In which the Whuppie notes of this dusty book's existence and other such nonsense.

[cometospain]

The Compendium has always been something of a conundrum for me, as it is not as if I was ever a woman who thought that it was altogether of interest to write of her adventures when she could, in fact, be committing them. Still, I am in my later years; arguably, I've left adventures to the wayside for another time, such as when I magically get all

Comments

[tinsoldiered]

Never thought I'd see an entry from you, Aunt George Georgia. But it makes reading this thing a little more enjoyable.

I'm sorry I've stayed away so long, work and all. That said, when is it best for me to come? And should I be prepared to tango with those Christmas lights again?

[cometospain]

I never thought I'd be committing one so long, to tell you the absolute truth. That's quite sweet of you to say though, Charlie. Perhaps I shall try to make an adventure out of going to Costco later this week?

You know how it is; being in the Lap of Luxury, my schedule is positively open! ... except for this Thursday, because I have a committee meeting to plan a Salvation Army benefit. And then there's a Vestry meeting this Sunday, but you know about that, so I have no clue as to why I'm informing you. Either way, it seems that I'll need your help with the lights; nothing says tacky like decorations after Ephiphany, and I'm terribly embarrassed.

[tinsoldiered]

I liked it better than the one-liners I'm bombarded with most of the times I crack this thing open. Half of the time I don't even know what they're talking about. I'll admit I'm a little curious about why you'd need to go to Costco in the first place. Do you need an industrial-sized container of lemon icing?

Again, I'm really sorry about that. I should've been over as soon as I got back from Williamsburg. Speaking of which, how was Christmas with the family? How many bottles of cognac did you go through?

[cometospain]

It's flour, you see. With Chapter OX's upcoming meeting, I said that I would help Gladys by making a few desserts in addition to opening up the house. It's not entirely sisterly of me to think, of course, but Gladys is a bit of a pill when it comes to organizing anything. Before you ask me how many cakes I'm making, though, I will kindly point out to you that I'm placing the rest in the freezer in the garage, so I won't be baking for an army.

You're a busy man, Charlie, and I'm an old lady who has overdue Christmas lights. You have c Only Margaret was able to make it down, which was a bit disappointing, although I do always find that I need to prepare myself singularly when Zacharias comes. It doesn't help that Emily and Susannah are terribly quiet, but I've told you about those three to fill your ears for days, so I'll stop.

But I want to hear about your Christmas, dear. I do so like to hear about your family, after all.

[off_the_hookah]

[cometospain]

Neil, as much as I like to compete with Anser for the Old Tale of the Year Award, I must remind you that there is a reason that I have been the winner for twelve consecutive years?

They're nice plaques, you know. Almost makes being the only member of AARP in the Atheneum worth it.

[off_the_hookah]

[cometospain]

Actually, I was led to believe it was the preponderance of orthopedic shoes in my wardrobe that secured my position, but it's quite sweet of you to say all the same. But, if you absolutely must know the geriatric beauty secret of the stars, it's Eucerin cream. On occasion, Bag Balm. Available at Walgreens everywhere.

Neil, you at least have five years before you appear on the Old Tale of the Year ballot. Well. Perhaps three. I haven't the mind to remember.

[superiffic]

!!!

Virginia??

[tinsoldiered]

[...]

Yes. I'm from Virginia, Edwina.

[bramblesgaveway]

[cometospain]

Really really. (I'm starting to think that Charlie is going to try to steal the Compendium away in order to make sure I don't have any more "secrets" loose.)

[bramblesgaveway]

[cometospain]

As far as I've been able to discern, only at church. It would be a rather questionable look on my character if I could tell you as to whether he does so in the shower, etc., but it's also entirely possible.

This might be preference talking, but the older the hymn, the better he sounds.

[bramblesgaveway]

[cometospain]

That's alright, dear. All you need to know that involves organs and a lot of people half-mumbling the lyrics. I suppose that doesn't reflect well on hymns, as it were, but there you are.

[claudiajane]

Oh, are you fond of adventures, too?

[cometospain]

As many as possible, preferably with good endings all around.

[claudiajane]

Me too! But I take it from your entry that you haven't been on any good ones recently?

[cometospain]

Not a good, old-fashioned textbook variety adventure, no. Yet as much as the idea of floating down the Mississippi and letting whatever the world would give me sounds incredibly thrilling, I think that the work I have here is just as rewarding.