there used to be a girl called Rosli who helped with the little ones, but she got married in the summer and is expecting a baby in a few months time.” Connie explained, “Mother still forgets that I'm an adult sometimes though – you saw the ridiculous fuss she made about leaving Phil earlier.”

“I'm guessing that Phil has been poorly a lot in the past?” Bob guessed, secretly he agreed with Connie, but he didn't want to criticise Joey yet, he didn't know the family well enough.

“She has, so Mother does have good reason to fuss I suppose. Poor Phil had mastoid trouble when she was a toddler, then the next year she had Polio and was really very ill. They thought we might lose her for a time, but eventually she pulled through. She was making really good headway until their was a huge flu epidemic up here a couple of years ago, it took her months to fully recover. In fact it is only recently that she has been allowed to join Geoff at school, and only a couple of days a week at that.”

Talking about Phil reminded Connie that she should check up on her. She ran quickly upstairs, and was happy to report back to Bob that Phil was sleeping soundly and was still showing no signs of illness.
Author:  Fatima [ 05 Nov 2007, 19:08 ]
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I really hope Phil isn't going to be ill.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  brie [ 05 Nov 2007, 19:32 ]
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Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Lesley [ 05 Nov 2007, 19:35 ]
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Another baby? making the round dozen then?


They do seem to be getting along well, don't they? :lol:


Thanks bethany
Author:  Alison H [ 05 Nov 2007, 22:35 ]
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Nice news about Rosli :D .
Author:  Rosalin [ 05 Nov 2007, 22:52 ]
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Glad the dinner is going well. It was interesting to see Connie's view of living back at Freudesheim.

Thanks Bethany.
Author:  Elbee [ 06 Nov 2007, 00:05 ]
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I'm glad they are getting on so well and enjoying each other's company.

Thanks, Bethany.
Author:  leahbelle [ 06 Nov 2007, 18:06 ]
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Glad they're having a nice time.
Author:  bethany [ 11 Jun 2008, 09:48 ]
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It is so long since I last updated this, but I'm now fairly settled in New Zealand and I've got a computer and internet at home, so theres no excuse not to get more written!

“Apfelstrudel! Thank you Anna!” Connie said as Anna brought in the desert.

Connie discovered that this was a dish that was new to Bob, though he laughingly pointed out that he liked it already as he could pronounce the German word!

“I'm guessing that it is made from apples from the name?”

“Yep, you're right. It's a traditional Austrian desert, Anna doesn't make it all that often these days, so we're very lucky, it really is wonderful”.

Having tasted the desert, Bob had to agree that it really was lovely.

“My mother is being very restrained – I expected her to have phoned at least once by now.”

“Maybe she got distracted by their dinner?” Bob suggested.

“I suppose that could be it, but I wonder...” Connie jumped up and ran to the large windows at the end of the room. She peered behind the curtains are saw that there was a blizzard in full swing outside. Then she picked up the telephone to see if there was a dialling tone.

“I thought mother would have ring my now – the phone lines are down. If anything, I'd say it was snowing even harder now than when we were outside.”
Author:  Lesley [ 11 Jun 2008, 09:56 ]
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A blizzard! And Connie doesn't need a young doctor - she's got Bob! :lol:


Nice to see more of this bethany, thank you.
Author:  PaulineS [ 11 Jun 2008, 10:28 ]
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thank you for the update. It is good to see this back.
Author:  Alison H [ 11 Jun 2008, 11:21 ]
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Oh I do love apple strudel ...
Author:  LizzieC [ 11 Jun 2008, 11:58 ]
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Yay! Glad to see this back Bethany :D
Author:  Fi [ 11 Jun 2008, 22:43 ]
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I have just discovered this and have read the whole thing through in one go. It's really good and I actually like Joey in this (I'm not usually her greatest fan when she is an adult).

It looks like Con and Bob will get more time to themselves than they originally bargained for :D . I just hope that Joey isn't worrying too much cos it can't be good for the baby.

Thank You Bethany.
Author:  Elle [ 12 Jun 2008, 08:30 ]
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I am another who has just read this all the way through. I love Anna matchmaking with food!
Author:  abbeybufo [ 12 Jun 2008, 16:46 ]
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Elle wrote:
I am another who has just read this all the way through.


Me too! Lots of good things here - more when you can, please Bethany :D
Author:  Anjali [ 13 Jun 2008, 01:28 ]
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Me three :)
This is a great story Bethany - I'm waiting to see what happens - and I'm glad Bob's not a doctor :)
Author:  bethany [ 20 Jun 2008, 23:09 ]
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Thanks for the comments.

Fi wrote:
I have just discovered this and have read the whole thing through in one go. It's really good and I actually like Joey in this (I'm not usually her greatest fan when she is an adult).


I'm glad you like this Joey, she is the adult-Joey I imagined as a kid before I read any of the Swiss books. I don't really like how either Joey's or Madge's characters develop through the series.

“Are you alright?” Bob asked.

“Oh, I'm fine thanks. I know that its silly to worry about my parents, its their job to worry about me really.” Connie replied attempting a smile.

“I can't imagine they'll come to much harm surrounded by a conference full of Doctors”

“That's true, and once they see it is snowing that heavily, they'll decide to stay the night. They know everyone here, so someone will have a spare bed nearby. My father wouldn't risk driving home if the conditions weren't safe.”

“But...?”

“Well, my mother was going to phone to check on Phil, but she cant now. She's bound to think Phil's really sick, and what if she worries too much, maybe it will hurt the baby?” Connie blushed at this, talking about babies probably wasn't the polite thing to do when entertaining a male guest.

To Connie's immense relief Bob did not show any embarrassment he might have felt. Neither did he do what she knew her either her father or her Uncle Jem would have done, and tell her to stop being silly. Bob took her concerns seriously, and thought for a moment before he replied.

“From what I've heard abut your family, there is always some kind of excitement or adventure going on. Before you and your triplet sisters were born your mother must have been very stressed about the coming war, especially living so close to the continent and having close friends all across Europe. It doesn't seem to have done you any harm.” Bob replied

Bob was able to relieve Connie's fears quite well. Infact as she told Bob about many of the adventures their family had had, she started to wonder if her mother wasn't quite so delicate as her father thought!

“I'm sorry I've been talking far too much about and my family, you must be sick of hearing about them.”

“I'm sure we've talked about other things as well. And anyway, learning more abut your family can almost count as research for the film.” Bob replied, thinking that he'd be happy to listen to Connie talk for hours, whatever the subject.
Author:  Lesley [ 20 Jun 2008, 23:39 ]
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He's got it bad, hasn't he? And it was so nice to see him taking Connie's fears seriously and finding reasonable ways to calm her fears.


Thanks bethany - how are you enjoying New Zealand?
Author:  Fiona Mc [ 21 Jun 2008, 01:21 ]
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I'm glad the two are getting along so well
Author:  Alison H [ 21 Jun 2008, 07:33 ]
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He's definitely keen!
Author:  Mona [ 21 Jun 2008, 08:18 ]
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Lovely - Bob's falling fast, isn't he?
Author:  Sarah_K [ 24 Jun 2008, 00:22 ]
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Nice to see Connie working out that her mother's quite tough when she needs to be *g* and Bob is falling fast!
Author:  shazwales [ 24 Jun 2008, 01:58 ]
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Often wondered if Joey is so 'delicate' how she managed to have so many kids, she must be a drug addict or an alcoholic with Jem Jack and Matey slipping 'doses' into all her drinks including the ubiquitous 'milk'
Nice to see Connie working this out, Bob sounds great. :)
Author:  jilianb [ 24 Jun 2008, 13:54 ]
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Thanks Bethany, Just read this straight through. Bob's falling rapidly!!
Author:  Jennie [ 24 Jun 2008, 14:39 ]
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I've been saying it for a long time. Jo Maynard is five feet nine inches tall, fairly muscular, walks for miles, plays tennis, and was strong enough to have eleven children.

The real problem with her health is that Jem and Jack have never allowed her to take responsibility for it herself, so she remains a child where health is concerned. And she expects to be cossetted, and for her children to be more concerned for her than she is. That's how she can stay an eternal schoolgirl - she's never been allowed to grow up completely.
Author:  ibarhis [ 24 Jun 2008, 16:08 ]
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Jennie wrote:
The real problem with her health is that Jem and Jack have never allowed her to take responsibility for it herself, so she remains a child where health is concerned. And she expects to be cossetted, and for her children to be more concerned for her than she is. That's how she can stay an eternal schoolgirl - she's never been allowed to grow up completely.


I had two thoughts immediately I read this:

Firstly, EBD was writing children's literature which, at the period, was about socialising young people...

Secondly, I wonder if this was a touch of wish fulfilment - ie as a single unmarried woman who had to take responsibility for her own health, and that of her mother and various other people's (presumably), she may have wished for a degree of coddling which she would never receive.
Author:  Lesley [ 24 Jun 2008, 22:53 ]
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Joey was also extremely good at swimming too, wasn't she? Though this seemed to be a skill she acquired only as an adult. Definitely not a weak, feeble person.


One minor correction Jennie - Joey was 5'8" - same as Len - reference is from Reunion. Con is 'small' at 5'6" - even though this is still, today above the average height for women in Britain, and Margot is slightly taller at 5'8 and a quarter inches. Incidentally it's from that information that I fix Hilda's height at 5' 9" as, after the bookend incident, she examines Margot's bad tooth and it states that she (Miss Annersley) is slightly taller than Margot.
Author:  roversgirl [ 03 Aug 2008, 10:20 ]
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Just caught up on this - thank you :)
Author:  JennieP [ 04 Aug 2008, 13:27 ]
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Am really enjoying this - it's a much nicer Joey than in any of the later books, and she does seem to be allowing Con to grow up.
Is Joey going to have the baby at the conference dinner? That would be much more exciting than the usual boring after dinner speeches!
Author:  JosieG [ 04 Aug 2008, 16:12 ]
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Thanks Bethany, I've read all this today and really enjoyed it. Joey having the baby at the conference dinner is a great idea!
Author:  Abi [ 04 Aug 2008, 22:57 ]
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I've just read all of this, Bethany and am really enjoying it. LOVE the idea of Nancy being made into a film and Joey is really nice in this. So....

Any chance of an update soon? :wink:
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