Looking out of the window in the Blue Room, I can see for miles beyong the toadstool across the Big Water. I can also see part of the bridge leading to Brigantia. Already dozens of minscule four wheeled carriages are slowly weaving their way home from work in the Metropolis. They cling like centipede legs to the carriage in front,only gathering speed as they near the end of the bridge. My day today has been rather low key, as I awoke this morning feeling more tired than normal, and slightly nauseous. I had had a fitful night's rest,and was almost relieved to see the sun rise. Pendragon appeared from the kitchen ,wearing his usual early morning smile , a grey woolly hat and carrying a tankard filled to the brim with my favourite green mint tea. Thankfully warm, as I was feeling shivery,and benefitted greatly from the hot vapours circulating round my aching limbs. Pendragon was anxious,and reluctant to leave me in this sorry state, but I reassured him that,after a cheering mustard bath, and two cold-chasing gels, I would be in tip top shape to meet the day. He cuddled me tight, and waved from the door. "Cheery-bye,my sweet " he called. I heard his footsteps on the stairway,the door clunked shut, and I lay back against my trio of pillows to fall into a peaceful slumber for a couple of hours. I woke up in mid morning feeling sleepy but much better overall. Well enough to catch a soothing bath,and dress to do some tidying in the toadstool. The Blue Room still looks empty after yesterday's shelf building. I would like to keep it as clear as I can,so I will take time to sift through the dozen or so boxes waiting in our bedroom,and only keep items which we have room for up in our loft. At least that is my intention. Whether I can keep to that resolution remains to be seen.
By the time our cuckoo Walter climbed out from the clock to mention it was two, I had sifted through three boxes, and reduced the contents down to one.I managed a little turnip soup and a slice of tomato and chestnut loaf ,before I settled down to read a couple of pages from my best selling parchment - "Why didn't they ask Ethelragnor ? by Agapantha Krispin. Agapantha is a master of intrigue and adventure, having written hundreds of thrilling parchments for elven fans.The mysterious web of blackmail and conspiracy in a tiny mountain village, was holding me spellbound,when I heard the doorbell chime two tiny chimes. Scamp the post imp,was standing at the toadstool door,drenched to the marrow in his royal blue doublet and hose.His green pointy shoes squelched as he mounted the front step. "A parcel for you,Amarantha, he said, wiping his perky little red nose with his royal blue handkerchief.He wheezed a voluminous,noisy sneeze.I felt so sorry for him,trudging around Dingley Dell with his heavy post bag and an evergrowing cold. The very least I could do was to offer him some sniffle lozenges from my "get well box" under the sink. He looked grateful, and had another long sneeze. I could feel my own symptoms returning in sympathy,so waved him down the path, and reteated to my warm blanket,my parchment, and the comfort of my cosy cushions on the settee near the fireplace.I'll begin Pendragon's supper shortly before the parchment becomes too scarey for my finer sensibilities.I noticed Mandolini and the boys were looking particularly wet in the back garden. They soldier on, gnomes being particularly resilient in the worst of weathers. The sky has begun to clear outside and blue puffs are peeping through the otherwise cloudy heaven. Tomorrow I have an appointment with the Wellbeing Therapist, for an aromatherapy massage and a reappraisal of my eyebrow line. An hour of unadulterated pleasure and restful calm. Sufficient to chase any oncoming and persistent germs, determined to play havoc with my weekend. Pendragon and I are theatre bound on Saturday, to view a group of dancers from the Far East, and dine out at our favourite Italian Bistro. Much love to you all my friends,may you stay out of any damp and draughty corners,and remain snuffle free. From dear Amarantha, the Rainbow Faery.