It's that magical time of year again, where I dig through our various cupboards and closets and make my careful selections for this year's vignettes. I wanted to use some buildings I haven't seen in awhile, PLUS I got a new one for Christmas last year that I had totally forgotten about, so in Wintersea (aka the top of the filing cabinet and the windowsill in our office), I decided to go with a nautical theme.
Here is the nautical part - the Queens Port Naval Academy! Established in 1734, this venerable institution has been turning out the finest seamen in the land and also, surprisingly, some of the tenderest lovers in the Royal Navy. Rear Admiral McKay and his "assistant", Sub Lieutenant Barnes, gives lectures and demonstrations on consent and ass play to cadets.
Today the Academy has received a visit from the Queen herself! That's how they refer to First Sea Lord and Admiral Rupert Delares, who wears his hat in a rakish fashion and has a fetish for the thick ropes.
The First Sea Lord, exhausted after letting loose some first sea loads, is also stopping off at the carriage works to see if he can get bouncier springs in his carriage, for when he has Jolly Roger with him.
Wintersea townsfolk are always impressed by a title, so Sir Edward Shaftsbury's out by the carriage works with the Ladies Auxiliary Brass Band, singing his heart out in tribute to the First Sea Lord, whom Sir Edward fancied at school. Will the First Sea Lord recognize him, 30 years later? Will Sir Edward's baritone echo through the village tonight for...other reasons?
Not everyone in Wintersea is a big mo, however, Seamen who prefer the company of women can often be found making time with Mrs. Lemon at the Three Lemons Inn up the road. She provides a friendly port to any wandering ship, with the stipulation that her husband gets to watch.
The place is called the Three Lemons Inn because the family name is Lemon but also because Mr. Lemon, or "Ol' Three Balls", as Mrs. Lemon calls him, has three balls.
Chief petty officers awaiting their visit with Mrs. Lemon can get in the mood over at Leeds' Oyster House, or shop for nautical gifts at the Octant Navigational Device shop upstairs. If you ask nicely, the proprietor, Mrs. Sexton, will show you into a back room where ... other devices are for sale. She'll give you a knowing look, but no judgment.
The Lemon children are often at loose ends when their folks are entertaining. Here they are by the village Christmas tree, just waiting it out, like when you're in first year and your roommate is getting laid and you most certainly are NOT.
Tomorrow - Rosewood Cross!
