Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 18

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Communication Breakdown

Communication Breakdown, It’s always the same;Victorian Airships
I’m having a nervous breakdown, Drive me insane…  Led Zeppelin

Pardon me for jittering off into a Zeppelin-zone… It was that kind of week.  I could describe all the chaos that resulted from lack of communication, but that would take all day. Just watch a clip of the Keystone Cops and you’ll get the general idea.

But it’s the weekend now, and I’ve escaped to my Sanctuary — this blog where our communications are so wonderful.  Communications are an integral part of all the “Three Things” serials here. If you didn’t send the things that drive the episodes, I wouldn’t be writing the stories.

At about the same time that John W. Howell (Episode-17) sent me a second set of “three things,” so did another reader — Suzanne Debrango, the extraordinary chef at “A Pug in the Kitchen.”  Her second set of things fueled our steam(punk) locomotive and kept the serial on track for this episode. She’s also involved in a new group blog, The Dinner Party Collective.  I know her plate is over-full right now, yet she always takes time to read the serial and leave helpful and encouraging comments.  So thank you Suzanne!

Vintage Pug paintingAll of you have given a lot of positive communication when I include menus in the story.  One of Suzanne’s “things” was a classic Victorian dish.  That inspired me to look for a menu for an actual Victorian meal.  It probably won’t make you as hungry as the menu in Episode-17 (go ahead and thank me now), but I found it fascinating.  Be sure to check out the links you’ll find along the way, in text and pictures, for interesting tidbits about how the Victorians lived.

Life in the Victorian Era was a long way from the world we know today. But the steam locomotive made the trip!  It just pulled up to the platform.  All aboard!

From last time

The movement of the water became intense.  Something was rising to the surface.  Involuntarily I took a step backward.  Victoria took Copper’s hand and pulled her several feet away from the shore.

For a moment I thought a whale would breach the surface.  Then I realized it was no living thing.  When the entire large shape was in full view, I still didn’t know what it could be. 

“Cornelis…” I began, but found I was at a loss for words.  “Wha—”

Cornelis Drebbel clasped his hands and a gleeful expression lit his face, as if he beheld something he had long missed.

“It’s my submarine!” he crowed.

 ***

18.  Feather, Yorkshire Pudding, Absinthe

A highly refined version of the submarine Cornelis Drebbel invented in 1620 breached the surface of the water.  I don’t know what I expected it would do after surfacing, but I thought it would at least do something.  However, the vessel bobbed on the gentle currents and other wise did not move.Drebbel Submarine painting

Alastair Wong spoke excitedly to Cornelis, marveling about the machine.  Our host clearly hoped for a tour of the submarine.

“This surely was a feather in your cap.  It’s amazing that you invented such a futuristic vehicle so very long ago!” Alastair exclaimed and Victoria nodded her agreement.

Cornelis looked unexpectedly worried.  That puzzled me, because he loved to show off his inventions.

“You must have a look at it.  But I’d best go aboard first to err… to make sure things are in order,” the alchemist said with a distracted smile.  “The hatch should have opened by now,” Cornelis murmured as he turned from Wong back toward the submarine.

As the Dutchman approached the shoreline the vessel’s hatch slowly opened.  Green vapors emanated from the opening.  The breeze carried an aroma like licorice to me.  Victoria smelled it too.fog on lake

“Is that scent anise?” she asked no one in particular.

“The king must have been thrilled,” Wong continued, not noticing the tiny woman’s softly spoken question.  “Just to think—” his words abruptly cut off.

Though it was far away, it was easy to hear the distant boom of the huge gong at the Wong estate.  Alastair turned back in the direction from which we came.  His face remained passive at the unexpected sound.  A second vibrant hollow tone crashed immediately after the first.  Wong and Victoria exchanged a quick concerned glance.  For the space of two heartbeats there was silence.  Victoria took a relieved breath, but Alastair had not moved a muscle.  Then a third beat rang across the countryside.

Victoria gasped.  Alastair sprang to life.  “I humbly beg your pardon Cornelis.  There is trouble at the pavilion.  I must return with all due haste,” he said.

Cornelis motioned for Wong to wait.  He unrolled the map with the alchemically inscribed word “Daddy.”  He produced his harmonic tuner out of thin air and rang it three times.  Then he took a crystal salt shaker from the basket that Victoria was hurriedly packing.  He sprinkled a pinch of the salt over the map.crystal salt shaker

The salt began to swirl into a tiny cloud.  It moved to the golden dot that indicated the Wong family’s estate.  As the salt settled onto the map it became little animated specks.  A dozen of them moved steadily toward the pavilion.

“What does it mean?” Victoria gasped.

“A group of people are moving toward your estate,” Cornelis explained.

“For the great gong to be sounded, they are strangers.  Not only strangers, but somehow they have aroused the distrust of the guards even at that distance,” Alastair said.  “Will the road locomotive get me back there before they reach the pavilion?” he asked the alchemist.

“I’ll see that it does,” Cornelis assured him.

“Umm,” Alastair began.  “Will you teach me to pilot it?”

I saw Victoria cringe and roll her eyes.  “It would be nice to get there in one piece,” she murmured, but I was the only one to hear her.

Cornelis grinned.  “You needn’t worry,” he told Alastair.  “Just rest your hands on the controls.  The locomotive will remember the way home.  I entrust it to your safe keeping.”

As Wong turned to go, Cornelis took his arm to detain him.  “It is likely that it is our foes, not any that you may have, who approach your home.  I should come back with you,” the Dutchman said.

Copper curious w-greenI knew Cornelis was sincere, but he gave a worried look at Copper.  The “foes” that converged on Wong’s estate were most likely from one of the groups that meant to abduct Copper.  We all knew that.  I only hoped Copper didn’t realize and feel responsible.  Wong caught our glances at the girl and he looked down at her with a warm smile, as if nothing whatever was wrong.  Victoria put her arm around Copper’s shoulders with a reassuring squeeze.

“My grandfather was once the guardian of your skull, Cornelis Drebbel.  It is my honor and privilege to defend you however I may,” Alastair said with an abrupt soldier’s bow, and he and Victoria were quickly gone.

I watched the steam engine in concern as it disappeared into the trees.  When I glanced down, I realized Copper was at my side.  She turned worried blue eyes up at me.

“Will they be alright?” she asked and I swallowed.

The Dutchman crouched down next to Copper and there was a small glint of mischief in his eyes.  He shook his head in mock regret.

“It’s really the people sneaking up on the pavilion that we should worry about,” he told her in an exaggeratedly grave voice.

Copper gave the alchemist a sidelong look that matched my own.  “What do you mean by that, Cornelis?” I asked.Victorian gentlemen martial arts

“Didn’t you know?” he returned a question.  “Why the Wong family business — or at any rate it’s practically their family business.  Has been for hundreds of years.”

“What?” I demanded, losing patience.

“Martial arts of course,” Cornelis said with a wave of his hand.  “That tiny Victoria is downright lethal.  I tell you, she and Alastair alone could take on the dozen people headed toward the pavilion,” he added.

I looked at the Dutchman closely.  Such a claim had to be an exaggeration meant to amuse Copper.  My eyes widened when I realized that he was perfectly serious.

Copper still looked worried so I tried to change the subject.  “After that delicious Italian feast, we might not be able to fit into the submarine,” I commented, joking.  “You enjoyed the food, didn’t you Copper?”

“It was strange food, but it was good,” she answered.  “But there wasn’t a sweet,” she added sadly.

Cornelis began describing an unusual but elaborate meal he had been served back in the sixteen hundreds.  “I was in service to the King of England then,” he supplied.  “But now a traditional meal one might serve company for dinner would be much different.  Have you ever had a Yorkshire pudding?” he asked Copper and went on to describe such a meal.  (All about Victorian dinner parties)Victorian dinner party 1860

Menu

Victorian Menu for a Simple Company Dinner

Oysters on the Half Shell

Soup a la Reine

Beverage:  Sherry

 ~~~~~~~~~~

Salmon with Green peas or cucumbers sliced

Filet de Boeuf and Mushrooms

Beverage:  White Wine

 ~~~~~~~~~~

Fried Potatoes

Beverage:  Champagne

  ~~~~~~~~~~

Salad of Lettuce or Tomatoes

Cold Chicken

Beverage:  Madeira

  ~~~~~~~~~~

Olives

Ices and Jellies, Cheese

Beverage:  Sherry

  ~~~~~~~~~~

Fruits

Beverage:  Coffee

Beverage: Cordials

 ~~~~~~~~~~

Menu Credit:  “The Successful Housekeeper, 1883” via Food Love Laughter.com

***

I looked at the submarine apprehensively.  “Are we going to have to swim out to the thing?” I asked then had a worried thought.  “Copper, can you swim?” I asked and she wore a doubtful expression but nodded affirmatively.  I didn’t believe her.Flying man w umbrella

“Not to worry,” Cornelis said cheerily.  “I can levitate all of us that minuscule distance.  I’m thoroughly rested and refreshed.”

We placed Copper between us.  Cornelis and I each held one of her hands.  I was amazed to not feel any sensation at all.  It was as if I suddenly realized that I no longer felt the ground beneath my feet.  We floated on a green nimbus over the water to the submarine.  As we drew close I could hear an odd sound that was like a combination of chirping and lip-smacking with an occasional snuffle.  Then I detected the licorice-like scent again.

“Cornelis,” I began doubtfully as a green tendril wafted up from the open hatch.  “What powers this submarine?  I could swear that I smell absinthe.”

“Oh no, no.  Of course not,” he sputtered.  “Well, not exactly.”

Albert Maignan's "Green Muse" 1895
Albert Maignan’s “Green Muse” 1895

“Cornelis Drebbel! Need I remind you that we have a child with us?” I threatened.

“No, it’s not like that at all,” Cornelis hastily tried to explain.  “The submarine is powered by the Green Fairy.”

“Absinthe!” I accused.

“No!  And yes…  The fairy sometimes goes by the name Absinthe.  But it is not the liquor, I assure you.  The Green Fairy’s magic, along with my alchemy, powers the submarine,” he said.  “But do be careful not to startle it.”

“Why?” I spoke the question with raised eyebrows.

“Well,” the Dutchman hesitated.  “If the Green Fairy is startled he can spray a strong vapor.”

“Like a fart?” Copper giggled.

“Exactly,” Cornelis said.  “But not at all.  It’s not a vile odor.  However, it will cause…” he paused and looked at me sheepishly.  “Intoxication.  It’s quite strong,” he finished and wouldn’t look at me.

I looked at the green vaporous tendril and inhaled the anise, licorice scent.  I took a steadying breath and tried to gather my quickly escaping temper.

“Cornelis Drebbel, are you trying to tell me that this submarine is powered by a magical creature that farts a highly concentrated vaporous form of absinthe?” I asked and I couldn’t prevent my voice going up a full octave on the last word.

Cornelis twisted his lips over to one side and raised one bushy blonde eyebrow in a cringing expression.

“Well, yes.  That’s pretty much exactly what I meant.  But he only does that if you frighten him,” Cornelis said, nodding encouragingly.

***

What will happen with this potentially startled version of the Green Fairy?  Be at the train station next time and get on board the locomotive to find out!

***

Now for some real world information about absinthe, and then this episode’s recipe…

How to Prepare a Glass of Absinthe

Recipe:  Yorkshire Pudding

yorkshire pudding

 Photo and Recipe Credit:  RecipeReminiscing.com

This post includes more than one vintage recipe as well as a marvelous illustrated history of Yorkshire Pudding!  Pay a visit to Tedious Ted at this great blog.

***

Copyright © 2015 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.  Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

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72 thoughts on “Copper, the Alchemist, & the Woman in Trousers: Episode 18”

  1. What a wonderful imagination you have, Teagan. A submarine powered by a farting fairy. That is now one of my all time favourite characters. I hope we hear lots more about him/her.

    As for Yorkshire Pudding, well it was lovely to see it your story (thanks to Suzanne). I love eating it with roast beef, but also love it when it is made as a pancake and served with ice-cream. We also have a recipe called “toad-in-the-hole” which is made with the same ingredients as Yorkshire Pudding. Have you heard of it?

    Looking forward to boarding the locomotive next week so we can hear more about the farting fairy and where the submarine will take us.

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    1. Hey Hugh — it’s always a delight to see you! Thanks so very much for commenting. LOL “toad in the hole”? No, i have not heard of that… I’m guessing no toads are harmed in the making of it. 😉
      Yes indeed, the Green Fairy makes a large part of the next episode… And i’ll give the spoiler that yes he does fart! So hang on tight.
      Actually i didn’t have any “things” for a couple of episodes (many thanks to Donna Parker and RC for leaving “things” this time!!!) so i took the next things from a comment photographer Timothy Price made on his blog. Next up are three creatures that figure in legends in the southwestern US — “La Llorona, Chupacabra, and coyote.”
      Huge hugs! 🙂

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      1. What a great idea. I admire you Teagan, for asking for these objects and putting them in your story. I’d have so much difficulty including some of the objects you have been given.

        So pleased to hear the Green Fairy will be back. He’s fast becoming a hero of mine 🙂

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        1. Dear Hugh… You might be in for something of a surprise when you “see” the Green Fairy. :mrgreen: (And thank you so much for your kind encouraging words.) I hope you’re having a terrific Tuesday!

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    1. LOL… i still wish *I* knew where the submarine was going! (Laughs hysterically…)
      I’m delighted you enjoyed this chapter, Kathryn. I promise more fairy farting next time. 😈
      > Thank you so very much for reading and commenting. Mega-hugs.

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  3. You’ve invented another wonderful creature in the green fairy Teagan, I’ll look forward to meeting it! And I’m sure Alastair Wong and Victoria will be able to handle the intruders. Yorkshire pudding is very nice but it’s not always easy to get them right – so we buy frozen ones 🙂

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    1. Hi Andrea, it’s so nice to see you. 🙂
      I think i’d buy frozen too (i’m all about making life easier, especially in the kitchen), it sounds more difficult to make than i ever imagined.
      I’m delighted that you enjoyed the part about the Green Fairy — i’m having such fun writing him. Yes, you will get a little more acquainted with him next time. Mega-hugs.

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  4. Would love to stay and chat Teagan, but geez… I got this like, Victorian dinner party to get to… you know how it is and they don’t like folks to be late if you know what I mean. So I told our lass, better put those yorkshires in the fridge for a while darling, we got a long way to travel to get back to ol’ vicky’s [in] time. Hey, I gotta go! 😀

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  5. I am intrigued in so many ways. Who is converging on the Wong plantation? Where will the submarine take them? Will someone scare the fairy? Will they all become intoxicated? I nearly am because the fumes are so strong. I’d never known anything about absinthe before either. 😀 😀 The fresh-baked aroma of Yorkshire pudding is also evident. Now I’m hungry (need breakfast).
    Submarines had been invented that far back? Wow. So much going on. This is the best episode yet. I don’t want this series to ever end.
    Going by this menu, Victorians sure chugged a lot of the ‘good stuff’ with their courses. 😛
    😛
    Can’t wait for next time, Teagan. The tension keeps revving, tighter and tighter… ❤ ❤ ❤

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    1. Thank you Tess — by saying “I don’t want this series to ever end” you truly made my day! A few people said similar about the past stories. I kept the same core characters for 3 serials… Maybe that’s why I’ve looked for subtle ways to tie this serial back to them. Anyhow, it will be several weeks yet before the steam train stops.
      > I’ve been working on a mid-week post to do sort of a pictorial of the characters (something i’ve done with past serials at about this point), and to remind everyone (especially *me*) of the “clues” i’ve left along the way — and the loose ends i need to tie up by the end. That’s when the real difficulty-level kicks in for me — tying up everything for an ending. Since this is completely unplanned, that can be a real challenge.
      Thank you so much for commenting, Tess. Mega hugs! ❤ 😀

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    1. Hi Laurie. Thanks so much for dropping by and commenting. Ha! The food component of this episode has been much better received than i expected — thank goodness. But my perception may have been soured by some of the Victorian customs i read about (but did not include) which were not so appetizing to me. 😀
      > I always enjoy the story of your week in pictures at your blog. I got a kick out of the Roos. Huge hugs. 🙂

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      1. I always like dropping in on your blog teagan, it has diversity, oh yeah and food!!! Those Victorians had some weird customs indeed. I’m glad you enjoy my offerings, especially the roos. Hugs, Laurie.

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  8. I have learned a few more things, and enjoyed the chapter, so thank you. We had an anise plant in one of my childhood homes so I remember the flavor–breaking off a stem to chew on. Also funny, only a child would think of a “fart” so very true to their nature. Here’s 3 more: pickled beets, corded stays, and cold cereal.

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    1. I’m so happy to see you, RC. Thanks for visiting & commenting. Delighted you. Liked the episode. Yay — more things! I think those are Episode 22.
      I’m going to have my work cut out for me, to tie the old “clues” & assorted bits & pieces together. ..
      Wishing you a wonder-filled week. Hugs 🙂

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  11. Really well done…I’m right there with the characters…lol at the way you had Copper say “like a fart”….very engaging and I can’t wait for the next installment!!

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    1. 😀 Thanks so much for taking a moment to comment, Kirt. I’m really tickled about how much everyone is enjoying the “fart.” Tee-hee! I promise another fart next time. :mrgreen: Wishing you a wonderful week ahead.

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  12. Now I know how to wake my muse if she nods off. Absinthe!
    I once had Yorkshire Pudding. It was totally different than what I had expected.
    “Like a fart?” Copper giggled. <- This made me laugh the way Copper blurted it right out. I hoped you laughed after rereading it. 🙂

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    1. Mary, i’m always glad to give a giggle! Thanks so very much for visiting and commenting. Yeah, I’m wondering if it would help with my novel-writing blocks… but then, it’s not the same kind of stuff that Poe drank anymore… But i’d still give it a try. 🙂 :mrgreen:
      The “farts” continue next time. So stay tuned. Great big hug!

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  14. Love this and what you did with 3 ingredients. I think that the way you incorporated the absinthe into the story line is nothing short of brilliant, the green fairy, the submarine. I am so loving this serial I don’t want it to end. I am also a big fan of Yorkshire pudding. YUM!!!

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    1. Suzanne, I’m so happy to see you — and I’m tickled that you liked what I did with your things/ingredients. Thank you so much for sending them and waiting patiently while i held them in reserve. I’ve been having a great time with what “absinthe” added to the storyline. I think you’ll love the next episode. Wishing you a superb Sunday and a week full of hugs. 🙂

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  15. This was an entertaining episode. From the salt, the self-drive road locomotive the submarine and the power source we moved through different levels of creativity. (loved the martial arts business) I watched the video on Absinthe and now would like to try it. I think I will head to Paris and hunt some down. Tea with Teagan was superb.

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    1. John, I’m delighted to have entertained you — it’s a small compensation for your many entertaining posts every week. LOL, yes that guy seemed sincere and very convincing in the video. I got very confused about the laws, in my research (including my chat with the bartender). It seems the “real” absinthe is pretty rare to get anywhere in the world. What’s available in most countries is minus the wormwood (or at least most of it)… so i question how similar the effect/taste is… And i never figured out whether it’s legal for purchase in USA — just as some things are legal to possess, but not to buy and sell. I shrug. The whole thing is interesting to me. Send me a postcard from Paris! :mrgreen: Hugs

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  17. Nothing like fairy farts to start the day! 😉 Speaking of communication breakdowns, while I was on top of the crest yesterday at 10,600 ft, I got a call from a client:

    Client: “Hey Timothy, sorry to bother you on your day off, but I was wondering if you could run a report for me?”
    Me: “What do you need?”
    Client: “All our capital expenditures from 2008 to present.”
    Me: “I emailed you about that several weeks ago! The problem is I don’t have expenditures. I don’t get info on what has actually been spent. Don’t you have expenditures in e-Builder? I only have what’s budgeted and approved by the voters.”
    Client: “Sorry. I meant what’s been budgeted. Can you run me those reports? Can you go back to 2006 in that case?”
    Me: “Sure! That’s easy. I think I sent you the budgeted reports a few weeks ago, but I’ll run them again first thing Monday morning! Is that soon enough?”
    Client: “That works! Thanks!”

    We said our goodbyes and I went back to hiking and picnicking. If I had my Macbook with me I could have logged into the server and ran the reports from the crest and emailed them to him, since they have WIFI up there; and I think the client was hoping I had my computer wherever I was so I could run the reports and send them to him pretty much while we were on the phone. But I had responded to the same request weeks ago, but since he had asked for expenditures instead of budgeted, I couldn’t process his request and needed clarification. Since, he was just getting back to me while I has high on the mountain top, he can wait until Monday.

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    1. Tim, you went beyond the call by answering the phone. Your day off AND celebrating your 33rd wedding anniversary… I’m glad you didn’t have your computer. And Laurie would have been justified in throwing it off the side of the mountain if you had. 😀
      > Part (only part) of my chaos was three different people being assigned to begin the same project… and then not told that the exec wanted it on a new platform that isn’t even available to us yet… So all three people unknowingly started work.. and like i said — just look at the Keystone Cops.
      Wishing you a good week ahead, and a happy 34th year to you and Laurie. Hugs.

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      1. Laurie was involved doing a sketch when I took the call. If the client had something urgent, I could have had someone at the office take care of it. Taking a call like that goes a long way with PR in the private sector.

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        1. PR… I suggested to one of our contractors last week that if he wanted better cooperation from the managers (related to a particular project) he should “put on his PR coat and at least go meet them…” PR of one kind or another can go a long way anywhere. Have a great rest of the weekend.

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  18. So kind of you to ask me, Teagan, I’m honoured.
    How about Ginger Beer, Backgammon, and a cast iron finial? OK, strangely that’s what popped into my head.
    Hope the Green Fairy farts something that makes the week ahead better. 🙂

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    1. Woo-hoo! The locomotive now has fuel!!! Thank you Donna. That’s exactly how it should be — whatever pops into your head. Your three things will drive Episode-21.
      Here’s to Green Fairy farts. :mrgreen:

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  19. Teagan, if that’s what you give us after a chaotic week, you need to have them more often. lol
    Really though, this was wonderful, I found myself floating along the words as though pulled by that aroma like licorice. And the Fairy farts had me giggling.
    I actually love Yorkshire pudding, a little too much, especially with gravy. Yum.
    You have once again offered us action, adventure, and tickled all our senses.
    Thank you, thank you, dear one, for another installment, now quit dilly dallying with us and get back to writing! 😉
    Hope this week is wonderful, but with less chaos.
    Megahugs!!!

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    1. Donna you lift my spirits more than you could possibly know. Thank you for reading, and for your comments.
      The work week… well it promises to be about the same, maybe more. I try my best to do my best, and that’s about the best i can do. If only i could get the Green Fairy to fart something on the whole shebang… :mrgreen:

      You’ll be happy to know i have a start at the next 2 episodes (though they’re far from complete). However, after that… there’s no fuel for the locomotive. Want to leave me 3 random things? Pretty please? Come on — whatever (non-computerized) things that pop into your head.
      Megahugs right back!

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  20. Really enjoying these episodes, Teagan.- and love Victorian dramas.Where I originally comer from, North of England, Yorkshire Pudding was sometimes eaten as a starter with gravy, before the main course of roast beef dinner. If you make the batter thinner, you can make pancakes with the same mixture. Think we ordinary mortals would have to go up in space to levitate!. Thanks for a good read!

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    1. Hi Judith, it’s so nice to see you. It does sound delicious — Anything’s better with gravy! 😀 Well, that darned “accident of alchemy” gave Cornelis some extraordinary abilities, or “tricks” as Felicity likes to call them. Though i feel a story is more interesting if the “magical character” has limits, so i try not to let him get out of control.
      I’m delighted that you are enjoying the serial. Hugs! 🙂

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    1. Dear Sarah, I will add “unputdownable” to my list of favorite words. Thank you so much! Portergirl just reminded me of “dadblameit” which my father used to mutter. It’s a Saturday for great words. Huge hugs. 🙂

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  22. Hello David, i’m so glad you visited and left a comment. I hate to disappoint you, but the Wongs will take care of the intruders without assistance from our trio. However, one never knows — Alastair or Victoria might well show up again before the story is done! On a positive note, next time you will get a more proper introduction to the Green Fairy! :mrgreen: Mega-hugs.

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  24. Captivating Teagan. You out do yourself in every issue. I loved the whole story but fell for the references to Absinthe and the green fairy. Copper and I had the exact same thoughts at first. Absinthe fueled the great masters and their talent for conjuring the green fairy reached far and wide. It’s only recently that Absinthe was allowed back on US shelves minus a key ingredient thought to cause artistic rapture – wormwood. We just can’t escape the denied truths of our past. Cheers 🙂

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    1. It’s so nice to see you, Daniel. Yes absinthe was interesting research… unfortunately my research did not include a sample of the beverage! :mrgreen:
      I’m delighted that you enjoyed this episode. Come back next weekend to see what the Green Fairy does in the story. Huge hugs! 😀

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    1. Hi Christoph. Thanks so much for taking time to drop by and comment.
      There will be a lot more about the Green Fairy in the next episode, so stay tuned!
      I’ve never sampled it (or even seen it for sale for that matter). Thursday i chatted about it with a bartender in an Irish pub downstairs from my office. (Yes, a real Irish pub, over here, complete with imported furnishings and most of the staff is Irish. Too cool.) It wasn’t a very informative conversation, but fun just the same. Okay, yeah, so he was a cute young guy… Don’t worry, i’m not a cougar. LOL. Happy weekend, and great big hug. 😀

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  26. Thanks Teagan! I love the submarine and can imagine the surprise the attackers will get. I´m checking the Yorkshire Pudding recipe. My mother loves them but although I live in Yorkshire I’ve never tried to cook them myself…

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    1. Thanks for visiting and taking time to read and comment, Olga. Know that you are appreciated.
      I confess that I never knew what Yorkshire pudding was before this. It sounds like a much higher level of difficulty than anything i’d try to cook. While not what i expected from a “pudding” it does sound tasty.
      I hope your weekend is beautiful. Huge hugs.

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  27. This was worth waiting an extra week for Teagan. I am totally engrossed in this story. I applaud your use of “aroma like licorice” – I think that is something everyone can instantly smell in their imagination. I know that I could and it brought me into the story. I was sharing an experience with your characters. I don’t know if that was your goal, but that was the result. I learn so much from reading these episodes about subtly informing your readers of the things they need to know.

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    1. Wow Dan — thank you. I’m blushing. I don’t remember whose advice i read long ago, but it went something like “make the reader see, hear, and smell” so now and then i try to add a scent. Although, it’s difficult to have that level of detail in this kind of spontaneously written story. It’s rather like the Stream of Consciousness posts you and John do… if less flexible. Many thanks for commenting, Dan. Have a wonderful weekend.

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