Saturday, May 19, 2012

Frogs a-hopping

Hello, this is Maxie Manx reporting the results of the frog catching contest held in Frogamore Creek this afternoon.

It was an exciting day held in perfect conditions for such a contest; the air was dry, but the recent rains left plenty of mud to track the frogs.  Indeed, the mud was sticky enough to trap some frogs, adding a slight fillip to the proceedings.

Signed up for the race were both Knights, Mario, Dante and Lady Audrey.  Lady Audrey was in the number one position at the Gate, extending out were Mario, Sir Spitfire, Dante and Sir Simba.  The bell was rung by Princess Coco and they were off!

In the lead was Mario, followed closely by Lady Audrey and Dante  Sirs Simba and Spitfire appear to be a bit weighted down by their gear.  We shall see if they can turn this into an advantage.

At the first turn Lady Audrey spots a frog and takes it down handily.  Dante finds the head of the clan, a fine looking specimen, and takes off after it.  Mario does a two for one, bringing first one down, then somersaulting to catch a second one in pre-hop position.

Sir Spitfire finds a frog hiding in the end of a log and uses the tip of his sword to flip it into the air before catching it on the end of same sword. Not to be outdone, Sir Simba racks up three frogs on the same arrow, an amazing feat of archery.

Now they are all past the halfway point.    Sir Spitfire appears to be reforming and focusses his energy on using his mace to stun a half-dozen frogs before scooping them into his creel--he just avoided landing in the soup that time!  Sir Simba continues to bring in frogs with each arrow.  Mario repeats his two for one while Lady Audrey brings down a sweet trio with a tail flick sweet to behold.  And finally, Dante continues to bring down the jumbo sized delights that may be too much for the others to handle.

They've all passed the finish line now and it is time for the judges to assess the catch.

 Results are being announced now:  Lady Audrey wins best maneuver for the invention of her tidy little tail flick good for three frogs.  Mario's two for one somersault wins steadiest maneuver for his consistent results.  Dante wins for heaviest catch recorded while Sir Simba receives the Finn McCool medal for archery.  But our champion is Sir Spitfire for risking wet toes in bringing down 6 frogs simultaneously.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Here ye! Here ye!

HRH Princess Coco's voyage had been proceeding expeditiously but with all innate feline reserve about water.

Agent Blackjack continues to wear his wellies, the aqua color of which does set off his black furs enticingly.  He has been conferring with General Boopsie Bear regarding the status of the Acorn Liberation Front, to which General had sent much support when revolution broke out several years ago.  Agent Blackjack has been able to report that most cells have been forcibly disbanded and 8 of 10 ringleaders apprehended.

Sir Ambassador Scout Ringo has been preparing a proclamation to be read upon arrival.

Sirs Spitfire and Simba have been running drills with Quartermaster Scruffy to ensure they will be 'in synch' during ritual maneuvers and quick to draw their swords if needed to protect Their Royal Highnesses.

Lady Audrey, Mario and Dante have been indulging in some cat piles and have been joined by everyone during their breaks.

Princess Treasure has had a private audience with each person on board, from the lowest matey to swab the decks to HRH Princess Coco the Most Adorable.  She had heard cases and made the wise, judicious decisions for which she has become legendary. She has also received pleasing tribute.

After travelling through Happylands and Happenstance via the River Misstep, the ship has now turned the (tributary corner) to the Pecan Delta and is proceeding up the Frogamore Creek.  It is expected they will land at Countess Katie Isabella's pier at sundown tonight.  This afternoon's entertainment will be a contest to see who can catch the most frogs for the creek with a planned frogslegs luncheon upon the yacht tomorrow.

News of the Countess' plans for our arrival sound most auspicious!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Sailing, Sailing.....

From the Princess Treasure's Diary:

Finally we are off!  I have really been so intrigued by the reports of I have heard of the Countess' vivacity that it is good to be on the way.  It is too bad our start was delayed by bad weather.

Sir Spitfire seems to have forgotten any military discipline he knows; it is amazing that a rookie like Sir Simba is setting the better example.  What shall We do with our Spitty?  Lord knows he is entertaining enough.  However, I will not have Coco subjected to such blatant flirtation.

Now, Mario, Simba and Dante, there are some fine gentlemen.....Simba has learned when he can go that extra bit (like stealing the kiss from Queen Miss Catt), Mario's bashfullness ensures appropriate behavior and Dante has a naturally regal and reserved personality.  We are very satisfied and amused by their genteel ways.

Lady Audrey is a most pleasant companion and has helped to while away the hours when we were in drydock yesterday.

The Countess has asked if she should row out to meet us; I think it better that we proceed the way planned and have the first meeting on land.  It would be a shame if she also succumbed to seasickness!

Through Happylands and passing through Happenstance now.  I am glad Coco could plan a rout to avoid the Hinterlands.  The Misstep River is pleasant this time of year.

Rough Sailing

From the CPO's log:

Embarkation at 1830 pm, passengers consisting of HRH Princess Treasure, Sir Ambassador Scout Ringo, General Boopsie Bear, Sir Simba and Audrey, Sir Spitfire, Mario and Dante.

Dinner served 1900 pm to high compliments forthwith forwarded to the Chef.

Thunderbooms arrive at 2020pm.  Exchanged evening attire for Red Paw hat and provided solace to all passengers afflicted with seasickness.  Mario very helpful and solicitous to all.  Sir Spitfire probably the most miserable.

Departure delayed until 1200 Noon tomorrow.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

And They're Off!

Frannie Floof here reporting on last night's bon voyage to Princess Treasure and all other travellers on the SS Extra Helping.  As previously noted, Princess Coco the Most Adorable, being Chief Petticoat Officer of the yacht, has been able to bring it out of retirement and a royal expedition is being made to provide official Royal Greetings and Welcomes to the Countess Kathryn Isabella, another member of the august Sphynx Clan.

Princess Coco's arrival was greeted by Sir Ambassador Scout Ringo, General Boopsie Bear, Sir Spitfire (with feather sadly drooping following unauthorized festivities--where is your impulse control, Spitty?), Sir Simba and Lady Audrey, Mario and the Prime Minister.  She was escorted off the yacht while the crew was joined by maintenance and catering workers from teh Realm to prepare her for the voyage.

All were greeted by the Princess Treasure, gracefully ensconced on the new throne.  Minions passed quail egg benedict and catnip sodas to all.  A Proclamation declaring May 15th to be 'New Vistas' day was read.  During this time, Dante arrived and was greeted warmly by all.

After several minutes of the figure 8 minuet and a new rendering of 'Nip for Two' prepared by Sir Simba and Lady Audrey, all proceeded to the vessel where an attentive crew showed each person to their quarters. 

Later that night, all feasted on hummingbird's tongue salad, roasted shrew brisket and catnip tarts.  Niptinis were passed under the clear, starry sky.

Anxiously awaiting further developments!

Monday, May 14, 2012

Princess Coco's Arrival

The Prime Minister has just received word that the SS Extra Helping has docked at the pier; anchor has been weighed.  All maintenance staff has reported to duty to prepare the yacht to carry HRH Princess Treasure.

Princess Coco the Most Adorable lived up to her name in a white on white embroidered dimity dress and her favorite moonstone collar.  She was ably assisted by Agent Blackjack, that jack of all trades, who looked smart in his aqua wellingtons as he is most plagued by pneumonia from toe-dampness.

We have received word from Sir Spitfire that he will be reporting for duty and from Mario, Sir Simba and Lady Audrey that they will be able to attend.

Let the festivities commence!

Saturday, May 12, 2012

It's Official

HRH Princess Treasure
cordially invites one and all
to
Princess Coco the Most Adorable's
inaugural voyage of
the SS Extra Helping.

Departing May 15
from the pier in the Realm
at sundown.