part 11 of the China Pearl Inn

[Tio_Narratore]

Thanks, Cait. Even the ghost of Christmases past likes to celebrate the present.

 

[cgraven]

Yes, Cait Tio doffing the Santa hat gives him and the Inn a very seasonal flavor. The fire on the hearth, adds to the overall feeling. Umm now I shall head to the mountains to find just the right tree for the Inn.

 

[JackHemingway]

Jack takes a key off his keyring for Lit, unlocks the back door to the China Pearl Inn, and walks into the establishment.

Before heading into the kitchen, he slides two manuscripts into the respective mailboxes and Nods.

After some wings, nachos, and a few cold glasses of Mountain Dew, he turns on the jukebox and hits the tab for Christmas music.

He sweeps the main area, then fills a mop bucket after pulling on some gloves, and goes to work while he listens to holiday classics.

 

[cgraven]

Morning Jack!

I call as I finish my morning coffee. I shrug into my old peacoat, and wool cap. Collect a bow saw and ax and make my way out for a track into the mountains.

Snow shoes would be a smart idea. I murre to myself as I head off.

 

[JackHemingway]

He is always happy to see the properties of the establishment and waves before returning to his work.

Not sure what he's up to, Jack heads over to the fireplace and cleans it up thoroughly. He then shifts the wood around and makes room for more to be brought in before cleaning the back windows with Christmas music going.

 

[cgraven]

The snow has slacken to flurries as I make my way down the mountain. A fresh cut pine towed in my wake. It took several days but I found the perfect Christmas tree for the inn.

I brush the snow from my shoulders.



Is there any one about I could use a hand with this tree?

 

[Tio_Narratore]

Here! I declare as I rise from my secluded window seat. I'm just writing a summer scene with Cait, but 'tis the season to deck the halls of the China Pearl.

Let's get it in a sturdy stand, cg; it is a fine specimen.

 

[cgraven]

Thanks, Tio I can use the help. Once the tree was in the stand it soared up to the rafter and Cait's Pearch.

 

[Tio_Narratore]

It'll be good to let it stand awhile. The branches will spread as they warm. Then we can get out the lights and decorations and as Jack and Cait and anyone else comes in, they can add ornaments until everyone's helped decorate the tree.

 

[cgraven]

Tio, I have always liked when folks bring in an ornament, that is special to them and carries meanings, for the tree, and their memories of Christmas past.

 

[cgraven]

It was a struggle but with Tio's help the tree is up and just brushes Cait's perch. The bows have relaxed and the tree has opened up. It is not a perfectly groomed tree but somehow perfectly groomed would not be suited to the Inn. Branches open welcoming is more suited.

Well Tio what do you think?

 

[Tio_Narratore]

It's perfect in its imperfection, cg. Time for some lights. Colors or white, do you think? I like the festive feel of multicolored lights, but plain white are reminiscent of the days when the tree would be lit by candles.

 

[cgraven]

Tio, I prefer white light for their simplify but why not both mingled together? I feel that way each see what they wish too.

 

[Tio_Narratore]

Sounds good. Let's get them up and set out some ornaments for visitors to hang if they haven't brought their own.

 

[cgraven]

Good Idea Tio, and perhaps some seasonal drinks to aid in decking the halls with bows of holly.

 

[DarkWarrioress]

"Well, I arrived in time, I see."

Cait popped in onto her rafter as she stared at the tree.

"Gorgeous, CG and I brought mistletoe!"

A snap of her fingers and the mistletoe was hung on a line and lowered closer to the patrons. Then, she appeared behind the bar with popcorn kernels and cranberries.

"What's a Christmas tree without strung popcorn and cranberries?"

Soon the Inn was filled with the aroma and sounds of popping corn. Close by on the bar was a bowl filled the cranberries, ready to string up.

"As all my accompanying writers visit here, I just wanted to let you all know, I'll try to get replies up for you all but I'm not feeling too well today. Got a COVID shot and my flu shot yesterday so not only do my arms hurt but I'm not feeling the best. I'm hoping to try and get a couple of replies out today and finish up tomorrow. Other than that, the doctor was pleased with my progress so far."

 

[cgraven]

Well Cait as both your arms hurt It looks like I shall be stringing popcorn and cranberries. So young lady just keep the popcorn coming.

I get some waxed thread and a thin but sturdy needle and begin stinging popcorn and cranberries as I hum old French Canadian winter songs.
Cait, Tio, I hope Pere Noell, appreciates my pricked fingers.

I take a glance to see if I can catch Cait under the mistletoe, she so thoughtfully provided.

 

[Tio_Narratore]

Here's ne for you, cg, by an Irish group for Cait.

 

[Tio_Narratore]

For Cait:

 

[cgraven]

Tio thanks that was very thoughtful of you and much appreciated.

 

[Tio_Narratore]

My pleasure, cg. Here's my first contribution to the ornaments: a julbock, the Swedish yule goat that the elves ride to bring presents to the children.

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/...e511_b48ffe9d5eaa4bfbba9bb54f1ecdc87e~mv2.jpg

 

[cgraven]

Very nice Tio. I can remember Pere Noell arriving by ship full of presents for the "Good" children.

 

[Tio_Narratore]

https://static.wixstatic.com/media/...e511_b48ffe9d5eaa4bfbba9bb54f1ecdc87e~mv2.jpg

This one's for you, too, cg.

 

[cgraven]

A Christmas goat Tio? leave to the Sweds.

 

[Tio_Narratore]

Well, the Italians have Befana, the witch who brings children presents from the sack of toys on her back.