Gloomville Diaries - Ch 19 - The swimming pool

Ochana and Chad had their hands full with 4 kids, Chad's entertainment job and Ochana's garden. The easier way to deal with it all was to arrange for away from home activities to keep the kids happy.

The older twins, Edith and Miranda slept in the library, downstairs. There were available bedrooms upstairs, and with 6 household members it would of couse be smart moving up there, but they had only 3000 Simoleons and the next set of bills were expected soon.

Edith was the one being most busy at the drawing table. She didn't spend much time there though, as she seemed to be a pretty social child. Miranda still paid attention to Drago, the big green toy animal, and she often spent time on her own.

Leading from the old library, there was a little green room. If you followed the Sims by Numbers Show, where Ochana won this house, you might recall that every night Super Sim was seated in this little room. Now the youngest twins, Pivian and Paula used this for a bedroom. All they got in there was their beds.

It's all pretty much a temporary sollution.

- And we wonderd if we could get that room? Edith asked. Ochana was exercising upstairs when Edith and Paula found her.
- You are not allowed to go up here, Edith. Those rooms are empty, and we'll not use them for a while.
- I never walked in there, mom, Edith lied. - I don't even know that that room is the biggest.
- I don't know that room, too, Paula stated.

Ochana had to giggle. - It's okay, girls. That room used to be my room when I was younger and I was on a show. It's a good room. But it will be good in a year or two, also. You'll need to wait!

Few days later, Chad had a chat with Edith, Miranda and Pivian in the dining room.

- Guess what, he asked. - Tomorrow we'll all head to a swimming pool in town! How cool is that?
- Really? Edith was enthusiastic, she really liked traveling around town with the family. Dad seemed to know about all the fun places, too! So she hugged him.

Then Ochana appeared from the kitchen, still in her sleeping wear.
- Swimming pool? she asked. She still struggled to lose some weight, but hardly successful. She didn't mind walking around town with Chad and the kids, but in a swimming pool she could not wear a lot of clothes to cover herself up. - Have fun you guys!
- Oh, Ochana, you are coming, too! Chad said. - It will be fun for us all!

- We can swim there! said Edith, turned to her twin sister, Miranda. - I can swim first, and you can watch me and learn! Ha!
- Ha, I can swim already, said Miranda. - I think!

The only one less enthusiastic seemed to be Ochana. She had to work out harder!

Later that day neighbour Agaton Oaksdale stopped by again to inspect her garden (again), and Ochana invited him inside to give her a few exercising tips. Agaton used to be a promising elite swimmer, but after he moved to Gloomville where no pool was available at that time, he focused on farming.

- It's quite normal for our age to gain some weight, Ochana. I'm getting a little bigger myself, in the wrong way. You need to exercise a little regularly, not just once a week.
- But you work hard at Willow Farm, how can you get big?
- Well, I also eat my wife's food. You know Sonia, she loves to cook and eat when she doesn't paint.

Ochana met Sonia many times. She was interested in local history, and had tried to help Ochana to understand Gloomville's past. Not that it had helped a lot.

- Agaton, there is something I don't understand, Ochana said. - I heard that something bad happened in the past, and that your farm might have been involved. I know you don't want to talk about it, but I need to know what you know...

- I don't know much, Ochana, but... Oh well, I can tell you what I know. I moved here just before your show started, my dad grew up at Willow Farm, but left it to his brother. So, I wasn't even born here in Gloomville... so why do I try to protect myself...

- Yes? Ochana waited eagerly.

- You asked about Flock... I vaguely recall that name, but it doesn't really mean anything to me. I think it might have been one of the farm workers, maybe he lived at Muggerdale hood?

- But what happened to Mr. Flock? Ochana asked.

- I really have no idea. You should ask one of his relatives.

- And who would that be?

- Aileen Gleeson. She used to live here at Glee Abode. But yeah, I know, she died some years ago.

That was too much for Ochana. Was Aileen Gleeson related to Mr. Flock? Reading her book didn't exactly give away the truth, but how about...?

Oops! Oh, bad move, pay attention to that treadmill!

The very next day the Mox family traveled to the town Gym, and Chad hurried through the building to find the swimming pool in the back yard. Edith, Miranda, Pivian and Paula followed as close as they could.

- Here we are! said Chad. - Put on your swim wear, and we're all set for a few hours in the water!

- Yay, swimming! Edith cheered.
- Yea, water! Pivian said.
- Hooray! Miranda cheered.
- Swim wear, yay! Paula shouted, before they all changed their outfits.

Then Ochana arrived.

- You are all doing well, kids! Don't drink the water Paula! Ochana watched them from a distance, hoping she would be forgotten in a minute, and then could walk upstairs to have some coffee.

- I brought your swimsuit, dear! said Chad and jumped out of the water toi stretch his trimmed body. And Ochana realised there was no escape.

Right, he and Ochana are different kinds, but that is only physically.

If her hubby could walk about wearing orange speedos and a pink diamond ring, she could certainly spend a few minutes in the water. She didn't even need to wet her hair!

But well, Chad wanted to have some fun...

- Oh... Ochana thought.

- Splash! Splash!
- Oh help, I can't swim! she screamed.
- Oh yes, you can, dear! Splash!
- Okay! Splash back!

The kids found it safer to leave the water for a couple minutes.

- Go mom! Paula shouted. - Splash back!
- Yay dad, you win!
- Can we swim again now?

Well, Chad had to leave for work, and while the kids splashed around, Ochana noticed that neighbour Agton Oaksdale was at the gym, too! She snuck inside to talk some more about Mr. Flock.

- Hello Agaton! We're having a family day in the pool.

- Good for you! Argh! Bang! Ouch!

- So I wondered if Aileen Gleeson had any relatives, still around? I need to find someone who can answer my questions regarding Mr. Flock.

Agaton stopped boxing. - No idea, Ochana. Like you know, I'm not a long timer in Gloomville. If I was in your shoes, I'd check someone at Muggerdale hood. The old farm workers obviously are no longer around, but maybe there are some descendants living there. And now I think your own descendants need you.

- What? What do you mean, they need me?

Then she turned around to see Pivian, Paula and Miranda entering the room.
- You gonna do some boxing mom? If so we'd like to watch!

Seagull Cottage - Ch 17: Meet and greet

[Year count 200]   , you might recall that Cathrina & Alexander Wooblershield who run Seagull Cottage B&B just got new lodgers - the Detester family. I forgot to provide a link to the Detesters story, where you can read about the Detesters arriving Galucca and why they had to check in at the B&B. These are the days of Galucca's 200 years anniversary, and all hotels are full.

Well... another day was on at Seagull Cottage... Alexander got a large bird's cage and managed to catch the Cockatoo that so frequently visited their garden. Cathrina thought it was a good idea, especially after learning that their neighbour Brad Kragger's snake was still hunting in the cottage garden.



Their cat, Tina Baby, was naturally interested in the bird, too!

Alexander: Chiii-chiii-chiii

Tina Baby: Moarrrrrrrr (wanting to eat you, birdie!)

Cathrina: Hello? Cathrina speaking...

Margreta Gripp: Hello, it's Margreta! Cathrina, I got news for you! Can you talk?

Cathrina: Sure...?

Margreta Gripp: I'm at the library, I've been researching for a couple days... I found something interesting, thought you'd like to know...

Cathrina: Shoot...

Margreta Gripp: Well, maybe you already knew... I found that you are related to the Pettonta family... Count Gustav Pettonta at the castle... Hello? Hello? Are you there?

Cathrina: What... Uhm... I had no idea, but... are you serious?

Margreta Gripp: Serious as can be! But that's not all... this alsomakes you a descendant from Lady Esphella Pettonta... that's the woman who was thrown into a deep well long ago... she founded the MSW group that you and Alexander asked me about the othe day!

Cathrina: Oh... is that good or bad?

Margreta Gripp: I'm not sure, Cathrina... it might be quite bad news, actually. I think you shall not tell anyone... there might still be some conflict... not saying you are in danger, but there might be reasons they don't want you here! Not wanting to scare you, just keep quiet and there won't be much of a risk, you know! I'll contact you again tomorrow to tell you more!

Cathrina: The Pettontas not wanting me here, or? Uhm... risk?

Then Margreta hung up, and someone else claimed Cathrina's attention...



Pauline Detester: Mrs Seagull, if you can separate yourself from your cell phone for one minute, I'd like a word with you!

Cathrina: Yes? I'm right here. Won't you sit down to eat you breakfast?

Pauline Detester: Definitely not! These are simple toasts! I told you last night that I want ice-cream for my breakfast! And you ignored my wish, just like that?

Hector Detester: Pauline, this is fine! Mrs Wooblerhield, everything is very nice and we slept well! The coffee is nice, Pauline, please join me! This is the only meal you get until we get settled in our new home later today...

Pauline Detester: This IS bad, it reminds me of a horrible grilled cheese painting. I demand that we get lunch that is better than this!

Hector Detester: *Cough-cough*

Luckily - someone was at the door. Limrick Sculler, the Policeman walked right in...



Limrick Sculler: I stopped by to see if everything is alright. So, is everything alright?

Alexander: Yes, shouldn't it be?

Limrick Sculler: Well... you might have heard the story... the former owner of this place? We had some cases to solve back then... ehm, so I just stopped by to check.

Alxander: Well, we are fine. Just fine!

Pauline Detester: No, we're not fine! Not at all. First I got a terrible blue room, then I couldn't sleep all night, thanks to those noisy birds outside!

Cathrina: It's hatching season, Mrs Detester...

Pauline Detester: At 2 AM? Nonsense!

Alexander: We have decided to reopen this common room to the locals, just like we heard it used to be. Would we need to arrange anything formal... paperwork, you know?

Limrick Sculler: Ah, yes, this place used to be pretty busy, I heard... No, you won't need to register any community activity, it's alright that a bed & breakfast allows locals to stop by. I live not too far away, I might stop by to check again some day! Good day!

Pauline: Good? Did you say GOOD?

Well... the Detesters agreed they should gather their stuff from the 3 rooms they had rented, and meanwhile Cathrina and Alexander hurried upstairs to check the old diary. Yesterday they read about how Grand Auntie Gloria Moonster was getting old, so how did she fare?



Cathrina: We almost read it all, Alex. I don't really want it to end.

"Some days ago I buried the old Magic book under the big pink rose shrub. How strange, now the rose has turned all black! It's quite unique. Lodger Edith Jones told me that she never saw roses this black! She asked where I bought it, and I lied and said I got it from a ship in the harbour."

Cathrina: A black rose? I never saw her black rose in this garden...

Alexander: Might have been one of those neglected plants, then... More?

Cathrina: Yes... well, this seems to be a few years later. Her handwriting is getting way harder to read.

"I keep forgetting to write... I'm a widow by now, Ludwig left me last year... I can do nothing but wait for my own time... I only have one lodger currently, and finances are going downhill. The place needs attention, but I can't afford any upgrades. Neither can I fix anything myself. I can hardly walk... Ah, the black rose... it died after a couple years. I can only blame myself. Or the seagulls did it! Or Gabriel did it! Revenge! Today a noisy group of gardeners marched into my garden to inspect the black rose! I sent them away!"

Alexander: She must be quite old... any dates?

Cathrina: No dates... might be less than 10 years ago.

"Lodgers are hard to find. Mr Hank Hoonk in the blue room for his second period. He loves my burnt waffles. Unfortunately I can't make him connect, because I can't find the little golden box. I'm pretty sure I got 2 or 3 feathers left, just enough for a last treat. Such a pity Gabriel is not able to help. I talk with him every day in the garden. I worry what will happen to Seagull Cottage when I'm gone... I miss Ludwig. And Gabriel. What more is there to miss?"

Cathrina: Poor Gloria! I think she had no idea why some spell turned out all wrong for those feathers. But she obviously knew the effect by now... I think it's strange that we didn't find that tiny golden box. The box that she stored those feathers in...

Alexander: If it's very tiny, It might be anywhere. Did you look in the garden? Maybe she buried it like she buried that book, and forgot that she did?



Alexander: You really are serving those troublemakers lunch? The old man is polite and nice, but that horrible woman, can't we just ask them to leave? They got what they paid for already...

Cathrina: And the two girls are cute, so is the dog. If it could only stop farting.

Alexander: So, why not just let them leave?

Cathrina: Well, I noticed the grumpy woman dislikes grilled cheese even more than regular toasts, so I'm serving her some for lunch... grilled cheese.

Alexander: Oh, you are playing with fire again, Cathy. You don't really know what she might be up to...



But well... we'll need to just imagine how Pauline Detester liked her lunch. The Detesters left Seagull Cottage B&B five minutes after the grilled cheese was served, to put it that way...

And we will see Moon District's locals flocking to the place. Recently Cathrina and Alexander invited all their neighbours to stop by. It's time to meet more of them! There, to the left we see late Vespula Silver's son Ryan Silver and his wife Alma (Onioon) Silver arriving from the upper trail. And near the stairs are next door guy Brad Kragger and Burgina Kess, and Albrech Moonster. And over there with the car... is it Emma Hydront? But she doesn't even live in Moon District, so why would she feel like she should attend a hood meet and greet?



Cathrina: It's so nice to meet you both! We tried to stop by earlier, but didn't find you at home.

Alma O. Silver: Oh, I'm glad that someone moved in here. I'm pretty new here at Moon District, but Ryan grew up here.

Ryan Silver: Yes, I did. When my mom died, I inherited the house just up the hill.

Cathrina: Uhm, your mom was Vespula Silver, right? Leader of some... local organization?

Ryan Silver: No! I mean, yes she was my mom!



Cathrina: Okay...? Well, today I just learned there is a castle in Galucca. A Count lives there, I had no idea. Did you ever go to the castle?

Rayan Silver: No! We will never go there!

Cathrina: Oh... uhm... well, we like it here at Moon Trail. We're even getting used to the noisy seagulls. I guess all of you locals are used to them since long...

Ryan: No we are not... there's no seagulls up the hill, just here, and probably down at Moonster Dock, too, and at the Nest, of course.



The big guy wearing all white is Rufus von Plumbob, you might recall him from the Fish Market down on the Harbour. His wife and kids couldn't come, and I'm not sure that he enjoyed himself a lot either.

The woman next to him is mom to the two kids, the family where Cathrina got the kitten some weeks ago.

Cathrina: Hi, kids. Didn't you get some lemonade yet? Alexander will make you some!

Sonia: No, because we don't want any!

Aron: We didn't come to drink lemonade!

Sonia: Have you got any kids yet?

Cathrina: Uhm, no. Not yet. I remember you were looking for other kids to play with the last time you stopped by here. But that is less than a month ago, and it takes a little bit longer to have kids.

Aron: But couldn't you just hurry up?

Sonia: Then the only reason why I'm still your friend is that we know your cat. Can we see Tina Baby, please?

Cathrina: Sure, let's look for her!

Well, the event went on, most of the guests were kinda satisfied, and Cathrina and Alexander got to greet everyone, of course. Then guests left, and there was some heavy knocking on the front door...



Cathrina: Eeek! (visitor having crazy looks and even all black eyes!)

Alexander: Oh... Yes?

Fernando 1-58: Hello, I'm Master Fernando 1-58. I heard you reopened this place, and it's my prophecy to stop by!

Alexander: Well, hello... do you work at the Town Hall, or?

Fernando 1-58: No. I'm Master. I reside at Pettonta Castle.

Cathrina: Oh... eh... uhm, well, we were just about to call it a night...

Fernando 1-58: You are not locals? Where from?

Cathrina: No, no, we are not locals, we moved in from the city of... the city. Not so long ago.

Fernando 1-58: Planning to stay?

Alexander: Yes.

Fernando 1-58: Be greeted. We'll meet again!

Galucca story will soon be completed!

So, if you followed the story about 200 yoears of developing Town of Galucca, you might like to know that there are only a handful updates left! And if you didn't follow it, I think it would be worth checking it out :)

The story starts with a noble family settling in the Galucca region, and from then the town was built house by house. Laws were formed paragraph by paragraph. Families were growing generation by generation.

Galucca is one of my biggest TS projects ever, and the story is told trough 5 local families representing different regions and social classes. (at least the second haf of the story is told this way).

Town of Galucca is the scenery for several of my other stories, Seagull Cottage Bed & Breakfast and The Detesters. It also plays an important role in the Greench Farm story.

Find the latest Galucca update here. Until November 24th there will be another chapter added every 2 days!

Seagull Cottage - Ch 16: Invitations

[Year count 200]   Cathrina and Alexander Wooblershield already got some routine running their little bed & breakfast! Today Ms Burgina Kess is leaving!



Burgina Kess: Byee! I might stop by some time!

Cathrina: Travel safely!



After Ms Kess left, there are currently no guests! As soon as the breakfast was put away, there were fewer chores than on a normal day, now that all 4 rooms are vacant. So, Cathrina and Alexander rushed up to the little study to check another page of great auntie Gloria's old diary.

"I put Gabriel's toys back in his old room. I sat there for a couple hours today. I imagine he is out there flying on silky wings, high up there looking down on us. Some days I think I can see him outside!"

Cathrina: Oh... I didn't quite realize that Gabriel too might be a seagull! This is getting creepy, Alex!

Alexander: Keep in mind that most of this is what you think, not what you read... there's no way a boy can turn into a seagull anyway. Read on, sweet...

"It's been a while. I'm old but still with good health. It's just becoming a little harder to run Seagull Cottage, but as long as we are two, we'll find a way. I'm thinking of Gabriel every day. I love to imagine him running this place as an adult, surrounded by his own family. The first owner to be born here... but it will of course never happen. Who will now care to bring on our life work?"

Cathrina: And now we are here! Auntie, do you know that we are here? Not born here, but at least relatives!

Alexander: Relatively... one of us, that is...

Cathrina: Here's more... police... listen!

"Mr. Sculler, policeman, was here again. I served him tea and told nothing. I decided to get rid of the old Journal of Black Magica. That book brought nothing but sorrow. The MSW is no longer active now that our neighbour Vepsula Silver is dead. I'll bury the book in the garden during the next full moon. I know, it's not sane, but I like to have some ritual for it."

Alexander: It's hard to explain, but in a way I don't fancy these desk seagulls a lot.

Cathrina: What do you mean...?

Alexander: I get a feeling they... no... well, nothing...



Cathrina: Wow, Alex, that looks great!

Alexander: Yeah, I figured they used to be white, and yes, it looks so much better. I think the fence need some paint as well, just not sure about the colour...

Cathrina: Alex, I got a great idea. It's time we invite all neighbours here at Moon District, even those we didn't meet yet. Now that we have no guests might be a good time. What do you say? Tomorrow? We could serve a buffet and some nectar...

Alexander: Uhm, sure... I'm not working until the day after, timing seems good.

Cathrina: Let's go invite them! As soon as you are done painting that last chair!



Cathrina: Hello there! We're the new neighbours at Seagull Cottage!

Albrech Moonster: Hello? Uhm, I'm Albrech... Moonster.

Cathrina: Ah, you are the Angler? The library man told me to see you! I think we are distant relatives!



Alexander: Ah, two cats!

Cathrina: My mother's maiden name was Moonster! Her mother again was born here in Galucca. She was sister to Gloria Moonster!

Albrech Moonster: Oh, you now all... of Gloria's story then...?

Cathrina: Not really... did you know her?

Albrech Moonster: Of course, but she was old when I grew up, she visited a few times, but I never visited her. She visited my dad Milton, they were cousins.

Cathrina: Really? Is he... around?

Albrech: Neh... I mean, dad is very old and sick, he sleeps all day and can no longer talk.



Albrech Moonster: If... we were not related, I mean if I didn't know, I would still have felt that we were of something... in common, you and I...

Cathrina: Uhm... oh, well... did you know that my hubby Alexander also keeps a cat?

Albrech Moonster: Yes I knew... Brad Kragger told me... his snake almost ate your cat once... in your garden... I know he never told you.



Couple hours later they had stopped by at all the houses of the district, invited to the gathering, or at least left a note.

Alexander: So many strange people around here... and they all knew Gloria.

Cathrina: We're finally on our own Alex! Do you realize there are nobody else but us in the cottage right now!

Alexander: Mmmmmm... sweet silly, you taste good! Even after the dried fish candy we were served.

Cathrina: Oh, someone's at the door! Not now!



Cathrina: Yes? How can I help you?

Pauline Detester: Argh, let us inside, for instance! We need beds for two adults and two toddlers!!

Hector Detester: ... and a nice little doggie, please!

Pauline Detester: If you tell us that you don't have available rooms, I'll make you change your mind! A-ha, Hector, don't you recognize the gas station guy! He's in there!



Hector Detester: And we need you to kindly fetch our luggage at the gas station. You helped us storing it there. That was so nice of you!

Alexander: But we got no car...

Pauline Detester: No car? Have you never heard the taxi-word, young man? And you... we need our rooms right away! You have no idea how tired one gets from having no room all day! I even missed my rest!

Hector Detester: But, you did take a nap on that nice bench in the park, Pauline...

Pauline Detester: 3 beds will do!

Hector Detester: And perhaps a paper or some old box for little Sabby, if possible?

Cathrina: *sigh*

Gloomville Diaries - Gen 1 - Ch 18: Time to Focus

Ochana and Chad had another set of twins, and days were very busy looking after 4 kids.

Ochana never asked to get involved with the secret Mission, it just happened. So, for a while she took rather easy on the task, and spent some time with the babies, Paula and Pivian. She tought it might be hard to pick a Main Heir and a Second Heir from the four.

Paula and Pivian grew up, and started school like their sisters, Edith and Miranda. Four kids in the house! Phew!

Paula needed a hug, and Chad lined up hoping for the next...

- Pst, over here, you hugger! he whispered.

- I'm a fragile tree, don't cut me down!
- I love hugging trees, Ochana smiled. - Epecially trees named Chad!

- Are you happy with the four, or shall we move on with another try while we are still pretty young?
- Oh no, Ochana protested. - I'm fine with four, very fine, in fact...

 
The Rules and Directions stated that she had to give birth to minimum 3 kids, so there was already one extra.

Few days later Ochana was ut tending the garden while neighbour Agaton Oaksdale walked by. He stopped to inspect her plants.

- You still water them too much, he said. Being a farmer, he should know the subject pretty well.
- Better than you used to, though, he continued.

- So, how can I get a better all over result, Agaton? Ochana asked.
- Well, you should pick your best plants, just a few, and then evolve and raise the quality. Then you can contact me again when you got some good quality going...

- Well, you are the expert around here, Ochana cheered. - Don't you ever wonder what your farm looked like generations ago? I heard the Willow Farm was much bigger than today.
- Sure, it was bigger and better, and lots of workers from Muggerdale hood walked up here to help. I couldn't have done all that work alone anyway, so today's size is fine with me.

Meanwhile Pivian was watching Chad exercising on the treadmill upstairs.

- Dad, do you plan to escape?
- No son, why?
- Why else would anyone run on that machin every day?

Chad was glad that at least one of the kids was a boy. Not that it mattered a lot, but he felt a little more involved. And Ochana was happy with 3 girls, although she kept wondering why none of them got Chad's hair colour.

Ochana had some problems with the frying pan back there, but it all turned out well. Agaton Oaksdale had accepted to stop for dinner, and it would be bad if the food was burnt.

Right after dinner Ochana headed upstairs. She had decided to kmove on with her Mission. Four more poisons waited on the shelf...

Next in line was a toast to Focus. She knew what it meant. She was done with reproducing, and had to aim her attention towards the old books. She had to study what Aileen Gleeson had written.

She grabbed the poison and emptied the cup in one go!

Then she picked up a book, and started to read.

She read about Aileen's findings, how Flock should be helped, and that he - it was a HE, suffered injustice.
- Oh you silly woman, why couldn't you just write down HOW he suffered injustice? I still don't know who to ask!

Then she read something intriguing, it seemed like the Willow Farm owner had forced Flock to escape? What? Was Agaton Oaksdale's ancestors guilty?

Ochana walked downstairs, and she noticed Agaton was still there, but about to leave.

- Wait, Agaton! I need to ask you something!
- What?

- Well, I need to know if the name Flock means anything to you? I know you didn't grow up here, but your grandparents stayed here, right?
- Flock? No, I don't want to get into that!

Then Agaton, the normally so kind neighbour, ran off.