Mayor Hugo’s inauguration - Part 1

Hugo and Savannah was getting ready for bed.

Savannah: So, how are you feeling about your big day tomorrow? Ready?

Hugo: I think so, you've done an amazing job with the preparations already and my speech is finalized so I'm not too worried.

Savannah: I still have a few things to do, but you don’t need to worry about that. Your speech is faultless, you will do great. What is your plans for tomorrow. The party starts at 6:00 pm.

Hugo: Just the usual Saturday routine: playing ball with Ivor, then I need about 3 hours for work between 9:00 and noon. After which we can enjoy a nice family lunch and then I'll take the kids to the park for an hour or two to give you some time to do the final preparations  We will be home in time for the babies nap and then we are ready, I hope!

Savannah: Oh thanks dear, that will be great. Yes we will be ready! Time for bed?

Hugo: I think so, I'm exhausted. Good night honey.

Savannah opened her eyes slowly. She noticed that Hugo was up already. It was too early for his play date with Ivor, so he was probably already working.

She got dressed and went down stairs to make him a cup of coffee. 

While waiting for the water to boil she quickly checked on in the kids, who were still sleeping peacefully.

Savannah: Morning dear, couldn't sleep?

Hugo: Morning, you know me, if I don’t get up immediately when I wake up, Ill just get lazy and no time for that today.

Savannah: Here is some coffee, but I guess you need to swallow that down fast, because Im hearing some movement in the children s room.

Indeed, the next moment Ivor was standing in the study with his ball, ready to go. "Morning mom and dad! So dad are you ready, can we leave?" Ivor asked. Hugo laughed,  “Of course son. Lets be off. Bye honey see you later.” Ivor was literally dragging his father by the hand.

Savannah went to the kitchen to get breakfast ready, it will only be cereal and fruit this morning. When she turned around Nellie was standing behind her, still rubbing her eyes.

Nellie: Morning mummy, has Ivor and daddy left already? Can I make you some coffee.

Savannah (laughing): Morning sweatpea, yes they left. First wake up then you ask me again. Want some juice?

Nellie: That will be nice, thanks mommy.

Savannah: So are you ready for play date with Sarah.

Nellie: Yes, and Ill be meeting baby Kyle. Sarah also invite Annabell and Karen. Even if they are not in our grade I really like them. It is nice to have a lot of friends.

Savannah: I will walk with you to their house after breakfast. Oh I hear the twins are awake. Want to help me feed them.

Nellie: May I, oh yippee.

Savannah and Nellie went to get the twins, each had a bottle to give to the twins.

Just as they where done with the feeding, Ivor and Hugo returned.

Savannah: Did you enjoy it? Ivor is your skills getting better?

Hugo: He is doing great, he dropped only one very high ball I threw him.

Ivor: I'm getting really good now and dad is helping me a lot!

Savannah: Quickly go and freshen up. Ivor, will you bring the twins pram?

The family had a quick breakfast. 

Afterwards. Hugo went to the study and Ivor watched the twins while Savannah left with Nellie for Cedar Terrace 1.

When Savannah returned the twins was still playing quietly with Ivor. She quickly cleared the table and did the dishes. Then she took a look at her to-do-list. She ordered all the sweet treats from Pippa’s delicatessen, so she only has to make the savoury dishes herself and that is easy. This she will do while the twins take their morning nap. The rearrangement of the living room and decorating she will leave when Hugo take the kids to the park. By then Pippa will have arrived to help her get the finishing touches on everything. She heard something fell and when she turned around a dining room chair was knocked over. She realised that the twins might be getting a bit much, even for Ivor. They must be tired

Savannah: Ivor, thanks for watching the twins. You were a great help, but it is time for the twins nap, what are you planning to do now.

Ivor: I was thinking to go to the Country Market to see what Mark is up to. May I?

Savannah: That is a good idea. Be sure to be home by 12:00. Do you want me to walk with you. Ill push the twins in their pram, they will be asleep in no time.

Ivor: I will like that, thanks mom. I’ll get their pram.

Savannah: Lets go.

Savannah returned home and put the twins to bed. In the kitchen she started to prepare the bread dough. She loves to bake break. Then she started with preparing the sampler platter.

Soon it was time for lunch. She went to wake up the twins and placed them in the pram while she set the table. As arranged both her children arrived just before twelve and Hugo also came down. They ate in silence. After lunch everyone quickly helped to clear the table and they where off, leaving Savannah to continue doing her preparations.

Just after three Hugo and the children arrive back from the park. The twins where already asleep. It must have been the fresh air and all the activities. Ivor and Nellie where babbling away, telling their mother about what they did. Savannah smiled and hugged them. She really feels blessed to have such happy children.

Hugo: Children, I think you need to take a bath and then nap time. I don’t want to hear any complaints (holding his finger up – ready to fend of any refusals), remembered you promised. (looking at Savannah) Then I'm also going to freshen up and go over my speech a few times. Anything I can help you with?

Savannah: Thanks dear but I'm ok. It will be a great help if you can put the twins to bed, Ill bathe them when they wake up. Also if you can help Nellie and Ivor to take a decent bath too.

Hugo: Done! Off you go you rascals

Savannah could only smile. Hugo is the kids biggest playmate, but they will never take any chances with him. At that moment the doorbell rang. It was Pippa, looking radiant and loaded with boxes of sweet treats

Savannah: Hi my dear friend, I'm so glad to see you and those boxes, do come in.
Pippa (giggling): Hi Savannah, I know, everyone loves me and my boxes.

While the two friends did some more preparations, Nellie was getting out her new dress for the party. She is so excited to finally wear it. 

(2 HOURS later)

The scene was set. Everything was in its place for the big event!

To be continued ...

Pippa's very busy day

It was a cool but sunny Monday morning, Pippa’s favorite day of the week. She just love Mondays, because of all the new opportunities it brings with it.

Pippa and Ben where having “their” time at the breakfast table, enjoying freshly baked bread and a cup of coffee. Zac and Sarah where having sleepovers at their respective friend's houses, and the twins were still asleep.

While enjoying their breakfast, the doorbell rang. Pippa got up to see who it was. It was Postman Pete Petite. “Morning Pete, you are bright and early on your rounds, would you like to come in for a cuppa?” 

Pippa greeted Pete. “Yes lots to do today. After the postal strike in the Big City, the post office is over flown with packages and letters. I would love a cup, in my haste to get on with the job I totally forgot about breakfast.” Pete replied gratefully.

“Well come in then, and have some fresh bread. “Any mail for us today?” Pippa enquired. “Actually yes a letter from Dorothy Patches.” Pete replied. “From Dorothy, my niece, why that is strange, she never writes.” Pippa looked puzzled. She placed the letter in her handbag to read later, and instantly forgot about it.

After coffee and breakfast Ben and Pete left together. Pete to continue his rounds, and Ben to oversee the shop fitting at the Fishmonger. 

Pippa went to the children’s room to check on the twins, who were still asleep. 

She wisely used the time to freshen up for her day. Today she is opening her delicatessen. Delia will be here soon.

Just as she was done the doorbell rang, it was Delia. She volunteered to look after the twins for the day, as it is the school holiday and Delia's primary school is closed for the holidays. “Good morning, Delia. It is so nice of you to come and look after the twins. Come in, they are still asleep, but they will wake any minute now." Pippa greeted. "It is my pleasure Pippa, these two are adorable." Delia winked.

“Ok Im off before the twins wake up, I told them you are coming, but they love you, so you will be fine. Just watch out for Tom in the bathroom, he has a new found love for the toilet, and don’t let Wendy eat too much, she has a very sensitive stomach.” Pippa rattled off the instructions. “Yes, Ill be fine. Don’t worry, I can't wait to spend the day with them, good luck at the shop” Delia waved Pippa good bye.

Pippa’s Delicatessen was a just a block or so away from her house. She was still wondering if she made a mistake not advertising the delicatessen’s opening and if she shouldn't have had a grand opening as everyone do.

But as she turned the corner, she nearly fainted. At the door of the delicatessen a crowd has already gathered. “What is all this.” Pippa said laughing. “Thought you are going to keep this quiet, not a chance my dear friend.” Savannah Trunk said mockingly. 

“Well then everyone, ‘Welcome to Pippa’s Delicatessen!’.

I think you’ll have to queue outside as the shop is too small for all of you.” 

In a blink of an eye every last thing was sold, luckily Pippa could salvage a tart, to bring home to Delia. 

“Well, no point in keeping the shop open, Ill just put a sign up – SOLD OUT – and close the door. Ill have to rush home to start baking.” Pippa giggled to herself. She was ecstatic about the success of her first day.

On her way home she passed the Trunk’s new home and on a whim decided to go in and have a quick visit with her best friend. Savannah was glad to see her and invited her in, simultaneously congratulating her on her success.

Before we have something to drink let me show you around first” Savannah invited. “Your new house looks stunning, Savannah!" Pippa said.

When is the inauguration?, Pippa enquired. “In two weeks time, we are expecting the Mayor from the Big City too. Hugo is in a bit of a state, as he found out that Eaglewood also fall under his jurisdiction, and you know how much attention that little village needs.” Savannah looked worried. Pippa replied soothingling “Im sure Hugo will manage, he is a born leader.”

While Savannah busied herself with some tea, in the kitchen. Pippa remembered about the letter in her handbag and instantly got it out. She opened it and started to read it. Gaping at it she gave a loud shriek, “NO!”

Savannah almost dropped the milk jug and inquired what the matter was. “Do your remember my niece Dorothy.” Pippa asked. “Yes I do, she lived with your family after her parents died in that tragic bus accident, your parents later became her permanent foster parents?” Savannah replied. “That is correct, she just asked me via a letter to watch her 6 month old baby for two weeks while she and her husband have to go to France for some urgent business.” Pippa looked upset. “Why don’t you quickly phone her from the study?” Savannah tried to calm Pippa. “That wont help, they are leaving TODAY and will be dropping the baby this afternoon at 14:00.” Pippa looked like she is going to faint. 

“My dear, uhm…. it is already … uhm 15:00.” Savannah hated to be the bearer of bad news. “What, really, I totally lost track of time. I better hurry home then. Lets hope they are late. Poor Delia is alone at home with the twins and will not know what to do!” And with that Pippa was off.

She walked the way to her home in record time, all along talking to herself. 'How could she do this to me, in a letter.' She thought.'The audacity, that is just unacceptable and such short notice'. Then it hit her… THE STRIKE! She took the letter out, and yes indeed the letter was mailed more than a month ago, she calmed down a bit. Knowing in her heart that Dorothy is not the type that will really do something like this on such short notice. She, Pippa, was after-all little Kyle's Godmother.

She entered her house, and heard baby laughter upstairs. She rushed to the children’s room and indeed there he was, little Kyle. Delia began talking with a worried expression. Pippa quitened her “Don’t worry Delia, I know about this, all is fine. I assume they where in a hurry and couldn’t stay?” Pippa asked. “Yes, they had a plain to catch. Dorothy said something about Antoino’s father being very sick and that time is running out.” Delia explained.

“Oh, isn’t he adorable, look at those puffy cheeks.” Pippa cooed. “Here are his things, Dorothy left you a notebook with all the necessary instructions. She said, that was all she was doing for the past month. She will send you a telegram from Paris and will phone Savannah with news, if any.” Delia said.

“Thanks Delia, for baby sitting, will I see you tomorrow again?” Pippa asked. “Yes sure, these two are a treat and Kyle is just adorable too.” See you tomorrow.

And just like that Pippa was all alone with three babies, but she loved every moment of it. 

She sat there and played with them until Ben and the kids came home. The baking had to wait.