USS Cape Breton

 USS Cape Breton NCC 81402 - St. Lawrence class Marine Survey Ship

Launched 2383

Length: 160.5m

Width: 100.75

Height: 13.5m

Decks: 3

Crew: 32

Warp cruise speed: 6

Maximum warp: 9.5

Mysteries on the Space Stations - 3 Space Station Armidale

 3 Space Station Armidale

Europa reflected on her situation as she walked away from the ship to the elevator. While her grade point average was high, it wasn’t close to the top of the range. She couldn’t figure it out. ‘At least not yet,’ she decided.

 

She entered the elevator. “Main concourse,” she said.

 

 

On the Main Concourse, the Station director, Charles Zachary, waited for the student to arrive. The elevator door opened. “Europa Brennan?” he asked.

 

“Who else would it be?” the redhead asked.

 

“I thought you would be shorter,” he said.

 

“Most of my grandparents were quite tall,” Europa explained. “But that’s not what I want to talk about.”

 

“Of course not. First of all, I’m going to show you the Station’s facilities. Most of them are on this level.”

 

Europa took out her dataslate, which then projected a diagram of the station. “I see,” she said.

 

 

Firstly, they entered the Library. “This is just part of it,” Zachary said. “The rest of it takes of most of the two lower levels, along with the computer cores.”

 

“I’ll be looking through it later,” Europa commented.

 

“Of course,” Zachary commented.

 

 

Next; they looked at the various laboratories on the Concourse level. “There are more up next to the Dock in the microgravity section,” Zachary explained.

 

“Obviously,” Europa said with a smirk.

 

“The laboratories are for study of the effect of the Station’s environment on various species, analysis of the chemical composition of space dust, telescopic viewing of various solar system objects… Things like that.”

 

“I guessed that too.”

 

Zachary sighed. “There are many other things too.”

 

 

“Of course, it’s not all work,” Zachary said as they continued along the Concourse. “There are recreational facilities too.”

 

“An arcade?” Europa asked as she looked at the facility in question.

 

“What is old is new again.”

 

Storks rating

 14.      Storks

Rewatch. The earlier rating is still valid. 8.5/10.

Star Trek: Generations review

 Rewatch. Two eras come together via a mysterious energy ribbon. A theme of the effect of the passage of time is woven throughout. This extends to the attitudes of the characters. There is a big contrast between Picard and Soren. However, it starts with Kirk in retirement giving the new Enterprise B a sendoff. This intro sequence is a rather good set up for the rest of the film. Picard’s grief is an important part of the overall theme. It could have been a better film, but it’s still worth watching. 8/10.

Springtime of Empires - 1717

 1714 – 1717

North America

Consequences for the Haudenosaunee. Most of the European settlers in their land are happy to begin assimilating. But it’s the minority that don’t that cause problems. And despite the ban on immigration, family members of those who already live there continue to come. Tensions between the Haudenosaunee and the Scandinavians and French increase.

 

Scandinavian and French settlers continue to migrate into Spanish held territory. Actual battles with the latter occur often in early 1717.

 

With Nueva Valencia officially established, more settlement occurs, especially in the Bay Area.

 

 

South America

More Mapuche territory is taken.

 

 

Europe

High level discussions continue between Spain and France regarding the colonial tensions.

 

Pro-Finnish sentiment increases in Lithuania.

 

Legal reforms in Russia continue.

 

 

Africa

Tensions between Songhai and the Ottomans increase.

 

 

Asia

The Rebellion of the Turcomans continues.

 

The Persian Civil War continues. The Kalajid Dynasty captures more territory.

 

More of Tibet is conquered. It would seem that they are on their last legs.

 

The war in Thailand continues.

 

 

Oceania

Trade on the Rio Cortez[1] increases.

 

[1] OTL Murray River.

Mysteries on the Frontier Stations -2 Ariadne

 2 Ariadne

“We’re about to make Moonfall at Lunar Station Armidale, please remain seated.”

 

Ariadne Jameson looked out of the window and saw that they were quite close to the Lunar surface. She knew that the Station was somewhere below them, so she couldn’t see it. However, she could see Earth in the viewport. She wondered whether she was chosen to be the first student to use the station because her grandmother was the first at the other station. ‘Sure, Gran Eura denied it…’ she thought, not for the first time.

 

Soon, the ship landed and Ariadne felt the Lunar gravity. She watched as the docking tunnel extended from the Station proper.

 

 

Tamsin Brown-Samuels, Director of Station Operations, saw Ariadne Jameson enter the Station. The first thing she noticed was how red her hair was. The second was the scattering of freckles on her face. She clearly had Irish ancestors. She shook her head. She wasn’t sure why she was appraising her appearance! “Welcome to Lunar Station Armidale.”

 

“Thanks,” Ariadne said.

 

“I’m the Director, will you follow me.”

 

 

Ariadne followed the director out of the welcoming area. She noted that the interior design was quite similar to that of the other station.

Church notes - 17th July 2022

 17th

Revelation 3:14 - 22

Spiritual Indifference

We need to know our motivations.

A wealthy community.

Aquaducts brought water from hot springs miles away. By the time the water reached the town it was tepid.

The tepid water reflected their spirituality.

They were relying on themselves.

vs 14 Jesus as the faithful and true witness.

What would Jesus say about you?

We need self awareness

His counsel should be trusted.

vs 17

Lukewarm - they had decieved themselves as to their true state.

Parallel with addicts. They needed to hit rock bottom to see the truth.

We need to remind ourselves of the Gospel, of our need for Jesus.

Colossians 2:6, 7

We need to be proactive in our living for Jesus.

Mark 8:36

For example: Look at Hollywood - They have everything, but they are not happy.

vs 18

Dealing with Reality.

The Laodicean believers didn't see their true state.

The real value wasn't in physical possessions, but in the majesty of God. In what He has to offer.

What shapes your thinking.

What do you trust in?

We need what Jesus offers. Everything else is rubbish.

vs 19

He was chastising them, but He also reminded them of His love for them.

vs 20

He wants to be in your life.

vs 21

Jesus' promise goes beyond what worldly wealth could possibly offer.

Mysteries on the Frontier Stations - 1 Europa

 Mysteries on the Frontier Stations

1 Europa

“We’re now on approach to Space Station Armidale. Docking will occur in two minutes.”

 

Europa Brennan looked out of the window and saw that they were rather close to the Station. The sunlight reflecting off it made it more visible against the darkness of space than it would otherwise have been. “A torus,” she said, knowing that the ship was going to land at the centre of the station. There was a small g-force as the ship matched rotation with the station.

 

Europa hadn’t expected to be the first student at the university to use the station in her studies.

Mystery Incorporated in Lawndale - Part 1

 Mystery Incorporated in Lawndale

The brightly colored panel van approached the large town. Fred Jones looked over at his friends, but found that they were all sleeping. He sighed. It had been a long trip. He saw the Welcome sign. “Welcome to Lawndale.”

 

He wasn’t sure why they had come halfway across the country on an anonymous tip, but Velma had insisted. He grabbed the map of the town from the glove box. ‘Where is this Dutchman Inn?’

 

 

Two Days Earlier

Velma Dinkley exited the van. “We have a tip,” she said.

 

“Where?” Daphne Blake asked.

 

“In a suburban town in Maryland, named Lawndale. Strange lights and sounds have been observed in several old houses.”

 

“Maryland?” Fred asked. “That’s quite far.”

 

“It may be far, but we need to find out what is happening.” Velma said.

 

“Of course,” Fred said. “It would just take days to get there.”

 

“Only two, if we’re strategic with the route,” Velma pointed out.

 

 

Present

‘Of course, Velma was right,’ Fred reflected as the Mystery Machine pulled into the Dutchman inn. Daphne stirred as the van came to a stop. “We’re there?” she asked.

 

“Yes.”

 

 

After the quintet (including their canine member), had checked into their rooms, they looked over the tip Velma had received.  There had been reports of strange noises from a house on the western outskirts. “Tomorrow, we will contact this Jane Lane, and then investigate that house,” Velma concluded.

 

 

Early the next day, Daria Morgendorffer arrived at her friend’s house early. She wasn’t sure why Jane had called in Mystery Incorporated. There may have been mysterious noises at the house next door to the Lanes, but it wasn’t something to concerned about. “Hey, Daria,” Jane’s brother, Trent, said as he opened the door. “Janie is waiting out back, in the gazebo.”

 

“The Gazebo?” Daria asked.

 

“She says it’s helping her inspiration today.”

 

“Sure.”

 

 

Jane saw Daria come out of the house. “Finally!” she said.

 

“Finally?”

 

“The Gang are going to be here any minute.”

 

“Of course.”

 

 

“There it is,” Velma said, pointing at the white house with an unkempt yard.

 

“Like, the one with the strange lawn ornament?” Shaggy Rogers asked.

 

“Yes,” Velma said.

 

The Mystery Machine pulled up in front of the house.

 

 

Daphne knocked on the door. It was opened by a young man wearing worn clothes. “Hi, I’m Daphne Blake, with Mystery Incorporated.”

 

“My sister is waiting for you,” the man said. “She’s out back with her friend.”

 

“We’ll come through then,” Daphne said.

 

“Sure,” the guy said.

 

 

Scooby Doo looked around as he followed Shaggy through the door. The house looked dilapidated, like many houses the gang had seen during their cases. Maybe there was a mystery here?

 

 

Daria saw the group come out of the house. She noticed Velma Dinkley straight away. ‘Of course I would notice her first,’ she thought. She had recognised Velma as someone she could get along with once she began hearing about the group of mystery solvers.

 

“Jane Lane?” the other girl, Daphne Blake, asked.

 

“I’m Jane Lane,” Jane said, stepping forwards. “This is my friend, Daria Morgendorffer.”

 

“Hi,” Daria said.

 

“So, what is this mystery?” Fred Jones asked.

 

 

Velma listened as Jane explained what was going on. “You have recordings of course?” she asked when she had finished.

 

“Of course. I hope my brother’s band haven’t recorded over them.”

 

 

 

“Band?” Shaggy asked.

 

“They try to play grunge,” Jane said.

 

“Emphasis on the word try,” Daria added.

 

“Right,” Shaggy said.

 

“Let’s listen to those recordings,” Velma said.

 

 

Daphne followed the others into the Lanes basement. It looked much like many other basements she and her friends had investigated over the years. However, it was rare that a band had their practice space in a basement. Most often they practiced in a garage or a spare room. There had even been a couple who practiced in an attic. “Mystik Spiral?” she asked.

 

“But we might change our name,” Jane’s brother, Trent said in response.

 

“It sounded interesting,” Daphne said.

 

“Well, it was something Daria said,” Trent said.

 

“Really?” Velma asked.

 

“I said that the name sounded like one for a Doors cover band,” Daria answered.

 

“We’re entirely original,” Trent explained. “We’re not about selling out.”

 

“OK,” Velma said.

 

“Where are these recordings?” Fred asked.

 

“Over here,” Jane said.

 

 

Trent loaded a cassette and pressed play. An earie sound then came from the speakers. Velma wasn’t sure what to make of it. She would have to analyse the sound. “So, this did come from next door?” she asked Jane.

 

“Yes,” Jane answered. “Several nights ago, as I stated in my tip.”

 

“I’ll have to examine this sound with my equipment in the van,” Velma said.

 

“You can take the tapes,” Trent said. “We have plenty more.”

 

“Thanks,” Velma said.

 

“But what else can you tell us?” Fred asked.

 

“Not much,” Jane said. She looked to Trent.

“We haven’t seen the neighbours there in years,” Trent added.

 

“Not much to go on,” Fred said.

 

“I guess we could see if someone’s home,” Daphne suggested.

 

 

Fred looked over the yard of the neighbouring house. He wanted to be sure that there weren’t any traps. “It’s clear,” he said.

 

“Clear of what?” Jane asked.

 

“Traps,” he answered.

 

“You thought there would be traps?” Jane asked.

 

“Anything can be a trap,” Fred said. “There are many ingenious ways to hide them.”

 

“You sound like you’re speaking from experience,” Jane commented.

 

Daria cleared her throat.

 

“Daria?” Daphne asked.

 

“We should go to the door, rather than continue to talk here.”

 

“Good point,” Jane said.

 

“Like, anyone could be watching,” Shaggy said in a fearful tone.

 

Fred continued looking for traps as he walked up to the door.

 

 

Fred rang the doorbell. Then they nervously waited for a response. ‘Maybe no one’s home,’ Daria thought.

 

“I guess no one’s home,” Jane said after a minute.

 

Fred then rang the doorbell again, stepping back from the doormat as he did so.

 

Nothing happened. They waited again.

 

“No one’s home,” Daria said.

 

“We could wait,” Daphne said.

 

“Or we could go back to the Lane’s,” Velma suggested.

 

“Like, let’s do that,” Shaggy added.

 

“It’s almost certainly a good idea,” Daria said.

 

 

They re-entered the Lane’s kitchen.

 

“We could try again later,” Trent suggested.

 

“Of course, we are,” Velma said.

 

“The question is; when?” Daria asked.

 

“At nightfall?” Jane asked.

 

“So, we can see if there are any lights on?” Daphne asked.

 

“Yes,” Jane answered.

 

“I’m not sure I want to wait that long,” Fred said.

 

“I can use the time to analyse the sound,” Velma pointed out.

 

“Of course,” Fred said.

Mega Mall Mega Problems - Part 4

It took a while but Mrs. Bennet had found the Mall executive offices. However, while the meeting started out well, it soon went downhill.

 

“How about you? How many times a year do you go to the mall?” one of the executives asked.

 

Daria could see through him and his colleagues. “Don't people usually get paid for participating in market research?”

 

“Research?” the executive asked in a strangled tone.

 

Mrs. Bennett interrupted. “Now, Daria, these busy executives have been nice enough to give their time to help educate us on mall economics. Tell us about flow, would you?”

 

“OK,” one of the executives said.

 

“I bet that is a two-way mirror,” Daria said.

 

“You don’t say,” Jennifer said. She reached for a light switch. “You mean if I do this…” She flicked off the light, revealing that the mirror Brittany had been posing and examining herself in front of was a two-way mirror.

 

“The focus group is, um, a very important tool in mall management…” another of the executives began.

 

“I feel used. I feel abused. I feel that this is not a fun mall after all and the media should be made aware of it,” Jodie said.

 

“Alright, little lady,” the first executive said. “Here is a coupon for a free frozen yoghurt.”

 

“Don’t insult me,” Jodie said.

 

“Make it a ten-dollar merchandise coupon?”

 

“It’s still an insult!” Brittany pointed out.

 

The executive covered his ear in discomfort at her shriek.

 

“Okay, a twenty-five-dollar merchandise coupon for everyone in the class.”

 

“You don’t get it. There is a principle involved,” Daria shot back.

 

“No, there isn’t,” Jodie said.

 

“So, much for idealistic youth,” Daria said.

 

“For twenty-five bucks...” Jennifer mused. “But this is something you can use!”

 

“Of course,” Daria responded. “But the blame may be placed on our Fuzzy Wuzzy Weebit loving teacher.”

 

“It’s a start,” Jennifer pointed out.

 

Daria gave a small smile.

 

 

“Definitely an insult,” Brittany grumbled as she left the office.

 

“What are you going on about?” Jodie asked.

 

“If I had known it was a two-way mirror, I wouldn’t have been posing in front of it!” Brittany answered.

 

“I see,” Jodie said. “There’s not much I can say, other than, be careful.”

 

Brittany nodded.

 

 

The class all looked at the coupons they had been given. “Scissor Wizard?” Daria wondered. “What is this?”

 

“The Doo Dad shop?” Jennifer wondered.

 

“Books by the Ton? Like I would want to go to a bookstore?” Brittany said, disappointed.

 

Mrs. Bennett then gave the class practical assignments to do. “Daria and Jennifer, you observe the traffic patterns at the food concessions. Jodie and Brittany, you will study and report back on shrinkage.”

 

“Understood,” Jodie said.

 

“Now, we'll meet back here at quarter to three. Remember, area F, section Moss, level three. Got it? F Moss Three.”

 

“Nothing to it,” Daria said.

“We should probably write it down,” Jennifer said.

 

“Definitely,” Daria said as she took out a notebook.

 

 

Xavier, Quinn and the Three Js entered the department store, but they found that it was a mess of aisles. “Is there a map for this store?” Xavier asked.

 

“We better turn around,” Quinn said.

 

“Are you sure?” Josie asked.

 

“Yes, we may find another way through from the entrance,” Quinn responded.

 

“A good idea, Quinn,” Xavier said.

 

 

Brittany looked at her coupon again. Books by the Ton. ‘Maybe I can turn this to an advantage?’ she thought as she twirled her hair. Despite her earlier outbursts, there were still subjects she was interested in. ‘But where is that store?’ She looked around as she twirled one of her pigtails. It would take forever to find it. ‘Maybe if joined with someone else?’ she pondered. She looked around, but there were very few of her classmates still in the area. Jodie had gone, but she did see Daria and Jennifer in the distance.

 

 

“You hear that?” Daria asked.

 

“Daria! Jennifer! Wait!” Brittany called as she ran up.

 

“Hi Brittany,” Daria said.

 

“Can I come with you?” Brittany asked.

 

Daria looked at Jennifer, who shrugged. “Sure,” she said. “But, why?” she asked, with confusion, while trying to ignore her pounding heart.

 

“Most of the others had gone,” Brittany answered. “Besides, I’d like to know you more.”

 

‘Of course,’ Daria thought.

 

“You can come with us,” Jennifer said.

 

“Thanks,” Brittany said.

 

“Just don’t ask too many questions,” Daria added.

 

“You mean personal questions?” Brittany asked with a twirl of one of her pigtails, “or questions in general?”

 

“The former I guess,” Daria responded.

 

“Right.”

 

 

Quinn and the others got back to the entrance of the department store. She asked one of the assistants for help.

 

“Sure, I’ll get a map for you,” she said. She grabbed a map from a counter nearby. “Here you go.”

 

“Thanks,” Quinn said. She then looked at it. “We turn right here, and go the next left, then the third left, then the second right.”

 

“Are you sure?” Josie asked.

 

“Yes,” Quinn said.

 

“There are other ways,” Xander said, after looking at the map himself.

 

“But that’s the quickest,” Quinn said.

 

“And we can look at clothes on the way,” Jessie said.

 

Josie and Jamie looked at her.

 

“What?” Jessie said.

 

“We can look at clothes later,” Josie said.

 

“We can look at some clothes,” Quinn said.

 

Xander sighed.

 

“Let’s go then,” Sam said in a bored tone.

 

 

Daria, Jennifer and Brittany stopped. “So many stores,” Daria said. “How are people supposed to choose?”

 

“Maybe they plan ahead?” Brittany asked.

 

“Only some would,” Daria said. “A place like this is meant to draw people in for the novelty of it.”

 

“I suppose so,” Brittany said after a brief twirl. She took out her coupon. “I got Books by the Ton. If we find it, we could stay there for a while.”

 

“Probably,” Jennifer said.

 

“Certainly,” Daria said with a blush. ‘I don’t know what book she would want to get. It would probably be one on cheerleading.’ She shook her head. It could be about anything to do with sports.

 

“Is it anywhere near here?” Brittany asked.

 

“We’ll need to look at a directory,” Jennifer answered.

 

“Of course.”

 

 

They soon found a directory. “Here it is,” Jennifer said. “D Tangerine Five.”

 

“D Tangerine Five,” Daria repeated. She wrote it in her notebook after the reminder of where to meet. “Done.”

 

“That’s a good idea, Daria,” Brittany said.

 

“Thanks.”

 

 

It took longer than expected for Xander, Quinn and her friends to leave the department store. Jessie had to try on a stylish tracksuit that had caught her eye.

 

“OK, we’re on track,” Quinn said as they left the store. “Now it’s a straight shot.”

 

“Good!” Xander said in a bored tone.

 

“We can look at more stuff later,” Jamie said to Jessie.

 

“No problem,” Jessie said, clutching the bag to her side.

 

 

“D Red Four,” Brittany said, twirling her hair.

 

“Not quite D Tangerine Five,” Daria remarked. “But we should be close.”

 

“Wouldn’t it be up another floor?” Brittany asked.

 

“I think so,” Daria said. She saw yet another escalator a dozen meters away. “Let’s go.”

 

Church notes - 10th July 2022

 10th

Revelation 3:7 - 13

The Philiadelphian Christians had been faithful. Jesus promised an open door,

vs 7

Jesus is Holy and True. He is trustworthy. He is pure and honest.

He holds the key of David.

Isaiah 22

Judah trusted Egypt rather than God.

Isaiah 22:22

A prophetic picture of a reliable administrator.

Faith. Trusting Jesus that He will bring you Eternal life.

Test Him and find that the things of this world cannot compare.

vs 8

He knows their works.

The open door.

The church didn't have much influence.

They hadn't denied Him.

1 Corinthians 16:9

The missionary task is not easy. Nor is it too hard.

vs 10

Jesus will be glorified and those who are faithful will be glorified with Him.

Faithfulness to God's Word has led to the open door of opportunity. Keeping the Word and following Jesus enables Christians to endure tribulation.

vs 11

He wants us to be ready for His return. What Jesus offers is better than anything else.

Springtime of Empires - 1705

 

1702 – 1705

North America

Further colonial expansion occurs.

 

The war (see below) has little effect on the Spanish colonies. The population continues to grow and more universities are established, especially in the Mexican region.

 

 

South America

Further colonial expansion occurs here too.

 

The war hasn’t any effect on the Spanish colonies here either. Population growth increases in the Peruvian region. A second university is established in Lima.

 

Europe

Scandinavia

Recovery from the recent war continues. But more of note is the establishment of a University of Natural History in Stockholm.

 

Spain

War is declared against the Ottomans in 1703. Tensions were increased deliberately. The official casus belli is privateer actions in the Adriatic.

 

Spanish-Ottoman War

It would be considered that war between Span and the Ottomans was inevitable. The Spanish had been planning for such a war for a while. Tensions increased and in late 1703 a Spanish ship fired upon an Ottoman ship off the Ionian Islands. Once news of the battle reached Constantinople, the Sultan declared war on Spain without much delay. There had been increasing reports of privateers attacking Ottoman shipping in the eastern Mediterranean over the past decade.

The Spanish would capture several of the Ionian islands in mid 1704 and land a force on the Greek mainland later that year. The Ottomans are unable to dislodge this beachhead. Another landing, on Crete, is more successful.

 

Austria

The Austrians are still recovering from previous war. As such, they turn down the Spanish diplomatic overtures to join into the war.

 

Russia

The Tsar considers taking advantage of the situation between the Spanish and Ottomans. He makes his decision in early 1705.

 

Russian choice

The Russian ambassador to Spain delivers the Tsar’s choice regarding joining the War in late June 1705 (according to the Gregorian Calendar).

 

 

Africa

Spanish-Ottoman War

Upon the outbreak of war, Spain is able to capture part of Egypt, but the campaign would stalemate before they reach Alexandria.

 

Sub Saharan Africa

Existing European settlements expand.

 

Some Ethiopian expansion occurs.

 

 

Asia

Spanish-Ottoman War

Navel battles around Cyprus and off the shore of the Holy Land.

 

India

The Portugese-Dravidian League War continues.

 

Oceania

Subdivisions are established in the Spanish Australian colony. Further expansion occurs up the east coast.

 

Daria's Rugrats - Chapter 1 - Part 1

 

Nearly Four Years Later

Tommy's Birthday

11 June 1991

Daria awoke. She sat up in the bed, she then recalled that it was her brother's birthday. Or rather, adopted younger brother, but she rarely thought about that. Her current Mom and Dad were better than what she could remember of her biological Mom and Dad. 'Happy Birthday, Tommy,' she thought. She got up and got dressed.

Once dressed, she left her room. She could hear her parents in her brother's room, saying 'Happy Birthday'.

She went downstairs.

As she started breakfast, she could hear her parents talking about the day, particularly her father being enthusiastic about a toy he had made.

Her Mom placed Tommy in the high chair, and proceded to feed him. “Now, what does Lipschitz say, Stu. We need to distract him.”

That got Daria's attention. “You doin't need to distract him,” she said.

“Yes we do,” her mother said as she turned her attention back to Tommy. “OK, Tommy. Open the Pod bay door!'

Daria sighed. She was sure whatever Lipschitz recommended wasn't helpful at all. Tommy flinched.

“A little to the left, Stu,” her mother directed.

This time her father managed to get the food in Tommy's mouth.

“Stu, Daria, let's do the birthday checklist,” Didi directed, once Tommy had his breakfast.

“OK, Shoot,” Stu said.

“Um, carrot brand cake with health nuggets.”

“Check,” Stu said.

“Pin the tail on the Donkey.”

“The version with suction cups?” Daria asked rhetorically. “Check!”

“The puppet show?”

"Oh, yeah. Puppeteers, stage, props, and puppets arrive at eleven," Stu said.

“Perfect!” Didi said.

Daria sighed. She saw her grandfather approaching. “A puppet show for one-year-olds? Why, the little sprats aren't even gonna remember it!”

“It will make for good baby photo embarrasment opportunities,” Daria snarked.

“Daria!” Didi admonished.

“She makes a good point!” her grandfather said.

“Besides, do we want to be remembered as the family that settled for less?”

Betty DeVille rang the Pickles doorbell. The door opned. “Hi, Daria.”

“Hi, Mrs. Deville.”

“How are you, Daria?”

“I'm fine. Totally ready for Tommy's Birthday,” Daria answered. “How are Phil and Lill?”

“They're fine, but we also have little Chuckster,” Betty said.

Her husband, Howard moved aside allowing young Chuckie Finster to come forward.

“Hey, you think we could just pen these pups?” Betty asked.

“Over there,” Daria said. She bent down to Chuckie's level. “Hi, Chuckie.”

The red haired boy refused to make eye contact, instead lowering his gaze.

'To be expected,' Daria thought. She looked over to where her grandfather was complaining.

“Puppet show for one-year-olds? Why, when I was a spud, we didn't have puppet shows! "If we wanted entertainment, we went out back and pulled up stumps!”

“He's always, like that, don't worry,” she said to Chuckie. She stood up. “You know where it is,” she said to Mrs. DeVille.

“That I do.”

Chuckie and the twins joined Tommy in the playpen. The adults all ran outside chasing Spike, leaving Daria to watch them. (Except she continued reading a book she had been reading earlier.)

“I have one word to say to you,” Tommy said to his friends.

“What?” Phil and Lil asked at the same time.

“Dog food,” Tommy said.

“Dog food?” the twins asked.

“Dog food. I tried to get some from Spike's bowl, but Grandpa stopped me,” Tommy explained.

“Why would you want to eat that stuff?” Chuckie asked.

“Well, Spike eats it, and look at him!”

They looked out the window in the yard, where Spike was running around.

“He can do anything he wants to. He even gets to sleep in the flowers! Maybe, if we eat that dog food, we'll turn into dogs!" Tommy explained.

Lil watched Tommy's grandfather shoo Spike away from the flowerbed. “You mean we get to sleep in the flowers?”

Phil watched the dog lick Lou in the face. “And lick people?”

“And wear a collar with our names on it?” Lil added.

Chuckie saw Spike scratch himself. “I don't know. Maybe it's not such a good idea. Dogs don't have it so good. They always get fleas and junk.”

“Fleas? Let do it,” the twins proclaimed.

Didi came to the playpen. “Oh, I almost forgot to put on their little party hats!” she said.

“I still think that's a bad idea!” Daria objected. She sat down next to the playpen. “I don't like them either!” she said to Tommy.

“She's right,” Betty said. “They'll stay on for, oh, three minutes tops!”

“Get in the picture, Daria,” Didi said, gesturing with her camera.

Daria sighed and sat in the playpen. She put Tommy in her lap. “Like this?”

“Yes,” Didi said. She took the picture, as Tommy was beginning to squirm in Daria's grasp, Chuckie was backing away and the twins were showing signs of restlessness. “Done!”

“Good!” Daria grouched.

“Hey. Isn't it time to bust the pinata?” Betty asked.

“Let's wait until all the kids get here!” Didi said.

“Well, who's missing?” Betty asked.

“Daria and Tommy's cousin, Angelica,” Didi answered. She noticed Daria frowning at that.

“Oh, right, Angelica.”