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Title: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 3rd, 2003, 2:38pm Len Entwistle sat in the aircraft bringing her to Bern airport. It was a long time since she had been in Switzerland; not since Reg had been promoted to Chief Executive of the Sanatorium in Wales, after her Uncle Jem had retired. Now she was returning for the Christmas Play at the Chalet School. Her grand-daughter had followed family tradition, and had become a pupil at the school in September. Len wondered what changes she would see. Thinking about the vast progress in technology over the last twenty years or so, she expected to see little that was familiar. The seat belt warning light came on, and she checked her belt to make sure she was firmly strapped in. Then they were rumbling down the runway, and turning into the aircraft dispersal. They had arrived. When Len emerged from the terminal building, she looked around her expectantly. “Aunty Len, over here!” A tall, elegant young lady was waving frantically at her, and Len turned in that direction. Jo Richardson was her sister Con’s youngest daughter, and an English teacher at the school. She was thankful that she would arrive in the company of a family member. “I have the car outside,” said Jo. It’ll only take about an hour to get to Interlaken, and then it’s just the run up the mountain to the Platz.” “I expect that there are a lot of changes,” said Len. “Well, you’d expect that,” replied Jo. “We have computers all over the school now. There’s a new room opening off the Library that has about 30, connected to the school network, where the girls can word-process their assignments, and access the Internet. The dorms are all on-suite now, with showers rather than baths, and the fashion for cold washes in the morning died out years ago.” |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by edith on Oct 3rd, 2003, 3:18pm Yay Pat! I like it! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Carolyn P on Oct 3rd, 2003, 4:30pm At last an end to cold baths! I like this as well, is there any more? |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Jennie on Oct 3rd, 2003, 5:04pm Up to date at last, definitely an improvement in the facilities. But poor Len, why do people keep making her actually marry Reg? Why doesn't someone give her a break? |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 3rd, 2003, 8:41pm This is strictly my 'bored at work cataloguing' story. I have other fish to fry at home, now up to over 38,000 words, and I still haven't got to the Christmas Play! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Esmeralda on Oct 3rd, 2003, 11:31pm Let's hope you bored at work more often then, And well done on the home project :) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Susan on Oct 4th, 2003, 2:15am It is amazing what one can do when bored at work. Unfortunatley we have so many changed at the moment I have little time to be bored. Like the story - glad they have gone en-suite and can have warm showers in the mornings. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 4th, 2003, 2:58am More PLEASE Pat!!! *grovels* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 6th, 2003, 1:38pm The familiar route led along the north shore of Lake Thun, and before long they were driving up the steep road to the Gornetz Platz, where Len had spent so much of her early life. When the car pulled up outside Freudesheim, Len gazed at it as if she expected it to have changed out of all recognition. “Come along in and make yourself at home,” said Jo. “I hope it hasn’t changed too much, though we’ve had to modernise the furniture.” Len walked up the familiar steps and into the front hall. It looked much the same, with the stairs leading up, and the door to the Living Room at the far end. She automatically open the cloakroom door, and hung up her things, and then walked into the Living Room. The beautiful parquet floor was as she remembered, and a fire burned brightly in the fireplace her mother had insisted she had to have. However, all the furniture was new to her, and very up-to-date. They rugs that were scattered around suited the room and the furniture; however much had changed, the welcoming feel was the same. Jo soon followed her with the tea trolley, and a selection of cakes and pastries, and the pair fell to. “When can we go over to the school?” asked Len. “I’m longing to see it.” “I’ve arranged for us both to have Abendessen there. I usually eat at home in the evenings, unless the weather is too foul. There are some old friends who are looking forward to seeing you again, so we’ll go to the staff room before hand and get the first greetings over with there. Don’t want to set a bad example to the little darlings, do we?” |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 6th, 2003, 1:49pm *hopes Pat is going to be very bored at work for the forseeable future, so that we get lots more of this!!!!* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Carolyn P on Oct 6th, 2003, 4:40pm *echo's Vikki* After taking a walk to the auberge. Please may we have some more of this. I'm looking forward to the school's reaction. Who remembers her? |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 6th, 2003, 4:49pm *goes off to find Pat and drag her here to post more!* ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 6th, 2003, 7:23pm I've come down with a rotten cold and have had to come home - spent the afternoon in bed, and still not thinking straight. Totally chickened out of running a session on research skills. You were lucky to get what you did today! I'll have tosee how I am tomorrow. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Lesley on Oct 6th, 2003, 9:42pm Hope you're feeling better soon Pat. More please when you feel able - this is excellent! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 7th, 2003, 2:04am *sends Pat a huge box of lemsip max strength tablets and a hot honey and lemon drink!* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Jennie on Oct 7th, 2003, 9:18am A bottle of whisky, Olbas oil and a twin packof man-size tissues from Jennie. Hope you're feeling better soon. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Esmeralda on Oct 7th, 2003, 7:15pm Hope you get better soon Pat. *Sends vitamin C tablets as everything else seems to have been provided. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 7th, 2003, 7:21pm I've been in bed most of today, and on max strength Lemsip and Vicks decongestant! Feeling marginally better, but the head's still a bit heavy for thinking/listening to plot bunnies! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 7th, 2003, 8:02pm I hope you're feeling better soon Pat! (And not just so we get more story!! ;)) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by lizi on Oct 8th, 2003, 3:59pm yeah get better soon :) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 8th, 2003, 11:29pm Back to work tomorrow. Should have been my late finish tonight - wonder who did it? Last week the Learning Centre was empty for most of the last 2 hours, which was a wonderful time to read threads and write!! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 9th, 2003, 1:14pm With the small meal out of the way, the two women set off through the garden towards the gate through the hedge. Len noticed that the famous rose garden was no more. In its place was an extensive water feature, that owed more than a little to a garden make-over programme currently showing on satellite television. Len exclaimed over the changes. “Oh yes. The rose bushes were well past their best, so I thought it was time for a change. I hope you like it!” “Er, well, it’s different, anyway.” The school buildings loomed out of the dusk, and Len could see considerably more than she remembered. The main buildings were the same, and she could see the extensions housing both the Library and the Swimming Pool. However, there were surely more buildings showing above the roof of the pool that hadn’t been there the last time she’d been to the Gornetz Platz. Jo noticed the direction she was looking in. “Weren’t you expecting those buildings?” she asked. “You should have realised that we’d need extra accommodation for the boy’s dormies, surely.” “Yes, I suppose so. It just caught me on the hop, especially when its getting dark like this.” The entered the school through the main entrance, and Len was relieved to find that the Staff Room was still in the same place as she’d expected. Jo opened the door and ushered her through. The room seemed to be filled with a sea of faces, and there were men present as well as women. “Len! How fabulous to see you again!” The owner of the voice sped across the room to greet her. Len felt that she ought to recognise the short cropped dark hair, and the slim boyish figure, but her mind was playing tricks on her tonight, and she couldn’t place her. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 9th, 2003, 2:13pm Suddenly it dawned on her who this must be. “Jack Lambert!” she cried. “I haven’t seen you for ages, and I hardly recognised you.” Other old friends gathered round, but presently Len noticed the amused gazes of the strangers around her, and in particular a good looking man of about her own age. “Won’t you introduce me, you people?” she asked. Jack made the introductions, and she found herself shaking hands with the interesting male, who turned out to be the Robotics and Electronics master. His special interest lay in something called ‘Robot Wars’, for which he was guiding the students in the construction of a deadly robot called Handrada the Terrible. Jack was helping him enthusiastically, and Len felt a distinct flash of jealousy, which she quickly tried to smother. After all, she had left a husband of over 30 years standing behind her in England. By the end of the evening, Len had been promised a guided tour of the school, and also a personal introduction to Handrada to be performed by Craig. She found that she couldn’t wait! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 9th, 2003, 3:05pm The following morning, Len shot out of bed, showered and dressed and was down for breakfast before she had time to think. Jo laughed at her, having seen the effect that Craig had had on her the night before. “Feeling your oats, Aunty Len?” she asked. Len flushed a dark red. “No, of course not. I’m a happily married lady, I’ll have you know.” “How could I forget?” Breakfast or Fruhstuck over, the two headed back to the school. The new buildings stood out in the daylight, more so than the night before. As they walked down the corridor, a subdued hum could be heard coming form the Speisesaal. “We’ll go in there after they’ve finished eating,” said Jo. “I think you’ll find it’s changed.” “Everything has changed,” muttered Len. “I’d hardly know I was in the same building.” They looked into a couple of the classrooms. Instead of the prints of famous pictures that Len remembered, there were examples of the students art work on the walls, interspersed with modern posters. Jo led the way up the main staircase to the dormitories. “You’ll definitely see changes here!” she grinned. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 9th, 2003, 9:40pm Pat, this is great! Love the very subtle changes. *summons the voice for a chant* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Emma_N on Oct 9th, 2003, 9:58pm This is really good Pat, I also love the changes. I'm glad that you are feeling better!! :) :) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Lesley on Oct 9th, 2003, 10:49pm Excellent Pat - I'm really enjoying this! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Esmeralda on Oct 9th, 2003, 11:24pm Thank you Pat, it's really interesting to see the school in the present day. Looking forward to more. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Susan on Oct 10th, 2003, 12:46am This is great Pat, love how the school has changed. I have had Robots explained to me too, my goddaughter and her fiance are regulars on Robot Wars and to my shame I cannot remember the name of their Robot at the moment. :-[ |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 10th, 2003, 12:49am Thank you Pat! More please! And glad you're feeling better, my dear. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 10th, 2003, 1:13pm The first dormitory they came to was Gentian – or at least, that was how Len remembered it. When the door opened it revealed fewer cubicles than she remembered, and not only that, but each cubey had solid walls, though with a gap at floor level. She couldn’t make out what the substance was, but only the doors were covered with a curtain. These were pulled back so that the air could circulate properly. “Come and have a look inside one,” invited Jo, with a wicked smile. Len gasped. Each cubey had its own little wardrobe and matching chest of drawers, as well as the bedside chair. The bed still had its traditional plumeaux, but the cover was certainly not school issue, not with Winnie the Pooh all over it! The thing that really stunned her, however, was that the walls of the cubey were covered in posters of pop stars and actors ! She looked into the next cubey, to find the same thing – different posters and different cover. “They can bring their own covers in now, and decorate their cubeys as you can see. It’s to make it more like home.” Len voiced her immediate reaction. “What would Matey have said!” she gasped. Jo went off into a peel of laughter. “If you think these are shocking, you should see the boy’s rooms! They have semi-naked women over their walls!” |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 10th, 2003, 2:28pm “I don’t think I want to see those, thanks,” decided Len. “These are quite enough, thank you.” The tour continued, with Len feeling more and more bewildered. Everything had changed out of all recognition, or so she felt. None of the classroom had a blackboard in sight. Instead there were whiteboards and the occasional computer projector. As they walked down the corridor towards the Library Annexe, she could see that the building had been considerably extended. On first sight, the Library looked much the same, but then Len noticed the computer terminal on the counter, and a bank of computers where the old card catalogue had stood. That was only to be expected, she thought, and was really nothing after everything else. However, they walked across the room and into the new extension. Here there were around 30 computers. “There is Internet access from all of these. We use them to write up course work, and find information on a variety of subjects. This is all the Librarian’s preserve really, so I tend to leave it to her. She gives them lessons on searching the web, and finds useful websites for us.” “I see… at least I think I do.” “We’ll go and look at the craft rooms now, shall we?” asked Jo. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 10th, 2003, 3:04pm They were walking down the linking corridor when they heard a distant sound of voices that were getting rapidly closer. Suddenly, around the corner behind them, came what seemed to poor Len to be a herd of wild animals, all talking at the tops of their voices. The seething mass flowed ahead of them and vanished into a classroom. “I think I may have forgotten to warn you that we did away with silence in the corridors,” said Jo. “I’d noticed! How on earth do you keep order in this place now?” “They know the limits, and don’t often cross them. Come on, we’re nearly there now.” They came to a junction of the ways, and turned to their right. The corridor had a number of rooms opening off it, and the opposite wall was mostly glass. “This is the newest part of the school,” explained Jo. It was built when we decided to go co-ed, and needed to put in rooms for activities for the boys. Now, of course, they all do a bit of everything.” “Do you mean that you teach the boys to clean and cook, and the girls to do… what? Metalwork, woodwork?” “That’s right. We don’t do much cleaning these days, but we do do child care for everybody. Equality of the sexes, you know.” |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 10th, 2003, 3:20pm The child care room was more like a pretty nursery than a classroom, and had all the equipment needed to look after a young baby. A life-sized doll lay in the cot, and Jo went over to it and picked it up. “We make the kids have this over the weekend sometimes,” she said. “Especially when they’ve shown a little too much interest in each other. In fact, we have two, so it looks like one of them is out now, which is unusual. These dolls take up rather a large amount of time, so they usually stay in here during the week.” “What do you mean?” “Well, once they are set up properly, they do everything a baby does” Jo sent a wicked grin across to her Aunt. “They cry, want feeding, need a nappy change, you name it. They can’t be turned off, either. Gives the kid who has one something to think about.” “What do you hand out to the boys?” “The same thing of course! It’s even more effective with them, I can tell you!” |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 10th, 2003, 3:21pm More please Pat!! *begs* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Esmeralda on Oct 10th, 2003, 6:46pm I'm glad you are feeling better Pat, and I'm very pleased you're back at work. Looking forward to more |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Carolyn P on Oct 10th, 2003, 8:05pm Great stuff. Loving seeing all the changes. :D What has Len done with Reg? ;D |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 10th, 2003, 10:32pm Reg is still back in England, isn't he? And I love this! Oh, btw Pat, the school did have woodworking classes when Tom attended it (I think it's mentioned in "Wrong" or even "Tom". I can't quite recall.) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Emma_N on Oct 10th, 2003, 10:35pm :) :) This is great!! More please Pat!!! :) :) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 10th, 2003, 11:19pm on 10/10/03 at 22:32:35, KB wrote:
Shame on you for not remembering! Aren't you supposed to know it all?!!! ;D ;D ;D Sorry!! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 10th, 2003, 11:51pm *wonders if KB will give Pat a head's report for that piece of cheek?* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 11th, 2003, 9:19am I'll let it pass with a warning this time... ;) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 11th, 2003, 10:23pm Sorry KB - you walked into that, & I couldn't resist it! ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 11th, 2003, 11:01pm Well, it does make them think a bit when they have to get up in the night to feed and change it! It can wake the whole dormy! The rest of the area was more as Len had expected, and she breathed a sigh of relief. She was wondering what her grand daughter made of all this. By the time they reached the sport complex she was once more on an even keel. They looked into the gym, which seemd much the same at first, but then Jo led the way to a door at the far side. In the room beyond were a lot of very strange machines. Some of them looked like bicycles without any wheels, and surely that was some sort of rowing machine. "This is our new exercise hall," said Jo proudly. We can do all sorts of fitness training in here, from jogging to weight training. As you can imagine, it's a Godsend in the bad weather we get up here at times." "I suppose it must be. I knew the school prided itself on being at the cutting edge of education, but this is really more than I expected." "Just be grateful that family still get preferential treatment when it comes to fees. The cost of this place is astronomical, believe me." |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 11th, 2003, 11:16pm on 10/11/03 at 22:23:09, PatW wrote:
*requests everyone but Pat to look the other way and not to peek* :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P :P |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 11th, 2003, 11:24pm Is that the correct behaviour expected of a CS Head girl? ??? ??? ??? :o :o :o Perhaps its just as well there's a few miles of water between us!! ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 12th, 2003, 12:42am Sometimes even the dignity of a Head Girl has to give way to the desire for revenge...*g* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 12th, 2003, 5:13am Girls! Girls! Play nicely now! No fighting!! ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 12th, 2003, 10:08am Who? Me?!!! :o :o :o :o :o :o :o |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 12th, 2003, 12:11pm *KB takes Vikki aside and reminds her of the many times that suggestion could have been applied to her* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by catherine on Oct 12th, 2003, 2:58pm Now don't start squabbling! More please, Pat! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 12th, 2003, 11:13pm on 10/12/03 at 12:11:20, KB wrote:
Moi? But never! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 12th, 2003, 11:23pm *tries to rein in the hysterics that came about as a result of Vikki's innocent act* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 13th, 2003, 12:11am *wonders if she should slap KB! (That is the recommended treatment for hysterics isn't it?)* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 13th, 2003, 12:17am Did you ever see Jem or Jack slap Joey? So why should you think slapping me would help? And besides, I've recovered now. Just, please, don't make any more statements like that that could set me off again! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 13th, 2003, 12:59am I still fail to understand why you have such a problem believing in my innocence!! :o |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 13th, 2003, 3:38pm Len was beginning to think that the tour would never end. She was totally overwhelmed by the changes she had seen, though she had been expecting some. There was more to come, however. Jo opened a door to reveal a beautiful modern theatre, with all the necessary equipment for putting on sophisticated plays. “This is where the Christmas Play will be performed,” she explained. We outgrew St Lawrence’s Hall some years ago, and decided we might as well have purpose built premises. We use it for other things too.” She pointed to a neatly produced programme pinned to a notice board just inside the door. It listed the programme of films to be shown during the term. “Those are for Saturdays,” said Len. “What happened to our old Saturday nights, with dancing and games and so on?” “We still have those as options. Don’t forget that the school has doubled in size, and we don’t have the room for everyone to do the same thing at the same time any more. So we have a film showing each week. Next week we have the new Lord of the Rings, for instance. People can do three different types of dancing – country, ballroom and whatever the latest craze is. One of our male colleagues is a great DJ. Then there are Hobbies sessions most Saturdays. You can come over to the Crafts Centre and do anything from raffia work to pot throwing. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Lesley on Oct 14th, 2003, 11:10am Excellent - really liking how the CS has adapted - more please - what about languages? |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 14th, 2003, 4:01pm On their way back to the staff room, they passed a suite of rooms with a strange mixture of equipment in them. “What are those for?” queried Len. “I should have shown you these before, since you used to teach languages,” said Jo. “This is our languages suite. We have a range of multi-media resources for a wide range of languages. New pupils come here for a basic grounding in our three main languages, and may well spend much of the first few weeks in here. We have produced our own training program, geared to getting everyone up to speed as quickly as possible, and into subject teaching as soon as they are ready. When they take their options in the third year, they can opt to do more languages. We do not restrict choice by any individual country’s educational programme, as that would be discriminatory. We have streams for those sitting for their own country’s examinations, naturally, but anyone can join any of the streams. Therefore an English child could be in the French stream, sitting the French exams. We have found that most opt to go for the International Baccalaureat in the sixth, as this gives them most flexibility. As you can see, we pride ourselves on the strength of our language provision.” Len was overwhelmed and delighted. She had gone back to teaching when she felt her children were old enough, but had never had anything like these facilities, and as a consequence, was rather green with envy. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 14th, 2003, 4:07pm You've raised an interesting point there Pat! It'd never really occurred to me, but the non english girls must have been at a disadvantage if they applied to uni in their own countries, having done English exams rather than having done the same exams as their compatriots! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 14th, 2003, 4:13pm You only really see the English girls taking exams - or rather, hear them talking about exams - after the school becomes an exam centre in Switzerland. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 14th, 2003, 4:19pm Ye-es. It's kind of implied though that the non english girls would have taken them also, there's certainly no mention of any other formal exams from other countries, and if the foreign girls did no exams at all then they'd be at even more of a disadvantage, which is why I like what you've done in this story, having them run exams from each of the main countries. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by crashbb on Oct 14th, 2003, 7:47pm Early on in Tirol Simone worries about looking bad at the Sorbonne since she had an English education, as opposed to the French one her fellow pupils would have had. That is the only mention of the problem of universities that I can think of - though there are likely more. Chelsea *in the midst of applications and pulling out her hair* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 14th, 2003, 10:08pm And I really think Simone was more worried about the fact that French schools have such longer hours and have so much more homework, so she would behind in hours. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Lesley on Oct 14th, 2003, 11:31pm MORE! MORE! MORE! please |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 15th, 2003, 2:54pm By the time she had examined the languages suite and returned to the Staff Room, classes were well under way. Jo made her a coffee, and left to get her things ready for the next class. Len sat and ruminated over all she had seen. She remembered her mother telling her how much the school had changed since her day, as much because of the increase in numbers as the changed times. Now she could appreciate what her mother had meant. The school seemed huge, with over 800 pupils from all over the world attending it. It seemed to her to be a very impersonal place now; its very size made the friendly relations that had existed between pupils and staff almost impossible to maintain. You would know only those that you came into contact with, and the rest would be strangers. Her thoughts were scattered to the four winds when the door opened to reveal Craig. “What happened to our visit to Handrada?” he asked. “Have you been so busy looking round the place that you’d forgotten our date?” “Date?” queried Len. “I wouldn’t have called it that precisely.” “Well if you’ve finished that coffee, would you like to see it?” Len drained her cup and rose to her feet. The feelings that she had had the night before were rising again, and she didn’t really know how to deal with them. She had had a happy life with Reg, even though he was so much older than she was, but now he was nearing retirement, and she was facing the future, when they would be in each others company all day. Like many before her, she was unsure whether this would be beneficial to their relationship. On the whole, she had been dreading it, and now she had met this man who was probably about the same age as herself, and she was feeling confused. She had never looked at another man in that way since she had given her promise to Reg before she went to University, and up until now had never regretted it. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 15th, 2003, 3:18pm She rose to her feet and followed Craig from the room, wondering why this man should make her feel so strange and light hearted, almost like a girl again. Craig led her to the far end of the complex of buildings, and opened a door into a separate workshop area that Jo had bye passed on their tour. There was a peculiar mixture of smells – oil and hot metal – and in the centre of the room was a strong bench on which rested the most peculiar machine she had ever seen. It was big, and painted bright yellow. There was what looked like a Viking war axe looming over it, though the blade was covered with something protective. She guessed that the edge must be pretty sharp to require that sort of protection. The side of the machine were low enough to brush the floor, and at the back it extended into a sort of lip. “What do you think of her?” asked Craig “I’m not sure. I don’t think I knew what to expect, but this wasn’t it” replied Len sounding as confused as she felt. “Tell me what all the bits are, please” Craig put his arm round her shoulders in a casual manner and led her over to the bench. “It runs on two wheelchair motors,” he said. “This axe is powered by a large gas cylinder and is very powerful. The lip at the back is the flipper.” He lifted the back part to show how it worked, and Len felt a surge of disappointment when his arm fell away from her shoulders. Then she gave herself a firm mental shake. She was a married woman for Heaven’s sake, and a good Catholic to boot. She had no right to be feeling this way about anyone other than her husband. “The flipper works by gas too,” went on Craig, apparently oblivious to the emotions warring inside Len. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 15th, 2003, 3:56pm Luckily for her, she was used to making the correct sounds around men, making it seem as thought she was drinking in every word. This was only a change in terminology, and she was able to concentrate on controlling her emotions without giving herself away. By the time she had had the workings explained to her, she was herself again, and able to talk as if nothing had ever been the matter. She was very relieved; really, what had come over her that she had behaved like a teenager? What Len did not realise was that she had never been given the opportunity to relate to anyone other than Reg since she was at school. Her upbringing had trained to ignore other men, once she had made her choice, and so she had gone through University without seeing the men there as anything other than casual friends. It was only now, when she was questioning her relationship with her husband, that she had laid herself open to these feelings. Most women her age would have been able to recognise the symptoms, but Len had no experience to fall back on. However, she was able to chat to this disturbingly attractive man in a light-hearted way as they returned to the Staff Room. The rest of the day passed uneventfully. Len returned to Freudesheim for \Mittagessen, and decided to go for a walk in the afternoon. She could see the school out on the playing fields as she passed, and was amused to see that the favourite game was football, for both the boys and the girls. It was cold, and she hurried on towards the chalet where Biddy Courvoisier and Hilary Graves had lived. She had lost touch with them, as with so many of her girlhood friends, and she wondered if they still lived up on the Platz. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 15th, 2003, 3:58pm on 10/14/03 at 23:31:30, Lesley wrote:
DITT for yours !!! ;D |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 15th, 2003, 5:39pm More please!!!!!! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Esmeralda on Oct 15th, 2003, 11:12pm definitely more please |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 15th, 2003, 11:16pm *puts on sunglasses* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 15th, 2003, 11:35pm *considers Vikki mildly hypocritical considering her own near-fluorescent print* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 15th, 2003, 11:59pm Did I say mine wasn't the reason for the sunglasses? |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 16th, 2003, 12:04am It was just a guess, as you waited until someone else put up a bright sign before suggesting them. ;) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 16th, 2003, 12:13am Well, we're not supposed to reply to our own posts are we? Wouldn't that be spreeing? ;) ;) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 16th, 2003, 12:31am There is always the 'modify' button... |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 16th, 2003, 12:33am What's that for then? ;) ;D |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 16th, 2003, 12:37am Click on it and find out. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 16th, 2003, 12:41am No! That one's really boring, the colurs and movements and things are far better!! ::) ;D |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 16th, 2003, 12:42am Well, I find it useful, but then I'm a boring old fogey who probably doesn't count for anything, so I'll just go and find myself a quiet corner... |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 16th, 2003, 12:46am Well, KB, if you're a boring old fogey, what does that make me? I'm about six months older than you, so I'd have to be a boring even older fogey!! ;) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 16th, 2003, 12:52am Oh, no, you've obviously retained your misspent youth. I, on the other hand, did an 'inner age' quiz and am far too ashamed to reveal what I got! :-[ |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 16th, 2003, 12:59am Believe me, usually I'm more like forty or so than twenty five! This board brings out my silly side, BIG TIME!! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 16th, 2003, 1:12am *finds this incredibly difficult to believe* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Lisa on Oct 16th, 2003, 1:37pm Great story, I am loving these ideas! I want to know what their meals are like now - is semi-skimmed milk available? Less fat, less caffeine and less cakes?! Perhaps they have weight watchers clubs! What about those with dairy or wheat intolerances? I suppose they would have starved in the old Chalet School! And do you think Guides would have the same fascination? Keep going, good stuff! Lisa 'eagerly awaiting more!' :D PS How do you make itallics work?! ??? |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Lisa on Oct 16th, 2003, 1:44pm Hello there OK have figured it out, clever husband showed me! ::) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 16th, 2003, 10:41pm Sorry folks. Been on a course today at Stoke College, learning about dealing with disruptive students!!!! (See posting on the ITT thread!) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 17th, 2003, 2:25pm As she drew level with the building, a lady came out of the door and walked down the path towards her. Len stopped and frankly stared. She was pretty certain that this lady was Biddy herself, but instead of the older woman she would have expected, this lady still looked youthful. As she reached to open the gate, the lady realised that she was being stared at and turned her head. “Len Entwistle! You are, aren’t you? Sure an’ my poor eyes must be deceiving me, so they are.” “Biddy! Yes it’s me. You haven’t changed a bit! How do you do it?” “Ah well, the hair colour comes out of a bottle these days,” replied Biddy, a little self-consciously, “And Eugen had to retrain when TB was conquered. He decided to go in for cosmetic surgery.” “You’ve never had a face-lift, Biddy!” gasped Len, adding two and two together and making five. “Oi have then,” replied Biddy, going Irish with a vengeance. “Sure an’ why shouldn’t I? It’s me own face, isn’t it?” “It is good to see you. Are you going out for a walk, or something?” “I was walking up to the San. I wouldn’t mind some company, though. What are you doing here, for a start?” The two women wandered up the road, and Len told Biddy why she had come back after so many years. She carefully said nothing about Craig – her feelings were far too confused to permit that. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 17th, 2003, 2:50pm Much refreshed from her meeting with an old friend, Len returned to Freudesheim, determined to put away her feelings for Craig. In her early sixties, the last thing she needed was romantic complications. Jo had arranged for them both to eat at the school for the rest of her stay, except for Fruhstuck, and she went upstairs to change, wondering what sort of meal she would have. Karen had retired long ago, and the current chef had no connections to Austrian cuisine, which had been such a feature of the menu when she had been at school. She checked her appearance in the mirror satisfied that she looked as well as she could, and ran downstairs to see if Jo was ready. She found a note propped on the mantelpiece informing her that Jo had been called back to school, and she should make her own way across. Reaching the staff room, she opened the door only to bump into a figure who was on the point of leaving. The man grabbed her to steady her, and she looked up into the handsome face above her, realising that it was Craig. A hot blush washed over her face, much to her annoyance, and she hurriedly stepped back, out of his arms. “I’m so sorry,” she muttered, and made to walk around him. “Don’t worry about it,” Craig replied. “I was just coming to look for you. The bell will go for Abendessen at any minute, and I didn’t want you to have to walk into the Speisesaal by yourself, with the whole school looking on. Not an easy thing to do, as I know to my cost!” At that moment, the great bell rang out. That at least had not changed. Len and Craig made their way to the Speisesaal, with the rest of the staff behind them. The Head followed them to the staff table, and rang the bell for Grace. Immediately the room fell silent, and he spoke the familiar Latin Grace that the Abbess had always used. Len turned towards Craig once they were seated. “Jo hasn’t introduced me to your Head,” she said, “I didn’t even know you had a man. What’s his name?” “That’s Mr Abbott, “ was the reply. “I’ll introduce you after the meal, if you like. By the way, what so funny? You’re spluttering into your meal like a Middle!” Len grinned at him. “When I was last here, the Head was Miss Annersley. Her nickname was the Abbess!” Craig threw back his head and laughed so loudly that heads turned towards him in surprise. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Lesley on Oct 17th, 2003, 3:50pm Oh lovely - absolutely loved that last line of Len's! More please Pat! (Lesley not daring to do any colours or things in case that's what has upset the board!) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Carolyn P on Oct 17th, 2003, 4:24pm on 10/17/03 at 15:50:08, Lesley wrote:
I echo both these statements. This is a wondeful story, and I daren't do anyhting 'different' in case the board goes even stranger. Chanting as I type. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 17th, 2003, 10:09pm on 10/16/03 at 01:12:20, KB wrote:
Which part of my post were you having trouble believing, KB? Oh, and more soon please, Pat!! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 17th, 2003, 10:44pm The idea that you could possibly have a silly side. ;) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 17th, 2003, 11:01pm on 10/17/03 at 22:44:25, KB wrote:
Well, it's no worse than yours my love!! ;) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 17th, 2003, 11:19pm I don't think that's even an issue! ;) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 17th, 2003, 11:26pm Are you saying that you don't have a silly side? |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 17th, 2003, 11:37pm Not at all! I was actually implying that it's so obvious, it can't even disappear in my RL! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 17th, 2003, 11:46pm Ah, I understand now!! They make some great concealers nowadays, have you tried any of them? |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 18th, 2003, 12:15am Actually, I was considering plastic surgery... |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 18th, 2003, 12:18am I think that may be a wee bit drastic honey!! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Esmeralda on Oct 18th, 2003, 2:52am on 10/18/03 at 00:15:07, KB wrote:
Another patient for Dr Courvoisier? I loved that idea Pat, in fact I'm really enjoying seeing how the CS developed throughout the intervening years. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 18th, 2003, 6:28am Drastic? Nah! Always have to remove the nasty bits! *g* Although I never did like needles... or pain... *whimper* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 18th, 2003, 2:01pm on 10/18/03 at 02:52:03, Esmeralda wrote:
I'm leaving it to the bunny!!! When I open the Word doc, I just write whatever comes into my head! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Esmeralda on Oct 18th, 2003, 2:06pm Make sure you keep your bunny well fed then, so that he can keep up his present levels of inspiration ;D |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 18th, 2003, 9:00pm Sending a nice big parcel of brain food to your bunny Pat!! Make sure he has easy access please! ;) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 19th, 2003, 12:39am I don't think bunnies, even plot bunnies, eat brains, do they? Surely they would prefer carrots... ;) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 19th, 2003, 12:52am KB, brain food is food that's good for the brain, not actual brains!!!!! ::) ::) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by crashbb on Oct 19th, 2003, 12:56am on 10/19/03 at 00:52:59, Vikki wrote:
Then we should send Smarties (they make you SMART) and Laura Secord mint chocolates. These always were my "exam care package" from my mum when I was at school. Chelsea *who would entertain any offers of brain food as she writes this darn paper about program evaluation in communicable disease surveillance systems* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 19th, 2003, 6:20am on 10/19/03 at 00:52:59, Vikki wrote:
*g* Can I help it that you refuse to explain yourself properly? |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 19th, 2003, 12:49pm It's nobody's fault but yours when you *wilfully* misunderstand! :D :D :D |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 19th, 2003, 12:50pm Me?! *wide eyed innocence* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 19th, 2003, 12:52pm :DWide-eyed innocence is usually seen through in the CS! :D :D |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 19th, 2003, 12:55pm *wonders at the idea that I could possibly wilfully misunderstand anything* *didn't think I was brought up that way* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Marguerite on Oct 19th, 2003, 1:59pm ;D Pat, please give us some more of the story NOW |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 19th, 2003, 4:50pm I've been busy with 'The CS Librarian' all afternoon! More of this tomorrow, perhaps, if the bunny comes up trumps. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 19th, 2003, 9:04pm on 10/19/03 at 12:49:07, PatW wrote:
Thank you Pat!! It's good to have some support against KB!!! ;) ;) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 19th, 2003, 11:09pm *mockingly* Like you need it! We do quite well against each other! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 19th, 2003, 11:34pm Yes, but a bit of help now and then is nice!! ;) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 19th, 2003, 11:35pm I'm impartial, as you'll see if you check your 'Peace' thread, KB!!! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 19th, 2003, 11:46pm *hopes Pat doesn't get splinters in her bottom from sitting on the fence!* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 19th, 2003, 11:49pm Being impartial is totally different from sitting on the fence!! Anyway, I'm sensible enough to use a cushion!! 8) 8) 8) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 19th, 2003, 11:56pm Aaahh! The wisdom that comes with age!! ;) ;) *ducks in case Pat throws her cushion!!* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 20th, 2003, 12:06am *goes off to check "Peace" thread* *comes back* And I'm not so sure about your self-diagnosis. You seem to have worked it out quite nicely! *g* *wonders if we should stop hijacking this thread with nonsense in the hope of geting more "CS in the 21st Century"* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 20th, 2003, 12:11am I don't think we get more till Pat goes to work! :'( :'( |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 20th, 2003, 12:17am Aw! :'( |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 20th, 2003, 12:28am *pats KB consolingly on the shoulder and offers her a tissue from the communal box!* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 20th, 2003, 12:33am *accepts with thanks and a sniff* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 20th, 2003, 10:28am You're dead right, but I'm at work now. However, you may have to wait till later, as one of my staff has rung in sick, so there's only 2 of us here! I'm doing her late finish at 7.00pm, so will probably be able to do something then if I don't have time before. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 20th, 2003, 2:05pm *attempts to wait patiently* It's lucky Vikki's not here - she'd never cope! :D |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 20th, 2003, 2:12pm How can you say that about our Vikki? She's the personification of patience, surely!!!! :o :o :o |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 20th, 2003, 3:09pm *sniffs indignantly* *hopes Pat's day gets better later on* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 20th, 2003, 3:53pm Your patience is rewarded! “I like that,” he said, gasping for breath. “I wish I knew if they have a nickname for me. “ “How about ‘The Robot’?” asked Len with a grin. “Logical, I suppose. Ah, here’s the food.” A bowl of clear consommé with a garnish of croutons was put in front of her, and she dipped her sthingy into it and started to eat. The flavour was out-of-this-world, and could only have been prepared by a top chef. “This is superb!” she said. “We have a wonderful chef, trained in a top French restaurant. He’s very much into healthy eating, too, so you won’t have anything fried, or very much cream, not even on the coffee.” “That’s a real shame. I’ve lovely memories of the rich coffee we used to get down in Interlaken. It was always very milky up here, though.” The main course consisted of grilled lake trout, new potatoes and a selection of fresh vegetables cooked al dente., and was finished by a fresh fruit salad and yoghurt. The coffee that followed was delicious, but was served with milk rather than cream. “The Head felt that the menus we had been used to serving were far too high in fat, and it was only the fact that the school gave a great deal of time to outdoor exercise that stopped the girls becoming grossly over weight. We have been following the new menu for a couple of years now, and everyone is much more healthy. In fact, most of the older pupils and all the long established staff have lost pounds.” “I can believe that,” laughed Len. “I use much less high calorie things myself these days. This meal proves that food can still be extremely tasty, and healthy too.” |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 20th, 2003, 4:09pm I love the comment about the staff losing weight on the new menu! ;D ;D |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 20th, 2003, 5:11pm After the meal, the staff wandered back to the staff room, and started to get out their marking. Len looked round at them all, relieved that those days were behind her. “I’ll leave you folk to the joys of marking,” she called as she pulled on her coat and gloves and headed for the door. To her surprise it was opened for her just as she got to it, and Craig followed her out. “I’ll see you across,” he said. “The grounds pretty slippery outside.” “I have my nailed boots, so I’ll be quite safe,” said Len, feeling suddenly breathless, and unable to look at Craig. She also felt extremely annoyed with herself. After all, it had only been a simple suggestion, and there could not possibly be any other reason for the offer. Craig knew she was married, didn’t he? And how could she remind him without implying something more? They walked through the school grounds until they came to the gate in the hedge that her father had had made so long ago. Both were silent, and Len was feeling very mixed up about herself. Once they were through the gate, Craig stopped abruptly. “Len,” he stopped speaking suddenly. “What is it?” “I don’t know how to say this. I don’t know whether you knew, but I lost my wife four years ago, from illness. At the time, I thought that I would never feel the same way about anyone again. You see, she meant the world to me. We married when we were very young, and against the wishes of both our parents, so we had to make our way with none of the support that most new couples have. When she died I was totally devastated. I found it extremely difficult to come to terms with my loss, and that was one of the reasons I came out here to the Chalet School. It was a complete break from everything we had known together, and I hoped it would help my recovery. I was right, it change gave me strength to carry on, and I have accepted it now.” “Why are you telling me this?” faltered Len, a bit afraid of knowing the answer, but needing to ask it anyway. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 20th, 2003, 5:25pm Pat!!!!!!! What a cliffhanger!!! *openmouthed with dismay* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 20th, 2003, 5:28pm That's 'cos I'm almost scared to go on. The blasted bunny is running away with me! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 20th, 2003, 5:33pm Pat, let the bunny be your guide, he knows what he's doing!!!! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 20th, 2003, 5:54pm Just wish *I* did!! ::) ::) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 20th, 2003, 6:00pm That's why you have a plot bunny Pat!!! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 20th, 2003, 6:18pm This one's not so benign as the one dealing with 'Pat' (Now CS Librarian'. ) I knew where that was going! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 20th, 2003, 6:27pm “I need you to know everything. You see, I think I was wrong when I thought I’d never feel like that again. When I met you yesterday, I felt that something wonderful had come into my life.” “Craig, before you go on, I must remind you that I’m married. This can’t happen, it mustn’t. “ “Len I know. I didn’t sleep last night because I was so confused. I only spoke just now because I felt that perhaps I wasn’t the only one feeling like this. I thought that just perhaps you were feeling the same. Maybe I’m wrong… after all, it’s been a long time since this sort of thing happened.” “You – you weren’t wrong,” said Len, glad that the darkness hid her flaming cheeks. “I don’t want you to think you’d imagined it, because you haven’t. I mustn’t let it go further than this, though. I owe it to Reg.” |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Oct 20th, 2003, 6:28pm Just enjoy the surprises!! ;D |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Lesley on Oct 20th, 2003, 6:39pm *Just nudge that bunny would you Pat!* More please! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 20th, 2003, 6:42pm This started out as atongue-in-cheek look at the changes there would be,a nd now look at it!!! ::) ::) ::) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 20th, 2003, 6:57pm Len turned and ran across the garden and into the house, nearly in tears at what she had needed to do. Jo, who had returned to Freudesheim immediately after Abendessen, was in the hall when she returned. She took one look at her face and pulled her into the study. “What in the world has happened?” she asked. “Craig!” said Len, fighting back her tears. “I’ve been trying to ignore the fact that I was attracted to him from the first moment I saw him. I’m married, and a Catholic – its for life, Jo.” “Life’s not that easy though, is it?” “No. I’ve felt nothing for Reg for years. He’s so much older than me, and all he wants to do is settle into retirement. I’m not ready for that. Then I came out here, and met Craig. I’m pretty sure that I feel more for him now, after only one day, than I ever did for poor Reg. I closed my eyes to other men when I was at University – after all, I was engaged, and it was easy then. Now it’s very hard, and I don’t know what to do.” The tears came then, tearing sobs that shook her to the core. “Come and sit down and I’ll get us both a drink. Come on, Len. Don’t make yourself ill, love. That won’t help anyone.” |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Lesley on Oct 20th, 2003, 9:03pm Poor Len - she's in her early sixties and only just found someone. More please Pat! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 20th, 2003, 10:20pm Pat, there's nothing you can do. The PB has taken over. Just roll with the punches and see where it takes you. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Oct 20th, 2003, 10:24pm No choice, have I?! ::) ::) It'll have to wait till tomorrow now when I can get at it. It's saved on my computer at work. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Oct 20th, 2003, 10:31pm Nope! ;D *waiting for more already* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Today at 1:27am on 10/20/03 at 22:31:24, KB wrote:
KB, if Pat can't get at the file, she can't really post anymore, can she!! ::) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Today at 2:39am But I'm waiting patiently (I know, I know, you don't know that word) until she gets to her computer and can do more. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Today at 2:53am Oh, I understand now. You weren't terribly clear there!! ;) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by KB on Today at 3:59am Oh, I like to have a sense of mystery about me... ;) |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Today at 1:03pm *decides to humour KB* |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Today at 3:01pm Far away in England, Reg, now in his 70s, was also looking at his life. He was feeling the difference age difference between himself and his wife as much as Len was. Still active, mentally and physically, he nevertheless knew himself to be slowing appreciatively. Now that he was separated from Len for the first time in very many years, he found that he could look at their relationship objectively. He was coming to realise that his feelings for his wife were avuncular rather than lover-like, and had probably been so for a number of years. They also had less and less in common where their interests were concerned. Being a logical man, he pulled a paper and pen to him and started to make notes. When he sat back to look at what he had written, he realised that he had in reality been contemplating a permanent separation from Len. As she was a Catholic, he was certain that she would never agree to divorce. He also still had enough feelings left for her to want to spare her the burden of his declining years. Coming to a sudden decision, he picked up the phone, and called his solicitor. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Today at 3:09pm Pat, please write more of this soon, I'm not sure if I can take the tension!! :o |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Today at 3:21pm OK! ;D As a result of his conversation, he took a deep breath, and started to write the most difficult letter of his life. My dear Len. I have been thinking very seriously about our relationship whilst you have been in Switzerland, and I have come to the conclusion that we would be happier apart. Our relationship has been platonic for a good while now, and I am very aware of the difference in our ages and interests. Len, this is so difficult for me to write, but I am too much as coward to say this to you. I have been in contact with our solicitor, and he sees no problem with an equitable division of our assets. I am aware that you would not be happy with the suggestion of divorce, since you are a practicing Catholic, but I am proposing that we agree to a permanent separation. There is no hurry. Please think carefully about what you want for yourself. I am prepared to let you retain this house, and I would move to a flat somewhere. I am sorry to shock you like this, my dear. With very great affection, Reg Happy now?! |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Esmeralda on Today at 3:24pm Pat - I can't believe I went to a stupid pub quiz last night when I could have stayed in and read this! Please, please, please write some more soon. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Today at 3:56pm Len had been so exhausted by her outburst of sobbing that all she was capable of was staggering off to bed. The stiff drink had helped to steady her, and she was able to wash and get ready for bed with some degree of normality. Before long, she was sound asleep, and did not stir till morning. Craig, on the other hand, was walking along the road in the dark, cursing himself for being all kinds of a fool. He had fallen very heavily for Len, as he had said to her, but he was furious with himself for taking the plunge as he had done, and speaking to her. He had only known her a couple of days, and had behaved like a gauche schoolboy, frightening her and upsetting her. Why couldn’t he have left it a little longer? On the other hand, if she had been indifferent to him, she wouldn’t have reacted like that. His thoughts went round in circles, leaving him depressed and elated in turn, and in the end he decided that as there was nothing more he could do that night, he should go back to the school and try to go to sleep. Tomorrow was another day. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Esmeralda on Today at 4:08pm Would'nt it be awful if Reg's letter got lost in the post? Havinng said that, I don't see how it will be that much use to Len, she will still be married to him after all. It's all rather tragic that she married so young really. |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by PatW on Today at 4:11pm I hope you don't think I know how it'll be resolved! I haven't got the foggiest! ::) ::) :-[ :-[ |
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Title: Re: The CS in the 21st century. Post by Vikki on Today at 4:30pm Well, I just hope your bunny does know Pat!! :o :o |
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