Back from Vacation

As the person that types up all my scribblings (HeWhoTypes) was going on vacation at the start of this month, I thought it would be good for me to get away too.

After the prayer vigil at the church (see last entry), I made my way home and packed with some excitement. I already had a destination in mind, and also had an idea for a holiday home. I made my way to Winterfell and spent several days taking the tour that I had promised myself. I was able to visit with AJ and met his wife Alice for the first time, and also spent some time with the Order's benefactor, a thoroughly nice person.

On one of my excursions, I stood with AJ admiring some of the Wild Fleet at dock in Eventide. AJ informed me that Admiral Beaumont had told him that the fleet was currently under strength due to losses following the recent battle for the Isle of Skye in Winterfell, but that it was hoped a building program would commence very soon. As I gazed at the ships, my attention was drawn skyward to a rather extraordinary airship, with an extremely unique design. I was quite overcome by the sight, and am ashamed to say that I did not take a picture.... fortunately AJ proved to be more resourceful than I, and has very kindly supplied me with the following picture for you to enjoy.

HeWhoTypes got very emotional when he saw this picture, and I am sure I heard him mutter a prayer to 'The Great Bird of the Galaxy'.

A fairly large piece of land became available while I was in Winterfell, and jumping into my steam tug, I sailed north to see it. I have to admit, I was VERY tempted to make a purchase, but thought the better of it, as it would be much too large for what I had in mind for a holiday home. My plan for the holiday home was to buy a caravan, or Vardo, and find a pleasant small parcel on which to place it. I had some merchants in mind to visit, and just before I left to start my 'shop', a dear friend from New Toulouse contacted me. Miss Giselle, I am sure, will not mind me mentioning the fact that her maternal ancestors are gypsies. How fortuitous! I explained my plans and she was delighted to join me in the 'shop', and I was much relieved to have her with me to advise me. We met at the first merchant's store, and although the design of their caravan was good, it wasn't what I had in mind. The second merchant's offering was very similar to the first... but the third merchant had over 10 different designs in stock! I was delighted to see that they had exactly what I had in mind, and I made my purchase. The next stage was to find the parcel on which to place it.

The following day, having studied some maps very kindly made available by Janus at the Motherhouse, I made my way south into Caledon. I had decided that a woodland environment would be most suitable, and so was aiming for the region Caledon Tanglewood. It is a nice trip by boat from Winterfell, but there are a couple of points where the land seems to jut out a little too far for comfort, but fortunately I made it without incident and moored at a nice inlet in Kittiwickshire. I found a very nice parcel in Kittiwickshire right on the border with Tanglewood, and made a note of it. Should I not be able to find any other plot, I would have that one. I then rode my bicycle into Tanglewood, and enjoyed the shade of the trees. Unfortunately, there were no available parcels to be found... certainly not of the size I was seeking anyway. And so I carried on a little further east into Stormhold. Although the trees had started to thin out here, it was still absolutely perfect, and making my way towards the centre I came across a beautiful watermill next to a river (naturally), and also in the shadow of the mountain range that stretches across several of Caledon's northern regions. The owner of the Watermill was selling two parcels of the very size I required, and it was easy to make the choice between them as one had one of its sides running along the riverside. It was perfect.. I would be able to moor the tug there as well as placing the caravan. I contacted the owner, and the necessary arrangements were made. Absolutely ideal for a holiday home.

The weather stayed beautiful and I had a most relaxing time indeed! I would enjoy visiting this place, and intend to make full use of it. But sadly, all vacations come to an end... and I had to be back in NT for the voting of the shotgun house competition, I look forward to seeing the entries.

Building Frenzy

It has been a very busy week. As well as my duties in the Order, which have involved furnishing chapterhouses on the Mainland and meeting with the Order's main benefactor, I was delighted to be able to attend the first Tea Party with Miz Gabi to be held since I moved in to New Toulouse. It was nice to be able to meet with other residents too.

At the Tea Party, Miz Gabi announced a building contest in order to enlarge the pool of Shotgun style houses available for residents. The terms are most generous, with a substantial payment being made for actually building a house for the contest, and then a prize pool being available for those voted into first, second and third places. Miz Gabi was hoping for at least three entries, and considered the possibility of opening the contest to other Steamland region residents should the response prove to be lacking. As it turned out, the residents of NT rose to the challenge, and Miz Gabi had to close the applications when it reached seventeen as there would be no more land available for the construction work.

Having taken a stroll around the building area, I have seen some of the work in progress, where the builders have elected to build their submission in situ, but others are preferring to build at altitude and will place the building on ground level once completed.

According to the NT calendar, the building phase is to continue for another week until the 10th September, which will then be followed by the voting period for five days to the 15th September. The winner shall be announced at 12pm on 16th September. Hopefully, as many residents as possible will be able to view the submissions in the voting period and cast their one vote for their favourite. Good luck to all!

Sister Cathy has announced her intention to hold a prayer vigil in the chapel tonight and tomorrow for those about to be affected by Hurricane Lee, I shall make my way there and offer my prayers and support too.