#suede sport coat

[greatcombinations]

#Suede Sport Coat #RalphLauren #Polo

[bellysfromthefarside]

3 of 7 - Burger King Remake - Fill him up at the stadium

Travis is ordered to eat all the burgers at the van.

The next morning Travis went over to his university’s football stadium instead of to the burger restaurant. Bubba’s Burgers was going to experiment with selling burgers from a trailer outside the stadium before games. Today was the first try at this new aspect of the business. Travis was in the trailer working on the setup. The burgers were not going to be prepared on site, but instead would be cooked back at the restaurant and brought over to the stadium as needed. The first shipments had arrived and Travis was loading the trays of burgers into the heated racks along one side of the trailer. It was hot work, so Travis had taken his shirt off. He was a little sorry he had worn boots and jeans instead of shorts and flip flops, as it was warmer than expected. A knock on the door was followed by a shout. “Hey, it’s me…Tommy!” “Come on in, its open,” Travis responded. Tommy stepped into the end of the trailer. He was also a college student, but unlike the senior Travis, Tommy was only a freshman. He had started working at Bubba’s only a few months ago, just after his eighteenth birthday. Tommy was muscular, but leaner and a lot taller than Travis. He saw the shirtless Travis standing in the middle aisle of the trailer. “Man, your gut’s blown up huge,” Tommy said as he grinned, and put his hand on the top of Travis’ oversized belly. “You look like you’re eight months pregnant!” “Nah, there ain’t any babies in there,” Travis replied, looking down at Tommy’s hand still patting the protruding gut, “It’s just beer and burgers!” “So is everything ready for today or have you been eating all of our merchandise?” “Everything’s about ready…except we haven’t gotten’ the fries yet.” As the two we discussing the afternoon’s plans, the door at the end of the trailer burst open, and in walked their manager, Mr. Cleberg. Cleberg was in his 50s, a big man with a thick mustache who looked to have done some serious burger eating over the years. His dress shirt was tight and the large suede sport coat he wore appeared to be unbuttoned for comfort and not for fashion. “We’ve got a big problem boys,” Cleberg blurted out as he made his way to the center of the trailer, “a big problem.” The other two listened apprehensively as Cleberg described the situation. It seemed as though he did not get the correct permits to sell food at this location. There were several inspectors from the city looking around that day and checking for the proper paper work. The only solution was to somehow get rid of the burgers, and convince the inspectors that this was only a test run and not a set-up to actually sell any food. “I’ve called the store and told them not to send over any more burgers,” Cleberg told the boys, “But how can we sneak all of these burgers out without anyone noticing?” The three men were staring blankly at each other when a smile slowly crept across Tommy’s face. “You know,” he started, “there is something here, big enough to hold all these burgers, that we could fill up and get out of here without too much notice…” “And that is…” Cleberg wanted to know. “Travis’ belly!” Tommy stated and pointed at the huge round gut now very noticeable to everyone in the room. Travis looked down at his own belly, at Tommy then back at Cleberg. “Well, I can eat some of these, but there’s no way I can eat all of..” Cleberg interrupted, “Considering all of the burgers you eat while on the job, I think you CAN eat all of these. Now get busy! You’ve got some serious eatin’ to do!”. Cleberg turned to Tommy, “You come with me. We’ll see where those inspectors are.” He reached up to one of the shelves and pulled out a tray of burgers. Then Cleberg turned back to Travis. “You’d better get started!”

Travis realized he had no choice but to eat as many burgers as he could. He sat down at the counter and brought out the first trey as he heard the door close behind Tommy and Cleberg. “How could Tommy suggest I eat all the burgers?” Travis thought to himself as he took a big bite. Then he looked down at the growing round gut, “I guess that’s why,” he said to himself and let out a little chuckle. The first burger disappeared, followed quickly by the second. Travis was very hungry at the time and started to think that this was not going to be that difficult. He loved the taste of a juicy burger and enjoyed the feeling of a full stomach. The second tray came out and then the third. Travis had devoured about 15 burgers when he began to slow down. “Oooohhhhh, I’m getting full,’ Travis said to no one in particular. “I’m getting big too!” he had looked down at his gut. The belly was noticeably larger and now touched the edge of the counter. He backed his chair up a little to give himself a little more room. Travis struggled to eat the rest of the burgers, but he managed to get all two dozen into his now huge stomach. He leaned back in the chair and put his hand on top of the overstuffed belly. A slight smile crossed his face as he quietly celebrated his accomplishment. The door swung open and in walked Tommy and Cleberg. Both noticed the giant swollen belly attached to the young man sitting in the middle of the room. Tommy walked over to stand next to Travis and grinned. “Daammmnnnn…that’s a big gut,” Tommy noted, and started to pat the burger balloon. “It looks like you’ve finished off all ’em!”. “I… sure…did. All of the burgers are…buurrrppp… are in here,” Travis replied and pointed to his belly.

Source

------ Voting and Accessing Exclusive to the full 100 sets dropping on Patreon Now which image is you favorite? Voting decides the images in the final video production. The full set impressive! Happening only over at Patreon Exclusives.

See you rounder! Tom

#ai belly #ball belly #beer gut #overeating #ball gut #feed me #bulking #gaining weight on purpose #mpreg belly

[crepesuzette2023]

“To the best of our ability Paul!”: The Paperback Writer session [and fashion show]

By Johnny Dean. From: The Beatles Book Monthly, Issue 35. June 1966.

As we walked down the corridor towards E.M.I.’s No. 2 studio (where else would one go when sitting-in on a Beatles recording session), the commissionaire pointed out to us that the boys were in No. 3 instead. So we made our way back to the front of the building and as we approached the studio door, the red light went on—which meant that they were recording. So we waited for them to finish. Three minutes later we walked in.

On entering the studio, we found John and Paul surrounded by a mass of equipment—most significant of all, were their new massive amplifiers. Paul was clad in his distinctive casual recording gear of black trousers, black moccasin-type shoes, white shirt with fawn stripes, a black sleeveless pullover and to top it all orange—tinted specs. John sported green velvet trousers, a blue buttoned up wool vest and black suede boots.

The basic track of "Paperback Writer" had been recorded the previous day, and now John and Paul were working out a detailed backing. Paul was perched on a stool thumbing away at a red and white Rickenbacker guitar, (moving with the music as he does on stage) whilst the Iyrics boomed through the studio speakers—so we were very honoured at being the first to hear their new single besides George Martin and of course, the Beatles.

We then spotted Ringo's head behind the screen in the far corner—he was playing chess with Neil. So we walked over. "Who's winning?", I asked. "Neil's the expert”, Ringo replied, and went back to the chess board to concentrate on how to get his king out of danger from an attack by Neil's bishop and castle.

The music stopped. George Martin came into the studio from the control room to have a tete-a-tete with Paul as to what they could do to improve the backing.

"What are you trying to do with this one?", I asked Paul. "Have you heard the lyrics?", came the reply. "Yes, I think it's very unusual”. "The trouble is", said Paul,"That we've done everything we can with four people, so it's always a problem to ring the changes and make it sound different. That's why we have got all these guitars and equipment here." That must have been the understatement of the year, because the studio was littered with pianos, grand pianos, amplifiers, guitars, percussion instruments, and other odd bits and pieces which were strewn over the studio floor.

The studio was sectioned-off with brown canvas screens and what seemed like thousands of black cables running from the amps and other electrical equipment to the control room over the heavily marked wooden floor. To stop the echo, E.M.I. have covered some of the floor with old carpets.

The big heavy sound-proof door which stops any of the noise of the outside world seeping into the studio, burst open, and in strolled George looking very elegant in his Mongolian lamb fur coat with black cap and oblong metal specs.

He was obviously on top of the world and bubbling over with enthusiasm, ready to record a dozen numbers. He threw his coat along side Paul's fur jacket and got down to work out the backing with John and Paul.

John, George and George Martin huddled round Paul, who was seated at the piano trying to work out a bass bit, before asking George Martin to play it. John leaned on the piano while he listened to Paul's ideas for a while. Then he picked up his orange Gretsch guitar and proceeded to pick away at it. At the same time Paul transferred to a Vox organ.

Although John and Paul were both working on the song together, it was originally Paul's idea. He asked the engineer to play it back at half speed so that John and George could do some vocal bits.

They were now all set to go. George Martin gave the O.K. The recording light went on and the basic sound track was played back through the "cans" they each had clamped over their heads. They did several takes. John and George hit some very high notes, but their voices kept cracking. "I don't think I can make it" said George, "unless I have a cup of tea. Where’s Mal?”

Right on cue at the end of the fourth take Mal emerged into the studio laden with tea, biscuits and something very special—toast and strawberry jam. Everything was immediately dropped and a sudden swoop was made on the toast and jam. Ringo, who was still in the corner trying to work out his next move, only got one piece of toast, so Mal offered to make another batch as it had proved so popular.

Meanwhile Beatles Book photographer Leslie Bryce was clicking away.

After the toast and jam had been devoured it was back to work. Paul suddenly got an inspiration he dived across to the piano and started playing bits of "Free Jacques" he was highly delighted at the thought of having it in the new single.

"O.K. let's try it", said George Martin. So John and George gathered round the mike and off they went. But it was a false start. Paul's head appeared over the top of the piano and he queried "Did you come in at the right place?". "We can't hear it properly" , said John, "anyway I thought that was the end of it.” George promptly told him it was the beginning!

After they had finished taping these bits, the tracks were played back into the studio while everyone listened in silence. George Martin was the first to speak-"I think that the best thing we've added are the 'Frere Jacques’ bits. Ringo who had finally beaten Neil at a game of chess by check-mating him in several brilliant moves involving a queen, a bishop and a castle, said that he thought John and Paul sounded as though they were singing through water! Highly uncomplimentary, so Paul then made for the organ once again and started to work out a sound which resembled that of Scottish bag pipes.

John then came swooping across the studio and shouted out—“You've got it. You've got it". Paul then started dum-dee-dumming away at everyone else—it was just like a scene from "My Fair Lady”!

George Martin appeared over John's shoulder and said "I see what you mean”. Paul announced that someone else should play it—meaning George Martin. John and George then went back to their mikes and added the vocals over the top.

After the first track Paul looked over the top of the piano and asked John and George if they were singing it right.

George turned round, lowered his glasses to the tip of his nose and looked down at Paul in a typical school-masterish fashion and said "To the best of our ability Paul!" And so the boys went on getting the sound that you will hear on "Paperback Writer”.

It was a long session. It took something like ten hours to record because the Beatles insisted on sticking at it until they were completely satisfied that they can do no more.

When you listen to "Paperback Writer" bear in mind what went on beforehand to achieve this really great sound, and I'm sure you'll appreciate it all the more.

"The very first shot of Paul we took when we arrived in the studio." (Photo by Leslie Bryce)

"Paul's hit on something. Waving his 'ciggie' he dee-dums his way through the bit he's just thought up while George sings with him." (Photo by Leslie Bryce)

Ringo's chess pieces and John's green velvet trousers. (Photos by Leslie Bryce)

#the beatles #george martin #paul mccartney #john lennon #george harrison #ringo starr #mal evans #paperback writer #lots to unpack #lots to unzip #George had so much more fun here than in Get Back #Paul and George Martin comma huddling #amazing creative energy #ten hours

[harrisonarchive]

A style selection, 1956-1969.

A continuation of sorts from this post.

“[George’s] idea, which he ordered [in Liverpool in the 1950s], was a four-button jacket with cloth-covered buttons. Two breast pockets which were slitted (jetted) and in the shape of a bird in flight, the two side pockets corresponded. The cuffs had to be folded back with a cloth-covered button. His trousers had no pleats in the front, not normal in those days, and he was by far the very first person to have two slits at the bottom side seam of the trouser and he wanted them folded back with cloth covered buttons to match the cuffs on his jacket. The workshop queried the order when they received thinking we had gone bonkers. George got his suit and was pleased with the outcome. Later lots of guys were walking about town with cut back cuffs and side seams on their trousers, but George was the first.” - Rollo Torpey, The Beatles and Me (2015)

“At Iris’s 14th birthday party, I remember George turned up in a brand-new, Italian-style stuff with covered buttons. He looked very grown-up.” - Violet Caldwell (mother of Iris, and Alan, a.k.a. Rory Storm), The Beatles Monthly September 1965

“[George’s mother Louise] took an unusually benign view of George’s luminous pink shirts, yellow waistcoat, and drainpipe trousers.” - Pete Shotton, The Beatles, Lennon, And Me (1984)

“Going in for flash clothes, or at least trying to be a bit different, as I hadn’t any money, was part of the rebelling. I never cared for authority. They can’t teach you experience; you’ve got to go through it, by trial and error.” - George Harrison, The Beatles: The Authorized Biography (1968)

“At the Institute, George was known from the beginning as a way-out dresser. Michael McCartney, Paul’s brother, was a year below him. He remembers George always having long hair — years before anybody else did. […] ‘George used to go to school with his school cap sitting high on top of his hair,‘ says Mrs. Harrison. ‘And very tight trousers. Unknown to me, he’d run them up on my machine to make them even tighter. I bought him a brand-new pair once and the first thing he did was tighten them. When his dad found out, he told him to unpick them at once. “I can’t, Dad,” he said. “I’ve cut the pieces off.”’” - The Beatles: The Authorized Biography (1968)

“I’d started to develop my own version of the school uniform. I had some cast-offs from my brother. One was a dog-toothed check-patterned sports coat, which I’d dyed black to use as my school blazer. The color hadn’t quite taken, so it still had a slight check design to it. I had a shirt I’d bought in Lime Street, that I thought was so cool. It was white with pleats down the front. and it had embroidery along the corners of the pleats. I had a waistcoat that John had given me, which he’d got from his ‘uncle’ Dykins (his mother’s boyfriend), Mr. Twitchy Dykins. It was like an evening-suit waistcoat — black, double-breasted, with lapels. The trousers John also gave me, soon after we first met — powder-blue drainpipes with turn-ups. I dyed them black as well. And I had black suede shoes from my brother. […] That outfit of mine was very risky, and it felt like all day, every day, for the last couple of years I was going to get busted. In those days we used Vaseline on our hair to get the rock n’ roll greased-back hairstyle. Also, you were supposed to wear a cap and a tie, and a badge on your blazer. I didn’t have my badge stitched on, I had it loose. It was held in place by a pen clipped over it in my top pocket, so I could remove it easily, and the tie.” - George Harrison, The Beatles Anthology (2000)

“He was always a pretty snappy dresser, and he did always like that waistcoat look. And he used to wear a V-neck Fair Isle jumper. Sometimes he’d be a little too outrageous, like purple trousers with bright green, but it was fine. Everything seemed to be fine then.” - Pattie Boyd, interview for the British Beatles Fan Club

“The boys are wearing all sorts of fantastic clothes for their film and introduce a very new, unusual gimmick. If they’re wearing corduroy, for example, then they have corduroy boots to match. If they’re seen in velveteen suits, then they’re coupled with velveteen boots. George first thought of the idea two years ago, but when he put the idea to a local bootmaker, he told him it couldn’t be done. Well, that’s one cobbler that’s been proved wrong.” - The Beatles Monthly, June 1965 (x)

#George Harrison #quote #quotes about George #1950s #1960s #Pete Shotton #Vi Caldwell #Rollo Torpey #Pattie Boyd #The Beatles #Harrison style #:) #Paul McCartney #John Lennon #Ringo Starr #fits queue like a glove

[struungout]

My Taobao order arrived today and the boys got some snazzy new clothes and shoes. c:

Ken got a pair of plain black eyes to replace his grey ones, and I like them in him so much more. He also got a snazzy new black coat. I also got him a pair of glasses, but Jonathan has temporarily stolen them. Been thinking I’d like to get him new hair and maybe get him repainted; been really feeling like he deserves to be his best late 00s goth/j-pop doll self lmao.

Jonathan is also sporting some new shoes and big ol’ pants and I got a little soda cup as a free gift. c:

Shuu also got some shoes that are a bit more his size (they were a bitch to get on his honkin’ feet though……) as well as a new silly shirt. Also finally sueded his neck like I’ve been meaning to for months lmao.

#ball jointed doll #legit bjd #migidoll #switch bjd #iplehouse #migidoll jina #switch rion #iplehouse soori #bjd hybrid #asleep eidolon body #my camspam #my doll: ken kaneki #my doll: jonathan #my doll: shuu tsukiyama

[helloosmosis]

Ralph Lauren Purple Label olive suede loafers with Sid Mashburn sport coat and OTC socks

[world-of-wales]

CATHERINE'S STYLE FILES - 2023

26 JANUARY 2023 || The Princess of Wales visited Windsor Foodshare along with the Prince of Wales to learn about their work providing food parcels to those who are struggling financially.

Catherine opted for -

'Tilda' Coat in 'Fuchsia Pink' by Hobbs London

'Lara' Roll Neck Sweater in 'Granita Pink' from Hobbs London

'Puddle Pants' High Waisted Sport Luxe Trousers in Navy Blue by Jigsaw

Gold-Plated Chain Huggie Hoop Earrings by Orelia London

A Navy embossed Belt

'Josie' Block Heel Pointed Shoes in Navy Suede from Emmy London

#catherines style files #style files 2023 #british royal family #british royals #royalty #kate middleton #brf #royals #catherine middleton #duchess of cambridge #royal #british royalty #royal fashion #fashion #style #lookbook #26.01.2023 #hobbs london. #jigsaw. #emmy london. #windsor foodshare 23 #chain huggie hoop earrings #orelia london. #mine.

[perfectpaperbluebirds]

Sick of It

Prompt from @chestcongestion  "The siblings and their partners had just purchased their property and were trying to get moved in, only for JB, Theo, and Padma to start coming down with something while the property didn't have proper heating.“

Sick ones (as requested): Theo (primarily), kinda JB and Padma

Caregivers: Audra (primarily), kinda everyone. 

Inspiration: This post about drunk sneezes and this post about being happy-drunk. 

This takes place just before the Tenbusch family builds their homestead, so later-ish in the timeline, about 5 years before what I'd consider "present day". Thalia and Padma, age 25 here, are not even in their "official" relationship quite yet. (They have been FWB on and off since college.) Theo and Audra are 30, getting settled in their professor roles and looking to get tenure, and JB and Thad will soon be starting their own consulting firm. This is a fun and exciting period, but also a very stressful one for everyone. They try to make the best of it as always. 

CW: Drinking, being drunk, and hangover descriptions. Emeto-adjacent, but doesn't actually happen. 

"Ready?" Audra whispered to Theo as they approached the door of the restaurant, a teasing smile on her lips.

"Ready as I'm gonna be," he laughed, wrapping his arm tighter around her for a quick hug. "I've heard they're determined to get me drunk, so my glass is never leaving my hand." 

"Good idea. I'll help you guard it. I refuse to let you be hungover tomorrow. That would ruin everything." The pair paused at the threshold, looking back toward the others.

~~~

"Ready?" Thad asked JB as the taller man unfolded himself from the passenger side of the car. "I'm sure you're dreading this. But I really appreciate you coming."

JB rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "I'm an introvert, not a vampire, Thad. I'm not afraid of bars and groups of people. Honestly, I'm somewhat looking forward to this. We haven't gone out for drinks in forever. And I'd never miss your brother's birthday party."

"Birthday party part one," Thad reminded him, locking the car.

"Oh trust me, there's no way I could forget," JB sighed, checking to make sure the ladies were right behind them.

~~~

"Ready?" Thalia asked Padma, squeezing her hand as her eyes danced with excitement.

"I hope so," Padma said serenely, though Thalia thought she saw a flicker of anxiety deep in her eyes. "I am sure we will have fun. It will be a great weekend."

"Especially because you're here," Thalia murmured, bumping her shoulder against Padma's."I still can't believe you agreed to all of this."

"I'm so glad you invited me! I am happy to be here for your brother's birthday with your family. It is all very special for me." 

"Oh it'll be special all right," Thalia laughed. "Just wait and see."

~~~

The six converged in the entryway, removing their coats and giving each other a final once-over. They made a fine set, dressed as they were in all shades of the rainbow: Thalia in a slinky red cocktail dress, Padma in a flattering little black dress, Thad in a classic olive jacket and khakis, JB looking sharp in a camel suede sport coat and a cream turtleneck, Audra in stunning emerald, and Theo in a navy suit with a pink shirt.

"Thanks for coming along, gang," Theo said. "It'll be nice to have some familiar faces around. Stuff like this is so not in my wheelhouse." He sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. 

"We know, Theo–" Thad laughed.

"It's not in most of our wheelhouses," JB interjected. 

 "--But you only turn thirty once, little brother," Thad continued, "and we're going to make sure you make the most of it."

"So I've been told," said Theo. 

"Stop stalling and let's go," Thalia called. "While the night's still young."

"Okay," Theo sighed. "Here we go." Squaring his shoulders, he pushed open the restaurant door.

"Happy Birthday, Theo!!" called a chorus of voices. Directly to the left inside the door was a banquet room that had been rented out for the occasion, and inside were dozens of Theo's fellow professors, not only from his department but also from several others. 

"Thank you… thank you all very much," Theo laughed, leading the way in with his family trailing behind. Theo began making introductions, shaking hands, and accepting well wishes immediately. His birthday weekend had officially begun.

~~~

Drinks flowed and time flew by. The bar restaurant served amazing food, the servers never let a glass go empty, and everyone enjoyed the company. There were seats for all the attendees at the huge table that occupied the room, with the Tenbusch family situated at the head. However, no one really stayed seated and there was much milling about the room. Theo, one of the youngest professors at the university, was very much a favorite, and no one let him have a moment's peace, calling him here and there to take part in every conversation in the room. 

It wasn't until just before the cake was served that he got to sit down for a breather. He flopped down into Thad's empty chair beside JB, immediately removing his jacket and rolling up his shirtsleeves. Thalia's empty chair was on his other side, with Padma in the chair beside that. The rest of the family was elsewhere. His attire adjusted, Theo had barely taken a swallow of his drink when the chair beside him was suddenly occupied, but not by Thalia. 

"Loogk at this, I found a seat by the guest of honor! Habby birthday, young mban!"

Theo turned with some trepidation, but summoned a warm smile. "Duane. Glad you could make it. I heard you were out sick yesterday."

"Oh, God, yes, and today, too. Caught sumb godawful bug and was hagcking ubp a lu'g. Cand't lecture whed you cand't breathe. But I'm doi'g bedder than I was. And I would ndever mbiss your party!"

Before Theo could reply, a group of servers arrived with much ado, singing loudly and carrying a huge birthday cake, topped with lit sparklers. The party goers joined in the happy birthday chorus as the cake was placed in front of the young professor, and he smiled and flushed appropriately. He made a good show of trying to blow out the candles as everyone laughed before the servers took pity on him and dunked them in a bowl of water, then took the cake away to be cut. 

They had hardly cleared the door when from beside Theo a staggered, gasping breath was heard: 

“hEHH-! hH’EHHSSHH’ooo! ESSHHH’ooo! ITZSSHH’uhhh-!”

It was the wettest, most spraying sneezing fit Theo had ever heard, and his stomach plummeted. He was quite sure he'd felt some spray mist his cheek, and he scrubbed it against his shoulder awkwardly. JB and Padma also moved, Padma to swipe at her arm and JB to wipe his hand on his pants, both shifting away from the sick man in their midst.

"... Bless you!" Theo said, ever the gentleman. "That was… big."

"God, sorry! Thadt jusdt came oudt of nowhere. I thingk it was the smoke from those ca'dles. Yeesh, ndow I ndeed to go find a tissue. Excuse mbe…." The older man darted away in embarrassment, but the damage was done. Theo, Padma, and JB exchanged looks, unable to believe that had really just happened. 

Thalia breezed in at that moment, flopping into her seat just as Theo had done, then knocked back her drink as she flipped the hair away from her forehead. 

"Whew, it is WARM in here! I think I need something frozen to drink next. But why are y'all sitting over here being antisocial?"

"We're waiting for them to cut the cake," Theo said. "Gimme a break, Lee, this is the first time I've sat down all night." 

"I guess I'll allow it. What's your excuse?" she asked, craning her neck to look at JB. 

"I guess I don't have one," he laughed. "You and Thad haven't been by to socialize me in a while."

"I see, blame it on me. Well that just means you get to be our bodyguard when we go get more drinks and listen to the band, then. C'mon, both of you."

She gently took Padma's arm and gave JB a pointed look. He stood willingly enough and let himself be led to the bar, giving Theo a smile and a shrug. Theo watched them go with a smile of his own, overwhelmed with fondness for his people. 

He felt a kiss on the top of his head a moment later, then Audra slid into JB's vacant chair. 

"I'm glad to see you smiling," she said. "You must be enjoying yourself."

"I certainly am. I appreciate everyone going to all the effort to do this. They're being very kind."

Audra raised an eyebrow. "That sounds to me like polite BS. Are you having fun or not?"

Theo shrugged. "This isn't personally my idea of fun, as you know. But I'm not having a bad time. It's enjoyable enough."

"But you can't wait to get home to the peace and quiet," Audra finished for him.

"I won't deny that," he laughed, but the laugh slowly faded into a frown. "Though it's nice to be too warm instead of too cold for a while."

"Tell me about it," she sighed. Then she gave him a look, swatting his arm. "But hey, no pouting allowed on your birthday weekend. I can see you're already getting worked up about it. Don't let our cold house ruin your night when we're not even there right now."

Theo's frown deepened for a brief moment, then faded. "You're right. As usual. No point in thinking about it. No negativity tonight." 

They shared a small smile just as the servers returned, bearing slices of cake on little plates. Theo and Audra were served first, and each took a forkful right away, tapping them together in a little "cheers" before happily digging in.

~~~

The Tenbusch siblings were new landowners as of the prior Thanksgiving weekend, almost exactly three months ago. Thad and Theo were the primary cosigners, but they had big plans for the land, and the plans involved all three siblings and their partners. Their new property was mostly undeveloped forest, and that was the way they intended to leave it. However, they had no desire to “rough it”, either. As soon as the frost broke, construction would start on their big, beautiful house. Their dream home. The plans were drawn, the loans were approved, the contractors were hired, and the land was cleared. They were all but chomping at the bit for spring, the true start of their new lives. 

Of course, this had not been a cheap endeavor, and Theo regularly had nightmares about how much debt they were holding. It had taken all of their cumulative resources and then some to afford the down payment plus the construction loan, and with the monthly payments there was no extra money for a lease in the professors' budget. Luckily, even before their dream home was built, the property was able to house them. Other than forest, the property held one important feature: a massive, old, Victorian home.

The huge structure had been the primary residence of the previous owner of the property, and he had (somewhat) modernized it. The big appliances were all at least ten years old, the roof and siding needed updating, and the insulation was lacking, at best. However, the plumbing and electricity were solid and the bones of the house were perfect. Per several inspectors, there was no reason why people couldn't continue to live there after it had been cleaned out and sanitized, so that’s exactly what the professors decided (were forced, really) to do. 

There was one huge drawback to the old house, though, that Theo had complained about all winter long: it didn't have central heat, and was instead heated via a coal stove in the center of the house. The coal stove was a decent, modern unit, but it was nowhere near big enough to heat the house adequately, especially coupled with the poor insulation. The three important rooms on the main floor (dining room, kitchen, and living room) and some of the second floor bedrooms stayed at a livable temperature for the most part, but the rest of the house had to be kept at least twenty degrees cooler. To save on coal, even the main rooms were kept five to ten degrees cooler than Theo would have preferred, and he was sick of all of it. 

He complained every time he had to fill the stove. He complained every time he crawled into bed between cold sheets. He complained every time he had to go to the unheated parts of the house. He complained about having to wear an extra layer all the time. Audra was fed up with him and told him as much time and again. They had more than one fight about the situation, which always ended in Theo crawling back to her, sheepishly apologizing. He knew he was being an ass. He was really an easygoing person overall, but being cold was one thing he didn't tolerate well, and he had been cold since October. He did his best to keep his attitude in check these days, but the situation was wearing him down. 

His birthday weekend was a welcome distraction. His wife and siblings planned to go all-out, hosting a big house party in "the Lodge" as they'd taken to calling the Victorian, inviting all their college friends and local friends and any family in the area. It was going to be an all-night murder mystery party, and the booze would be flowing liberally. Best of all, Thad, JB, and Thalia, plus Thalia's guest, were coming to stay at the Lodge with them for the weekend. With the other siblings still finishing out leases in other parts of the country, the big house felt bigger and lonelier when it was just Theo and Audra rattling around inside. A house full of company, even for a few days, would be wonderful. 

For that reason, pulling up to the Lodge after the office party ended late that Friday night didn't depress Theo like it usually did, because two more cars pulled up behind him, and he was soon surrounded by the people he loved most in the world. The moon was bright and the snow was deep and crisp. They hadn't gotten any fresh snow in a few days, so everything was cleared and plowed, but the heavy, white carpet over everything made the air fresh and still. They had all been in and out of the house throughout the day, dropping off bags as flights arrived and changing into their evening wear. Rooms were already chosen and tours had already been given, so all that was left to do was settle in and relax. Their breath gathered around them in a cloud as they made their way inside as one, the faint smell of alcohol lingering. No one was drunk, but they were all buzzed and warm, and all was right with the world. 

Once inside the door they all scattered, hanging up coats and kicking off uncomfortable shoes. Theo ran upstairs to change immediately. Once he was in casual clothes, he began to tend to the stove, shaking it down and filling it with more coal, being sure not to grumble. The others changed into various forms of pajamas as well. Since it wasn't long until midnight, it was proposed to make a round of hot chocolate before bed so they could toast to Theo at 12:00 when his official birthday began. There was a flurry of activity as this plan was executed, but enough mugs were located, everyone was gathered together, and the drinks poured with only minimal spillage just as the mantle clock began to chime the hour. 

"Happy birthday, Theo!" they all chorused. 

"Thanks, you guys," Theo grinned. "It's been a great birthday already."

"Here's hoping he best is yet to come," Audra said, wrapping her arm around his waist and giving him a squeeze. "For your birthday weekend and for your life."

"We're wishing you nothing but health and success and happiness. Your future is bright," JB said in his quiet, earnest way. 

"To plenty more nights you'll never forget and mornings you wish you could forget," Thalia teased. 

"The thirties are way better than the twenties, I can tell you that from experience. So enjoy, little brother. May you always savor good wine, good company, and good memories," Thad said, lifting his mug. "To Theo."

"To Theo!" everyone repeated, tapping their mugs together. 

"To Theo," Padma said clearly. All eyes turned to her at the unexpected interjection. "I have only just met you today, but I can already see you are a good and kind person with a bright spirit. I am so glad to be here for your birthday."

Teary-eyed, Theo swiped away moisture from behind his glasses, but his smile never wavered. "Thank you all. I really am surrounded by the best people. I'm so thankful for all of you."

Thalia interrupted the round of smiles that followed in her usual, brusque way. "Okay, okay, no more mushy stuff, or else Theo will really get going. So… what are we doing next?"

"Theo's birthday. Theo's choice," said Thad. 

Everyone looked at the man of the hour expectantly. 

Theo rubbed the back of his neck uncomfortably. “Well… I don't want to be boring but… I was planning to head to bed after I finished my drink. I'm beat. And tomorrow is going to be another long day."

“You are looking a little peaky,” Audra agreed, kissing the top of his head. “You probably should go to bed. I know today was a lot of people-ing for you. And there will be even more tomorrow.” 

“Exactly,” Theo sighed. “Sorry, guys.”

Once more, Padma spoke up before anyone else: "I am also very tired. It has been a long day of traveling for me. I think I would go to bed, also."

“We’ll call it for tonight, then,” Thad said. “We’ll have plenty more shenanigans tomorrow.” 

The cocoa party broke up shortly thereafter, and everyone started to go their separate ways for their evening routines. Before turning in, Theo checked the stove one last time to ensure it would go through the night. For once, he smiled to himself as he made sure the old house would stay warm, because for the first time since they had moved in, the Lodge was warm in other ways. For the first time, it felt like a home. 

~~~

The house was a flurry of activity beginning surprisingly early the next day, considering the previous late night. Audra, Thad, and Thalia had been working overtime planning Theo’s birthday bash, and they each had a lengthy to-do list for the day. However, they made sure the guest of honor had a wonderful breakfast waiting when he awoke, and the family enjoyed a delicious meal of pecan butterscotch pancakes and bacon before scattering to their assigned tasks. 

At first Theo, JB, and Padma tried to make themselves useful, but their partners quickly exhausted the list of easy tasks they could help with, so the three of them found themselves aimlessly wandering around the house before noon. Exasperated, the party planners shooed them away. 

“Find something to do or somewhere to go,” Audra said, helping Thad organize the props for the story. “We’ve got it under control here. Just be back a few hours before it starts so you can get ready.”

JB and Theo looked at each other, at a loss. Then Theo’s eyes lit up. “Hey, have you checked out all the trails around here yet for the sleds? Audra and I have found a lot of fun ones recently! If we can get them groomed, they’ll be amazing.”

JB grinned. “Nope, not yet. I wasn’t even here when you showed Thad the ones you knew about a few months ago, so I’d love to see them.”

“Awesome, let's do that. Some fresh air sounds great.”

“Perfect, yes, go play outside for a few hours and leave us in peace,” Thad laughed. 

Padma and Thalia were in the next room getting started on the decorating during this conversation. Theo saw Padma was listening closely, and a wistful look crossed her face once the snowmobiling plan was set. Smiling, he approached her. 

“Padma, would you like to join us to go snowmobiling?”

Her eyes lit up in a flash. “Oh, could I? I would like that very much! I have never gone, but it sounds like so much fun.”

“Of course you can come. Do you have warm enough clothes?”

“If not, you can borrow mine,” Thalia interjected. “I came prepared for anything.”

“As usual,” Theo laughed. “Perfect. We’ll meet out back in fifteen minutes, okay?”

“Oh, yay! I can’t wait!” Padma said, her eyes shining in anticipation. 

~~~

There were currently four working snowmobiles on the property, two of which were much better than the others, though Theo made sure they all ran reliably. It was in the plan to attain at least six nice ones eventually, but it was part of an extensive list of things that were needed in the next few years, and the priority on the sleds was low. Nevertheless, once the trio had gathered outside, garbed in thick clothes and helmets, the gentlemen offered Padma her pick of the sleds, but she quietly declined to drive her own, asking if it would be possible to ride with someone else instead, this being her first ride. 

“You can ride with me, Padma,” JB said. 

“No, you’re riding with me,” Theo said. “First, because I know the trails better, second, because she wouldn’t be able to see over you, and third, because I would guess you weigh more than the two of us put together,” Theo laughed. 

“That’s a bit of a low blow, calling me fat, even if it is your birthday,” JB said mildly, though his eyes twinkled. 

“That wasn’t a fat jab, you’re just excessively tall, so I’m sure you have a lot of bone mass,” Theo said. “Also, you could probably bench press me if you wanted to, and muscle is even heavier.” 

“You’re right, I could,” JB agreed. “I was trying to be polite. But you make a good argument. You two lead, and I’ll follow.”

“Is that okay with you, Padma?” Theo asked, turning to her deferentially. “Riding behind me, I mean?”

“Yes, that is fine,” she said sweetly. “Whatever you think is best.”

“Awesome. Then let’s get going!”

The trio spent a pleasant afternoon zooming over the Tenbusch property, exploring trails and potential trails. Part of their long-term plan for their acreage was to renovate the Lodge and turn it into a B&B for snowmobilers and other winter sports enthusiasts who wanted to explore some private land. For that reason, establishing trails that could be groomed and maintained was practical as well as fun, though this side business likely wouldn’t materialize for several years. 

Thalia had thoughtfully packed them a sack lunch of sandwiches and hot drinks, so at the extreme end of the property, almost directly opposite from the Lodge, they found a clearing with some handy logs to serve as seats and got off the sleds for a bit of rest and food. The gentlemen spent the time getting to know Padma a bit, having just been introduced to her the previous day. They had heard her name a few times from their sister, and knew the pair had been close during their later university years, but after graduation Padma had moved away and it seemed their contact had lapsed. However, Thalia had started mentioning her again within the last six months or so, and it was very telling to the brothers that this tiny, quiet woman had flown halfway across the country to spend a weekend at a family party. They could tell Thalia adored Padma, and the affection seemed to go both ways. Strong-willed, independent, flighty Thalia needed to find someone to settle down with and start a life with sooner or later, and Padma was the first person whom Thalia had brought home to meet them in years, so the siblings' hopes were high, especially since Padma seemed so lovely. 

She was a willing conversationalist, answering and asking questions easily, and words flowed the entire time. (As did noses. The cold air and hot drinks wreaked havoc on their sinuses, and every other word seemed punctuated by a sniffle from someone.) Quiet but self-assured and exuding an undeniable aura of peace, the brothers were charmed by Padma immediately. By the end of their mini lunch break, the three felt like old friends, bonding in a way that only introverts can. 

It was too windy and loud to talk while riding, but Theo and Padma found they could communicate easily with gestures and taps, and by the end of their tour, Padma was pointing out trails from afar that the other two missed. In this way, they stumbled on several charming little spots that they could sense would be breathtaking in the green seasons. JB carried a surveyor map of the property and marked the things they found as they went along. In all, they had a most delightful time, and all three were smiling later that day when, back at the Lodge, they disembarked from the sleds and removed their helmets. 

“Thanks for tagging along, you guys! That was wonderful,” Theo said. “A perfect way to spend an afternoon.”

“It was our pleasure,” JB said. “I had a great time, too.”

“Oh yes!” Padma said. “Thank you for letting me join! I hope we can do it again another time.”

After they shared one last smile all around, Theo turned, helmet under his arm, and began to head toward the house. However, before he reached the door he stopped to cough, long and harsh, his breath billowing up into the cold air. As soon as he could somewhat breathe, he turned to the other two apologetically, face red and eyes streaming from more than just the temperature. 

“Sorry, too much dry air,” he gasped, still wheezing slightly. “Don’t worry, I’m okay.”

JB and Padma nodded, but glanced at each other in concern as soon as his back was turned. A cough as thick and chesty as the one they’d just heard wasn’t caused by dry air alone. 

~~~

The Lodge was still topsy-turvy from the party preparations upon their return, so the snowmobilers made themselves scarce right away, going up to their rooms to shower off the gasoline smell and change into their party clothes. In the end, with nothing much else to do, all three ended up taking naps as well, the fresh air having had its way with them. They were all awakened by their significant others not long before the guests were due to start arriving, and the snowmobilers found themselves very groggy and disoriented. JB complained of a headache upon waking, and took another quick, cool shower to try to wake up, which did little to help. Padma was even quieter than usual, saying her throat was dry and sore from the wind when pressed. Theo’s cough had worsened as he slept, and his voice was already going, much to his chagrin. On top of that, all three were still congested and drippy, not to mention tired. However, the party couldn’t go on without the main family group, especially Theo, so they pulled themselves together as best they could, plastered on smiles, and prepared to greet the guests. 

There was no snow predicted in the weekend forecast, which is exactly what the party planners had hoped for. Travel was safe, so every single person that had been invited showed up, eager for any excuse to break the dull monotony of an endless Midwest winter. They all arrived over the course of an hour or so, bringing booze and food and gifts and props, not to mention overnight bags. It was understood that the party was going to last most of the night, and there was an open invitation for the guests to stay the night at the Lodge if they wished. The family had gotten the whole house warmed up over the course of the day, building fires in every fireplace and opening all the furnace vents for the first time all winter, so there was plenty of sleeping room for guests who wished to drink without having to worry about driving home or to a hotel. The house quickly got very warm and very loud, and the under-the-weather snowmobilers were at first overwhelmed. Theo was in the toughest position, because much like the night before, he was expected to greet every guest and talk and laugh and act the host. Two nights in a row of this would have been difficult regardless, but all of it on top of a burgeoning cold was something he never would have wished for. 

The cold they were brewing seemed to be a nasty one, too. Within a few hours Theo went from sniffly and drippy to thickly congested and sneezing heavily. JB and Padma fared a bit better and didn’t worsen at the rapid rate he did, but both were sick enough in their own right, forced to keep tissues pressed to their nose or near at hand the whole night. Padma was found swallowing a hearty dose of cough syrup at one point for a wickedly sore throat and persistent dry cough, and JB was alternating Tylenol and Ibuprofen through the whole event for a headache that never eased up. Theo had these on top of his nasty coughing and sneezing, and in short he was a sickly, pathetic mess in no time. 

Yet somehow, miraculously, or perhaps by sheer force of will, they all had a delightful time despite their obvious illness. The food was delicious, the company was excellent, the booze was strong, and the house was warm. Was everything perfect? Of course not. (A few examples: Early in the evening, a try of full shot glasses was dropped, and most of them shattered. The story book for the murder mystery was misplaced for an hour or so, and Audra was convinced people were passing it around to see “whodunnit”, since there was a lot of conspiratorial whispering later when it turned up. The lack of door locks in the old house caused a guest on a quest for the restroom to accidentally barge in on a nearly-naked couple as they changed into their costumes for the event. The intruder was beyond embarrassed; the couple took it in stride and teased him endlessly for the rest of the night.) Yet no one minded. If anything, the mishaps only added to the fun, familiar atmosphere and made it a night no one would ever forget. Looking back later, Theo privately wondered if the house itself didn’t add its own bit of magic to the evening. After all, this house was built and designed to house guests and parties. Perhaps being full and warm again made the house feel just as alive as its inhabitants. There was no other good explanation for the undeniable delight that permeated the celebration. 

Whatever the contributing factors, though, Theo couldn’t have imagined a better 30th birthday. Once he resigned himself to his fate, he firmly decided to make the best of it. After all, having been born in February, in the heart of cold and flu season, it wasn’t the first time he was sick on his birthday, and it wouldn’t be the last. The food, friends, and fun were here, so here was where he wanted to be. In order to ease the discomfort of his disgusting cold, he set out to get comfortably drunk instead, which he found to be the perfect remedy, and from there proceeded to thoroughly enjoy his evening. 

He was never able to remember much of that night, as everything faded to a warm, bright haze of congestion and intoxication (Even without the drinking, the cold would have made his memory and focus weak at best), but he did remember being happy and feeling loved. He tried to rein in the ticklish explosions of his sneezy cold, but they got worse, not better. Yet no one seemed to mind, even when he sneezed directly on them or next to them. His reflexes were shot from the start, so he was rarely able to get a tissue or even his arm to his nose in time to catch the blasts, but people just laughed over his slurred apologies and patted him on the back fondly and handed him a belated tissue to clean up the mess. There was always someone nearby to hand him a glass before he realized he was thirsty. (Sometimes it was full of water. Usually it was full of liquor.) Every time he sneezed he was blessed by at least a dozen people. Soon it became a joke, and people would cheer as he blew his nose before knocking back a shot, because eventually even shots started making him sneeze. By the end of the night they were laughing every time he sneezed, and he was laughing right along with them. 

Yet all good things must come to an end, and little by little the guests trickled out as the night grew later. When ⅔ of them had gone (or gone to find a place to sleep), Audra took Theo to bed. He was hardly conscious, sitting in a congested stupor next to the stove, so he let himself be led easily. She helped him undress and made sure he had all the supplies he might need. He was aware of none of this, though, and was snoring away before she left the room.

~~~

The celebratory atmosphere from the night before had all but vanished as the household began to wake the next morning. The sobering light of day tends to have that effect, unfortunately, even for the guest of honor. When Theo opened his crusted eyes late the next morning, he wasn’t sure at first what had awakened him, because the house was very quiet, or at least his bedroom was. Audra was nowhere in sight. Then the events of the previous evening (or his foggy memory of them) came crashing down, and he realized how truly unwell he was. His cold had not improved in the slightest– in fact it had likely worsened– and now he was hungover to boot. Not a big drinker, he couldn’t remember the last time he’d been hungover, and he remembered now why he avoided this state at all costs. Absolutely everything hurt, from his head, to his eyes, to his throat, to his stomach, and so on down. Judging by how dry his mouth and eyes were, he was desperately dehydrated, but the rolling in his stomach made him leery of swallowing anything. His nose and ears were stopped shut, his chest felt thick and tight, and his throat felt like sandpaper after breathing through his mouth all night. In short, he was in the roughest shape he’d been in quite a while, and that was saying something. 

He was also freezing. He half imagined he could see his breath in the air due to how cold this room felt. Everything in him wanted to roll over and go back to sleep for the rest of the day, and he probably would have, except that his bladder was screaming to be emptied. This, he realized, was what had actually awakened him. Wishing not for the first time since moving into the Lodge that chamber pots were still in fashion, he clumsily untangled himself from the sweaty blankets (How was he so sweaty and still shivering so hard?), struggled into his robe and slippers as the room slowly spun, and staggered out the door and down the hall to the bathroom. 

The bathroom was unoccupied, which was a mercy because he honestly wasn’t sure if he would have been able to hold it long once he was standing. After the most urgent need was met, and since he was already in the bathroom, he attempted some of his morning grooming routine, hoping it would help him feel somewhat human. He wiped the sticky sweat off of his neck and chest, brushed his teeth, wet down his hair and combed it, and took a hearty dose of cold medicine, praying to whatever gods were listening that it would stay down, though the nausea was staying at a manageable level for now. But, to improve his chances, he also took some of Audra’s anti-nausea medicine washed down with a few swallows of the Gatorade someone (also probably Audra) had left by his bed. 

Now Theo had a decision to make. He knew he would be forgiven if he chose to go back to bed; he would hardly need to make a case for his illness. One needed only to look at him to see it. Yet there was a prideful, stubborn streak that ran deep in the Tenbusch family, and Theo hated the idea of being the person who was too hungover after his birthday party to get out of bed, shocking cold notwithstanding. It was his duty as the host and guest of honor to see his guests off, and by golly he was going to see it through. Also, he knew he wouldn’t feel much better lying in bed versus sitting up, miserable as he was all around. And lastly, the lower level would be warmer than up here. It had to be, because he was still convinced he could see his breath up here. 

Steeling himself, and clutching tight to the railing, a very sick Theo made his way down the main staircase, through the living room, and into the dining room, where the coal stove was housed. Now that he was more awake, he realized the house wasn’t as quiet as he’d thought while in the bedroom. There were quite a few people milling around in various states of wakefulness and health. Theo was certainly not the only one feeling the effects after a night of drinking, and his was not the only pale, sweaty, slightly green face to be seen. He tried to politely nod to everyone he passed, knowing his voice would be all but gone and not wanting to use it until he absolutely had to. He made his shaky, determined way to his favorite chair by the coal stove, and was happy to find the furnace full of fuel and roaring with heat. He eased himself down with a husky cough, wrapping a nearby blanket around himself. 

Audra appeared at his side moments later, her eyes full of surprise and concern. 

“What are you doing up, honey?” she whispered. She pressed her hand to his forehead. “You’ve been running a fever since last night. You were as good as dead when I tried to wake you this morning. I assumed you would be in bed all day.”

“We have guests. I didn’t wandt to be rude by ndot sayi’g goodbye,” he rasped. “I already toogk lots of mbedicine, and I’ll go bagck to bed once everyone is gone.” 

“That’s really not necessary, love. I can handle it,” she murmured, worry creasing her brow. 

“I know you can, budt I wandt to helbp,” he insisted. “Id was mby pardy.”

Audra shook her head. “Alright. If you’re sure, crazy.”

“I’mb sure,” he said. “Budt can you gedt mbe sumb ginger tea?”

“Absolutely,” she said, going to the kitchen right away. 

Accompanied by his tea, Theo held court in the dining room for the next several hours as their guests began to head out in twos and threes and fours. Everyone made sure to pass along to Theo their wishes for a good year ahead and hopes for his good health. He smiled and nodded at each one (in between trying not to sneeze on anyone), but (much like Bilbo Baggins at Lake Town) in deference to his awful sore throat, he limited his responses to “Thangk you very mbuch.”

By the time noon rolled around, the house had been emptied of everyone but the main family group.  Once they were alone, the six sat in the dining room in silence for a while, nursing mugs of coffee or tea, along with their various ailments. Thad and Thalia were hungover, JB and Padma were sick, Audra was exhausted, and Theo was all of the above. Yet it seemed no one was quite ready for the true end of the party to come, and no one wanted to be the first to announce they were going back to bed, though it was at the front of everyone's mind. 

"Thank goodness we all have tomorrow off," Thad finally said. "I think we'll all need it. I've never seen a sorrier bunch. Bless you, love," he added as JB stifled a sneeze into his elbow.

"Amen," said Theo, though it sounded more like 'abend'. "Whadt a weegkend."

"You can say that again," Thalia groaned. "It was a great party. Everyone kept saying it was unforgettable. But the most unforgettable part was that they're all going to get sick. You sneezed SO MUCH, Theo. You literally sneezed all over everyone and everything, so many times. And JB and Padma weren't much better, no offense. You all made quite the group, let me tell you." 

Theo reddened. "Did I? I was hopi'g I'd imbagined thadt pardt."

Everyone shook their heads. 

 "You were a mess, love," Audra said, smiling fondly. "But you were a happy, adorable mess, so no one minded. I haven't seen you so happy in a long time." 

"I do reme'ber thadt," Theo nodded. "Bei'g habby. Bei'g warmb."

"If that's what you remember, then I call the weekend a success. We'll blame the house for the sneezing. You've been cold all winter and finally got sick because of it. The timing was just unfortunate."

Theo shook his head. "We can blame Duane for the cold." He glanced at JB and Padma who nodded vehemently, to the confused looks of the rest. "We'll explain later. Budt because of the house, we could hosdt this pardy, and for thadt I'mb grateful. Id was everythi'g I could have hoped for." 

"So your feud against the old place is over then, eh?" teased Thad. 

Theo shrugged. "For ndow. Budt you're in charge of taki'g care of the stove until you leave. As mby birthday presendt."

His older brother laughed. "You've got a deal. The faucet you've got for a nose right now would probably put it out anyway. 

Theo scrubbed at his dripping nose self-consciously. "Exactly." 

JB slowly stood and stretched, wiping his own red nose with a cough. "I don't know about the rest of you, but the only thi'g I'mb hoping for is a few more hours of sleeb."

"Or days," Audra agreed, also standing. 

With much scraping of chairs, everyone stood, murmuring their agreement. In the shuffle, no one noticed Padma dart to Theo's side to give him a quick hug around the waist. 

"Habby birthday again, Theo," she said. "Resdt well. I hope you feel bedder sood." 

He smiled at her, his tired, red eyes and cold-damp nose matching hers. "Thangk you, Padma. You feel bedder, too. Gedt sumb good rest." 

As she pulled away, Thalia was right behind her with a hug of her own for her brother. "Since I'm doomed to catch this from one of you, I guess I can give you another birthday hug. Feel better, Theo, for all our sakes."

Not one to miss a trend, Thad, too, had a one-armed hug for Theo. "Get well soon. I don't want you to spend the rest of our visit in bed."

"I'll do mby besdt," Theo laughed, moving on to hug JB, making sure he was included in the ritual. "Feel bedder, brother. You loogk exhausted. I hope you sleeb well." 

"Same to you," JB replied, willingly reciprocating the hug. 

At last Theo shuffled to Audra's side, leaning against her heavily. She kissed his shoulder and began to lead him toward the stairs, with the rest close behind. 

"Thangk you for a wo'derful birthday weegkend," the professor croaked to his wife. "You did an amazi'g job. I'mb sorry I spoiled id by geddi'g sigck."

"You didn't spoil anything. You were wonderful, too. You're probably pretty sick of people by now, though, huh?... No pun intended. Well, maybe a little intended."

Theo laughed outright at that, though it was cut short by a cough. "Surprisi'gly, ndo. Tired, yes. Sigck in a different way, obviously. Budt I'mb surrounded by people who wandt to spend time with mbe even when I'mb contagious. Who could ask for anythi'g mbore than thadt?"

#CottageVersity AU #Everyone is hotter with a fever #theo and audra #thad and jb #Thalia and padma

[modcalifivy]

Vintage, built like a tank Harris tweed sport coat

Sport Coat: Dunn and Co., thrifted

Western Denim Shirt: Levis, thrifted

Jeans: Lee, thrifted

Suede Chukka Boots: Clarks, thrifted

#ptoman #menswear #classicmenswear #vintagemenswear #vintageclothing #mensfashion #dunnco #dunnandco #clarks #denimshirt #leviswesterndenimshirt #leviswesternshirt

[ask-miles-per-sonic]

The screen flickers open to a new room this time, the space a brightly lit hangar. A sleek, bright red plane dusted lightly with snow sits in the middle of the space, only partially visible through the video's view, and the tall walls of the room are strung with lines of twinkling, multicolored festive lights. The floor and every semi-flat surface that can be seen is covered in colorfully wrapped packages of varying sizes and shapes, some shiny and reflective, others printed with festive patterns and icons, circles, or stripes. Some are topped with glitter dusted ribbons, others velvet-like bows. Yet more are being carried on the backs of small spider shaped robots, that move in neat lines from the stacks of gifts to the tail end of the plane where they deposit their cargo, before returning to the piles once more. Each of the bots is sporting an appropriately sized elf hat.

In the middle of the activity stand Miles and Sonic, both of their backs towards the camera and the hedgehog has his head tilted to rest atop Miles' shoulder. The fox is wearing a dark brown suede coat that reaches down to his knees, usual sneakers swapped out for a pair of heavy, laced up snow boots, and atop his head sit a spiraling set of antlers that twist up above his head, decorated with bunches of holly and deep red poinsettias. The thick petals of the flowers match the color of Sonic's own thick coat, his reaching down to mid calf and lined with a trim of cream colored fur, gold stitching paint the twist and flourish of wind and snow along the lower edge of the coat, the designs growing sparser as they rise along the back and pass beneath a thick black belt. The top of the coat sports a matching cape across the shoulders, the outfit finished off with a flopping hat pulled down by a fluffy ball on the end and a set of slick black boots, one of which is lazily crossed over the other.

There's the murmur of discussion that barely reaches the audio equipment, muffled by the low tapping clicks of the Arach-Droids' legs as they scuttle about their business. "Ahead of schedule," Miles is saying, flipping over the page of the clipboard he holds. "Just don't take too long, or we risk falling behind."

"Tell that to your tech," Sonic all but grumbles, tossing a pointed thumb over his shoulder. "It's been fighting against me all day." With an exaggerated sigh of misery, Sonic shifts his head to rest just his chin against Miles, glancing over towards the camera with a pout. Green eyes scan over the computer's screen, before pointed blue ears perk to attention and a grin stretches across his face. "Hey, it's finally on!" He announces, quickly pushing off from Miles and hopping over the line of marching spider droids, until he's close enough to properly address the camera with an excited wave.

"Hello everyone! I know it's been a little while since we've answer a question, me and Miles have been pretty busy with getting everything ready for the holidays and that hasn't left a lot of time for much else." Spreading his arms out in a lazy shrug, Sonic gives a put-upon sigh. "Gotta tell ya, this Santa business is a rough gig." The blue blur turns away from the camera again, throwing that brilliant grin back to Miles and the hard working droids. "Lucky for me, I've got the best helpers you could ask for."

Across the room, the little spider machines give a symphony of chirping sounds in greeting, continuing their efforts uninterrupted as Miles turns to give the camera a wave of his own. "Sonic, where did you even find that computer?" The fox's usually neutral expression breaks into an amused smile, his voice touched with a laugh. "That thing's ancient, I didn't know we even still had it."

"It was in your lab storage!" Sonic asserts with a waving gesture of his hands towards the camera and its attached device, his ears tilting back just a little. "And it looked modern enough!" The defensiveness of his tone has the fox breaking out into a bout of chittering laughter where he stands, giving a full-fledged grin towards the camera for the first time.

It has the pout pursing Sonic's mouth melting into a soft smile, one full of an obvious fondness. Though it shifts to amusement, when he tilts his head back towards the camera. "This is why I prefer when he handles the techno stuff, but anyway!" He turns back around, clapping his hands together. "I sure hope you've all been good this year," Sonic points at the camera, giving the viewer a stern look. It rapidly breaks down into another cheeky grin. "I'd hate to have to leave coal in anyone's stockings!"

The hedgehog snickers to himself, grinning against the knuckles of one hand. In the gap beside him, further back into the hangar, Miles moves to one of the now-emptied work tables and sets down his clipboard. Instead picking up a new bushel of greenery, and busying himself with attaching it among the other plants decorating the antlers on his head.

"But no matter what you get or don't get come morning, we both wish you all a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday, whatever you celebrate!" There's a boundless affection in Sonic's expression, fondness like which he had looked at Miles with just moments ago. Quiet, but powerful. "Holidays aren't always as good as they should be, sometimes whole years aren't, but I hope each of you was able find some joy this past year, and that you can find some tomorrow too. And if you'd like, come tell us about your favorite things to do during the winter months, or favorite holiday song to listen to!

We'd love to hear about it!" Sonic gives a playful little salute, grinning brightly. "Now if you'll excuse us, we have a bunch more deliveries to do before the nights over, see you guys later!" He waves again, before turning his attention to the computer itself, frowning in thought as he does. Whatever he's trying to accomplish, doesn't seem to work, and the hedgehog ultimately abandons it in favor of hurrying back over to Miles.

The camera is still running, recording as he comes to pause before the fox— who's hoisted himself onto the work table, twin tails swishing about on either side of him —head tilted in an unspoken question. Miles only raises his chin, blue eyes flicking from Sonic up to the assortment of festive plants decorating his headpiece. The older man follows his gaze, rising till it catches on the newest addition there, a bundle of green and white. Grins almost shyly when realization hits him, Sonic stepping forward to fill the space between Miles' knees as his hands rise to cup fluffy white cheeks, pulling the fox into a deep kiss.

The last shot the video catches, before it finally shuts off.

#ask sonic #sonic the hedgehog #sontails #miles prower #sonic au #ask miles #ask miles and sonic #sonails #ask sontails #santa claus #sonic claus #merry christmas #not an ask #Mod speak: my deepest apologies for the delay in answers #I just graduated college and finals week the week before graduation and this past one have all been taking everything out of me #should get back to answering things more quickly soon!! #happy holiday wishes from mod and the boys!!

[thebuckblogimo]

For me, this is when "the '60s" started.

October 23, 2023

Since we roomed together as freshmen in college almost 60 years ago, my buddy Eric and I have shared numerous letters and e-mails. Over the last few years we have compared personal insights into our early years at MSU. Recently he caused me to reflect on the subject of "when everything changed" on campus. I thought you might enjoy my reply to him. Here is my communication, edited slightly for the blogosphere:

Eric, My Boy...

Two years ago you asked me what kind of thought process brought me to Abbot Hall as a freshman in 1965. Then, a couple weeks ago, you e-mailed a reference to what life was like on campus during that first year at MSU. It struck a chord, inspiring me to reminisce about the zeitgeist of those times. So buckle up as I unload. Some of this stuff you've heard before. Some of it you may not be aware of:

A month prior to the move from my East Dearborn neighborhood to East Lansing, some of my closest friends--Tony, Garry, Larry and Vince--had already begun their freshman years in late August at Western Michigan and U-M, schools that were on the trimester system. Other close friends--Joe, Butch, Keller, Bernie, the "Bear," etc.--probably hadn't thought seriously about what they would do after high school. Within a year they were all either drafted into the service, enlisted, or joined the reserves due to the escalation of the War in Vietnam.

MSU was on the quarter system back then. I would be moving into Abbott Hall at the end of September--on my own, without anyone from my considerable childhood "support group." For the first time since going to camp, I was beginning to feel--pick an adjective--apprehensive, anxious, lonely. 

For some strange reason, three images stand out for me from those last 30 days that I was home: 1) shopping with my Mom for "school clothes," including Italian "swirl" shoes and a brown corduroy-and-suede winter jacket at the downtown Hudson's store; 2) reading a story in the Detroit News--while sitting on a milk crate, in the doorway of my Dad's marble shop--about a 13-3 MSU football victory in the season opener against UCLA; and 3) sitting in my Dad's '63 Pontiac Bonneville, feeling melancholy as I listened to Johnathon King's "Everyone's Gone To The Moon" on the radio while he ran into Allo Bar at 35th and Horatio in Detroit for a "fast one" after work.

During the run-up to the start of school, I kept thinking about how I would soon be entering an unknown world. It was heady stuff for the first kid in the Bokuniewicz family to attend college.

Finally, on a Sunday afternoon, my parents drove me to East Lansing, helped me move my stuff into the dorm, and said goodbye. I didn't kiss my mother. I'm not sure I even hugged her, as my family just didn't do that sort of thing. My folks would never again set foot on the MSU campus.

I met my two roommates at 271 Abbot Hall that day--a couple of guys from "the thumb" of Michigan. One with a vaguely moppish head of hair, wearing jeans, penny loafers and "no socks" (that would be you); the other a pimply-faced son of a big-time sugar beet farmer who told me he was an "egg major." (Turns out he actually said "ag major." Who knew?)

Usually wearing tight pants and my Italian swirls during those first few weeks--and with a jar of Dixie Peach Pomade on my dresser, plainly visible to all who entered our room--it took only a few days for me to realize that in the eyes of the guys in the House of Abode, I had been judged as someone "different."

A couple guys, I would eventually learn, thought that I was possibly a member of a gang. I was being perceived by some as that "streetwise kid from Detroit."

I began thinking, What don't these people get about me? And what is it about them? When they dressed for Sunday dinner (as we were required to do in the dorm in those days), they wore herringbone sport coats, rep ties and wing tips. I wore a sharkskin suit and "thick-on-thin" socks. They liked tunes such as "Little Honda" by the Hondells, which I thought was kinda weird. As a matter of fact, I was amazed by the proliferation of Hondas (especially Honda Hawks) all over the MSU campus.

In my neighborhood, guys rode big-ass Triumph, BSA and Norton motorcycles. We listened to the Temptations, Four Tops and obscure groups on black radio stations. Where I came from, most popcorn-machine-riding, bubble-gum-music-listening types would be derided as "cake eaters."

So that's the backdrop to the period you succinctly described in a dozen words: "The times, they weren't a-changin' yet, but a change was gonna come."

And "Whoa, Nellie," did things ever change.

During that first quarter at MSU, I recall sitting in my seat at the Nat Sci building one morning, reading the State News before class started, about Mario Savio and the Free Speech Movement at Berkeley. It seemed that people all over campus were talking about it. Also, I was aware that something called the Gulf of Tonkin incident had occurred the previous year, but now I was beginning to hear about a troop build-up in South Vietnam.

The change that was gonna come--at least in East Lansing--seemed to begin with the Ramparts magazine article a few months later (April of '66) about MSU's clandestine involvement with the CIA and South Vietnamese government. I remember well the four-color illustration of a large-breasted, Vietnamese-looking MSU cheerleader--Michigan State pennant in hand--on the cover.

Next thing I knew, shit was hitting the fan. 

That story marked the beginning of things radical and revolutionary on campus. I soon found myself reading more than just the sports section every day and listening to political debates among students in the grill. Sophomore year I started attending speeches in protest of the war at Fairchild Theater; and about "black power" and the class struggle, as espoused by the Black Panther Party; and about revelations concerning ground bits of bone and mouse ears that could be found in hot dogs, according to consumer advocate Ralph Nader.

After the Ramparts story, it seemed as though students were railing everywhere against the Vietnam War--in the State News, at gatherings in kivas, and at sites on campus such as the old administration building and Beaumont Tower.

Initially, I was bewildered by it all. My Dad and uncles were World War II veterans. I had never heard them criticize the concept of war. How could our country not be right about what it was doing in Southeast Asia, I thought? 

I can't pinpoint the exact moment that I came to understand that the War in Vietnam was "all wrong," but by the time you and I moved into 276 Abbot Hall (or was it 275?) in the fall of '66, changes of all kinds were indeed on. Some examples:

Long Hair. The style on campus was transitioning from Brian Wilson-like to Mick Jagger-like. (By Thanksgiving I was parting my hair rather than combing it back ala Bobby Rydell.) Guys began wearing "fatigue jackets" and girls were getting into the "peasant look." (Thanks to your influence, I ditched my typical footwear for a pair of Bass Weejuns in the fall and a pair of Bates Floaters to plow through the snow winter term. These were the first mini steps in a change of personal identity for me.) Along with the changes in hair styles and clothing on campus we began hearing terms like "hippies, radicals and freaks."

The Music. By September of '66, the Beatles had released at least a half dozen albums. Same for the Rolling Stones. The next thing I knew, you went from being a Chad and Jeremy fan to a devotee of the Mothers of Invention, as well as Captain Beefhart. Big-time change. I hung in there as the maven of Motown in the House of Abode which, of course, underwent a name change to the House of Abortion.

The Sexual Revolution. I recall walking alone to the auditorium across from Bessie Hall to hear someone--I have no idea who--give a speech about the sexual revolution. I recall sitting in my seat when the speaker on stage exhorted everyone to turn and look into the eyes of the person next to us, and, on the count of three, to yell "pussy"--ostensibly to help us get over our inhibitions. I thought to myself, Lenny, we're not at St. Al's any more.

The Generation Gap. I think it was Jack Weinberg of the Free Speech Movement who said, "Don't trust anyone over 30." I recall you concluding, "When I turn 30 I won't be able to trust myself anymore." And every time I would go home and see my next door neighbor, Mr. Phillips, some of my uncles and, eventually, work associates from the Greatest Generation, we would engage in a lively debate about "the war." I think of that time as the beginning of the first "great divide."

Politics. Now I was really paying attention to the national dissent over Vietnam. In fact, practically every student on campus was paying attention. I started subscribing to Newsweek and would do so for the next 40 years, in order to stay apprised of the great issues of the day. I even took an elective class called Great Issues, as well as a political science class called The Isms (socialism, Marxism, Leninism, Communism, Fascism). By junior year I was watching the CBS Evening News with Walter Cronkite practically every night. I couldn't wait to hear the insightful commentary of Eric Sevareid at the conclusion of each show.

The Civil Rights Movement. As a child, I had been aware of "colored" kids being escorted into an all-white school in the South during the Eisenhauer administration. But it was Martin Luther King who epitomized "the movement" in the early-to-mid '60s with his non-violent approach to civil disobedience. Then came the Detroit riot during the "long, hot summer of 1967." "The times they were a-changin'."

Drugs. I'm not even sure that I had heard about pot or LSD in high school. But during that first term at MSU there was all kinds of coverage in the student newspaper, Playboy magazine and other media about Dr. Timothy Leary and his experiments with LSD. He was exhorting everyone to "Tune in, turn on, drop out." Or was it "Turn on, tune in, drop out"? Anyway, by the time we graduated, it was the rare college kid who had not at least tried smoking reefer. Beyond that I did dexedrine a few times to stay up all night to cram for final exams, but I never did a psychedelic trip on acid.

Many times I have said that society changed more from 1965 to 1970--socially, politically, racially, musically, culturally, sexually, etc.--than during any other five-year period in my lifetime. And, while it was happening, our football jones was being satisfied by Duffy Daugherty, Bubba, and his All-American buddies, leading up to the first "game of the century," the 10-10 tie with Notre Dame in the last game of the '66 season, and a share of consecutive national football championships our first two years in school.

Oh, how the world turned in the '60s. For my money, it was the best time in history to be a student at MSU

Ad finem.

[thepastisalreadywritten]

The Royal Family have united at a Christmas concert hours after the controversial documentary came to a conclusion this morning.

Kate Middleton is hosting the concert at Westminster Abbey in London, where royals will come together for the festive event.

The concert will be broadcast as part of Royal Carols: Together At Christmas, a special programme narrated by Catherine Zeta Jones, which will air on ITV1 at Christmas Eve.

The special Christmas service is dedicated to the late Queen and will recognise the selfless efforts of individuals, families and communities across the UK.

A synopsis for the show outlines that the service aims to dedicate the late monarch and the values that she demonstrated throughout her life, including “duty, empathy, faith, service, kindness, compassion and support for others.”

It adds: “These principles are shared and personified by the inspirational guests who have been invited to the Abbey in recognition of their tireless work to help and care for those around them.”

Prince William, King Charles, Camilla, The Queen Consort, and other members of the Royal Family will be in attendance.

Kate looked incredibly festive in a beautiful fit and flare plum V-neck style dress for the evening.

She matched her look with a pair of suede heeled shoes and a glittery clutch bag, and accessorised her look with what appeared to be drop ruby gem earrings.

With her brunette locks styled into bouncy blow dried curls, she smiled at crowds who were gathered by the Abbey in London as she was pictured walking past a row of lit Christmas trees.

Following her arrival, other members of the family were pictured attending the venue.

Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank, and her sister Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi followed into the church.

Sophie, the Countess of Wessex, was then seen entering, wearing an elegant white trench coat.

The Abbey is filled with festive decorations to provide a beautiful Christmas backdrop and some of the nation’s most beloved carols, including O Come, All Ye Faithful, will be sung.

There will be performances from Craig David, Alexis Ffrench and Samantha Barks, and a special duet from Alfie Boe and former Spice Girl Melanie C.

Readings from Prince William, Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, Hugh Bonneville and Kadeena Cox have also been organised.

As well as this, the broadcast will feature additional content, including an introduction from Kate, as well as films highlighting individuals who have gone above and beyond to support others this year, and tributes to the Queen.

Kate recently published a behind-the-scenes filming picture on The Prince and Princess of Wales’ official Twitter account.

Wearing a sequin-covered Aurora Ballerina Dress from Needle & Thread that she debuted at a Buckingham Palace reception in January 2020, the Princess stood in front of a beautifully decorated Christmas tree as she beamed at the camera.

The princess wore her hair in loose curls and rocked the same dangling ruby Soru earrings she wore the first time she sported the dress.

She captioned the post:

"#TogetherAtChristmas @ itv Christmas Eve."

Social media users have taken to express their joy at Kate hosting the Carol concert again this year, as well as complimenting how "lovely" she always looks.

One person wrote: "The Princess looks so beautiful. Can't wait for this year's Christmas concert."

And another said: "So much beauty, talent and grace! Thank you Prince William for marrying someone that makes the UK and the Commonwealth so proud!"

While a third put: "Looking forward to it. Hoping that it is now an annual tradition. Loving the jobs that you are doing for us all."

And a fourth wrote: "Wow, Princess of Wales looking stunning and classy."

Another user said: "Catherine always looks lovely. Cannot wait to see who will be involved this year. Last year was amazing!"

Last year, Kate also sported red for the “Together at Christmas” event, wearing a Catherine Walker coat dress with a large bow at the neck.

She also sat down to play the piano for a special performance with singer Tom Walker, wowing the British public.

xxx

Edited

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/royals/royals-unite-christmas-concert-hours-28742329

Royal Family Get Festive at ‘Together at Christmas’ Carol Service

16 December 2022

#Royal Carols: Together At Christmas #Royal Carols: Together At Christmas (2022) #King Charles III #Camilla Queen Consort #Prince William #Prince George #Princess Charlotte #Sophie Countess of Wessex #Princess Beatrice #Princess Eugenie #Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi #Jack Brooksbank #Mike Tindall #British Royal Family #Youtube

[mllysmphotography]

Front Cover Plan

Idea 1

Trainspotting

The costumes in this film are fairly simplistic, but each character has their own idiosyncrasies within their outfits with certain specific pieces being repeated throughout the film. The primary thing about the clothes in the film is for them to be worn.

Ideas -

Cropped tops (unusual graphics)

raglan tops

straight leg jeans

converse

polo shirts

vest tops

suit and trench coat (trainers*)

jumper tied around waist.

sports bag

brown suede jacket

green mohair jumper

camouflage t-shirt

adidas sambas

Location/ Backgrounds

I could also work within the studio using an orange coloured background (since this is the colour associated with the film) to create some portrait images rather than being dependent upon locations. Below you can see the iconic promo portraits of the cast.

Poses

Further ideas -

Fetal position

Standing, leaning back, looking unstable

Colour

Lots of muted colours especially yellow. Vibrant reds, greens and pinks are prominent throughout. The fourth still from the film is one of the most recognisable shots from the film, which would be fun to play around with.

[cash87cash]

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#kelden cap toe boot #brakon chukka boot

[vnvyb]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Jos A. Bank Mens Pink Faux Suede 2 Button Sport Coat Jacket Blazer 46 Regular.

[squirls1025]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Vtg SupraSuede Bernhard Altman Couture Men's Beige Sport Coat Suit Jacket Men 44.