The Cottoneye Witches of Monte Vista -- FAILED, Please move to Graveyard

[Eldridge]

Just want to say:

Thank you MarianT for sharing this story.
I will be looking forward to see your DecaDynasty well as Anna suggested when I have my times to read again

[MarianT]

Chapter Ten -- Two Birthdays

Dear Diana,

   I was so sorry to hear that Perry had died. It seems like only yesterday that the two of you were getting married. I know you’ll miss him.

   I forgot to show you any of Basil’s wardrobe, or even what he looks like now that he’s a child. This is his everyday outfit:



Here is his night wear:



And here is his cold weather outfit:



   Basil wouldn’t stand still long enough for me to get his formal wear. He doesn’t like it or his outdoor wear; he says he feels like his skin can't breathe.

   I had my elder birthday the next day. I didn’t want any cake; we still had plenty left over from Basil’s birthday. I aged up in my nightgown and really didn’t want any pictures of myself with white hair and gray eyebrows. This is the “new” me after some touch-ups.



   I decided to follow Mom’s lead and just get overalls for my everyday wear. I don’t look as saggy in them as I do in everything else.



   I had to wait a couple of days before I could go to work and get my last promotion. In the meantime, Beppe did my ice sculpture, and Janet painted my portrait. Beppe also took a photo of the back of my head. I also made friends with the paparazzi and bought the Coliseum.

   Finally, it was time for me to eat my first dish of ambrosia.



I didn’t notice any fish taste, maybe because I probably smell of fish myself. To me, it was a compound of sadness and joy – the sadness of outliving almost everyone you love, and the joy of seeing each new generation. This immortality is an awe-inspiring gift that I’ve been given.



   Before I tell you about Claudia’s birthday, I want to say that Giovanna has settled in beautifully. She helps out with cleaning when we have an indifferent maid (it seems like whenever you get a good one, they only stay for a few days).



   She looks out for Basil as well as little Claudia. And I have to say that whenever Claudia needed to have a diaper changed, Giovanna was usually first on the scene.



   Anyway, we celebrated Claudia’s toddler birthday this morning, bright and early.



I think she’s going to look very much like her mother.



   We have a full house now. Indeed, what with the ghosts and the paparazzi, we have an overfull house.

   Take care, and tell Woden that we did get a few laughs even though most of his news was sad.

Love, Aurelia

[Eldridge]

Ooh, congratulation Aurelia for reaching Immortality! Six more to go

I never had my chance to play around with a PlantSim, especially when taking care them from a nooboo. This is interesting. I can't wait to see Basil grow up and see what kind of role that he has.

[RainBeau]

So much news in this chapter! Congratulations to Aurelia on immortality, and happy birthday to Claudia! She's adorable. I love Basil's everyday outfit--it's really basil-coloured!

[SimBlip]

Aw! To have a child sprinkling daisies everywhere he goes, must be such a joy. He looks adorable.
Congratulations on Aurelia becoming an immortal! 

[Rhoxi]

Congrats to Immortal #2! Claudia is quite a cutie; the little buns are always perfect on toddler girls. I hope she does look like her mother, because she's very pretty.

[MarianT]

GENERATION THREE

Chapter One – It’s All Happening in the Nursery

Dear Woden and Valor,

        I was so sorry to hear about the death of your mother. I remember Diana as such a lovely, lively girl. It really saddens me that she couldn’t attend your graduation and saddens me even more that she won’t be able to see her grandchildren.

(Pause while I go wipe my eyes and blow my nose.)

   Speaking of grandchildren, I have a few pictures of Claudia (who is actually my great-granddaughter), if you’d care to see them.

Here she is in her everyday outfit:



This is her formal:



And here is her winterwear:



   My grandson Virgil has recently become a toddler sports coach, so he’s been developing an exercise routine with Claudia.

Virgil: “First we stretch – up, up, up!”



Virgil: “Now, let’s practice some lunges – good job!”



Virgil: “It’s important to learn how to fall. You want to land on your bottom because that’s where the most padding is – with or without a diaper.”



Virgil: “And the most important part of any exercise is – hydration afterwards!”



   Virgil is quite the devoted father, but Giovanna likes to spend time with Claudia, too. I’m hoping that Claudia will inherit her freckles.



   Virgil has been trying to instill in Claudia an understanding of the Immortal Dynasty rules.

Virgil: “The Grim Reaper will never come for you, but he will take many of the people you love.”

Claudia: “Gwim!”



Virgil: “You have to remember to get your portrait painted. Sculptures and photographs are optional.”

Claudia: “Port!”



   Basil has been teaching her how to play peek-a-boo.



He makes a great dinosaur, too, but he’s never going to be able to play hide-and-seek – the daisies will give him away every time.



   That’s it for the nursery. And please, write to me or Aurelia any time you feel the need for motherly or grandmotherly advice. (Writing is mandatory when you get engaged.) Your loving great-aunt, Mercy

[RainBeau]

I never thought about how silly the idea of a Toddler Sport Coach is. How much can toddlers do anyway? But that exercise routines was adorable and a nice change from the standard teaching-to-walk pictures.

[Magz from Oz]

I never thought about how silly the idea of a Toddler Sport Coach is. How much can toddlers do anyway? But that exercise routines was adorable and a nice change from the standard teaching-to-walk pictures.

I concur with Rosa.  Great update MarianT.  Very entertaining.  I love how Basil chooses the dinosaur costume in a nursery with walls festooned with dinosaurs. 

[ve1ocity]

Hehe I totally third the stupid sports coach part !

Great and amusing update MarianT, I hadn't seen you around in this part of the forum recently. Hopefully, a new update will follow soon !

[SimBlip]

Virgil's approach to tod training is brilliant! The bit about landing on your bottom had me laugh out loud.
As did the comment about Basil playing hide and seek. Wonderful update! 

[MarianT]

Thanks for reading, everyone! It just seemed fortuitous, having a toddler sports coach with an actual toddler on hand. ve1ocity, I've had a couple of real life situations to deal with, but should be back to writing.

[MarianT]

Chapter Two – Ciao from Monte Vista

Dear Woden and Valor,

   I never thought I would use this cliché, but I can’t resist – Basil is growing like a weed.



Even though he says he doesn’t need warm clothes, I reminded him that when Spooky Day comes, winter is not far behind. “We don’t want you going dormant,” I said, so he agreed to a sweater with his everyday outfit.



Here is his outerwear:



   He didn’t bother getting a piece of cake, but set to work learning how to sculpt. I feel bad about exploiting him, but he says that he loves the idea of sculpting. And he is good at it – he’s up to level 4 already, and he hasn’t even completed his first figure.



   Claudia continues to be adorable. Now that she’s learned how to walk, talk, and use the potty, she can spend the rest of her time playing. “I’m hiding, I’m hiding, and no one knows where,” she chants, but of course she can’t resist popping up to make sure that someone is watching.



   She already seems to have an interest in science. That career is closed to her, but she might go into medicine.



   Aurelia has been experimenting on things. The refrigerator now plays a tune when you approach it. At the moment it is over-full. People keep making meals even though there are plenty of leftovers. I wish Aurelia could fix it so that it will work inside, but that seems to be beyond her powers.



   Virgil has been promoted to Minor Leaguer, which is a relief. “There’s no crying in Toddler Sports!” he kept telling his team, but of course, they ignored him. He’s been sparring with Janet, who is almost as good as he is now.



He’s also been meditating, although I wish he would try to be one with something other than the broken dishwasher.



   Let us know how you’re doing. We all enjoy reading your blogs, Woden. Love, Great-aunt Mercy.

[RainBeau]

Indeed, probably the most apt use of that cliché possible. The dormant joke was funny as well. Surely his rapid progress is due to the skilling bug? I haven't yet played a Plantsim, but I haven't heard of them having any particular Sculpting powers.

[Tiamet]

Virgil meditating with the dishwasher is hilarious!