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Benefits of Professional Drain Cleaning Service
Professional drain cleaning service may seem like an unnecessary expense, but did you know the service offers you many benefits? Sadly, many homeowners don't even know that they can benefit from this service or don't know it exists.
Find out about all the different benefits you can get from Professional Drain Cleaning Service with these tips from our expert Philadelphia plumbers at Quinn's Plumbing Heating Cooling.
Prevents Clogs
It's never convenient to deal with a drain clog, and unfortunately, most lead to paying a plumber for help. Frequent drain clog problems can get expensive. The best way to deal with a clog is to prevent it from happening in any way possible. Fortunately, professional drain cleaning service is an affordable way to prevent the trouble and expense of drain clogs because it thoroughly removes any buildup or debris from the pipes.
Prevents Pipe & Fixture Corrosion
You know all those parts located inside your toilet tank? These along with the shower heads, faucets, dishwasher, hot water heater and other fixtures get corroded by limescale. Professional drain cleaning service gets rid of the limescale buildup that causes corrosion. The longer the pipes and fixtures last, the more you will benefit by prolonging their replacement.
Finds Problems Before They Get Huge
Professional drain cleaning involves using a water jet hose and camera which is inserted into the drain pipes. If there is a pinhole leak or break in the line, the plumber will find it during drain cleaning service. Drain cleaning service can prevent expensive plumbing repairs by catching small problems early.


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Cash-strapped US cities starting to spend again
Property-tax collections in the US rose to US$182.8b in the last three months of 2013, boosting the revenues of local governments
Property-tax collections are rising at the fastest pace since the US housing market crash sent local government revenue plunging, helping end an era of local budget cuts.
In cities including San Jose, California, Nashville, Tennessee, Houston and Washington, revenue from real-estate levies has set records, or is poised to.
Local governments are using the money to hire police, increase salaries and pave roads after the decline in property values and 18-month recession that ended in 2009 forced them to eliminate about 600,000 workers and pushed Detroit, Central Falls, Rhode Island, and three California cities into bankruptcy.
"The money is flowing back, but it's not like an open spigot," said Rob Hernandez, deputy administrator of Broward County, Florida, where property-tax revenue is set to rise 7 per cent this year, though it remains below earlier peaks. "It's trickling in."
Some areas that were hit hardest in the real-estate collapse, such as Clark County, Nevada, have not yet rebounded but forecast improvement in the next fiscal year.
Property-tax collections nationally rose to US$182.8 billion during the last three months of 2013, when much of the money is due, according to a US Census estimate last month. That topped the previous peak four years earlier, before the decline in housing values reduced revenue.
That increase helped boost collections for the year by 3 per cent over 2012. That was the biggest gain since 2009, when revenue climbed 9 per cent.
"With cities having increased real-estate tax collections, it will really improve their bottom lines," said Brooks Rainwater, a director of research for the National League of Cities in Washington.
The financial recovery is easing the risk of credit-rating cuts for local governments, which could increase prices by pushing down yields as a result of less risk.
Bonds from local government issuers have gained 5.34 per cent so far this year, outpacing the broad market's 4.86 per cent advance, Bank of America Merrill Lynch data shows.
It would be the first time since 2008 that debt from cities, counties and townships have outpaced all securities in the US$3.7 trillion market.
Property taxes have taken longer to rebound than other types of levies, prolonging the effects of the 18-month recession that ended in 2009. It can take more than a year for tax bills to catch up with changes in home values. Some state laws limit annual property-tax increases.
In Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee, property tax revenue rose 13 per cent in the 2013 budget year compared with 2012. With revenue hitting US$891 million, the government rebuilt fire stations and started work on a police station.
In Houston, where property tax collections are up more than US$100 million from the 2011 low, the city is putting more into its libraries and parks and has begun adding to its workforce.
"We're clearly headed in the right direction," said Houston controller Ronald Green.
In Washington, property-tax collections in the year that ended in September rose about 5 per cent from the year before to US$1.9 billion. The city is spending more on schools and affordable housing.
San Jose, in the heart of Silicon Valley, is using the extra cash mostly to cover rising costs for employee health care and pensions. Property-tax collections are set to rise 8.1 per cent for the year ending in June to about US$222 million, above the previous peak of US$210 million in 2009.
"We were able to stop the bleeding," said San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed. "The real-estate market will help us not have to cut services, but it is not strong enough to give us enough revenues to overcome these increasing costs."
Local governments remain hesitant to hire after cutting jobs from mid-2008 to March 2013, according to the US labour department. Since then, local governments, which employ about 14 million people, have added 57,000 workers.
"Property values are rebounding to a degree and fairly robustly in some locations, but the effect of that on the fiscal circumstances in many cities is not as salutary as we would like," said Steven Kreisberg, the director of collective bargaining for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, which represents more than 1.6 million government workers and retirees.
Since March 2013, property values have risen by more than 10 per cent each month from a year before, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller index of property values in 20 US cities.
Clark County has a backlog of projects awaiting funding, said commissioner Steve Sisolak. The county's property-tax collections during the year beginning in July are forecast to rise for the first time since 2009, though gains will be limited by state caps on how much they can increase.
"The county's turning a corner," Sisolak said. "You fall off a cliff fairly quickly, and it takes you a while to climb back out."
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subset: commoncrawl


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One argument that I tackled in an earlier post was the fine tuning argument. I thought about it for a while, and I thought of one of my interests: Astronomy. I realized that there are thousands of galaxies and millions of stars and planets out there. So are we really "fine tuned"? Why us and not any one of the other millions of planets? Why haven't we found life on other planets? For those of you who do not know much about cosmology or astronomy there is a certain Goldilocks zone that a planet must be in to sustain liquid water. It is called the Goldilocks zone because the planet must have an eccentricity (orbit) of about .2. Kepler came up with a scale for measuring a planet's orbit (his first law: The orbit of every planet is an ellipse with the Sun at one of the two foci) from a perfect circle to more of an oval (from 0 to 1). A 0 is a perfect circle while you get closer to 1 it becomes more of an oval. So is it by chance that the earth has an eccentricity of .2? Yes. This may be a disturbing and difficult concept for us to grasp, but it is true. Let me demonstrate with an example. Think of your birthday. Let's say that it is today's date April 1st. Imagine you are in a room with one other person, what is the chance that they will have the same birthday as you? Probably very low. As you add more people to the room the chance that someone will have the same birthday as you increases. When there are 34 people in a room with you there is a 4 to 1 chance that someone else will have the same birthday as you. Don't believe me? Try it for yourself. With only 34 people in a room (35 including you) pass around a piece of paper and tell everyone to write down their birthday. You will get at least one other person in the room with the same birthday as you. So what does this prove? This shows us, that if there are millions of planets orbiting suns all over the Universe it is extremely likely that a few of them will be able to sustain intelligent life on them. So now I must ask, where is the fine tuning? This seems more like laws acting around us rather than some supernatural being fine tuning this planet to have intelligent life. With the small amount of space that we have explored, we can conclude that there are more than 4 trillion planets orbiting other suns. With a number like that there must be hundreds of planets that have intelligent life on them. Probably extremely far away from us, father than our telescopes of space ships can take us. However, statistically it is highly probable that we are not alone in this gigantic Universe, and so the fine tuning argument is dead.
8 thoughts on "Out Of The Randomness"
1) Sadly I'm afraid you've mangled the birthday example. There's about a 9% chance that somebody will have the same birthday *as you* with 34 people in a room (1 – (364/365)^34 )) whereas there's about an 80% chance that *some two people* among the 34 share a birthday (1 – ((364/365) x (363/365) x (362/365) x …) ) which is a slightly different thing.
2) I was going to say the above correction probably doesn't affect your point that much, except I think it illustrates the critique of the general argument. I guess the point you're making is "seemingly unlikely things are actually likely when you take a big sample size". Except given the example you used is still fairly unlikely this shows it is not universally true, and will depend on the details of the given context. So to extrapolate this anecdote to universal fine tuning is unjustified.
3) In universal fine tuning in particular, a very crude way of doing so (for the Milky Way at least) is illustrated by The Drake Equation. However we lack far too much accuracy to draw meaningful conclusions from it. (Even in the non-academic wiki article we're talking about a range of 10^(-20) to 10^10 planets expected in the Milky Way – obviously the first leaves it incredibly unlikely to find life, and the second life should be very prosperous). I haven't looked at the debate in detail for a while so I'm forgetful, but wasn't claims of fine tuning more to do with fundamental constants in physics (such as the fine structure constant) – such that if they were minisculely different very few/no atoms/molecules would form at all out of the more fundamental particles – rather than evaluating how often we come across life given the constants (and universe) we exist in?
There are a few nice articles on the fine structure constant / anthropic principle but the ones I've found seem to be blocked by paywalls, it's mentioned in passing on wiki here citing one of the main articles.
Woops think I mangled the link sorry – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fine-structure_constant#Anthropic_explanation – either way I was talking about the short paragraph (section 6) on the page rather than the whole wiki
I'm personally more skeptical in how meaningfully/confidently you can say what the universe would even be like (and so in particular that it could not support life) in universes with different fundamental constants, given we understand physics so imprecisely as it is. And even if we were to accept say that carbon isn't produced, or stars don't form, can we really say it is almost impossibly unlikely that other incredibly complex structures that give rise to life by another means wouldn't exist?


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The Spring Bada Bing! this past Sunday was really fun and exhausting. I can't believe how gorgeous the space was. Of course, the ONE thing I forgot was my damn camera! Although it POURED ALL DAY, there was a great turnout. Thank you to everyone who came out to support us. I'd also like to give a HUGE thank you to the Richmond Craft Mafia. They put on such a well organized event every year. Those ladies are awesome!
Now I can spend my time focusing on the final touches of my website. woot woot!
I'll also be adding some new items to my Etsy shop just as soon as I take some photos.
Here's to being productive!


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- changed status to open
assigned issue to
Should be possible
On the workbench, when in the commit tool you select a subrepository that has local changes, you can see those changes in the diff panel. Also, at the top of the diff there is a link that says "SUBREPONAME(is a dirty sub-repository) open...".
When you click the "open..." link a new tab is open on the workbench, showing the repository history for the selected subrepository.
The problem is that the revision that is selected by default is not the "working copy" "revision". Instead tortoisehg selects the current revision.
I don't think that this is what users would normally want. It seems that the user will normally want to look at the working copy changes which make the subrepository dirty.
Should be possible
Duplicate of
Sorry, somehow I made a mistake and I put the same title on Issue
#22 and Issue #23, but they are in fact two quite different issues.
workbench: show commit tab when opening a linked repository (closes


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Summary: on-prem Pipette Analysis Charting can be integrated with Pipeline Pilot, and configured to work with dashboard layouts, templates, and JavaScript and server-side callbacks. This article provides details on how to perform these integration tasks.
Covered Topics
Clicking a link will scroll the page to the relevant section.
Data from Cache
To launch Pipette Analysis Charting with data pulled from a user-scoped Pipeline Pilot cache, specify a dataid parameter with the cache name:
To create a temporary store that will be automatically cleaned up, use the Pipette Cache Writer component.
Loading Data from a Protocol
To launch Pipette Analysis Charting with data generated by a Pipeline Pilot protocol, specify a _service parameter with the protocol name:
You can also pass parameters to the protocol:
Each time the user visits the URL, the protocol runs. This works well for dashboards where live data is required.
The Pipette Analysis Dashboard Builder component automatically generates the URL with the service and parameters, when placed into the protocol you want to turn into a dashboard.
Dashboard Layouts
The configuration of the dashboard is serialized in the # after the URL:
When you set up your dashboard in Pipette Analysis Charting, this # is generated automatically and can be copied if you need to use it programmatically in your code.
Users can define a set of templates on a per-server basis. The easiest way to do this is through the Templates tab on the user interface.
Shared templates can only be edited by people with the Pipette Analysis/EditSharedTemplate permission.
The following types of callbacks are available to applications that launch Pipette Analysis Charting:
- JavaScript callbacks back to the launching web page
- Server-side callbacks
Note: The sent callback events and information is the same for both types of callbacks.
Currently Supported Callback Events
Currently supported callback events include:
- config – A change to the chart configuration.
- export – The export of data from the charting application.
- selection – The currently selected user data. This may include data indexes, ranges for numeric properties and lists of categorical properties.
JavaScript Callbacks
This is similar to the postMessage integration option with the Pipette Sketcher described previously.
To request notification of messages from the application, get a reference to the frame containing the Pipette Analysis Charting application and send an empty message like the following:
iframeRef.postMessage('', '*');
Key events in the application will then be sent back to the containing application as a JSON string:
window.addEventListener("message", function(event) { if (event.origin === "http://charting.acme.com") { //It's good to check this var message = event.data; //TODO – your application logic here } }, false);
Server Callbacks
To request that the application sends callbacks directly to the server, add the _callback and _callbackMessage parameters. For example, to be notified of config changes and exports:
Each time these events occur, a POST is made to URL
/my/callback with the following parameters:
http://myserver:9944/pipettechart/?_service=protocols/myapp/ myprotocol&_callback=/my/callback&_callbackMessage=config&_callbackMessage=export
Each time these events occur, a POST is made to URL
/my/callback with the following parameters:
|JSON string with relevant event details
Note: For security reasons, the URL must be a relative URL (starting with /) on the server that runs Pipette Analysis Charting.


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Raipur, Jun 14 (PTI) A woman naxal, carrying a reward of Rs 2 lakh on her head, was today arrested from Chhattisgarhs insurgency-hit Dantewada district, police said today.
The cadre identified as Sukki Muchaki (23), who was active as a member of military platoon no 26 of maoist, was apprehended from Katekalyan police station area, Station House Officer (SHO) Katekalyan Vijay Patel told PTI.
Based on specific inputs, a joint team of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and district force was out on a search operation in the forests of Katekalyan, located around 400 kms from here, he said.
The woman naxal
was held while the patrolling team was cordoning off a forested hill between Chikpal and Munga villages, the SHO said.
Muchaki was allegedly involved in the attack on a police party in Jongeras village of Sukma district on June 6 this year.
Besides, she was wanted in several other naxal incidents including attacks on police party, triggering blasts and others, in Katekalyan and Darbha (Bastar) area, he said. PTI TKP RMT


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As fears mount that trees in Britain could fall victim to the disease which has wiped out large swaths of olive trees in Puglia and reared its ugly head on the Spanish mainland, the British government has called for greater action to prevent the arrival and spread of Xylella fastidiosa in the UK.
There are many other varieties that we no longer import due to Xylella, many of which are not currently known to be at risk from the disease.
Xylella has not yet been reported in the UK and it's unknown which plants are susceptible to the disease but experts have expressed particular concern over a strain of Xylella that is able to survive in cooler climates and could infect a range of hosts including Britain's most common tree, the oak.
Environment Secretary Michael Grove told the Guardian newspaper that Europe needs to step up its protection strategy to halt the spread of the disease and demanded more checks on high-risk plants as they are moved from country to country.
In a letter to the EU commissioner for health and food safety, Gove described containing the spread of Xylella as of "paramount importance." While he welcomed the EU's review of the issue and the introduction of emergency measures, he expressed concern over the strength of current EU arrangements and questioned the wisdom of letting high-risk species be moved unchecked across borders.
Gove said, "With the ongoing risk of infected plants being moved to new areas, it is vital we move swiftly to strengthen our protection, including through increased testing and setting higher biosecurity standards for production."
If The EU fails to expand its precautionary measures, the UK may be forced to take its own steps to keep Xylella out of the country. These could include suspending the import of high-risk species including olive, almond, rosemary, lavender and oleander trees as well as introducing stronger import requirements for plants and trees arriving from other EU countries.
Xylella would have a disastrous impact on the UK's horticultural sector and Nicola Spence, the UK's chief plant health officer has called on UK plant importers to follow the example set by companies which have already ceased sourcing plants from EU regions affected by the disease.
One of the UK's leading plant and tree suppliers, Johnsons of Whixley told Olive Oil Times they were, "very concerned" about the disease's arrival and spread in the UK. Whixley's have already taken precautionary steps which included scrapping the import of olive trees.
Jonathan Whittemore, Whixley's senior procurement manager added, "We have a specific policy in regard to Xylella which basically means we have ceased imports from areas that we feel are too high risk."
"Due to the areas that we have stopped trading from and the susceptibility of the olive tree to Xylella, there are many other varieties that we no longer import due to Xylella, many of which are not currently known to be at risk from the disease," Whittemore said.
He went on to express his concern that while awareness of Xylella is increasing in the UK, fear and lack of knowledge surrounding the disease is clouding decisions over the right action to take, resulting in companies taking unilateral action.
"Our approach relates specifically to our business and other responsible businesses are taking alternative approaches that they deem appropriate to their businesses," Whitmore said.
At the end of the day, each business in the UK will take the action that it needs to maintain the commercial security. Some are calling for a collaborative approach from the different agencies and stakeholders in the industry.
"Strong leadership is required and action is urgent, Whittemore said. "There is a collective responsibility to inform and to warn. The whole of our industry is at risk if this disease enters UK."


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Disney's Live-Action Take On The Lion King Begins Production Soon
Oprah Winfrey once famously stated, "You get a reboot! And you get a reboot! Everybody gets a reboot!"
Actually, that's not exactly how the quote goes, but it's getting more and more accurate every day. It's also a part of the Walt Disney Company's overall film production strategy moving forward, as they continue to mine their animation library for live-action reboots.
In the wake of Beauty and the Beast's record-smashing box office debut this weekend, news of another classic remake has begun to pick up.
After it was announced that James Earl Jones would reprise his role alongside newcomer Donald Glover in the new Lion King film, now word has come out that production of the film will begin in May.
There's no word on whether the Han Solo film will have wrapped principal photography by then. It's possible, but unlikely.
But it's not like Disney doesn't have all of this figured out, being that they own Lucasfilm and all. Maybe Glover is only lending his voice to the project, and they'll pay a more experienced mo-cap actor or even an animal wrangler to provide Simba's live-action interpretation.
Now that production on the Lion King has finally started to gain some steam, expect announcements regarding Disney's live-action reboots of The Emperor's New Groove, Brother Bear, Atlantis, Treasure Planet, and Home on the Range anytime soon.
Who knows, maybe when they're done they'll start working through the Pixar library. Live-action Cars, anybody?
The Lion King live-action remake currently has no release date.
More Disney: Donald Glover Cast As Simba In Live Action Lion King / Lion King & Jungle Book 2 Filming Back to Back / Jon Favreau Reteaming With Disney For The Lion King


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Saturday, June 19, 2010
Lissanne from SORTED! in Perth
Lissanne Oliver from SORTED! will be running a workshop in Perth (Mandurah actually) on 3 July. This is very exciting, as I regularly refer to great tips in Lissanne's book (also called SORTED!) to get me back on track particularly during renovations when things are all over the place.
It will be a good opportunity to spend a day in Mandurah as I haven't been in ages.
7 comments:
Hi Maja. That workshop sounds great - I must admit I am a bit of a neat freak! Thanks for the comment about my furniture revamp post. To answer your question: confession; I've never actually used a 'purpose' glaze. I usually mix some brown paint or stain into my sealer then wipe it on. I like doing it this way because it's easy to adjust the tint and it seals and glazes all in one. I probably should try an 'actual' glaze one day though!ReplyDelete
- AnonymousJune 20, 2010 at 7:23 PM
I think I need to get that book! Trying to stay organised while selling our house, packing ready to move, storing extra furniture and I think it may get worse when I am trying to keep a caravan organised with a family of four in it going around Aus!!ReplyDelete
:) Flick
Hi Maja! The workshop sounds interesting, will she be coming to Perth at all or just Mandurah? I would love to attend. Thanks for visiting my blog and your kind words! It made my day. It's very exciting to have another West Aussie to follow! Hope you're having a lovely day enjoying this beautiful sunshine!! Christine xReplyDelete
Thanks for sharing Maja! I don't have Lissane's book but I love any books on organization. Also, there's a little award for you over at my blog to collect xReplyDelete
Hi Maja, that book sounds wonderful - I may have to get a copy. We are constantly renovating so some helpful hints wouldn't go astray (also I'm a neat freak so more organisation tips would be great). You have a beautiful blog. I look forward to following along. MichelleReplyDelete
Hi Maja, I just found your blog via Amanda from Homely One. I love your kitchen makeover and your first ebay buy was gorgeous. I am looking forward to seeing more of your projects. xxReplyDelete
Oh I NEED that book! Thanks for sharing! You have a lovely blog too :)ReplyDelete


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Baywood Greens - Long Neck, DE
32851 Greens Way , Long Neck, DE 19966
About Baywood Greens
Prepare to be amazed by dazzling views, breathtaking gardens and landscaping, and truly phenomenal golf. Set in the midst of a world-class championship golf course and exquisite botanical displays, the Community at Baywood Greens offers an incomparable resort living experience. Indescribably beautiful throughout, Baywood Greens is renowned for its magnificent landscaping and inspired gardens, but there's far more than beauty to enjoy at Baywood.
Rich with amenities and activities such as tennis, swimming, water sports and golf, the Community at Baywood Greens is a virtual playground. There are serene private bay beaches for relaxing, private boat docks, scenic walking trails, and convenient golf practice facilities. Stroll the majestic gardens and marvel at the imaginative plantings and stunning seasonal displays.
Follow-up a round of golf with friends for lunch on the veranda at the Clubhouse Restaurant, or just sit back and take in the extraordinary view. Unparalleled in its visionary scope by anything in the region, the Community at Baywood Greens is overwhelmingly beautiful. Come visit us and experience it for yourself.
View Homes:
Coastal Series from $242,900
Village Series from $229,900
Pre-Owned from $119,900
View Community Website View Available Homes
Phone : 888-327-3939
Request More Information
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Community Brief
LifestyleGolf Course
Price RangeLow $100s - Ask
Square Footage 1,870 sq ft - 2,535 sq ft
Number of Homes 1000+
New or Resale New and Resale Homes
Type Of Homes
Single Family Detached
Clubhouse, Trails - Walking, Dining On Site, Marina On-Site, Beach, Golf Course 18-hole, Golf Putting Green, Swimming Pool - Outdoor, Tennis Courts, Restaurant
Active Adult, Active Lifestyle, Golf Course


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Trent Bridge in Nottingham has international recognition due to the Test Cricket ground of the same name. Sport fans are also aware that within a mile of Trent Bridge are two professional football clubs, horse racing, dog racing, ice hockey, rugby union and a variety of water sports. The London Olympics of 2012 overlooked Nottingham's sporting facilities; except for archery practice at Trent Bridge!
Three years on our National Water Sports Centre remains a sought after location.
Here are some terrific photographs to prove it.


text:
Visit our Bookstore
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Innisfree Poetry
Enskyment Journal
Poetry Scams
Stars & Squadrons
Lily was Here
By Jerri Willmore
Revised 12/15/03
Any comments? Please email me at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Deke didn't know what time it was. He only knew was early afternoon; on a fall day in 1195. He stood atop the hill where he had often come to think, over the years. It was said to be haunted.
Down below, the annual harvest festival was going on. He had wanted no part in it. He'd passed through it earlier, and people had turned to look at him; a tall man with shoulder length light blond hair, limping badly. In his arms he'd been carrying a toddler, female with dark hair and eyes. Everyone
it wasn't his child. Where was he taking her? He couldn't care less.
Also, some girls turned around and gave him glances. He didn't notice that either.
The toddler twisted in his arms. He didn't dare put her down.
He stood there reminiscing.
He'd been born the youngest child to fiftyish serf parents. A miracle baby. His brothers and sisters were far older. When he was ten, his parents, unable to support him sent him to live with the most wealthy serf of the village, who did carpentry work for the Lord. His hut had two rooms. Palatial.
Bart (Bartholamew) was the youngest; picked on by his five older brothers. They became fast friends. So much so that when king Richard called for troups, and Bart and his brothers had to go- thier father being friends with the Lord and all- it was only natural for him to go too.
Outside Jeruselem, he, Bart and two others-on a scouting mission- were attacked by Sarecens. Deke surprised everyone (including himself) by diving under the lead thug's scimitar and stabbing upward, leaping out of the way just in time. Then they fought. He was to kill more than the others, who may have died. After the last one was felled, they had run for thier lives,Deke badly wounded in the leg.
Back home, Bart inherited the house, his brothers being dead. He cultivated a beard; Deke remained clean-shaven. He married his sweetheart; no one would have Deke, who lived Bart, as he he was lame. She died giving birth to Lillian- or Lily- and it fell upon Deke to care for her while Bart worked the fields or in this case, went down to Festival to search for a wife.
And if he finds one I'm gone. I'll just be in the way.
There was a large storage-shed in back, about the size of a small room. He suspected he would have to live there.
Bart thinks he loves me- but he'll get along without me fine. And the girl- will she remember me at all?
She broke his reverie.
He laughed. "I'm not your daddy!"
He heard a noise.
It was coming from the center of the hill, where the grass grew long. Whispers and voices. The hair on his arms stood up. it was they those people. The "fairies." Ever since childhood, he'd felt he was being watched. Well now, he was going to investigate!
He carried the child over to the nest of ferns and laid her down. "if you love me- and I know you do- then don't move!"
Then he strode, slowly, to the center and looked around.
Just what was was the source of that n-
Lily had been by Bart's side just a minute ago. Now the 8-year old seemed to have vanished. "Lily" Barthlomew called out. ""Lily!"
Five years had gone by since his friend Deke had , on that hill, vanished into thin air. Five years ago at the Festival, he had had an odd feeling about Deke; that something had gone wrong with him. He'd seen him go by on the way to the hill; he followed him up there. He'd found Lily shrieking her head off in the nest of ferns; she'd not moved. Everyone knew how much he loved Lily. He wouldn't leave her.
He heard someone call "Over here!" Turning he saw a tall man with light hair, Lily beside him. To his great relief, he recognized it as his child. At first he thought the man was his friend, returned from the "dead". But he'd gotten it wrong. He was much too tall.
Walking over to her, he grabbed his daughter by the hand. "I was just talking to him, daddy!" she said. Bart bowed to the man. thank you," he said. Leading her away, he glanced back. The man had vanished, as though he had never been.
Just as I'd figured.
"I told you this before." he said. When you meet a person who is not familiar to you- who is tall, and looks ot be in his early twenties-
stay away from him."
"Was he one of
daddy?" she asked.
"Yes, I believe it was. When I turned around to look at him, he was gone. Just like that. You know...they probably took Deke."
"Could you talk to me more about that? How did he go away?"
"I don't know," he said in a heavy tone of voice. "Please. I don't want to discuss this anymore." But he could and did. No one else would listen to him; about the Crusades, and tales of the fairies. About Deke, most of all. Not even his wife, for he had remarried. Bart needed someone to talk to. And the only person he could
communicate with was his daughter.
"Sh*t! F***! Damn!"
Deke only understood one of those words. Just minutes before,something had tripped him. He dared not look up.
"Seems like we have a visitor" someone said.
He did not look up. "Please sir. You can sit up now." this was spoken in a woman's voice. He could see her feet.
He sat up, and beheld 3 men and 2 women. All looked to be in thier early 20s. The men stood about a head taller and the women nearly as tall. Beyond them he could see squarish building with green feathery stuff on top- he figured them to be trees (he was right.)
"You are fairies, aren't you?"
"No, we are not" a man said. "We're not. There's no such thing as fairies. We are exactly like you but with one exception. We don't age."
(As they were telepaths, they actually spoke to him in his lingo.)
"Then where am I?" He tried to keep his voice calm.
One looked at the other, who said: "Tell him."
"You havn't gone anywhere. this is the 31st century."
"Oh," was all he could say.
One of the women- she wore white, and a long red braid- said, "Now sit there and don't move! Don't ask any more questions. We'll get you home straight away, inside of ten minutes."
"Ten minutes! I left a little girl back there. It might be too late!"
"You'll arrive only seconds after you departed." she said.
The immortals left Deke and stood by the by the small machine at the edge of the circular clearing where he had found himself. "Bad news" one of them muttered. "We can't send him back now. The machine's not working right; that is what got our friend into this; there was a time leakage. He heard something, and came up to investigate."
"Which is bad for poor little Ivanhoe here." This was spoken by the woman with the long red braid.
"He's just a
, Jeanine." the other woman said.
"He was wounded in the Second Crusade. Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy. I've been watching him."
A snort. "I'll bet you have."
She waved her hand. "Never mind that. I have something in mind for him."
"You mean we don't just freeze him?" a man said.
"No, I've a better idea. Send him to our world headquarters in New York. They'll see fit to study him, I think."
There were groans all around.
I'm serious. I see something special in him. And after what he's been through, why not give him some fun? Even though he won't....."
"Very well, Jeannie, you tell him."
Deke saw the woman separate herself from the others and walk over to him. He knew that it was bad news.
"I am sorry," she said. But we cannot send you back right now after all."
"Why?" he said.
"The machine is broken. If we sent you back now we would be risking your life. It will be a month untill we get a replacement. But we have something in mind for you."
"What is that?"
We will sending you over to the city of New York. That's where our main anthropological center is. After a month you will be returned here, and you will still arrive home only seconds after you left. And if you decide to to stay- or something happens to you- we will see to it that no harm befalls the child."
He sighed. "Do I have a choice?"
"Yes you do. We could freeze you in time for that period- from what I've heard it is not very pleasant."
"The answer is yes, then."
The girl turned away from him, expecting him to follow, like an obedient dog. He did so; but he bent over and winced. His old wound was acting up.
She turned. "Is something wrong?"
"War wound. It is hard for me to walk. Could you possibly help?"
She turned to one of the men, who shrugged. He pulled an insrtument out of his belt, then ran it along Deke's leg. The pain went away immediately.
The four walked out of the clearing, Deke following, asking "Would you mind telling me where New York is?"
He was carried across the Atlantic in a 3-story craft which sped across the ocean at a height of 50 feet. While they had airplanes in this era- closer to shuttlecraft actually- they suspected taking him on it might give him a heart attack. They were right about that.
He was given a large room to stay in, and spent almost all his time there. With him was a taciturn male immortal whose job was to look after him. They said little to one another.
On the third day he was informed that that afternoon they would be docking in New York. Nervously he'd wolfed down his breakfast- a kind of fairy dish known as "flapjacks"- and followed his companion up the rickety metal stairway to the observation deck.
There he beheld the New York skyline, which looked much the same as a thousand years ago. The afternoon sun and turned it golden. And at the Statue of Liberty too; she had been faced in white granite, and in her hand she carried a sword.
"Look upon this Deke," said his normally silent companion. "Here is where all the legends began. Some of those we send back- we allow to keep some of thier memories."
He pointed to the statue. "Who is that?"
"Liberty Enlightening the World," he said. "It is supposed to stand for freedom, about a thousand years old. Long ago, the sword was a torch. We once were attacked, you know. I would have liked the torch better."
Then he was herded (he thought the term applied) into a smaller craft; it took him to the shore. He got out and saw a woman detach herself from a knot of people and run to him across the sand- for this was now a beach. Tiny (for an immortal) and dressed in pastels, with layered reddish-brown hair. She looked like Susan Sarandon at age 20. She took both his hands in hers.
"My name is Valerie. Call me Val. I am the assistant director, and during your stay here you will be living with me."
They were taken via motorboat up the many canals which wound through Manhattan. For the sea level had risen. The buildings, which came down to the water's edge, looked very old; they had moss on them too, as did the huge trees at the shoreline.
It was a beautiful city.
It was getting near evening when they came to the centuries-old building where she lived. he was led up a flight of stairs to the 5th story. Once inside, she sat him down on the overstuffed couch, gave him water and something called a "sandwich." She told him she would be leaving for a couple hours, and for him to be sure not be sure not to touch anything.
He listened to her retreating footsteps, then got up. He looked around the room, which was about the same size as the main room in Barts's house.
Is this how fairies live?
He gazed on the strange looking wicker furniture, piled with pillows. A house gecko darted nearby to behind a picture on the vine-laced wall.. At the end of the room was a picture window, half hidden by crocheted curtains. He walked over to it, and gingerly drew it aside.
He looked at the top of a nearby building, 5 stories down. He saw a treed courtyard with a swimming pool. Other nearby buildings had vines cascading off the balconies, some with large bright flowers.
Oh, such beauty.
But he did not want to stay.
She returned after nightfall. Her face was set; she told him, "I don't know what they are planning on doing with you." Silently they had thier evening meal, a traditional dish of old, called a "TV dinner". When he was done eating, he looked toward the picture window. She saw that, and walked over to it. She drew the curtain aside. As he gazed at the lit-up buildings, she said, "Here is the source of the legends, Deke."
"I was told that, yes."
Then she took him to his bed- a small inflatable cot in the corner of the living room. She was almost motherly as she pulled the blankets over him and touched his cheek. Then she turned out the lights and was gone, back to her own room, where she was not to sleep for some hours. He could see the crack of light under her door. For some time he lay there, looking out at the cold buildings, thinking.
He'd never been frightened his life. Or lonely, or homesick.
Or excited.
"Tell me more about the war, daddy."
Bart and Lily lay in the grass looking up at the sky. They shared between them a bag of ale. They often got together like this, after the midday meal.
"Had a rough day, Lily?" He tried to change the subject.
"They flung clods at me, yes."
"Oh, those children..."
"I was hoping..."
"I know. And I don't want to talk about it."
"I wouldn't ask. But I dreamt about him last night."
"I'm not surprised," he said softly. "He was quite a saint, that Deke was, and a hero to boot." (Of course, he was exaggerating.)
"I dreamed that he showed up on our doorstep."
He looked into her dark eyes. Inwardly, he shivered.
"Whatever you say," he said, squeezing her. "I just hope that wherever he is, he's being treated well."
"Deke, have you ever been with a woman?" He waited a moment before replying.
"Not all the way, no."
They lay on the the coverlet of Valeries' vast bed, oddly enough in the same position of Bart and Lily. Val took drags on a joint. She seemed to be far away.
"When we were docking in France," Deke said, Bart and two others put thier money together and put me together with....this whore....but nothing happened."
I could give myself to you right now. In the spirit of friendship, of course."
"I am honored lady. But I...I can't."
He'd always been shy with the girls anyway; this one was rather too much to handle. He could sense her age. He felt her bare arm on his; it was cold. She was so alien to him.
She laughed. "Scared, huh? Well, I am at least ten times older than you are."
"That is why, yes".
"Better that we just remain friends, then," she muttered. "I see you as the son I shall never have. But still, I'm disappointed, as I too come from the past. The early 1970s to be exact."
"You cannot have a child," he said shocked.
"Its not that I cannot. I am not allowed to. There are far too many people, Deke."
"But when I traveled through this world, back in England, it did not look crowded. I saw few people."
"That's because most of our dwellings are mostly or entirely underground.That's where the people are, most of the time. To make way for the plants, which provide air to breathe. Without them we'd die. "
"I have heard tell that fairy villages are underground. I didn't know that is why. But what of New York?"
"We kept the towers because of thier beauty. I was alive when they were voting not to tear them down, and I'm glad they didn't. But at times, as I walk down these streets I can hear the ghosts of my time. I feel as though I were living in a mausoleum, not a city."
He decided to change the subject. he shivered.
"What is that thing you're holding in your mouth?"
"Flowers of the hemp, courtesy of
era. It is said to harm mortals if they use it too much. Of course it doesn't hurt us. Nothing does. Like to try it?"
"Why, if you say it will harm me?"
"I don't think it can, not if it's just a few times. I am a scientist, so I should know. And I know ho homesick you are. I think this will cheer you up.'
So silently he watched while a joint for him. Then she taught him how to inhale. She was right- it
make him feel better.
This was after a week in her Manhattan apartment. Days earlier, she'd led him down the stairs to the basement, to a walkway. It now housed bullet trains which went to every city in the US- half of which were underground. The walked alongside the tracks on the broad crowded walkway; on the other side of the tracks was a canal, lit from below, which carried the city's water. People were swimming and boating; desease was unknown here.
"Try not to stare," she whispered, "act normal." (He found the hard to do, as half of the women had no tops on.)
They exited into the lobby of another building; underground also. The next couple hours passed in a blur. He was taken into a dimly lit room, and given something to drink; he lay down upon a hospital bed. Then, as he lay asleep, all of his memories were recorded.
He was glad that later in the day he was actually given some one to talk to, who would even answer some of his questions.
He was was shown into is office, of a very young looking man with shoulder-length red hair, tied back. Deke supposed he was at least a hundred.
He looked at Deke as though he were a friend not seen at a long while. Other immortals had looked at him like that. It struck him how much the men of this era resembled him. The pale skin, the long hair, the beardlessness. It did not make him feel comfortable at all.
"Are you enjoying your stay here, Zeke?" he was asked after he settled into his chair.
"My name is Deke."
"I'm sorry.. I'll answer any questions that you may have.""How is you..... people.....can travel through time? And what do you want with us?"
"Time slippages have always existed, Deke. For example, sometimes when you look into the west, you can view the towers of New York, the sun turning them golden-"
"I've heard of that, yes." Deke breathed."Fata Morgana. As for what we want with people of your time, your legends tell of us. We want to close the circle, that's all. "What must be must be"- that's our motto."
"Oh" he said.
"And I've been going over your statistics. You have no close attachments, eh?
"Just a man and a little girl. And I daresay" he added almost bitterly, "They won't be missing me very long."
"Oh, I don't know about that," the immortal murmured. But if you like you can stay us, Deke?"
"Why are you offering me this?"
"We see something special in you. You will not have to age if you stay. And as we've told you before, no harm will befall the little girl, who you left on the hill."
"I don't think I can accept your kind offer. This isn't where I belong."
"I knew you'd say that. But if you were 10 years older- or 20- you might be whistling a different tune."
"I know" he said, shivering inwardly. He'd heard tale of people taken by the "fairies", who elected to stay, and had the aging process halted or even reversed. The older they were, he knew, the more they were inclined to stay here.
"I'm a little disappointed, Deke. We need...new faces....from time to time. But don't worry, Deke. We'll get you home."
He smiled now, as he thought of the immortal's promise. The joint had completely burned down.
"Tell you what," Valerie said, "I don't think a couple more could hurt you. I will give them to you with a book of matches, and if you are in pain missing your home, they could help."
She gave these to him in a pouch. He put them in the pocket of his jerken, and forgot about it. So did she.
The hours spent in Valerie's apartment were endless, as Deke had nothing to do. He couldn't read; she showed him thier equivelent of a TV program, but he could he could not understand much of it. Then at night she would call him into her bedroom, to show him something she called Movies. They lay upon her bed; overhead was a circular screen. Once he was actually able to understand the setup, he found himself enjoying them.
Toward the end of the month she showed him one he thought would reverbrate in his head forever. "It's a thousand years old," she said, but I know you'll like this Deke." She explained to him that it was all a fantasy- the Lion, the scarecrow, and the Tin Woodman. Then she turned off the light and fell asleep, leaving him to watch it alone.
He saw with interest this story of a girl- she looked familiar to him, but he didn't know why- and her struggles to get home. In the last scene, she found out it had all been a dream, with the faces of those she loved all around her. As she said "There's no place like home!" he was surprised to find himself in tears. Embarrassed, he looked over at Val, but she was sound asleep, curled up. She looked as though she had not a care in the world.
That's how immortals are.
He considered- just once- putting his hand on her thigh. He found he could not do it.
He sighed and got up, and went back into the living room, to his own small bed.
Lillian, age 18, lay on the on underneath her new friend Will. His hand was between her thighs, trying to push them apart.
Down below, the festival was going on. That was where she had met him, and invited up here. She had been feeling lonely, which was her usual case, but rarely did she seek to do anything about it. She had no close female friends. As for the boys, she liked some of them. But they were nothing compared to the man who showed up in her dreams, whom her father expected to turn up on thier doorstep any moment. She'd always dremt of Deke; now they were taking a different turn. She didn't dare speak of this to anyone.
But still, she had brought him up here. It seems as though she'd bitten off rather more than she could swallow.
"Give it up, Lil. No one would want to marry you anyway."
"Then I'd rather not, thank you." She looked over his shoulder into the darkness, at something that was not there.
She cried suddenly, "Oh god, look at that!"
"Don't take the- Oh!" He saw where she was looking. He beheld a tall man very short white hair, young appearing, wavering in and out of sight.
"Those people are watching over me," she said calmly. "Because of
he sent them."
"Our Lord had nothing to do with it." (he misunderstood.) Those people are evil. But be gone with you!" He said to the apparition, nervously: "Don't worry, I won't hurt her."
Very slowly she got up and drew around herself her heavy woolen cloak. With a dignity she had not possessed before, she walked slowly away from them, into the mist.
We'll see to it that no harm befalls the child.
They never spoke again.
Did she hear "fairy laughter" or was she imagining things?
Just two days were left before Deke would have to depart. That night, he found himself unable to sleep. At about midnight, he heard the sound of singing, coming in from the window. He got up and went over to it. There on the building directly below- in the square with the swimming pool- people were singing. Sparklers shone down on thier upturned, young faces.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!
For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
"What is that song?" he whispered. "It's so beautiful."
"Ode to the New Year." she said. Oh, I know, it looks a lot like spring, not January. A lot of things have changed."
Shivering a little, and avoiding her gaze, he went back to bed. For a moment- he'd almost changed his mind. And she knew it.
She acompanied him on the hoverflight back to England. "Just want to see you off." she laughed. But he also got the idea she wanted to protect him from something. He didn't know what it was.
When he arrived, he was shown to his quarters- a tiny room with a cot and a primitive toilet (one of the many thing he'd found wondrous about the future was the commodes.) He had the feeling they were done with pampering him. He was right.
This was the night before he was set to depart. He slept restlessly; he came awake to someone shaking him. It was Val.
Does she want to.....
But she only put her hand on his mouth. She drew him to his feet. "I'm sending you back myself."
"Why is that?"
"I just found out. When they will set the controlls on the machine to send you back in time, they will also set it to erase your memory of all that befell you here. That would upset you of course, but you'll never know. You got in by mistake, and we told you too much. That's dangerous, Deke. You could change history. But you are my friend and my charge; I know how important those memories are to you. So I will do it myself, and let them do what they like to me."
"Thanks," he said.
They walked out of the building and into the square. Deke saw the Astroturf circle, a squat machine at one end, and an arching sign which said "Timegate centre 22" "Why is ths place not guarded? He asked in a quiet voice.
"Because," she said, "we trust each other so much."
"Is it still true," he asked hopefully, "I'll arrive seconds after I departed?"
"About 15 to 20 seconds, yes."
"Could you not cut it closer than that? She's an active child-" "I dare not cut it closer than that. You could die or- worse." She shivered. "Oh," he said.
She led him to the center of the circle.
"Well this is goodbye." For just a second she was in his arms. She gave him a quick kiss...like a sister.
"Thank you for everything."
for everything."
She walked over to the device and crouched down. As she started to work with the controlls, it looked to him like she was shaking.
He thought nervously, is she thinking-
do I remember how to work this thing?
She was indeed thinking,
do I remember how to work this thing?
She straightened up. "There, it's done. Hold on tight, Deke!"
He felt a blow from behind, as before. He plunged into darkness, and fell upon his knees onto the long grass. He buried his face in it.
He was home.
Bart was worried about Lillian, age 23. Still living at home, she had no interest in aquiring a marriage partner. She was indeed attractive; tall, with long kinky light brown hair, large dark eyes, rounded features and figure. But she had little interest in the young serf men of that village, nor they in her.
She was cut off even from her half-siblings. Her worst relationship was with "Deke the second", born 5 years after her. He couldn't have been more different than his namesake. She called him "Deke the dolt" (or the medieval equivelent therof,)he had similar insults for her. She spent long hours walking in the fields and woods by herself; at home, she brooded. That was part of the problem. That, and the fact that ever since childhood, he'd been filling her head with talk about Deke.
Unconciously, she compared the village lads to him. They always came up short.
But that wasn't the worst thing. There was also having been abandoned on the hill. What horrors had she experienced, when Deke put her down and didn't return. She always said she didn't remember. But before she was a happy and playful little girl. Afterwards, she was something different.
Lily was lost. And as he gazed up at the hill, over the years, he couldn't help but feel
was at fault.
Remembering Lily, he pulled himself to his feet. "Lily," he called.
He ran to the patch of ferns. She was nowhere to be seen.
There was no sign in fact, that she had ever been there. Not even an impression her body would have left. "Oh, he moaned. He should have known that this would happen. How could they lie to him? But no- apparently his friend had just made a mistake. He guessed that he had been off, by a day or two. Hopefully the girl had been found. At least there were no signs of violence here, as though a wolf had gotten to her.
Still- he expected Bart would be mad at him, But what would he say?
He walked over to the edge of the hillside. Looking down at the town, he thought there might have been some changes. But as it was getting dark, he couldn't really be sure. Slowly, he walked down and into the village, on the way to Barts' hut. It was the same place it had always stood.
Upon arrival, he poked his head through the cloth flap which served as the doorway. "I'm home!" he said.
He beheld a group of people he'd never seen before. One of them, Bart, had had his back turned- he turned around to stare at him, as though he were a stranger.
"Bart, don't you know it's me?" he said. "I've come back. Do I have a story to tell you! Is Lillian all right?"
The big man slowly walked up to him and searched his face. he could tell that Bart's own had some lines in it.
Oh no.
Then Bart engulfed him in his arms."Oh I knew this would happen," said he between sobs. "Why did you take so long?"
Holding onto his friend (not knowing what else to do) Deke gazed upon the people in the room. he felt a chill.
"Bart", he said, "are these your children?"
"Yes," Bart said heavily.
"You married again?"
"Yes. My wife is dead."
He untangled himself from Bart. "Please tell me, how long have I been away."
"Don't you know?"
"No, I do not."
"It will have been 20 years this October."
"Oh. Oh."
Bart sighed. "May as well introduce you to the children. Here's Lillian-wait! I thought she was here just now. Well here's Deke my oldest, age 18." Deke smiled. "Here's Mary age 16- he pointed to a blonde girl who curtsied- here's Stuart, here's Peter. And here's Dorothy."
"Dorothy!" He smiled at the 10 year old girl. "What a coincidence! I'll explain later. I'll tell you all where I've been, but I want Lillian to hear it. Didn't you say she was just here?"
"I saw her slip out," the oldest son said. "She recognized you, I think, and could not take the shock."
Deke then remembered: before Bart had embraced him he'd seen a girl in the back of the room, tall, with long curly hair. But he wasn't sure.
"Is she still living at home? I thought she'd be married by now. If the woman I saw was her, then she's pretty enough."
"That's so, " Bart began heavily, "but she-"
Deke "Jr" cut in- "I'm sorry, but I don't want to spend all evening discussing my sister. We've done enough of that! Please, dear sir, tell me were you went and what they've done to you. You havn't aged a day!"
Deke looked at namesake annoyed.
"I don't go anywhere. I traveled into the distant future. At the top of the hill, I heard somethinng and went to investigate."
"The future," Bart said.
"It's true. I was watching your daughter then I heard a noise- people speaking- on the top of the hill. I sent up there to investigate and fell in. The people there are just like us- the only thing is that they do not age. They would have sent me back within minutes, and wiped my memory too no doubt, since I had seen so much. But the device was damaged. So I had to stay for a month, and when they did send me back a terrible mistake was made. I was supposed to arrive seconds after I had left; instead it took years."
"I see, said Bart. Well, dinner is about to be served. You will tell us of all that befell you there, won't you?"
As they sat around the table, the conversation lasted for hours. They never tired of asking questions about New York, and hearing his descriptions of the place. He held nothing back from them. Everyone forgot about Lily.
Finally Bart said to his children,
"I don't want anything said here to leave this room."
The children groaned.
"No, it's true. You know how dangerous it is that he kept his memory. If any of you talk, who knows what will happen."
He turned to Deke.
"You ought to take on another name, no? Your eldest sister moved out of town, you could be her son. You could be her child. I'll name you Richard, after His Highness. As for what your quarters are going to be, I have a building out back where I keep my wood and tools, and it's much too big. It is about the size of one of our bedrooms. You can have it for now."
Deke sighed. He'd expected that.
After the children went to bed, the two men sat in the Common room quietly, feeding the fire. Then Bart turned to him.
"I told them everything about you," he said. "I wanted to keep your memory alive, as I know you would be returning any day. Folk laughed at me, but you were right. Here you are."
"Here I am," he said.
Before he went to sleep, his eyes scanned the hut by the light of the fire.
He saw something on the opposite wall.
He'd guessed right- it was a picture of himself. He wore a shirt of chain mail; he looked out at the viewer with a calm expression. In his hand he brandished a sword.
He stared at it.
Is that really what they thought I was?
He restrained himself-just barely- from tearing it down and ripping it up.
Then he went to bed.
Daybreak came, and he was still asleep. He did not awaken until around noon, at which point he rolled over and looked at the ceiling; thinking of how lucky he was. After all, he was home, none the worse for wear. He'd lost 20 years, but that wasn't as bad as that could have been. Unlike some other pople in his place, he did not long for the world of the future. he did not care whether he ever saw it again. Most important of all, he still had his memory of the time he'd spent there.
He frowned suddenly.
The girl.
They had promised her that no harm would befall her But they had been wrong. It just wasn't the sort of "harm" you could see.
He would have to make it up to her. She was his charge, after all. It had been in a way, his fault. As he lay, he watched the ceiling trying to think of what to do next. For an hour, he didn't move.
Finally he sat up; he walked to the doorway. He stretched his arms, and sighed.
Someone was coming up the walkway. Her head was down; He only saw her hair. It was because of it that he knew her.
He walked down to the path to her. "Lillian?" he said.
Slowly, very slowly she looked up at him. Something in her gaze made him feel cold. Though she looked a lot like the girl in the Wizard Movie (hair excepted.)
"Lily?" I've come back."
She didn't say anything.
He held out his palm, and she took it. Her hand felt cool. There was dirt under her fingernails, and on her bare feet.
"We need to talk," he said.
He led her back into the hut. Dorothy was at the fire, stirring the evenings stew. She jumped a little when she saw him.
"Does your father have any ale in the house? Or wine?"
"Yes I do believe we do." she disappeared into Bart's room, and returned with a skin of ale.
She poured the ale onto two mugs and handed them over to him. Her hand trembled a little. He decided not to comment on it.
The great hero comes home.
He handed one of them to Lily. He removed the furs and sack of straw from the bench where he'd been sleeping. they sat down.
They went through a third of the ale without looking at one another.
There were so many things he wanted to say. He found he could not say them.
"This ale has done something to my head." she said suddenly. "I am sorry. I'll speak with you later." She got up and walked into the bedroom she shared with her siblings, he heard her throw herself down on the bed she shared with Mary.
Bewildered, he stared after her. Then he heard someone enter the hut. It was the oldest son. Big and dark, with a feathery beard that would one day be like his dad's. "May I have the rest of that?" he said, refering to Lily's ale.
"Sure," said Deke. His namesake took it from his nerveless hand.
He drained it in one gulp, and winked. "Don't tell my father."
H seemed to sense what had occurred. "You met my sister? She's a wild one, eh?"
"I wouldn't say that." Then he described what had happened.
He let out a heavy sigh. "I don't know what's up with my sister. But our father told her so much about you." He laughed and winked. "Methinks she's besotted."
Oh, you're joking."
"Could be, I don't know. but she was closest to our father. And he all but built a shrine to you, following your disappearance. Because he blames himself for it, I imagine." He nodded at the picture on the wall. Deke looked at it also; he shuddered.
"That's not me at all." he quietly said. "There's nothing special about me. And remember, I was only away just a month."
"A month. a month. Sure looks that way to us."
That night at dinner, he held the chidren spellbound with talk about New York. He described the city in as much detail as possible. The young people could not get enough of it.
Everyone, that is, save Lily. She sat away from the others, her knee drewn up to her chest. Her face was half hidden by her hair. She looked morose. The wizard of Oz, Dorothy had looked familiar to him. Now he knew why. Lily's late mother had been almost a ringer for Judy Garland. So was Lily.
If only she'd look him in the face!
"Lily," said Bart after awhile, do you have anything to say?"
"I saw the city once, said she. "In a dream. I flew over the sea, and saw the lady with the spiky crown." She still did not look up.
Peter said, "My sister's is spoiling the party as usual." He said it through a laugh.
Obviously something was eating the girl. And he thought, it had something to do with him.
He decided he would speak to her away from the others. He also remembered the "magic" fairy-herb Val had given him. Maybe, he thought, it would help her open up.
As they were settling down for bed, as she was about to enter thier bedroom, he walked up to her and took her arm. She quivered. "Lily, he said, I would like to speak with you alone. Let's go walking tomorrow."
She paused for a second before answering.
The following afternoon, he met her outside of the after the noon meal. Without a word, she took his hand and he led her down from the village to where they would be alone, following a stream they waded through to the base of a small cliff.
Looking down at her- her head was bent- he had a strange feeling of deja vu. Well, he had been half in love with her mother, when she was alive. They settled down. She sighed, and drew up her knees to her chest, her arms around her heavy wool skirt. As usual. he felt he couldn't speak. Like her.
"I have something for you" he said, finding his voice at last. She looked over and he held out his hand, wheich held a couple joints and matches. She looked at it quizically."It's from the fairies." he said. "It will make you feel better."
"Do we eat them?"
"No. Do as I do."
He lit the two joints and handed one to her. His hands were shaking; he almost scorched himself. So were hers.
They sat and smoked in silence. After a while he looked over at her, and saw that a change had come over her. The muscles in her relaxed; her jaw became unclenched. She threw her head back, and the sun shone down on her exposed neck and her hair. He hadn't noticed before how lovely she was.
He also realized- as he hadn't before- what had been knawing at the girl. It did not faze him at all.
He felt it too.
Presently she threw herself backward, after stubbing out the joint with her bare foot. He sat beside her feeling more calm than he had in months.
Then he turned to her. Lily?"
She said nothing.
"Lily. Are you awake?"
She gave a closed-lipped smile.
Surprising himself, he bent over her face and kissed it, quickly.
't believe I did that.
Maybe it was the pot but she didn't seem surprised at all. She did not shrink away. She held out her hand, and he pulled her up.
Shyly she wet her lips with her tongue. "Oh, I was so certain you wouldn't want me........"
Another moment (quite a long one) later, once again he looked her in the eyes. To his surprise, he still saw fear.
"Don't be so nervious Lily! We're just two normal 23 year olds, enjoying a beautiful day. There is nothing wrong with what we just did."
She stared. "Did you not spend 20 years among those people?
No, not at all. More like a month."
"A month? How could that be?"
"I wish you were there when I explained everything. I was promised I would be returned seconds after I had left. But a woman I knew there took pity upon me, as they were planning on erasing my memory. I had seen too much. But she made a mistake, probably, as it should have been seconds. Instead," he said flatly, "it was years."
"Oh, she said. I thought you had become like one of them. That's one reason I was afraid, I think. But that's not so? You're not immortal?",
"No, I'm not. And I'm glad, though if I were older I wouldn't be. This is the happiest day of my life, Lily. What do you want to do?"
"Let's lay down and look at the sky." she said dreamily. My father and I used to do that, long ago. You know- I don't think we should tell him."
"You're right, Lily. Not just yet."
And so, together they lay down and lay there, thier heads lightly touching, watching the drifting clouds for over an hour.
Right through the shocked, transparent heads of four immortals, standing on the cliff above them.
Bart looked thoughtfully over at Deke, during the evening meal. He looked a lot happier. So did his daughter. He didn't care what had bappened.
He just was glad Deke was home.
They were a couple after that, meeting always in secret, as Deke didn't know how Bartholamew would take the news. (They did not, as yet, consummate thier relationship.) Not that he hmself saw anything wrong with it. They were the same age after all, and hardly blood relatives. it was not as though he'd spent the last twenty years watching her grow up. Both had been lonely prior to this, and had similar personalities. Most important of all- there seemed something unreal abut this thing. As it had been with the girl in the Movie- she opened her her eyes, and found out it had only been a dream.
So when he walked with Bart- they were still close friends, and he'd become an apprentice carpenter, (though not a very good one) he found he could not tell. Occasionally Bartholamew would bring up this or that girl had been giving Deke the eye- he wasn't lame anymore after all. Deke said he would follow up on it. Of course, he never did.
Never very far away from the couple, when they were out-of-doors, were the immortals. They'd rendered themseles invisible, and spoke only with thier minds. Among them was Valerie, who had been held accountable. Thier original plan had been to abduct Deke, wipe his memory, and return him to his original destination. But she was able to stall them on that. She was actually was able to, as she had some power and authority. With Valerie was Alfredo, the morose director; Jamie, his assistant from Edinburgh; and Marjorie, her African-American best friend from New York. She'd sent sent her a message, and she was on the next plane out.
What were you thinking, Val, when you gave him that weed? And he got the girl stoned too!
Silent laughter.
I just felt sorry for him, that's all. I didn't think he'd take it back into the past. They won't be getting anymore.
I know that, and I'm glad. But him and the girl.....I don't know.
Freddy, please leave them alone! I see myself in that girl. I know every thought in her head. She was, I believe, myself in a past life."
Maybe she was, maybe she wasn't. But you've no right to meddle with Time like this Val. We'll just keep an eye on them. For now.
That was in May. In August of that year the serf girl ventured, alone into the Lord's woods. She was searching for dinner, as ever since she was a girl she knew what herbs were safe to eat. She knew this place like the back of her hand.
"Ah, mushrooms," she whispered.
She stuffed them into the cloth bag she carried with her, turned, slinging it over her shoulder. Had she heard a noise?
Her eye traveled up, then she saw him. An unaturally tall man, somewhat transluicent looking, with short brown hair It was one of them, she was sure.
She turned to run, but it was like going through molasses. Somehow he was there, in a millisecond, holding her by the wrist.The person doing that was James, in fact.
She faught to stay calm. You're one of the future people, arent' you? Well we've always known we were being followed."
"Yes, we have been watching you. I was supposed to be invisible in fact, but I forgot.
She smiled. "Do they all have funny accents like you?
"I come from north of here- dies not matter. Your man Deke- you love him very much, eh?
She stared. "You know that about us?"
"I'm sorry, but we might have to put and end to it, because you see it could....
She didn't wait to hear the rest. "Oh, we'll see about that." Viciously she jerked her arm loose and spend off, running down the trail. To her immense relief, he did not follow her.
Deke stirred in his sleep. He'd had a big dinner the evening before; also Lily looked troubled. He had been used to her telling him everything. A look had been on her face, but he could not get to her alone to speak to her.
As he turned over, he heard a noise. It was He got to his feet and went to her standing in the doorway.
She embraced him hard. "This is unseemly," he said. If someone sees us now...."
"I saw one of them in the woods," she said. "A man. He told me that those people from the future will be putting an end to what is between us. They will take either you or me- I don't know."
"Oh, I don't understand them. I don't understand them at all."
"What are you doing?" he asked nerviously. It isn't warm in here, is it?"
"You might have to leave tomorrow," she said. If you do, I want to take something with me."
"No," he said. But she was halfway out of her clothes. "This could be our last wedding night, Deke," was the last thing she said. Angrily, she kicked her dress out the door.
He awoke the next morning, the sun shining down on his body though the doorway. He felt a bit nauseated, but happy. He couldn't believe what had just happened.
Sorry, Bart, I don't know how to tell you this. Your daughter and myself are to be married. You see that we....we....
Laying there, he realized he could not do it. Slowly he got to his feet, for his day's work in the fields.
They were to have two more months together. Things got pretty awkward between them at first; but in the end they were closer. The immortals left them alone; though they were always silently watching. They thought that Bart didn't know.
In the start of the second month, Lillian found a burned-out cottage in the woods that was said to be haunted. She decorated it with wildflowers and leaves from the forest, making seem to them like it was thier home, that they were married. They spent a lot of time there.
On the day of October 14, they sat outside the small abode talking in the easy way they now had, having napped ( and done more) on a bed of ferns two hours later. Just out of thier sight stood the immortals. Waiting.
"Have you ever felt anything for Valerie?" she said. After all you told me about her, I am surprised you didn't stay."
"Well, she had no vulnerability, unlike yourself. That is why we are better suited, I think. But there was this one time- I almost decided to stay. I looked out of the window and it was like a spring morning, and these people were singing- this song about the changing of the year. Then I turned around and looked at her- she almost seemed like a lost child. I almost changed my mind, I think."
She laughed hoarsely. "I am glad you did not. But the lady- I would like to meet her." (Little did she know that Val was standing 20 paces away.)
"I know. But there is one thing immortals cannot have. Children."
"Is that so?" She put her hand on her belly. He felt as though he had been caught in a plunging elevator.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't know before this week. I was going to tell you tomorrow at Festival, as a surprise. My father too."
"We'd better tell him now, Lily," he said. He jumped to his feet and held out his hand. "We are running out of time." (He didn't know how right he was.)
The immortals silently watched the couple walk out of the clearing, then conferred.
What are those people to you, Val? Your children?
Yes, and what's that to you?
You don't get it, do you? We finally know the outcome of your little experiment
Such as.....
The girl is with child. It's descendent could become the next Hitler, or Ghandi, or.....don't you know what a mess we are in?
I didn't realize.....we could make her drop the baby, then render her sterile, without realizing it. They could adopt kids....
No, no, it's too late! We have to put an end to it!
I.....think I know what you mean by that. But could you give them one more day?
What difference would that make? Are you planning to tell ?
What good would that do? But they are holding a festival tomorrow, and those people are looking forward to it. I want them to be happy for just 24 hours. I will return the favor, I promise!
Very well. We'll do it for the sake of those poor people. But believe me, you owe us on this Val.......
Deke, Bart, and Lillian stood at the top of the hill where it had all begun. They had decided they had might as well tell him here.
Bart sighed heavily. "I have always known," he said, "right from the first. Almost from the first time you went out walking together. I saw how happy she was. I was astounded at first, but then came to understand. I've been waiting for you to tell me."
"We've been waiting for you to tell
Think of all the time we've wasted! We could be married by now!"
"I know. I'm sorry. Just couldn't come up with the words. Day after Festival, will you be seeing the priest?"
"Of course. And will you give us your blessings?"
"I know you both too well not to. But if you had stayed, Deke, and now asked for her hand....I don't know."
"How could you think that of me? I could never see her in such a way, nor she myself. I would be just an uncle to her, nothing more. Plus I would be married by now. Or dead."
"Well," Lily muttered, "We've one thing to thank the fairies for."
"I wonder where we will live," said Deke. "After we start a family the shed would be too small."
He couldn't bear to bring up her pregnancy.
"I shall add on two rooms. It should make a nice house."
"I am grateful, but.....there is something I forgot to tell you. Lily met one of them in the woods, who told her that they plan to put and end to what is between us. I gather they plan to take me again."
"I won't allow that to happen," said Bart.
Bart drew himself up. "Let's make a solemn vow, the three of us. I know they are listening. That whatever happens, us three shall be together."
He raised his hand and said, "I do swear."
"I do swear."
"I do swear."
"There," he said grimly, "If God is listening at all, we will never be separated."
At Festival the next day, it was unseasonably warm. The Lord's minion's had cought pheasant and venison; there was plenty of ale and wine. The threesome walked among the crowd telling of the marriage, and Lily had never looked lovelier, in a low-cut dark blue dress, and a wreath of dried flowers in her hair.
Deke sat down upon a bench with his ale. Lily was talking with some serf girls who had previously snubbed her; Bart had gotten up to get some more.
He sat there feeling totally at peace. Then he overheard someone talking about him. It was a friend of one of his nephews; of course he didn't know who he was. "Have you heard of who mad Lillian is going to marry?"
"Oh, that handsome lad. though from what I've heard he's pretty simple." (Deke bridled.)
"Oh, there is more to it than that. Her father, Bart- he had a close friend, Dirk or Derek or something like that. He disappeared on the hill up there. My father tells me he's a dead ringer." "He was my uncle, yes," another voice chimed in. "But what difference would that make? He disappeared when she was three."
"Oh, he still spoke much about him to her, and all of us. As though he was such the hero." (Deke smiled to himself.) And as though he was to be brought back, looking no older than the day he'd left. Creepy, that!"
"Well, what if that did happen?"
(Deke almost dropped his mug.)
"Oh, that's nonsense!"
Bart sat down beside Deke. "How do you feel?"
"I feel as though this is the happiest day of my life. But it is like a dream."
"Ah, dreams. I had this last night, Deke. I was watching you and Lily's children play on the grass. They were beautiful."
There's one in the oven already, Bart.
"Yours are a handsome lot too." He winked.
They looked at Lily, who was laughing with the girls. She had not done that before.
"She's changed so much," said Bart.
"Thanks to me, yes."
"Think, later on you will dance with her?"
He smiled. "I think so."
After the Festival's end, the three serfs lingered long talking with friends. It was long after dark that they set out for home, thier arms around each other's waists. The girl was in the middle.
"The stars look like the buildings of New York." Deke said. There are so many windows....."
"Impressive," Bart said.
Deke laughed nervously. "I've a feeling those buildings are above me- that they are going to crash down on us."
"Don't talk like that!" Lily cried. "Teach us that song you spoke of earlier- that ode to the new year."
"Sure. It goes like this...."
Soon they were singing:
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!
Still singing, they rounded a corner.
"What's that?" said Lily.
A man was standing in the middle of the road. He seemed to have appeared out of nowhere. In the starlight they could see he had two black braids down his chest. He was Alfredo, in fact, head of the Project.
They kept walking toward him. What else could they do?
"I would like you to stand as close together as possible. Oh. I see you are already doing that."
"You've come for me havn't you?" Deke said quietly.
"No. In a way, I've come for all three of you."
Deke blinked. "you are taking all three of us into the future?"
"Not exactly. But you'd better say your goodbyes now, Deke."
Tears started in his eyes. "I thought you were finally finished with me."
"We thought so too. But something happened which cannot be permitted."
"It's me and Lily, isn't it? Because she's my friend's daughter? Is that like incest to you?"
"No, it's not. It's the baby."
baby?" cried Bart.
Before he could answer, Deke cut in: "What do you plan to do with us?"
He gazed at them with compassion. "I'm sending you back to where you were."
Then he reached into his pocket.
Lily felt thier hands gripping thier shoulders; saw the immortal take the device out of his pocket and point it at them. The last thing, she thought, she'd ever see.
This is like death.
With a final burst of energy, she threw back her head and screamed.
Deke turned around and saw his friend trudging up the hill. He felt as though hours had just passed, but how could that be? The sun was still high in the sky.
"Is something the matter?"
I was down at Festival, when I don't know- I got a funny feeling. I saw you weren't at home, so I came up here. Is everything all right?"
"Yes, it is, though Lillian's been cranky." He handed her back to her father, almost in relief.
Bart rocked her. "There, there."
Bart met his friend's gaze, held it. "You've been thinking of going away, havn't you?"
"Yes....but I don't know, I've changed my mind."
"That's good. How's your leg?"
Funny...feels better than ever."
"Thanks to
no doubt." He shivered, and crossed himself.
Said Deke, "I don't recall seeing any."
" Then let's be gone from this place and never return.! It's said to be haunted. Come down to Festival with me, it's not too late. I saw some girls give you the eye."
Deke smiled. "Is that so!"
"And when you marry, don't move out. I will add on two rooms to the shed in back. It should make a nice house."
"I'm honored. I'm not going anywhere."
"And the same will be true for Lily- when she marries I will build a house for them close by."
He smiled. "I'd like that too."
"Then let's make a vow, the three of us," Bart said playfully. "I think the fairies are listening. Let's swear
that whatever happens, us three will be together."
He raised his hand. "I do swear."
"I do swear," said Deke. "What about you, Lily.?"
She raised her small hand. " 'Do swear."
They all laughed.
Then started down the hill.


text:
This numbered edition Aluminum Print, designed by Jelena Obradovic, comes with a numbered and signed certificate of authenticity. Printed on a .045" thick aluminum sheet, this print is crisp, high gloss, lightweight, and water resistant. It comes with a proprietary 1/2" aluminum shadow mount allowing for easy installation.
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Novi Sad


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Mar 12, 2013
birthdays, babies and back aches
we brought home a stomach bug and body aches but we're grateful for anytime with our nieces and nephews. and Ian is the best husband for sick days, who just holds my hand while we sleep the day away.
Ian gets back to therapies tomorrow and then another weekend of birthday-ness.
Ian asked prayer that he would be able to stand.
Thank you, always
4 comments:
- Leslie Dawn said...
Dear Heavenly Father,
Please help Ian to stand. In Jesus Name I pray. A-men♥ "and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;" Ephesians 6:13b-14a ♥
- 13.3.13
- Anonymous said...
Dear Lord, You have done such mighty things in Ian and Larissa's lives individually and together. I pray that you would give Ian the strength to stand. The strength to stand spiritually, as a husband, as a spiritual guide to Larissa. The strength to stand physically, as he works to walk again. He is trying so hard and You have helped him so much, please continue to do so. Give him the strength to stand mentally and not to get discouraged. Thank You for the blessings You have given me to "know" these precious people through this blog. You are great, dear Lord. Through You I call these my brother and sister. Please bless them both for Your Name's sake, for Your glory and kingdom. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
(Love in Christ, Whitney M.)
- 14.3.13
- Anonymous said...
Hi Larissa, Hi Ian. It is more than a year now since I started reading your blog and it continues to bless me every time I drop in. In the beginning I was so caught up in the tragic aspect of your story and the emotions that go along with it. Over time, it became clear that there is so much more to you, your marriage, and your story than the way things began. The strength and clarity in your written 'voice' as you admonish us not to pity you or Ian is a truth that resonates deeply. What you have together, is so rich, so God-centered and real. If anything, we should perhaps feel sorry for ourselves. I say that somewhat tongue-in-cheek but rather seriously as well. However different your marriage may look from how you imagined it would be pre-accident, the fact remains you have each other and your faith in an unbreakable bond of love. That is more than I am likely to experience during my lifetime. Seeing that in another couple is a beautiful gift. Another aspect of your story that I cling to is your courageous daily walk with Christ. Too often my attention is on the 'NOW' things of life: i.e. , work, dishes, single-parenting, friends, self, etc. At times I feel tempted to pretend around my Christian friends that my relationship with God is stronger than it is , that I am doing better than I really am. But you put yourself out there without covering up your true feelings and momentary struggles. Thank you for being real and human and not trying to make it all look so perfect like some do. It gives others like myself courage to keep going and to tackle the deep inner issues that are too easily ignored. God Bless you both. Ian, your looking strong and I know that you will walk. That will be my every night prayer.
- 18.3.13
- Wanda Anzulewicz said...
Dear Lord..as we have watched from afar and some up close and personal of your work in the lives of Larissa and Ian we beseech you to continue to help guide them thru this life you have chosen for them. May they both continue to be a shining light of your work to the world, as a symbol of what hard work and faith in you can bring to one's body and soul! In this your name we pray!
Wendy, NC
- 18.3.13


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Four people were injured -two critically - after a car crash on the A73 near Newhouse on Monday morning.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service crews from Bellshill and Coatbridge responded just after 9am following a collision between a silver Volkswagen Golf and a black Jaguar.
Firefighters used hydraulic rescue equipment to free the 34-year-old driver of the Golf and an 83-year-old female passenger from the Jaguar.
An air ambulance attended and medical personnel provided treatment to the casualties before they were taken to hospital.
The Golf driver is being treated at Glasgow Royal Infirmary where medical staff described his condition as stable.
The driver of the Jaguar, a 54-year-old man, was taken to Wishaw General where he also was said to be stable.
The female passenger and a male passenger, aged 85, are in a critical condition at Wishaw General.
The road was re-opened at around 3.30pm following police investigations at the scene.
Sergeant Craig McDonald, Divisional Road Policing Unit, Motherwell, who is dealing with this investigation said: "This was a serious road crash which has left a number of people badly injured. The A73 was busy at this time and a number of cars stopped to help.
"We continue to progress our enquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and I would ask that anyone who witnessed the crash contact the Road Policing Unit at Motherwell via the 101 number with any information they may have."


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A memorial garden is a wonderful—and long lasting—tribute to a furry companion. To personalize it, add a decorative plaque, or paint some rocks with paw prints and your pet's name.
Pick a great photo of your pet and experiment with various editing programs. Maybe you'll like the sketch effect, or a sepia wash. Print your favorite, and put it in a nice frame. You can also hire a local artist to turn a cute picture into a painting.
Look for a paint-your-own-pottery place, and choose an attractive vase or bowl. Decorate it in honor of your pet by adding his or her name and perhaps some paw prints.
Photo Display
Consider making a photo collage of your furry buddy. Or, get a digital photo album, and load it with great pictures of your pet.
Donate money or supplies to an animal rescue. Helping other animals in need is a wonderful act of kindness, and a great way to honor a pet.
Living Memorials
Planting a tree is another great way to honor a four-legged friend that has passed on. You can also get a pretty potted plant, and decorate the pot in your pet's honor.
Consider making a scrapbook in honor of your four-legged friend. You can add photos, records, some toys, and even your pet's leash and collar. You can also write an obituary for your pet, and include that as well.
If you have recently lost a furry pal, please accept sincere condolences from all of us here at Smyrna Animal Hospital, your Marietta, GA pet hospital. We know that pets are family, and we understand how strong the bond of love is between people and their animal companions.


text:
5 Things You Can Do in Istanbul This Summer
Since the hot, sweet days of summer have arrived, Istanbul is boiling up with events and activities. From walk-in cinema to Jazz concerts, to galleries and clubs, there is so much you … Continue reading
June 25, 2015 · Leave a comment
Stay in a furnished apartment in Cihangir to visit Istanbul like a local
In 2014, Tripadvisor named Istanbul as the No.1 destination to visit. You may wonder what makes this city so attractive among all the cities in the world. Besides its unique … Continue reading
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Centenarian Cassie MacDonald is living proof that you are never too old to learn.
The sprightly 101-year-old has just started using email to keep in regular contact with her son in America.
Internet and emails are the norm in schools today, but in 1901 there was no such thing as an an information superhighway.
Cassie, from Leam Lane, Felling, was excited about being able to take advantage of the People's Network - free internet access at local libraries for people who live, work or go to school in Gateshead.
She said: "This is wonderful. When I was girl we learned to write with a blackboard and chalk or a fountain pen and ink; we never thought about this sort of thing."
Her son Bill, 70, emigrated to America in the 60s and lives in Oregon.
Cassie used a computer and email for the first time with help from trainee librarian Susan Williamson at Gates-head Central Library.
She said: "Bill will be in bed just now because he's eight hours behind us. He usually rings me once a week, but it's lovely to be able to come into the library to do this.
"I've been telling him all about the problems I've had with my washing machine that he bought me before he left. I've had two floods - I think it's getting old."
Cassie was born in Davison Street, Felling, the eldest of 13 children and the only one surviving. She puts her longevity down to a life of hard work, which has kept her generally fit and healthy.
Her husband Will-iam died more than 40 years ago, but her 74-year-old daughter Joyce lives near Peterlee and visits twice a month.
Cassie heard about the council's free internet access from Leo Ormston who collects overdue library books.
He said: "She's a fantastic person and very knowledgeable. I was round her house one day and she complained that she was bored, so I asked her if she would like to come out with me in the car on my rounds. She looks forward to it."


text:
After Manchester City's 2-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool on the weekend most pundits handed the Premier League crown to Jose Mourinho's men. The transition of domestic power taking just six months from Eastlands to Stamford Bridge. Gary Lineker took to Twitter to congratulate Chelsea on a league and cup double as Chelsea beat Spurs at Wembley on the same day to lift the League Cup.
Whilst the news is all good for Chelsea and their fans on the domestic front, their superiority and dominance in the league won't help them in Europe's elite competition. Since nowadays you do not even have to be champions of your country to qualify for the Champions League the intensity and workload in the race to become Europe's top dog has increased markedly. The top leagues in Europe are afforded four places and the Champions League in most people's eyes is seen as setting the bar for the highest standards of football. An obvious example of a winner who didn't win their domestic league is last year's European champions Real Madrid who were seconds away from losing the final to La Liga Champs and city neighbours Atletico Madrid.
All of this is bad news for any side dominating their domestic league at any time and history backs this up. One of the few criticisms of Sir Alex Ferguson and his Manchester United sides is that they won too few Champions League trophies. It is no coincidence then that their two triumphs under the Scot came in seasons where they were pushed all the way on the domestic front. In 99 United had to beat Spurs on the final day of the season to ensure victory over second place Arsenal and in 2008 they narrowly beat fellow Champions League finalists Chelsea to the Premier League crown.
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The theory is then that when pushed hard domestically it is easier to transfer that intensity and form into European football. On the flip side to that, coasting to victory in the league means having to step up performances in the Champions League and this has rarely been possible. The theory is not nailed down to just English clubs. The same can be said of various sides across Europe and it must be pointed out that no side has ever retained the trophy up to this point.
It wasn't so long ago that the footballing world was lauding all things German. Bayern Munich were champions in 2013 admittedly after a procession in the second half of the Bundesliga season. In the first half they were pushed hard by Dortmund who seemed to conserve energy in the latter parts of the season for their European exploits; A tactic that nearly paid off losing 2-1 to Bayern in that tight Wembley final. The next season and Pep Guardiola came in and brought his brand of football to what was an already impressive side. The results were mixed though and whilst they continued to exert their huge dominance on the Bundesliga their European challenge faltered. They were soundly beaten by Real over two legs in the semi –final of the competition a result that is bound to have hurt former Barca man Guardiola.
It would seem that in order to win the Champions League a side much reach the peak of its powers in May a challenge that is made all the more difficult when strolling to league victory. Maintaining that peak is an even greater test but if anyone can become the first side to retain the trophy it's European royalty Real Madrid.
Chelsea's Champions League campaign is far from doomed but they will need to be pushed a little harder in what remains of the English season if they are to take Real's crown in May.