Storm Preparation

With time marching towards the weekend and the forecast storm, Hurricane Bernadette, (why do I see her as a fiery redhead?) I thought it would be best to get some preparation underway. I quickly walked up to the market to get a supply of sandbags that had been made available by one of the residents. While at the market I made enquiries and managed to source a supply of wood, which was delivered with the sandbags in excellent time.

It felt good to be working, and I always work better with a deadline looming. I was making quite a bit of noise, and very engrossed in the task at hand. I heard a man hailing me from the other side of the yard wall. I stopped working, leant back and wiped my brow. "Storm prep'ration?" The man asked. "Yes", I replied, "hot and noisey work... I hope I don't disturb the neighbours." The man threw back his head and laughed. He looked at the buildings around us and then looked at me. "You new ain't choo?" I nodded and held out my hand, "my name's Wally Nacht." He ignored my hand and looked into my eyes. "Sommat you need know 'bout some o' yer neighbours, Wally..... They sleep like the dead." His eyes widened as he added "YOU'LL not be disturbing them." He turned to look towards the alley, and I turned my head to follow his gaze, and when I looked back, he was gone.

Despite the heat, I shivered. There was a loud knock at the front door and I jumped. Walking through the house I was relieved and very pleased to see Nana. I invited her in and she explained that she was just calling in to see if I needed any help settling in. She took a look around the room and smiled. "I see that it won't be necessary after all," she said, and complimented me on the house. I took her through to the yard and we spoke for a few minutes about construction and remodelling work, and also the fact that she had received a goose from Miss Stormy when she saw Hennie in her run. Being a very busy lady, she wished me well, and made her way out.

I finished my work, and seeing that I had much wood left decided to make some more shutters for the neighbours. Now that all the wood was cut to size it didn't take long to knock up a few sets, and the afternoon passed quickly.

I arranged to have the extra shutters transported to the local market for the neighbours to be able to collect, and also left some in the yard that could be taken by those unable to carry them from the market. I noticed that the sun was going down, but decided to take a set up to the market in order for them to be displayed so that the carrier of the main stock would know where to put them. I rode to the market using the path that runs behind my house, and fair shot into the enclosure there. As I was unloading the shutters Nana came across with Miss Eili. They commended me on my community spirit and helped me hang them on the wall.

The sun was now very low in the sky, the ladies bade me a good evening and I leapt on my bike and rode home 'lickety-split'. I put the bicycle away, said goodnight to Hennie and went indoors, closing the curtains behind me. I'm pleased with just how cozy the house is, and the shiver that had run through me earlier was now fully eradicated as I sat and eat my dinner. It was not to last, as a sense of foreboding came over me as I remembered what the man had said... That he should make a reference to not being able to wake them during the day did not reassure me.

The rest of the evening was spent listening to some music, writing my journal and reading. I started to nod and decided to get into bed, and as I did so, reflected that when I awoke (God willing!) in the morning, Hurricane Bernadette would be only 1 day away.

Lock & Load

After composing the last entry I was determined to make sure that the chicken was safe. I have decided to call her 'Hennie' after a very nice Dutch girl I knew many years ago.

I jumped back on my bicycle, and headed up La Limonade. I had noticed what appeared to be fencing on my way back from the club, but upon inspection it turns out it is constructed for use as a walkway for the Bayou. It looks good enough to do the job in question, so I obtained some and rode carefully home.

This is the coop I have constructed. As you can see, Hennie has plenty of room in which to run about.

Knowing that all would be well with Hennie, I went back inside and sat by the fire to relax before bed. A public service broadcast was made by Miz Gabi, the Prim Minister, alerting citizens of the impending storm which is forecast to arrive on Friday. I had already considered shutters for the windows, and perhaps sandbags might be a good idea... but I was unprepared for what Miz Gabi recommended next. It seems that Zombie attacks are a very real threat during the storms. The rise in water level drives them from their usual habitats and they make their way towards the town, and generally make a nuisance of themselves. Miz Gabi was most ernest in suggesting that we all arm ourselves to ensure our safety. That was tomorrow's project established.

Determined NOT to fall asleep in the chair once again, I made my way to my bedroom, said my prayers, and then dressed for bed. Settling myself into my new bed, I knew it wouldn't be long before sleep overcame me. As my mind reviewed the events of the day, I remembered that Miss Amber had made a comment at the club about zombies when talking about last year's storm. She said that she amassed quite a collection of zombie corpses having thwarted their attack. I remarked that the smell from the collection must be quite offputting after a while.... Miss Amber smiled playfully, and then stated that she made a marvellous 'Zombalaya'. My brow creased as I wondered what that would be, and then I have to admit I must have paled slightly as Miss Amber chuckled and continued to dance. She was joking... right?

My sleep was wonderful! As the sun streamed through the window I made a mental note of the day's deeds to be undertaken. More furniture was due to arrive, and I had to travel to New Toulouse town to obtain a weapon. I dressed and went down stairs and was amazed to find both my front and back doors open. I have no 'closers' on the doors, and so someone had entered and left while I slept. I ran into the yard to check on Hennie, and was relieved to find that all was fine there. Going back inside I checked my meagre possessions, and found nothing out of place. I have to admit to a moment's panic as I considered that 'she' may have found me. I reassured myself that even if she had, she would not be able to enter my home without my invitation. Perhaps she had tried both entrances, to make sure.... or perhaps it was just sight-seers more used to modern devices like door closers.

After I broke my fast, my other furniture arrived and I spent the rest of the morning rearranging items. I checked the time when I finished, had a light lunch and then dressed to walk into town. The bicycle would not be coming with me as I was looking forward to going into several shops, and it would have only been an inconvenience. I set out through the back yard, waved to Hennie and could have sworn I could hear the bell from my bicycle ringing as I walked away. With the increasing years, it seems my imagination is still as fanciful as it always was.

The walk into town was most pleasant indeed. The sky beautifully clear and showing no sign of the impending storms, it was nice to feel the warmth of the sun on my face, I then spent the next few hours checking out some of the local stores. I am a firm believer in shopping locally, and will always check for items in the locality before venturing further afield. I found a gunsmiths, and not really knowing what differentiated one pistol from the next, I was careful to check all of the stock. I have to admit, the weapon that immediately jumped into mind when culling zombies was mentioned, was a shotgun. Having made my way around the shelves of the store, I finally arrived at the section for rifles... and shotguns. On the top shelf, I saw the very weapon I wanted to buy.... a 12 bore 'coach' shotgun. I assume this is in reference to its use being for those 'riding shotgun' on the various coaches between towns. The barrels were a bit shorter than others on display, and this would facilitate ease of use in a confined area. I took the gun, and broke it open... it was very nicely balanced, and sat very well on my arm. I paid my money, and placed the gun into my case and stepped out of the store, and into the darkness.

I bit back an oath as my eyes adjusted to the lack of light. I had been so engrossed in perusing the stores (shopping is a GREAT weakness of mine), that I had completely lost track of time. With the earlier thought that 'she' may have found my new home, I decided that I would be better staying in town. That part of the journey home on the desolate path from the end of town to the back of my house on the edge of the old quarter of Jardin would be perfect for an ambush, and my new gun would be completely ineffective against her. I quickly decided that there was only one place I really could go, the Cathedral of all St. Louis'. I ran down the street and crossed the bridge into Bourbon, and then carried on running to the cathedral. I entered the cathedral through the cloister, in order to give myself time to catch my breath as I didn't want to alarm anyone that might be inside by coming in out of breath. The peace of the place flowed over me as sat myself down, and placing my hat and bag on the pew next to me, I offered a prayer of thanks and let my mind drift into tranquility.

The tolling of the bell for the divine office of Lauds woke me from my slumber. The sun was still very low in the sky, but all trace of the night had gone. I offered another prayer of thanks, and quietly left. The walk home was a delight, though could not be described as refreshing. In the daylight, the deserted part of my journey seemed very unthreatening, I knew that it would have seemed totally different in the dark. Approaching my back yard, I could hear Hennie quietly 'pocking' in her run. I would have to consider an alternative place for her before the storm hits. Hanging up my coat and hat I came back out into the yard and tried out the shotgun... it was very satisfying indeed.....

..... lock and load!

Jazz club and a chicken

Considering I never made it to my bed, I felt remarkably refreshed this morning when I awoke. I pottered around at home and met another neighbour calling to welcome me to the area. Miss Stormy came for a brief visit and gave me a wonderful gift, a chicken! I have put her (the chicken, not Miss Stormy) in the back yard, and she brightens the place up considerably. I do hope there are no predators in this area.

I received a flyer through my door advertising an event at Le Vieux Canal Jazz Club in New Toulouse Algiers. I studied the map and determined to make my way there on my bicycle which had yet to make its maiden trip in NT. I unpacked my cycling suit, quickly changed and set off.

The club was very easy to find, and the wonderful music which could be heard as I approached foretold of a splendid time to be had by all. I was not disappointed! I believe the expression "The joint was jumping" to be most apt in this case. So many new faces gave me a most warm welcome, and I soon felt at home. Miss Eili, a bunny, looked very classy indeed in her flapper outfit. She was to be the host for the event with Miss Mitsu Figaro jockeying the discs. This style of jazz has become a recent favourite of mine, and most of the tracks played elicited some sort of comment about it being a favourite of someone in the room. My own was 'Rhapsody in Blue' which was played by Glenn Miller, and the first time I had heard that version.... marvellous! The club's owners, Miss Amber and Miss Abi were also in attendance, and through them I learned that the club had just celebrated its 2nd anniversary, and was still going from strength to strength. I was delighted to meet Miz Gabi in the flesh also, having only spoken to her previously in 'instant message'. Miss Francesca, a fellow countryman of mine, arrived just after me and started dancing immediately... I get the distinct impression she enjoys dancing very much indeed! It was wonderful to be able to greet Nana, whom I met yesterday.

I was joined at the bar, for I do not dance well and did not wish to show it too soon to my new neighbours, by a certain Count who sat most quietly. You must forgive me, my memory for names is not what it was. Also, Mr Addison Greymyst preferred the bar to the dance floor, but apart from raising a glass to each other in salute, we did not engage in conversation. It was only after he left that I was informed that he is the New Toulouse Ambassador to Winterfell. Now there's a chilly sounding place!

The talk was light and jolly for most of the event, but took on a more sombre tone when the subject of the weather was brought up. Now, being English, talking about the weather is all part and parcel of my national identity... but then, we don't have the extreme weather conditions that are experienced in New Toulouse. There's always a price to pay for having a sub-tropical climate, and it seems that one of these, a hurricane, could hit our shores by the coming weekend if forecasters are to be believed. Many at the club recounted their experiences when Hurricane Adolphe hit the region last year. Sand bags were mentioned, and the possibility of a visit to a local timber merchant ran through my mind in order to construct some shutters for my windows.

I was delighted to learn that Miss Amber was the architect of the church and cloister I visited yesterday. I commended her on such a beautiful build. I intend to visit there regularly.

Concern for my chicken is leading me to enquire as to the availability of a coop of some kind for her protection...... I shall have to investigate.

A Busy Day

Yesterday I arrived in New Toulouse. I had heard very nice things about this land, and had made up my mind to stay at one of the hostelries here. I found the board in the square to be most informative, and after studying it, made my way for a stroll.

I found myself in New Toulouse Jardin district, and when checking the hostelry, noticed it to be full. I would have to try the other one before retiring for the day. As I stood on the hostelry steps, I noticed two properties for sale just opposite. I have often been branded 'impulsive', and so, true to nature I decided to look into obtaining a more permanent property. At my time of life, I really do need to have roots.

I made my way to the Real Estate office, but before entering, found the cafe opposite had details of builders' work. I sat and looked at the work before me and made some notes.

I entered the extremely grand central building, and found the real estate office within. I checked some of the other parcels that were shown as being available, but already had my heart set on a modest Jardin property in the old quarter there. I obtained a copy of the covenant and made myself comfortable whilst I read through it. It is always most important to know the laws of the land when buying property... ignorance is never a legitimate excuse.

I now had all the details to hand, but decided to view some properties in Bourbon as suggested, to view some builder's work there. I passed the hostelry there, and noted that there were vacancies should I decide to wait before purchasing... but I thought that unlikely at this point. I came across a wonderful church and cloister, and had to call in for a quick look. It was so peaceful there, but with all the excitement I had endured so far, it was no surprise that sleep took me.

Waking a little while later, and completely refreshed, I made my way back to Jardin, chose one of the available properties and made my purchase. I now had roots here. Fortunately a furniture store is immediately opposite my new home, and I made use of it.

The evening was drawing in, and although being quite lost in decorating I had the opportunity to meet two of my neighbours. The first was an extremely attractive blonde haired lady, with fine aristocratic bone structure, and wearing what can only be described as 'adventurers' clothing. She explained that she had spenty quite a lot of time recently in Africa, and had not long returned and so was still in the process of unpacking. She obviously did not want to keep me from my work, for she bade me well and made her way up the street. Unfortunately I did not learn her name, but I believe she lives nearby, so will have to redress that situation should I see her again. The second lady had striking red hair, and introduced herself as 'Nana'. We spent a most pleasant few minutes in light conversation, before she too, continued her evening walk.

It was not too late when I declared myself to be finished for the day, but fatigue had other ideas and I ended up falling asleep in my chair by the fire.

I look forward to exploring this wonderful land further!