toadstooltales

Today was my day to pay my respects to the Geldhouse.End of the month banking is always best over and done with,with another whole month before I need to do it again.
I spent the rest of the day,mulling over my lines for the play,and gathering some shiny new parchment purchases from various sources in Brigantia.
It took ages as I am quite pernickety now as to what I buy. The newer condition of the product the more I can successfully charge,and you have to decide whether you are going to sell parchments in any old condition pretty early on in the business,or wait till you find the best.
I did find some nice things which looked just as nice when I got them home. Sometimes you don't notice little faults and then wish you had been more careful. It's all part of developing your business skills ,and I am still quite the novice.
My meeting with the Team at the Daily Scandal went well. We are concentrating on musical offerings in October as there are quite a few concerts happening and several musical shows and plays appearing at the Dingley Dell Opera House. Several interviews have been set up for me ,so meeting artistes will figure largely in my writing up for the coming month. Hopefully they will also agree to appearing on my Community Radio Show, to talk about their work and play their favourite music.
A real bonus that will be.

Pendragon and I are partying tomorrow night .The Theatricals are hosting a pre-show party for cast and wellwishers,so it should be fun. I am more used to post play parties rather than rejoicing beforehand,but it is a nicely novel idea and we won't complain.
It will also give our lead director an opportunity to give us a pep talk and maybe some brickbats to improve our performance . On Sunday it will be noses to the dramatic grindstone as we come to terms with songs and speeches.
Pendragon is not a thespian in his own right,but he does enjoy the opportunity to watch the elven luvvies at play,then report back to me on their respective foibles.
We will enjoy ourselves,as we always have fun in each other's company.

Pendragon's other pastime lately has become tracking the whereabouts and subsequent disposal of our floral predators,the Slugs. They have appeared in large droves with the consistent rainfall,and do not leave till they have consumed large quantities of greenery,in their marauding wake.
Pendragon has got the bit between his teeth to do something about them and has spent considerable time setting traps for the unsuspecting among their flock,with a high rate of success. His booby traps are Guiness filled ,and have been enticing large groups of the little slitherers.At one point two weeks ago,we had several of these slug traps positioned around the patio,filled to the brim with drowsy, inebriated or completely sozzled beasts. This,of course is their undoing,and sadly they take this path to end up in the great Slug Tavern in the sky .
But our plants are surviving better,and seeing out the Autumn with renewed fronds of greenery.
The only problem really is Pendragon,himself,who nightly sits in the Sun Room watching for the appearance of any potential slimy problems .In the middle of supper he will jump up and rush to the door at any sighting, rubbing his hands with glee. After disposal of the offender he practically does a dance of victory. I do hope he isn't taking things too seriously ? I don't want the neighbours to start calling him Slugman of Lobelia Drive.
Thankfully,the onset of cold frosty nights may well dampen his ardour for such activities.

Have a good weekend ,my trusty mailmates, and may any precipitation bounce off your homestead,as quickly as it came. Get walking wherever you are, and air those well-honed limbs. It is time to get fitter not fatter,whatever your level of expertise may be.
From Amarantha,Rainbow Faery, keeper of the keys of Flowerpot Cottage,the willowy Willow girl. maybe our paths will cross somewhere along the way.

I saw Jerona Middleswatch this morning,with her wee sprite Ballyweana. They were sitting in the refectory area of Dingley Dell Community Hospital. I was downing a very tasty cup of acorn decaff. when I saw Ballyweana running round the tables,while Jerona sat with sleepy eyes at one of the tables near the door. I remember them both from Dingley Dell Nursery, as Ballyweana was one of my little charges. I remember one or two rather tense conversations with Jerona as Ballyweana's social skills with other sprites were somewhat missing. Jerona looked far from well. Her hair was dragged back in a skimpy pony tail,and she had pinned a myriad of clips across her forehead to keep the stray locks from falling into her sad eyes. She looked very down-at-heel,wrapped up tightly in an old anorak with a fur collar. With so many layers she reminded me of Heggie Doorsludge,bag woman of Dingley. She looked really tired ,and as she kept watch over Ballymeana, her eyes kept closing as she drifted off to somewhere where no one else could follow.
Ballymeana seemed to be thriving though, but she was everywhere. Eating off every one's plate,and running amok between people's feet, she had a merry laugh and had found her speaking voice. She caught sight of me,stopped in her tracks, and made a slightly shy wave over to me. She was a sweet little sprite,if a bit rough and ready. Jerona made sure Ballymeana was well-looked after,as well as her other children. She was truly proud of them all. Seeing them reminded me of all the dear families I had met in my time at Dingley Dell Academy. Families who had little, enjoyed what they had, worked hard, and wanted so much for the future of their sprites. Seeing them reminded me of my own dear family,my mother and father who worked so hard: my brothers and sister,and our growing up together in somewhat straightened circumstances, but always surrounded by love.
I was feling rather wistful as I stepped into the Faery Physio's domain,but, she didn't ask where my thoughts were,and just went into her usual merry banter, while checking the strength of my left hand and asking me how the exercises were going. Well,I said. And she went through her programme of therapy while I let my mind wander back to happy times as a sister and daughter,in our little toadstool two up and two down in the backstreets of Brigantia. My father Jiminy, was a seaman,who had roamed the Seven Seas, and seen the world. When he was done with that,he returned to the harbours of Brigantia,to man the tugs and dredgers there, and settle down with the prettiest elven lady in Brigantia- my mother Janesca.
Money was thin,but we managed. We had everything sprites really need,with two loving parents,who spent time with us and did all they could to inspire us to do well,work hard and make good lives for ourselves. So we did.

Today was definitely my day for seeing people. On my return to Dingley Dell,I whiled away an hour or two
in the supermercantile . I had one eye on the breaded mushroom burgers and the other on a rail of salebound jumpers,and could not resist lurching forward for a closer look. Imagine my embarrassment ,when my lurch was met by another body colliding into me. I looked up with a sincere "sorry" tripping off my lips to find the ballfaced arrogance of Gravelpounce Whimperstrand looking down at me. "My fault",he replied, "not to worry",and he charged on beyond me.He stopped however, and looked back,clearly wondering where we had met before. I kept my eyeline down. I knew where we had met before only a few weeks before,in his office at the Town House, as I interviewed him for the Daily Scandal. I was anxious that he did not recall either me or the interview,or any previous encounters,so I busied myself with the frozen veggies and hoped he would not return for another squint at me.
Phew !! I lived to fight another day.

Pendragon is working tonight in Metropolis, doing night duty at the hospital. He will call me on the woodland telephone later,and tell me how his"new bathroom" plans are going. We have chosen a slinky white suite,but still have to find a suitable flooring to accompany it. No doubt we will find something soon,from the wealth of catalogues lying on the oaken coffee table.

Best wishes to you all,my dear companions,as you tread the weary path towards October. Dark nights , fallen conifers, and the nut brown gold of torn-off leaves will soon herald the autumnal dawn. We have had a lovely day today,one of the last warmths of summer,but soon the light will fall at six,and the frost be there at dawn. Wrap up those weary bones,and search your cupboards for the warmer underpinnings which will keep the cold at bay.
Love and gossamer fur- belows from the Rainbow Faery, sweet Amarantha Willow at number five.

Well, the news is finally out. I have gained a part in the Theatricals next production. I am to play a school mistress of all things,rather a busman's holiday,you might say, but a good speaking part nonetheless. Rehearsals have been taking up all my available spare minutes,and I have spent most days since Saturday either rehearsing songs or learning lines .We need to be ready for the 16th October,and are cutting it slightly fine, but we are all committed to making the final production quite splendid.
Last evening we worked with the assistant director,blocking the first few scenes. It seemed slow but was picking up by the first tea break.Tea breaks are such welcome things when the words don't seem to be flowing and you are getting tired with the complaints of your fellow actors. They can be very prissy and malicious ,can theatrical types, and squabbles are common along the way, but I just retain my sweet smile and try to get along with all of them. Personnel have changed somewhat over the last few weeks,as a few of them have come and gone. Chicolitto who seemed so comitted in the beginning has disappeared over the last three weeks,not leaving word with anyone as to why he has gone ,or if he intends to return. It does seem strange,but if he returns he will not have a speaking part. They have all been allocated now.
And Bibosco,who kept us all laughing, week to week, has also sunk without trace. A great pity,as we got on so well,and had begun a nice line in witty mutual repartee.
The next few weeks will be hard,and poor Pendragon will have to remain strong in face of some disruption to our calm and peaceful lives . He does want me to fulfil this creative side of my life and has told me to enjoy things,and not worry about anything else. I will do my very best though to keep our home fires burning.
We are touring our play when it is ready to three different venues,over three weeks, so I will need all my stamina,and get plenty of sleep. I know I will enjoy these performances when they come.
I also had to fit in a meeting with the Faery Seamstress to try on my Betrothal Gown,yesterday. It was such a rush but I was so happy once I had been there.My dress is really taking shape, and I felt so beautiful yesterday wearing it. Its shiny red skirt,its beautifully embroidered bodice,its flowing lines will mesmerise all who see it. It has a touch of faery magic in its design,in its folds,in its regal splendour. I had fun trying on the dress and chatting with the wonderful seamstress who is making it.

It is a working Wednesday,and I am feeling quite tired. I slept till ten today - not like me ,and dragged my heels ,getting up and getting on. In half an hour I will man the skillet and come up with some wonderful concoction for Pendragon's supper. Pan fried mushroom risotto with wild peppery leaves may comes to mind. Something quick anyway,as we have much to do this evening.Ripping up the old bathroom carpet in preparation for a new flooring- parcelling some parchments for orders, and choosing some new bathroom fitments from the catalogues Pendragon has collected. We will retire for the night,happy and fulfilled with the promise of a new bathing experience about to unfold.
Tomorrow I go to Brigantia for an exercise session with the Faery Physio,and then off to find some used parchments for sale. Another busy day,in the life of the Rainbow Faery.
Much love to you all,my sweet and sour comrades at large. May life be all you wish,and your partners be all you can love.
From amarantha Willow, keeper of the fifth toadstool from the left,Lobelia Drive.

A visit to the Faery Physio took up most of the afternoon today,as I had to travel to Brigantia to see her. She is undertaking quite an unusual set of exercises for me to bring forward the healing of the tendonitis in my left hand. A special series of massage techniques were part of her work today. I found it easy to relax as she carried out the therapy,and hope it will speed up the healing. I can use my hand again,but it still seems a little weak. Anyway,I treated myself to an acorn decaff. when she was finished and did a little mercantile shopping on my return.
New kitchen towels, new bath mats, a little kitchen scale, and some new drinking glasses found their way into my trolley as I ambled round. We are entertaining next weekend and I want everything to look nice for our guests.
Tomorrow I am having a day to myself,a small day off to do some shopping,and prepare myself for a beautiful weekend. I have a meeting in late afternoon with the Daily Scandal Team, but that still gives me the rest oof the day to frolic,if I make an early start.

A day to think, maybe to write, to look round about me and to make some personal plans. I need to think about my schedules for next week,as I think I have lots to do. Keep my parchment business running, sort out some betrothal purchases and step up rehearsals with the Theatricals. Add to that my weekly work with the Daily Scandal Team and my visit to the Community Radio Network, and it adds up to a very business old time.

I love everything I do. But a day of unqualified leisure won't do me any harm at all.
I'll dish the details to you tomorrow,my fine feathered curmudgeons - supper calls,and I hear Pendragon's merry footsteps in the hall.
Let not the fears of credit crunching daunt you from a pleasant evening at home with those you love.
From Amarantha Willow, the Rainbow Faery.

We live at the top of the hill in Dingley Dell. The main village lies at the bottom of the hill. I regularly walk down to gather various bits of produce from the Supermercantile, or visit the Daily Scandal Offices, or pop in to see my favourite people in the Sisters of Mercy Charity shop. The walk generally takes me twenty minutes and on a clear day, a brisk walk does wonders for my elven thighs and tummy muscles. I always come home feeling I have had a great physical workout.As long as I haven't consumed a desperately high number of calories at the Buttercup Bistro along the way, I know my path to fitness has not been daunted.
This walk is beautiful,as there is such a feel of the country around on the way down the hill. With Autumn beginning to put in an appearance, the colours are bolder, the trees are changing,and there is a noise around of something changing from the wildlife. Horse chestnut trees are weighed low with spiky green globes,full to the brim with burnished nuts- the nuts we like to call conkers. They have not started to fall yet.When they do ,the path beside the tram stop will be littered with these swollen green gourds ,some even splitting to show their russet treasure within. There are also rowan trees close by,choking with bunches of deep red berries,ready to have their inner seed banks dispersed by the local travelling bird population.
At the top of the hill is our toadstool, lying towards the edge of a warren of toadstools, of various sizes and shapes. Our toadstool sits in Lobelia Drive, one of the most peaceful and truly desirable properties in Dingley Dell . When we have visitors we have to give them very clear instructions as to how to find us, as finding your way into and around the warren can be confusing and maybe a little daunting to the uninitiated. But when they find us,they are always delighted with the aura and demeanour of our toadstool haven.
There is much more to see on an autumn walk to the village. On the very clear days the bridge to Brigantia will dominate the view. You can see forever across the water, but in particular the small island beneath the bridge. A fortress has existed on the island since the 16th century, and although it has not been used as a strategic viewpoint for half a century, its battlements stand proudly in the morning light. Colonies of sea birds collect there now,living in peaceful co-existence with the proliferant lichen and a mass of blue and white wild flowers, somehow creeping diligently through the cracks in the walls,and hiding the man-made footpaths.
I love to let my gaze wander over there,and wonder how it must have been there, years, decades, centuries ago.
The mercantiles in Dingley Dell are generally small ones,apart from the supermercantile. Visitors here will find several fine eating houses,among a splatter of gift emporiums, beauty parlour,art galleries, hairdresser, antiques sellers, the Town House and the Lifeboat House.Our village has been remarkably well kept over the years,and we have many listed properties along the harbour walk.
The shore line itself lies parallel to the mercantile area so it is possible to stop at various High Street junctures to capture a bench and indulge your peepers with a long and wistful look at the Big Water straight ahead.. ........................

Life in Lobelia Drive has been remarkably quiet off late. Its residents seem to have gone somewhat to ground over the past few weeks. Maybe it is the lack of summer weather which has sent them scurrying indoors, or maybe they are all lying low before bursting forth to give us all some colourful autumnal food for thought. The Dagworts at number 10 are still keeping fit by running round the block for at least ten minutes. The Primpoles are still walking their abominable wildebeests at the crack of dawn,running behind them as the beasts drag them down the cul-de-sac. The Shilpits at number three are still looking shiftless and menacing,depending upon which one you see at any given time.
The Fearless Faery however has been behaving a little oddly,and I do carry some worries as to how she is faring. Last week ,when I was on my own, before bedtime, (Pendragon was at the hospital,working), there was a loud knock on the front door.
It was ten past the hour of ten,and Wally my cuckoo had just finished marking the hour with a "cuck" and an "oo",wwhen the rap on the door knocker occurred. I opened to find the Fearless Faery straddling the pathway,clutching a large grey parcel.
"This is for you", she said, smiling at me." It arrived today when you were out."
I was just starting to thank her,when I noticed her sudden lurch towards my doorstep rosebowl. Then the lurch backwards. And the lurch forwards again as she fell into me with the parcel. I grabbed the parcel,(thankfully not the Fearless Faery), and watched as she realigned herself into an upright and steady position.
"Sorry", she squeaked and smiled cheekily. Even the smile was unsteady.
There was no doubt about it. The Fearless Faery was undoubtedly three sheets to the wind. Fuddled, inebriated, intoxicated, soaked, extremely tipsy.
I just smiled back at the squidgy grin ,thanked her profusely,and said a fond goodnight. But when the door was closed a cold shiver of uneasiness ran down my spine .
There was nothing wrong with her enjoying herself,I hope she had a great evening out. But she had just returned home in her little red motor carriage,only ten minutes before. She had been driving in that condition.!!
I conveyed my troubles about this to Pendragon.He just shrugged his shoulders and told me not to worry.
But this morning ,he told me that he had noticed her car gone last night at around eleven of the clock,and all her toadstool lights were still on. The motor carriage was still missing at eight this morning,and the lights were still burning. Had she been out all night ? Was she alright ?
I have just heard her front door opening. Sounds like she is home. I must be vigilant as I would not want her to come to any grief. Or her little beast Daisy. I know she is lonely,but burning the candle at both ends is no salve for lack of friendship. What can I say to her ? It is a very awkward situation.
Were you one over the eight last night ? Are you getting drunk on a regular basis ? Did you know your lights were on all night when you were out on the razzle ? Are you drinking and driving ?

No, none of these will do.
I'll just ask how she is when I see her, and hope that all is well. For now............................

Life is its usual melee of ups and downs. I am sure you find it to be the same.
Take care my worthy papermates, you keep reading and I will keep writing. More tales of derring-do at the fifth toadstool from the left tomorrow. Till then, love and crispy green apples for all of you from Amarantha Willow, the whimsical Rainbow Faery.

Working has rather taken over my life over the last few days. The carefree days of summer seem to have gone,only to be instantly replaced by rollercoaster journeys to and fro,and deadlines to meet.
My used parchment business has started to speed up somewhat,meaning more orders,more parcelling,and more trips further afield to find new sources of parchments in superb condition. I have to keep my inventory high,and awash with newly exciting purchases for those discerning buyers out there in Dingley Dell and far beyond.
They have been keeping me on my toes lately with telephone requests,and electronic box requests.so my day has been largely driven by the needs of my parchment customers.
I have been doing everything I normally do as well,of course. My Radio show at Dingley Dell Community Network has also been eventful. I have had a spate of musical visitors recently who have all been appearing at the Metropolis August Festival. A jazz pianist,a player of Early Music on the clavichord, and an actor from a stunning piece of theatre called The Lost Wood of Arrimonda ,which sent Pendragon and myself out into the dark Metropolis Streets one Saturday Night,clucking with delight and talking about it into the early hours.
He was rather a good looking fellow,on stage and off,and very pleasant to look at, and to listen to ,across the radio desk.
His name is Arnolo Tiramellow,and he stood tall in his dark green hunting boots,and leather cotte.
He had the deep Mediterranean glow that comes from many afternoons spent basking in a sunny environment,so he clearly did not come from Dngley Dell. I detected a slight accent in his dusky tones but could not determine from whence he had originated.
He was a rather witty fellow when he started to open up to my questions,and pictured for my listeners an early career littered with auditions and rejections before he made his mark in the theatre world.
He talked of the roles he had played,the films he had made and his future projects. I have to admit to not having to prompt him too much,as he had clearly been vaccinated with a gramophonic needle,and talked himself in,out,back and forward of every thing he was asked.
But he was a delight,and I just sat mesmerised by his youth and jollity,and made sure that everything went out perfectly to our audience,through the audio desk which we presenters have to control. I wound up the interview after fifteen minutes,and was captivated to hear him say how much he had enjoyed "his luuvvelly time of talking to ze beeyouteefool Amarantha".
None of my listeners saw me smile back at him,but I can assure you I wore that grin for the rest of the day.
Anyway,work,work,work, and more work. I have also now prepared 4 issues of my column for the Daily Scandal with my Team. It seems to be popular on a Friday,and Portamus,the editor, tells me that circulation on Fridays has risen. Some readers have also written in suggesting ideas for items for me to follow up, or just saying how much they have enjoyed a feature or the look of the column. We have centred it on Dingley Dell's comings and goings,and local residents seem to be enjoying that .The local grapevine has also taken to submitting notes for Amarantha about certain rumours which might be worth following up. Portamus has said he does not mind me indulging in a little printed scandal,but it must not break the bounds of public decency,or land the Scandal in the lawcourts.
That means much more fact finding before anything gets a headline.

Tomorrow I have to attend a fundraiser for the Radio Network in the morning and have my regular Team meeting at the Scandal in the afternoon, so I am going to be busy again. Next week I hope to have more time for myself ,as I really need to be able to cut loose and have a fun day. Maybe Wednesday. I'll diary that date and cross my fingers.
The treadmill we like to call our cosy life draws me now to go off and prepare a hearty supper for Pendi. We thrive here in Lobelia Drive,in our tiny haven,our Toadstool Cottage paradise.
Amarantha wishes you a thrifty Thursday, my dear friends ,and asks that you all remember the benefits of early nights and hot potage this cool September day. One will bring you a bright eye on the morrow,the other will bring a warm glow to your heart.
Love and clean plates every time please,from Amarantha Willow,the Rainbow Faery.

I am so surprised that I have managed to keep going this week. I have had a rather severe sinus infection,leaving me feeling very tired and poorly,but seemed to still stay on my feet. Work was piling up round about me ,but I got through it all,apart from some overdue filing. Dr. Scroat did give me some capsules to rid myself of the Sinus Demon,but neglected to tell me that it would take about seven days for me to feel significantly better.......
Any way I did not take to my bed,and still managed to keep our little toadstool running..
Meals miraculously appeared on tables, washing miraculously dried on the rope outside, and my column in the Daily Scandal miraculously got finished and submitted.
Pendragon has been a virtual saint ,offering help and support beyond the call of the devoted paramour,and attempting to ensure that I received adequate nourishment along the way.
I am gradually improving,and hope that the coming week will see me restored to my usual rude health. On Tuesday I visited the Faery Seamstress for my first dress fitting.She had prepared a calico copy,and wanted to see me strut my elven stuff in it so that she could custom fit the bodice.We had a lovely time with myself, the Faery Designer and the Seamstress herself laughing about past experiences we had had trying to buy appropriately fitting clothes and shoes. The hour passed very quickly and I left at three very happy. My betrothal dress is going to be truly beautiful. The material we have chosen shimmers and shines. Next week I have an appointment with the Underpinning Expert to fit and choose some exciting underthings to wear with my dress. I have also been looking for red slippers with a low heel to accompany my outfit.
And a pretty Rennaissance cap to set it off,maybe in burgundy fabric,maybe in white.......maybe with a veil,maybe without. I don't know which. I need to think some more about it.

I journeyed on the tram to Metropolis to see the Seamstress,and had to wait a while at the Tram Stop for it to arrive. Imagine my surprise when Mimsey Dagwort crossed the road in the direction of the Tram Stop. She looked very different from the Mimsey I have seen lately, the down-trodden, heart- weary Mimsey.
She has had her hair moulded into a bob,has had the bob coloured in golden blonde hues, and has started to take an interest in her clothes again. She was dressed fromm head to toe in a smart black suit,and was carrying a white clutch bag. Her heels were low and black patent leather with a buckle. She looked ten years younger than I remember her,and seemed to have regained her confidence,at least in the way she looked. I smiled over to her,hoping that we could pass the time of day till the tram arrived. But my smile was not returned. Alas, she caught my smile,and turned away,raisng her nose just a smidgeon and staring into the blue beyond. She clearly did not want to converse. I did not pursue the encounter. When the tram arrived,I was first to board,and as I sat down I saw Mimsey climb the stair to the top deck avoiding any further opportunity to chat. In Dingley Dell folk always chat at the tram stop,whether they know each other or not.I must try not to be offended by her behaviour. I daresay she is still recovering from the wrecked hedge debaucle,and may feel her neighbours were less than understanding over that. Maybe she felt I might raise it with her in the conversation, and could not cope with the embarassment. I would not, and I won't . Ever. Maybe she fears uncomfortable questions she might find difficult to answer about life at number ten.

Or maybe she is just a snooty strumpet with bad manners,who needs the wind taken out of her anti-social sails.I am sure Jeraboa will take care of that some dark and windy night, if he hasn't done so already. And maybe then she will regret having snubbed the friendship of a caring neighbour in Lobelia Drive.

Suffice it to say, the social networking ball now lies very firmly in old Mimsey's court .
Pendragon has counselled me not to worry about it,and not to assume she was being rude. Maybe she is just shy,he has proposed. Maybe she is just shy. And maybe she is just snooty.
I'll keep my powder dry for a while,and see how the situation unfolds. I have a feeling "there is something rotten in the state of Dagwort" and no doubt we will all smell it loud and clear eventually.

Tomorrow will be a big day for me with the Theatricals . We are going to be given our roles in the forth coming production, and may also begin serious rehearsals. Last Sunday we had to improvise scenes of sadness and distress, in a supposed care home for the lost and bewildered. It turned out to be both funny and moving. I love my work with them and Sunday has become a day which I really look forward to.
Remindur has worked hard with us,and has prepared us well to take on some punishing dramatic roles.

Tonight Pendragon is cooking us a meal ,and I am taking it easy. I am still coughing a bit,and still need to occupy myself with some tender medical ministrations. There is a fair old bluster in the air outside,and everywhere we mourn the loss of a summer which never deivered its early promise. Berries and nuts are flourishing in the local trees,and it can only be a matter of time before the first orange leaf curls and falls. I shall be ready to catch it and fly with it into Autumn Days.

With love to you all ,my weather beaten companions, and may Sunday still be a fun day for you all.
From the coughing and sneezing, sniffling and wheezing Amarantha,the delightful Miss Willow from number five,Lobelia Drive,fifth toadstool from the left.

I have been laid impossibly low over the last few days with the first sniffle of the autumn. I am not sure how or when I caught something but it has descended upon me with a bang. My nose is red, it wants to perpetually run, and I feel less than in good fettle. It is much too soon this year for this kind of nonsense,so I have tried to soldier on.
Monday brought parchment orders by the bucket load and my Community Radio Show,Tuesday brought a visit to the Faery Seamstress for a fitting of my Betrothal dress,and today I have had admin and parchment hunting to deal with. Plus shopping at the Supermercantile,as Pendragon must eat. I personally don't feel like anything as my elven taste buds seem to have lost their desire for anything solid. But the walk did me good,and I am determined not to let this affliction get a hold. I shall catch up with you all my dear friends on my activities over the past few days,(for they have been considerable)when I am feeling a bit better. There is much to tell you,so hopefully by Friday I shall deliver a post to you of some considerable length and quality. And with no parchment hankies in sight. Atchoo ! Atchoo! And another jolly good Atchoo to you all my dear companions.
Take care till I speak to you all again,stay out of draughty doorways and away from newly mown lawns.Lest you start to sound like the croaky , sniffly, sneezing Amarantha Willow,the Rainbow Faery.