A New Breed Of Cop Comes to Town

Gill rushed to his office window. The loud roar increased as he pulled back the curtain. Outside the sun blazed down on the parking lot closest to his office. He looked left and right unable to ascertain where the noise came from. He turned ready to yell for Rachel when the loud squeal of sirens started.

He rushed back to the window. He looked down to the corner of the asphalt he could clearly see. He squinted as sun glare flashed off the chrome of not one, not two.  He blinked and counted again. Four motorcycles all bearing police decals and the city’s emblem. What the hell had happened while he and Chloe were on vacation? Had Vernon gone off the deep end during his time as deputy mayor?

A loud knock sounded.  Gill inhaled, exhaled, and started for the door. Another knock sounded. “Ok, I’m coming,” he called out.  Picking up his pace, he quickly crossed the room lest the knock start again. He reached for the door as another knock rattled the heavy oak door. Gods and Goddesses above! What was on the other side of the door?

He took a hold of the knob and turned it.  He uttered a quick prayer and flung the door open.

Rachel stood between two of the burliest biker dudes he’d encountered.  He looked at Rachel. She shrugged and stepped toward him. “Boss man, looks like we got a couple new citizens that want to speak with you.”

Rachel moved into the office and away from him and the bikers. She turned and pointed to the one wearing a red emblem on his helmet.  “Zeke from Red Bluff, Arizona.”

Zeke nodded and removed his helmet.  His army crew cut hinted at who might have sent him.

Rachel pointed to the other biker wearing a blue wave emblem on his helmet.  “Deke from Pacifica, Oregon.”

Deke removed his helmet, nodded and stepped up beside Zeke. 

Gill kept glancing back and forth between the two trying to figure out who they reminded him of.  He jumped as Rachel touched his shoulder. He glared at her.  Rachel snickered.  “Boss man, hear them out. Tyburn said phoenix connections are important.”  With that, Rachel walked out of the office closing the door behind her.

Gill held out his hand, hoping Zeke or Deke took it. They understood shaking hands, didn’t they?  Who’d sent them? 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy Weekend Gang!

Tyburn can be obnoxious and heavy handed.  Has he over done it with sending new troops in to guard the Peak?  His baby daughter is turning 16 within a few weeks.  Rachel doesn't seem phased by it.  Or is she?  Has the angsty teen years hit the Peak? Gill and Chloe's triplets along with Rachel and Tyburn's twins.  Look out here comes trouble?

I think this serial is going to be fun writing as the birthdays approach.

Until Next Time,

Solara

Solutions, yes?!

Happy Weekend Gang!

This week I'm bemused by Pris and the stories we're working on.  Between end of the month, home front, and day job, I'm writing in spurts that leaves me dreaming about the books.  Talk about alien road maps!  Sleep and I have a date. 

The lyrics for the Peak's anthem are coming together. I hope to post them before next weekend.  I'm out of pocket next weekend learning about plotting and editing.  I've heard there's a cross dressing formal party in the offing as part of the music festival going on.  Vernon and Miss Elly are having fun coming up with their outfits.  Tyburn keeps saying his kilt is not a skirt.  Rachel just tells him he needs to wax his legs.  And the fun keeps happening.  When this one comes home to roost I bet its gonna be a hoot.

Remember to share a good book or two with your loves and spices.  I know I will!


Until next week,

Solara

SURVIVNG WINTER PEAK STYLE

Two loud screeches split the night air drawing the attention of those standing on the patio outside the mayoral mansion.  Snow blew across the open space drifting in between the chairs and table close to the fire pit.  The blaze flickered and fluttered with each gust of the wind.  Close to the corner near the wooded area, two sets of gold eyes watched and waited. 

Gill handed Louie the other shovel as he spoke.  “Vernon said he’d be back with food for everyone.  At the rate this snow is falling we’re going to be keeping company for a while.”

Louie laughed and began clearing the section closest to the fire pit.   “Yes, Bettina sent her boys off to find the lab tech who houses their emergency stash of blood.  They’ll be here for sure with what they can carry in their packs.”

Gill shook his head, wishing he hadn’t insisted the council meet this month.  Three babies slept unaware of the older tots who kept looking at them while they played close by. Rachel and Tyburn’s two dozed close by as well.  Clothes and entertainment weren’t too difficult to manage.  Former Mayor Link’s extensive video collection and books he left behind were keeping many out of trouble.  A few muttered from time to time about munchies and when was the next meal.  Bettina and Miss Ellie had the potential troublemakers under their dual scrutiny. 

Chloe sat with the wives that came with their spouses sewing squares for a community quilt.  Some brought out their needlework stitching and talking as they worked.  Other crocheted as their counterparts knitted. 

Another set of screeches sounded right over Gill’s head.  He looked up and jumped back as two large burlap sacks hit the patio.  Their loud thud brought Miss Ellie and Bettina running.  As they reached the top of the steps, a large grey wolf bounded on to the patio.  He ran up the steps, nuzzled Miss Ellie’s legs, and traipsed over to where Louie stood with his mouth hanging open.  Even with its tail wagging, and a huge wolf grin, Louie backed away.

“oh Vernon, you bad boy,” Miss Ellie began making her way down the stairs, smiling and shaking her finger.  “Stop scaring Louie.”

She leaned down hugged the wolf and began unfastening the large dual saddlebags he wore.  “Good you got the spices we need.  Where’s the pots I asked for?”

As if on cue, two large industrial cooking pots rolled on to the patio and clanged together as they banged into each other.  Two wolf youths skidded to a stop near the pots.  Miss Ellie clapped her hand over her mouth, not muffling her laughter very well.  “Loki and Thor, does your parents know where you are?”

Their heads bobbed up and down as they leaned against Miss Ellie.

Two more sacks hit the patio as the more wolves and dogs outline the edge of the patio.  The flutter of wings sounded as loud screeches sounded behind Gill.  He jumped and back away slowly.  “Are they who I think they are?”

Bettina snorted as she made her way down the stairs.  “That Lucas and Starla, Tyburn’s cousins.  Everyone helped bring what we need to survive until this blizzard is over.”

Back inside with the foodstuff unpacked, stored as needed and animal forms replaced with their human counter parts, meal planning and work assignments began.  Starla helped with laundry since she owned a dry cleaning business in town.  Bettina held court with the children reading them stories and conducting an impromptu school session.  Louie along with Vernon and several other carnivores gathered round the fire pit roasting haunches of meat.  Miss Ellie--accompanied by the vegetarians in the crowd--chopped and diced along with the cooking oversaw the preparation of the fruits and vegetables present.

Midway through the third hour since the supplies arrived, Louie bellowed in the large dining room, drawing everyone’s attention.  As they circled around him, he spoke.  “We made broth bowls as part of our Thanksgiving feast.”

Heads nodded, as he continued speaking.  “In order to stretch everything, we’re doing broth bowls again.  This time we’ve got pasta, quinoa, rice, lentils and other nutrients to help out.’

Gill rapped on the table drawing eyes to him.  “No one goes hungry.  Take enough to sate your belly without wasting.  Tomorrow we’ll see what the roads look like.”

Tyburn spoke up as many turned to enter the kitchen.  “There’s a huge pot of Phoenix Hot Chocolate to go with dinner.  Sweet, chocolaty, and smooth with a touch of milky goodness.”

As lines formed to enter the kitchen, Vernon slipped his arm around Gill’s shoulders saying, “Who said we can’t all get along?”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy Weekend Gang!

Weather is affecting all of us in some fashion.  We've got snow, sleet, and rain here at the Spice Homestead.  Colds and sniffles abound too. We're holding our own otherwise.  Health and good spirits are claiming first place again.

Sounds as though our Peakites are finding ways to share their wealth even as the snow and cold abounds.  Who knows maybe some of those stories that get told around camp fires might be told as everyone gathers around the fireplace or out by the fire pit.  What interesting tales from your youth do you remember?  Ones you told or made-up for your children?

Keep a good story, a few excellent books, and your imagination handy as you share these with your loves and spice.  I know I am!

Until next week,

Solara

NAME GAME PART TWO

Flames leapt higher as Tyburn tossed another log into the fire pit outside his and Rachel’s home.  The outdoor thermometer read 20 degrees.  A stiff wind blew over the roof dropping snow on to the patio.  Rachel sat regal as ever bundled up in her down parka, boots, ski pants, and crocheted hat and gloves.  On her lap lay a tablet with several lines of writing.  On the side table next to her, a huge mug of cinnamon chocolate truffle hot chocolate sat.  Steam rolled off it.  

“You aren’t going to escape this any longer, Tyburn.” Rachel spit out in between her chattering teeth.  “The kids need names.”

“Yea, they do.  Why do I have to decide this?”  Tyburn reached for his mug of hot chocolate.  He blew on the liquid hoping he didn’t burn his tongue a second time.  His first sip sent a sear of pain down his throat and deep into his gullet.  Rachel’s exasperated sigh and rigid posture told him he’d better get down to business or he’d be sleeping on the couch again.  Pesky cat kept cuddling up to him all night.  Sneezing and watery eyes didn’t become him.  Nor did tripping over the dog in the middle of the night either.  So much for domesticity mortal style.

“Because you’re their father,” Rachel ground out.  She wrapped her hands around her mug and blew across the top before raising it to her lips.  

Tyburn waited until she sat the mug down.  Like it or not, he couldn’t escape the truth.  His children needed names.  Neither Louis nor Dwayne sounded right as he watched his son sleep.  Even as he held him, images of an athletic teen came to mind.  Lowell came and went as a consideration.  Then there was they’re daughter.  No way was that girl getting Boadicea hung on her.  How much human or Phoenix these two had in them might not manifest itself for years.  Possibly ages before any of them knew.

“What about Ailis Ena?”  Tyburn dropped into the chair closest to Rachel.  “The spelling is unique.”

“What is its translation?”  Rachel wrote the name on the page.  

“Noble kind and flame or fire. After all she’s got some phoenix in her somewhere.”  Tyburn sipped more of his drink.  

Rachel nodded, tucked her pen back in her pocket, and wrapped her hands back around her mug.  “What about our son?”

“Bryce Kent.  Easy and simple.  Noble and head chief.  He turn out as head strong as either of us.”  Tyburn set his mug back on the table and rose.

Rachel hastily scribbled on her pad.  She shoved both in to her pocket before scooting forward on her chair.  “Dowse the fire, please.”  She held out her mug to him.

Tyburn didn’t ask.  He didn’t wait.  He poured her mug and his on the fire.  Sparks leaped up and sizzled before the flames died down.  After a couple shovels of snow took the flames down to red coals, he held his hand out to Rachel.  If he tried to speak, he’d probably spit his teeth out they chattered so hard.

“My votes go for Ailis Kaylene and Bryce James.”  Rachel trotted toward the back steps leading up to the enclosed sun porch.

Tyburn shook his head as he followed.  At least they were closer to deciding.  If the decision continued, inside where warmth and a hot shower awaited made more sense than freezing his . . .wait, maybe that’s what Rachel intended all along.  “Woman, wait up,” he called out picking up his pace.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HAPPY WEEKEND GANG!

Next up are Rachel and Tyburn with their decisions on names.  Looks like it isn't decided quite yet with these too.  Who's minding the twins while the name discussion continues?  Tyburn's twin sister may have a few suggestions for them too.  I think the flames are going to fly more before this is done.

Keep warm and safe as winter blows across the land.  These temperatures are crazy.  I dug out my thermal underwear and don't wanna go out without them until April maybe.  LOL!  

Remember keep a good book or two nearby to share with your loves and spice.  I know I am!

Until Next Week,

Solara

AND THE WINNERS ARE. . .

Gill looked down at the list he held.  The top ten names, boys and girls, stood out on the computer printed sheet.  Rachel and Tyburn decided they would join in on the name game by bringing their brood over.  The one who cried when a name got called got that moniker.  Well, at least something had to happen.  Way things were going asexual names made sense.  Gill sighed as he folded the paper.  Names never seemed this hard when he decided what to call his pets.  Heck, even the chickens his granddad had were named easier than this.  Of course, all chickens looked the same after a while.  Your off spring didn’t.

Chloe sat down beside him.  She tucked loose strands of hair behind her ears.  Reaching out, she took Gill’s hand, speaking as she did.  “I think Rachel and I came up with names for our kids.”


“Oh?” Gill heaved a sigh that said more than if he’d sputtered more words. 
Chloe nodded.  “Yes, between her and I we came up with names for the girls.  You and Tyburn get to name the boys.”

Gill slipped an arm around her, hugged her to him, and kissed her cheek.  Chloe glanced at him wondering what he was thinking.  His subdued response wasn’t like him.  His heated argument with her mother and grandfather sent them packing two days earlier.  Rachel called ready to bounce Tyburn out on his flaming arse if he didn’t stop calling their daughter Kitty Cat.  Taking matters into their feminine hands made sense.  Leaving their spouses out didn’t.  Now the three girls had six names amongst them to call their own depending on how they sounded said aloud.  Trying to do this with the din and noise at Miss Ellie’s during lunch rush hadn’t worked.

“How about you lay a few of the names on me?” Gill slumped lower on the couch.  His eyes closed as he slid his hand down Chloe’s arm.  “Seriously, what did you come up with?  I know Rachel’s creativity runs deep.”

Chloe smiled before she replied.  “Well we talked about how names can mark someone for life.”

“Oh that is so true.” 

“Our children need names that stand out as their own while also lending character and strength.”  Chloe laid her head on Gill’s shoulder.  “Here goes my first choice:  Judith Suzane.”

“Nice and easy to say.  What else you got?”  Gill kissed Chloe’s cheek as he sat up. 

“Patricia Carleen.”  Chloe faced Gill waiting for his response.

His gaze met hers.  “What did Rachel come up with for her daughter?”

“Celestine Boadicea.  A mouth full on that one,” Chloe said.

“Not really when you shorten it to Celeste Boadicea.  Easier on the first part.  I get why Rachel would go with that.”

“Which ones do you want for our girls?” Chloe picked up the pad and pen she laid on the coffee table earlier.

“Judith reminds me of a red head.  Our youngest according to your mother maybe a red head.”

“And our eldest daughter?” Chloe wrote down which names Gill claimed for their daughters.

“Her fairness reminds me of you.  So Carleen Patricia is what I like best.”  Gill opened his mouth to say more.  He found Chloe’s lips pressed against his.  Her tongue licked on his as if she were doused in lust.

Moments passed as he returned her ardent kiss.  Pulling back, he gulped air.  “What’s that all about?”

“Oh you took this in stride.  Made it easy.”  Chloe leaned in and kissed him again.  “Now about our son?”

“Well am I supposed to meet with Tyburn to settle this up?”  Gill scooted to the edge of the cushion ready to stand.

“Nope.” Chloe stretched as she spoke.  “Rachel said if he kept dodging the duty.  She’d handle it.”

“I bet there are sparks flying in that house tonight.”  Gill smiled as he rose.

“No she said they were going to meet around the outdoor fire pit.  Neither of them were going inside until this issue was done.”  Chloe pushed the pad to Gill after writing down one last item and underlining it. 


He read what she’d written.  “Our son’s name?”

Chloe nodded.

“Morgan Sullivan sounds good to me.” Gill reached for the pen to officially add the name to the paper.

Chloe held the pen out of reach.  “I like Sullivan Morgan better.  We can call him Sully.”

“That might create problems when he gets older.”  Gill tilted his head, cupping his chin.  “How about Morgan Gilbert?”

“Yes, that sounds lovely. A bit of his papa with him always.” Chloe handed Gill the pen.  “Add it to the list.  Tomorrow we can deal with birth certificates and the announcement for the paper.”

Gill yawned as he added Morgan’s name to his sisters’ on the paper.  The paper and certification for his brood could wait another eight to ten hours.  Sleep was a premium right now.  And getting more than two hours at a time was on his agenda.  He’d check with Tyburn in the morning to see how his name game came out.  Gill bet Rachel would be a worthy opponent. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy Weekend Gang!

Looks like we got the first names settled on.  Now let's see what Rachel and Tyburn come up with.  Who is going to win the name pool lottery?  There's still God Parents to settle on as well.  I can see a few more weeks until all of this is ironed out.

Cold, more cold, and frigid temps are capturing the news.  Keep warm and safe as we enter mid month next week.  A few more weeks and we'll be thinking Spring and Easter.  Snuggle up with your spice and loves while you share a few good books together.  I know I am!

Until Next Week,

Solara

THE NAME GAME BEGINS

Gill tried to inhale.  Nothing helped.  His hands shook as he read the birth notice section on the front page of the paper.  Headlines in bold print stood out.  Nick and Ziva’s twins along with Rachel and Tyburn’s two.  At the top of the list in italics were his and Chloe’s names.  Someone had started a betting pool on the names for all of the kids born within days of each other.  He and Chloe topped the list with the most screwball ones.   Mallard for the boy since he decided to outweigh his sisters.  Manx and Minx were the top two for the identical twin girls.  Who came up with these he didn’t know.  If this kept up, what monikers were the others going to get stuck on them?  Parents named their children.  Not the whole damn town.  He doubted though his kids would have their own names as many were already referring to them as the town’s kids.  The kicker was the list of popular puppy and kitten names some fool ran alongside the birth announcements.  Who the frack started this damn pool and why?

“Hey Gill,” Louie called out coming entering the dining area from the kitchen.  He stopped dead in his tracks.  Gill looked up from the paper.  A large sheepish grin began where Louie’s open mouth stopped gapping open.  He pointed to the paper and shrugged.

“Please tell me you didn’t?”  Gill laid the paper on the bar.  He counted to ten in every known language of the peak.  Speaking a few phrases of each helped from time to time during council meetings.

“I don’t bullshit my friends and family.  You’re both you know.”  Louie sat on the stool closest to where Gill stood.
 
“Okay, why would you do this to family or friends?”  Gill leaned on the bar refusing to look away.  Louie usually had a good reason for most things he did.  Bettina sometimes had to reel him in.

“Look you wouldn’t take our help when we offered it.  You know when Chloe announced her pregnancy.  So we—the town—decided this was the way to go.”  Louie pulled the paper to him.

“What kind of help are you talking about?”  Gill hoped he wasn’t scowling.

“Moola man.  It takes money to feed and clothes those youngsters.  Yours, Nick and Ziva’s, along with Tyburn and Rachel’s.   We want to help.  Us the citizens of Talbot’s Peak.”  Louie stood up and walked around the bar.  He reached beneath it close to the cash register.  He sat a large water bottle full of coin and loose bills on the bar.

Gill fought his mouth dropping open.  That was his tip jar.  When had this happened?  He looked at Louie and back to the jar.

Louie flung his arm around Gill’s shoulders as he spoke.  “You got friends.  Nick and Ziva too.  Even that Phoenix pain Tyburn.  Rachel is a favorite of the wives of the council members.  So stop fussing and know you split the pot with whoever wins the name pool. “


“Oh?”
“Yes and what they get is free food and drinks equal to the amount of the money in the pool all over town.  So you ready to stop fussin’?”  Louie walked back around the bar waiting for Gill’s response.

All Gill could do was nod and separate coin and bills as he dumped his tip jar on the bar.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HAPPY WEEKEND GANG!

So naming all our new babies started.  Who is going to win the name pool lottery?  Got suggestions?

Keep warm and sane as you and yours welcome the New Year next week.  We here at the Spice Homestead wish you and yours the happiest, healthiest, and safest one possible.

Until Next Week,

Solara

SO THE BIRTHING GAME BEGINS

“So the game begins?” Tyburn asked as he joined Gill outside the waiting area close to the labor and delivery admissions area.

“Game?” Gill quipped, unsure how to answer since the stat ultrasound on Chloe revealed potential quints.  Five mouths to feed and care for.  The last time he changed diapers was when his nephew and niece, both with grandkids of their own now, were babies and toddlers.  He was sure the process hadn’t changed much as he watched humans and shifters alike tend to their youngsters. 

“Well, everyone I’ve talked to says it’s a waiting game.  You wait for the baby to decide to put in their appearance.”  Tyburn chuckled.  “Truth is I’ve got no idea what is expected of me.  Rachel and my other off spring flamed into existence during her rebirths.”

“I don’t think that is how this works.  I’m probably no better informed than you.” Gill leaned back against the wall behind the bench he sat on.  “You and I are on a journey.”

“One hell of a journey.  I get to see life from the human side.  You get to…”  Tyburn paused.  Looked around the waiting area, and leaned closer to Gill.  “What is it you get to do?”

Gill rolled his eyes and snickered.  “Watch Chloe wither in pain.  Wonder how the frack this came to be.”

“Pain is funny?” Tyburn leaned forward, resting his forearms on his legs.

“No, never.  It’s my dumb remark.  I know the facts of life.  How babies are made.”  Gill licked his lips and continued.  “My pain is figuring out how to raise em, feed em, clothe em, et al.”

“Oh, the get them grown and out of your house part.” Tyburn sighed.  “There’s no manual for that.”

“Yes, I know.  My brother kept asking my parents where they hid theirs.”  Gill smiled as memories of watching his brother and parents discuss parenting came rushing back.

“There’s a manual for rearing Phoenix.  It has two lines.  First one is there are no rules.  The second one is don’t believe the first one.”  Tyburn laughed and looked up as a nurse approached where he and Gill sat.

“Mr. Tyburn, Miss Rachel requests, to quote her, your flaming ass present as there is more than one younging coming your way.  Congrats sir!  You’ve got twins!” The nurse handed Tyburn a stack of clothing.  “Please change and meet me outside delivery room three in five minutes.”

Tyburn accepted the bundle and sprinted down the hall to the changing room.  Gill sat up as the nurse turned back to him.  He stood as she held out a similar bundle to him.

“Mr. Mayor, Chloe needs your assistance in birthing room four.  Your triplets are eager to come out and met their daddy she says.”  The nurse patted Gill’s shoulder as he shook his head.  “One of them appears to be bigger than the others in weight and size.  Sorry for the earlier scare, sir.”

Gill tucked the bundle of clothing under his arm as he started his sprint down the hall to the changing room.  Earlier scare at possibly five babies?  Three was better?  Safer?  Hell, he didn’t know nothing about birthing babies.  He was going to find out though and very quickly from what the nurse said.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Merry Holidays Gang!

Happy Solstice and Yule to all!  May your celebrations bring peace and joy to you and yours.  From all of us here at the Spice Homestead to all of you, Happiest of holiday greetings.  Remember those that are alone or in need as you gift each other.  Take time to reach out to those who you can help.


As to the birthing game, lets see what happens next week.  Sexes and names are still unknowns.  Any suggestions as to who has which and what names need completion on birth certificates.

Until Next Week,

Solara

Season's Greetingsg

greetings gang. busy holiday prepeartions are under way here
at the spice homestead. day job has me working overtime from
time to time. a special project is under way for year end
completion.  i am working on a new book in between.
i hear chloe and rachel are in labor. maybe twins  for
tyburn and rachel. gill and chloe. . . well triplets or quads.
next week we will know for sure i bet.

until next week take care.
solara

SEASON'S GREETINGS TALBOT'S PEAK STYLE

After the success of the community orchestra and the musical rendition of the battle for the Peak, many group decided to gather for holiday carol writing.  The humans down on the square decided to go with traditional hymns and contemporary holiday tunes.  The Second Street wolf pack borrowed the melodies they knew from the human songs they knew and proceeded to make up their own words.  A few of the local packs decided that censoring them made sense.  Except who was going to argue with them when they cleaned up the lyrics on their own.  There were rumors Miss Elly threated to dent a few of her soup pots by banging them on several heads if manners didn’t prevail.

Then there was Loki and Thor’s version of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” that combined howls, yips and off key crooning that set the neighbor’s dogs howling off that carried over to three other neighborhoods.  Still the boys’ good efforts challenged others in their class and group of friends to get involved.  Two more songs came out of the group that made sense and earned them a spot in the local talent show the city council decided to throw as a result of all the mirth and merriment happening.

Gill shook his head as he read the flyer Rachel handed to him as he and Chloe joined her and Tyburn for dinner.  Rumor was Ziva was in labor.  Nick was unable to take the lead as originally planned.  Vernon and Miss Elly were co-hosting the pageant down on the main square.  The live nativity scene drew a line of visitors each year.  And the community sing along as part of the show?  Gill rolled his eyes as he read the titles of the songs making the list.  Rachel’s hastily scribbled note on the bottom of the flyer read lyrics to follow.  Gill swallowed hard.  What had he gotten into now?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Happy Weekend Gang!

Have you started your holiday shopping?  The Spice Homestead has.  Of course online does make this easier.  Here's hoping you don't break your piggy bank.

Goodness, how the spirit of the season is affecting the Peak.  Seems the holidays are in full swing for our merry citizens.  May your gatherings and get togethers bring you joy and merriment.

Until next week,

Solara

Thanksgiving on the Peak

Gill looked up and down the row of tables pushed together.  On the far end a large roasted turkey sat.  Heat and its delectable odor wafted over the table, attempting to entice anyone it could to salivate as they waited.  At the other end of the table, a comparable sized tofu turkey sat.  Several of the herbivores looked at it longingly.  Midway, close to center, a large bowl of mix salad sat containing greens and fruit along with tomatoes, chunks of colored peppers, and other vegan delights.  In amongst the dishes and glasses lining the table on both sides as well as the end, various side dishes and breads sat.   As soon as Louie brought out the first course, all would begin feasting.

Rachel and Tyburn sat together close to one end of the table.  Next to them sat Vernon and Miss Ellie.  At the opposite end, Louie and Bettina held court with him and Chloe.  Many of the town council mingled ready to sample cuisine and food new to them within reason.  No carnivore would go without meat just as no herbivore expected to taste the vile foul down the table from them.  And the vegans, well they knew that in the middle suited them best.  Besides several bottles of Talbot’s Peak Microbrewery’s finest fines and champagnes sat open on the bar ready for consumption in between courses. 

Bettina rose, picked up her knife, and tapped on her glass.  Silence filled the room.  “Louie asked me to explain the first course to you.”

Heads nodded as all gazed at her.  Gill smiled wondering what Louie decided to do about the soup course of the meal.  Bettina continued speaking.

“Broth is the basis of many food choices.  Regardless of the additional ingredients.  Water, noodles, and seasonings are common to all.”  She turned as she finished speaking.
 
As if on cue, Louie pushed a cart out of the kitchen with a large steaming pot on top of it.  Bowls sat on either side of the pot.  Louie picked up where Bettina left off.  “In here is a bit of everyone’s spices you contributed last week and pieces of the noodles you included.  Water is water. The covered bowls on each table contain items to add to your bowl.  Take and enjoy.”

Louie filled one bowl after another handing them out as he moved up and down each side of the tables. As he reached the end, he spoke again.  “I enjoy living on the Peak.  I like many of my neighbors. Their food tastes aside.  Our other courses will be what we eat otherwise.  I want our first to be the unique flavor, essence, and camaraderie that makes up our town.”

As Louie sat, Gill rose clearing his throat.  “Bettina talked about how this is called Pho in Vietnam.  Broth in other places and stock in another.  I choose to call it Soup du Peak.  Here’s to us and all we’ve got to be thankful for.”

Covers lifted, dishes passed, bit by bit they emptied into the broth of those that cared to add them.  Slurps and smacking of lips began.  Many smiles and nods followed.  Gill caught part of the conversation as he passed the bowls of fish bits across the table a second time.  Soup du Peak appeared to do what they intended, mix and bring together the unique tastes and commonalities of those calling Talbot’s Peak home.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

HAPPY WEEKEND GANG!

I and the Spice hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  May your holiday season be bright and filled with all the things you need.  Remember those less fortunate than you as you shop and gather gifts.  From us here at the Spice Homestead, we wish you a season full of love, joy, peace and happiness, topped off with a New Year of tranquility and more peace. 

Until next week,

Solara