Covering Heathfield, Ballicastle, Tyremoor, Innis Daingneach, Kildare, Hedgebrier, surrounding areas and Allies.     Issue 11-06
((--Disclaimer: any pictures used of actors/actresses is only for how that fictional character may look, no claims made.--))

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Orkney Masked Ball: Velvet MacShire and Sara Devonshire attended this event held in the Kingdom of Orkney. Velvet was attired as an Amazon, leather and scrolling brass offset the body fitted suit. Bared shoulders and thighs with boots lacing up to just below the knee. Leather bracers and bands on her forearms compliment the attire. Chain hooked cape folded back over one shoulder. A black winged mask  was worn over her eyes. Sara was attired as a leaf Fae, wings of bronze and reds and the dress in petal layers of large leaves. Facial mask was of black feathers, hair done up in a wild array. The ball was filled with the revelry goers; games and riddles for all. It was concluded with the unmasking while ones tried to guess who everyone was.

Scarecrow Contest: Eddie and Joe McAndrews along with Devon Winters attended this event held in Ravenwood. This event was geared for fun, bags of acorns aplenty to use against the incoming flocks of crows. Would your scarecrow last? On top of that, Eddie carried Connie from Devonshires on his shoulders giving her a hopeful advantage. It seemed that height didn't matter so she was released to join her party. Few scarecrows were left intact by the end of the night.

Telarus Fright Night: Sir Lancely Caster and Sir Aiden Collins along with our guest Cassie Saxton, attended this affair  in Telarus. Another night of fun and games as first one had to put back together a knight. Body parts galore and gore, but few knew where to place them all. It was amazing where some of the parts were tried to be fitted and so the banter flowed as easily as the wine. Sir Lancely seemed to win the notice and attention of one of the hosts, using his lap as her seat every chance she got. Next was the waking the Frankenstein monster which both our knight were able to do. The last was seeking your fortune by having your future told. One question only. All in all everyone had a wonderful night and Lancely ended up with the most total points winning first prize.


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Healer's Touch
by Samantha Golden

ALFALFA - Hope for the Heart. Family: Leguminosae; other members include beans and peas. Parts used - Leaves. Alfalfa is an agent in the war against heart disease and stroke. Animal studies show that alfalfa leaves help reduce blood cholesterol levels and plaque deposits on the artery walls. Another intriguing possibility is that it helps to fight disease causing fungus. It might one day be used for fungal infections. It also helps bad breath on a minor scale of uses. Cancer: one study suggests that alfalfa helps neutralize carcinogens in the intestine. Another shows it binds carcinogens in the colon and helps speed their eliminations from the body.

Save the sprouts to dress up your salads; its leaves are the part used in herbal healing. When using bulk herb, prepare medicinal infusions from one to two teaspoons of dried leaves per cup of boiling water. Steep ten to twenty minutes. Enjoy up to three cups a day to take advantage of its cholesterol-reducing potential. The infusion has a haylike aroma and tastes like chamomile, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Medicinal infusions of the leaves should not be given to children under age two. For older children and people over sixty-five, start with a low strength preparations and increase strength if necessary.

Growing your own is a snap. Alfalfa is a deep-rooting, bushy perennial that grows to three feet and resembles tall clover. The leaves are divided into three leaflets. The herb's lavender, pale blue, or yellow flowers bloom from May through October, depending on location. It grows best in loamy soil. It tolerates clay but not sand, which lacks sufficient nutrients. Seeds are usually sown in autumn in rows eighteen inches apart. Prepare soil with manure and rock phosphate. Young plants require regular watering, but once established they become fairly drought tolerant. Harvest alfalfa as the plant blooms. Cut plants back to within three inches of the ground then hang to dry.

Alfalfa should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your physician. If it causes minor discomforts such as stomach upset of diarrhea, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is used do not improve significantly in two weeks. --Taken from The Healing Herbs by Michael Castleman


Life Around Here

The month of October brought not only the changing colors, and even more changeable  weather, but another wedding for the Frasier family of Ballicastle.  Robert, Frasier, the last of the brothers gave his heart and pledge to the lovely Lisette McTiel on his brother's ship.  The newlyweds are traveling for their honeymoon.   The very colorful Birdie Northam gave away the bride.  We wish the newlyweds the very best.

The Braidy family has settled into their new homestead and are busy preparing for the upcoming winter.   The Herbal Delights Shop will be located in the Barrington Hospital.  It has closed and will reopen during the month of November once everything is relocated.


Births: None this month. Marriages: Robert Frasier to Lisette McTiel on October Eighteen. Engagements: None this Month. Deaths: None this Month. Citizenship: None this Month.


Superstitions
by Athalia Doe Edan

Monday's child is fair of face, Tuesday's child is full of grace, Wednesday's child is sour and sad, Thursday's child is merry and glad, Friday's child is loving and giving, Saturday's child must work for a living; But the child that is born on the Sabbath day Is blithe and bonny, good and gay.

When taking the child into your arms for the first time, make a good wish for him; if you give him his full name and he opens his eyes and looks at you (answers to his name), it is good luck.


OTHER LIFE FORMS

Sprites -- Dazzling in color and about the size of large insects, sprites have glistening membranous wings. In fact, they are often confused with exotic insects or flowers at first glance.

Considered by many to be the most common type of faerie, they live in deep woods and make their homes high in the branches of trees. They particularly love to live in forests inhabited by treefolk and other fey. If sprites are spotted, you can be sure you are in an area with a high concentration of faerie activity.

Sprites travel in swarms and can bite if provoked. At night their bodies give off a faint glow that can have them mistaken for fireflies. which, along with other flying insects and small birds, they are fond of riding.

Petals and blooms missing from healthy plants may be due to sprites plucking them for clothing. Sprites can also cause plants to bloom in the middle of the winter and are the nurturers of the strange fruits and faeries delight in.

In forests with sprites, you may find the hollowed-out acorns they use as cups, dandelion-tuft mattresses and hats made from folded leaves. Some seem genderless at first glance.

  -- submitted by Kathleen Frasier - from Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide. Everyone should have one!


November - Giving Thanks

The 11th month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. The feast of Saint Martin; a quarter day in Scotland. It is the time of Beltaine for Druids, an ancient Celtic feast marked by the lighting of bonfires and the performance of various rites of purification. The finale of harvest and paying tribute to the end of the year soon to be marked by winter; considered a sleeping state for the Earth to be reborn in the spring. Many follow their own celebration. The ground now covered with the colorful leaves, leaving the trees barren. Bears hibernating symbolizing the deep sleep that will last a quarter year. Families and friends gather together laying out a feast to partake of together. A tribute to the year as a whole and those that survived. A recounting of the good instead of the negative. Breaking bread with others has always been symbolic supportive of each other in a bond between those eating together. Stores for the winter have been seen to and days with less light and abrasive weather will have most indoors than out in any long duration. Many already look forward to spring where life becomes anew. Winter holidays and sports making this time tolerable.  -submitted by Velvet MacShire


How to Observe Thanksgiving

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.
Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.

Verses 3-5
(John Greenleaf Whittier)

Ah! on Thanksgiving day, when from East and from West,
From North and from South comes the pilgrim and guest;
When the gray-haired New Englander sees round his board
The old broken links of affection restored;
When the care-wearied man seeks his mother once more,
And the worn matron smiles where the girl smiled before;
What moistens the lip and what brightens the eye,
What calls back the past, like the rich Pumpkin pie?

Oh, fruit loved of boyhood! the old days recalling,
When wood-grapes were purpling and brown nuts were falling!
When wild, ugly faces we carved in its skin,
Glaring out through the dark with a candle within!
When we laughed round the corn-heap, with hearts all in tune,
Our chair a broad pumpkin,---our lantern the moon,
Telling tales of the fairy who traveled like steam
In a pumpkin-shell coach, with two rats for her team!

Then thanks for thy present! none sweeter or better
E'er smoked from an oven or circled a platter!
Fairer hands never wrought at a pastry more fine,
Brighter eyes never watched o'er its baking, than thine!
And the prayer, which my mouth is too full to express,
Swells my heart that thy shadow may never be less,
That the days of thy lot may be lengthened below,
And the fame of thy worth like a pumpkin-vine grow,
And thy life be as sweet, and its last sunset sky
Golden-tinted and fair as thy own Pumpkin pie!

The Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving
(Edgar Albert Guest, 1881-1959)

It may be I am getting old and like too much to dwell
Upon the days of bygone years, the days I loved so well;
But thinking of them now I wish somehow that I could know
A simple old Thanksgiving Day, like those of long ago,
When all the family gathered round a table richly spread,
With little Jamie at the foot and grandpa at the head,
The youngest of us all to greet the oldest with a smile,
With mother running in and out and laughing all the while.

It may be I'm old-fashioned, but it seems to me to-day
We're too much bent on having fun to take the time to pray;
Each little family grows up with fashions of its own;
It lives within a world itself and wants to be alone.
It has its special pleasures, its circle, too, of friends;
There are no get-together days; each one his journey wends,
Pursuing what he likes the best in his particular way,
Letting the others do the same upon Thanksgiving Day.

I like the olden way the best, when relatives were glad
To meet the way they used to do when I was but a lad;
The old home was a rendezvous for all our kith and kin,
And whether living far or near they all came trooping in
With shouts of "Hello, daddy!" as they fairly stormed the place
And made a rush for mother, who would stop to wipe her face
Upon her gingham apron before she kissed them all,
Hugging them proudly to her breast, the grownups and the small.

Then laughter rang throughout the home, and, Oh, the jokes they told;
From Boston, Frank brought new ones, but father sprang the old;
All afternoon we chatted, telling what we hoped to do,
The struggles we were making and the hardships we'd gone through;
We gathered round the fireside. How fast the hours would fly--
It seemed before we'd settled down 'twas time to say good-bye.
Those were the glad Thanksgivings, the old-time families knew
When relatives could still be friends and every heart was true.

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Did You Know?

The Power of Ancient Stones and Symbols - An ancient burial site, Newgrange in Northern Ireland is older than the pyramids. Its mysteries still to be unraveled. A unique spectacle that occurs here at dawn on the winter solstice every year is that a finger of light shines down the long passageway and hits the back wall of the end chamber. As the light falls on the back wall , it illuminates richly decorated stones across whose faces double spirals wind, clockwise to the one side and counterclockwise to the other. This amazing prehistoric light show can still be witnessed at the site today, although the sun has changed its slant by an entire degree since the burial mound was first built around 3000 BC.

Shocks have been experienced by some upon their visit there. One man trailed his fingers across the lintel stone above his head at the opening of the long low passage into the mound and received a powerful electric shock that numbed his arm. Another man received a similar shock when he touched both ends of a double spiral simultaneously. These interlinking spirals are carved across the faces of many of the stones at Newgrange. They may represent maps of other burial sites in the area, or be symbols of underground waterlines, the Celtic triple goddess Brigid, or even the life force itself. Supporters of the life force theory point to the discoveries of modern biology and physics: the double-helix structure of DNA and the spiraling galaxies of the universe whose whirling power gives birth to stars.

The molecular structure of quartz is also a spiral and the entire mound is faced with quartz stones. One peculiar feature of quartz crystal is its apparent ability to give off a significant electrical charge under certain conditions. The spiral symbol is the one found most commonly at prehistoric sites around the world. Thus it is possible to speculate that ancient peoples may have had some awareness of its significance. -- submitted by Samantha Golden (taken from Earth's Mysterious Places, Reader's Digest)


RECIPES of the MONTH

PUMPKIN CRANBERRY BREAD

1 cup canned solid-pack pumpkin * 1 cup sugar * 1/4 cup water
2 large eggs * 1/4 cup vegetable oil * 2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder * 1/2 teaspoon salt * 1/4 teaspoon baking soda * 1/4 generous teaspoon ground cinnamon * 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger * 1/4 generous teaspoon pumpkin pie spice * 1 cup picked-over fresh or frozen cranberries (or 1 cup chopped walnuts)

Preheat oven to 350° F. and butter a loaf pan, 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 by 2 3/4 inches. In a large bowl with an electric mixer beat together pumpkin, sugar, water, eggs, and oil. Sift in flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda, and spices and stir just until batter is smooth. Stir in cranberries (or walnuts) and spoon batter into loaf pan, spreading evenly. Bake bread in middle of oven 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until a tester comes out clean, and cool in pan on a rack 10 minutes. Turn bread out onto rack and cool completely. Bread may be made 4 days ahead and chilled, covered. Makes 1 loaf. -- submitted by Laura Cunningham

CRANBERRY PECAN BARS

1-1/2 cups pecans * 2 cups flour * 3/4 cup brown sugar * 1/3 cup coconut * 1/2 cup oatmeal * 1 cup butter (cut into bits) * 1  12-oz. jar seedless raspberry jam * 3/4 cup dried cranberries

Chop 1/2 cup of the pecans and place in bowl. In another bowl mix the remaining 1 cup of pecans, the brown sugar, butter and flour until the dough clumps together. Stir 1 cup of the  dough with the reserved pecans. Set aside. Put remaining dough over baking pan bottom. In small bowl, mix preserves and cranberries. Spread over dough in pan. Mix coconut and oatmeal with reserved dough, pressing some together to form clumps. Sprinkle over dough in 9 x 13 inch pan. Bake at 350° for 30-40 min. or until top browns. -- submitted by Sarah McDonough

APPLESAUCE SPICE CAKE

2 cups flour * 1 cup sugar * 1 tsp salt * 1 tsp cinnamon * 1/2 tsp nutmeg * 1/4 tsp cloves * 2 tsp baking soda * 1 cup raisins * 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional) * 1/2 cup melted butter * 1 can applesauce

Sift together dry ingredients. Add raisins and melted butter and applesauce. Beat until well blended. Pour into greased and floured 9x9x2 or 11 3/4x7 1/2x2 inch pan. Bake 350, 40-50 minutes. Cool, ice with butter icing: 1 stick of butter softened adding enough milk alternating with confectioners flour and 1 tsp vanilla.  Double the recipe to fit a 13x9x2 pan-- submitted by Velvet MacShire

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PUMPKIN PANCAKES

2 cups flour * 1 tablespoon baking powder * ½ teaspoon salt * 2 tablespoons sugar * 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice * 2 eggs * 1¾ cups milk * 3 tablespoons oil or melted butter * ½ cup canned pumpkin

Sift flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and pumpkin spice in large bowl.  Whisk the eggs & milk in separate bowl. Whisk in the butter or oil and the canned pumpkin. Pour over the dry ingredients and stir, but do not beat. Batter may be lumpy.  Melt 1 tablespoon butter in griddle -- cook pancakes! Makes 20 pancakes. -- submitted by Lei McAndrews

TURKEY SOUP

Making Stock
1) Remove all the usable turkey meat from the turkey carcass to save for making sandwiches later or for adding to the soup.
2) Put the leftover bones and skin into a large stock pot and cover with water. Add any drippings that weren't used to make gravy, any veggies like celery, onion, or garlic (not stuffing) that had been in the cavity of the turkey, and any giblets (except liver) that haven't been used already.
3) Add salt and pepper, about 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of pepper. It sort of depends on how big your turkey is. You can always add salt to the soup later.
4) Bring to a boil and reduce heat to bring the stock to a high simmer.
5) Simmer uncovered at least 4 hours, occasionally skimming off the foam that comes to the surface. Often, if we start the soup in the evening, we'll simmer for several hours, turn off the heat, cover with a tight-fitting lid, and leave on the stove for the night. In the morning, we turn the heat back on and bring the soup up to a simmer again. (Reheating the soup this way, and bringing it to a high simmer for at least 10 minutes will kill any microbes that may have made their way into the soup.)
6) Remove the bones and strain the stock.
7) If making stock for future use in soup you may want to reduce the stock by simmering a few hours longer to make it more concentrated and easier to store.

Making the Turkey Soup
Prepare the turkey soup much as you would a chicken soup. With your stock already made, add chopped carrots, onions, and celery in equal parts. Add some parsley, a couple cloves of garlic. You can add rice or noodles (or not if you want the low carb version). Take some of the remaining turkey meat you reserved earlier, shred it into bite sized pieces and add to the soup. You may also want to add some chopped tomatoes, either fresh or canned. Add seasoning - poultry seasoning, sage, thyme, marjoram and/or a bouillon cube. Add salt and pepper to taste.
-- submitted by Sara Devonshire

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Job Finder

Contact Draven MacShire for: Harbor Master wanted. Top qualifications needed. Music Store Proprietor wanted. Donut Cafe, proprietor to open shop. Bounty Hunters, Chimney Sweeps. Cobbler store position available.

Contact Malcolm Douglas for: Dentist needed to set up office. Butcher to take over established shop. Another Bower needed. Light Tower Keeper to fill vacancy.

Thanks to the Job Finder the Glassmaker position was filled by Isolde Fitzpatrick. Anyone looking for a job not listed or offering their services/hiring please contact Draven MacShire.


Lost And Found
~ Of all the things I've lost in life .... I miss my mind the most ~

Lost: Several books from the Heathfield library.  All are on meeting men or your future mate.  If found, please return to the Heathfield Library, Abigail Fraiser, Head Librarian.

Found:  By puppy -- One lady's slipper slightly chewed up, contact Eddie McAndrews.


Thoughts for the Month

He who thanks but with the lips
Thanks but in part;
The full, the true Thanksgiving
Comes from the heart.
~J.A. Shedd
-- submitted by Sara Devonshire
 
"Great spirits have always encountered serious opposition from mediocre minds" - Albert Einstein -- submitted by Kathleen Frasier
 
If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning. - Unknown -- submitted by Kathleen Frasier

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Advertisements

Winter Colored and Scented Candles are specially priced for the season. Fill your home with invigorating scents to compliment the month's celebrations. Ask for Kathleen Frasier or Samantha Golden.

Winter Arrangements Special: Carnations with frosted tree brances in silver in blue with sparkles, at Lisette's Floral Shop. Wedding bouquets, anniversaries or any occasion.

Benzaiten Imports will be receiving ornaments, toys from around the world, and specialty items for that certain someone from now until Yule. Hours are from 9:00 am to dusk. We are located in the warehouse district. Owners:  Alexander McDonough and Garath MacShire

Dockside Tavern and Inn:  Rooms: Mon-Thur Single private rooms: 6 gold a night, Double private rooms: 8 gold a night to include 2 meals and 4 drinks free from 2 pm - 4 pm,  Fri-Sun  Single private rooms: 8 gold a night, Double private rooms: 10 gold a night to include 2 meals and 6 drinks free from 1pm - 4 pm, Rooms by the hour, with companion - 2 gold, to include hot bath, meal, and 4 drinks. In the Underground Room, poker, craps, darts, and pool tables are now provided. Door charge of 5 silver a head, this will include one drink. Happy Hour extended from 11am - 4 pm; Shots of white liquor - 2 silver; Shots of gold liquor - 1 silver; Ales - 5 copper 

The Needle and Spool Clothier:  Winter  is knocking at the doors and it is time to bundle up soon.  Imported fabrics have been acquired for the balls and dances.  From a velvet gown to a wool tailored suit.  Any pre-made clothing for Winter will be on sale with half off the asked price.

The BookStop: Things are ready freeze up.  Stop on buy to get the Almanac pamphlets as well as any books that can give pointers winter sports and how to keep warm.  Time to plant any bulbs, books on when and how to.

Heathfield Orphanage: Gifts, food, winter clothing and monetary offerings are greatly appreciated.  School supplies needed for the coming months.  Inquire with Henna Barrett Suex about any questions.

McKnight Veterinary Clinic is now open at the McKnight estate in Heathfield. Donovan McKnight, DVM, and Katherine McKnight. We are trained in the treatment and care of all domestic and most exotic animals.  The estates are located just outside of Heathfield near Barrington Hospital. Free check up of your pet for the first visit to get acquainted. Emergency service.

Certain Somethings Shop.  Special this month are woolen scarves, and cloaks.  We carry accessories needed to complete every outfit.  Shoes, gloves and purses can be made or dyed to match.  Hats of all types are coming in every day.  Our items are made by artisans from the Realms and we also carry imported items.

??? Question Corner ???

1. If you knew the world would end in one week, what would you do?

2. Would you accept twenty years of extraordinary happiness and fulfillment if it meant you would die at the end of the period?

If you would like to reply and have it published in next month's issue, please submit the question with your answer to Lahoneee.


Monthly Horoscope

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 22) -- Only you know how you feel about a situation that only you know exists. It would appear that the status of a relationship is suddenly an emotional maze, and you're not sure it has anything to do with your partner. The factors involved are diverse and all of them are deep-water influences. Try to sort out what you want and what you need right now, and please be honest. Part of what you need is a more pronounced sense of community, of people really pulling together. Another is any hint at all that you're making progress on what you might call your deepest healing need. Part of the story is a craving for God that goes far beyond church. In terms of your relationship, or a prospective partnership, perhaps try confiding your feelings even if you can't exactly get clear on what they are. What you're experiencing can be an extraordinarily powerful influence toward building and exploring intimacy, perhaps, as the case may be, with one of your own sex.. -- submitted by Sassy Golden  See Planet Waves for other months.

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Where To Find It - Services Offered

Want to better your business?    Place a listing here!

 
Flowers - Lisette McTiel, Heathfield Commons.
Lumber - Jon McAndrews Lumber Mill, Ballicastle.
Wines - Mike McAndrews Vineyards, Heathfield;  Darren McCullen Vineyards, Ballicastle.

Leather, Beef, Horses - Maurice, Joseph and Rory McDonough, McDonough Ranch Heathfield.
Wool, Yarn & Cloth - McCormick Sheep Ranch, Heathfield.
Cider, Flour, Grains, Apples, Milk, Eggs, Vegetables - Draven MacShire, Ravanna of Heathfield.
Potcheen - Sean DeBurgh, Rhett Shawnesey, Dunshire of Heathfield.
Baked Goods - Teri's Sweets Shoppe, Ballicastle.
Shipping, Trips by Sea - Rhett Shawnesey, Dunshire, or Bovee Shipping, Heathfield.
Kennels  - Meadowland Kennels, Patrick and Edward McAndrews, Ballicastle.
Pottery  - Devon DeWinter, Heathfield.
Shipwrights  - Collin McAndrews and Thomas Douglas, Heathfield Port.
Exotic Imports - Ptahneferu J'Atar, Ballicastle; Xandar McDonough and Garath MacShire, Heathfield Port.
Linen and Lingerie - Marcy McGuire, Heathfield Commons.
Candles and Crystals - Kathleen Cleary and Samantha Golden, Heathfield Commons.
Tea House - Iwakura Sachiko, Heathfield Commons.
Clothing - Seamstress - Acacia Sterling, Heathfield Commons.
Fortune Teller - Nataliya Andree, Heathfield Commons.
Barrington Hospital - Gates Barrington, Sara Devonshire, Heathfield.
Dockside Tavern - JD Black, Heathfield Port.
Clocks - Aleric. Niklas and Julia Traugott, Heathfield Commons.
Blacksmiths; Horse Shoeing, Swords, Daggers - Lochlan Kearney, Ballicastle; Brian McAndrews, Heathfield Commons.
Leatherwork and Sheaths - Moncha McAndrews, Heathfield Commons.
Surveyor - Robert Frasier, Ballicastle.
Herbs Shop - Sara Devonshire, Barrington Hospital Lobby.
Book Shop - Mariah McCormick, Heathfield Commons.
Orphanage - Henna Barrett Suex, Heathfield.
Archeologist - Kitavari Griffin, Heathfield.
Apothecary - Sinead NiAhearne Frasier and Aislin NiFaelen, Heathfield.
Raw Ores - Joseph McAndrews, Ballicastle.
Smelter - Eddie McAndrews, Ballicastle.
Barrister-Legal Advisor - Carlotta Basinstoke, Heathfield.
Private Investigators - Joseph McDonough, Jacob Anderson, Mercy LaCorte and Clark Davis, Heathfield.
Furniture - Sean MacGrath.
Veterinarians - Donovan and Katherine McKnight.
Frasier Signs - Kyle Frasier, Heathfield Commons and Ballicastle.
Sugar and Spice Candy Shop- Carienn and Corina Turlough, Heathfield Commons.
Certain Somethings Shop - Sorcha Beirne, Heathfield Commons.
Leather Goods:  Jaelysa
Strawberries and Grains: Sagewood Farms run by Keefe Braidy
Dairy Products: NorthStar Dairy run by Allan Cleary
Glass Maker: Isolde Fitzpatrick, Heathfield Commons

Many thanks to those who contribute to this newspaper. Any additions, corrections or wishing to run an ad please contact Lahoneee.


Gossip from the Wharf
"If you believe these - I have lands in Rhydin to sell you"
by The Wharf Crones - Matty and Pearl

All gossip that comes in through the port, and places least expected,  you can be sure that Matty and Pearl know every little tidbit and then some added. Embellishing is a way of life to make the tale far more colorful. If something is not certain nor clear, it is easy to fill in those gaps; there is nothing like assuming. They will make sure all gossip gets around come rain or shine and the sharing of a tea biscuit. There is a place for Drama Queens.


**A lass that had been considered quiet, shy and unassuming, usually skipped right over, shock both myself and Dear Pearl. The latter rather jealous of such sneaky techniques to connive a date with the dashing Englishman recently come home. One to drool over. I will have to try that line sometime. Next we'll see a book out by the same one on Fifty Ways to Trap A Lover. Pearl will have the first copy out if I don't beat her to it myself.

**Like one man wasn't enough she has that handsome doctor now wanting to visit her herbal room, the book will be revised to a Hundred Ways by the evening's end. Come into my parlor said the herbalist to the doctor will be her next title. Let me steep your tea, tea toting tea bagging it. You go girl get in some for me and Pearl, we'll buy fifty copies of your book.

**There's  a new lass in town making all the rounds, from the potter's cottage to the strawberry patch. We're suspicious of her intentions and will be keeping an eye on her. Is she after the Potter's man? Will she take up gardening next or mistress of sign language? Rumor has she got a nice view of the Forest King too.

**What did the feisty warrior goddess think of her almost mail order husband to be? It was hard to tell as we were expecting her to throw him over a shoulder and take off with him. We didn't get to see the rest for Pearl got stung by a bee. A bee in the bush and then her tush. I had to cover her mouth with my hand and drag her off to the hospital. I did catch she was convinced to stay by the one so we'll keep our eye on the private eye.

**Two blond Adonis made it to the field of scarecrows. Me and Pearl went in disguise as stuffed hay men. I kept pinching her butt to keep her moving so we could get the scoop, that was until the crows started coming. She thought it was me but was twenty blackbirds plucking at her stuffing. We caught sight of the two as we scampered across the field, hopefully no one noticed the two live scarecrows running for their lives, huffing and puffing leaving straw behind. One had a lass on his shoulders holding on tight as the other was flirting with the one with her. You go big boys!

**Savages and wildmen are out on the prowl, look out Forest King here come your brave usurps. One little, two little, three little Indians can come teach me and Pearl how to raindance any night or day. Rain or shine we'll wampum in your wigwam till the cows come home. Pearl will bring the teabags.

**The cutest little doll born of the one Adonis breaks our hearts looking for a woman good enough for her father. We've heard her plans with the potter lady to find her Papa a lass. Pearl and I broke into tears on the spot having to crawl away before we started the heaves. We'll have to make another list to match up with the eligible bachelors, putting his name on top. Of course we need to keep our secrecy so will have those papers slipped to a few that might manage to see things through. We know of a few other matchmakers including the man's vivacious sister in law. One librarian gone another cometh, we can wonder if this one will be far better. One book closed, another started. Maybe we can get a peek at those pages.

**The farmer in the Patch, the farmer in the Patch, hi ho the dairy-o, the farmer needs a lass. The mother picks a lass, the mother picks a lass, hi-ho the dairy-o the man gets a match. The brother needs a wife, the brother needs a wife, hi-ho the Dairy-o we'll see to him fast. The sister needs a man, the sister needs a man, hi-ho the dairy-o we'll get one on demand.

**Speaking of Dairy there is the Dairy farmer who has been spending a lot of time behind closed doors in the potter's cottage. Will there be another wedding soon in the making and the patter of little clay pots to follow. Pearl and I just love it when romance and love actually come about. So many keep our teeth on edge besides other cuts and bruises just tying to follow the trend makers.

**There was a fuss the one night as the man in fine satins outshone the best me and Pearl ever did see. A bit on the bright side but man what a man there might be behind the peacock attire. We're trying to devise a way to steal his fine silks and have our way, that is prove what we suspect. Isn't that right Pearl. Pearl?

**Back to those Adonis to drool over, we overheard their talk in the Thistle, keep it a secret but they are looking for cuddling partners and I would make enough for both. I wonder if one can apply? The miner has a moaning blanket he prefers to hide under and who knows what he'll be digging for as Pearl decided to pass it up rather than find out what goes bump in the night there. Like she can be picky? Go for it girl, live it up, never know what you'll find under the blankets. If you wont I will, what gets trapped between my breasts I can feed us for a few months, I'll see you in the spring.

**There's the Duke's sister we've been keeping our eye on. She's been spending a lot of time around the King's men, touching hands and getting close. She's also been around the strawberry patch along with the new lass. Will there be competition on who gets the best picking? Or will there be ones following the chocolate sprite and her sister? Sweetlings there and they say the most dangerous are the quiet ones. One brother got himself a lot of clay maybe the other will go for candy. We're hoping so for then we have a reason to invade the candy store a lot. Our next hunting grounds.

**That cattleman hunk of male is back. We're waiting to see how much rawhide he becomes once his brother, cousin and employee catch up. We'll gladly take what's left over to give some tender loving care too. Will he get branded? Or will they thank him? Two out of three isn't bad and maybe he'll get to hang that plaque with pride. There's a new kid in town that came in with him and a looker too, hear he's looking for his brother and family. We're willing to help him out in whatever he needs.

**It seems that one king's man stepped in for another in taking on a squire until the other comes back from his honeymoon. It's been a month already and rumor has it they might be gone the whole winter. Will his bride come back with a bun in the oven? Will the squire become three sizes larger as well? We're not sure we want to know but as usual we're far too curious. This king's man that likes his food, he and I might be a match made in heaven. I'll have to waylay him sometime soon and take my chances.


WANTED

500 Gold Pieces Offered on Captain "Blood Bath" Black ... Dead or alive.

Crimes: High treason against England and Spain, Murder, Plundering and pillaging innocents, Thievery, Arson, Kidnapping, and Rape.  Reward is high for any who brings this scoundrel to justice.


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