Going Medieval

Moving Winterfell Harbor across the bay means my nearest neighbor is Max Graf, owner and designer extraordinaire of Rustica.  Being next door means I can hang out - literally.  Has everyone followed the hidden tunnels in the Rustica castle to end up hanging out over the mountain rocks below?  I know I loved this when I was a young Victorian librarian back in the day.

 

Max has been working on these awesome doublet shirts in mesh.  After hours of working on perfect mesh shirts - he finished the doublets! He dropped me a copy of the chain maille shirt since I needed the protection in case of being attacked by pirates.  More likely, knowing me and my terraforming abilities, I was probably going to be buried under boulders.

 

The chain maille version is well worn with dirt and rusty spots.  There are 3 versions of the armor bracers (those things that look like long shirt cuffs) I grabbed the leather ones since I could haul the wheelbarrows of dirt around easier than in iron or steel bracers.  The doublets for ladies and guys under the bitch and bastard labels are available this month at the We Love Role-Play shopping event.

Now I had an excuse - like I needed a reason to shop, I went to my new favorite monthly shopping place - We Love Role-Play.  The doublets are there in one of the market pavilions. More mesh goodies are everywhere for the medieval ladies, knights, elven, mermaid folks.  It's grand to have a one-stop place to see what is being designed for the role-play groups and those like myself who just like to dress up in another century.  Honestly, many of those long gowns and short tunics will look just fine for contemporary fashions.

I picked up the Muses new Penghel Armor sets at We Love Role-Play in brown and bone.  Realized I needed a more gray set, so took off for the Muses main store. Check out the other variations available on their blog  Of course, just in case of invaders, I couldn't resist arming myself.  Now I have a Primus Granium bow with arrows.  Now if I can figure out the firing system...hmmm...there are now a bunch of blue arrows buried in the sands of the Harbor.  Maybe I'll just stick to my cannons since it looks like Max is arming his WIP ships.

~ Outfit

Doublet - bitch @ We Love Role-Play - Chaine Maille Sleeved Doublet and Armor braces - leather
Pants and Boots - the Muses - Penghel Armor - Grey
Hair - Slink - Constance sorrel
Skin - Izzie Irene natural
Hands - Slink - Casual
Weapon - Primus Grumium Bow- available at We Love Role-Play
Sim - Rustica

Winterfell Harbor Gloaming

Winterfell Harbor Stone Guardian

Winterfell Harbor at sunset was calm and quiet in the darkening skies.  Waves were stirred by the winds in overhead.  It had been a odd week.  Rumbles under the harbor's seas had brought old stone ruins pushed up from the sea floor -  debris of storms long past.  Instead of the usual kelp and seaweed floating past, you could peek down and see a blue glow coming from plants no human eye had ever seen.  When I snagged one with a fishing line, it sparkled in the sunlight.  What was going on? Doors were opening and slamming on their own at night.  Even this morning, I tried to step thru the library door and was blocked from moving.  I reached out and touched....felt like a cold stone wall but nothing was there.  Down in the wine cellar, prized bottles had tumbled to the floor...so much for that Christmas wine!  Candles flickered without a window open.  I was blaming it on Lord Tiger and Tigger Cat.  Lord Tiger was the reason for my sunset stroll, he had disappeared from the Great Hall.  Tigger had curled up on his little couch as if hiding from the world - even with his head tucked under a cushion.  No cat meowed under a bush.  No bird chirped sleepily from a branch.  Tonight was peaceful, except for the missing kitty.  As my evening habit, I stopped to check on the stone guardians of my home - giving their stone towers a quiet pat of gratitude for their diligence.

Fog? Blue mists? Rolling over the manor?

Turning to wander the paths back to the manor, the wind changed directions. The first wisps of fog rose above the manor but it was strange.  Were these the blue mists that cover Winterfell?

Dark Clouds Gathering

I hurried for cover on the manor's porch as the clouds gathered. Rain slashed across the Harbor. Wind blasted the summer daisies in the garden.  I rushed to the conservatory to check the back gardens. 

Waters were rushing to the streams. The old stone bridge was still standing in the downpour. Waterfalls pouring on all sides of the manor contrasted with the thunder and lightening booms.

 

Last thing I saw before the storm blasted my view into darkness was the solitary heron out by the pond. I grabbed Tigger in my arms and huddled by library fireplace.  

The winds continued for what seemed forever.  I could hear the manor being buffeted again and again by the storm.  Trees limbs crashed into the windows.  Let's don't even think about the dining table which I could see thru the doorway!  At the height of the noise, I thought of the old abbey which had stood for centuries on this island.  It's chapel stood on the precipice near the house.  The abbey house itself had disappeared leaving stories of ancient priests in the chapel, ladies guarding the Harbor while their lords were gone, and the children who always left stories of little fairies in the trees and beautiful ladies who talked to them down on the fishing rocks.  As the current Lady of the Harbor, I knew my great-grandfather had torn down the abbey ruins and built the manor.  Now I wondered if I would be the last Anderton to live here on the Harbor.

 

Suddenly it was quiet.  As Tigger stirred in my arms, I realized I could see sunlight - grey with clouds but still the setting sun.  The manor was destroyed with only the library chimney and fireplace still standing.  Everything was wiped clean. I stepped hesitantly out onto what was now a rocky landing high above the sea waters. Tigger meowed and I heard an answering kitty.  That rogue kitty, Lord Tiger popped up from under a rock.  I gathered the two cats in my arms.  Seeing a cottage roof still standing across the bridge, I picked my way across the rocks and slid down the muddy hill for a dry place to spend the night.  Who knew what I would find in the morning?  What was the laughter coming from the ancient oak tree?  I was too tired to investigate. Sunday would be a better day.

Mists of Gray

Cold winds are blowing around the Harbor today.  Mists of gray swirling around from the sea color this gown from The White Armory. Colors of iron gray satin are layered with embroidered gold thread.  The corset bodice is accented with silver buttons and striped satin. Gray sleeves accented with floating white puffs of gauze finish off this gown.  Pulling a lassitude & ennui jewelry set Ophelia Roses and Pearls from the jewel box finished off this look for the 4th week of Color Challenge: Iron

 

 Looking out over the Harbor, encased in winter frost, makes one long for summer roses and lost loves.

~Credits
Gown - The White Armory - Stormy Sea
Jewelry - lassitude & ennui Ophelia Roses and pearls necklace & earrings
Shoes - lassitude & ennui Selene mesh boots
Hair - Truth - Evelyn - Cocoa
Skin - LAQ - Thea - Fair
Poses - Olive Juice Blooms of Flowers and Coquette

Champagne 'n Shadows

 

Shall I give it a go? 52 Weeks of Color Challenge starts this week.  Besides the usual time constraints, etc., I'm going to try doing this with vintage, Victorian, medieval whatever fits historically outfits.  Hopefully, I'll be digging into my closet trunks to see what I already own that will suit the color of the week. Of course, I'll be shopping - heavens - me, not shop?! 

The color of the week is champagne which always reminds me of classic fashion.  What better gown to wear than one of Nicky Ree's classic gowns - Lady Aurora.  This lovely creation comes with multiple variations of ballgowns from simple to full grand trains. Designing Nicky Ree's shop has always been one of my favorite shops. With this gown, the lace decorating the skirts and trains is so detailed and looks so expensive that if you were to shop in real life, there would be a major credit card damage being incurred to cover the costs. Most people only go to Nicky's for bridal gowns but you have to remember she has many different departments - not just formalwear.

Pulled a favorite necklace from the jewelry casket - Ami amet deli pencet French Brooch Necklace by Alchemy Immortalis.  It has changeable gems and metals which makes it a "must have" necklace.  Just checked on the necklace in the marketplace - go click now! It's on sale for 99L.  

Now, let's see if I can keep those shadows on the SL viewer!

~Credits

Gown: Designing Nicky Ree - Lady Aurora - Champagne

Skin: LAQ - Susan -Fair

Hair:  Truth - Francesca- pecan

Manicure: Adam n Eve Astrelle Blushed

Jewelry: Ami amet deli pencet French Brooch Necklace by Alchemy Immortalis

Shoes: GF Ribbon Sling Back Shoes

Poses by Striking Poses

Pose Anywhere Hud

Auld Acquaintance

Ages ago, my first ballgowns came from Shenlei Flasheart's Prim & Proper collection.  I happened into a late night shopping frenzy by a crazed group of ladies who later I learned were ladies from a place called Caledon. I watched & learned as gowns literally flew around the shop and hats snatched in mid-air.  The gowns sparkled with sequins and lavished with lace hit a chord in that newbie shopper's heart.

Funny thing, just this past week or so, I commented in plurk on how I couldn't wait until a designer offered a mesh ballgown.  The idea of being able to waltz without glitch pants or skirts breaking around my knees seemed like a logical progression in mesh designs. Tonight I noticed a notecard from Carriage Trade announcing new tack for horses and new gowns from the Debutante line. I was about to toss the notice when I scanned the word "mesh".  Hold everything! A mesh ballgown! 

Auld Acquaintance pours over your shape in a long glide downward.  It comes in 3 sizes to fit most shapes.  I usually wear a medium but for this gown, the small fit just fine, thank you very much.  Shenlei, who happened to be at her Welcome Center, mentioned that the ruffle did help with the fit at the top, which it does quite nicely. You have to see this dress move - no more glitch pants!  I picked up the graphite color but there is a complete slate of colors for your selection. 

Just so you can see, this is the real me tucked inside the mesh of the gown.  All my curves with a front knee bent plus swinging my hips sideways and the gown just glides on down.  I did not tweak even a pixel of my shape, so here I am curvy bum and all.  The funny thing is you don't need shoes because your feet are covered by the gown!

If you haven't been over to Carriage Trade, you should make the trip. The sims are lovely to wander around and  the horses are available as rideables and as full avatars.  A mesh horse designed as a rideable is being released this week.  Shenlei Flasheart again shows us all how to take Second Life designs to the next level.  Thank you for your creativity and dedication!

~Credits

Gown: Debutante - Auld Acquaintance - Graphite by Shenlei Flasheart - Carriage Trade

Skin: LAQ - Vilda - Peach

Hair:  EMO-tions - Fabienne

Manicure: Adam n Eve Astrelle Blushed

Jewelry: EarthStones Gothique Set - Silver & Onyx

Poses by Lost Angel and Olive Juice

Pose Anywhere Hud

Classic Barerose

BareRose - Antonia & Hatpins Floraleigh with Cameo Set

BareRose Tokyo still draws hundreds of Second Life shoppers with their huge variety of designs.  A shop guaranteed to have you shopping - looking up, down, and all over the place. Decisions...decisions!

BareRose Antoinia - Blue

A new Victorian gown release called Antonia was showcased in BareRose's "new" area.  Antonia comes in a package with shades of blue and a deep burgundy rose red.  The jacquard fabric is showcased with a black overlay on lace bodice. The bustle is a layered delight of the colored print, white, and then black accented with tiny bows. Layers detail the slim profile skirt with satin ruffles descending to the hem. Cameo ribbon, gloves, and matching shoes add to set.

I had to add to the set with Hatpins cameo earrings and ring from a past Sixty Linden Weekend sale special  Since it was a hot summer day, I love the straw hat styled with roses in blues - Floraleigh - again from Hatpins. 

Below is Antonia styled in the shades of reds and burgundies.  Topping my hair is the original chapeaux that comes with the sets.  I must say this gown just sways down the sidewalk!

Barerose - Antonia - Red

 From the back view, you can see the detail of the fabric patterns.  Love how that black insert makes my waist look like I cinched up my corset 3 inches!

BareRose - Antoina - Red

Of course, now I have to go back to BareRose to add to my closet.  Wouldn't you know? The designers have added another Antonia set.  This one in Pink and Black which you can see online at the BareRose Tokyo shopping catalog.

Wearing:
Gowns: BareRose - Antonia
Earrings & Ring - Hatpins - Cameo Set
Hat:  Hatpins Floraleigh - Blues
Hair - Truth - Padma

Casting Spells...

 

Tucked away in the darkness of the manor, there is a private place for study and writing.  Special bottles and potions are locked away for safekeeping in the stone walls deep underground.  Medieval fog swirls around Winterfell Harbor which calls for a gown reminiscent of that long ago time. 

 

 Miss sachi Vixen has a new gown suitable for keeping watch from the castle towers for your prince to come home.  Adam n Eve Clothes' Rosalynd is sewn from brocade with antique gold netting forming a corset twinkling with jewels. 

  

The gown arrives with three skirt variations, the slim skirt shown, grande ballroom skirt, and a flirty short skirt.  All the skirts are trimmed with a drape of gold tulle with bows on the hips. The dusky purple suited the harbor's mist & clouds but the gown comes in six colors.  

Tuli's Jade with the new makeup by Elysium just gave an edge to this medieval lady.  Antheia matched with Jade in tone 2 picked out the colors of the purple with the accents of blue from Hatpins Branwyn wreath in Sky Rose and Snow Lily.  The low cut gown is accented with The Black Widow Amber Prayer Bead Necklace by Alchemy Immortalis.  A black widow spider trapped in amber hangs from prayer chain beads, belladonna seeds, and silver claws.  

 

Time to close the hidden door to the secret chamber and lock away the ancient journals. If you wander that way, beware the sapphire blue potion bottle since a spell will release the black widow's children!

~ Credits

Gowns - Adam n Eve - Rosalynd

Hair - Truth - Eva

Skin -Tuli - Jade Tone 2 with Antheia makeup
Wreath - Hatpins - Branwyn Sky Rose & Snow Lily
Shoes - *G Fields- Ribbon Slingback Shoes Silver
Necklace - Alchemy Immortalis - The Black Widow Amber Prayer Bead Necklace 
(Check xstreet for a special summer sale price on the necklace!)
Props - Shade Fantasy Outfitters - Alchemy Lab (animated)

Heartfelt Changes

 

My Caledon Rothesay place has been my virtual home since December 2008.  The big white Victorian has moved me with from "before" Caledon to Caledon II in early 2008 and finally to Rothesay.  Here is where I displayed photographs from my real life on the walls, tucked scrapbooks on shelves and tables, covered the mantle with special flowers (thank you Denver Hax), and my oldest dearest furniture sat in a comfortable circle in front of the fireplace. We Merry Widows drank tea and laughed together; Audrey and I sat many a night talking about our lives in Australia and Missouri, US.; and Junie dragged me out of the garden to go adventuring.  The floor was usually littered with bags and boxes from my shopping trips. Since I tend to forget to "lock" prims, Iason dropped one night right through the front porch to the ground when I thought I was cleaning up the shopping bags and blew off the front of the house.  When I changed the conservatory to a kitchen, you could practically smell the bread baking in its little virtual oven.  In so many ways - even the shopping bags on the floor, this virtual home copies my real home.  Oh, I don't have a big white Victorian in real life but wicker furniture, books, and family definitely connect the two.  Several weeks ago, I decided either my homestead in Winterfell or my Rothesay parcel would have to go - I mean really how many prims does a girl need? With talking to myself, friends, making lists of pros and cons, I purchased a full sim now tucked safely away as my Winterfell Harbor.  Where does that leave Caledon Rothesay? My quarter sim is up for purchase but I still have almost two weeks left on the meter. With my rl going to became crazy in the next couple weeks, I went ahead and packed away my big white house.  It was a good thing my typist was home alone since tears were shed and tissues piled up by the keyboard.  Amazing how attached one can become to what is virtual pixels.  After Friday evening, I know for some it is just "land" and a business this place we call Second Life.  For myself, this is my home for now and don't ask me to give it up until the last tick of meter stops.  Even without my house, I still will call Caledon home of my heart.

Pretty in Pink

I practically jumped for joy when I checked my overflowing mail basket.  Teaa Demina had left a sweet note of apology for being absent (that RL does tend to take precedence in our lives for good and not so good reasons).  She delivered an announcement of a pretty springtime dress named M'Lady Bella. Tucking up my hair really quick, I popped over to her main shop.  Being in a "pink" mood, I danced around in the Rose bustled and lace gown. The bodice was white lace with pearl buttons marching down the front with both a lace ruffle high collar and ruffles outlining one's figure.  The bustle was draped in a paler rose pink with more lace - so pretty for springtime.  The gown itself is a striped fabric with matching trim along the hem.

 

However, when you swirl around to peek in the back, there is another matching fabric draping from underneath the bustle - so pretty. Make plans for a springtime shopping trip over to M'Lady's to see the other colors of Bella which comes in Teal and Cream.

~ Credits

Outfit - M'Lady - Bella in Rose

Hair - Truth - Lillian in coffee

Skin - Tuli - Hope - sunkissed blush
Poses - Striking Poses - Ballgown Elegance

The Highwayman

 Gown: Wretched Dollies - Beer Maiden

Here is my favorite poem - one of those classics that have stood the test of time.  The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes is the story of two lovers in a romance story that does explain my typist's addiction to historical romance novels today.  The audio version as recorded by my typist is attached below.  Both of these outfits remind me of Bess, the landlord's daughter waiting in her window for her lover. Star Fairymeadow's cute outfit is decorated with little shamrocks for that Celtic touch. There is a purple swirl of tulle petticoat under the eyelet ruffles at the hem. Included with the outfit is a white apron.

      

Gown - Evie's Closet - Nathalie - Black

Evie's Closet is a long time favorite.  Nathalie is the newest gown in a variety of colors.  The black version features white embroidered flowers on the corset.  Two versions of the corset with and without the white ruffled chemise provide options.  Included is two versions of the skirt plain and with a tier of white apron.  The value is outstanding since the Nathalie gowns are on sale for 150L. Make sure you check out the WILD.released stamp hunt! I usually don't care for hunting but this stamp hunt is fun, the stores are great for shopping, and the prizes are just outstanding and worth your time.

The Highwayman by Alfred Noyes podcast
   
   
Powered by Podbean.com
  

   ~ Credits

Gowns - Wretched Dollies - Beer Maiden

Gowns - Evie's Closet - Nathalie - Black

Hair - Maitreya - Bo - Coffee

Hair Ornament - Illusions

Skin - LAQ - Pearl 05 Fair

Down Memory Lane - Arundel Designs

Rust Watering Place Day Gown - Cost 50L

Do you have a gown by Arundel Designs tucked in your virtual closet? Many of us do have trunks full of Arundelain Dumart's historical designs.

 Melody Garden Party Gown - Cost 50L

In my early days in Caledon, I fondly called her gowns my "cupcake" dresses.  I would dress in flowing bustles, ribbons, and flowers - a fantasy Victorian creation.  Since Ms. Dunmart has quietly ceased designing for Second Life, one tends to forget about her gowns that really were way ahead of many other designers.

 Meghan Spring Polonaise in Peach - Cost 50L

As I cleaned out my closet, I discovered I even had unopened gowns still sitting in their shopping bags.  To assist with sorting, I took a chance of going to Arundel's Main store in Antiquity.  There it still stood - vendors displaying their wares for ladies and gentlemen.

Rylie Steampunk - Cost 50L

(includes Steampunk top hat, jewelry, boots, and hair)

The good news for all new residents of the Steamlands who need historical gowns for Steampunk, Victorian, Elizabethan, Regency, and Pirate Attacks is that every single gown, suit, and outfit is for sale for only 50L each.

 Molly Roberts' Pirate Costume - Cost 50L
(includes pirate hat, jewelry, and boots)

Yes, the boots may be "old school" and the shapes and hair included with many of the gowns are not current with today's Second Life avatar standards.

 Rylie Steampunk accessories includes top hat with brass decorations, necklace & earrings with spinning cogs, and the gorgeous steampunk goggles in blue to match the outfit.

However, the gown's textures are still beautiful with the accessories such as top hats and jewelry are well worth the purchase price alone.

 Gentleman's Formal Victorian Suit - Cost 50L

If the lag at the Fashion Fair 2010 is too much for you, 

take a step back into the past for a glorious gown for only FIFTY$L.

~ Credits

Gowns - Arundel - Main Store - Antiquity Township

Hair - Truth - Lillian - Chocolate (Victorian Gowns)

Hair - Argrace - Soft Breeze - Dark Brown (Pirate Costume)

Skin - LAQ - Pearl - Fair 01

P.S. Just in case you wonder about the good ol' days, here is the link back to one of Caledon's Companion's past postings. Love those cupcake dresses!

500 Twittery Birds ~silent sparrow Party

Twittery Birds gathered for the 500 Twittery Birds party at Silent Sparrow hosted by the delightful owner Hyasynth Tiramisu.  If you are a new resident of the Steamlands (Caledon, New Babbage, Winterfell, etc.), make your way to ~silent sparrow~.  Though not traditional Victorian, you will find wonderful outfits for engineer or flight suits, fancy dress balls, and just fun fantasy things. Take your favorite gentleman with you shopping, silent sparrow has a huge selection for the guys.

Credits:

Gown - ~silent sparrow~ Lottie Ballgown Suite - Sterling

Hair - Truth - Lillian - silver

Wings - Material Squirrel Wings - Raphael Angel Wings - Snowflake

Skin - Tulli - Eva - Dec VIP gift - tone 1

Shoes - Shiny Things - Tuli pumps in silver

Enjoy the party pictures!

Just to show the formal version with a modern touch, there is a black bolero jacket you can wear with the ballgown. Peeking out from under the skirt, is a Shiny Things Tuli pump in silver.  I have these shoes as my "go-to" shoes in black, brown, red, and silver.  The bows are color changeable so these work with just about every outfit.

The jacket detail includes an ankh - the Egyptian symbol of the key of life.  That sounds appropriate for Second Life.

Victorian Purples

 After a suitable period of mourning, Victorian ladies could gradually leave their blacks for subdued colors such as gray, mauve, and purple.  Being a Merry Widow, my closet seems to have several mourning purple gowns.

Gown:  Goth1c0  Ophelia Victorian in purple and black.

Love the striped corset with the belts circling the waist. Includes a high collar with a bow plus the top hat decorated with flowers and ribbons.

Gown: Grim Bros - Miss Vapeur Plum

This gown definitely has touches of steampunk brass and cogs on the collar and sleeve cuffs which come in two options of purple to match the dress or steampunk brown.

Winterfell Harbor - Dancing at Midnight

Just to share with friends, I managed to make a small SL machinima while dancing on the celtic Fairy circle Winterfell Harbor....Winterfell Harbor - Dancing at Midnight. Enjoy the music!

Watch more videos of Second Life

Caledon Oxbridge Terrorized!

Caledon Oxbridge was alarmed when King Kong dropped right down in the middle of the university quad on Thursday evening. Of course, Caledonians, being the brave adventurous folks, rushed to the scene to protect their beloved university. Roars and stomping of huge hairy feet could be heard meters away!
The appearance of this huge gorilla just took one's breath away as people carefully approached the giant beast. (Photograph by Riven Homewood)Without warning, Kong dropped a huge city bus that he had grabbed on his way to Caledon on the unsuspecting people. Screams intermingled with the sounds of crashing metal. I managed to keep my bustle and curls together but others were not so lucky. Poor Mr. Nix Sands was struck down by a flying axle and tires. Just laid him out like a toy doll tossed on the floor! After a moment of shaking off the mowed grass bits and dirt clods, Mr. Sands pulled himself together and smiled grimly at the invading gorilla.

As I offered assistance to Mr. Sands, I was suddenly flying up in the air! Kong just leaned over and snatched me up! I clutched his hairy fingers and tried not to scream. He stared down at me and blew a warm huff of air. It was obvious that Mr. Kong had eaten bananas for supper. I was very glad I had not worn my golden yellow ballgown!

I settled in his palm with a monkey's eyeview of Caledon below me. People were staring and wondering if they should attempt a rescue mission. Overhead, I heard the approach of airplanes - two biplanes appeared just over the Unversity rooftops. Kong gave me a quick toss to the ground. Lucky for me I landed with a flurry of skirts and no harm done.

Dean Fogwoman Gray attempted a negotiation with Kong to no avail. The biplanes and others moved in to chase Kong away from the University. More bus parts flew thru the air as the gorilla batted away at the annoying plans like mosquitoes buzzing around his head.

The aerial attack ceased when Kong grabbed one of the librarians, Miss Riven Homewood. She was brave with just one small squeak of alarm sounding. We stood worried as Kong walked away with her but they returned after a quick trip towards the Caledon Oxbridge branch of the library.
Miss Magdalena Kamenev arrived on the quad just as Kong reached down into the crowd again! As she held on tightly, we were all distracted by the sound of "Ho, Ho, Ho" reverbrating off the walls. Joining us in Caledon was a huge monster Santa Claus! We cleared out of the way as the two giants circled each other. There was quite a bit of posturing and growling between the two. Caledon citizens feared that the university walls were about to come tumbling down. To our amazement and relief, the contest became a dance off. The invasion of Caledon ended in laughter as we watched Kong and Santa dance the night away.

Botanical House Demoltion Day
Following the first appearance of Mr. Kong in Caledon, residents gathered to honor the Botanical House at Caledon on the Sea. Podruly Peccable, builder & owner, of this Caledon landmark, was giving up his conservatory. The timers attached to dynamite were ticking as dancers swayed to the music in the Botanical House for one more time.
To our collective horror, a dark shadow reflected on the glass roof and walls. Mr. Kong must have heard the sounds of gaiety and tried to join our party. With the weakened walls, he managed to push his way inside - but was blocked by the iron support beams. Though he tried to grab ladies' skirts as they danced by, he was foiled by their quick twirls around the floor.
After loud roars of frustration, Kong wandered off to the seaside. He left just in time as the demolition countdown came down to seconds. We danced outside as glass, beams, and white washed wood flew into the sky. A few brave souls kept dancing away during the destruction with only a few coughs and ruffled skirts due to the smoke and dust. It took awhile but finally the Botanical House was a pile of rubble.Later that day, I visited with Mr. Kong while he lounged by the sea in Caledon. As it turned out, he had come to the Botanical House to assist with its demolition. From terrorizing the Caledon Oxbridge University this gentle giant has settled in to Victorian steampunk Caledon as his home.In fact, most evenings Mr. Kong can be found on the University grounds visiting with new residents and inventing new toys. He is a delightful conversationalist - banana breath and all.

Caledon Residents:
Mr. Damian Delacroix as King Kong
Mr. Nix Sands as himself and Santa Claus
Miss Eleanor Anderton, correspondent & photographer
Miss Fogwoman Gray, Dean of Caledon Oxbridge
Miss Riven Homewood, librarian, photographer, & damsel in distress
Miss Magdalena Kamenev, musical "dj" & damsel in distress