Clan Douglas Dynasty (Finished)

[Metropolis Man]

Oh, awesome. I've seen that painting so many times, but I've seen that bluish spin on it.

[Pam]

The mystery is this:  in toddler Christie's inventory, I have just found a toy boat.  I know the only thing I put in her inventory was a teddy bear.  I also know there is no toy box on the lot and no place that I can think of where a toy boat could have come from.  Founder James naturally comes under suspicion, being a kleptomaniac, but he's never stolen toys to my knowledge.  As I said, it's a very minor point, but it's the sort of thing that is apt to keep bugging me until I find out where the thing came from.  Can anyone explain this?

The toy boat comes from the toybox.  Many times, toddlers put the toys into inventory instead of leaving them on the floor to be put back in the toybox.  Now, if you come back and say you don't have a toybox in the house, I'll be completely baffled.

[Schipperke]

Now, if you come back and say you don't have a toybox in the house, I'll be completely baffled.

Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying - there is no toybox in the house.  And it's a complete mystery to me.  Maybe this kid is destined to become a magician!

Edit:  I think the mystery has been solved.  I had completely forgotten about this wooden toybox Wimsey had sculpted.



I can't remember Christie being out in the yard as a toddler, but I guess this has to be where the toy boat came from.  It never occurred to me that toys would magically appear in a toybox made by a sculptor!

[Schipperke]

Wimsey:  Dad, I’m worried about Mortimer.
James:  Why Wimsey, what’s wrong?
Wimsey:  It seems like he’s just gotten old overnight.  I can’t believe how grey and bent he looks all of a sudden.





James:  Yes, Wimsey, that’s what happens when Sims get old.
Wimsey:  But Mortimer can’t be old already!  We’ve hardly had any time together!  What if you gave him some of your Ambrosia?
James:  Now, Wimsey, you know that only Dynasty Sims can have Ambrosia.  Don’t you think I’d like your mother to eat Ambrosia too?  But she and Mortimer can’t have it because they’re not of our bloodline.
Wimsey:  It’s so unfair!  I can’t bear to think of Mum and Mortimer … dying!
James:  Yes, child, I feel the same way.  But one thing I’ve learned from my nights in the graveyard is that death doesn’t have to mean a final parting.
Wimsey:  What on earth do you mean?
James:  Oh child, you wouldn’t believe me if I tried to explain.  You’d just call it my crazy Celtic mysticism.  You’ll understand in due course.   Look how late it is!  The death fish will be spawning, and I need to go.  Off you go to bed, and try not to worry.

[Saltypaws]

Good update Schipperke.  Funny, the further all of us gets into these dynasties, the more intense.  I have read all of the dynasties I could find and it is so great, theme is the same, but each has a different view.  Pretty cool.  Keep up the good work.

[Schipperke]

Advertisement in the Sunset Valley StarPhoenix, September 6:

The new management of Hogan’s Diner is proud to announce that we are offering a new cooking class.  Are you awfully sick of autumn salad?  Do your tastes tend more to gooey chocolate than goopy carbonara?  Are you longing for something luscious?  If so, you will love our new Sweet Treats class.  This class is being taught by promising young chef-in-training, Christie Douglas.  Come and learn how to make caramel brownies and many other delicacies.

[Twinmum]

mmm, can I get the recipe for the caramel brownies please  

[Schipperke]

mmm, can I get the recipe for the caramel brownies please  

You sure can - just sign up for the class! 

[Schipperke]

Wimsey sits down beside her teenage daughter, busy at the computer.

Wimsey:  Christie, I know your grandfather has told you all about the Dynasty.  It’s a lot to take in at first, and I’m wondering if you have any questions or if you’d like to talk about it.
Christie:  Thanks, Mother, but Grandpa told me all about it.  I think I understand it all.  I think it’s really neat that we were chosen to be part of this special group.
Wimsey:  Do you need help deciding what real estate to buy?  Your father and I thought you might be interested in the Bistro.
Christie:  Yeah, Mother, I’ve already bought the Bistro and the Art Gallery.
Wimsey:  The Art Gallery? 
Christie:  Grandpa suggested it.   I think it makes sense, with both Father and Grandma being artists.  But you wouldn’t believe how much it costs to upgrade it!  It seems the value is depreciated because someone stole all the outside sculptures and lights.
Wimsey (trying not to look at her Dad, who sits nearby innocently reading):  Isn’t that a shame, dear.  What are you going to do to upgrade the Gallery?
Christie:  Oh, just wait till you see what Grandpa and I have planned!  But it’s a secret until it’s done.

[Schipperke]

Article in the Sunset Valley StarPhoenix Arts and Culture section, September 8:

For SV patrons of the arts, there is good news today - The Holly Douglas Art Gallery (formerly Sunset Institute of Modern Art) is about to reopen following extensive upgrades.  The gallery’s new owners, James Douglas and his granddaughter Christie, told our reporter they named the gallery after James’ wife Holly (formerly Alto) in recognition of her expertise as SV’s most renowned portraitist.

The first show in the upgraded gallery will be a two-person exhibit featuring landscapes by Holly Douglas



and a selection of works from Mortimer Douglas’ Blue Period. 



Mortimer is a member of SV’s socially prominent Goth family but was not inspired to begin painting until after he joined the Douglas family when he married Wimsey, daughter of James and Holly.

The show opens tomorrow evening with a gala reception at 7 pm, by invitation only.

[samoht04]

Nice thinking! 

[Schipperke]

Nice thinking! 

Thank you.  Your name has just been added to the guest list.   

[Pam]

I'm glad the toy boat mystery was solved.  And I'm liking those blue paintings of Mortimer's.  Is that the Grumpy trait?

[Schipperke]

I'm glad the toy boat mystery was solved.  And I'm liking those blue paintings of Mortimer's.  Is that the Grumpy trait?

I think it must be.  He certainly does like the blue and purple palette.

[Schipperke]

Letter from Christie Douglas to Annie Hart:

Dear Annie,

I am having such a good time in France!  Wasn’t it lucky that the school chose me to come here to do that cultural interview.  The interview took hardly any time, and then I was free to do what I wanted for the rest of the 3 day trip.

I interviewed a guy named Pascal Morel.  He’s very musically inclined and interested in gardening.  We couldn’t seem to stop talking:



In fact, we hit it off very well:



He’s really nice, but I don’t know if he’s The One, you know? 

I am having a wonderful time in France!  The neat thing about France is that they all seem very interested in cooking, and you know how passionate I am about cooking.  I’ve learned all the local recipes.  Here I am, studying recipes by firelight:



They also have a lot of books that we can’t get in SV, and I spent many happy hours reading at the bookstore:



Here I am, cooking at Base Camp (not the greatest stove!):



But you know the very best thing?   I have completed my lifetime wish to learn at least 28 recipes!  Here I am, with 9 more days to go as a teenager, and already done my LTW!  That must be some sort of record.  I can’t wait to tell them all at home.

My flight home is just being called.  Must dash.  See you!

Christie