Chapter 111: Dude's In a GrouchDude: Here we go... so what else are you going to complain about Watcher?
I was just saying that the bar could do with a clean, that's all.Dude: Such a useful comment. I obviously hadn't noticed that the bar was dirty.
Lily: Oh granddad, she was just trying to be helpful
Thank you Lily. It's nice to know that someone appreciates me even a little around here.It is quite strange, however, that you can scrub one area repeatedly and yet, somehow, the entire bar area is cleaned.Dude: Anything else you'd like to criticize while you rip my cleaning techniques to shreds?
No...I wasn't. I was merely observing that...Lily: Actually, when you think about it, it is quite uncanny that applying a vigorous scrubbing motion to one part of a surface can actually produce an almost miraculous cleanliness of the entire area in question.
See... I wasn't the only person to find that strange.Lily: Well, to be honest, I didn't find it at all peculiar until you mentioned it.
Oh.Lily: When you start to observe your natural environment, it can become fascinating how seemingly simply functions are indeed almost miraculous.
Casey: It's a bit like music. When you slow certain musical compositions down, particularly classical compositions, the effect is simply astonishing. I listened to a certain 9th symphony slowed from normal playing time down to 24 hours.... amazing. *
I don't even know what you are talking about...Dude: So tell us something new.
Oh! That hurt!Dude: So go somewhere else.
Why do I have the feeling everyone's ganging up on me today?Dude: 'cos you're paranoid?
Eat your ambrosia.Dude: Great come back
You're infuriating.Dude: Better than being terminally annoying.
Zach: I was thinking that we could scare the Watcher off with a terrifying story...
Dude: Nope, she'll just scream... or even worse, cry.
Jamel: That could be pretty amusing to watch though... How about this story...
Zach: <Gasp> Gee... no... far out! That's going to give even me nightmares!
Zach: What do you think Dude? Getting better?
Dude: Just lovely, really. Quite lovely.
The plant thing needs feeding.Dude: Nope, got things to do.
Zach: Nope, I'm busy.
Oh!Dude: Just wanted to check in on you Trinity. How's things with you?
Trinity: O.K. I'm a bit worried about being bogged down with work. It's really hard going to try to get a promotion. I'm not sure quite what I'm doing wrong but it feels like I've hit a brick wall.
Dude: Slow and steady wins the race too you know. How are you and Zach getting on?
Trinity: Gooood.
Dude: Sounds like there is a 'however' in there love.
Trinity: Hmm, he just doesn't seem to be in much of a hurry to... well, you know, get married and stuff.
Dude: Hmm, well knowing him I'm sure he's got a plan. Keep your chin up!
Dude: <thinking to himself> Hmm, I wonder what he is planning? I guess I should just check in with him...
Zach: Shhh. I'm writing my first song Watcher. Can't be distracted.
Oh! Right.Gosh! You two look really alike! Amazing! I never noticed that before...wow. Huh! Lily: Yes, family members often look similar watcher, you know?
Lily: I don't know about you Casey, but I think the watcher is having some sort of mid-dynasty crisis.
Casey: Really? Hmm. She's a bit early if that's the case. Still got a generation to go before that kind of behaviour would be acceptable.
Lily: You mean there is actually a time when that behaviour IS acceptable? Wow!
Casey: Well, not really acceptable, more like understandable.
Why is everyone talking about me as if I'm not here?... Hello? ? ?Still busy?Zach: Hmm hm... in the zone...
* Ludwig van Beethoven's 9th symphony digitally 'stretched' to 24 hours, just google it if you don't know what I'm talking about! Best to listen to one that has no pitch distortions but any version you find will give you the general idea.