Date: Thu, 17 Jun 2021 17:35:51 +0000 (UTC)
From: A becker <abecker60@yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: Jian Chaptger 68

Jian


Cho took a call. He mouthed `Harry.' Yes, tomorrow we'll have several
decent players to go out with. A good friend and an excellent player from
Taipei and Tom Angleten."

He grinned, "Well I did say decent didn't I?" A pause to grin some more,
"Yes, he's also a nice fellow.

See you in the morning."

Cho leaning back, "It should be an interesting round of golf..."

We laughed loudly. Gil and Ali came to see us. I parked on Cho's lap we
still were laughing.

They got the news Harry would be around tomorrow. He and Meghan would be
picked up at Wandsworth to come here.

I turned to Cho, "Do we know if she rides?" He shrugged making me bounce.

"Can we get a message to her? You know... clothing..."

Cho called Harry back and got a number for Meghan.

I called her. She did ride but had no clothes. I got her sizes, Gil with
Angie to Go Outdoors in the morning.


68


We had a big event in the evening... hair on the Twins! Charlie's hair
hadn't grown as rapidly as Chani's. He told Tha it bothered him so his
first haircut!

Gil engaged Lita who ran a hair salon in eastern Sandford on the Oxford
Road.

Sitting in a Nursery highchair Lita spoke to Charlie about his hair. What
he thought he wanted, that even if he changed his mind it would grow back
and such things.

"I want mine like Popa's!"

Cho sat beside his son so Lita could have a look. The dark curly locks, a
few inches without a part... I loved my fingers in the soft waves. Okay
Fay... get a grip!!

She got it and went to cutting.

Charlie stood looking in the mirror... a HUGE grin! He put out his hand to
Popa, Cho knelt beside him. They were smiling!

"We are the same!" Fist bumps for them!

Chani gave them hugs... me too! A big success!

Chani liked her page boy look so nothing was needed for now but a trim.

In bed later Cho said he was told he cried at his first hair cut... the
hair was gone and forgotten quickly according to his parents. Parents would
say that... right?

I couldn't remember my first haircut.



Roland and I on the edge of the forecourt, a car coming up the drive. I
slid down giving the reins to Tara with a thank you for taking
Roland. Roland got a hug from me. A salute plus a grin as she turned away!

Millie out after Stanton opened the car door. Big hug! Kiss!

Chou! HUG!

"Fay, you are getting more beautiful!"

I thanked Chou for the compliment.

"You look trim as always... lots of golf?"

He laughed, "No, never enough golf."

Cho dished out kisses and handshakes.

In the Entryway their coats off. Gil said the Angleten's aircraft was on
the ground.

We did the `room' reveal! It was their third year... Millie holding my arm,
"Fay, it is gorgeous. We are so glad you ask us over... this is just
wonderful to see."

We asked them to wait on their ornaments so the Angleten's could join in.

In the background, Charles with his camera. Too bad he had not been in with
us and the Queen. He got her arrival and departure which was terrific.

Carter had closed the doors when we headed out front for Tom and Roxanne. A
wink. Grin!

Lucas opened the car door... He handed Roxanne out... she was staring at
the house!

I stepped forward... "All English houses look just the same..."

She laughed, "Fay, it's something to see!"

We shook hands and hugged. Tom and Cho shook then I got a hug from Tom.

They were looking around inside, we led them to the Great Room doors.

I laughed and said. "Open Sesame!"

Conrad and Kendall grinning.

"Oh Fay, it's gorgeous!" Right away from Roxanne. Tom's eyes wide.

We did introductions to Millie and Chou and our Ali and Francis. Gil had
met Roxanne, not Tom.

Okay time for the Twins... Tha was ready! They walked to the doorway...

"Mama! Popa!" They ran over to us, Cho and I kneeling down for hugs.

More introductions all around. Millie and Chou had seen them last
year... there was a world of difference! We could see it in their
faces... WOW!!

Millie squeezing my hand as she held Chani's, "Hello... nice to see you
again."

Lady Chani giggled, "I am bigger now!"

"Indeed you are! A lady now too!"

More giggles from our daughter, "I am! It is... is... official!"

We laughed at that!

Roxanne smiling as she shook hands with Charlie, looking to me with another
`WOW' face!

Time for Christmas glass balls. Millie hung theirs, Roxanne for them.

I kidded Millie and Chou about their `collection.'

They laughed, Millie said they hoped for a hundred!

Tea and fireplace. The Twins worked over Jaidee's body. They especially
liked it when he was warm from the fire.

I walked around the room with Roxanne. She admired the art on the walls and
the St. Thomas children's work on the sideboards and tables. The
decorations... everywhere.

I told her about the previous owners who never had anyone over. They knew
we were having an Open House... I told her about the first year...  "For
our neighbours it was the first time they had ever been inside the house."

Her head shaking.

"We do two Christmas Open House days each year starting at an early tea
time. Everyone gets to see the ground floor, this room in particular, meet
with their neighbours, have tea and eat goodies. Children get to use the
Game Room to play."

The Red Box was closed sitting on a sideboard with Cho's Collar and Star
inside their dark box beside it. Roxanne asked about the two since they
weren't like other things on display. I opened them... she leaned forward
to read the script and touch the `Cross.'

"We were amazed when we heard the news of this. Fay, does this change your
life?"

"Not a lot really. We are addressed in a different way, given some more
deference... neither of which matter to Cho or I. What I hope to gain is a
louder voice..." I did a big grin, "...not that we have been silent but you
know... what the American press calls the `bully pulpit' the President
gets."

"Yes, their voice is louder. So people will find it harder than they do
already to ignore you..." She laughed along with me.

"Exactly. So you know... Today will be a different sort of day as people
go. We'll go riding with another guest who is coming. Chou and Tom will go
play golf with Cho at our course, Oxford East, with the other
guest... Prince Harry."

Roxanne had been half turned... she whipped back with big eyes!

"Seriously?" She could see my nod.

"He wanted to play with Cho who delayed it until Chou and Tom would be
here."

Roxanne shivered... I touched her arm...she said, "I'm not cold.. it's just
I'm still not used to this sort of life..."

I squeezed her arm, "So how has it been since August... A bit crazy..."

"Yes, Tom has done a lot of interviews although nowhere near the number
that were requested. What he did... well it was unique so there were press
folks around all the time. Fortunately that has backed off a good deal with
the news people's usual short-term memory and other shiny things to get
their attention.

I have done a bunch of TV talk shows... Woman's shows which I never
watch... you know `what's it like' kind of thing. Very boring."

Roxanne looked at my face, "Oh I get it! You must have tens of thousands of
requests."

"We probably do... we never see them unless it is important... our
definition of important... A New York PR law firm is a very thick wall for
us plus no one knows where we are most of the time.

There are occasions when we do meet the press... we held an impromptu news
conference on our front steps yesterday. A clutch of thirty or more
reporters we let come up... We gave them sixty minutes plus free coffee and
tea.

Cho and I shared answering the questions. The Thai peace arrangement and
the Iranian nuclear deal. We recently did a personal interview with a
reporter from Fox News in New York which might possibly air tonight in
America. At some point here on Sky UK."

I shrugged saying it was part of the whole cost.

"There is someone else coming today... a friend of Harry's. We will need
your discretion about her. We are trying to give them some time away from
the press."

Roxanne grinned, "Fine, I have never kissed and told."

We laughed.

Cho had asked the other three the same thing. Millie saying Harry would her
first `prince' although she had met a few knaves. Laughter. A good line.

They were all `in' for the St. Thomas School play. Previously Millie and
Chou had been with us at the school choir show. A change-up. They were
happy to come. Roxanne and Tom too.

Gil came in from the Office, "Harry and Meghan, the helicopter has lifted
off from Wandsworth."

I thanked her. Audra had the riding clothes Gil got for Meghan in her room
upstairs.

Golf and riding.

Cho and I out front as the AW139 settled to the turf. Our folks helped them
out and got their luggage. We welcomed them. Hugs and kisses.

Coats off... Introductions done! Room `reveal' time for Meghan. Harry had
already been in the Great Room.

"WOW! This is really terrific! Harry said you go all out..."

The Twins, our guests and our close staff welcomed her. I took her the
table where the glass ornaments were... Meghan was stunned to find one with
her name.

"The company that makes them is in Slough they drove it over this
morning. A rush job."

She thanked us and put it on the tree next to Harry's. She stepped back to
look over all the glass balls.

Me next to her, "There's many more to come. Friends and a whole crowd of
family."

Meghan had my hand, "Please call me Meg. I... We want to thank you for the
use of your house on the coast. It was a marvellous few days. The house is
a terrific period piece and your staff very nice. Grace is a great cook!!
Her cookies so tasty!"

"We spent some time there in the summer with my family from Scotland. The
beach was a fabulous playground for the Twins... and Jaidee."

"I've heard a few things about you two from friends in TV... Los Angeles
people. Some now work for Fox Entertainment. They say you have changed the
character of the company... quite a few more women, all types of
people... many minority folk, genders, sexual preferences... I watched the
Emmy's... your Fox TV stormed away with the show. News and entertainment
crushed everybody!!

My friends say it was because what the network does is show America what it
looks like instead of a white male executive's view."

Smiling, "That was the mandate we gave to Abbey the head of
Entertainment. We sat down with the producers and writers... when we were
done they knew what we wanted... AND we would not interfere with how they
got there.

We never micromanage... it just bogs you down."

We were back with the others... change time for activities!

"Meg if there's anything you need... yell."

A big smile. I told her the Kentucky Heat items were cold weather
protection.

Sunny was home from school, a short day. I had her come with me to the
entryway when I was dressed.

I was in black, my hat down my back saying goodbye to the golfers. Tom and
Harry big eyed over my outfit. Chou smiling, he'd seen it all before.

Prince Harry smiling as I introduced Sunny. He said he'd heard about her
equestrian triumphs... "Good for you! It's a terrific thing to watch."

Sunny thanked him. She was going to change and do some work on
dressage. Then with rolled eyes... `Homework!'

Harry laughed, "Everybody has some form of that." They did a fist bump!

Sunny got to meet Roxanne and Meg. She already knew Millie. We all chatted
for a few minutes then Sunny zoomed off to change. The ladies joined me for
the walk to the Stables.

Meg and Roxanne loved my clothes. I lent Millie a scarf, cashmere, soft and
warm.

Gregory got Scout out for Meg, Millie liked Lu and Rascal for Roxanne. Gil
on Max, she was loaded. Me on Natasha. Tessa and Gaby with us. They were
introduced.

This was great... a second ride of the day for me before noon!

Down the grassy lane... Freddie had the two yearlings and several other
younger ones on the track. Their mom's being ridden by Yvonne and
Marsha. Waves.

Tessa grinned when I asked her to take us to Mr. Blair. Gaby grinning
too. I added we had a stop before in Culham. Okay!

Up the slope and past the Sci Ctr in an easy trot so Roxanne and Meg could
get their seat. Around Denham School going towards Culham. On the High
Street was Culham Church of England Primary School.

The headteacher met us at the door, a smile.

"Your Ladyship, welcome."

There a clutch of students in the office doing Christmas
decorations. Smiling happy kids. They all said helloes. I admired some of
their work. Snowy scenes and a cherry red nose on a reindeer.

In the head's office after introductions I said she had three students
whose parents worked for us in one place or another...

"My husband and I join with them in giving the school this donation of
three thousand £'s."

A great smile, she clapped her hands and thanked me. I added our wish she
would please send us a note saying what the school had spent the money for.

"Just a list of things in general, we don't need any itemisation."

`Your Ladyship, we will be glad to do that."

I handed her the letter of credit with the Oxford store and saying they had
a variety things she might need.

She went to the door to call in her assistant-head. They hugged when the
second lady saw our gifts.

Lots of thanks as we said our goodbyes.

Over the bridge... little traffic... down the verge of the road to All
Saint's Lane.

Our American riders getting to see a mix of English countryside. Going over
the bridge I casually mentioned it was the Thames... They were
surprised... I told them it wound around a good deal and was quite long.

We tied our horses at the graveyard's back gate. Dr. Ryles was out in the
chilly weak sun at a grave, it wasn't that old. I guessed he was saying a
prayer for the recently departed.

"Your Ladyship, the news is wonderful."

I shook his hand and thanked him for his congratulations... and did a few
introductions. We all walked to the grave I was interested in. Neither
American knew `Eric Arthur Blair,' the little metal sign and crowd of black
stones didn't help.

Dr. Ryles relieved their confusion. "This is George Orwell's grave."

Both women were quite startled to learn one of the most famous and
influential of writers of all time was buried in this simple country
graveyard.

I pointed to his friend's grave behind as I explained.

Dr. Ryles kidded me about whether we should make a `black stone' sales
booth out front.

"We'll make money for the roof repair."

I asked about that, the roof needed restoration and replacement in some
areas.

I took his arm, "Seriously... Please tell me about it."

He did. I said we would pay to get the work done immediately and he could
fund-raise for other church projects.

"Your Ladyship, you don't attend here... why..."

I stopped him, "We, Cho and I, both care about the history of our
country... This beautiful Norman church needs to be here... it is part of
the landscape, central to village life."

Dr. Ryles held my hand thanking me. "I have heard about your generosity to
local schools... We've never had any local family be so widely liberal with
their kindness."

I thanked him, "I guess where we are going after this won't hurt our
reputation... We're going to the local primary school..." I motioned to the
south.

I said Gil had `gifts' in her pockets. The very one grinning patting her
jacket.

"Are you really? They are lucky!"

He got a hug. I told him Gil would be in touch about the roof.

We remounted and went down the lane left and around the ponds to turn
south. We passed the cricket ground and walked along the edges of many
fields. At the boundary of the Dicot Power Station we went west across
Sutton Courtenay Lane to go around the school to an opening near its
entrance on Bradstock's Way.

At the door an older woman asked if she could help... I asked for the
headteacher.

I was instantly recognized by another woman...

"Your Ladyship... the `Head' has a student in her office at the moment..."

I said we could wait for a few minutes. `No' to tea with thanks.

A somewhat chastened tow-headed boy came out... he went off straightaway
like a wet cat. The Headteacher was told we were out outside.

"Your Ladyship, welcome to Sutton Courtenay Primary."

I said thanks and did she have a few minutes. Yes.

I did introductions of my crowd. Meg's name had been floated in the media
as a `close' friend of Harry's so she was a `celebrity.'

Roxanne's last name caught the `Head's' attention.

`Mrs. Angleten is your husband a golfer?"

A big grin from Roxanne, "Yes, he is."

"My husband is an avid golfer... he has spoken your husband's name numerous
times. He will be quite jealous of me meeting you."

We laughed with Roxanne.

We sat in the headteacher's study, "You have five students whose parents
work for us at Harcourt House or Denham School." Gil handed me the cheque.

"Here is a Christmas gift to the school from us and those families."

She stared at the five thousand £'s on the cheque.

"Please use the money in any way you need. We do ask you send us a letter
telling how in general terms you spent the money. No details needed.

Here is a letter giving the school a line of credit at the Oxford Computer
Store so you can purchase anything you need from them."

"Your Ladyship, this is so generous. Everyone will be quite excited."

"Enjoy spending the money!"

She laughed, "I will share the joy with our department heads!"

"Good, the more the merrier."

I asked for a quick tour. It was a rambling building, it had been added to
often over its lifetime. The students' green uniforms bright and cheery.

There was a class of older students doing pre-algebra. We watched until the
teacher came to the open door.

She knew who I was right off. I asked if I could come in... `Oh yes!'

I'd done this before... there was an equation on the chalkboard when I
stepped in...

The children stood up... I waved and motioned for them to sit. I slipped my
hat down on my back.

I told them I loved maths... The teacher offered her piece of chalk to me.

"Can anyone help me solve this..." Many hands shot up. One black haired boy
near the front... startlingly blue eyes! I was sure he was the son of one
of Phillips' crew. I motioned him up.

We worked the problem together with a bit of my prompting. Done! He looked
quite proud. The whole class was quite wide-eyed watching us solve it.

I thanked them for letting me `butt-in.' They said it was great!!

I shook their teacher's hand on the way out.

In the passageway heading towards the front the Headteacher smiling, "Your
Ladyship enjoyed that didn't you?"

"Yes... I do love maths! The young fellow..." She said `David Williams.'
"He is smart."

"Yes, he loves maths too."

"I picked a winner."

"Indeed!"

I was thanked again for the gifts and told I was welcome any time.

Goodbyes. We mounted and went out Bradstock's way to re-cross Sutton
Courtenay Lane going east.

We turned north working our way around fields and across some waste ground
to the Appleford Road then back across the river. We passed Denham
School... one of the outside staff waved. We all returned it.

Past the Sci Ctr I said I was going to ask for Natasha to show me what
she's got. I urged her on... she responded with a spirited gallop! We
rushed over the grass... I was pleasantly surprised at her speed and
stamina.

We had a good mile of that so I eased her. Tessa and Gaby caught up first
then the others.  Big smiles! A good gallop always seemed to bring out
smiles! We walked to the lane and up.

Pat with a grin, "Your Ladyship, I don't think Natasha has been asked like
that for some time. I'll spend an extra while with her."

I squeezed his hand. I told the others I'm be right back. I walked with Pat
down the stable row.

He smiled, "We told Gregory about us... he was very happy. So everybody
knows now."

"Good! What did Fran and Fidel say about wedding things?"

Pat rubbed his shoulder, "Your Ladyship, it would have better if Fidel had
`said' instead I got my back pounded! He's done it several times now about
the wedding..."

I laughed, "Sometimes joy hurts."

Pat said his cousin and wife `would be glad to host any events we wanted.'

"The same goes for us... so don't be shy... Okay?"

A big thank you!



I did two stops with my companions, I wanted to see the final results of
the staff Christmas trees. The Outdoor Lounge tree was very nice, a
well-shaped noble fir with lots of lights and decorations. I'd put on two
from our stock from Basuto Road of old family ornaments on the first day.

The Staff lounge downstairs tree was just as beautiful! Carter2 said they'd
all added something like me. I had put on the red and white spiral striped
long-necked drop ornament and the old railroad lantern. Both were
Nineteenth century decorations I did last year.

Millie, Roxanne and Meghan smiling as we went up. Meg said `Your people are
always smiling.'

My reply was easy `We work at making their work and workplace somewhere
they want to come to.'

We decided not to change for lunch. The guys were eating at Oxford East.

My only rule was no wearing of helmets. Laughter.

We sat with the Twins in the Bfast Room. Vegetable soup with lots of grated
cheese. Bread and many cheeses, cut fruit, pickles and olives. Piles of
Christmas cookies. I watched the Viscount bite off a reindeer's
antlers... Lady Chani equally `ruthless' with a Father Christmas.



We had espresso in the Great Room. I asked if anyone wanted another ride?

I was amazed they all volunteered when I said there would be another school
visit. Berinsfield.

We did a tour for the guests including the pool. I said there'd be a
`swimming period' for the Twins later they would be welcome.

"We have a closet of spare swimming costumes!"

I pointed out they might benefit from the exercise... mentioning `sore'
muscles from riding. Pointing to my butt.  They got it.



I did a search in the greenhouses... Ah Ha! "Williams... your son David and
I did an algebra equation together."

He laughed, "My Lady, he has somehow gotten a lot of maths
smarts... certainly not from me or my missus... we're hopeless... Mebbe not
that but we don't understand what he's doin'... I see him doin' his work at
the table... just buzzing through."

I was laughing, "You had better keep an eye on him... he's got smarts and
he's a cutie..."

"Yes! He did get his mother's looks... that's good for him."

We were laughing as Teddy came up. He joined in when we explained.

I walked out with Teddy after he asked Williams for a bit of help on the
west side of the house.

"Your Ladyship, Williams is a good dad... both his sons come over often, he
shows them what he is doing. The older one I think wants to join us when he
leaves school."

I was happy to hear that... I asked about more schooling... Teddy said
there wasn't much except for like him to go to `Uni.'

Ah... something new for Denham School?? A hug for Teddy. He looked
quizzical...

"You've given me an idea! Thanks!"

Okay from him with a smile.



We mounted up in an hour or so. Rebel was ready to go. Mandy, Desiree, Con,
Heather and Scout were all set. Ken and Angie with us.

We went south passing Kate's house then turning east to cross the Oxford
Road, again going south along fields. We turned into Berinsfield in a gap
in the trees onto Bullington Avenue, at Wimblestraw Road we crossed to the
school side and turned in the front gate.

We tied our horses to a tree on a grassy spot. Inside the lady at the desk
smiled, "Your Ladyship, welcome to Abbey Woods."

I asked for the Headteacher. She came out of her study. I introduced my
folks and asked to speak for a few minutes.

We sat down... she looked nice and had a big smile.

I told her six children attended here whose parents worked for us at
several of our locations and we wanted to give a gift in their names as
well as ours. I handed her a cheque for six thousand £'s!

Boy did that smile get bigger then a tear.

I did a quick draw with my Cho-Fay handkerchief.

She thanked me, "This so wonderful."

"Please use the money any way you like for the school. We would appreciate
a letter next year telling us how you spent it. It does not have to have
details just a generalized list of the sort of things you bought or used it
for repairs, whatever you needed."

Gil handed me the letter, "This is a line of credit at the Oxford Computer
Store for anything they sell you might need. That includes services too."

She used the handkerchief again.

"Your Ladyship, this generosity is marvellous!" The smile was back, "My
staff will love spending the money!"

We laughed. I put in, "Good! Have them enjoy themselves!"

More laughter.

I asked for a brief tour. We walked the halls, this was a much larger
school. Pupils acted interested in what was going on, active, there was
crowd on the grassy athletic field with balls. They were Year Three's the
headteacher said, yelling, having a good time playing football rounders. A
game imported from America where it is known as `kickball.'

The `head' told us there was a competition coming up between the Year
Four's and the Year Three's. The Five's and Six's had one too. For the
winners... bragging `rights' and some cookies involved too!

We did our goodbyes after I got to meet the office staff and a few
teachers.



Remounted, at the Oxford Road a lorry diver stopped for us and the others
did too. We waved our thanks. We paralleled the Abingdon Road until near
Clifton Hampden then we turned north and walked onto Harcourt House land.

I smiled, "This is the last you'll see of me until by the Stables."

I asked Rebel and away we went. At Speed! Kate's house was a blur... the
grass a magic carpet... we soared on! Stride after stride... this
powerhouse fellow gave me an awesome trip. I did slow him going down the
slope since the Flats were in use.

Sunny in the dressage arena on Plotline. Rebel and I walked gently up
beside Charlotte. She smiled stroking DD's mane.

"Look!"

Sunny was moving very deliberately... the big black fellow was stepping
smoothly.

"She has already had an impact with Plotline. She's teaching him to go with
confidence."

I could see he wasn't as tentative which was great. Fist bump!



My crowd walked into the Great Room booted looking pretty hot in our riding
duds! The men gave us a rousing welcome! Hugs and kisses.

Cho asked what we'd been doing?

"We've been giving away money! Thousands of £'s! We've had a great
time!"

I got kissed and hugged for that.

Drinks! I explained to the guys what I was doing and why. Cho said to
mention St. Thomas School. I told our guests we were paying the fees for
all the students from the village.

I leaned on Cho, "Did I say about the school fields? I didn't did I?"

A `No' from Cho. He grinned at what I did and my suggestion for the kids
participation.

"Jeans and wellies! You are cute."

Another kiss!

Harry with his mischievous grin, "That is why we pushed grandmother. You
two are contributing to the benefit of the country in large and small ways
all the time. No one urges you... it just comes from your own desires."

We both shrugged, Cho smiling, "As we say... if we give away half our
wealth the Twins will still be among the top richest people in the world."

Sunny joined us to hugs and kisses.

I asked if there were any swimmers? Yes! I took Meg to the `closet' to pick
out a costume. She choose a black tank style which I suggested for
splashing with the Twins. Roxanne and Millie came prepared. The men decided
to have another scotch.

The Twins in their fluffy robes walking with Tha and me. We had a nice
escort. Our guests admired the pool, the view and comfy lounges. Tha and I
got our goggles on.

She and I in the water waiting for Chani and Charlie to swim to us. We had
good time splashing around. Sunny in with us. Millie's arms open for Chani
to swim into! Meg and Roxanne joined in. I was on my tummy watching them,
Millie on a lounge next to me.

"Fay, they are good swimmers. Our two loved the water so much. It was hard
to get them out."

I expected the Twins to be the same. "We have a fence being built around
the pool in Bangkok for safety. It will cut down on my running and jumping
in though!"

We laughed.

Charles did come out for a few snaps after I asked if anyone had any
problem with being photographed... "It's for us! No publication will ever
see them. Charles chronicles our holiday season and does a show on New
Year's Eve."

All us ladies in sleek tank suits, Chani in a two piece and Charlie in his
Speedo posing. Lots of laughs!

I did a rinse shower for both babies, into robes... we went up to change
for dinner. I reminded my fellow riders we had a decent supply of muscle
liniment if needed. Grins!

Cho did `Joy' for me in my scanties. Chani all dressed in royal blue... she
got a dab!

Not a fancy dinner. I chose a sleeveless V-neckline white dress with small
bunches of roses in several shades of red. White stockings and red
heels. Red nails and lips. Gold jewellery and a long-sleeved red cardigan
that was cut to my waist. I did up the top button only to let it fall open
on its own.

The men were told ties were not expected. Charlie was like his Dad... black
suit, white shirt!

In the Great Room we had drinks and a few canapes. The fire was
nice. Jaidee had had a good workout with the Twins in the Garden so he was
chilling... in an all toasty warm way.

The breeder emailed saying Jaidee had covered four ladies multiple
times. None were more than second cousins once removed to him. Good for
us... we'd get at least two puppies... maybe for us to keep or give to
close friends.

Jaidee was widely admired by our friends...

Dinner was poached salmon, garlic whipped potatoes and broccoli with
Hollandaise. Cute little loaves from Maxine! A wonderful white burgundy
from the Cote de Beaune, a Puligny-Montrachet.

Harry smiling, "Carter, this is wonderful!"

Our fellow bowed thanking the Prince.

Dessert...a magnificent carrot cake! Lightly iced, full of carroty flavour,
tiny orange icing shaped carrots on top. It was very moist! Vanilla ice
cream beside it.

A Hidalgo Amontillado sherry as accompaniment.

Afters in the Great Room. The men were going to play poker in the `Cho
Style.' Everyone got the same chips and played to see who had the
most... no money to change hands.

I stopped them departing... "What about the golf, gentlemen?"

Cho gave me... `We all played well.'

I gave him a `look.'

"Okay. We did have a good day. Tom likes the course I think... a 65."

Tom grinning, "It is a very nice course."

Chou a 73! He was very pleased. Harry a 81 which he was quite delighted
with!!

Another `look' from me.

"Fay, aren't you bored with my golf stories?"

"No and the number is quite enough for me now."

The men were chortling! Harry said Cho might as well say...

"Alright... a 60. Can we go?"

I was laughing... everybody joined in. Cho gave me a VERY nice kiss. I
whispered I was very proud.

Movie! In the Library Carter2 had laid out our kids type Christmas
movies. We had the Sesame Street Christmas movie or `Mickey's Christmas
Movie' or `Curious George: A very Merry Christmas.' They all were about an
hour.

The Twins said the Sesame Street one! I looked around... That was good!

We settled in with the need for an `intermission' at the hallway point. I
was on a settee with Charlie on one side and Chani the other next to
Sunny. Cosy! I had a small dish of M&M's in my lap for us to share.

`Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas' was very good! It seemed quite
natural to see all the characters in the various roles. Chani and Charlie
loved it!

I avoided the Muppets version of `A Christmas Carol' so Alistair Sim's
version would be the first the Twins would see.

The Yawns came. "Goodnights' given. Tha and I put them down. Sweet kids! I
was thanked for the fun movie.

We sat to talk about all sorts as the men played on. Meg wanted to hear the
story of our `honours.' I told her Harry had been grinning the whole time
knowing what was coming.

She laughed, "When I heard about it and his being here I asked him. He
hadn't let it slip."

I did feel the need to add, "As Her Majesty said it was `State
Business. Harry is part of `The Firm' even if he doesn't like all of it."

Meg nodded, she got what that could mean. Princess Diana's legacy came in
many forms.

Carter2 checked on us. He said it looked like the gentlemen were settled
in. A quick early assessment was... Cho's piles were the biggest. I had a
laugh over that.

Hugs at various room doors. They were all willing to get up at dawn to ride
with me. Good. Scones and coffee! We'd meet in the kitchen.

Cho came in a few hours later...kisses! I was back asleep in seconds.



I started on scones as Jaidee ate. Marigold gave me a bit of help until I
shoo'ed her off to start everyone else's breakfast things. She went
laughing.

My companions came down, they fixed their coffees and grabbed a
scone. Jaidee, two scones and coffee... I led us to the Stables.

Andy pleased with a hot buttered scone! Roland nickering. We left a bunch
of empty cups and mounted up.

Tara and Angie joining us. A warmup trot then a full on gallop to the
lock. The lock operator waved. Roy said hello as he setup. Six ladies was
more he had seen before.

On the west side we passed under the tracks going north through the woods
towards lower Radley. I did a brief `tour' of what they saw. Terry
waving. I called a `good morning.'

They heard our milk and eggs came from that farm part of the estate.

We trotted up Hall Street too early for Jerrold. The dirt track took us
into the next wooded area splitting in the middle.

I gave them a tour of the Industrial Estate... all the bits. Some
introductions. The Recording Studio was of interest to Meg. Tab said she'd
be welcome to come any time for a tour. Fist bumps by those two.

I aimed us to the west bridge then the Sandford Lock.

The lock man's relief was on... I waved. He smiled waving back. Mr. Hardy
was out too so we went straight to the grass gateway. Roland burst forward
when asked... we rocked over the grass. First the Radley's then the
Fraser's... a strong gallop the whole way to the Flats.

I turned Roland up the slope to the first spinney then back to meet the
others.

Roxanne shaking her head, "Damn, you do like to run!"

Smiling, rubbing Roland's neck, "I think it's a `we' like to run!"

We walked some, they got to see Sunny's equestrian bits. Tara said she'd
talked with Charlotte and would work her way into using the cross-country
course. I gave her a smile and a reminder about nursing her... Tara
laughed.



The Bfast Room was well attended, babies and golfers, Sunny on her way
out. Kiss. I got eggs, veggie sausages and muffins. Coffee! We munched and
gave the men the tale of the ride. No drama which appealed to Cho.

Cho said yesterday was excellent in California! I looked to him. Ah... we
had two racing at Los Alamitos.

"Kannika won going away in the Starlet Stakes and Sasithorn beat all the
boys!"

Sasithorn set a new record time in the Los Alamitos Futurity at 1:39:95
beating Afternoon Deelites' 1:40.74 from1994.

Kannika had won four straight after her close loss to stablemate Black Star
in the With Anticipation Stakes at the end of August!!

A great close for our racing year!

The golfers were off, lunch at the club for them. Ansara, Sorya and Rafe
with them.

Gil took Roxanne, Meg and Millie into Oxford for some sightseeing and
lunch. Gaby and Penny went along just to be sure.

Francis working his things, Ali and I spent time on multiple projects and
email. I got in Twins time after a meeting with a new employee.

`Andi' was our new coordinator of the `Rest and Recreation' properties for
all of the United Kingdom. `Andraste' was Andi! She had deep auburn hair,
green eyes, creamy pale skin with a light swath of freckles under her eyes
and over a straight nose. A slim thirty year old of middle height with an
athletic figure. Her family had been in Norfolk for at least three hundred
years. They are mostly in King's Lynn and Norwich now, a few left in
Briston.

"Your Ladyship... It's wonderful to see you again."

I thanked her and said I was `Fay' from now on. A big smile.

Andi being hired was a combination of me, Andrea and Clare with lots of Gil
thrown in. An Oxford graduate in history with honours, she had been doing
public relations work in a London firm co-owned by her father.

When asked she said `it just wasn't her' to explain why she was looking
elsewhere. She got along with all sorts of people, liked being active and
was doing some archaeology work at a friend's project in Essex.

"It's a roman villa she is working on as part of a Cambridge University
project which she hopes will yield enough for her PHD. It's part of a town
and military base she's working on. She's studying the relationship between
the `retired' Roman legionnaires given land in Roman Britain and the
existing active military forces.

We get on our knees and carefully dig and scrape in the villa's
remains. We've uncovered some lovely mosaic flooring that is in excellent
condition along with the usual bits and pieces you'd expect in a home."

"Sounds like a bit of outdoor fun and serious work... " I asked about how
much time she was devoting to it.

"Just weekends and odd days..."

"I don't see a problem with your continuing... we will keep you pretty busy
to start then once it all falls into place I'm hoping it is a normal time
sort of position."

A big smile!

My `not to complicate things' preface led up to letting Andi know we were
buying property in France that she would also be responsible for when it
was ready. Very likely there would more in other countries quite soon.

"You will have to coordinate travel to remote locations with Penn at
Cho-Fay Air. She's very good so it won't be much trouble.

We have some software written for us for you to use to do the scheduling
for the rooms and travel together. It is a web App residing on a cloud
system we control so it will be secure.

Gil will get you in touch with Ni, the software company boss, so you'll get
a tutorial and support. Her office is in Bangkok... I've asked her to send
someone here who is in the project to get you going.

If you have to travel the App will be on your iPad and we have a cellular
device for your MacBook."

Gil brought in an arm load of Apple boxes. An iPhone, iPad, MacBook Pro,
Time Machine router and an extra backup hard drive. The odd power adapter,
miscellaneous cables, mouse, etc...

Andi eyes got big! If she needed any help Graham's team in London would
support her.

"Andi where are you living now?"

"I'm with dad in his place in Chelsea."

"We just bought a building in Westminster on Great Peter Street. It has a
hair salon on the ground floor, there are two levels above that. The first
floor is a sitting room, an office, kitchen, powder room and dining room,
the second has two bedrooms and a rather large bath and a central sitting
area.

The roof has a small area for summer time, the access is via a spiral
staircase from the upper floor central area. We pay the water and electric
rates.

There's a shared mews with a single parking space. The building has been
wired with high speed internet, very fast!! Graham's folks will setup your
new WiFi router... " pointing to the Apple Time machine.

"We'd like you to move in and use it as your HQ."

"Wow! Who else would in with me?"

"No one. It would be for you... unless you wanted a roommate. You would set
up your office there. Since almost everything will be done online no `real'
office is needed."

Andi liked this!

"Now the down side..." I was smiling, "... It's about six blocks from our
main home in the city. The up side... we're not around that much for now."

Andi was laughing which is what I wanted.

"So what do I have to do?"

"Move in! It's furnished in a modern way but not crazy. If there's
something you just can't live with replace it. You'll have an expense
account. Francis has everything you need, paperwork to sign, keys and
such. He has a removal firm we use for whatever you want moved."

I pointed out that we had no one doing her job anywhere else so she would
likely become a world-wide manager in a short time. Her face said she was
up for that. Good!

"We've been referring to it as the `R&R.' Terrible slang acronym but apt."

Andi laughing said it had the advantage of being apt and `short.'

"Okay... you're it now!"

She said `Ready!'

I texted Francis to join us in the Library. He said he needed twenty
minutes or so to finish something.

I replied I was going up but Andi would be around. Okay.

"Andi you can wander around a bit while waiting."

She smiled and asked if she do it in the Great Room... `Of course!'



I went up to the Nursery.

The Twins were wizards at letters and numbers! Most of the books I bought
at TheWorks had been used up. Brain Games for clever kids wasn't as much of
challenge as I hoped, First Spelling and the First Adding Up books were
done!

The drawing pads were `tops,' pages covered with crayon drawings, some
brown and blue dogs, a Raggedy Anne and scenes of the garden and Christmas
stickers added on where appropriate. A few were obvious like Glaa, their
little house in the Garden and a Christmas tree. Quite good actually!

Tha said they were making Christmas cards for us. Cuties!

I brought out a puzzle, they had already done it but I didn't give them a
photo to see what it was. All the pieces spread out. They whispered... they
started to do it by getting the outside done then working in. It was
completed in nine and half minutes.

Chani sat on my lap, Charlie helping Tha pick up the puzzle pieces.

"Mama you liked Jaidee's snap?"

"Yes, he a beautiful boy. I am glad you put together so I could see him
again."

A hug. I decided not to say anything about Chani's correct pronunciation of
Jaidee's name. Was `Jabee' gone?

We did a word game where Tha or I would point to something or say a word
they had to say the word in French then Thai. If she said it in French
they'd do English and Thai and on.

After a bit Charlie took my hand, "Mama, we need to work on something you
can't see..."

I said Okay. A kiss and hug for both and a wink for Tha.



I went down then to the Office after seeing Andi and Francis talking by the
Great Room fireplace.

An email from Carmen in Los Angeles. She had several properties as
possibles for the Big `V' club. I got snaps, floorplans, valuations, etc...

I looked at my phone... it was on the border of a bit too early to call. I
wanted more information on one location in particular, Santa Monica
Boulevard right in the middle of West Hollywood. A five sided building with
a parking lot directly adjacent at the rear. Great spot, it was big enough
for sure. It had been a few different businesses, a furniture store, a car
dealer and sub-divided into several companies.

I wanted to know where the load-bearing walls were and was any of it
sound-proofed. There was a first floor level bump in the roof, I didn't
know what was in that and what about earthquake preparedness. I sent the
email, Carmen would see it soon. I CC'd Adonna.



I saw the overnight ratings Kent sent on the Trump Moscow prostitute
story... huge Nielsen ratings!! It got a big share all across America. It
easily won its time slot and was the second highest rated show of the
day. The critics thought it well done, clear and careful about the video
and the reporters asking questions of the two women nailed the weasel's
hind parts to the wall.

The front page of the Daily News... `Trump lives in the Gutter.' The front
page graphic was his face peeking out from under a manhole cover with some
slimy yellow looking stuff running into the opening from the roadway. That
was definite enough!

Fox News also ran the Dorothy interview with us. It was the highest rated
program of the day. More folks watched us than cop shows and
sitcoms. Interesting. Cho would laugh at that.

So Fox News dominated the evening!!! An email to Kent with big cheers!
Another email to congratulate Dorothy!! I asked where it might be stored so
we could watch the final product.

I emailed Joseph to ask about an air-date for the Polish worker's piece. He
was back to me... in three days. The promos were airing.

Lunch was the Twins, Tha, Andi, Francis, Ali, Gil and me. Potato leek soup,
warm fresh bread, lots of cheese choices, cut fruit and Christmas
cookies. All good and disappeared.

Andi was driven to Oxford for the train back up to London. She'd look at
the new building later this afternoon.



Coffee and a plate of cookies in the Library. I had a pile of reports to
get through.

Ali generously added several from 21st Century Fox... I can't say I thanked
her... actually I stuck my tongue out which made her nearly
choke... laughing.



I texted Francis... he dropped in a chair opposite. "Dawn tomorrow... you
and me."

"No shit! You're right. Wow... when is dawn these days?"

My `early' got a laugh from Ali.



My riding friends were back for an afternoon jaunt. We did a good gallop
around the Sci Ctr then turned on the woods path to the museum site. I gave
them lay of the land and showed them the plans in the Library later.

The golfers doing drinks... so we joined. The Twins came `galloping' in to
raise our noise level. They had on macs and woolly hats for outdoors
time. Jaidee joined forces with them for outdoor fun.

We had our guests for another day, Riding and golfing. The evening was the
St. Thomas School play for our remaining two pairs...

The morning ride was just Francis and I. Yone let me know a drone would be
near since I didn't want an escort this morning. I was Okay with that, we
weren't going very far.

Dawn not yet breaking as I walked down to the Stables. Andy's grin as he
took possession of a napkin surrounding a hot buttered scone. I nibbled
mine as Pat came up with Roland and Max. A mostly awake Francis
arrived... I shared my coffee and scone with him as Andy shared the scone
with Pat.

We mounted... the sun opening the day! Down the lane and up the slope... I
kept us to the western side, we romped around a quiet Sci Ctr. on the
return we came down to the east... in the light a patch of blue was visible
in the woods.

I turned us... Francis staring at me... "Fay, shouldn't we call Security?"

I led him towards the edge of the woods to look... suddenly it hit him!!!

"Damn! Fay, sometimes you are too much."

We slid down to go to the tent... Francis' tent... I gave him a hug!

A small package was passed to him... a pair of Mont Blanc Meisterstuck
Geometry Solitaire LeGrand pens engraved with the date and a `much love'
from Cho and Fay.

Another hug and a kiss.

"You are always so good about these sort of things."

"I know you borrow Cho's pens all the time so you must like the way they
write. So now you're all set."

He motioned to the tent... "I got Anthony and Pat to put it up yesterday
afternoon. They were laughing about my `devious' ways."

"They're right! You..." another hug.

I said they'd come out to take it down later. I got a leg up and we
finished our ride. At the Stables Pat was smiling. Fist bump between he and
Francis.

In the Bfast Room Cho had a laugh hearing Francis' reaction.

"So the pens are Okay?"

Francis said `More than Okay!'

I told him a box of refills was on his desk! More hugging!

Cho asked about the condition of the tent? Francis repeating his `devious'
comment which got Cho to laugh adding a `too right!'

We waved the golfers off. Then more riding as the `guests' came out with
me.



We had a `girls' chat after lunch. Meg wanted to know more about the
Chanthira Foundation and could she help. I gave Millie, Roxanne and Meg
chapter and verse. I told Meg she could call and maybe meet with Jian in
London. I had Gil give Meg Jian's mobile.

"Jian runs the shelter and clinic programme and is based in Bangkok where
the Foundation's offices are but she's on the move a good deal. She'll be
in London with family until at least mid-January."

I explained what we were up to across the UK. Rona was our director here
and in the rest of Europe whenever we build it. She had an office near
Kensington Palace and Notting Hill Gate. If Meg was interested they should
meet too!

"We haven't done any fund-raising yet. The Foundation is paying for
everything through the endowment's investment profits. Cho and I will add
more money to the endowment in January. The investment folks at the Cho
Family banks are doing a fabulous job managing the money. They are
projecting three hundred million U.S. Dollars to spend for next year. This
year it is approaching a hundred million increase over last year."

They were impressed with the amounts... `Why do fund-raising?'

"Mostly to lift the Foundation's name and be able to explain what we are
doing and for whom in a more public, larger scale manner. Doing something
like the golf tournament in September 2018 can get us on TV in America
which would be huge."

Meg said she would call Jian... try to arrange a meet and see if she could
do something to help. Fist bump!



One more ride with Meg, Millie, and Roxanne. Ken and Gaby were along. We
went north to Sandford, we walked through the village to the church. All
quiet. Down the dirt track where I told I would be `exercising' Rebel! Away
we went!

A fast run on the berm then grass... Rebel striding out! Soaring along the
river we had a quick trip to the property line then down to a walk. The
yearlings were on the track with their mothers. Yvonne and Freddie
up... leading the colts.



We did informal tea before saying goodbye to Harry and Meg. On the
Forecourt waving as the AW139 lifted them away. Cars awaited them at
Wandsworth Bridge.

At the Entryway Cho said it seemed like they both had a relaxing two
days. I agreed, "Meg liked joining in with my money giveaways. Seeing the
people get unexpected cash was a vicarious thrill!"



Bundled up against the late afternoon cold we stepped out of the cars at
the St. Thomas School auditorium. Mr. Thorn and Ron Cotton were the
greeters.

They remembered Millie and Chou. Roxanne and Tom introduced. Their name got
a look from Ron Cotton. He asked Our Tom, who said yes he was that `Tom.'
Funny. Ron Cotton congratulated Our Tom.

"I know you've probably heard it all... It was marvellous you were able to
maintain such a high level of play for so many months on such different
courses."

Cheers! Our Tom thanked him with a big handshake.

We paid and left our usual donation. PJ, Rande and Angie were with us.

We walked in saying lots of hellos... We had the end of a row saved for
us. Tom on the inside with Roxanne, Cho and I in the middle, Millie and
Chou on the aisle. Chairs against the wall for our three Protectors.

Many more hellos and handshakes!

Mr. Thorn came out to do the greeting...

"Before we get started... a special welcome to Her ladyship, the Countess
Harcourt and Sir Cho."

Damn if everyone didn't stand up to applaud! Cho's hand squeezed mine.

We stood up... waving... we said thank you. Then we did what Cho did at the
tenth hole at the Bel Air Golf Club after his hole-in-one... we waved our
palms downward smiling towards everybody. Many smiling faces... They all
sat back down finally.

Mr. Thorn finished saying it felt right to have us in the `Manor House!' He
finished the introduction and left the stage.

I looked at Cho with eyebrows raised before the lights dimmed. He grinned
and shrugged.

Music then the curtain slid open. The stable was much the same as last
year... this year Joseph and Mary were just arriving. Our Iris `acting'
again this year carrying Mary! The innkeeper said this... motioning to the
small stable... was all he had to offer.

The tired couple accepted, going in... the door closed... a brief
silence... Joseph came out hurriedly to go off stage then back with the
innkeeper and his wife. She went in and shortly there was a baby
crying. The innkeeper's wife called Joseph in.

The stage lights lowered and a star appeared above the stable. The curtain
closed. Applause.

The second act came in ten minutes... the stable door open, the infant in
the hay filled manger with Mary sitting beside him. Joseph looking
happy. Neighbours came to visit, workers from the corrals clustered on the
edges. Iris being sweet nuzzling against Joseph.

All the Bethlehem people coming to see the infant.

Cho's whisper, "They are doing much better this year." Thumbs up from me.

The Three Wiseman arrived to start the third act. They each knelt one at a
time to offer their gifts. Standing and bowing deeply to the child as they
backed away...

The cast on stage then sang a cappella:

We Three Kings of Orient are,

    Bearing gifts we traverse afar,

        Field and fountain,

        Moor and mountain,

    Following yonder Star.

 O Star of Wonder, Star of Night,

    Star with Royal Beauty bright,

            Westward leading,

            Still proceeding,

    Guide us to Thy perfect Light.

They did the five verses and did it well. A few squeaks and some forgotten
words but a fine effort. The curtain closed.

They received a storm of applause.

The lights came up. The curtain opened to the whole cast on the stage to
receive a further ovation for their efforts. We stood up as did the whole
crowd. The clapping was intense!

The children were acting happy, giggling and waving to their parents and
friends!

The curtain closed again. Fini!

Our guests smiling. Roxanne asked their ages. I said the play was usually
done by the Junior School Year's 3, 4, 5. In America roughly grades
2-4. She was impressed.

We worked our way out saying many more hellos. Lots of hands shaken.

Cho was taking our male guests to the pub. PJ sent one car to be with
him. Rande and Angie went along. PJ with us in the other car.

We wanted to do a movie after changing to jeans. First was a visit to the
Twins. There was a sign on the closed door: A Twins signal. No one come in!
A smaller piece taped under the sign was a note from Tha, `They are making
things they don't want you to see. I'll text you when it is bedtime.'

I texted her we were watching a movie.

Popcorn, candy and sodas!! Okay what did we want... murder, mayhem,
romance, a few laughs... we looked through I pulled out `Gorky Park' a bit
of all those possibles!

William Hurt, Lee Marvin, Brian Dennehy, Ian Bannon and Joanna
Pacula. Murderer protected by KGB, beautiful woman who wouldn't tell what
she knew until almost killed, a revenge minded American and assorted
unpleasant Muscovites.

Minks and money! William Hurt, the dogged policeman, had to see it all down
to the end.

We enjoyed it. It looked good on the screen with a believable plot and the
characters fit well.

Lots of popcorn and candy consumed.

When we came out of the Library Carter2 told us the gentlemen had come back
and were playing poker.

I had `silenced' my phone. Tha texted five minutes ago about bedtime. I
went up straightaway.

The little ones were ready for sleep. I kissed and hugged them, some extra
love from Popa via me.

Tomorrow was a big day... our first Open House. Carter said he was `ready'
to go!

It was Gaby, Tara with me in the morning. We had a great ride... Roland
rocking! The cold made the heat from us more intense.

After Bfast Cho and I drove to Denham School. I got Millie and Roxanne to
come along. Chou and Tom went to play a final round.

Richard's smile, "Everyone getting a Christmas gift from you two." Fist
bump.

As we walked I asked Richard to look into classes for horticulture and
farming. He said he'd be on to Jasmine this afternoon.

The auditorium was full of students and faculty. We stepped up on the dais
to the podium together. I leaned to the microphone... "Good morning to you
all..." They stood up to applaud. Cho's hand squeezed mine.

As they went on I tried to thank them. At last everybody settled into their
seats again.

"Cho and I came here today to give you some news. We have decided to change
the cost structure of Denham School by cutting fees in half..."

LOUD applause... "That change includes you! You will be refunded one half
of your basic fee at the end of the term."

They were up once again clapping and yelling. It took some time for them to
sit again.

"We do hope you have had a successful time here and will return at some
point. Thank you again for being part of the inaugural term of Denham
School."

We did a mixing thing with tea and cookies. All the students who spoke to
us were very happy here and learned a lot. I saw Lorena... I opened my
arms... big hug.

"Miss Martin... Your Ladyship... this has all I hoped for and more. Calista
has offered me an intern's position." She paused, "Calista made it clear it
wasn't a dogs-body type of internship... no going for teas but a real
hands-on helper. She likes my clothes."

She took me to the design rooms... Tara was right behind.

Lorena showed me two outfits she'd made for her class. I liked them. A wool
sleeveless black cocktail type frock, slender torso, zipped up the back, a
wide soft big pleated skirt to the knee. Very soft! It had an over the
shoulders wrap of a light gray cashmere with a big black button to hold it.

The other was a long sleeved top to the waist with a scalloped bottom edge
and cuffs in a canary yellow crepe. The skirt also crepe with wide soft
pleats to mid-thigh in a darker yellow.

It looked like Lorena had real talent! We talked about the job as we walked
back. I waved to Calista who came over.

"So I like Lorena's two outfits... I want to buy the black one... Don't
worry about size I have two terrific seamstresses available. Please advise
Lorena on pricing and... " I turned to Lorena, "... can you deliver?"

We laughed. Lorena said she would give me the dress since I'd arranged
everything here for her.

I pointed out it would better to have a bona fide sale under her
belt. Ah... she got it!

Calista said they'd talk. Hugs for both!

The Denham School faculty had been specially invited to the Open House.

Driving home Cho was grinning one of his `cute' grins. I nudged him...

"Well... we paid for Lorena to go to school but you are going to pay for a
frock?"

"I want her to be able to say... legitimately... she sold a dress to
me... me! If I have a title I might as well throw it around a bit."

We all laughed and I got a `good' kiss!



Lunch was light so the goodies at the Open House could be consumed!

I chose a Calista black suit, skinny legs to semi-wide bell bottoms below
the knee, narrow lapel jacket cut close to my shape, a bustier with a
magenta back, the front was tropical flowers w/ magenta, lime green, bright
yellow, vivid orange!  A light magenta for my nails and lips, orange pocket
handkerchief `flowing' out, magenta oval earrings! Black three inch heels!

Black with lots of sass!

Chani in a black pinafore with a long sleeved silver gray top, white knee
socks and Mary Janes. Charlie wanted to wear his heather gray overalls and
a black turtleneck jumper, very soft wool! Black half boots and red socks!
Natalys' purchases looking good!!

Cho in a black suit also with a blindingly white shirt skipping the tie.

Tom and Roxanne dressed like us, Millie did a skirt in dark gray and a
black cashmere jumper. Chou like Cho!



Gil in my Dressing Room bringing me up to date on a few things as I
dressed, Chani on the settee giggling beside Gil.

Candace was well out over the Atlantic set for a six o'clock landing at
Chalgrove.

Jeremy just sent an email, the CAA has approved our request to fly drones
out of sight of the operators across the country not just London which had
been their first approval. Our having fully qualified pilots and our past
record all contributed.

We were still waiting on the test programs on the new `wing' drones before
asking for permission to use them also.

Tessa said to Gil to pass on... `Dantone's fiancée went around him.'

"She said you'd know." I nodded.

Soam emailed, he had tested the auto-return feature on the `Wings.' It
worked perfectly. Everything needed can now be uploaded before take-off. I
did a fist pump... Yes!!

Gil looking... I enlightened her, "If a satellite controlled `Wing' is cut
off from operator control for more than a certain time it returns to the
base automatically. All the programming needed can be sent to the Wing's
on-board computer which then records the flight characteristics and follows
the same track back to the launch point.

If the operator can regain control they do so and continue the
mission. Otherwise the drone lands itself where it is programmed to do.

An electronic beacon will be mounted right on our landing grids to help
guide the Wing in right down to the pad. Soam made my suggested changes to
my original idea over the last week or so and started testing with various
configurations."

Gil grinning, "You do find ways to entertain yourself and give folks
constructive things to do."

I did a shimmy... "You bet, Honey!" Lots of laughter.

I scooped up my daughter... "We're off!" Loud giggles.

Tha was with Charlie in the Great Room, Cho talking with Francis and
Yone. Ansara and Gaby were to stay near the Twins. Tha keeping an eye out
because they would likely get tired.

Our family and guests were ready. Carter smiling at the doorway... he gave
a look around seeing the staff and the caterers' people in place. He
motioned to Carter2... doors open.

Our neighbours coming in to our welcome, introductions, chat and
refreshments. A few new faces.

Teddy with Gladys. She was doing Okay, on her cane. She laughed, "I'm
married to this thing. It's less trouble than my late husband." Laughing,
we joined in.

Mary and Ron Cotton. Hugs. The Thorns right behind them. More hugs. Jocelyn
said they are doing a `holding action' at our Day Care. Parents can sign-in
a small child while at the Open House.

"We have extra staff so there's plenty of supervision."

Cho nudged me... Tom had a few men in a group... golfers!

I had gone past Millie... she was telling a small group about the
semi-tropical splendours of Taipei.

Penn and Kavat arrived with her parents. Hugs! A handshake with her dad who
seemed to be `looser' this year, certainly a nice smile. I escorted them to
the Great Room... Penn took Kavat to be `shown off' to some of her local
friends.

I got a cup of tea with the parental units. They both liked Kavat and were
genuinely pleased to see how happy Penn was.

"We were concerned about her going but she's been so upbeat in all her
calls and emails... then Kavat..."

Her mother took over, "She's like the chick breaking out of its
shell... she's up and moving about enjoying life. There's no doubt Penn
likes working for your company! Kavat is a very nice man who obviously
loves her."

Big handshakes for them!!

I went to find Cho. I whispered to him about Penn's parents... he laughed
drawing me tight, "I know Chani will choose her own path and family
relationships... it will still be a big wrench to let her go unless we are
confident in her happiness. We'll have to trust her like Penn's parents
learned."

"I love how smart you are... that's how I feel."

"Oh... so I'm smart if I follow your thinking?"

A SQUEEZE... "YES!" Laughter!

Gil came close, quietly, "Get a room!" More hilarity on our part.

"An email from Joseph... the story on the Polish workers and the
Bonwit-Teller Building will run tomorrow at seven New York Time.. They are
running extra promotions for it."

Fist bumps!

We went back to circulating. I checked on the Twins in the Game Room. Tha
and Ansara sitting nearby watching as they shared several of their puzzles
with other youngsters. The kids liked the big chunky pieces! Other children
playing games and munching on goodies from the buffet.

Most of the faculty of Denham School arrived. Calista got a smile seeing me
in one of her suits.

"You accessorized it beautifully!"

Adrienne gave me a thumbs up!

The photographers looking around. One said he'd seen pictures of this room
last year from the BBC special.

"Quite amazing! Like a Christmas shop explosion in here!"

I laughed, "True enough! A `controlled' explosion though."

He liked that!

Maxine was with Marianne, the Oxford bakery lady. Maxine made sure she
tried the shortbread. I could see Marianne liked it.

I nudged Maxine with a go ahead motion. She said I should. Marianne
wondering.

"My aunt makes the shortbread. We get tins of it delivered from Fortrose. I
ate it as a child."

Marianne smiling, "I can see why you've grown up so well!"

We all laughed. She said it takes real skill for this... she held up a
piece before munching it... to be the outcome!



I met Tom and said if he was `golfed out' he could go to the Breakfast Room
to sit or...

"I'm fine. The men are polite and interested, not pushy. They are
knowledgeable which is nice."

"So playing with Cho every day..."

A smile, "The man is amazing. I had a great year... partially because of
him. I saw how he could narrow his attention down to each shot...a laser
focus... but still enjoy playing of the game. Enjoying is the key... it's
not a business for me... not ever I hope... Cho helped to remind me how
much I love the game."

A hug, "Good. Cho was thrilled with what you did."

Another big smile, "So was I!" Laughter, "I was one of those who said it
couldn't be done... Now I know I can do it so others will too."

Roxanne had spotted us, hug. "So your neighbours are a mixed lot... lawyers
and farmers."

She'd met the Wellans and Archie and Margy.

"As we added property to the estate the Wellans became surrounded by
us. Another family near them too. We rode by their homes yesterday. Archie
sold a large part of his farm to us then accepted our offer to manage the
estate's farming operations. A perfect arrangement, he's training staff to
take over in a few years."

Roxanne and I headed to the food. I got a plate of salmon sandwiches and
shortbread. A cup of tea. We parked on a settee near the west side. A good
spot, somewhat out of the way but with a view.

"I asked Tom if my traveling more with him would matter... He was so sweet
saying it wouldn't, `I'd love it.'

"I understand. I hate to be away from Cho and the Twins. Business and other
things demand it. Now that they are so mobile it will be easier to have
them around and more dangerous."

Roxanne said she would worry about children... A smile. I could see there
was something. I took her up to my Dressing Room. In the chairs by the
window...

"I'm pregnant... eight weeks. Tom knows but I've avoided saying anything to
people... maybe because we've become more `public' and spreading things
around didn't seem wise."

I congratulated her. She said they'd been trying for several years then
suddenly.

"Tom thinks it because he was easing off from a stressful year of
golf... who knows... it has happened! We're joyous!"

I said she'd have to stop riding... I told her about Sasha and Dolly... Rox
said that seemed right...

I mentioned my `girls only' few days at Phuket while the `guys' golfed. It
was because I had a `feeling' about her.

I stood up to disrobe... she watched intently as the pieces came
off. Standing there bare-assed watching Roxanne's face go from surprise to
a bit of lust... she knelt... she stroked the red mark on my tummy from the
tight top... then the hibiscus below... Rox leaned to kiss my pussy, a bit
of tongue going in.

Rox leaned back, "Fay, you have a gorgeous bod!"

I helped her undress, slender, her breasts were delightful pears, slim hips
like mine and toned long legs.

I took her in my arms for a kiss.

We sat on the settee touching as I heard about her early love life.

"At thirteen I did a sleepover with my best friend. A cute blonde, a junior
high school cheerleader teammate. At bedtime she said she slept nude and
asked if it was a problem... I was already interested so I lied and said I
did too.

Lying there facing each other I took the biggest risk of my life to that
point... I stroked her vagina. A smile from her, reciprocation!! We kissed
and caressed then did our first sixty-nine!!!! I loved her taste... sweet,
warm, soft skin. We didn't have much pubic hair... I ran on tongue through
her's. We found each other's clit and went to work. Orgasms!

I only touched myself before so this was off the charts. Same for her. In
the darkened room we licked every inch other each other. It was a treat to
feel her cum on my tongue and vice-versa.

In the morning her mom came to wake us... my friend sound asleep in my
arms... her mother at the door... her face was a nice smile. She motioned
to me... I slid out and walked naked to her.

She said we should talk later before I went home. We did...  the three of
us. Her parents had divorced years earlier... Her mom smiling she was Okay
with our being lovers but only here in the house.

"Outside... the world is a cruel place for anyone who is different."

We told her we'd seen that with a gay boy at school who been bullied. She
asked what we did and was surprised to hear we had befriended him
separately finding out the next day what we'd each done.

Her mom asked me to stay to dinner... overnight again? It was a weekend so
no big deal. It was terrific to meet her mom's girlfriend. She was a
beautiful woman, curvy body, lustrous dark skin and wonderful golden brown
hair. Seeing them kiss at the door... lovely. Now they could be open to my
friend.

"I knew my parents would be crazed to find out I had any sexual encounters
much less lesbian ones.

Home life was strained by their fighting, my mom travelled for her job and
dad always bitched about it. He knew from the start but it didn't matter
now. I figured I'd be ducking around with my friend.

A month or so later, Dad became an ally when I found him at home in the
garage on his knees with a large penis in his ass... Their sex noise came
into the kitchen from the garage through the door... I peeked. Dad's
`friend' was a good-looking mid-aged black guy obviously enjoying himself
as was my dad. Their verbalizing made it plain.

I didn't coerce him... I told him what I saw and asked if mom knew... she
didn't according to him. I found out later she did know and couldn't care
less... she had her own boyfriend.

So my parents ended up not having problems with my sex activities. And
dad's boyfriend moved in when mom left to be with her's. My dad's boyfriend
was a great guy, an awesome cook and lawyer. They are both dead now."

Sad moment...

"Tom met them all once we had become a couple. Tom told me he'd had sex
with boys when he was younger, he enjoyed it all but preferred me to
ANYONE!"

Fist bump!

I told her ALL about Phuket... she wanted in, "Tom won't mind playing with
Cho and his friends, while I dabble with you."

I gave Rox the ground rules I used but I'd want to be with her.

A soft hand caressing me, "Fay, I definitely want to be with you!!!!!"

Fist bumps for our agreement. I got her wet, she did me... Rox watched me
lick my fingers... lusty face as she cleaned her fingers of my taste.

HUG!

We returned to the Open House which was beginning to wind down. Carter2
beside me, "Chalgrove says the aircraft is open and the car is there." I
thanked him.

At the door our people with Cho and I helped our neighbours into coats as
the cold had descended with darkness. Lots of goodbyes and thank yous!!!

Millie talking with folks Chou beside her. Tom saying goodbye to a couple
of men.

Carter in with Candace! HUGS!! Fin had her bags, he headed upstairs. A
smile for him.

Cho stayed doing the last goodbyes. I took Candace into the Breakfast
Room. Carter knew to come when the Great Room was emptied of
neighbours. Tha brought the Twins to me from a too short `lie down.'

They got hugs and kisses from Candace who was amazed at their growth.

My `you know they are supposed to do that' got laughs. Carter sent
Lucas... so I took Candace and the Twins to the Great Room... she loved it
even in its current dishevelled state.

Introductions for Candace!

We were taking Candace out to eat with our other guests to give the staff a
break. We hired one half of Glee's in Oxford for dinner. We had the outside
glass room. Tom and Rox, Millie and Chou, Candace, Cho and I, Francis and
Ali, Gil and our entire Protection Team!

Cecil and Gee joined us. Cecil got to meet Tom which was nice. They talked
some golf, Tom was ever so polite to do it.

The Twins stayed home as the Open House had worn them out. They'd had fun
being with a lot of other kids. They had a favourite meal for their supper,
grilled cheese sandies and chips with catsup!

The restaurant did a seafood menu selection and their sommelier was on hand
to help us. Linguine with fresh seafood variety was my choice!

We all had an excellent dinner. Everyone said their food was great. I did
cheese plate and a nice port, afterwards espresso.

Their service was quite good. The owner came in to say hello and we thanked
him for an excellent dinner. He was beaming!!

At home we went up to see the babies they were just going in their
cribs. Kisses and hugs!

We all sat in the Library to give Carter free use of the Great Room for
further removal of the party bits. Big thank yous to Tom and Rox for
joining in. Millie and Chou had experienced it before, veterans.

In the morning after my ride we said goodbye to our guest pairs, up to the
big city for a few days. We hoped they enjoy our new base in the city.

Carter's reports from Clough were great. The house staff taking good care
of our guests.

All pervious guests had loved Cowley House, the rooms and the location.



Candace sat with Cho and I in the Library. We had news for her!

"An Apple vice-president person got in touch. We'd met him in
California. He said Apple wanted to talk about Barrier Security... they
wanted to buy the company to bring the software inside the company. They
are offering an excellent price.

I have talked with our Barrier folks... they are enthusiastic about it!
They wouldn't have to move just make the occasional trip to Sunnyvale."

"Fay, Cho, I'm fine with that!" She slapped her thigh, "Ha! I just spent
time telling all my school and other groups I work with about my having a
stake in Barrier. Now I'll have to go back and un-tell them."

Laughing, Cho said with `more money in your pockets!'

Fist bumps.

Cho nudged me... "Fay is going on Apple's Board of Directors."

"Wow! That is great... Can you get me discounts?"

Laughing! Cho took Candace on a house tour.



Gil and Ali with me. Notes and drawings from Carmen in Los Angeles on the
Santa Monica Boulevard building. Looked good for remodelling, our moving
around the interior to suit us had lots of options. The bump section like a
small partial first floor was plenty big enough for an office with two
rooms.

It was retro-fitted for earthquakes ten years ago, we should re-visit
that. No sound-proofing... so there's that needed too.

Otherwise it was good. The car park behind was part of the property. It was
a pay-to-park during the day and evening, no overnight. We'd need it all
for the club through open hours... we hoped.

Gil sent an email to Carmen to buy it telling her to reach out to Francis
for the money. She also sent a heads-up to Francis.

I emailed Jayne with the news. It was a great location and a very
serviceable building! She was back right away with a giant `GREAT!' in an
email. She had liked the location, right in `WeHo' a very gay friendly
neighbourhood.

Another email went to Wade asking if he'd be interested in helping on the
project. If so... he could see it and the data so he could have some notion
of what we wanted before flying over here.

Francis parked in a chair, "We have closed on the properties in
Seattle. The new shelter in that office building in Fremont was an easy buy
since we'd been there and knew all about it. Our local contractor will be
in it today for a look-see based on your ideas. I was amazed it was still
on the market... I think things which don't matter to us made it less
desirable."

Francis said Tilda found a block of flats on East John Street that was
terrific! Eighteen one bedroom units on three floors in three
sections. Each section had its own staircase plus small storage for the
flats in the cellars. A good sized laundry room for each section.

The six top floor units had a small private terrace on the roof. One ground
floor flat was to be for Security to put their equipment and be a shared
office for them and the site managers.

One downside was there was no parking on the property for residents but
most of our tenants probably wouldn't have a car. There were two bus lines
a block away and the streetcar to downtown two blocks over to the west.

We'd charge low rents to house some of the young people who had moved on
from our shelters and had gotten employment. Maybe the top floor ones for
staffers?

It was only four and half blocks from the Clinic and Shelter.

The new shelter in Fremont would be able to provide single rooms, large
shared bathrooms with private showers and toilets. Meeting rooms, quiet
spaces, a computer room, a recreation hall plus dining and kitchen
spaces. The small theatre at the end of the building which got it on our
`to see' list for the traffic command centre would be great for big
meetings, other entertainment and showing movies.

Tilda would keep looking for other small blocks of flats to buy for our
employees and low rent housing for folks leaving the shelters.



Antoine's latest news was terrific! He had steady data flows from all the
installed equipment. He could sit in the control room and bring video onto
the huge screen, sub-divide it, splash data on the screen edge.

He was enjoying the build-out. So much more to do but it was working as it
was supposed to. He had transferred the drawbridges control to the SODO
location so the building in Fremont was now a backup.

The local Seattle wiring companies we bought were doing a superb job. He
was full of praise for them.



Alex was meeting today in Seattle with the city public utilities people
about new remote controls for existing reservoirs and a innovative system
of small dams in eastern King County. A nice project if they want us.

So Seattle was getting sorted!!



Jasmin was in Madagascar to talk water supplies with the island's
government. Another semi-tropical location affected by global
warming. Their abundant rains weren't in the same old patterns now so
conserving all the water possible was a necessity.

She'd go on to Jakarta. Indonesia, another country with the same
issues. They could potentially have water conservation projects on all
their major islands.

Both nations needed us... making the deals was now on Jasmin's shoulders. I
expected good news! Ha!



There hadn't been any movement on fixing UBI in the United Kingdom because
the tories were so incompetent and basically lazy which suited their
looking down their noses at everyone but themselves. Their leadership
people were worse than the Labour Party! A sad state of affairs. Not much
for us to work with for change, two inept and foolish political
parties. The Lib-Dems hardly mattered.

In America the Congress was working on UBI legislation which once it was
put together would pass and Hillary was happy to sign it. They can't stop
quibbling about bits and pieces of it though. Always the urge to talk
something to death... they're politicians!

I wrote another Publisher's comment for our newspapers in both countries
and asked Kent to consider a camera crew at Harcourt House to do a
video... when and how to use it was a discussion to be had with Bill.



An overnight email from Viv in Topanga to Gil. She'd hired Jorrie as a
part-timer to start. Dali had given her the Okay on the security
clearance. She was twenty and an experienced stable hand. She'd live on
site in the trailer and eat with Viv and Nadine. Nadine would leave the
trailer to take Vivienne's room when she left for Harcourt Ranch
shortly. Seemed like they had it all worked out! Cheers!



Our first test `solar kits' were in place in Pleasant Valley and
Lordsburg. They were a solar panel in a standing metal frame, wiring,
batteries, an inverter and control panel packaged together. Install
instructions and contacts for help.

We shipped them asking people at the other end to do the setup. No one with
special skills would be involved in Pleasant Valley. We needed to know if
such `kits' could be sold and shipped to customers.

We also wanted to sell them to governments for installation in their
buildings, community housing and recreation areas so complications were not
wanted. Sales to governments to re-sell at low prices to ordinary citizens
was also part of our plan further along.

In Pleasant Valley, Sam and Beverly got one family in the new houses to do
it. The husband and wife with their teenage son were able to do it! It was
working!! The son had really led on it! A technophile teenager!

They only needed help to connect it to the house electrical
system. Awesome!!

The solar panel frame would need some bracing for snow which the farm
maintenance folks would do straightaway.

The Lordsburg one was installed by Yoani's husband, Mateo. He was a
mechanic and was chosen because of that. How long for a technically skilled
person to do it? Turned out only a few hours in total!

Mateo liked the challenge and the unit. He said it was well made and the
instructions were clear with lots of diagrams!

I loved it. Solar panels to go!!! I texted to Cho. He and Candace came to
the Library! HUGS!!

A very nice project on its way to make a tiny difference in global
warming!! We'd make money... not much, the margins were small on
purpose. If we can make the solar panels even more efficient and less
costly to build... then maybe we'd do Okay financially.

Candace sitting beside me at lunch nudging my arm, "You guys are so awesome
doing something like that."

I smiled, "It's not like we don't want to make money but it is not a
primary goal for a lot of our projects. If we do then fine... we'll push
the profits into making the panels even better or providing extra bits in
the kits to secure it. Who knows what else."



Chani and Charlie had an appointment with us at the Great Room fireplace
after lunch??? We knew they were up to something... they'd been practising
according to Tha! I'd seen something, not much, by accident and was sworn
to silence.

Francis and Ali, Gil and Candace, Cho and I together on settees next to the
fire.

Tha came in with the Twins. They had little homemade books. Tha sat beside
me. Our hands together.

Chani and Charlie were standing up with their backs to the fire in front of
Jaidee who wasn't paying much attention.

Chani opened her book... Cho's hand tightened on my other...

Chani in a clear voice...



Everyone was excited... Christmas was just around the corner. The children
were singing and dancing around happily. Everyone except the mean old
Mr. Scrooge. He hated anyone's happiness saying Christmas was a `humbug.'
He was a businessman who lived for making money and nothing else.



Charlie's book open... He began...



It was a Christmas Eve. After Mr. Scrooge went to sleep...unexpectedly, a
ghost of Christmases Past appeared in front of Mr. Scrooge. The ghost took
him into the past and pointed out the little boy Ebenezer Scrooge, reading
a book all alone in a school room. When he was small, his parents sent him
off to school, he was often all alone, he didn't make friends. He was by
himself every Christmas. He could not take that anymore. The ghost went
away just as Scrooge cried out in his unhappiness.



Chani took up the reading...



Later, the ghost of Christmas Present appeared at the door of Scrooge's
bedroom. He had come to show him the happiness of Christmas. The ghost took
Scrooge to the house his office clerk Bob Cratchit. They both looked inside
through the window. There was a simple meal on the table, but everybody
looked very happy. They all were singing and dancing merrily even the
sickly Tiny Tim. Mr. Scrooge thought, "How can they be so happy being so
poor?" The ghost of present replied, "It's Christmas!"



Charlie again...



Shortly after, the ghost of Christmas Future appeared. They went to look in
Cratchit's window to see the Tiny Tim wasn't there and the family
crying. Bob Cratchit very sad looking at Tim's empty seat by the
fire. Scrooge seemed quite upset. Scrooge and the ghost arrived at a
funeral. Few people were at the church. They all were criticizing the dead
person. "This certainly comes for every man," one of them said. "What's the
use of having so much money, anyway?" another man said.



Chani...



Another man said, "Few people are coming to pay respects to Scrooge!"
Scrooge saw his own funeral was overlooked. The ghost made him realize that
he didn't care about anyone except for himself so no one cared about
him. He still had no friends. He begged the ghost saying, "Please, give me
a chance to change my future!"

And the ghost disappeared.



Charlie...



On Christmas morning he awoke.  His disturbed sleep left him changed. He
promised to himself that from now on, he would help people in need and
would take care of his clerk's family. He arranged for a huge turkey to be
sent to the Cratchit's home. That night he visited his only family, a
nephew he had thought hopeless as he married without Scrooge's blessing. He
was warmly welcomed to their Christmas party. Since then, Scrooge became
the most generous of men in London town all through the year but especially
at Christmas time.

I was near to tears... Cho's smile was unbelievably happy...

Charlie and Chani closed their books, they held hands...

"Mama... Popa... Happy Christmas from us!"

We jumped up to applaud the Twins as did everyone. They were scooped up by
us. Cho handed me a Cho-Fay handkerchief.

Chani's arms on my shoulders, "Mama we did good!"

I mopped my eyes, a kiss from my daughter.

Everyone else came close to congratulate the Twins!

I put out my hand to Tha. Tight squeeze.

We calmed down. Chani in my lap.

"It was a good surprise?"

"Indeed. A very good surprise!! It is one of my favourite books."

"We do know what all the words mean, well... most of them."

I turned to Cho, "We should watch the movie..." A `definitely' from Cho.

Tha had been reading the story to them and they loved the flow of the
words. Scrooge was a `poop head' and Bob Cratchit was wonderful! Little
Tiny Tim was so nice!

"Did you want to wait to see the movie? We could watch it with Gramps and
Gamma."

Clapping by both of them! Done!

Swimming before dinner for them! They splashed around doing so much better
coordinating their `strokes.' They were faster in the water. They dried off
and laid on lounges watching Popa, Gil and I do `laps' without moving.

Candace loved the pool! And was intrigued by the inflated roof
technology. She was forewarned so she brought along her own swimming
costume. No tiny black bikini which I pointed out was Cho's loss. Candace
blushed... she and Cho did do fist bumps! Grins!

Upstairs Tha dressed the Twins then Chani joined me in my Dressing
Room. She was in black jeans and a red smocked top.

Me... Black leather pants like skin! A cropped red t-shirt and a big black
cable jumper and black ankle boots.

I told Candace this wasn't a dress up night.

Carla's fish cakes in a citrus creame sauce!!! Jacketed potatoes, butter!!
Cut green beans under a lot of freshly shredded Romano! Maxine did a
slightly crunchy but incredibly soft inside loaves!

Dessert was a lovely yellow pound cake, nice thick slices, buttered then
oven toasted, a big dollop of vanilla ice cream on top! Coloured sugar
sprinkles! Massive success with the Twins!! Sue was praised by Charlie and
Chani!

Afters in the Great Room with Chani and Charlie and the Brothers Grimm.
They sat by Jaidee rubbing him slowly as Cho and I took turns reading the
The Elves and the Shoemaker. They were locked onto each reader... focus
like their Dad!

They'd been read to all their short lives... They seemed to absorb it very
well.

I was reading the last of the story...

`They dressed themselves with the greatest rapidity, putting the pretty
clothes on, and singing,

"Now we are boys so fine to see,

Why should we longer cobblers be?"

Then they danced and skipped and leapt over chairs and benches. At last
they danced out of doors

From that time forth they came no more, but as long as the shoemaker lived
all went well with him, and all his undertakings prospered.'

Chani and Charlie clapped their hands, laughing. They said the elves were
so nice to the cobbler and his wife... they deserved nice clothes!

Hugs for them both.

Everyone loved the simple little story.

The yawns came... Cho and I carried them up.

Tha right behind. She got things ready at their cribs, Cho and I did the
clothes changing. The babies were kissed and hugged. They snuggled down
with their bedtime friends!

Candace by the fire.

"Those two are quite exceptional. Reading Dickens at eighteen months!"

Cho told her about the psychologists prediction... they'd be reading and
doing math very soon!

She got a precis of their skills and how Tha was moving them forward.

Candace got a hoot from Charlie and Prince George coming up to Her Majesty
and me asking permission to go up to the Nursery.

I leaned over to Candace, "Charlie's tie was askew... I resisted
straightening it all the while laughing at myself about it."

Her smile, "I can see the `mother' in you having finger twitches... holding
back..."

We laughed.



Kent emailed the overnight ratings for the Polish Workers story... HUGE! It
aroused the ire of New Yorkers towards the loser Trump. All the city
newspapers... even the Post and Wall Street Journal were after him. Front
page stories in other newspapers than ours, reports of some lurid details
about his treatment of the Polish men.

Many voices asking for the local District Attorney to find some way to
prosecute Trump for what he did. Many more wanting the city to sue him for
the value of the façade he destroyed with added damages and interest.

Kent didn't think either idea would go anywhere given the time since the
event but Trump's name was deeper in the gutter than ever. As Kent said
`We've helped to ruin his pathetic false image.'

Also Trump's money troubles seem to be multiplying. He most likely wouldn't
be able to pay-off two notes due on the Trump Tower without selling
it. He'd be out from under at least but he'd see no money from it. It would
taken over by some bank.

Florida as a permanent location was looking more likely unless the folks in
Florida wised-up. Then it would have to be somewhere in the Middle East or
Russia for him!



In bed later I lay over Cho... "Let's buy the Trump Tower, change the name,
rip out the tacky atrium... do a tropical theme and really give New Yorkers
something to come inside to see."

Cho's eyes narrowed, "So not just a kick in the balls to Trump?"

"No. Throw him and any cronies out for sure but fix it up and make money in
Mid-Town Manhattan."

I got a `I'll look into it' from my guy.



I had another day of riding, Cho played golf, Twins and fun. We did another
reading of a Christmas story before dinner. The Twins had talked about
Scrooge's changes. Chani heard Cho and I being so happy for Pat and Diana
overcoming some issues in their lives...

"Mama, is Pat like Scrooge? Changing because you helped him?"

My baby growing up... maybe too fast but it was marvellous.

"Yes, sometime people need just a bit of support to get past a bad
spot. Scrooge's dreams did that... his inside `good' overpowering his bad."

Chani clapping! A smile and a giggle.

I hugged Candace beside the car in my riding clothes. She would go to
Cowley House for a few days. Rona and Andrea would be available as tour
guides if she wanted.

Millie and Chou, Rox and Tom were on their way back here to fly home. This
revolving guest thing was working out so well. A few days with us then in
the big city! Everybody loved it especially in the new house. Cowley House
was a big hit with friends! So much room compared to Basuto Road. Plus very
nice and very competent folk to look after you!!

Our big Los Angeles crowd! Dayton, Dari and Mari. George and Gina. Wade,
Flix and Cicely all in bound for an eleven o'clock landing at Chalgrove.

Cho and Francis up to something in the Office after we'd said our goodbyes
to Millie and Chou, Tom and Rox. They enjoyed their days in the city,
sights and sounds of London to take home. For Roxanne it was her first trip
to England so lots of memories stored up! A `gazillion' pics taken!

The Twins with me in the Garden romping with Choco Boy after their visit
with Iris!!!! Chani in the swing as I pushed...

"Mama, Iris is always happy... she likes us brushing her... it makes us
feel good for her."

"Iris is a sweet girl and having you two as friends makes her life even
better!"

Fin came out... "My Lady, Gil said to tell you the airplane is on the
ground."

"Thank you Fin."

I leaned over to Chani, "More friends you know... we have to go in."

"Okay! More friends is good!"

Tha, Charlie and Jaidee came along.

The Twins and Tha in the Great Room waiting... Cho and I out front to greet
our newcomers. This was the first visit here by all of them.

The gravel crunched, Cho's hand squeezed mine, smiles. The car doors were
opened. Dayton, Dari and Mari first. Hugs and kisses. Then Gina and George!
Flix gave me a big hug, Cecile and Wade! I was between Flix and Gina
holding hands...

Gina's head shaking, "Fay, it is beautiful... and big!"

Hands squeezed, "Let's go in so you can how nice it is inside!"

Coats off... everybody at the double doors... our `door' guys smiling as
they opened them.

`Ooooohhhhh's and Aaaaahhhhh's all around! The Twins yelling out `Happy
Christmas!' really broke the moment wide open. Our new guests moved forward
to greet Chani and Charlie, Francis, Ali and Gil Everybody smiling, our
folks taking Dari's hand then Flix and Gina... We mixed.

Mari looking at the tree, I stepped close... "So what do you think?"

"Fay, it is overwhelming! I've never seen anything this big."

"We don't go small for Christmas here!"

We gathered them all to put up their ornaments! Surprise and delight! Chani
`helped' Flix with theirs. Carter had Taittingers ready. Full glasses
except Dari and Cecile who got halves when their parents said
Okay... Shirley Temples for the Twins! We toasted to friends and a Happy
Christmas!

Dayton smiling, "You both are much more famous now," to Cho and I. "The
bank's Board were amazed to know their Chairman was now a `Knight' Sir
Cho!"

Cho laughed, "They'll get over it soon enough when you give them my plan
for the new real estate ventures."

Dayton nodding, "It will such a shame for them to know they'll have more
money to spend thanks to the `Knight.'."

Everyone smiling at that.

Cecile sipping slowly, "Thanks for this I feel very grown-up... my first
glass of champagne."

"I'm glad it was with us. That's the best there is! They're one of our
racing sponsors. We get lots for free."

Eyes wide, "Free champagne... now that's a perk!"

"You'll see in the Stables... our four-legged friends get to wear some nice
duds courtesy of our sponsors. The two legged ones also!"

I turned around to look for Mari and waved her over.

"You two up for a ride after lunch?"

Heads nodding and smiles. Okay!

Wade came over. "Fay, about the West Hollywood building. I've had a look
and have the name of an excellent interior person for you, Callie. She'll
be able to create the inside the way you want. She lots of experience and
is quite creative."

He handed me a business card.

I thanked him and gave the card to Gil to get in touch ASAP. To CC Jayne.

Carter at the door... Luncheon.

A soup and salad buffet. Vegetable soup and fish chowder. Things to make a
green salad, hot potato salad from a Bavarian recipe, two kinds of warm
bread with our butter. Sliced fruit and cheeses. One sideboard was cakes,
cookies and the first of the fruit cake from the nice company in Corsicana,
Texas.

It was a sit anywhere meal. I had the two teenagers on each side Gina and
Flix opposite. I gave them the `Honours Day' story. Gina watching my
face...

"You expected the government to do something... right?"

"We did. Like I might be made a `life peer' or something and Cho would get
some sort of medal or a low level honourary knighthood. The Queen made it
clear she was acting outside of the government. AND she seemed quite
pleased to do it!"

When asked I explained that a `life peer' was a `lord or dame' until
death. It was not a hereditary title. The `life peers' sit in the House of
Lords, hereditary peers do not. Well only a few...

"I've been asked to `run' for election into the Lords but I'm probably not
going to. I cannot devote the time needed to do the position justice."

I asked Carter to get out the `Honours' after lunch. A `Yes, my Lady!'
which got the Americans.

"So Downton Abbey... " quietly from Dari. Laughter.

"Funny... the one person who was so complimentary, was also the one who
pointed about how important it was as a new part of our family
history... Hillary."

They were amazed!

"Charlie has a title now... he is Viscount Munro, the secondary title the
Queen awarded me. Because she is the daughter of a Countess, Chani will
throughout her life be `Lady Chanthira' unless she marries someone in the
peerage at my same rank or higher then she'll take her husband's title."

They looked a bit lost... "It can be difficult to get into the scheme since
it has so many permutations."

A big giggle from Chani as Charlie dropped an olive... Tha stopped him
going to search, "After lunch."

I laughed, "The `Viscount has dropped an olive' a great title for a book."

Laughter... the guys down the table looked up... I waved and grinned. Cho
knew that mischievous grin!!

Coffee! Jaidee ready to play with the Twins as Tha put on their macs and
woolly hats plus gloves for some Garden fun. Hugs for them.

The planned ride went ahead without me... I got Yvonne and Diana to take
them north and back. Gina and Dari went along. The men had gone to play a
round of golf before the minor storm broke...

I moved to the Library... Flix was there just looking at the books. She
could see me on my iPad and asked if she should go... I said no but I might
be making some noise... I did plug in my headset.

Flix pulled down several books and sat on a settee by the front windows.

ICE was back trying to get into the ranch in Lordsburg.

Four vehicles had left the highway going east on a dirt road, turning right
southward into the open desert.

Sensors picked them up long before they crossed the property line from the
north heading south by slightly southeast

Benjamin was on duty running tests when the sensors acquired them, he
called Simon, who joined him immediately.

Benjamin had launched a turbo wing right away and vectored it to the
location, it was on station in twenty seconds high above the vehicles.

Simon said let them come on a half mile to the first line of traps, he was
calling Bangkok and Alice-Anne in Washington. I was patched into the video
and audio via the Conference App.

Video of the vehicles movement on the display in front of Benjamin fed
straight to me.

Simon gave a situation-report to Sumate, pointing out the traps and giving
a suggested plan, he got the Okay from Sumate. I was listening... letting
our professionals act.

It was here Alice-Anne joined on the Conference App.

The intruders were in a `diamond' formation with one pickup as the
rear. The lead vehicle was a Humvee. As they approached the first traps
Benjamin's wing fired a line of smoke rounds in front of them to slow them
down.

They slowed to a crawl moving through the smoke. The lead Humvee's front
end fell into a trap at a low speed, the others all sharply braked to a
halt.

Simon already had an armed reaction team on the way in two AW139's.

They'd taken off low to the south to circle around the intruders from the
west and east. Closing in!

Benjamin's wing was above and behind them.

On the wing's loudspeaker they were informed they were trespassing on
private property, they were to turn around and leave the way they came.

Someone yelled they were `police' `immigration agents' `federal officers.'

They did not show any identification when asked nor a warrant.

Benjamin using the loudspeaker told them they had no authority to be on the
property and to leave.

They refused. A rude hand gesture.

The order to leave was repeated, another refusal.

Benjamin fired the microgun into the sand to the left of the stopped
vehicles. It chopped up the sand.

Nothing...

Simon lifted his hand... Benjamin fired the microgun at the rear tyres of
the two outside pickup trucks, brief bursts shredded the tyres.

The ICE idiots hunkering down in their trucks could hear the helicopters
now.

Benjamin ordered the men out with their hands up, `Leave ALL weapons and
electronic devices in the vehicles.'

`Move away ten yards and kneel, cross your ankles and hands on the back of
your heads.'

Benjamin had moved the wing around them to the front, they could see it
now.

The AW139's kicked up some dust as they landed. Our folks came out with
their Heckler & Koch submachine guns aimed at the intruders and their
vehicles.

I was getting static from my headset so I yanked it off.

`You in the Humvee climb out the top,' two men did.

Benjamin flipped on the thermal scan... one more.

`You hiding in the Humvee come or you will be fired upon.'

He climbed out.

They all were kneeling as our people approached.

Benjamin had moved the wing to the right rear of the diamond formation.

Our team put plastic tie cuffs on each intruder's wrists just as these
thugs love to do to migrants they stopped near the border.

Then part of the team guarded them as others went through the vehicles
removing all weapons, phones, documents, etc...

That done the men were searched thoroughly, a few more weapons, phones and
their ID was confiscated. Their gear was bagged. All of it was loaded on an
AW139 after snaps taken and a list made of everything.

A third AW139 landed with lifting harnesses for all helicopters. Simon
stepping out of the helicopter on the Conference App said this true
`cock-up' by ICE!

The nine men were loaded into the remaining operational pickup truck, one
fellow's hands were freed so he could drive.

Simon speaking to the ICE folks...

`Drive back exactly the way you came.'

`Do not drive fast with your added weight there are places you could break
through the sand crust.'

`You will be watched.'

`Your vehicles will be delivered to a location in Lordsburg, your office in
Washington will be notified.'

He handed a note to the driver, contact details for Alice-Anne.

`Tell your bosses to call her.'

The pickup truck drove away with Benjamin's wing gaining altitude to watch
its progress. Following slowly.

Yoani calculated the weights based on the models of the vehicles called
into her, all within the lift capability of the AW139's.

Each was lifted up to 2000 feet for the twenty mile trip to Lordsburg.

Yoani called the Hidalgo County sheriff's office to tell them we had
trespassers on our land, they had been sent off and three of their vehicles
were confiscated and would be deposited on a bare dirt area next to Ownby
Street behind their building.

She waited to call until Simon in his AW139's informed her they were
crossing over Interstate 70 west of Lordsburg Municipal Airport a few
hundred yards from the destination.

The lead pilot had contacted the airport on frequency 122.800 giving their
flight details, a fellow on the radio there said there was no expected
traffic in the next several hours, he got our aircraft info, destination
location and they would depart on the same route as their in-bound flight
path. He would inform any non-scheduled flights about our people.

After crossing the freeway, they passed the truck weigh station on the west
staying well east of the school then turned to port over the public works
area and one by one lowered the vehicles to the ground. They were set down
there in a tight triangle.

One helicopter turned around to go went the way it came came, two
stayed. Simon and two of our Security walked towards the Sheriff's
building. The others unhooked the lifting harnesses.

They didn't have to go far to meet some of the deputies, they'd come out
around the County Museum to Ownby Street. They had thought it was some sort
of crank call until the rotor sounds got their attention.

The Under-Sheriff asked `What the hell was going on!'

Simon introduced himself, he gave a brief rundown on the ranch and then
told the story of the confrontation with the ICE agents... both times.

Our folks off loaded the weapons, electronics and ID's of the intruders and
helped carry it all into the sheriff's office.

We had the snaps and a catalogue of everything, one of our folks emailed
the pictures and list to the Under-Sheriff's deputy.

Simon had several of his people putting a heavy chain around the axles of
the three vehicles linking them together with a large lock. The key was
given to the Under-Sheriff who was by this time amazed at Simon's team's
work, impressed by the demeanour of our staffers and laughing at the ICE
agents predicament.

"We are contacting the Department of Homeland Security in Washington,
D.C. through our lawyer there. They will be told where the vehicles are,
that you would have the weapons, etc... and the key for the chain.

If there are any expenses on your part please contact me. We don't want
Hidalgo County to have to bear any costs over this."

The Under-Sheriff was smiling, "You folks seem like type we want to have
good relations with."

They shook hands.

Simon invited him and his people to visit, "Give me a call and come
down. We have terrific folks, a lot to see and we serve a good lunch. We'd
be happy to show you around."

Benjamin texted Simon he had been testing the wing further after the ICE
`fools' hit the highway and zoomed off northward... And was nearby...

Simon asked the Under-Sheriff if he'd like to see something special...

They walked out the front door towards Second Street, just the two of
them. Benjamin had the wing hovering off to the right fifty feet over the
fence to the east.

Simon introduced the Under-Sheriff to the wing. "If you come to see us
we'll give you a good demo of what it can do."

Simon waved and the wing waggled itself, turned, rose and accelerated away
at high speed.

The Under-Sheriff looked at Simon like `did I really see that.'

"It is a prototype under-going testing. The operator is in our office on
the ranch about twenty miles away."

The Under-Sheriff shaking hs head said he definitely wanted to see the
ranch.

"I will let you know when the ICE people take away their vehicles. I will
visit and return your chain ... Okay?"

Simon smiling, "Sounds great!"

A good handshake. Simon waved as he boarded the last AW139. They lifted off
to the east then up to a thousand feet to cross the the freeway and flew
away from the airport before gaining more altitude.

Benjamin landed the wing on its pad.

I made my first comment... A big thank you to Benjamin and to Simon who was
back on the Conference App.

Alice-Anne added she was impressed and we'd have to pay for the tyres which
got a big laugh from us all.

On my screen she was grinning, "What I can say is the ICE people acted
illegally crossing onto your property, refusing to leave when asked is
another violation of law... they didn't resist which was the first smart
thing they did.

I'll be onto Homeland Security here in D.C. when we're off. I will ask them
to shutdown that local office and discipline any officer who took part at
any level.

We can sue them but it probably isn't worth the effort except for noise it
would make. It is the sort of thing that gets a bureaucrat's attention.

Oh by the way... your firing on Federal agents who did not ID themselves
properly isn't going to be a problem so don't worry."

Alice-Anne was out. Simon, Benjamin, Sumate and I talked a bit. An
after-action report plus a critique of all elements would be started right
away.

I thanked them all again. I was out.

I leaned back in the big Library chair, I had hunched over my iPad during
the event. I rolled my shoulders to loosen them... aaaahhhh!

Flix came over... "Does that sort of thing happen often?"

"This is the second ICE event at the ranch, the first was less dramatic."

I texted to Gil. She parked opposite me. The story had her head shaking.

"Fay, they act like drunken cowboys you see in old TV westerns."

It felt good to shrug, "They have a wild west mentality which clashes with
our Twenty First Century one. They're thugs."

Flix said stories about ICE being cruel and abusive were commonplace in
California.

I called Sumate. "Fay, it does not make me happy about being a target for
those fools but our folks handled it well."

I agreed, "We have to draw a line on the issue. The ICE people in
Washington now have to face the task of reining in their rogue agents in
New Mexico. They have accrued too much power and act high-handedly. We have
the wherewithal to deal with them others don't... I want to make it plain
we will act."

Oh so much fun. I was not going to call Hillary although tempted. I'll let
it go up the chain of command. Alice-Anne will cause some noise for sure!

I'd missed my afternoon ride for that bullshit! I went up to change.

Just in panties when Alice-Anne called.

"Fay, the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security called me. He said I was
given as the contact for the ranch owner. He was PO'd at what happened to
the ICE agents.

There was some ranting and raving... I let him go on remaining silent... he
ran out of gas...

I told him what actually happened and we had audio and video of the entire
incident from start to finish. I made the point strongly I had been a
witness to the event.

I also pointed out by coming on private property without a warrant, failing
to ID themselves properly they had committed crimes and torts... That word
`torts' got his attention. A definite intake of air!

I said we'd be willing to pay for the destroyed tyres and any issue with
the front end of the Humvee but the onus of criminality was on his
department.

I asked if he knew about the first incident... I got `first incident?' from
him. He'd been lied to about today and a cover-up done of the other visit
to make it seem minimal.

Now he was PO'd all over again but not at us."

She was laughing, "Nothing funnier than a bureaucrat when their own
department's failures are exposed and not being in the `know' about it."

"So where are we?"

Alice-Anne said he promised to personally look into it.

"I told him a link to the video and audio would be available later today so
he could download it. I got his email address. He was quiet."

"Okay so now he's worried about us... Does he know Cho and I are behind the
corporation owning the ranch?"

"He didn't ask... I didn't tell him..."

"When you send the link maybe you should mention the `owners' only wish to
operate the ranch without illegal government activity and he should also
talk to the guy in his office who has our employee records. If he asks tell
him we own it."

Alice-Anne did an `Okay.'

Fine! Now I could dress. I chose the Ancient Munro skirt and the blue and
yellow bits that matched so well with it. I added the blue wool jacket!!
Ankle boots! Silver bits and `Joy'

Sunny home from school. She, Mari and Cecile up in her room... talking,
listen to tunes!

The golfers were back so I took Cho aside to tell him of the fun. He wasn't
angry... rather disappointed the ICE folks didn't have their shit
together...

"They are supposed to protect America? It's more like a Mack Sennett `cops
and robbers' comedy."

I laughed at that, "I think we have their attention now. Hopefully
something good will come of it. The bright side for us is not only do the
wings work as we wanted but Benjamin is a wiz flying it!"

A kiss.

Drinks time had Cho and I watching the Twins in the close-in Garden with
Jaidee. Our `pitcher' wound up a gave a good toss for Jaidee... then fell
on his butt. We laughed behind the big windows... we could see Charlie
laughing... Jaidee doing his thing brought the tennis ball right back to
Viscount Munro for another go.

He was up and tossed it once more... no fall this time. Gina and Dari had
come up beside me. Smiles!

Gina squeezed my hand, "I had a talk with Charlie... It was quite
remarkable! He wants to introduce me to Iris."

"Do go down with them tomorrow morning... she is such a sweetie. Tha takes
them both to ride and care for her afterwards every day now."

Fist bump! "They love to brush Iris, she lets them know it is good!
Terrific reinforcement for their effort."



After dinner there was another `reading' for the Twins. Christmas
stories. First I read `The Little Match Girl.' They loved it.

Then Cho read "The Bird's Christmas' which was also a hit! They clapped and
thanked us for reading to them.

Chani and Charlie got hugs, kisses plus lots of goodnights before going up.

Once the Twins in bed we gathered again. The men gave us the story of the
`golf' part of today. George and Dayton had seen Cho in action, Wade had
only read and watched a short video. He sat there beside Flix saying it was
other worldly to see Cho step up to his ball and swing just like everyone
else then to see the ball drop on a green a few feet away or roll up to
fall in like today.

They all liked Oxford East, a course that challenged you... not punished
you. The lunch was praised. The club bar was what they pictured all English
bars were or should be.

A real `The Moon Under Water' public house said Dayton. Naturally that got
my attention.

I asked Dayton... "Fay, I've read all of Orwell's work many times over."

"Would you like to visit his grave?"

A yes! I said I'll get it laid on.

More golf tomorrow! Out early for them then Cho and the guys would meet up
with Gil with the ladies in Oxford for lunch and a few sights. They wanted
to see what they could of the colleges.



"Since you folks are all Americans... like one third of me... you should
hear this bit of tom-foolishness."

I went through our owning the Lordsburg Ranch and the first encounter with
ICE then onto today.

No video... I think my descriptions were clear enough. High fives by some
when we landed the confiscated trucks on the dirt near the sheriff's
office.

Alice-Anne saying we might have to pay for new tyres got a big laugh.

"That's taxpayer dollars being spent by louts to no real purpose. What is
bad is a senior deputy of a cabinet level office was lied to and it could
have stuck. Alice-Anne sent him the link to the video and CC'd me. So they
have what is needed to act against these clods."

George looking PO'd, "They really expect to bulldoze folks... it's good you
had your people play real hardball."

Dayton said George was right but we needed to anticipate those losers to
try to get revenge.

Cho said our folks were on alert and no one went alone into any of the
local areas. "Our Security are all well trained... we trust them."

We exchanged a few gifts by the fireplace. For the teenagers, Cecile
and. Mari each got a bottle of `Style' by Ralph Lauren. A bit of scent for
a growing up young woman. Sunny handed them their gifts. She was
grinning... she was wearing the very same scent!

Each lady got a Harcourt Racing Hermès scarf with a Hermès cheval
pin.

Cho had some golf things for the men.



Sunny walking beside me, Mari and Cecile beyond her. Booted and dressed for
the cold. I thanked Roundell and Sasha in my mind... the Kentucky Heat bits
were awesome. I was glad we bought enough for our guests.

Pamela nuzzling me, I stroked her warm neck and nose. "We want strong
healthy baby." A nicker. The girls got to meet her.

Roland ready, a knee up from Pat with a big smile. He'd said the first part
of May... at this point... for their wedding. "I'm leaving it up to Diana."
A laugh.

Tessa and Gaby riding with us four. A big mob for an early ride. I asked
Tessa to take me to Mr. Blair. Fist bump. Some stares from our two American
girls.

Tessa took the lead, after the warm-up she set a fast pace as she knew I
would love it. Once past Denham School we managed to cross the Abingdon
Road easily at that hour we were going southeast around Culham on towards
the Sutton Bridge.

We clattered over the bridge... I pointed out it was the River
Thames. Cecile and Mari both looking down...

We tied up on the bushes outside the graveyard... Tessa still leading us to
the grave. I didn't expect either young woman to know... Cecile surprised
us all... "It's George Orwell!!"

A hug for her. Mari knew the man and his writings but not that this was his
real name.

"Now you are one up on your dad. I said I'd bring him over here."

Gaby motioned to me, a huge grin... she was behind the headstone... a new
sign... replacing the first.

It now said `This small memorial was started by Her Ladyship, Fay Martin,
Countess Harcourt of Oxford.'

I had to laugh, whoever it was seemed to be having fun too!

"Hullo... Your Ladyship..." Dr. Ryles said he was going to call the House
today. "I just noticed it late yesterday afternoon..."

We shook hands. I introduced Cecile, Mari and Sunny. Smiles.

"There are still no black stones sales booths." A huge grin! We both
laughed.

Dr. Ryles thanked us again for the roof repair money. They had bids and
were going forward with the decision this week.

"We are pleased. Cho and I hope you will be able to come over to one of our
Open House Days."

"I shall... " He turned to Gil, "Thank you for sending me the dates." Gil
showed him how to fist bump which made him laugh.

We pushed on... my stomach gently growling. We went back the way we came so
I could stop at Denham School and sign more bits for the government aid and
some grant applications for three education foundations. Then a roaring run
to the Flats. Roland doing it in superb fashion.

As we slowed he gave off a loud nicker... I rubbed his neck, "Fun! Tomorrow
we'll do it again big guy!" Another nicker.

Everyone caught up. Fist bumps with Tessa and Gaby, Sunny leaned close for
a hug.

The golfers were in the Entryway. A kiss for my man. A couple of dad's got
hugs.

Dayton found out his daughter had been to Orwell's grave already. A smile.

Food! The Twins were just starting. It was my riding group eating, the
mom's weren't down yet.

Ali came in for coffee. "I did breakfast for us... porridge with raisins,
toast and sliced apples." She got a thumbs up from me.

"Who did the washing up?"

A laugh, "We shared!" Cheers.

First a walk around the immediate estate area for our guests, the whole
Stables. They got to meet Asda and Hathai, Rebel, Mahogany, Secret Sea,
Pamela, Roland and all the others.

The Day Care, Phillips's greenhouses and on Harcourt Close... Ali, back
home, invited them in for coffee. They got to see the inside of their
house. They loved it. The craftsmanship showed everywhere. The wood bits
lustrous.

Flix smiling, "This is what more employers should do."

I mentioned we did it all over the place. I showed them the snaps Beverly
had sent of the houses in Pleasant Valley, pointing out they had just been
moved into by the staff. Family Christmas time snaps, decorations and
brightly lit trees, shining happy faces!

Before they left for Oxford they joined the Twins with me in the pool, from
the side-line though. Everybody loved watching the little ones swim. Tha
and I shepherding them. We waved goodbye from the water. We all got rinsed,
up to dress for lunch.

Grilled cheese and chips! Catsup for Charlie's chips! Pickles, olives and
peanut butter celery! Jaidee got most pieces of the latter. He loved them!
Lots of cookies choices for us... not Jaidee.

Coffee and more cookies in the Library with Ali.

Email from Gerald... could they get married in late spring at Upperville?
Nothing big, their friends and some of the oldest and best
customers... maybe fifty folks. It was easy to say YES!!!

I had Ali send on Daniel and Flo's email addresses. Ali emailed Daniel and
Flo a heads-up.

I emailed... talk with them, they will know what to do. Also to give us as
much lead-time as possible so we could attend.



Gil forwarded from our New York PR lawyers a request from a reporter at the
Wall Street Journal for an interview about the Fox takeover. A bit
late... We weren't into doing some sort of `historical' piece with
them. Especially them. I asked her to reply to the lawyers we weren't
interested.



My idea to use recycled wood products to make weather protection `sleeves'
for our newspapers so the used sleeves could be put into a mulch pile,
totally bio-degradable, was being considered by Weyerhaeuser, the huge
Pacific Northwest forest products company. The mix of the components I
thought would be crucial to being both bio-degradable and affordable was
put forward. We'll see.



Email from Achmed in Tehran. The Energy Ministry pleased with the start
they had made. It was cold in the mountains, they were well equipped for
that. The heavy snows had held off and none predicted in the near
future. Excellent progress. More than one third of the installs done and
the most difficult ones were behind them.

I replied my thanks for the hard work and perseverance in the cold.



Jasmin's report from her Madagascar stop was very encouraging. They were
WOW'd by our products and the ability to have such powerful remote
tools. The cost was a bit higher than a competitor but we offered much
greater control and a more stable software/hardware pairing given our
superior experience.

Plus they could manufacture some parts to save costs and create jobs
locally. Our competitor cannot offer that erasing any advantage for being
cheaper.

She was in Jakarta for a meeting in the morning with the Minister of Public
Works. I liked her `I'm ready!'

I sent `Go Girl!'



Naomi, our Agusta-Westland turbo-engine specialist, had created a series of
classes for the Seattle Cho-Fay Air maintenance hub. They would be a month
long run of classroom and hands-on training at two levels. The basic one
for new folks and an advanced for those who already were doing engine
maintenance who we needed to go further to the highest certification level
and possibly become trainers themselves.

The engine maker, Pratt & Whitney Canada, was in! They were sending factory
folks with lots of materials. They also wanted to do a deal with us
directly for new engines. A vastly improved version, more horsepower with
faster acceleration!! We wanted them for replacement in all our
AW139's. The new engines would be standard on the AW139's we received from
Agusta after February first.

The management of Leonardo, Agusta-Westland's parent company, expressed
interest taking part and sending employees. Kavat wanted to get an
agreement in place soon. I sent him to some of our lawyers to get language
on paper we and Leonardo would be satisfied with going forward. He was
happy!

A by-the-way, his prospective in-laws were quite nice and they acted like
he was a great choice for their daughter!!! My `I never doubted it' got me
back a big red heart!



I did a bunch of things for Norma at News UK. She'd be pleased with me. Ali
had some 21st Century Fox bits which we blew through.



Georgia sent me via Gil lots of Los Angeles The Day info which I skimmed
until I got to the latest circulation numbers... we were over 250,000
newspapers SOLD every day. A great deal of the sales coming from the Los
Angeles Times although we were creating loads of new buyers. They were up
to thirty six pages of print each day.

Advertising was now covering the cost of running website and combined with
copy sales and advertising nearing ninety percent of the print edition
running costs!!!

Aston's news... Seattle's The Day circulation was level with the Seattle
Times cutting the Times readership further each week. Just as Aston had
said they would by Christmas!

The ads were paying the basic costs of the entire operation, print and
online.

The series they started on the state Republican Party was nominated for
several awards. Even better the republicans fund raising was drying up and
membership down. Two elections for vacancies in the state legislature were
resounding Democratic victories by huge margins. One in what had been a
historically republican district. YES!!



Michael emailed he was going to do a trip to Algeria in late February or
early March for a water proposal in the country's southwest. I said I'd
want to go with... I would have Gil send him dates I could make.

Michael replied right away he was good with that, the Algerians were
flexible about the date.

We'd talk when Michael and Karla here for New Year's Eve.



Francis nabbed a cookie as he sat down.

"Fay, I have the latest numbers from TrueRating... Cho is going to be
thrilled. The service is near to breaking even!!! I expected it to take two
years but the response has been so overwhelming... you know we greatly
expanded the computer centre in Fox Tower... we need to do another
expansion."

I gave him a thumbs up for that!

"The stock prices for the `former' big three rating companies are close to
fifteen, twenty and twenty five percent of their former value. No one
trusts them. They may all go bankrupt before summer. Or there could be
buyouts and possible mergers but it won't stop TrueRating."

Fist bump! Cho was going to quite happy. His baby growing up rapidly. Just
like the Twins!



Alex calling. I picked up.

"Fay, we did great in Seattle yesterday! They were quite impressed with our
proposal... all of it!"

I cheered.

"They asked a lot of questions but we had the answers every time! It was
obvious they could see we had scoped out their entire system and created a
plan to capture more water than the city had ever considered possible.

We showed a web of small dams remotely controlled would add forty five
percent more water to their system without any big new expensive dams. All
of it costing less than half a big dam.

They were looking pretty happy when we left."

I congratulated Alex and his team for their work. He said the city water
folks did not give a time-table for a decision but it would be in the early
part of the new year.

I wished Alex a Happy Christmas and to pass on my congratulations.



Chani, Charlie and I walking up from the Stables as the crowd
returned. Loud... `Popa's' across the Forecourt. Cho jumped out and ran
towards them. Arms full of babies!

Charles was coming around the corner... in the right place at the right
time! He started to shoot video! Great stuff.

Our guests came in happy, they got to see `All Souls' `Balliol' `Brasenose'
and `Christ Church' colleges at Oxford University. A great lunch and the
ladies did some shopping.



Tom had a Range Rover out front for me. Dayton, Dari and Mari joined me for
the short drive to Sutton Courtenay. Dr. Ryles smiling, he was there at the
gate.

"Your Ladyship, twice in one day..."

I laughed, introductions. "Our friend Dayton is a long time Orwell
admirer... Mari was here with me earlier. So I offered Dayton a drive
over."

We walked to the grave. Dayton paused... resting his hand on the weathered
stone.

In a minute Mari drew her dad to the back... He looked up to me, his head
nodding.

"Fay, you are amazing."

Dr. Ryles laughed, "Once the first stone was placed by her Ladyship... it
picked up some momentum... the first sign said it was begun by Fay Martin
then the current sign appeared. No one knows who made the signs."

Dari grinning, "A woman of mystery!"

Laughter in the graveyard.

Dr. Ryles waved goodbye as I backed out to go north. A right turn past
Culham onto the Abingdon Road in the beginning dark.

I pointed out Denham School, I was explaining about it when a police car's
flashing lights came on behind me. I turned left towards the Station Road
to get off the busy Abingdon Road.

The PC came up to my window and asked to see my driving license... I didn't
have any bag with me... so no license. The PC listened when I told him what
we had been doing and that I lived just ten minutes away. I could show him
my license at the house.

He asked for the vehicle registration which said Harcourt House... brought
his torch up get a better look at me.

"Your ladyship, you should have said."

I smiled, "No, I am in the wrong."

"There's no citation for this if you are duly licensed."

He walked back to his car to use the radio. Dayton laughing beside me.

I said it hadn't even occurred to me since I drive so rarely.

The PC returned. "Your Ladyship, all is correct. Please in the future
carrying your license."

I said I would. "Why did you stop me?"

"There was a hit and run accident in Abingdon earlier, a dark Range Rover
hit a bicyclist. We didn't have a number plate."

"I hope no one was hurt."

"The bicyclist has a bit of scrapes and some considerable bruising, she was
lucky."

He thanked me for being patient and wished us a good night. I thanked him.

I did a turnabout to get back on the Abingdon Road heading for Clifton
Hampden and the Oxford Road to Nuneham Courtenay.

Cho got a laugh from my `experience.' He always has a wallet so he's never
without his bits. A shrug from me.



We sent another group off to Cowley House. They'd have three days of the
city. Passes to attractions and Tube cards waiting for them.

Candace was on her way back to us. She'd leave from Chalgrove this evening.

Montaigan was in-bound from Martinique. We'd have him for quite a few days
then he would fly to Paris for visits with friends. Lucien and Augusta were
ready for his arrival, happy they'd see him.

He'd go along to the school choir event again and his time would overlap
with the Family like last year. They liked each other.

Our Seattle four were coming in the morning. Greg wanted to come early for
the game, Kay and the boys didn't mind!!!!! Sunny was ready for her
family!!

Candace... hugs. She had a lovely time in the city. Cowley House was
amazing and the staff terrific. Andrea had taken Candace to the Tower of
London and a few other East-End spots.

"Fay, it was very nice to walk out your front door to go to Parliament. I
spent hours in Westminster Abbey. It was my first time there and wonderful.

I walked over to see Buckingham Palace and the other bits nearby then to
Fortnum and Mason. I bought a lot so I grabbed a cab back. I also went to
Harrods's for a short while... just buying a few things for friends."

She also went into Hyde Park for a chilly stroll along the Serpentine.

Montaigan smiling broadly as he stepped out of the car.

"Miss Martin, Cho!" He was hugged and shook hands. His coat off we walked
to the `doors.'

Montaigan's smile even bigger when they were opened... "Aaaahhhh!!! Very
Christmas!"

He met Candace. Then the Twins came running in...

"Montai"

They rushed over to greet him. His smile got bigger!

"Little ones... you are much bigger!"

Chani and Charlie smiling, together... "Bienvenue à notre plaisir de
Noël!"

Hugs for both.

After lunch Montaigan and Cho were in the Garden with the Twins. Jaidee
ball toss time.



I called Jasmin. The folks in Madagascar were `IN' so we'd get some
contracts signed and make a start with a planning team to go there to meet
with their water people. There were two primary locations involved and a
good deal of preliminary work on the ground to be done by the Madagascar
government.

Jasmin said the Indonesians were VERY interested. She felt sure they would
go for the plan. Quite a few locations... once we had a deal we would meet
with them to help them decide the priority of each. High on our list was
earthquake and volcanic activity preparedness.

The entire archipelago was finding climate change causing disruptions to
the normal weather cycles.  Regions like Nusa Tenggara that used to be
called Timor and others which have wide swings in available moisture will
benefit immediately from water control.

There are international political issues regarding Timor which we wanted to
be very careful about. This is a public value project so all would see a
benefit. The Indonesians did not bring up the politics in Jasmin's
meetings. That made Eric feel better. The religious complications in some
provinces were quite enough for him.

Cho detoured Montaigan around to the pool before coming back to the Great
Room. They joined Candace and I. We were chatting about the Apple deal. She
was `pleased' with the cash... she'd need to get some tax advice about the
money when she got home.

Drinks for us. Candace would be fed then flown! She laughed about that!

Montaigan asked about the Queen's Honours. We told him what happened during
the whole visit and how the younger Royals got her going.

He was smiling, sipping his scotch.

"She appears to have decided with some help you two are worthy of special
attention."

Cho with a grin, "Our horses running away with wins as she watched didn't
hurt... also one of ours beat one of hers earlier in the year. She
remembered it."

Montaigan smiled, "Maybe she thinks you two are doing other things that
make you stand out from the crowd? Schools, clinics, shelters, big business
deals, newspapers plus TV and now diplomacy..."

Montaigan gave me a look... raised eyebrows...

I smiled, "Her Majesty maybe over ninety... she is still quite sharp with
her own sources of information. We go about doing our business in our own
way... mostly the public hears about it after we're done.

She did say Charles was asked to do some looking and it's obvious the
Foreign Minister was involved."

I shrugged.

"What hasn't been talked about is our ages... Cho's is `&#*@ years old..."
my hand hiding my mouth, "... and I'm thirty."

Cho laughed out loud, "Damn... I'm not that old... forty six is not even
middle age these days."

My `I'll help you cross the road, my dear' got laughs from everyone.

Montaigan said he did think thirty was young for this sort of honour. "Your
Queen must have... as you said... been encouraged by the younger ones. They
opened her eyes."

Sunny added "The young Princes were `cool' and well-liked by kids my age at
school."

Carter at the door... We went in for dinner. Informal. It started with a
delicious bouillabaisse. Small white corn cakes with Parmesan baked on the
top to go along with the soup.

Grilled plaice in lemon butter sauce, mushroom risotto, broccoli
Hollandaise. Little round dinner rolls, they had a nice crunch so soft
inside!

Carter chose the Chateau Haut-Brion Blanc 2014 Pessac Bordeaux. Montaigan
raised his glass to Carter with a smile. It was very tasty!

Lemon syllabub in tall glasses with long spoons, several chocolate dipped
shortbread bars beside it. The Twins got theirs in bowls for easier
eating. It went over very well!

Candace doing her own "Oliver Twist' with her empty syllabub glass. Carter
said she could... Candace laughing...

"No... Thank you though. I've had enough but it was so good!"

By the fire afterwards we sipped espresso with either Amaretto or Remy
Martel Louis XIII cognac. Sunny smiling at the Twins getting ready... hot
chocolate to sip while they did a new puzzle on the carpet.

Montaigan's face as Chani and Charlie ploughed through the puzzle, a snap
of Glaa winning the Breeder's Cup Classic last month. He watched them
intently as they made decisions and talked together.

He looked up to me, a head shake, "Formidable!"

He did fist bumps with the Twins when they finished. Big laughs!

Glaa in the puzzle looked `formidable' ending his career unbeaten in three
years of racing! It would be fair to say no horse was close when he crossed
the finish line.

I walked Candace out to the car for Chalgrove. A hug, "Have a great rest of
the holidays!" She wished us the same. I waved her car away.

The men and babies were gone. Carter2 said there had been yawns... I went
up to kiss the babies goodnight. Tha and the men had done all the bedtime
bits.

I sat on the carpet beside Jaidee doing a rub.

Montaigan saying he hadn't gotten a baby ready for bed in... forty years or
more.

Laughing I added it to the experiences he was having with us. A grin!

Cho told Montaigan the history of southern Thailand and why it had been
such horrible mess for so long. Our effort to change that succeed because
both sides gave in enough to allow the other find a space to move forward.

My, "Once they sat down it was only a matter of simple understanding the
benefits of coming to agreement and doing some compromising on their own
interests to benefit the whole. It was tough but obvious.

The people of the south celebrating after the agreement was announced was
immediate payment for the insurgent leaders and a warning to any holdouts."

I was in mid-rub on Jaidee as I said that... my stopping got the Choco Boy
to lift his head to wonder why... Back to work for me.



Gaby, Ken and Gil with me this morning. Colder and a heavy frost! We
crossed the Oxford Road onto Baldon Lane. We walked around Marsh Baldon
heading northeast towards Garsington. Over the Lower Road to Pettiwell
Street which we followed into the village. Up The Hill to Wheatley Road and
Garsington Primary. Another nice looking Church of England school.

We tied our horses to shrubs near the front entrance. Going in a woman at
the desk greeted us.

"Your Ladyship, welcome."

I thanked her. I asked for the Headteacher. A nice face on a trim body
appeared from an office doorway. She and I introduced ourselves, I did my
folks too.

We sat in her study. She was watching me... I assumed the knowledge of my
visits had been shared by neighbouring headteachers. So I got right to it.

Gil handed me a cheque for three thousand £'s.

"You have three students whose parents work for us... This is a donation in
their names and ours to the school. There are no conditions attached. If
you could send us a letter saying how you spent it that would be nice. No
details just say you bought paper or for building repairs and such."

I was thanked, "My Lady, a school always needs repairs," a big smile.

I took the the letter of credit from Gil.

"This line of credit at the Oxford Computer Store can be used for anything
they sell, repair time too," a smile from me. She laughed.

"You and Sir Cho are so wonderful to help schools this way..." a cute
smile, "... we do envy St. Thomas' being close to you."

I nodded, "We are spreading our wings this year as you see."

"All our students will benefit."

I asked for a tour. It was a bit larger school. I looked in several
classrooms, waving to the kids at their desks. There was a group on the
playground running about laughing and yelling.

The `Head' being there did get some to quiet down. One girl came over. She
said her dad worked at the Garden Centre. We shook hands.

"Everyone calls him `Sarge' over there."

I said I knew him and was glad to meet her.

As we walked our horses back through the village Gaby asked about `Sarge.'

"He's an assistant manager there, one of the people Dave is training to
possibly take over when he leaves."

We had several good gallops beside fields on our way home. Out of Marsh
Baldon we went south across to our land by Kate's. Then a rousing run to
the Stables. Roland getting to properly stretch his legs! Wonderful! Roland
did a big whinny at the end!

In the Breakfast Room Cho and Montaigan were reading the morning
newspapers. The Twins had gone up already... more arts and crafts for
Christmas.

The men got my tale of our ride to Garsington. Montaigan smiling over my
`Father Christmas' visits to schools.

I said it seemed simple enough that if we supported education we'd have
citizens better prepared to take part willingly in choosing their elected
representatives. Which we hoped would yield better people running for
office.

Montaigan nodded, "One would hope so."

I filled my plate a second time. Montaigan pointing out I still had a
healthy appetite... I shook a leg with `making more room.' A huge laugh!

We had new arrivals of several sorts. Our Seattle family and Christophe,
Gaby's brother. Graeme was coming down for an overnight to meet Christophe,
Gaby too and see Montaigan. All paratroopers!



I got Gil and Ali in the Library to work until the new folks came. I
answered News UK things for Norma and Foundation ones for Jian and
Rona. Gil had a bunch of things for Denham School's application to
government and foundations sent on by Jasmine.

We crossed the T's and dotted the I's for a while with a call to Richard
for some info. Gil said she could finish... Ali had 21st Century Fox
items. Not too many. She also had the follow on for the Big `V' in Los
Angeles.

We owned the building! Several contractors would meet with Adonna today and
the city government part was started. No one thought there would any
problems for permits it was a mixed neighbourhood of housing and
businesses. The Big `V' in New York had a terrific reputation. My name
associated surely won't hurt.

The new location wasn't going to be marketed as being a `gay' spot but
rather friendly to all who appreciate a nice place for a good time. Jayne
is working on possible entertainers who might like to be at an opening
extravaganza.

Jayne would go to Los Angeles in January for a look see and search for a
manager. I hooked her up with Magenta of LAhires to do some preliminary
work on that. A general manager and several others for the top level. I
suggested she ask some of the existing staff in New York if they wanted to
try Los Angeles... at least for a while... she would.

Depending on the interior work we could be open this summer!

Ali had some more newspaper things for our west coast The Day papers. They
were booming along!

Gil got a text... Christophe's flight from Toulouse is on approach to
Chalgrove. Graeme said he'd be here before lunch so...

Cho and Montaigan had walked down to the Stables with a stop on Harcourt
Close on the way back. They were coming across the Forecourt as the car
from Chalgrove rolled in.

Gaby and I walked out the front door.

Fin opened the door to a uniformed Christophe who came to attention and
saluted Montaigan. That brought out a big smile and his hand extended.

"I did not expect to see a member of 3e RPIMa at an English country home."

He turned to Cho and I, "This young man is from a regiment I commanded many
years ago."

Christophe said he had been in the Honour Guard in 2015 to welcome the
General to their base in Carcassonne.

Montaigan got that this sharp looking officer was the brother to Gaby on
our Protection Team. He shook Gaby's hand. He found out she had been in 1e
RPIMa prior to joining us.

Gaby and Christophe had a big hug!

By the fireplace we sat to talk. Gaby and Christophe gave Montaigan a brief
history of themselves and their family. I told him we had stopped to visit
with their family near Bergerac in November.

Carter2 came to the doorway.

"My Lady, your cousin has arrived."

I went out to the front... Graeme stepped out of his nifty blue MG. Hug!!

Lucas took his coat, gloves... a wink... he kept his beret.

In the Great Room he was introduced to Montaigan... Graeme snapped to a
very `correct' salute. Montaigan grinned and thanked Graeme. Handshake!

Graeme was introduced to Christophe and Gaby.

I got his beret to give to Carter2... he was smiling.

Montaigan sitting with a smile, "It is nice to be saluted by such young
fellows... " a finger pointing to me, "You arranged this?"

I said Cho and I had! Laughter.

Graeme said it was great to meet fellow paratroopers motioning to our three
French folks. Graeme's French was quite good, excellent pronunciation.

Charlie and Chani came in from the Stables. They had ridden and cared for
Iris. They got a big welcome from Graeme. They met Christophe again.

Both said hello to him in French. A smile... he remembered they were good
French speakers from the Bergerac visit.

Everybody heard about how lovely Iris is and she ate mints from their
hands.

Carter came to the door shortly so we went in.

Grilled Ahi tuna with a sweet wasabi aioli, broccoli and potato casserole
in round dishes covered with a flaky pastry tops, bread from Maxine. All
very good!! The tuna tender and tasty.

Strawberry Trifle for dessert! A big hit with everyone. The Twins grinning
as they ate it all!

Sipping coffee in the Great Room. Cho got our guests to hang their
Christmas ornaments. Chani beside `cousin' Graeme giggling as there was a
spot of indecision about which branch... All done!

We talked about the holidays, what Montaigan was going to take part in with
us. Graeme's family would be here in a few days from Scotland.

The `paratroopers' moved into the Library to have a talk about their
experiences. Lucas went in with a coffee tray.



I had an email from Coral. She was back in New York after her time in Paris
at the Champs-Elysees store and scouting for clothing makers. She said
there were two good choices, Madame Tallard's in Saint-Denis and Landy
Costumes nearby in Aubervillers. Both north of Paris suburban locations.

They had experience in doing what we wanted and good reputations. Her email
included the contact information for both companies. I tasked Gil with
getting appointments with the principals at both locations and Francis to
do a dive into their financials, business reputations, etc...

Gil texted Penn about a flight to Le Bourget and cars. Penn was sending a
Gulfstream to Chalgrove overnight to be on stand-by.

Thanks to Zoé, our Paris real estate agent, a shop on Rue du Faubourg
Saint-Antoine in Quartier de la Bastille was leased. A bit bigger than the
current Champs-Elysees boutique on a terrific street with amazing foot
traffic. It wasn't as large as the new building on Champs-Elysees but the
location was terrific!

The current Mirabelle store was doing very well, a constant stream of
clothes crossing the Atlantic and going out the door!! Coral quite excited
about the new stores and even more when I told her that Carmen in Los
Angeles had several possible storefronts to lease in the Rodeo Drive
neighbourhood.

Carmen was looking in several other areas of the city where our type
`buyers' might be found like western Santa Monica, Silver Lake. I asked her
to bring Callie into the discussion so she could evaluate the locations for
suitability. Ali had sent Callie drawings and snaps of the current
Champs-Elysees shop.

I had asked Raphaela last week to send me two suits and two cocktail
dresses that were selling well as samples. Gil smiling at my anticipation
of Coral's information. They were to arrive today via DHL.

Gil sat beside me, "Fay, I have appointments for you with the owners of
both businesses tomorrow morning. I used your name to get their
attention... both sort of `jumped' at meeting you."

I smiled, "May be I'm getting some use from the `promotion!' Cho will
laugh." Fist bump!

A text binged in to Gil... the Cho-Fay flight from Seattle was on the
ground. Yea!

Gil let Cho and Tha know. Sunny would be home from school in an hour or so.

The Twins in the Great Room waiting... Cho and I at the door as the car
doors opened.

Sam and Artie jumping out! Yells of hello as they rushed to us! Hugs and
kisses for everybody! My arm linked with Kay's walking in.

At the `doors' they were
ready... AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

They loved it! The Twins calling out Happy Christmas and woofs from
Jaidee!! Kay's eyes on mine after being greeted by Chani with `Aunt Kay'
and wide open arms.

We huddled at the fireplace. I sat with Artie and Sam. They were stoked to
be here especially now they were older and able to appreciate the
house. They wanted to explore!

Artie with Sam put up the family Christmas ball.

Sam and Charlie sitting talking was cute.

Greg's arm over my shoulders, "So you two have had an eventful holiday so
far! What's next?"

"Nothing but fun I hope!"

The `paratroopers' came out to meet the family! Graeme met them all last
year as had Montaigan. Carter had some Taittinger's out to toast the
newcomers. Fin did his Shirley Temples. A warm toast for the holidays!

We sat to talk about what was coming for the house. The Twins went out all
dressed up, Sam and Artie joined them with Jaidee. Tha grinning back to us
through the glass as she closed the doors. The Twins running across the
grass with a brown dog and cousins.



Francis beside me, "Fay, both French companies are sound financially, well
regarded in the business. Madame Tallard's could be the better... also they
might be open to a buyout if you wanted to go that far. Madame Tallard is
seventy nine, she has a few known health issues... I mean widely known in
the industry, it was easy information gathering."

"Okay. We'll go to both but concentrate on Tallard's to purchase."

A loud yell from Sunny as she ran into a big hug fest.  She was happy to
have her family here.

"I do have to go out to do some work with Plotline... you can watch if you
want."



During drinks I told everyone I'd be making a fast trip to Paris in the
morning for business. A few hours.

Francis and Gil were coming with me.



Afters was fun with Chani and Charlie showing us an art project of
theirs. They had shared making a picture of a house in the snow, smoke
coming from the chimney and a reindeer looking in a window. It was both
original art and some of the Christmas stickers I bought in Oxford.

It was wonderful! They signed it `C&C' very cute. Clapping brought out very
sweet smiles from them.

Cho asked Tha to mount it on some firm backing so we could put it up. I
suggested asking Ellie's help.



My morning ride was early as usual also shortened. Just a romp around the
Sci Ctr and home. Roland in his usual form, fast and wonderful!



It was to be chilly so I chose a light gray wool frock, oval neckline, long
sleeves, to mid-thigh, a wide black belt and black stockings, heels and
Cho's black onyx jewellery. Red nail and lips. `Joy'

A dark gray cloche hat with a black ribbon band and a red poppy on the
band. The Coach black camel's hair coat, the Hermès Harcourt Racing
scarf was my `colour' spot and black gloves.

The car to Chalgrove and the Gulfstream in a fast trip to Le Bourget. A car
there for us three, PJ and Gaby. First stop in Saint-Denis west of the
Stade de France off Rue Ambroise Croizat. Madame Tallard herself greeted us
inside the front door. Cheeks kissed, we were escorted to her office up on
the first floor. Her niece, Eugenie and another woman joined us.

I introduced my people. Gaby being French was noted, she said she was from
the Dordogne when asked... Madame's grandmother was also. She knew of
Gaby's family, they were well regarded.

I told her what I was looking for... a quality maker of clothes for
Mirabelle's designs. I emphasized the quality aspect. Her eyes on
me... shining with excitement...

Madame handled the samples, looking at the cloth, the stitching all over,
zippers... Looking up at Eugenie who was smiling and nodding.

"Mademoiselle Martin, we can do the work for you!"

I liked the flat statement! So I went further...

"We would also like to explore our company purchasing Madame
Tallard's... the entire operation."

Madame and Eugenie exchanged glances which told me a lot!

"I would discuss that with you... I will have some conditions..."

"You do not have to make any commitment now. We have a valuation of the
business and any of your conditions we would be happy to consider."

Coffee was brought in... as it was setup I stood with Madame, "So you know
I usually make up my mind rather quickly so if you could say what your
conditions are..." I opened my hands towards her...

She said she wanted Eugenie to stay as she helps pay her way through school
and other things with her salary. There were some senior women she would
want to also stay until they reached retirement, a few more `conditions' I
considered minor... easy to agree to them all!

We sat with our coffees...

"If we do buy I don't want to change anything, it all works quite well
now. In fact, if you are agreeable I would like you to stay as the `patron'
until we could hire a suitable person. We would pay what you take from the
business now and a percentage above that we negotiate."

Those dark eyes were very bright now... an intake of breath, "Mademoiselle,
I like that. I want you to know my health has been an issue for me so I
would like to work less. Because of that I recently had a valuation of the
business done with an eye to selling."

She gave me a look, appraising , then quoted her price. I smiled, leaned
over with my hand out, "DONE!"

She lit up.

"Oh Mademoiselle, that is music to me!" She considered for a few
seconds... in English, "I will make a `deal' with you."

We all laughed. Eugenie`s face was bright like her aged aunt's.

I found out Madame was her great-aunt. The family wasn't large and not very
close. I knew Madame Tallard was the sole owner so she could dispose of it
in any manner she pleased.

I said Francis would work with her avocat to do the details.

We hugged and kissed cheeks.

"This is a good day."

Holding Madame's hand I reached out to Eugenie.

Somewhat disingenuously since I already knew thanks to Francis' work,
"Mademoiselle what are you studying at university?"

"It is a business course for management and accounting... " she looked at
me, "... you are thinking I might be the `next' manager???"

I smiled, "Yes!"

Madame's hand squeezed mine. Eugenie looked up at the ceiling... a smile.

"You couldn't have a better teacher... You know the people... I know
`managing' them is a different relationship but you would have time to make
yourself over as the `patron' for that."

She looked to me, "I would like to do it."

A handshake, firm with a grin!

So Madame work on Eugenie's skills as the niece continued to attend
classes.

We walked towards the shop floor, Eugenie used the tannoy to gather all the
employees at the back in a large open space near the loading dock.

Madame Tallard introduced me, "Everyone this is the Countess Harcourt, Miss
Fay Martin, she has come... she is going to buy the company. You will be
making clothes for her stores... Mirabelle here in France and other
places."

I said hello... the faces were of all ages, dark and light skin, all
colours of hair... their looks were mixed. Some questioning, some worried
and some excited.

"Mirabelle stores are owned by myself and Madame Coral in New York. We have
a small store on the Champs-Elysees for the holiday trade. It is doing very
well... sales are one hundred and fifteen percent higher than we hoped so
we need clothes.

Everything is coming from New York, we want you to take over!! All our
styles are simple, well made and affordable."

I did a slow spin.

"This is made for me and for the stores."

I stepped down and moved close. Gil came with me holding the two
samples. The ladies touched, looked at the work. I could hear them say they
thought it was just the sort of thing they do.

"As you see these are well constructed, not glitzy..." That got a laugh.

"What we want is just as you see. Good clothes that last, reasonable
prices!"

I said there were no plans to change anything, even Madame Tallard would
stay for a while with a reduced work load. We liked what they did and
wanted it for ourselves.

A lot more excited faces. I said they could see more on the Mirabelle
website.

"We are moving the Champs-Elysees store down the street a short distance to
a bigger location. We are opening an entirely new store on Rue du Faubourg
Saint-Antione in the spring."

That got a buzz going... they talked amongst themselves, very positive,
smiles, nodding heads.

"We may open in London in the summer. So we need a lot of stock for our
stores. We only sell clothes, no shoes or jewellery, etc..."

Standing in the middle of them smiling, "What I want is this suit..." I
held up the sapphire blue suit "... to say Mirabelle, Paris and `sewn by
Madame Tallard's' on the label."

They applauded! Big smiles! No worried looks, all gone. They knew their
jobs were safe and there'd be more work.

I said after the sale is completed we will be back to tell you of the
various things we will add as `Avantages' for you all. In the meantime
Madame Tallard will be working with Francis..." my hand out to him, "... to
finish the arrangements for the sale.

A Joyeux Noël and a Bonne Année to you all. It will be a Bonne
Année of many new and exciting things!!"

They applauded. I shook hands kissing some cheeks! A lot of happy women!!

Upstairs Eugenie grinning, "Miss Martin you know..." in English, "... `how
to work a crowd.' That is the right phrasing... Yes?"

I squeezed her hand, "Yes! I always try not to complicate when speaking in
public. Hit hard on the points you want to make."

Madame Tallard beside me, "I... I... I am pleased we have met. You are a
famous person but so nice... a business woman I can see."

I thanked her, "Being nice is easy... I have a loving husband, beautiful
children and excellent friends making my life rich in pleasures. I have a
restless mind so going about doing things always appeals. This has been
lovely but I do have another appointment."

We hugged and kissed cheeks all around. The ladies knew Francis and Ali
would be in and out. Francis explained that Ali worked for me and was his
wife.

Once the sales was closed I said Coral and/or her assistant Raphaela would
be here from New York after the holidays. They were to be in and out of
Paris during the build-outs of the new stores.

They would want to talk fabrics, timing, etc... soon, on the phone and
email.

Madame was excited too! Another hug before we went to the cars.

It was only fifteen minutes to the next stop in Aubervillers. Off the Rue
Heurtault, a large two story building looking like a post-war
structure. Landy Costumes had moved here forty years before, an old
Nineteenth Century family concern that had been purchased by Marcelle
F. fifteen years back. She was still a young looking woman at forty six.

We shook hands and kissed cheeks in her entryway. The staff looking a bit
wide-eyed. I said hello to them, handshakes.

In Marcelle's office I got right to it.

"We need more clothing made for Mirabelle... we want to contract with you."

I handed the samples to her and her chief assistant. They had a good look
as Madame Tallard and Eugenie had.

Marcelle turned to me, "We can do this work. It is the sort of garments we
do all the time. Good tight stitching! No fabric waste!"

I gave her an idea of the amount we'd be looking for from her company. Her
face quiet as she did some calculations...

"We have the capacity... not all the time because of other clients but we
could..."

I let her know we are expanding so the demand would rise. The store on the
Champs-Elysees was moving to a building with five times the space plus the
Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine store and the addition of other locations
across Europe in the summer.

I also told her we were buying another manufacturer here in Paris for the
same work and what I had given her was to be her company's portion of our
requirements.

Big eyes! Those eyes got bigger when I asked for her to consider our
investing in the company, buying a large percentage but leaving her as the
majority shareholder.

"You would want a greater share of our output?"

"No and yes! We'd be interested in the company's expansion to cover our
needs. We want the quality you do for our clothing... we don't want to
change your work but get you to do more. We'd get what we want and you
continue to do the work for others you have been doing."

I saw an `AH!' moment. Then a smile. "So your investment pays for the
expansion and we both benefit! I like this idea."

"Good. What we need is for you to have a `firm' valuation of the company so
you can decide how much you are willing to sell. We'd like to go as high as
forty-five percent or even more so the sum of our investment is large
enough for expansion and you have a cushion."

Marcelle grinned at the cushion.

Okay she'd have her avocat get to work on the valuation. We shook hands!

I said until any expansion could be done we'd take as much output as they
would be able to do for us. I told her Coral and Raphaela would be in Paris
to work on the new stores so she'd get to meet directly with them about
what they would make for us.

"I am sure they will be in touch directly soon to make a start on our
needs".

Francis asked Marcelle to send their standard contract and he'd get any
additions prepared so could negotiate a final deal for the
manufacturing. If her avocat had any questions he could contact Francis
directly about either the contracts or the investment.

Hugs and kisses. Marcelle was pleased saying it was wonderful to have met
me and done business in a straight forward manner. Fist bump...  after a
brief tutorial which made her laugh. I said try it on your son! A big grin!

Off to Le Bourget. Twenty five minutes after take-off we were on final
approach to Chalgrove.

In flight I got in a call to Coral giving her the good news. She was
ecstatic! She had spoken to Carmen in Los Angeles about the storefronts
there. I said I thought the one in the courtyard opposite Hermès was the
better choice. It was `officially' a Rodeo Drive address and in a very nice
sized space. The courtyard was quite handsome, I'd walked through on one of
my shopping trips. There were plenty of shops around for a buyer to
`accessorize' any purchase from us.

Coral was `IN!' Okay!

I asked Gil to get Carmen to nail it down for us. Thumbs up!

I stepped out of Prasert's car to loud "Mama's" on the forecourt like Cho
had! Wonderful to hug the babies. Inside... it was too chilly to stay out.

Cho's eyes on mine as I told him how I was spending money. A cute smile, a
kiss... the smile broader when I asked for more. Chani and Charlie giggling
next to us.

We went in to the others in the Great Room. Charlie said he and Chani were
going up to work on their projects. Tha laughing as she led them to the
stairs.

Cho said they'd had their lunch, "Our turn!"

I apologized to our guests for delaying the meal. They all laughed.

In the Dining Room I gave them all my morning's work. Montaigan asking
about the clothes... I stood up and did a spin.

"This is one! The ladies in Paris got to see the samples and were both
impressed and assured me they could do the very same quality. So we have a
big advance for our European stores."

Graeme holding my arm afterwards walking to the Great Room, "Fay, you
always amaze me with all the varied things you get up to. Now you are a
retailer too."

"Yes! The opening in Paris was great! It was funny to see Cho in the
Mirabelle on the Champs-Elysees getting crowded out by the ladies. He
de-camped to the Apple store down the block."

We laughed. I asked about the `paratroopers' meeting. Graeme said Montaigan
was very interested in the diverse activities of the British and French
elite forces around the world these days.

"He was saddened to hear of the losses we suffered in such `battles' since
they were essentially nameless places where the families will never
visit. Not that he wanted any more grand monuments to dead soldiers... it
was more like our fighting didn't seem to accomplish much. I have to agree.

My men's efforts in Afghanistan do not appear to have brought any peace
there... only further warfare. The Americans are mired there... tough
decisions about when to leave.

Unlike you and Cho in southern Thailand. That is so good!"

We hugged.

"In the south they'd already had years of bloodshed to no avail... ending
it in a fair manner was the only course besides continued useless
conflict. Did you see any of the video from the south when the Narathiwat
deal was announced?"

"Yes! The people were over the moon!"

"That was the point... they wanted peace and the insurgents knew that but
couldn't get over the hump with the Thai government... that is where we
played a part. Some pushing... at both ends!"

"So are you two prepared to be Nobel Peace Prize holders?"

I shook my head, "I told Cho if it happens... he does the speech."

We laughed! Cho looked over and I repeated it. That magnificent head
shaking `it isn't a done deal and I haven't agreed.'

More laughing by us. And my noting another sentence with multiple
contractions!



The `paratroopers' would sit again for a bit because Montaigan wanted to
ask more questions. He said to me he wasn't in government but he could use
his influence within the military to bring attention to the need for
changes. I said `go to it!'



Cho and I went riding. We took Tara, Tessa and Penny plus Ken. A visit to
the Wittenham Clumps, Round Hill and a farmer.

South past the Sci Ctr then over the Abingdon Road to Clifton Hampden High
Street. Cho was grinning, it was his first school social call with
me. Clifton Hampden C of E Primary school.

The headteacher smiling as we came in the door. Her office was too small
for all to get in. Cho and I gave her a cheque for two thousand £'s and
a letter of credit to the Oxford Computer Store.

Boy was she pleased. We were thanked many times. A hug. Introductions to
some of her staff

We waved a goodbye.

Onward to the bridge over the Thames, we paralleled the High Street then
looped around it in Long Wittenham to the primary school. They had one
student child of a worker of ours. The headteacher was thrilled we'd visit
and give them money.

"Your Ladyship, all our students will benefit. Thank to you both for them."

We shook hands.

As Cho gave me a knee up he was laughing, "I know why you do this... it's
all the thank you's."

I laughed too. Looking down with his hand in mine, "Yes that's
true... because the thank you's say so much more."

Cho squeezed my hand.

We rode alongside the trees on the Little Wittenham Road all the way into
the village. We crossed out to the grassy hill and up to the top of Round
Hill. Cho asked some questions. He got that the area had been used and
re-used from the Iron Age onward... long before the Celts and Romans.

We went on to the Brightwell Barrow.

Then we headed to the farm yard of our `difficult' farmer. I led us into
the yard and up to the house. A woman came out, I asked to speak to her
husband. She seemed interested in us but not apprehensive.

I said to Cho when she went back inside there still wasn't a sign about `no
riders.'

The farmer came out... he didn't look happy, his wife had a wondering look
on her face.

Cho and I slid down with Tara and Tessa.

"Do you remember us?"

He nodded.

"I am Fay Martin, this is my husband Cho. I just wanted you to know while
we didn't appreciate your attitude the last time we were here I came back
to say we won't hold a grudge."

"Your Ladyship... I'm sorry for the way I acted. I couldn't explain then
because you made it clear my acting the way I did was seen as a threat. I
apologize for that."

"Why the reaction?"

"The week before some young riders crossed through but unlike yourselves
they went over my fields not around. They did damage to crops... and a
fence. They acted as if our farm didn't matter to them. Again I'm sorry for
being the way I was."

"You still haven't posted a sign..."

"True... I keep meaning to. I don't want to appear hostile... you're right
though I have no reason to complain about riders if I don't."

Cho shook his hand.

"So you know these women and men are our Protectors. They are always armed
and will act to keep us safe. Using your fork as you did could get you
hurt..."

I had been watching the farmer's wife, her face had gone through several
permutations... now knowing her husband threatened me with his tool made
her face go to anger.

"Fred, put up a sign! I'll not have you dead behind your not willing to do
it!!"

He nodded.

I told him we might be by with other riders, I liked bringing visitors to
the `Clumps' on Round Hill, the view was terrific and going on to
Brightwell Barrow.

"We'll go around yours if you like but we never cross fields."

"No your Ladyship, you act respectfully so please come through. I'll post a
sign but please ignore it."

"If you post a sign we will go around because it wouldn't right for us to
pass over your property when you want others to not do so."

He shook his head, "See this is what I didn't want."

"Well... we don't want you to post a sign that says `no riders allowed
except those from Harcourt House.' We will respect your wishes whichever
way you choose. Maybe a sign saying `Please only ride on the grass edges of
the fields' would work."

Fred nodded a smile for my idea.

We turned to go... `Fred' thanked us come coming to talk, "Your Ladyship,
it has been on my mind... what I did. I was too ashamed to tell the wife as
you see."

"Good! We have relived that burden."

We all laughed even his wife. I shook her hand, "Don't be too hard on him."

She smiled, "Well Your Ladyship... he deserves a piece of my mind but I'll
not seeing as you are so nice to him."

`Fred' shook my hand again with another thank you.

Cho smiling as we remounted. We walked through as we had the last time with
waves to the couple.

Cho's head shaking, "I bet he still gets a piece of her mind."

I agreed, "He should... but not too much."

We all laughed.

We finished the ride with a terrific gallop across the grass. Rebel loving
it! Everybody caught up on the Flats. Smiles and fist bumps!

Walking up to the House Cho's arm over my shoulders, "I see making friends
is still one of your skills."

"Well... I could have had Tara shoot him the first time..."

Cho roared with laughter. He was still chuckling as we entered the Great
Room. Our guests got the story. Montaigan grinning, "Mission accomplished."

"Yes, it worked out quite nicely."



The Twins, Sam and Artie in the Garden with Sunny and Tha romping. We could
see them running around with Jaidee. Kay's arm around my waist watching our
kids..

"Fay, those two are quite special. It is both wonderful and unnerving to
have a conversation with Chani. She speaks so well... zapping me with Thai
whenever she thinks it's fun."

I had to laugh at that. The Twins besides everything else had quite a sense
of humour already!

I squeezed down on Kay's arm, "We have a specialized recruitment firm and
the psychologists who tested the Twins looking for a tutor for them. Tha is
tremendous with them, she very capable of doing all the socializing they
need, she's clever and intuitive.

We believe someone with more advanced skills is needed to maximize the
Twins abilities. We'll see what they find.

It will be a challenging position, anyone would have to be able to deal
with the Twins and us."

A big cheesy grin! Kay laughed out loud.

"I can see the latter part being the most difficult!" Lots more laughing.

Kay turned we were facing... "One of the best things you both have going is
you are both happy people. Like just now... you laugh a lot. There's a
wonderful sense of play between you two which carries over into everyday
life."

I kissed her cheek, "It helps that we are so well matched, have wonderful
kids and there is so much money! We literally have no financial
worries... except how to spend it."

Laughter!!!

Carter2 came in with Fin and Stanton carrying tea things with goodies. YEA!
The first stollen!! Fruit cake too. I gave everybody the low-down on both
of those!

"We were lucky to find out our first Christmas here that Carla our head
cook was a maker of that wonderful German stollen. I helped a housekeeper
when I was young make it for us so I had a taste for it."

The kids all came in! Hugs and kisses as we removed their outer wear
things! Food! Charlie with a small piece of stollen... big eyes!!

"It's good?"

A grin and a fist bump with some powdered sugar!

Christophe had a big grin too after a bite of stollen. "This tastes
wonderful, the fruit and nuts!"

I gave him a thumbs up!

I had two pieces of shortbread then there was one... Ah! A shortbread
thief! My own daughter! Chani giggling as she chewed a bite... a small
shower of crumbs.

"Okay cutie! Mouth closed to chew."

She covered her mouth... more giggles. Everybody joining in!

After dinner Greg and I went to the Wargame Room. Jerrold and Mr. Hardy
joined us. We talked about some overall game things. Some of my
`unofficial' rules and ideas were reviewed, we'd agreed on them already but
reviewing is good.

Mr. Hardy and I moved to Francis' office to let them have some private talk
time over the map board.

Since it was an all `historic' setup on the frontlines and the scenario
victory conditions were well defined... it was obvious the Germans would
have to try to make the same breakthrough as the originals attempted. They
needed to capture personnel centres... only one was possible.

We were to go ahead as planned, slowly give ground making the Germans grind
their way through several lines of fortifications. Once they were committed
we'd strike. A `Boom!' from Mr. Hardy. We both laughed.

Jerrold and Greg could meet whenever as Jerrold's school term was
over. Jerrold was to take snaps of the game board when we were all setup
and during play. He was a very good amateur photographer.

Charles stuck his head in the Wargame Room on occasion to take snaps for
the New Year's show. He came down with us for...

The Hay Ride! It was too much for the Twins but all us ladies and older
kids went down. The Cottons were the `front' folks again this year. The
Dan's, father and son, managing Boxer and Rosie pulling the cart piled high
with straw.

I gave Mary a hundred £'s for us all and a donation. We hopped aboard on
the south bound run. Sunny up to the top with her friends, she pulled Artie
along. Phailin, Kanda and Kay with me on one side our legs dangling. Sam
next to me with a big grin holding my hand.

At the end of the village the Dan's did a turnaround we headed
northward. Mary was walking beside us, we talked a bit about St. Thomas'
school bits and pieces.

Artie called to Sam who checked with Kay before going up on the hay
further. Us `older' folk stayed on until we'd passed the house drive then
slipped off. Sunny said she wanted to stay a while longer... Artie asked to
stay with his sister... Sam too. Kay winked at me `pretending' to consider
the question... some imploring... a "yes.' Yea!

Kay did give them a `not too much more' ending!

About an hour later... in time to wash up for dinner the three siblings
came into the Great Room. Kay grinning, "Have fun?"

They did, the boys met some folks their age. Sunny got to see all her
friends. A good deal.



`Goodnights' all around by the Twins. Tha ahead of us getting things
ready. Cho and I carrying the `pumpkins' up. Nightclothes , kisses and
hugs.

All the big people were going up soon too.



Jaidee sitting up in his bed looking at me... I'd stepped from my Dressing
Room in the `black silk robe' starkers underneath... letting one shoulder
slowly slip down... Cho by the bed grinning.

He slid in holding the bed clothes up... beckoning... I let the robe be
governed by gravity...

I slid across the sheet going for cock!! My daily quest to
see... touch... taste!

Sucking Cho's cock!!! My greedy mouth got him wet quickly the lovely
cockhead to came out to play! What an agreeable cock, warm, wet, delicious!
Cho's moans told me my attention to his piss slit was on target! A sopping
wet cock gliding through my fingers as I pinned it to his belly... I dove
for balls!

I made loud popping sounds as I sucked each in then let them pop out.

Sucking balls, stroking cock, a solo wet finger reached his anus... the
triple play of going down! I got to enjoy it for a while...  WHOA! Cho
turned us around and my pussy was licked! OH Shit! He knew what I needed.

I was burying my nose in the wet balls. HhhhhhhhMmmmmmm So good. Cho
laughed as I deep throated that wonderful spear thing making lots of
noises.

"Fay is to be fucked now!"

I was laughing as Cho spread me out, my legs wide, my hands behind my knees
I lifted!

Cho glided in! A slow slide before his wet balls slapped onto my ass. What
a fabulous feeling. With each stroke they bounced off my skin making a
delightful noise!

Cho's smooth delivery of cock had me at fever pitch quickly.

Each time he was in to the hilt, powerful strokes. Cho leaned forward to
get a kiss, my legs wrapped around him. NO Shit!!! His hips so strong, so
well-developed, such stamina. Every stroke delivered pleasure to my
insides.

Flipped over... Cho behind sliding inside! He resumed FUCKING! Roaming
hands, my nipple my bars tugged and twisted lightly sending jolts of
pleasure into me.

He never slackened driving his cock in deep! Heaven on earth!!

Flat on my belly, Cho moved up. AAAAAAHHHHHH... a whole new angle which
felt so good. The burn, a good burning!

Cho pushed me to my orgasm, it came STRONG like a flood up through me! The
heat sweeping me up.

SHIT SHIT SHIT Stunning orgasm!!!!!!

"It feels so good inside you as you cum!! You squeeze so tight!"

Cho gave me no rest! Cho lifted my hips for more. Damn... Cho knows how to
do this! In his grip... his hips moving like a piston powered machine... Oh
FUCK... I was orgasming again!

Damn I was so HOT!

Cho kept going... I felt his strokes shorten... faster... quick and
hard. He was cumming. What a man!!

I loved feeling his cum shoot inside me, the pulse of his cock Very
passionate!! I collapsed from the intensity of our explosions!

I felt his weight on my back I relaxed myself on the sheets. Oh Shit!

Cho's chest against me. A pile of spent flesh. So well fucked was I!!!!
Cho's soft, little kisses on my shoulders and neck... very sweet.

We came down slowly... Cho pulled the duvet up so we were warm and
cuddly. Cho lifted... I turned over. My arms snaked around him, my thighs
rubbing gently on him. Kisses... lots of kisses!

My hand slid through his hair V E R Y S L O W L Y! A gentle scalp rub.

"Your Ladyship says... I've been well and truly fucked, Sir Cho!"

We laughed!! More kissing!

"Countess, was this better than the other day?"

"No! It was equal... you always give the very finest fucks, Sir Cho!"

I said it was my turn to get the water... I made a pit-stop then to the
small fridge.

Cool water going down my throat... I nudged Cho... Jaidee was
watching... we grinned at each other. Cho moved a bit then called our boy
up... he was in-between like a shot!!

Rubbing commenced! We had a blissed out puppy in short order! We gave him a
good rub and Cho carried his limp bod to bed.

Strong arms pulled me back to warm skin, a squeeze... I was asleep in
seconds.



Sunny with me, Tara and Penny alongside going up the slope towards the Sci
Ctr... the sun just up. Cold and clear! Frosty edges all around.

We warmed up then a good gallop to the lock. Our friends in place, `good
mornings' exchanged. We crossed over turning to the north through a car
park to Audlett Drive. We walked around a cricket ground to the front of
St. Edmund's Catholic Primary.

At the door a woman opened it for us. The headteacher was Sister
Mary-Anne. We sat in her office after introductions.

"You have a young fellow here who is the son of one of our workers. We want
to make a donation to the school in his family's name and ours."

I handed her a cheque for a thousand £'s... huge eyes! I added the line
of credit on the Oxford Computer Store.

"We place no limits on what you spend the money or the credit on but
request a letter saying in the most general terms what you did
purchase. Like a roof repair or a computer or printer toner, etc..."

Sister Mary-Anne was thrilled. She did ask why her school.

"I've been visiting schools around the area where our employees children
attend doing the same thing. I've just gotten around to you."

I named some of the schools for her to give an idea of what I'd been up to.

She thanked us very much for the donations, "Every student will see the
value of this wonderful gift each day."

She paused, "Your Ladyship, Would you be fine with our parish priest
mentioning this in the mass on Sunday?"

Smiling, "Yes of course."

We shook hands as my crowd walked out.

We walked our horses on the verge of Radley Road northeast about a half
mile to Kingfisher School. At the gate a fellow came to find out what we
wanted.

"Good morning, Your Ladyship. Please come in. Go through the doors there
and ask for the `head.' He's likely around the office."

We did that... the `head' welcomed us. After everyone was introduced we sat
in his study. I went right to it.

The daughter of one of our families attended Kingfisher. It was a special
needs school with a brilliant reputation.

I gave the `head' a cheque for a thousand £'s and the letter of credit.

"Your Ladyship, this is a wonderful gift. You and your husband are being
the best of neighbours doing this for our school."

Smiling, I thanked him. "We like supporting education especially for
younger students. Please send us a letter next year stating what you spent
the money for but no details just in general terms. The address is there."

"I will be glad to do that. We have a good project for the money... outdoor
play areas."

"If you have a specific project please tell me."

"It's a re-do of the outdoor play areas. All new grass, sandboxes, benches,
swings, slides, new trees, some simple climbing things."

I asked to see. Behind the school the area was a nice size, quite a few
bare muddy spots and the various play things looked worn.

"What is your budget for this?"

"We have a local outdoor builder quoting nearly five thousand £'s. That
is for it all."

"We will pay for it... outside of today's donation. Okay?"

"Oh my that is beyond wonderful. Everybody will be so excited."

I told him Gil, my PA, would be in touch to get the money to the school.

Back in the office the `head' was positively bouncing telling all the
staff. I was showered with thanks.

I shook a bunch of hands telling them we were happy to help the children
have more fun outside.

The fellow at the gate had a huge smile, "Your Ladyship, this was a very
nice visit."

I laughed, "I'm glad everybody is happy."



We remounted walking around the school to cross to Reade Avenue to work our
way to Barton Lane. We warmed up the horses until the underpass then a
strong gallop northward around the bulge of Lower Radley houses by the
railway onto the Industrial Estate.

We waved to folks there as we passed through. The lock man in Sandford
grinning as he worked a narrow boat, "Good morning, Your Ladyship."

I called out a `Good Morning' to him.

Mr. Hardy was out so the grass exit beckoned. Roland whinnied and we were
off! A rousing romp, the grass had a fleeting existence beneath his hooves!
Sunny the closest as I crossed over the property line to the Flats.

Freddie was coming down for the first work of the day. Fist bump!

I had a brief snuggle with Tess. Her purr motor was always very loud!

The Breakfast Room was well filled. I wondered where Christophe was?? Cho
said he was eating with Gaby and the Protectors. He and Gaby would fly to
Bergerac in a few hours for Christmas with the family.

The Twins were off with Tha for more `secret' doings! Cho and I had a laugh
over that.

Gil was taking Kay and the boys to Oxford. They'd see the `colleges' and
other bits, have lunch out and some shopping. I told Artie and Sam it was
their last chance to buy me presents. That got a big laugh! Hugs for the
boys!



Montaigan asked if he could see the Wargame Room. I led him down after
breakfast was over.

He gave it a good look and asked a few questions. I did a very brief precis
of the game and the scenario victory conditions.

Montaigan liked my plan to deal with the German's southern attack. He asked
about the German's forces in reserve.

I said they might commit them at the point where it was all they could do
to save the Second SS Panzer and the Forty-Eighth Panzer Corps. Otherwise
there was nowhere for it to fit in because the battlefield attack area was
so narrow. It was too weak to do anything on its own.

 "The Russians paid a fearful price in their actual counter-attack... I
like yours much more. No point in going against their best forces
head-on. Good strategy!"

I did a `we will see' to that.

He laughed about my `annoyance' attack on the River Mius.

"It never hurts to make your opponent `think' about other things, they'll
pay less attention to more important events."

Before lunch `Montai' was pulled outside. He and Artie helped Charlie toss
the ball for Jaidee. Sunny pushed Chani in the swing. I was inside with
Kay, Sam sitting with a book, Cho on the phone. Greg with Jerrold
downstairs.

After lunch the `gamers' were going to take a first look at Greg's new
game. I liked what he sent, copies of everything... which included the map
board. Jerrold and Mr. Hardy stayed to lunch.

Mr. Hardy wanted to talk with Montaigan about his book. We'd made the
Library available for them, I might join depending on some work.

Ali and Gil had bunches of things. We took over the Bfast Room... at least
it was quiet!

We stopped for lunch.

A big crowd in the Dining Room. A soup and salad and sandwich buffet! All
the makings for a tasty meal.

We talked wargames, horses and Sunny's plans, everyone heard about Chani
and Charlie's `A Christmas Carol' reading, Jaidee's adventure...

In the Cellar the `gamers' spent some time looking at Greg's rules, charts
and the map board plus discussing the basic mechanics of the game. The
movement was interesting because of the time scale... in a vehicle you
could literally drive across the entire map on roads in a turn not that the
Viet Minh were going to let the French do that.

Lots of interesting chrome... little touches like `listening posts' or the
waving of elephant grass as people walk through it... giving away their
position, rice paddies and berms. Greg had done the research!! I
congratulated him for a good looking game.



Montaigan smiling at me by the Great Room fire.

"I have discussed long ago battles from World War II and the Napoleonic
era, paratroop tactics and thrown a ball for a dog with a smart year and
half old boy and his older cousin... now I sit talking with a
countess... what a variety of stimulation. I need to come here every year!"

I squeezed his hand, "We want you to come. In the summer too."



After dinner Cho had the men playing poker `a la Cho' I sat in bed reading
Greg's game rules with Jaidee. Sunny knocked, she stuck head in when I said
come in.

"Are you decent?"

"Yes... sort of... just my boobies showing."

We laughed. She lay across the bottom of the bed fingers in Jaidee's hair.

"Fay, will you get Yvonne to ride Plotline while I'm away? For him she's
the best."

I said fine. What about Charlotte working in the arena?

"She will but he needs to stretch his legs too."

Fist bump.

"Fay, did it hurt to have your nipples pierced?"

"Not much... the healing after can be bad for some people. I had some
special creame from a company in Bangkok. You thinking about something?"

"Oh no! A girl at school has talked about it... she's got a pash on a punk
boy who has piercings."

"Tell her not to do it she's too young but if she does to be careful of
where she goes to for it and to follow the piercer's instructions for
care."

Sunny... giggles... "The worst thing I've thought is a horse's head
tattoo. I'd only put it someplace where it would show only if I wanted it
to."

"Oh... like not on the top of your shaven head?"

Laughter!! Sunny was still giggling going out the door.



A cold morning! Walking down the lane with Jaidee, Sunny and Angie. We
handed over warm scones for horses. Roland shaking his head seemingly happy
at my exchange.

Today was a short ride so it was a trip around the Sci Ctr and ride past
Denham School. The run back was a Roland speed spree!! We stayed galloping
until the Flats since it was too early for anything go on down there.

Bfast was quick, a clean-up and dressed to go up to London. A midnight blue
wool circle skirt to mid-calf, a white silk sleeveless top and a scarlet
red jacket fitted close to my body with six gold buttons up the front to a
short upright collar. Black stockings and heels. Gold jewellery and `Joy'

The black Coach coat, Hermès French flag scarf and gloves.

A kiss from Cho as the AW139 landed on the lawn. Gil, PJ and Tessa plus Kay
with me. At Wandsworth the car was waiting, now to Clarence House in
St. James's. We turned off the Mall onto Stable Yard Road then through
security at the gates of Clarence House.

I stepped out to a welcome by Prince Charles' principal aide. In a drawing
room Charles' greeting was warm. I introduced my sister. Charles was very
friendly. We sat to chat a bit as tea was brought in.

"Countess, I know you have spoken to Cecil, Viscount Hawksmere, about
joining the by-election to the Lords for next month. He says you decided
not to because you didn't feel you could devote enough time to justify
taking the seat if another Peer could spend the time."

I nodded, saying Yes.

"That is a fine position to take showing your concern for the House and its
work... I would like you to re-consider. Now I'm not proposing you change
your life but the Lords is desperate for younger members who have
connections to the people of the Kingdom and are intelligent and
hard-working.

More men in the Hereditary side of the Lords are not needed. Their
representation is well over the average."

"Sir, I see your point about the make-up of the Lords... Can my one vote
mean so much? Can the rules be altered to encourage more women peers?"

"As to rules probably not but I would hope your presence will be the
encouragement you mention."

"If I do stand in the by-election and win... I can only promise to do my
best to attend as often as possible. Also I'm something of an
iconoclast... some noses may be put out of joint by me..."

Charles laughed loudly, "You are making my point for me..."

I nodded. I sipped my tea to think... or rather to pretend since Cho and I
had figured out what this was about.

"I will stand and make an effort to win..."

Charles thanked me, "My dear, your youth and vibrancy will shake up the
Lords even if you never speak... which I am sure will not happen."

Smiles!

"Sir, I'm apt to say things that are unwelcome but not without thought
behind them. Can I say you are forewarned?"

More laughter from Charles, "I accept that. The Lords will be better for
it.

On another topic... Harry's visits to your homes with Meghan has been well
received. They enjoyed themselves, you are generous with your hospitality.

Harry especially mentioning how amazed he had been with Cho's golf game and
the opportunity to meet Tom Angleten the golf Grand Slam winner was
special."

I smiled, "It seems most people are amazed by Cho! Our friends who golf
with him always enjoy their game and Cho seems to inspire them to play
better.

Meghan was able to ride with me, I think she rather delighted in that. I
did take her to some local primary schools for visits."

"Ah... those trips where you give donations?"

"Yes. We went to several. Another guest was Roxanne, the wife Tom
Angleten. It was interesting to see her name was recognized, one
headteacher said her husband was going to be jealous."

We laughed.

"What is next on your agenda for the new year?"

I mentioned lots of horse racing, more work with existing businesses and we
hoped some new ventures would prove successful, lots of time with the
Twins!!

"Your children are quite precocious! I had a brief talk with Charlie about
your dog... he said the dog was going off to make babies."

"Yes, the Twins are good conversationalists for their age. Jaidee did go to
his breeder's for some mating. We'll see what happens there."

"I understand Mrs. Clinton will visit you after being here?"

"Yes, she and her husband will stay overnight before going on the the big
NATO meeting. They were with us last Christmas before she was inaugurated.

Bill plays golf with Cho, we ladies talk about things. We have shared views
and goals."

"I have been impressed with the changes you two wrought in the Fox News
network and your newspapers. I am given to understand the television
network has become much more profitable under your ownership."

"That is true. Cho and I have the controlling interest now. The people at
the top there are seasoned professionals who came in knowing we wanted
wholesale changes made. They have succeeded admirably in making that happen
and co-incidentally raising the profits to new higher levels! For us it is
an enormous win."

"Well for viewers it is also a win. The media must be honest even went it
hurts which is why the Times and the Sun are so much more regarded now."

"Sir, that is exactly how Cho and I approached the takeovers... be fair,
honest and above-board was our mandate for Bill the president of the
network and Adam at the Sun."

Charles asked a few more questions and we talked about Iran briefly. He got
that I had done personal trips to Tehran deliberately to show the Iranians
we viewed the relationship as important. His one word comment `shrewd' was
telling.

We shook hands. I was thanked for coming and my re-consideration. He shook
Kay's hand. Smiles all around.

On the way out the principal aide also thanked me, "Your Ladyship, the
Prince has spoken warmly of you and your husband... I am honoured to have
met you."

I thanked him. We slipped into Allyn's car and we moved off.

Gil grinning. She had been in the room off to the side. Seeing it all.

PJ and Tessa had waited outside the room, they both had been offered
refreshments. Charles' top security fellow sat with them. He knew about the
Hendon Police event and congratulated PJ and Tessa.

I called Cho, he laughed in my ear. "See you are smart, you knew what he
wanted. Did you pretend to consider it?"

More laughing when I told him about my tea sipping.



We drove out past Buckingham Palace through Hyde Park Corner and south of
Kensington Park then up to The Company office. Gil calling Cecil, he had
been let in on my meeting with Prince Charles and what I expected.

I called Mac to ask him for a bit of help. He was `In!'

I swiped my ID... `Countess Harcourt' came up on the screen!! I laughed,
Kay, Gil and my Protectors joined in when they read the small
display. Someone having fun!

Inside I saw Douglas coming from the canteen...

"Your Ladyship! It is nice to see you."

I stood there... hands on hips... Douglas had stopped... He got it... "Fay!
It is nice to see you!"

A hug which endangered his coffee. We walked up... he and his family were
doing very well! I introduced my sister Kay. Douglas smiling saying hello
and welcome.

We turned off at Reg's floor, the fellow himself leaning over his table
just like when I first returned as Fay.

I was very close when he looked up... a big smile... He was about to
say... I pre-empted him, "Don't even go there!"

A laugh, open arms... a big hug!

"I have to say there's literally NO ONE who deserves it more. It is funny
to think of you as..." I cut in... "as promoted?"

We laughed. I said an American friend said we were `promoted' to describe
Cho and I.

"Not a bad line. Congratulations!" Reg gave me a bow.

"Rona and Jian will be back tomorrow, they'll be in Edinburgh this
morning. Oh you probably know all that."

"I know some... Gil knows it all. You remember Kay?"

He did, smiling they shook hands.

"So where is MFA?"

"She's around here somewhere. One of the ladies took her down to the
canteen for milk and cookies. In fact the Fortnum and Mason ones you guys
sent!"

A loud `Aunt Fay' from behind us. MFA running... I bent down to scoop her
up... she stopped... a curtsey, "Hello Your Ladyship."

I wiggled my fingers she plunged against me... BIG HUG!

Reg, " Rona showed her how to do that so she could do it for you."

I thanked MFA, "You did good."

Reg looking at me, "So how does it work... you being a bit different?"

"I have things like what MFA just did happen, I hear my own name less with
folks using the `My Lady... Your Ladyship' terms to address me. I'm getting
pressured to run in a by-election for the Lords."

"Really? Who's pressuring you?"

"Charles."

Reg did a double-take, "Prince Charles wants you to run for the Lords?"

Kay nodding beside me. Pointing to me!

I laughed, "He's got a thing about getting more younger and women members
... the problem is there aren't enough of either to really change the
House."

"You are moving up... rapidly."

"Well I may not win the by-election and if I do the current government
won't be happy with me. I warned Charles I would not be put in a box or
restrained in any way."

"Oh boy... what did he say...?"

"He admitted that my being somewhat outspoken on some issues was known. He
was very cool about it."

"So when did you have this talk with the Prince?"

"We just came from Clarence House."

He was bug-eyed! "You are indeed moving up."

I shrugged.

I motioned upstairs, "Eric back soon?"

"He said in two hours but I haven't heard anything new."

"I'm off to Cowley House then Wandsworth. See you guys in a few days."

Another hug for MFA! "Tell your mom you did the curtsey perfectly."

A large grin on her young face. MFA was nearly two!



Kay and Cecil were introduced in the North Drawing Room. We sat for a few
minutes of chat before luncheon. Cecil smiling at my description of the
Clarence House meeting.

"As you thought... right down the line."

I said Mac was going to start helping me. Cecil was pleased to hear that.

Cecil ate with Kay, Gil and I in the big Dining Room. Mrs. Travers had a
very nice potato leek soup, grilled sole, risotto, grilled zucchini squash
and little onions with lots of Asiago on top, soft rolls.

We discussed the by-election bits.

"I had already put your name up on the `Roll' of those seeking election
which is the first step. After your call earlier I told them you were `in'
for the current Crossbench by-election."

I thanked Cecil for doing that for me.

"It was actually rather nice to do it. And I was right there. As of now
there are twelve peers seeking the seat... you included. Ten have tried
before most getting one, two or four votes which means they are not likely
to do well again.

You have a good chance."

I gave Cecil a look... "A very good chance!! Yes, I see your lack of
enthusiasm..." A big grin on his face, "... but as you are going ahead
please disguise that."

A nod. A smile.

I thanked him again for doing all the things for me even though he was a
Tory and I wasn't a bit likely to be one if elected.

He responded, "Well... I'd be gaining a friend on the opposite side!"

I did ask if he knew why Charles had a bee in his bonnet about this.

"I think he's worried the Lords might be dissolved leaving a unicameral
Parliament. It may seem unlikely but the 'politicians' are such
short-sighted, distracted by `shiny things' people.

Charles isn't the standard stuck in the mud conservative he knows the Lords
actually serves a purpose but many see it as an anachronistic symbol of
inequality.

It's not like he can do anything himself personally so he asks for help
from various people."

I was smiling, "I warned him I was not particularly conventional nor would
I be silent. He accepted it... in fact he may be counting on that."

Cecil shaking his head, "There's no way anyone is likely to believe you'll
be silent."

We laughed.



It was a happy moment to hug the Twins at our front door. Cho was next.

"Hobnobbing with the Prince... so much fun for you."

My raised eyebrows were enough to bring on a big grin on Cho.

Kay laughing out loud, "Fay... handled it!"

We all laughed.



In jeans on the carpet rubbing Jaidee... now this is what I wanted. Cho,
Kay and I talked while I rubbed our boy. He got the `Lords' things... a
shrug.

"You may be flying back here a bit more," after he heard about the the
`attendance' rule.

I could only say Prince Charles was going to `owe me one' if I was
elected. Strange... I've never `run' in any kind of election before. I had
Mac as my `promoter' he'd speak to Crossbench members on my behalf. Cecil
and Alexander would help where they could... both being `tories' there was
a limit.

There's a hustings to appear at unfortunately and a brief statement of why
I'm running to write. That was going to be tough... time for Gil to do some
magic.

The by-election ballots were to be in the hands of the House of Lords staff
folks by January twelfth and a result on the following day so it wasn't a
long process. Thankfully.

I changed for riding then a stop beforehand in the Wargame Room. My three
compatriots where there getting ready. We'd kick off after
dinner. Mr. Hardy was staying to eat with us. Jerrold's family were coming
over, his wife Lea and their two children.

We did a short ride to the north. I got to say hello to many neighbours.

Montaigan smiling beside me, just he and I, listening to the account of my
meeting with Charles.

"It sounds like you both got a bit from it. He has your assent to be in the
election and you made it clear you would do and say what you want. It is an
odd position for the heir to a kingdom to be in. He cannot openly do things
past rulers wouldn't have hesitated to do with a closed fist."

"It is well most folks don't objectively think about the monarchy or
there'd be more republicans."

Montaigan laughed, "It is also odd that there are still `royalists' in
France." A shrug, "Somethings are hard to give up."



Dinner was a buffet to make it more informal for Jerrold and his family. A
Marandi special! Our guests loved the Indian-Pakistani choices! Ellie did
the cards when she knew the menu.

"Fay, I love to do this because it means we get the buffet too!"

A hug! Kas was mobile on his knees! We laughed. I told her to enjoy it! She
often sat to sew in the Staff Lounge by the fire, Kas could be there with
her. She loved having him close.



In the Cellar we four sat to start the game. Germans began their
moves... some disguising of their intentions was still tried although given
the victory conditions there was only one direction for them to
go. Jerrold's two panzer corps moved up to attack the first line of
defences. I had not committed a great deal of troops there so the Germans
were able to penetrate it with minimal effort. The second and third lines
were densely filled with quality units.

It was a grind for them on both sides of the Kursk Salient. I began my
movement with the planned feint of moving forces to the point of the German
attack. Since they were behind the frontlines I did not have to show what
units were involved... they were all basic infantry units, nothing of any
threat to Jerrold's force.

The next two German turns were much the same... attacking fortified Russian
lines filled with anti-tank units and armour. Slow going. Undercover moves
of my main armour attack force had them in their jump-off positions by the
end of turn three.

Jerrold's next turn had his spearheads stretching out his flank as I
predicted. My Russian army on his immediate right was holding tight forcing
his units more northward, Jerrold's right wing protection was thin.

My next turn to move... Boom! Mr. Hardy was engrossed with his own actions
but he did give me a smile when I moved my big armoured and heavy artillery
units against the weak German flank. My attacks succeeded in blowing a huge
hole where I wanted. My armour was easily through his frontline infantry.

In the south my attack on the River Mius line brought surprising success. A
small breakthrough which caused Jerrold to move his few reserve tank units
there forward to close the hole. He stopped my breakthrough but committed
all his reserves in the south to do it. None could be sent north to the
Kursk fighting.

Jerrold could see the dangers in both places and had to make
decisions... at Kursk... push on and use his limited reserves to stop-up
the hole or pull back his most powerful forces to deal with my attack.

Jerrold could see there'd be no `Prokhorovka' fight this time. No `Pyrrhic'
Russian onslaught against his best units.

He and Greg had worked out an arrangement with us to simulate German
decision-making, a faux `crazy führer' rule if you will. If one or the
other needed to use their `reserves' then they would both have to agree
then a die roll of a `five' or `six' would release the
reserves... immediately. If not he'd have to wait a turn for another die
roll to release them. The dice weren't good for Jerrold... he wasn't to use
the Twenty-Fourth Panzer Corps to save his attack... he had to turn back
his leading armour.

At this stage my tanks were behind Jerrold's spearheads which were mired in
my third line of defences close to a breakthrough. Even if they succeeded,
the Steppe Front, an entirely new army group of more than three quarters of
a million men and two thousand tanks was waiting.

The secondary attack beside my breakthrough was succeeding, it was aimed at
Kharkov, a personnel centre. More pressure on Jerrold.

By this time Mr. Hardy had stalled Greg's attack on the north side of the
bulge and he's gone over to attack with great success. His huge multiple
army group attack had opened several holes in the German left flank and
were rushing in. Orel was recaptured this game turn, Bryansk soon to
follow.

Only by pulling back could Greg stop Mr. Hardy.

I started an attack on the other side of Jerrold's spearheads to close off
any retreat so his entire panzer army was in danger of becoming surrounded.

So the Germans after seven complete turns... conceded. The scenario was one
third done... they simply had no time to complete the victory conditions
even if they stabilized their positions on both sides of Kursk. In fact
they were likely to lose at least two Personnel Centres which meant
comprehensive defeat by the game rules.

At different points we had an audience... and I left to go up when the
Twins were put down for the night.

Montaigan sat watching for a bit when my attack developed, a smile. The
attack was helped by very good dice rolls giving me the maximum outcomes
each time. A broad smile from him.

Cho, Montaigan and Francis played poker for a while. It was after midnight
when they came down to see the tea towel tossed. We decided to stop for now
and re-convene tomorrow late morning for a post-mortem. Handshakes all
around.

I drove Jerrold home, Cho took Mr. Hardy. In the car with one of Yonne's
fellows driving Jerrold and I talked the game. He admired my play and the
risk I was willing to take. He had little leeway in his choice of attack
vector.

His head shaking, "I watched you roll the dice with crushing efficiency. It
was like the Borodino scenario all over again."

"You did well in your attacks... it had to be a grind but you were
advancing the whole time."

"True but I was near maximum commitment of forces you weren't close."

A hug at his gate. His wife had left a light on for him.

On the way back the Security fellow, Spencer, asked about the wargames.

"For me it's a combination of the history of the simulated battle and the
possibilities the game offers for changing history. The `what ifs' of
it. An intellectual `war' since I have no practical experience of the
`real' type."

"Can I come look at the game?"

"Of course. We are going to meet in the late morning. Come and listen to
the discussion. Also you can use games on the shelves if you want. If you
want to borrow one please leave a note saying which one you have. If you
want suggestions of what might be good as `starter' games please ask me or
the others."

I was thanked and he would come by tomorrow... we laughed... later today!



I was up just a bit later than usual. Dressing I had to laugh at my
previous day's activities. Riding, meet with the Prince of Wales, luncheon
at Cowley House with my sister and a Viscount, play time with Chani and
Charlie, talking with Montaigan and hours playing a wargame!



Two scones and coffee, Marigold said she'd let Jaidee out when his Bfast
was done. Pat and Roland waiting, Angie and Ken smiling.

Off we went! Down to the Oxford Road and across to Baldon Lane. Turning
southeast we went along the edges of our property to the Clifton Hampden
Road. Little Baldon to our left. We skirted fields going more east toward
Drayton St. Leonard.

We galloped around the little grass landing strip to the River Thame. It
wound its way to join the Thames the other side of Dorchester. Behind
St. Giles Church it was fordable. We tied our horses to a tree near the
steeple end.

A nice late Norman church, started in the twelfth century it was finished
with the steeple in the Fourteenth Century.

I liked the interior very much, an excellent tile floor, really fine
stained glass windows, very well kept.

The vicar was there ready to meet with us. She was the vicar of several
local churches. She rotated between them on Sundays.

"Your Ladyship, welcome to St. Giles."

I thanked her.

"I wanted to come over after speaking to Dr. Ryles... he said there were
similar issues with the roof here."

"Yes, we are at the beginning of possible problems. We are just starting to
prepare a fund raising to cover the costs."

"My husband and I want to give the money to repair the roof..." She lit up!
"... then you could fund raise for other things."

"Your Ladyship, you are very generous. We have several builders bids..."

"Send the builders to Harcourt House, we will talk with them. Was there a
favourite? And why?"

She gave us the builders' name who was nearby and had experience with old
church rooves. The other bid was lower but the company had not had any
practise with churches.

"It is a Grade I listed building so we have an obligation towards it," She
pointed out.

"Sent only the one builder who is experienced and we will get it
started. Please thank the other telling them since we are to pay we have
made the decision."

"Everyone will want to thank you for the gift."

"Let us see after the work is done. We would get our coming over planned."

My hand well shaken. `Happy Christmas' to us. And her!

Our return was aimed to go north of Berinsfield to cross the Oxford Road to
reach our property near Kate's house then a hard run to the stables. Roland
getting to gallop for a good stretch made his day... mine too!

We walked on the Flats, I moved over to where Charlotte was on DD watching
Sunny. Her brothers were sitting on a platform on the slope wrapped in
blankets. They waved.

Sunny was working with Prince. He looked elegant moving through the
routine... I leaned close to Charlotte, "He looks very sharp."

"He is. This the second time they've done the routine both times like this!
Maybe he wants to show off knowing Sunny has been working with Plotline."

I could see that. Horses are sensitive souls... Prince wouldn't want to be
in second place. Dressage was the one of the three disciplines where Sunny
had been weakest to begin with. She had finished the year winning dressage
several times... so Prince should be proud.

I rode close to the boys, they liked watching their sister. Her riding was
`awesome' said Artie.



I had a short late breakfast. I didn't go up to change.

In the Cellar the `gamers' gathered to talk about our play. Spencer was off
duty, I introduced him to the others. He was interested, military
miniatures was his father's pastime, in the Army he hadn't been in one
place long enough to consider a hobby.

We got started by Jerrold... he was grinning about my inversion of the
Fifth Guards Tank Army's attack.

"If the Twenty-Forth Panzer Corps was released it `might' have stopped your
attack... It isn't very strong so its hitting power was limited."

I pointed to the tank army in the Kursk bulge that was striking the other
side of the main attack force into the flank of the Forty-Eighth Panzer
Corps... "You'd be out of supply in two turns. The whole Panzer army! Your
Fifty-Second Corps was incapable of stopping the flank attack. It's too
thinly stretched."

Greg was in just as bad a shape. Mr. Hardy poked holes in his front north
of Kursk and was exploiting them. Greg was retreating from his advanced
attacking positions having failed to make any significant penetration of
Mr. Hardy's defences. Orel was lost, I was near to capturing Kharkov, the
gravest risk for the Germans on victory conditions.

Jerrold had fought very well, good moves and decent dice rolls but my
defense was too dense for quick advances... then the hammer fell.

A discussion... Was it possible for the Germans to win the scenario? My
answer was No... Not possible.

I pointed out most of the Steppe Front's forces had not been engaged. AND
in real life the Russians began two huge offensives as the Germans withdrew
from their furthest positions overwhelming them. Orel, Kharkov and Kiev
were recaptured by the Russians in a few weeks as was Smolensk. Most of the
Ukraine re-gained.

We agreed it was enjoyable, even the Germans agreed. Final snaps of the map
board were taken. Jerrold and Mr. Hardy volunteered to put it all
away. Spencer joined in.

Greg would lay out his game for us.

I got a coffee at the table Carla had setup outside the door. A tall narrow
table with a DeLonghi and an electric tea kettle with a selection of
infusers. Sugar, creame, cups, spoons AND a lower shelf had a tray of
Christmas cookies!!

Greg with me, I asked him to include Spencer if he didn't mind.

"Not at all. A new gamer is fine with me."

I went up to change. The Munro Ancient skirt, blue and yellow
accessories. The blue jacket... brrrr!

I was outside the Nursery as Chani did a rolling tumble on the carpet then
another... she ended on her butt giggling. I was too. Chani got up to dash
to me. HUG! One for Charlie who then pushed me towards the door... "Mama we
need privacy."

Okay. I got a kiss. A smile from Tha.

Cho and Montaigan in the Great Room with Kay and me. Her boys were outside
visiting around the estate with Sunny. Kay said she'd enjoyed being
included yesterday. Meeting Prince Charles would be good for many hours of
chat with her friends. Laughter.

Montaigan still smiling, "As if having a Countess as a sister and a
brother-in-law who is a `Knight' weren't enough??"

Much more laughter Kay leading the way!

"I intend to spread the word about them both!"

All the kids joined us for lunch. We had a fun lunch with all the kids
enjoying the Moroccan grilled vegetables on couscous, Moroccan flat bread
plus pecan cookies and Moroccan almond rolls for dessert!! North
African... Very tasty!

Greg and the `gamers' went down the passage to sit in the staff lounge for
lunch so they could stay together. They found another `gamer' in Carl of
the Security Team. He'd played as a lad but not since. After lunch he
connected with them to discuss Greg's game. They invited him to play.

Greg in the passage with me was pleased, "The more eyes on it the
better. We have two new pairs of eyes. They will be encouraged to challenge
the rules and why I did this or that. I hope they'll make me assess
everything."

"So do you have someone to `publish' the game?"

"No. I was going to work on that after I thought it was ready so it could
put forward a completed product."

"Keep me in mind to help you promote it... Okay?"

A hug and a cheek kiss plus a big thanks!



Today... in a few hours... the big mob was arriving. Phailin and Dad,
Somsak, Tona and the cute Suki. Thoi and Kanda. All of them from
Bangkok. Eve and Ku from New York to on the ground in thirty minutes.

Aunt Dee, Uncle Craig and Donella flying from Inverness were according to
Gil ten minutes from wheels down. Graeme was driving down right now. He was
first.

I got a hug and kiss, Graeme and Cho shaking hands. The other Scots were
getting into a car at Chalgrove. Graeme's bags were taken and we waited in
the entryway. Chani and Charlie in the Great Room with everybody.

Donella out first as Lucas held the door. HUG! Dee stepping out of the car
barely got to stand before I gave her a BIG HUG! Uncle Craig!! Cho got a
HUGE hug from Dee. Graeme applied hugs and kisses to all.

They were grinning at the doors... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH's!!! I
slipped my arm through Dee's going in... "Dee! Unc! Doc! Graeme!" LOUD
voices from small bodies!! They came over with their arms open.

`Unc' got Charlie, Dee... Chani. They both went to Doc then switched to
Graeme who was on one knee arms around both babies. Everybody loved that!

They remembered Montaigan. Greg, Kay and their children were all hugged and
kissed.

So we were to the Christmas ball decoration hanging phase right away.

The Twins handed out the ornaments... surprise from the newbies... Dee
looking over to me with a smile.

Charlie and Chani clapping as the new glass balls were put up.

Eve and Ku were here! We met them out front. A big squeeze for Eve, a
kiss. Smiling eyes. Ku! We wrapped our arms around each other. Cheek to
cheek... I whispered in her ear how pleased I was for all her hard work.

A kiss and a thank you.

Inside another big Twins welcome! They knew everyone so warm, happy
greetings. Chani pulled them to the ornaments, she picked up their box,
"Here... time for this."

All the new arrivals amazed she could read their names on the box. The
glass ball was hung. Kisses for Chani.

Jaidee was woofing his approval. Charlie put his arm over Jaidee's
shoulder, hug. Charlie got his face licked which made him laugh.

Carter had turned on the Christmas music, softly, very nice to hear `The
Holly and the Ivy.'

Tea and goodies was brought in. Dee hugged me, "There's four big tins of
shortbread in our luggage. I assumed you'd be running short."

Cho and I laughed. "We are!"

Chani sitting beside me with her own shortbread this time. She started
talking with Dee... I nabbed a shortbread from her.

"Mama!!"

"Chani that is called `turnabout fair play' since you did it to me."

She laughed. I put in back on her plate.

"Mama if you need it..."

"No... Aunt Dee brought more for us so there's plenty."

Chani clapped and thanked Dee.

I asked Dee if she and Craig wanted to come to the St. Thomas School choir
show... a Yes. Okay. Sunny was coming again that night to `hang' with her
friends.

It was time for the Bangkok arrivals. Gil holding her iPhone, "They're
leaving Chalgrove."

Everybody but Cho and I were in the Great Room as the inside super-size
reception committee.



Holding Sir Cho's hand, a squeeze as the cars rolled in. Lucas had the
first car... Phailin popped out... "Fay..." we hugged and kissed.

Dad! He shook hands and did a backslap with Cho. I got the bear hug!

"Fay, you look great!"

I said same to you. He did look relaxed... a big smile! Just what we
wanted!

Kanda! Hug and kiss. Her eyes bright, "It is so good to be here again."

Thoi... he bowed, an extended hand, "Your Ladyship!"

Then a big hug and kiss!

Somsak, Tona and a running Suki.

They all came to us, hugs, kisses and Suki put her arms around my neck. I
lifted her, a kiss on my cheek.

"Aunt Fay, we saw you on TV."

"Oh... Where?"

"At home in Singapore."

Tona behind us, "The news did a story about you becoming a
Countess. Several pictures which were quite nice."

Suki bouncing in my arms, "You were pretty!"

I said thank you!

They were all around the doors... OPEN!  More
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH's from them all. They get big `welcomes'
from the crowd inside!

I put Suki down, she raced in to see her cousins. They all did hugs and
kisses like the grown-ups.

"Gramps" "Gamma" the Twins came rushing over. Hugs and kisses. Unc Somsak
and Aunt Tona! They got more hugs from Thoi and Kanda.

Kay, Greg, Artie and Sam all got in their hugs and kisses. Sunny being
squeezed by her Gramma! Phailin remarking how big Sunny was... Sunny was
taller than Phailin now by several inches. Sunny replied she planned some
more growing. Laughter.

Dad holding Sunny's hand... she twirled around showing off her slender
figure in a cute striped frock... a bit of toned leg on display!

"My... Sunny you look like quite the young woman now."

Sunny grinning with an `I am!' Laughter and a big hug for her Grandad!

Chani and Charlie getting everybody to put up their ornaments. Handing them
out to amazed family members! Phailin looking over to me... I nodded.

Taittinger's and Shirley Temples! Cho smiling, "It is wonderful to have all
of you here!!" He reached out to me, "We love Christmas with you! A big
Happy Christmas from us!"

We cheered and toasted!

Cho told everybody dinner would be soon so no changing or dressing up
tonight.



Afters in the Great Room had Suki beside Jaidee gently rubbing his warm
back, a big grin on Suki. Chani suggested Suki go further up his
back... she's now a rubbing coach!

We talked all sorts. Anong, Rak and Rak2 were missed. Anong was pregnant
with a girl but having a bad time. She was dogged by morning sickness and
some mild anaemia, all her Foundation work was done remotely for now. Anong
said her doctor felt once she had passed a few more weeks things would
settle down. They were sorry not to be here. We'd sent on their gifts so a
bit of us would be with them.

I parked beside Dad. He was smiling watching his grandkids do things around
the room.

"You look at ease..." my turn for a big grin.

"Fay, the south is quiet... except for the noisy beginnings of the election
campaign. The southern leaders have acted with some caution towards each
other but also with surprising speed getting prepared to fight the election
to the local assembly.

It is a full blown election campaign, posters, meetings, get out the voter
drives.

The college in Yala has offered their auditorium as a meeting place for the
new assembly and offices are being readied.

The Prime Minister is like me... he smiles more."

Fist bump! Phailin looking over doing a thumbs up to us.

They were ready to go to the school choir event tomorrow. The men were
playing golf in the morning.

Cho suggested a `short' poker game... he had takers. They went off. Cho
told them to set up. We went up with the Twins and Suki. Tona and I holding
hands on the stairs.

"Fay, I'm pregnant. A boy!"

A hug at the top, "Somsak is thrilled. After he is born no more. Two is
plenty!"

I agreed. "Ours are so much fun. Are you telling everyone?"

"Yes but I can't just stand up and call out I'm pregnant."

We laughed.

"Did you bring swimming things?"

"Yes! We're ready for that!! Suki loves swimming."

The three babies were down, all very cute! Suki in with the Twins. Tha
smiling, a squeeze of her hand by Tona.

Cho joined the men for poker, Artie and Sam to watch a movie, us ladies sat
and talked. They got the tale of the Queen's visit. I asked Conrad bring
out the `Honours' so they could see.

Phailin squeezing my waist, "It is a lovely piece of work! The script
is... well beautiful."

"When it was first opened I was trying to read it when the Queen did her
`announcement' which really shocked me. Anything like this was almost
unheard of... until that day."

Phailin leaned on my shoulder, "Daughter, you are the exception to all the
rules!"

We were all getting up to go to bed when the guys came out. We got hugs and
kisses. They'd had fun but didn't want to stay up late tonight. They'd be
more `serious' tomorrow. The movie was over, the whole lot of us moved
upstairs.



I handed a scone over to Pat. He was the early one this morning. A big
smile!

Sunny was coming with Tara and Penny. Gil had several tasks from me. Down
the lane and a warm-up!

First thing I led us down the path to the river where Kate had her slip
years ago. The woods had a name I found out... Lock Wood. Simple name
because their used to be a lock in the river on the shore there. I was
going to look to see if anything was left.

Kudos to the Ordinance Survey mappers for having a lot of fun info on their
older maps!

There'd been a bridge over the river to the islet somewhere along nearby so
we might look for the foundations.

Down the path to the new section of the path higher above the river. I
slipped down to go towards the water, the islet was just north. I eased my
way north through some underbrush down by the water. Nothing. I was not
looking for an impromptu swim by going too far. So... Maybe from one of the
boats I could see something. Not for any time soon. Summer time for
boating!

Back up on Roland we continued to the Abingdon Lock. I asked the fellow
there if he knew anything about the history of the missing lock.

"My Lady, I know there was some sort of lock and weir but it's been gone
since the 1920's or earlier."

I thanked him. Roy was setting up, a handshake with a smile.

Over the river we remounted going north towards Lower Radley. I led us to
the left over the bridge that spanned the railroad tracks. We followed
Church Road going northwest towards the Kennington Road.

At St. James the Great Church we turned right to the narrow lane to the
school. We slid down to tie our horses to the trees at the north end of the
car park away from the cars.

A woman came out to see what we were up to.

"Oh... Your Ladyship... Welcome to Radley Primary. I am the headteacher."

I thanked her and said I'd come to see her. We were soon sitting down in a
nice bright office.

"You have three students whose parents work for our local businesses. I
want the school have this donation in their names and my husband's and
mine."

I handed her the three thousand £ cheque. Smile! Big SMILE!

"Here is a letter of credit for any computer related bits and pieces you
might need at the Oxford Computer Store. They have a nice store with smart
people so if advice is needed... "

She was a happy camper! She called out to her assistant.

They hugged. Many thank you's!

"Your Ladyship, this is so marvellous for the school. All our little ones
and their families will be so pleased at your generosity!"

"Good... have fun spending it. Please send us a letter next year telling us
how you did employ the money. Not a detailed list but things like... we
bought coloured paper or a new screen for a computer or such."

"We'll be glad to do that! Thank you once more."

We headed out to a loud choruses of Happy Christmas from the staffers!

We went back around the north end of Radley, once over the bridge we turned
north going along the railroad tracks on the verge of our farmland. Once we
got to the Industrial Estate we aimed for the lock.

A big wave to the lock man as we passed above the rising water. Mr. Hardy
was out so we headed to the grass. Roland off and running right away!! A
pleasure to feel the cold air going by as we rushed over the grassy flat
path by the river.

Roland and I thundering beside the smooth flowing water! Delicious!

At the property line I slowed us, Freddie was starting on the track with a
group of youngsters. A wave.

Sunny smiling as she caught up, "Fay, this is way fun! Can I go out with
you every morning?"

"Sure... all you need to do is get up in time."

We laughed. Sunny said it was not much earlier a rise than every school
day. Okay. Fist bump!

Ah! There was to be golf! I pointed out the guys needed to be back in time
for a clean-up before tea and the choir tonight. Cho said it was `under
control.' Rolled eyes on my part. I got a kiss!

Thoi, Dad, Somsak, Craig going with Cho. Graeme was lunching with a friend
and fellow Army officer in Oxford. `Doc' and Aunt Dee going with Phailin,
Kanda and Tona into Oxford too. Shopping and lunch. Gil made them a
possible itinerary and map. Tom was doing their driving.

Eve and Ku were with me for some work before lunch. Sam and Artie with
Sunny in the Stables. All the babies upstairs in the Nursery, Tha in
charge!

Gil and I walked with Jaidee to Harcourt Close, Angie too. Just a stroll
around the big circle. Damn this was like being in a dream... it looked as
it did in my mind's eye several years ago.

We walked by Carl's house... a cute little girl in a navy pinafore with a
long sleeve white turtleneck underneath, navy polka-dots, came down the
front walk to see us. She stopped at the gate.

"Hello..."

We smiled and said hello back to Dorrie.

Her mom at the door, "Dorrie, no outside now." She waved.

I said the escapee looked very cute. `Cute and a handful when her brother
is home sick."

I asked... `Just a cold on its worse day.' "He'll be fine."

Dorrie was escorted back inside.

We did the circle and headed back to the house.

My phone binged... Theodore.

I picked up.

"Fay, I have some news about Yevgeny. He'll be set free January
twenty-fourth."

I knew that but it was Theodore's call...

"So I have ramped up the operation to provide him cover. Both Russian
subjects have been briefed on what we want and the timing. They are part of
a group of intelligence officers who would be involved in any discussion
about actions to be taken regarding Yevgeny. Neither knows of the other's
involvement with us so they'd appear to be acting separately. Nothing's
entirely sure but I think this has an excellent chance for success."

He added that no discussion, to the two Russians knowledge, about Yevgeny
had been done up to this point.

"Good! To reminder you... he and Mara have an apartment near our place in
Greenwich Village. There's our Security Service all around even living in
their building. We have a zone around the entire block that is well managed
some of which is plainly and purposefully obvious... the most important is
invisible."

"We are doing what we can for them with the Russians. The data we have
gotten from his info is astounding."

I asked about the `other thing' the `sheet of paper' BUT only whether it
had been helpful.

"Very much so. If I can get clearance I will tell you more."

"Okay but don't break anything trying... it isn't like I really need to
know."

Theodore said he got it. "By the way... your Queen is a sharp
customer. When she she gave you two the new titles... she hit the jackpot!
It seems there's nearly unanimous approval! There are no other people in
private life doing more than you guys in so many positive and worthwhile
directions."

I thanked him for the kind thoughts.

"Sometimes we do get up to odd things..." We neared the front door I
stopped, my companions waited. They could hear what I said to Theodore... I
told him about the ICE folks in New Mexico.

"Damn... they act like they were drunk or worse. They've been a rogue
outfit for many years maybe you'll be the catalyst for change."

I said we hoped so. I sent over a Happy Christmas to him and his. I got a
big Merry Christmas for us back!!



Eve and Ku time. Hugs in the Library. They had very different areas but
they liked hearing about each other's stuff.

Ku first. We had property being redeveloped in Boston, Baltimore, Portland
and San Francisco for shelter openings starting the week after Christmas.

"I know you can't be there but I will make them all with Jian. We be
leaving here on the 26th. It will be Boston then Baltimore followed by San
Francisco and Portland last. Jian will return here. I hope to be with
Eve..." hands squeezed, "... for New Year's Eve."

All the open shelters and clinics were humming along nicely. The winter
weather filled up the beds and we were still feeding anyone who needed
it. More locations in New York City were being looked at by Francis via
Wythe our Real Estate person. She had three in Manhattan and two in
Brooklyn that were top prospects. Ku would look at them all after New
Year's.

We went over a bunch of employee things ending with her asking about the
bonus arrangements. I pointed her to Francis for that. He'd had discussions
with Jian on the subject, she and I had talked.

Fist bump.

Eve's turn. Everything was terrific in her domain. STS servers working
perfectly!! George, the tech guy there, acting like a kid sometimes as he
emailed how he'd extracted data for different railroad departments to chew
over. He CC'd Eve on everything after talking over some issues and getting
good advice from her. His ideas were often used in the regular `tips'
document The Company sent out to all users... we were happy giving him
credit.

He had made a tourist trip to New York with the family and stopped by
several months ago just to look at the server farm and meet Eve and her
staff. A funny and delighted with us...fellow.

GWNW's roll out was moving along, the servers in the Fox Tower receiving
data as they were supposed to as the whole system ramped up. She and Duncan
spoke every day, Kelela taking care of it now. Kelela was go to D.C. in a
day to be with her family and Moses would take over. Eve would be back
there when Ku and Jian took off for the shelter openings. They planned to
go to the Big `V' for New Year's Eve with Megan and Tai!

There had been no new attempts... serious attempts... to break into the
systems in New York. Many amateurs who are easily defeated by the dense
defence. The staff harvested the IP's of those tries, did some looking and
then reported it to the appropriate domain controllers. They always said a
repeat would mean not only blocking but going to the provider of their
signal for action. Possible legal repercussions for their failure to act
was mentioned.

Nobody much likes talk about lawyers...



The Twins and Suki came down in the late morning for a Garden romp with the
Choco Boy! Then lunch with us. Hot grilled veggie sandwiches, warm German
potato salad, pickles and olives plus peanut butter celery sticks. Jaidee
got his share of those in the easy to eat dog size! Big crunches!

A big pile of Christmas cookies that was very much smaller afterwards!



Email from Cecil saying my name on the by-election list had caused some
changes! Several had removed their names including the one who might have
been the biggest challenger.

Cecil's `It is looking better' wasn't much encouragement for my not winning
but giving it a try which could have satisfied Charles. Oh well.

Gil had done a preliminary statement of why I was running in the
by-election, I edited it and she finalized it, sent it off to the House of
Lords election managers.

The first week of January I would need to go to the Hustings to meet with
all the Crossbench members, answer questions and generally introduce
myself.



The golfers were back! They'd had fun, eaten well and had a
pint. They... quite co-incidentally I'm sure... arrived in time for
tea. Those not going to the choir show were told they'd have a full dinner.

Dad was going up early to London tomorrow for two meetings. One with the
head of MI5, the other at MI6. He'd fly to Wandsworth then a Prasert car to
his meetings. He'd join us all at Cowley House for lunch and a house tour.



I chose a navy silk dress with long sleeves and a high collar and black
accessories for the choir show. The black Coach coat, the Hermès French
flag scarf and gloves. Everyone going looked terrific.

Montaigan in a nice black suit and a Christmas red tie. Phailin in blue to
match Dad's suit. Dee in a very nice midnight blue frock, Uncle Craig in
navy blue. Cho in black, red tie.

Two cars to drop us. Mr. Thorn at the entrance with Ron Cotton
again. Smiles and handshakes. Inside we had the same seats as the
play... different folks with us. Our same Protectors.

We shook a lot of hands on the way in, congratulations from those we hadn't
yet seen.

The Choir Leader welcomed us all. She sat at the piano we bought last year
and the choir walked out to take their places on the risers. They were in
red robes with white collars, their music in gold binders.

The performance this year started with classic British Christmas carols,
that were seasonal, comic and religious. The solos from several boys and
girls showed fine voices. One older girl must have some good training
because her control of her voice was wonderful.

They did a medley of holiday songs from European nations in the original
languages. They were terrific. I looked at the program where the lyrics
were printed for several languages I didn't know.

The finale, as usual, a rousing `Adeste Fideles' which was marvellous. They
got a HUGE well-earned applause!

The entire performance was excellent. They were getting better each
year. The Choir Leader was raising their skill levels since she joined
St. Thomas'.

After all the applause the kids stepped down to be with their families. One
boy appeared not to have family present so Cho and I talked with him. I
surprised to find out his name was Meriadoc, `everyone calls me Merry.'

His dad was away, in the Army and his mum wasn't feeling well. I offered
him a lift home which made his face shine. PJ behind me called Prasert for
another car.

He said it wasn't far if you walked through the fields but his mum didn't
want him to do that after dark. So he'd have to stay on the roads.

Out front we waited for a few minutes with Merry. He didn't mind his name,
his parents were big Tolkien fans. I asked if he ever been to Tolkien's
house in Oxford... he hadn't. We called his mum, she delighted he could get
a quick ride to see it. School term was over so... Okay!

I explained the change in our plan to the family. Phailin squeezed my hand,
"You two are being lovely to him."

Cheek kiss.

Cho, Merry and I with Rande and PJ headed to Northmoor Road in northern
Oxford. Merry was a nice young man who missed his dad. He was in Germany
for four months, he did something with computers helping other soldiers was
all Merry could say.

Tolkien's House was dark but we stood on the sidewalk looking. Merry got
that the Trilogy was written here while he was a professor at the
university. We really couldn't see much... it was more just being there.

On the way home ice cream was purchased, two pints, one strawberry his
mum's fav and chocolate chip for Merry. His mum greeted us, she said `not
too close' her cold was a bad one. We were thanked for being so kind to
Merry and the ice cream was so wonderful.

We said enjoy and get well. At the door Merry's smile was a bit
lop-sided. Sad. I hugged him saying we'd look for him at the Open House in
two days. He grinned. Fist bump!

Cho kissed me in the car, "You old softie!" Big laughs from all of us. It
was nice to make more friends.

We had a light tea in the Great Room. Dee and Phailin with me munching on
salmon finger sandwiches. I told them what we did for Merry.

Dee smiling, "That little fellow got some of your love... brilliant!"



Sunny with me in the Kitchen doing scones, Jaidee's face in his food
bowl. I saw her tonsils during a big yawn. A smile at my comment... "I
stayed up over at a friend's after the choir thing... too late for me."

I said the cold air will wake her up!

Down the lane... Jaidee and Thames rubbing on each other with lots of that
silly fake biting. Roland and Natasha for us, Con and Max for Ken and
Angie.

Andy did a `bow' when I gave him the scone... and a grin!

Going south to pass through Clifton Hampden, over the Thames for the first
time then a second at the Little Wittenham Lock. Working around some fenced
grazing land to a gap in the hedge on Watling Lane in Dorchester. A few
hundred feet along the High Street to a lane near Lily's Tea Room that
linked to Queen Street.

St. Birinus Church of England Primary School was opposite when we reached
the lane's end. We tied our horses to a tree. The woman at the desk knew
who I was and my asking for the headteacher brought a smile.

The `head' welcomed us to her office. I went right to it.

"You have two boys whose father works for us... my husband and I are
joining them to give this donation to your school."

A two thousand £ cheque handed over. I added the line of credit for the
computer bits to her. My standard line about a letter... she'd be very glad
to send one!

"Your Ladyship, you and Sir Cho are quite marvellous doing this for our
school. Every school needs a bit of extra money you are enriching each
child."

We were thanked again for doing for so many schools in south Oxfordshire.

No tour time was pressing, the students were at home as the term ended. I'd
come back.

One more school, St. Laurence Church of England Primary in Warborough. We
left Dorchester by way of Manor Farm Road which made me laugh about Orwell
and Animal Farm. Sunny doing a double take on seeing the name. Me nodding
with a grin. I said one of many around.

We used several dirt roads to reach the Oxford Road where it was still two
lanes. We crossed then onto another unpaved road going straight to
Warborough. We walked down Green Lane which met Thame Road opposite the
school. Another accommodating tree for our horses.

Inside a woman greeted us.

"Your Ladyship, welcome to St. Laurence Primary."

I thanked her and asked for the headteacher. I did introductions and we
sat. I told her she had three students from one of our families.

"My husband and I are donating to your school three thousand £'s in
their name and ours as a Christmas gift."

A big smile! I added the line of credit which had her clap her hands.

"Boy we can use that! You are being so wonderful to the schools in the
parish! We all talk of course... your visits are a big topic of
conversation."

I laughed, "This year I'm going further afield as you see."

A big thank you for that!

We did a brief tour but no pupils... their holiday had begun. Like all the
schools it had been added to over the years. It was bright and cheerful!

We did the reverse of the earlier trip to return to the house. Roland got
in a terrific gallop once we passed Clifton Hampden. The tree lines were
vague shadows as we sprinted north.

Ethan took Roland, "Yes, Your Ladyship, he'll get the best!"

We laughed over that... Andy had said it one morning when Ethan was a
newbie about two years ago.

Carter said Dad was gone. We'd all leave in an hour or so. This London trip
had two reasons, first so everybody could see Cowley House... to whet their
appetite for its possibilities and our big crowd would be out of the way of
the setup for the Open House today.

I got coffee and toast. Sunny did get some porridge and raisins. We talked
about another trip... she was up for it. A semi-secret!

Comments welcome: abecker60@yahoo.co.uk