DRAFTS

The 'Vic' comes back to life!

Michael and Lorna

Lorna, Michael, Blossom, Lily, Teddy, Grayson, Sophie

The old Victorian house stood tall and proud at the end of the street. Its grandeur was unmatched by any other house in the neighborhood.

Michael and Lorna had always dreamed of living in a historic house with character and charm. They finally found their ideal home: an old Victorian in a quiet neighborhood, with a spacious backyard. They were ready to start a new chapter in their lives, along with their five feline kids: Blossom, Lily, Teddy, Grayson and Sophie.

The house was not in perfect condition, though. It had been neglected for years and needed lots of work to restore it to its former glory. The paint was peeling, the floors were creaky, the plumbing was leaky and the wiring was faulty. Michael and Lorna were not deterred by these challenges; they saw them as opportunities to unleash their creativity and make the house their own.

They decided to tackle one room at a time, starting with the kitchen. They wanted to preserve the original features of the house, such as the woodwork and the stained-glass windows, but also update it with modern appliances and fixtures. They spent hours browsing online catalogs and visiting hardware stores to find the perfect materials for their project.

They also involved their cats in the process. They made sure they had plenty of toys and treats to keep them entertained and happy while they worked. They also gave them free access to explore every corner of the house and find their favorite spots. The cats loved their new home as much as Michael and Lorna did.

As they progressed with their renovation, Michael and Lorna felt more connected to each other and to their house. They enjoyed discovering its history and its secrets, such as hidden compartments or old letters in the attic. They also made friends with their neighbors, who welcomed them warmly and offered them advice and help.

Michael and Lorna knew they had made the right decision when they moved into the old Victorian. It was more than just a house; it was a home filled with love, joy and adventure and they often refer to their home as 'the Vic'.

American - British Slang

wisenheimer,  snarky, weasel words, schmoozing, bazoo, scuttlebutt, Zozzled: Drunk, Hoosegow: Prison,  Duck soup: Something easy,  Pennies from heaven: Easy money, 

whangdoodle – mythical creature, akin to the gymnascutus, leg shorter on one side than the other, to let him feed n a hillside; nonsense

1. All right? — Used most commonly as a greeting and one that doesn’t require a response.

2. Anorak – someone who’s a bit geeky, with strong interests or expertise in a specific niche.

3. Bagsy — One of the first words learned by children throughout the British Isles, shouting bagsy is a way of staking a claim on something. The the equivalent of calling “shotgun” or “dibs” when something, like the front seat of the car, is offered up to a group.

4. Bird — British slang for girl (see also: gal)

5. Bloke — A guy, equivalent of a dude in American English. Often used with good added (eg: he’s a good bloke.)

6. Baccy — tobacco, the kind you use to roll your own fags with.

7. Bog —  A toilet. British people will often find themselves bustin’ for the bog.

8. Bog roll — The paper you use in the bog.

9. Bender – if someone is on a spree of excessive drinking and mischief, they are “on a bender.” (Sometimes a bender may last 24 hours).

10. Blinder – When someone “pulls a blinder” it means they achieved something difficult faultlessly and skilfully.

11. Brolly – an abbreviation of umbrella.

12. Builders tea – the name for a strongly-brewed mug of English breakfast tea with milk and sugar, the way tea is most commonly drunk in the UK.

13. Cack handed – Describes a task that is performed in a clumsy and awkward or uncomfortable way. ‘cack’ is an old fashioned term for faeces.

14. Chips — If you order a fish and chips, don’t expect a side of Lays. In the UK, chips are deep-fried, chunky strips of potatoes. In the US, thin bastardised versions of British chips might call themselves french fries.

15. Chock-a-block — A place that is very busy. A road, street, or shop full to the rafters could be described this way.

16. Chin wag – A “good old chinwag” is a good chat, catch up, or gossip with someone.

17. Codswallop — A load of rubbish, something often made up for dramatic effect.

18. Collywobbles – a feeling of acute nervousness

19. Daft — A bit stupid. Not particularly offensive, just mildly silly.

20. Dim – Someone that lacks common knowledge might be described as “dim,”

21. Dosh — Money. Cash. Slang for all types of currency.

22. Doddle – An easy task is a “doddle.”

23. Easy peasy — If something is not difficult then it is loudly pronounced as being easy peasy.

24. Faff — Faffing around is a typical British pastime. It’s involves taking unnecessary time over something that should be straightforward.

25. Filch — To steal.

26. Flog — To sell something – usually cheaply and quickly

27. Fluke — If something happens purely by chance then it is a fluke. It’s a lucky occurrence that doesn’t often happen.

28. Flutter — To bet or place a wager. Most usually used to describe someone who likes to have a small stake on a horse race, for example, Mr. Smith likes to have a flutter.

29. Full of beans — Someone who is full of energy might be described as being full of beans. It’s possessing endless quantities of get up and go, almost to the point of annoyance.

30. Gallivanting — To “gallivant” means to roam, or to set off on an expedition, with the sole intention of having some light-hearted fun.

31. Gander — To take a look around.

32. Give us a bell — Calling somebody on the telephone. In this instance ‘us’ actually means ‘me’.

33. Gobsmacked — Completely and utterly awestruck in amazement.

34. Gormless — A person who has little clue or idea about what is going on around them.

35. Gutted — Not to be confused with literally being disembowelled, someone that says they’re “gutted” is devastated or extremely upset.

36. Hanky panky — In American English this would be known as making out.

37. Half past – While Americans are more likely to say “seven thirty” or “five fifty,” Brits will more often than not refer to times in “minutes past” the hour. Eg, “half past seven,” and “ten to six.”

38. Hard lines — A way of saying bad luck.

39. Honking — Used to mean being violently sick.

40. Jammy — Consistently being on the right side of good fortune. If you are repeatedly lucky you might be described as jammy.

41. Knackered – tired and exhausted

42. Khazi — British slang for the toilet. Don’t forget your bog roll.

43. Knees up — A proper British party, full of warm beer and loud music. Just don’t end up honking.

44. Knickers in a twist – to become upset about something thats not very important.

45. Leg it — To run away, usually from trouble.

46. Lovely Jubbly – to express delight or approval.

47. Lurgy — If you have the dreaded lurgy then you are unwell with either the flu or a cold.

48. Mate — A good friend or acquaintance. Regularly used as a greeting or term of affection.

49. Miffed – Slightly irritated or annoyed.

50. Mufti — A military term that has seeped its way into British slang to mean casual or civilian clothes.

51. Mug — If you are a bit of a mug then you are gullible, and will believe anything.

52. Mush — Slang for your mouth, i.e. shut your mush.

53. Naff — In old times it used to mean someone who is heterosexual. Now it’s used to describe something lacking in style or good taste.

54. Narked — Cheesed off, irritated. If you’re in a bad mood you might be labeled as narked or even a bit narky.

55. Nick — To steal or take something that doesn’t belong to you. If you are then caught by the police/law/fuzz then you would be nicked.

56. Nitwit — An inoffensive way of describing someone a bit silly.

57. Nosh — Food! You might describe a tasty meal as a good nosh up.

58. Not my cup of tea — A classic British phrase that is trundled out to describe a situation or circumstance that does not bring one pleasure.

59. Nowt — Originating in the North of England (another instance where an entire subcategory of British slang terms could be procured) this word has entered mainstream language to mean nothing.

60. Nut — To headbutt someone. Not pleasant.

61. Off-colour — Sick, poorly, or generally under the weather. If you are looking off-colour then the chances are you don’t look well.

62. Off your trolley — Someone who is described as such is usually behaving in a crazy manner.

63. On your bike — A not so polite way of telling someone to go away.

64. Pants — Slightly tricky one for our American cousins, but British pants are our undergarments. They go underneath our trousers. Pants can also mean something that’s rubbish.

65. Parky — Used to describe cold weather. Not drastically cold, just a bit chilly.

66. Pear-shaped — When something has not gone entirely to plan, it is said to have gone a bit pear-shaped.

67. Piece of cake — When something is easy peasy it could be described as a piece of cake. No food or confectionery necessary.

68. Pinch — Another word for stealing, or purchasing something at a heavily discounted rate.

69. P*ssed — “P*ssed” usually means “angry” in the US. However, in the UK, someone that’s “p*ssed” is most probably drunk.

70. Plastered — Another British slang term for being drunk. Anyone would think the Brits like a drink.

71. Porkies — Spreading lies. Anyone not being straight with the truth could be accused of telling porkies.

72. Porridge — Doing a stretch in porridge means serving time in prison.

73. Prat — A low-key curse work for a stupid person. Pratting around could also be used to describe someone behaving in a foolish way.

74. Put a sock in it — This is a fairly rude way of telling someone to be quiet.

75. Quids in — Someone who’s “quids in” has invested in an opportunity which is probably going to benefit them massively.

76. Rubbish — Everything a Brit throws in the bin is called rubbish. Not trash or garbage, but rubbish.

77. Round – You might buy a “round” of drinks for your friends at the pub, in the understanding that they will each buy you a drink as part of their “rounds” later on.

78. Shambles – A disorganised mess or chaotic environment might be described as a “shambles.”

79. Scrummy — A word to describe something deliciously tasty.

80. Skive — To skive off work or school is to bunk off or play truant. Hopefully not getting caught in the process.

81. Sloshed — drunk again. Or pissed, blotto, trashed, plastered.. eg: “I had a few too many sherberts last night mate, I was sloshed.”

82. Smarmy — Someone that comes across as scheming or untrustworthy might be described as “smarmy.”

83. Snog — A kiss.

84. Snookered — Appearing in the English dictionary thanks to the ancient game of snooker, to be snookered means you are in a situation from which you can see no obvious escape.

85. Sod’s law — A British axiom that boils down to the idea that: “If anything can go wrong, then it definitely will go wrong.”

86. Shirty — Someone who is demonstrating signs of irritability might be described as getting shirty.

87. Splash out – To “splash out” means spending significant amounts of money on a particular item or event.

88. Squiffy — On the way to being drunk. Not quite sloshed but only a few drinks away.

89. Starkers — Nude. Naked. Without clothing.

90. Strop — A public display of displeasure might be described as having a strop.

91. Swear — In the United Kingdom to swear is the same as to cuss or curse.

92. Ta — Short for thanks.

93. Twee — Small, dainty, or quaint. A very British term to describe lots of aspects of life in the United Kingdom.

94. Taking the biscuit — if you are taking the biscuit when you are starting to push your luck. A similar phrase in American English is to take the cake.

95. Tickety boo – in good order, fine

96. Welly — If you give something welly you’ve given it a really good go.

97. Wobbler — To have a tantrum or throw a strop.

98. Yakking — Talking too much.

99. Yonks — A general term for a long period of time, i.e. We haven’t visited there for yonks.

100. Zonked – Exhausted; tired.

 Rupert Scrivener

67. Sue Birtwistle

66. Clive Swift

65. Ridgewell Hawkes

64. Vincent Brimble

63. Talfryn Thomas

62. Nigel Plaskitt

61. Felicity Gibson

60. Malcolm Terris

59. Nicholas Hawtrey

58. Royston Farrell

57. Prentis Hancock

56. Terrance Dicks

55. Nigel Humphreys

54. Mervyn Pinfield

53. Valerie Pye

52. Fionnula Tambling-Goggin

51. Bryonie Pritchard

50. Pat Pennelegion

49. Eunice Montjoy

48. Antonia Pemberton

47. Cedric Kerr

46. Fitz-Lloyd Smith

45. Imogen Bickford-Smith

44. Camilla Griffith-Jones

43. Gillian Tullett

42. Nuala Alen-Buckley

41. Pip Torrens

40. Cyril Swern

39. Laurence Luckinbill

38. Celestia Fox

37. Royston Munt

36. Mia Fothergill

35. Giles Oldershaw

34. Rosalie Crutchley

33. Imogen Millais-Scott

32. Gwenda Hughes

31. Dermot Crowley

30. Joan Dainty

29. Cordelia Ditton

28. Arthur Nightingale

27. Jemima Rooper

26. Prunella Scales

25. Anne Trickelbank

24. Rodney Cammish

23. Valerie Unwin

22. Alexander Faris

21. Nicola Pagett

20. Rosamund Pike

19. Jeremy Silberston

18. Pippa Harris

17. Lesley Altringham .

16. Graham Crowden

15. Cyril Coke

14. Helen Slaymaker

13. Gillian McCutcheon

12. Eve Petcher

11. Lulu Popplewell

10. Nicola Parfit

9. St. John O’Rorke

8. Alf Tramontin

7. Jayne Spooner

6. Marnie Dickens

5. Nigel Bunyan

4. Felix Pickles

3. Camise Oldfield

2. Nimmy March (Lady Naomi Burke, née Gordon-Lennox)

1. Derek Honeybun

Λύστε τους γρίφους
Solve the Puzzles
Βρείτε το Majestic Chest

Mystery Puzzle Boxes

Molly, Dolly, and Holly; Their personalities were very different, but they had one thing in common: they loved to solve puzzles.

Molly was the oldest sister, and she was always the one who came up with the ideas. She was also the most respectful of the three sisters. She always listened to what her sisters had to say, and she never tried to force her own ideas on them.

Dolly was the middle sister, and she was always the one who drove the team forward. She was always eager to get started on a new puzzle, and she never gave up until she had solved it.

Holly was the youngest sister, and she was always the most patient of the three sisters. She was always willing to help her sisters out, and she never got upset when they made mistakes.

One day, the three sisters found a beautifully carved wooden box. Their grandmother mentioned that it was a difficult puzzle with a secret chamber. They had never seen anything like it before. The sisters, each, tried to solve it on their own, but they couldn't figure it out.

"I don't know what to do," said Molly. "This puzzle is too hard."

"We need to work together," said Dolly. "If we all put our heads together, we can solve it."

"I'll help," said Holly. "I'm patient. I can wait."

The three sisters worked together for hours. They tried different things, but nothing seemed to work.

"I'm giving up," said Molly. "This puzzle is impossible."

"Don't give up," said Dolly. "We're so close."

"I'm not giving up," said Holly. "I'm just taking a break."

The three sisters took a break, and then they came back to the puzzle. They looked at it from a different angle, and they finally figured it out. Pushed a button while sliding a section to reveal the secret chamber inside. A note with orange colored string neatly tied, was inside the chamber.

"We did it!" said Molly. "We solved the puzzle!"

"I told you we could do it," said Dolly.

"I knew we would," said Holly. Holly grabbed the tiny note and untied it. The note read " Congratulations, you have solved the first of many more puzzles". Find the Majestic Chest, It holds more puzzles... Solve the puzzles to learn the secrets!

The three sisters were so happy that they had solved the puzzle together and couldn't wait to find the place where the Majestic Chest is hidden. 

Together the three sisters decided to create nick names for each other: Hope (Molly), Faith (Dolly) and Charity (Holly)

The Book of Mysteries and Investigations

Holly, Dolly and Molly began searching through a big pile of neatly stacked books in their grandmother's attic. They decided to check them out and see if they could find anything fun to read.

As they browsed through the titles, they noticed a very large book with a leather strap that looked different from the rest. It was dusty and worn, and had no title on the cover. Holly, the oldest sister, reached for it and opened it carefully. On the inside cover, she saw the words: 'Mysteries and Investigations'.

"What's this?" she asked her sisters, who came closer to see.

"It looks like a journal," Dolly, the middle sister, said. "Maybe it belonged to someone who solved mysteries."

"Or maybe it's full of secrets and clues," Molly, the youngest sister, said excitedly. "Let's read it and find out."

The sisters agreed and settled down on the floor with the book. They opened it to the first page and began to read. To their surprise, they discovered that the book was not a journal, but a collection of stories about different mysteries and investigations that had taken place around the world. Some were historical, some were fictional, some were spooky, some were funny. But all of them were fascinating and intriguing.

The sisters read one story after another, losing track of time and forgetting everything else. They felt like they were traveling to different places and times, meeting different characters and solving different puzzles. They laughed, gasped, shivered and cheered as they followed each adventure.

They didn't notice that the book was glowing faintly with a mysterious light. Nor did they notice that each time they turned a page, a small piece of paper fell out of the book and landed on the floor. The pieces of paper had words written on them in a strange language that none of them could understand.

They also didn't notice that their grandmother was watching them from the doorway with a smile on her face. She knew what the book was and what it could do. She had found it when she was a little girl, just like them. She had read it many times and had many adventures of her own. She had kept it as a secret treasure for all these years, waiting for the right time to share it with her granddaughters.

She decided that this was the right time. She walked into the attic and joined them on the floor.

"Hello, my darlings," she said softly. "Are you enjoying the book?"

The sisters looked up at her with wide eyes.

"Grandma!" they exclaimed in unison.

They hugged her and told her how much they loved the book and how amazing it was.

"I'm glad you like it," she said. "It's a very special book. It's not just a book of stories. It's a book of magic."

"Magic?" they repeated in wonder.

"Yes, magic," she said. "This book has the power to take you to any mystery or investigation you want to experience. All you have to do is wish for it."

She pointed at the pieces of paper on the floor.

"These are tickets," she said. "Each one is an invitation to a different adventure. You can choose any one you like and use it to enter the story."

The sisters looked at each other in disbelief.

"Really?" Holly asked.

"Really," their grandmother said. "But there are some rules you have to follow."

"What rules?" Dolly asked.

"The first rule is: you have to go together. You can't go alone or split up. You have to stick together and help each other."

"OK," they said.

"The second rule is: you have to be careful. Some of these stories are dangerous and scary. You have to use your wits and your courage to survive."

"OK," they said.

"The third rule is: you have to come back before sunset. If you stay too long in the story, you might get stuck there forever."

"OK," they said.

"The fourth rule is: you have to keep this a secret. You can't tell anyone else about this book or what it can do."

"OK," they said.

"And the fifth rule is: you have to have fun. This is a gift for you to enjoy and learn from."

"OK," they said.

Their grandmother smiled and handed them each a piece of paper.

"Here you go," she said. "Pick one and make your wish."

Chest and the Key 

The Secret Key

The next day, the sisters had a plan. They waited until their parents left for work, and then they sneaked back to the attic. They brought with them a hammer, a screwdriver, a pair of scissors and a coat hanger. They were determined to open the chest by any means necessary.

They tried to pry the lock with the screwdriver, but it was too strong. They tried to cut the lock with the scissors, but it was too thick. They tried to smash the lock with the hammer, but it was too loud.

"Shh, you'll wake up the neighbors," said Molly.

"Who cares? We're almost there," said Holly.

They kept hitting the lock with the hammer, until they heard a click. They stopped and looked at each other.

"Did we do it?" asked Dolly.

They lifted the lid slowly and peered inside. They gasped at what they saw.

The chest was full of old letters, photographs, journals and maps. They looked like they were from different countries and eras. Some of them had stamps and seals on them. Some of them had drawings and sketches on them. Some of them had codes and symbols on them.

The sisters felt like they had found a treasure trove of history and mystery. They couldn't wait to read and explore everything.

They picked up a letter that was on top of the pile. It was written in a fancy handwriting and addressed to "My dearest Elizabeth". It was dated 1914 and signed by "Your loving Edward".

They opened it and read: 

My dearest Elizabeth,

I hope this letter finds you well and happy. I miss you terribly and I long for the day when I can see you again.

I'm writing to you from France, where I'm serving as a soldier in the Great War. It's a terrible and bloody conflict that seems to have no end. I've seen things that no man should ever see, and I've done things that no man should ever do.

But I don't want to burden you with my troubles. I want to tell you about something amazing that happened to me yesterday.

I was on patrol with my squad near the front lines, when we came across an old farmhouse that had been abandoned by its owners. We decided to search it for supplies and shelter.

As we entered the house, we noticed that it was full of books and paintings. It looked like someone had lived there who loved art and literature. We were curious about who they were and what they had left behind.

We split up and explored different rooms. I went upstairs and found a bedroom that had a large wardrobe in it. I opened it and saw that it was full of clothes and accessories. They looked like they belonged to a woman who had a fine taste in fashion.

I was about to close the wardrobe, when I noticed something shiny at the back of it. I reached for it and pulled it out. It was a key.

It was a small, very strange brass key that had a star-shaped handle. It looked like it was made for a special lock or a secret door.

I wondered what it opened and where it led to. I felt a strange attraction to it, as if it was calling me to follow it.

I put it in my pocket and left the room. I rejoined my squad downstairs and told them that I had found nothing of interest.

We left the house shortly after and returned to our camp. But I couldn't stop thinking about the key.

That night, as I lay in my tent, I took out the key and examined it more closely. It had some letters engraved on it: H.D.M.

I wondered what they meant and who they belonged to. I wondered if they had anything to do with the owner of the house or the woman whose clothes were in the wardrobe.

I decided to keep the key as a souvenir and a mystery. Maybe one day I would find out its secrets. Maybe one day I would find you again.

Your loving Edward

The sisters finished reading the letter and looked at each other in awe.

“Wow,” said Holly. “This is incredible.”

“Who is Edward? Who is Elizabeth? What happened to them?” asked Dolly.

“What does H.D.M stand for? What does the key open?” asked Molly.

They had so many questions and no answers. But they knew one thing for sure: they had just found their first clue to an amazing adventure.

Mysteries of the chest and the key 

The Order of the Star

The sisters decided to keep their discovery a secret from their parents and anyone else. They felt like they had stumbled upon something special and personal, and they wanted to share it only with each other.

They spent every free moment they had in the attic, reading and studying the contents of the chest. They learned about different people and places and times. They learned about wars and revolutions and discoveries. They learned about love and loss and hope.

They also tried to find out more about Edward and Elizabeth and their relationship. They found more letters from Edward to Elizabeth, but none from Elizabeth to Edward. They wondered if she ever wrote back or if she ever received his letters.

They also found a photograph of Edward in his uniform. He was a handsome young man with dark hair and a gentle smile. He looked brave and kind.

They searched for a photograph of Elizabeth, but they couldn't find one. They wondered what she looked like and how she met Edward.

They also searched for clues about the key and what it opened. They found a map of France with a red circle around a town called Saint-Malo. They wondered if that was where Edward found the key or where he sent it from.

They also found a journal that belonged to Edward. It was full of sketches and notes about his experiences in the war. It also had some entries that mentioned the key and its secrets.

They read one of them:

June 15th, 1915

I've been thinking a lot about the key lately. I still don't know what it opens or where it leads to, but I have a feeling that it's something important and wonderful.

I've been doing some research on it, using the books and papers I found in the farmhouse. I've learned that it's not an ordinary key, but a special one that belongs to a secret society called the Order of the Star.

The Order of the Star is an ancient and mysterious group that has existed for centuries. They are dedicated to preserving and protecting the secrets of the universe, such as magic, alchemy, astrology and other hidden arts.

They have members all over the world, who communicate with each other using codes and symbols. They also have hidden places where they store their knowledge and treasures, such as libraries, temples, caves and castles.

The key is one of their symbols and one of their tools. It can open any door or lock that has a star-shaped hole in it. It can also activate certain devices or mechanisms that have a star-shaped pattern on them.

The key can also do something else: it can transport its holder to another place or time, depending on where they use it and how they use it.

That's right: the key can travel through space and time.

I don't know how it works or why it works, but I've seen it happen with my own eyes.

I've used the key twice so far, and both times I've ended up somewhere else.

The first time was when I was still in Saint-Malo, before I left for the front lines. I was curious about the key and I wanted to test it out.

I went back to the farmhouse where I found it, and I looked for a door or a lock that had a star-shaped hole in it. I found one in the basement: it was a metal door that looked like it led to a cellar or a vault.

I inserted the key into the hole and turned it clockwise. The door opened with a click.

I stepped inside and closed the door behind me. I expected to see a dark and damp room full of barrels or boxes or rats.

But instead, I saw something else: I saw stars.

I was standing in a large dome-shaped chamber that had walls covered with mirrors. The mirrors reflected thousands of tiny lights that looked like stars in the night sky.

In the center of the chamber there was a pedestal with a globe on top of it. The globe was made of glass and metal, and it had wires and gears attached to it. It looked like some kind of machine or instrument.

On the pedestal there was also a plaque with some words on it:

THE ORRERY OF THE ORDER OF THE STAR

A MODEL OF THE SOLAR SYSTEM AND ITS MOVEMENTS

A KEY TO THE SECRETS OF THE UNIVERSE

I was amazed by what I saw. I felt like I had entered another world or another

The Orrery

I approached the pedestal and examined the globe. It was a beautiful and intricate piece of craftsmanship. It had tiny models of the planets and their moons, all made of different materials and colors. They were arranged in orbits around a central sphere that represented the sun.

The globe was also connected to a mechanism that made it move and rotate. It had a dial and a lever on the side of the pedestal. The dial had numbers and symbols on it, and the lever had two positions: ON and OFF.

I wondered what would happen if I turned the lever to ON. I was curious and reckless, so I did it.

As soon as I did, the globe came to life. It started to spin and whirl, making a soft humming sound. The planets and their moons moved along their orbits, following a precise and complex pattern.

I was fascinated by the spectacle. I felt like I was watching the real solar system in miniature. I wanted to see more, so I turned the dial to different settings.

The dial had four modes: NORMAL, FAST, SLOW and RANDOM.

NORMAL mode made the globe move at its regular speed and direction. It showed the current state and position of the solar system.

FAST mode made the globe move faster than normal. It showed the future state and position of the solar system.

SLOW mode made the globe move slower than normal. It showed the past state and position of the solar system.

RANDOM mode made the globe move in unpredictable ways. It showed possible or alternative states and positions of the solar system.

I tried each mode and observed the changes in the globe. I saw how the planets aligned or misaligned, how they eclipsed or shone, how they influenced or ignored each other.

I also noticed something else: each time I changed the mode, I felt a slight vibration in my pocket. It was coming from the key.

I took out the key and looked at it. It was glowing faintly with a blue light. It also had some letters flashing on it: H.D.M.

I wondered what they meant and what they had to do with the globe. I wondered if they were a code or a message or a warning.

I decided to find out. I held the key in my hand and pointed it at the globe. I pressed the heart-shaped handle and waited for something to happen.

Something did happen, I disappeared.

I felt a sudden rush of wind and light, and then I was gone. The chamber, the pedestal, the globe, all vanished from my sight.

I was traveling through space and time.

 The Pyramid

I don't know how long I traveled or how far I went. It felt like a few seconds or a few hours or a few years. It was hard to tell.

I only know that I ended up somewhere else. Somewhere very different from where I started.

I opened my eyes and looked around. I was standing in a desert, under a blazing sun. The sky was clear and blue, and the air was hot and dry.

In front of me, there was a huge pyramid. It was made of stone and covered with hieroglyphs. It looked ancient and majestic.

I recognized it immediately: it was the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the wonders of the world.

I couldn't believe it: I had traveled to Egypt, in the past.

I checked the key in my pocket. It was still glowing and flashing. It also had some numbers on it: 2560 BC.

That was the date: I had traveled to the year 2560 BC, when the pyramid was built.

I wondered why I was here and what I was supposed to do. I wondered if I could go back or if I was stuck here.

I decided to explore and find out. I walked towards the pyramid, hoping to find a clue or a way out.

I saw a door on the side of the pyramid. It had a star-shaped hole on it.

It was the same as the one in the farmhouse.

It was my way out.

I ran towards the door and reached for the key. I inserted it into the hole and turned it clockwise.

The door opened with a click.

I stepped inside and closed the door behind me.

I was safe.

For now.

Dreams, Rigamarole

Molly, Dolly and Holly were not sure what to believe about Edward's 'time travel to Egypt'. Was he drunk when he wrote that letter to Elizabeth or did, he dream about Egypt... maybe he was simply trying to impress her. 

"But how is it possible?" Dolly asked. "How can he travel back in time? And why would he write to Elizabeth about it? Doesn't he know how much she loves him? How much this will hurt her?"

"I don't know," Molly said. "Maybe he's trying to explain something. Maybe he's trying to make sense of it himself."

Twists and Turns

The Adventure Continues

The three sisters, Holly, Dolly, and Molly had always been fascinated by the attic of their family's Victorian house. It was a treasure trove of old, forgotten items that their parents had collected over the years, from dusty books and vintage clothing to antique furniture and knick-knacks.

The Clues

Just when the sisters were about to give up, they discovered a hidden compartment in the trunk. It was small and well-concealed, but inside they found a piece of paper with a cryptic message written on it: "The key is not in the lock, but in the past."

The sisters were intrigued – what did the message mean? Was it a clue to help them open the trunk? They started to investigate the history of their family and the Victorian house they lived in, looking for any clues or hints that might lead them to the key.

The Family History

As the sisters delved deeper into their family history, they uncovered a long-forgotten secret. It turned out that their great-grandfather had been a wealthy businessman who had mysteriously disappeared one day, leaving behind a fortune and a family in disarray.

The sisters started to piece together the clues – they found old newspaper clippings, photographs, and letters that suggested their great-grandfather had hidden something valuable before his disappearance. And they began to suspect that the key to the trunk might be linked to this secret.

After months of research, the sisters finally discovered the key to the trunk. It had been hidden in a secret compartment in their great-grandfather's old office, and it was engraved with a message: "For the one who solves the mystery."

Excited and nervous, the sisters rushed back to the attic and finally unlocked the trunk. What they found inside was beyond their wildest dreams – it was filled with rare and valuable treasures, including old coins, antique jewelry, and even a priceless painting.

The sisters were thrilled, but they also knew that their discovery had a greater significance. It was a reminder that there was always more to explore and discover in the world around them, and that the mysteries they encountered were not always as they seemed.

Mysteries in the trunk are not as they seem!

'Protect the Key'

Holly, Dolly and Molly were working on one of the drawers in the trunk... it looked different than the others, they heard a click and a small panel slid open on the side of the trunk. It revealed a secret compartment that was hidden behind the drawer.

Inside the compartment, there was a small drawstring sachel that looked very old and worn. It had a note attached to it with a string. The note was written in a neat handwriting that said: “Protect the Key”. The sisters were puzzled by the note and wondered what it meant. They opened the sachel and found a metal, odd looking key that had a strange symbol engraved on it. It looked like a star within a star.

The sisters felt a sudden chill in the air and heard a loud thud from downstairs. They quickly closed the compartment and put the sachel in their pocket. They ran down the stairs to see what was going on. They found their grandmother lying on the floor, unconscious. Next to her, there was a broken vase and a note that said: “Give us the Key or else”. The note was written in a messy handwriting.

The sisters were terrified and didn’t know what to do. They realized that someone had broken into their house and attacked their grandmother. They wondered who they were and how they knew about the key.

 They hoped that their grandmother would be okay and that they could find out the truth about the key and why it was so important.

This is an 'on-going' rough draft... edits are frequent.

The Map of Togædere

Holly, Dolly, and Molly were bored.  They started going through the papers in the big, old trunk in their grandmother's house, and they soon found a map of a village in a valley. The map was labeled "Togædere."

"What's Togædere?" Holly asked.

"Let's go find out!" Molly said.

The girls decided to go on an adventure to find Togædere. They packed a lunch and set off into the woods.

They walked for what seemed like hours, and they were starting to get tired and hungry. They stopped to rest and have a bite to eat. The sisters were very tired and decided to rest for a little longer... perhaps a nap is in order.

"There it is!" Holly said.

The girls ran down into the valley, and they soon found themselves in a small village. The village was made up of small, wooden houses, and the streets were lined with flowers.

The girls walked through the village, and they soon met a group of children playing in the street.

"Hello," Holly said. "Can you tell us where we are?"

"This is Togædere," one of the children said. "It's a magical place."

"It is?" Dolly asked.

"Yes," the child said. "Anything is possible here."

The girls spent the rest of the day exploring Togædere. They met all sorts of interesting people, and they had many magical adventures.

When it was time to go home, the girls were sad to leave. But they knew that they would never forget their time in Togædere.

As they walked back to the woods, they looked back at the village. It was so beautiful, and it seemed to glow with a magical light.

"I'm glad we came here," Molly said.

"Me too," Holly said. "It was the best adventure ever."

The girls continued to walk, and soon they were back in the woods. They found their way back to the trunk, and they put the map back inside the trunk.

"We'll come back someday," Dolly said.

"I know we will," Holly said.

Was that a dream? One of them said. 

The girls closed the trunk, and they went downstairs. They told their grandmother all about their adventure, and she was so happy for them.

The girls went to bed that night, and they dreamed of Togædere. They knew that they would never forget their time in the magical village.

The villages of Wibbly and Wobbly

 The Two Villages

Wibbly and Wobbly were two villages that were located very close to each other. They were both small villages, with only a few hundred people living in each one. The villages were very different from each other, though. Wibbly was a very peaceful village, with everyone getting along and helping each other out. Wobbly, on the other hand, was a very chaotic village, with everyone always fighting and arguing.

The First Meeting

One day, a young girl named Alice from Wibbly was walking in the forest when she came across a young boy named Ian from Wobbly. Alice and Ian were both surprised to see each other, but they quickly became friends. They talked for hours about their different villages, and they were both surprised to learn that the other village was so different from their own.

The Friendship Grows

Alice and Ian continued to meet in the forest every day. They would talk about their families, their friends, and their dreams. They also started to learn about each other's cultures. Alice learned about the chaos of Wobbly, and Ian learned about the peace of Wibbly.

The Friendship Is Tested

 1000-year storm poured down onto the villages of Wibbly and Wobbly. They had their differences and didn't really care to socialize with their neighbors, but this terrible storm created a great deal of damage for both villages. A very wide river has now formed between them.

The people of Wibbly were used to the rain. They lived in a valley, and the river that ran through their village was always full. But this storm was different. It rained for days, and the river rose higher and higher. Soon, it was overflowing its banks and flooding the village.

The people of Wibbly were scared. They didn't know what to do. They had never seen anything like this before. They tried to sandbag the river, but it was no use. The water was too strong.

Just when it seemed like all hope was lost, a group of people from Wobbly came to their aid. They had seen the flooding from their village, and they had come to help their neighbors. The people of Wobbly worked together to build a levee to stop the flooding. They worked day and night, and finally, they were successful. The water receded, and the people of Wibbly were safe.

The people of Wibbly were grateful to the people of Wobbly for their help. They realized that they had been wrong to think of their neighbors as enemies. They were all in this together, and they needed to work together to survive.

The Two Villages Unite

As the days went by, the villagers of Wibbly and Wobbly began to help each other. They shared food and water, they built shelters, and they worked together to find a way to cross the river.
One day, the storm finally ended. The sun came out, and the river began to recede. The villagers of Wibbly and Wobbly were overjoyed. They had survived the storm together, and they had learned that they could work together.

The villagers decided to build a new village on the spot where they had met. They called it Togædere, which means "together" in their language. The village of Togædere was a place where everyone was welcome, no matter where they came from or what they believed. It was a place where people could work together to build a better future.

Togædere Village

They had been enemies for so long, it was hard to imagine them working together. But as they huddled together for warmth and comfort, they began to talk. They learned that they had more in common than they thought. They both loved their families, they both wanted a safe and prosperous home, and they both wanted to see the storm end.
The villagers of Togædere lived in peace and harmony for many years. They were a strong and prosperous community, and they were always willing to help those in need. 

The village of Togædere was a shining example of what could be accomplished when people worked together.

 Felix Pickles's Cheshire Cheese

Holly, Dolly and Molly find a journal in the trunk... it's title: Cheshire Cheese  Recipes

As the three sisters sat cross-legged on the attic floor, flipping through the pages of their grandmother's journal, they stumbled upon a fascinating story about a man named Felix Pickles and his Cheshire Cheese recipe.

According to the journal, Felix Pickles was a renowned cheesemaker who lived in the heart of Cheshire, England. His cheese was so delicious that it had gained him quite the reputation among food connoisseurs and cheese lovers alike.

Felix's secret to creating the perfect cheese lay in the careful selection of his ingredients and his unwavering attention to detail. He would spend hours monitoring the temperature and humidity of his cheese cellar, ensuring that his cheese matured to perfection.

But despite his success, Felix was not content to rest on his laurels. He was always looking for ways to improve his cheese and push the boundaries of what was possible. And that's when he stumbled upon an idea that would change the course of his life.

One day, while experimenting with different cheese blends, Felix created a cheese so unique and flavorful that it left his taste buds tingling. He called it the Cheshire Cheese, named after the village, where he lived.

Word about Cheshire Cheese spread quickly, and soon, people were flocking from all over the area to taste Felix's creation. The cheese was so popular that Felix had to start churning out batches by the dozen just to keep up with the demand.

As the sisters continued to read their grandmother's journal, they couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the story of Felix Pickles his Cheshire Cheese recipe. They knew that they had stumbled upon a treasure trove of family history, and they were excited to share it with the rest of their family and the world.

The Rat and the Parrot

Once upon a time, there was a rat and a parrot who were odd friends. The rat was small and furry, and the parrot was big and colorful. They lived in a big, old house with a lot of other animals.

The rat and the parrot were very different, but they got along well. The rat was always getting into trouble, but the parrot was always there to help him out. The parrot was smart and resourceful, and he could always think of a way to get the rat out of a jam.

One day, the rat was exploring the attic when he found a big, old chest. He was curious about what was inside, so he started to open it. But as soon as he opened the lid, a big, black cat jumped out and chased him. The rat ran as fast as he could, but the cat was faster.

Just when it seemed like the cat was going to catch the rat, the parrot swooped down and grabbed the rat in his beak. The parrot flew the rat to safety, and the cat was left behind, furious.

The rat was so grateful to the parrot for saving his life. He knew that he would never have been able to escape from the cat on his own. The rat and the parrot became even better friends after that, and they always looked out for each other.

One day, a big storm came to the area. The wind blew and the rain poured down. The animals in the house were scared, but the rat and the parrot were not afraid. They knew that they could count on each other to get through anything.

The storm raged for hours, but eventually it passed. The sun came out and the birds started to sing. The animals in the house were relieved to be safe, and they were all grateful to the rat and the parrot for their friendship.

The rat and the parrot continued to live together in the house for many years. They were always there for each other, through good times and bad. They were the best of friends, and they would never forget the time they helped each other through the storm.

Village of  Tickety-Boo

"Everything is Tickety-Boo" 

There is a village in the land

Where everything is grand

The people are so happy and free

They live in harmony

The village is called Tickety Boo

It's a lovely place to go to

The houses are cozy and bright

The gardens are a delight

The village has a bakery

Where they make delicious pastry

The village has a library

Where they read books of mystery

The village has a school

Where they learn the golden rule

The village has a park

Where they play until it's dark

The village of Tickety Boo

Is a dream come true

If you ever get a chance to visit

You will surely love it

The Bubbleverse

Holly, Molly and Dolly were once again up in their grandmother's attic. They loved exploring the dusty old things that their grandmother had collected over the years. They especially liked the big old trunk that was full of clothes, books, toys and other treasures.

One day, as they were rummaging through the trunk, Molly noticed a note taped to the underside of one of the drawers. She pulled it out and showed it to her sisters.

"Look at this," she said. "It's a note from Grandma."

The note was written in a neat cursive handwriting that they recognized as their grandmother's. It said:

Dear girls,

I hope you are having fun in the attic. There is something I want to tell you about the trunk. It is not an ordinary trunk. It is a portal to another world. A world where anything is possible. A world where you can create your own bubbles of reality. I call it the Bubbleverse.

But be very careful in the Bubbleverse. Not everything is as it seems. There are dangers and traps that you must avoid. And there are rules that you must follow. If you break them, you may never come back.

The first rule is: Never go alone. Always stay together with your sisters. The second rule is: Never stay too long. Always come back before sunset. The third rule is: Never pop a bubble that is not yours. You don't know what might happen.

On the other side of this note, you will find a map of the Bubbleverse. It shows you how to enter and exit the trunk, and how to navigate the different bubbles. Follow it carefully and you will be safe.

Have fun, but be careful.

Love,
Grandma

P.S. Don't tell anyone else about this. It's our secret.

The girls were stunned by what they read. They flipped the note over and saw a strange map drawn with symbols and colors. They looked at each other with wide eyes.

"Wow," said Holly. "Grandma was a secret adventurer."

"Or a secret lunatic," said Dolly.

"Or both," said Molly.

They decided to try it out for themselves. They followed the map and entered the trunk through a hidden door at the back. They found themselves in a dark tunnel that led them to a bright opening. They stepped out and gasped.

They were in the Bubbleverse... In-between space and time!

The Shadow People

We cast them with our light and fire

We shape them with our thoughts and desire

We give them life with our breath and voice

We make them ours with our choice

They are the shadow people, the reflection

They are the shadow people, the projection

They are the shadow people, the creation

They are the shadow people, the relation

They follow us wherever we go

They mirror us whatever we do

They echo us whenever we speak

They share us however we seek

They are the shadow people, the companion

They are the shadow people, the opinion

They are the shadow people, the expression

They are the shadow people, the impression

Tawny Frogmouth

One day, when their grandmother went to the market, they decided to sneak up to the attic and see for themselves. They found a wooden ladder that led to a trapdoor in the ceiling. They climbed up carefully and pushed the door open. A cloud of dust greeted them as they entered the dimly lit space.

The attic was full of old furniture, boxes, trunks and suitcases. There were also paintings, books, toys and clothes that belonged to their grandmother and her ancestors. The sisters felt like they had stepped into a treasure trove. They started to look around, each one drawn to a different corner of the room.

Holly found a chest full of costumes and accessories. She tried on a feather boa, a pearl necklace and a hat with a veil. She looked at herself in a cracked mirror and pretended to be a movie star.

Molly found a shelf full of books and journals. She picked up one of them and opened it. It was a diary written by their great-grandmother when she was a young girl. She read about her adventures, dreams and secrets. She felt like she had met a new friend.

Dolly found a pile of rugs and blankets. She lifted one of them and saw something that made her gasp. It was a phrase etched on the wooden floor: 'Save Tawny Frogmouth'. She wondered what it meant and who had written it.

She called her sisters over and showed them the mysterious message. They were all puzzled and curious. They had never heard of Tawny Frogmouth before. Was it a person, a place or a thing? Why did it need to be saved? And by whom?

They decided to ask their grandmother about it when she came back. But they didn't have to wait that long. As they were talking, they heard a loud thud from outside. They ran to the window and looked down. They couldn't believe their eyes... 

Tiger Lily

The Cat and her pajamas

Tiger Lily was a cat who loved to sleep in pajamas. She had a knack for finding the coziest and softest ones in the house, whether they belonged to her owner, her owner's guests, or even the laundry basket. She would sneak into the bedroom, find the pajamas, and crawl into them, curling up and falling asleep.

One day, Tiger Lily found a pair of pajamas that were different from the others. They were bright pink, with little hearts and flowers on them. They smelled like perfume and candy. Tiger Lily was curious and decided to try them on. She slipped into the pants and pulled the shirt over her head. She felt snug and warm.

She was about to doze off when she heard a loud scream. She opened her eyes and saw a girl standing in front of her, looking shocked and angry. It was her owner's niece, who had come to visit for the weekend. She had brought her favorite pajamas with her, and now she saw a cat wearing them.

"Hey! That's my pajama! Get out of it right now!" the girl shouted.

Tiger Lily was startled and scared. She tried to get out of the pajama, but it was too tight and tangled. She meowed and scratched, but it only made things worse.

The girl ran to her aunt and complained. "Auntie, your cat stole my pajama! She ruined it! Make her give it back!"

Her aunt came to see what was going on. She saw Tiger Lily struggling in the pajama and laughed. "Oh, you silly cat! How did you get into that? Come here, let me help you."

She gently took off the pajama from Tiger Lily and gave it back to her niece. She apologized and explained that Tiger Lily had a habit of sleeping in pajamas. She offered to buy her a new pair or wash the old one.

The girl was still upset, but she calmed down a bit. She accepted her aunt's offer and went to change into another pajama.

Tiger Lily felt relieved and embarrassed. She realized that not all pajamas were meant for her. She decided to be more careful next time and stick to her owner's pajamas. She hoped that the girl would forgive her and maybe even share her pajama with her someday.

Banned Bunnies

The Case of the Banned Bunnies

Molly, Dolly and Holly were three sisters who loved to visit their grandmother's house every weekend. They enjoyed playing in her big garden, where they could explore and discover all kinds of plants and animals. One day, they stumbled upon a nest of baby bunnies hiding under a bush. They were so cute and fluffy that the sisters immediately wanted to adopt them and bring them indoors.

"Please, grandma, can we keep them?" Molly asked, holding one of the bunnies in her arms.

"No, no, no!" Grandma said firmly. "wild bunnies are not pets. They belong in the wild. They will make a mess in the house and eat all my vegetables. Besides, I'm allergic to fur. You have to put them back where you found them."

"But grandma, they are so small and helpless. They need our care and love. We promise to feed them and clean them and play with them. We won't let them bother you at all." Dolly pleaded, cuddling another bunny.

"I'm sorry, girls, but the answer is no. Bunnies are banned from this house. Now go and return them to their mother. She must be worried sick about them." Grandma said sternly.

The sisters were very disappointed and sad. They didn't want to part with their new friends. They decided to sneak the bunnies into their room and hide them from their grandmother. They thought they could take care of them secretly until they were old enough to live on their own.

They put the bunnies in a cardboard box and covered it with a blanket. They carried it upstairs and placed it under their bed. They gave them some water and lettuce and whispered good night to them.

The next morning, they woke up to a loud scream from downstairs.

"Girls! Come down here right now!" Grandma shouted.

They ran down the stairs and saw their grandmother standing in the kitchen, holding a half-eaten carrot cake.

"What is this?" She demanded, pointing at the cake.

"It's your birthday cake, grandma. We made it for you yesterday." Holly said nervously.

"Then why is it all nibbled and crumbled? And what are these little droppings on the floor?" Grandma asked angrily.

The sisters looked at each other guiltily. They realized that the bunnies had escaped from their box during the night and had raided the kitchen for food. They had also left behind some evidence of their presence.

"Grandma, we have something to tell you." Molly said sheepishly.

They confessed everything to their grandmother. They told her how they had found the bunnies in the garden and how they had hidden them in their room. They apologized for lying to her and for ruining her cake.

Grandma was very upset at first. She scolded them for being dishonest and disobedient. She told them how dangerous it was to keep wild animals as pets and how irresponsible it was to take them away from their natural habitat.

But then she saw how sorry and sincere they were. She also saw how much they loved the bunnies and how much the bunnies loved them back. She softened a bit and decided to give them a second chance.

"Alright, girls, I'll make a deal with you." She said. "You can keep the bunnies for one week only. During that time, you have to take good care of them and teach them how to survive in the wild. You also have to help me around the house and make me a new cake. And after one week, you have to let them go."

The sisters agreed to the deal. They thanked their grandmother and hugged her. They ran back upstairs to check on their bunnies.

They spent the next week having fun with their furry friends. They fed them, groomed them, played with them and cuddled with them. They also learned more about bunnies and their behavior. They taught them how to dig burrows, how to find food, how to avoid predators and how to communicate with other bunnies.

They also helped their grandmother with chores and made her a new carrot cake that was even better than the first one.

At the end of the week, they knew it was time to say goodbye to their bunnies. They took them back to the garden and found a safe spot for them under a tree. They gave them one last hug and kiss and wished them well.

"Goodbye, bunnies. We love you very much." Molly said tearfully.

"Goodbye, girls. Thank you for everything."  Come visit us from 'time to time'... we can have tea together; bring carrots!

Holly, Molly and Dolly would look for their bunny friends every Spring and every year the bunnies would be found munching on clover in the garden.

Peanuts for Stella 

Stella the Squirrel

Stella was a little squirrel who lived in a big oak tree with her three brothers. She loved to explore the forest and look for nuts and seeds. But her favorite thing to do was to visit the house at the edge of the woods, where a kind lady lived.

Every day, at the same time, the lady would come out to her patio and scatter some peanuts on the ground. Stella loved peanuts. They were crunchy and tasty and filling. She would run down from her tree and wait patiently on the patio furniture until the lady appeared.

Her brothers, however, were not so patient. They were bigger and stronger than Stella, and they liked to bully her and take her peanuts. They would chase her away from the patio and grab as many peanuts as they could.

"Stella, you're too slow and too small. You don't deserve any peanuts." They would taunt her.

Stella felt sad and angry. She wished she could have some peanuts too. She decided to come up with a plan to outsmart her brothers.

The next day, she woke up early and went to the patio before anyone else. She found a small hole under the furniture and dug a tunnel that led to the other side of the patio. She covered the hole with some leaves and twigs and waited for the lady to come out.

When the lady came out with a bowl of peanuts, Stella popped out of her tunnel and grabbed a handful of peanuts. She quickly ran back into her tunnel and hid them in her hole.

Her brothers saw her and followed her. They tried to squeeze into the tunnel, but they were too big and got stuck.

"Stella, give us some peanuts!" They shouted.

"Sorry, brothers, you're too big and too greedy. You don't deserve any peanuts." Stella said mockingly.

She enjoyed her peanuts in peace while her brothers struggled to get out of the tunnel.

The lady saw what was happening and smiled. She was impressed by Stella's cleverness and bravery. She decided to give her a special treat. She took out a jar of peanut butter and spread some on a slice of bread. She tossed it to Stella, who caught it with delight.

"Here you go, Stella. You earned this." The lady said.

Stella thanked the lady and nibbled on the bread. It was soft and sweet and sticky. She loved peanut butter even more than peanuts.

She shared some with her brothers, who apologized for being mean to her. They learned their lesson and promised to be nicer to her from then on.

Stella was happy. She had made a new friend in the lady and gained respect from her brothers. She looked forward to visiting the patio every day for more peanuts and peanut butter.

Chip and Mimi

Strange Friends

Chip and Mimi were an unlikely pair of friends. Chip was a chipmunk who lived in a burrow under a big oak tree. Mimi was a mouse who lived in a nest inside the tree. They met one day when they were both looking for acorns and nuts to store for the winter. They decided to share their findings and help each other out.

They soon became inseparable. They would explore the forest together, looking for food and avoiding predators. They would warn each other of danger and protect each other from harm. They would also play and have fun, chasing each other around the tree and sliding down the branches.

They learned a lot from each other. Chip taught Mimi how to dig tunnels and hide from hawks. Mimi taught Chip how to climb trees and find berries. They also learned to appreciate their differences. Chip admired Mimi's cleverness and curiosity. Mimi admired Chip's bravery and loyalty.

They were happy and content with their friendship. They never felt lonely or bored. They always had someone to talk to and share with. They always had someone to watch out for them and care for them. They always had someone to love them and be loved by them.

They were the best of friends.

Mrs. Crabernathy

Mrs. Crabernathy and Grandma were neighbors and friends for many years. They lived in a quiet street with well-kept gardens and friendly people. They both loved baking pies and playing board games. Every week, they would visit each other and share their pies and games.

One day, Mrs. Crabernathy knocked on Grandma's door with a warm Dutch apple pie in her hands. She smiled when Grandma opened the door and invited her in.

"Hello, dear. I brought you your favorite pie. I hope you're hungry," Mrs. Crabernathy said.

"Thank you, my friend. You're so kind. Come in, come in. I have something for you too," Grandma said.

She led Mrs. Crabernathy to the kitchen, where a cherry pie was waiting on the table.

"Oh, how lovely. You know how much I love cherry pie. You're the best baker in town," Mrs. Crabernathy said.

They hugged and sat down to enjoy their pies and tea. They chatted about the weather, the news, and their families.

After they finished their pies, they moved to the living room, where a chess board was set up.

"Shall we play a game of chess?" Grandma asked.

"Of course. You know I never say no to a challenge," Mrs. Crabernathy said.

They played chess for an hour, taking turns to make their moves and complimenting each other's skills.

They were having so much fun that they didn't notice the time passing by.

"Oops, look at the clock. It's getting late. I should get going," Mrs. Crabernathy said.

"Already? Well, thank you for coming over. It was a lovely afternoon," Grandma said.

They hugged and said goodbye.

Mrs. Crabernathy walked back to her house, feeling happy and content.

She looked forward to the next week, when she would visit Grandma again and bring her another Dutch apple pie.

And Grandma looked forward to it too, because she would have another cherry pie ready for her friend.

They were both very lucky to have each other as neighbors and friends.

Sister Rosemary and Rabbi Shapiro

Sister Rosemary and Rabbi Shapiro are siblings who grew up in a mixed-faith household. Their mother is Catholic and their father is Jewish. They both loved their parents and respected their beliefs, but they also felt a strong pull towards their own spiritual paths. Rosemary felt a calling to serve God and the poor as a nun, while David felt a connection to his ancestral homeland and the Torah as a rabbi. They both decided to pursue their vocations after graduating from college, much to the dismay of their parents who hoped they would marry and have children. Rosemary joined a convent in New York, where she devoted herself to prayer and charity work. David moved to Israel, where he studied at a yeshiva and became an ordained rabbi. They kept in touch through letters and phone calls, but they rarely saw each other in person.

One day, Rosemary received a letter from David that changed everything. He wrote that he had met a woman named Rachel, who was also a rabbi, and that they were getting married in Jerusalem. He invited Rosemary to attend the wedding and meet his bride. He also wrote that he missed her and wanted to reconnect with her. Rosemary was happy for her brother, but she also felt conflicted. She had never been to Israel before, and she was nervous about traveling to a foreign country. She also wondered how she would fit in with David's new life and family. She had heard stories of tension and violence between Jews and Arabs, Christians and Muslims, Israelis and Palestinians. She prayed for guidance and peace.

She decided to accept David's invitation and asked for permission from her superior to take a leave of absence. She packed her bags and boarded a plane to Tel Aviv. She was greeted by David at the airport, who hugged her warmly and introduced her to Rachel. Rachel was friendly and gracious, and welcomed Rosemary into their home.

Rosemary spent the next few days getting to know Rachel and David's friends and relatives, who were curious and respectful of her choice to be a nun. She also visited some of the holy sites in Jerusalem, such as the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock. She was amazed by the diversity and history of the city, but she also sensed the tension and conflict that simmered beneath the surface.

She attended David's wedding, which was held at a beautiful synagogue overlooking the Old City. She wore her habit and veil, which contrasted with the colorful dresses and hats of the other guests. She watched as David and Rachel exchanged vows under a canopy decorated with flowers and stars. She listened as they sang songs and recited blessings in Hebrew. She smiled as they broke a glass and shouted "Mazel tov!"

She joined them in dancing and celebrating at the reception, where she met more of their friends and colleagues. She was surprised by how much fun she had, despite not understanding most of the words or customs. She felt a bond with these people who shared her brother's faith and joy.

She also had a chance to talk with David privately, who thanked her for coming and told her how much he loved her. He apologized for being distant and said he wanted to be closer to her. He asked her about her life as a nun and told her about his work as a rabbi. He said he respected her decision and admired her dedication.

They hugged each other and agreed to keep in touch more often. They realized that they had more in common than they thought, despite their different paths. They both loved God and wanted to serve Him in their own ways. They both valued their family and heritage, but also embraced their individuality.

They both learned from each other's experiences and perspectives, which enriched their own understanding of faith and life. They both accepted each other's choices and supported each other's happiness.

They were siblings, after all.

Limpy and Gimpy

Limpy the mule and Gimpy the donkey were best friends who had worked hard on a farm for many years. They had helped the farmer plow the fields, carry the crops, and pull the carts. They had endured the heat, the cold, and the rain. They had shared their joys and sorrows, their hopes and fears.

But as they grew older, their bodies began to wear out. Limpy developed a limp in his left leg, which made him slow and clumsy. Gimpy developed a gimp in his right ear, which made him deaf and grumpy. They could no longer do their tasks as well as they used to. They felt useless and sad.

The farmer noticed their decline and felt sorry for them. He decided to retire them from work and let them live out their lives in peace and comfort. He moved them to a big beautiful pasture, where they had plenty of grass to eat, water to drink, and shade to rest. He visited them every day and brought them treats and hugs.

Limpy and Gimpy were grateful for the farmer's kindness and generosity. They enjoyed their new home and felt happy and relaxed. They spent their days grazing, napping, and playing. They made friends with other animals who lived in the pasture, such as cows, sheep, and horses. They told stories of their past adventures and listened to the stories of others.

They also grew closer to each other than ever before. They realized that they had been through a lot together and that they had a special bond that no one else could understand. They comforted each other when they felt pain or loneliness. They cheered each other up when they felt bored or depressed. They laughed at each other's jokes and quirks.

They were inseparable.

They lived in the pasture for many more years, until they were very old and weak. One day, they decided to take a walk around the fence that surrounded their home. They wanted to see the world one last time and say goodbye to their friends.

They walked slowly and carefully, leaning on each other for support. They saw the sun shining brightly in the sky, the birds singing sweetly in the trees, the flowers blooming brightly in the fields. They saw their friends grazing peacefully in the pasture, who waved at them and wished them well.

They reached the end of the fence and stopped. They looked at each other with love and gratitude. They nuzzled each other gently and sighed.

They closed their eyes and fell asleep.

They never woke up.

The farmer found them the next day, lying side by side under a big oak tree. He was sad but not surprised. He knew they had lived a long and happy life together. He buried them under the tree and planted a sign that read:

"Here lie Limpy the mule and Gimpy the donkey,

Best friends forever,

Rest in peace."

The Fat King

King Charles the Fat was the ruler of a vast empire that stretched from the North Sea to the Mediterranean. He was a powerful and wealthy monarch, but he was also very obese and unhappy. He hated his nickname, which his subjects used to mock him behind his back. He felt insecure and lonely, and he often indulged in food and wine to cope with his sadness.

One day, he decided to go on a pilgrimage to Rome, hoping to find some peace and forgiveness for his sins. He took a large entourage of nobles, soldiers, and servants with him, and they traveled for many months across the lands. Along the way, he encountered many hardships and dangers, such as bandits, storms, and diseases. He also saw the poverty and suffering of his people, who lived in fear and oppression under his rule.

He began to realize that he had neglected his duties as a king, and that he had wasted his life on selfish pleasures. He felt ashamed and remorseful, and he prayed to God for mercy. He vowed to change his ways and become a better ruler for his people. He also decided to lose weight and adopt a healthier lifestyle.

When he finally reached Rome, he was greeted by the pope, who blessed him and gave him a holy relic. He felt a surge of joy and gratitude, and he thanked God for his grace. He returned to his empire with a new spirit and a new resolve. He started to reform his government, improve his laws, and help his subjects. He also exercised regularly and ate moderately. He lost a lot of weight and became more fit and energetic.

His people noticed the change in him, and they began to respect him and love him. They stopped calling him Charles the Fat, and instead called him Charles the Great. He ruled for many more years with wisdom and justice, and he became one of the most admired kings in history.

Bun Bun (the mad hatter bunny)

Bun Bun was a rabbit who loved to run around the garden like a 'Mad Hatter'. He would hop from one flower to another, nibble on the carrots and lettuce, and chase the butterflies and bees. He was always full of energy and mischief, and he made the other animals laugh with his antics.

One day, he decided to explore the other side of the garden, where there was a big oak tree. He had never been there before, and he was curious to see what he could find. He ran across the grass, dodging the sprinklers and the gardener's rake, until he reached the tree. He saw a hole at the base of the trunk, and he peeked inside.

To his surprise, he saw a pair of bright eyes staring back at him. It was another rabbit, but not like any he had ever seen. This rabbit had long ears that drooped down to his shoulders, a fluffy white tail that looked like a pom-pom, and a blue waistcoat with a pocket watch. He also wore a hat that was too big for his head, and had a tag that said 'In this style 10/6'.

"Hello there," said the rabbit in the hole. "Who are you?"

"I'm Bun Bun,",  "Who are you?"

"I'm the Gray Rabbit," said the rabbit in the hole.

He looked at his watch and gasped. "Oh dear, oh dear! I have to go!"

He scrambled out of the hole and ran away, leaving Bun Bun bewildered.

"Wait!" Bun Bun called out. "Where are you going?"

But the Gray Rabbit was gone. Bun Bun shrugged and decided to follow him. He thought it might be fun to see where he was going. He ran after him, hoping to catch up.

Nanny's Doll Collection

Holly, Dolly, and Molly had always heard stories about their grandmother's impressive doll collection. The three sisters had spent many afternoons listening to their grandmother's tales of each unique and special doll that she had collected throughout her life. Each doll has a back story. Nanny would buy her dolls, clothes for each of the seasons. She loved changing their clothes sometimes on a daily routine!

One day, while their parents were away on a trip, the girls decided to explore their grandmother's attic to see if they could find the collection. After some searching, they stumbled upon a dusty old trunk tucked away in the corner of the room. Excitedly, they opened the trunk to find rows and rows of dolls, all shapes, sizes, and ages. The dolls were made of different materials, from porcelain to cloth, and each one was carefully dressed in unique and intricate outfits.

As they looked through the dolls, Holly, Dolly, and Molly were transported back in time, imagining the stories of each doll's life. Some of the dolls seemed old and worn, as if they had been passed down for generations, while others looked brand new, as if they had never been played with. As they continued to explore the trunk, the girls stumbled upon a note from their grandmother. The note explained that each doll had a special meaning to her and that she had collected them throughout her life, cherishing each one and the memories that came with it.

Over the next few days, the sisters spent hours in the attic, carefully examining each doll and imagining their stories. They created their own stories, imagining the adventures each doll had been on and the people they had met along the way. As their parents returned from their trip, the sisters proudly showed them the doll collection and shared the stories they had imagined. Their parents were amazed by the collection and the memories it held, and they promised to help the girls continue their grandmother's legacy by taking care of the dolls and passing them down through their own family for generations to come. 

Together they placed the dolls on shelves in the attic... a much better place for them!

From that day on, Holly, Dolly, and Molly cherished their grandmother's doll collection and the memories it held, and they knew that their grandmother's legacy would live on through the dolls and the stories they inspired.

 Gobbledygook

Have you ever listened to someone speak a language that you don't understand, and it all sounded like gobbledygook? It can be a strange and disorienting experience, especially if you're used to understanding the people around you.

But while it may sound like gobbledygook to you, the language that the other person is speaking is a complex and nuanced system of communication. It's a way for them to express themselves, to share their thoughts and ideas with others, and to connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

***

In a land far, far away, there was a mysterious language known as Gobbledygook. The people who spoke it were few and far between, and they were often misunderstood and overlooked by the rest of society. They spoke in strange, nonsensical phrases that no one else could understand, and their words often fell on deaf ears.

One day, a young girl named Lily stumbled upon a group of people speaking in Gobbledygook. She was intrigued by the strange language, and she asked them what they were saying. To her surprise, they welcomed her with open arms and began to teach her the language of Gobbledygook.

Lily soon discovered that Gobbledygook was more than just a bunch of nonsense words. It was a complex and nuanced language that had its own grammar, syntax, and rules. She learned how to conjugate verbs and form complex sentences, and she discovered that the people who spoke Gobbledygook had a rich and vibrant culture that was hidden from the rest of society.

As Lily became more fluent in Gobbledygook, she began to realize that the language was more than just a way for a small group of people to communicate with each other. It was a way for them to express their creativity, to explore new ideas, and to connect with others in a way that was unique and powerful.

Over time, Lily became an advocate for the language of Gobbledygook. She wrote books and articles about its intricacies and complexities, and she began to teach it to others. Slowly but surely, more and more people began to learn Gobbledygook, and the language began to grow and evolve.

Today, Gobbledygook is a widely recognized language, spoken and understood by people all over the world. It has its own literature, music, and art, and it has become a symbol of creativity, innovation, and self-expression. And it all started with a young girl who stumbled upon a group of people speaking in a language that sounded like nonsense but turned out to be so much more.

So, the next time you hear someone speaking a foreign language, don't let it sound like gobbledygook to you. Instead, see it as an opportunity to learn something new and expand your horizons. With a little bit of effort and determination, you too can become fluent in a new language and experience the joys of communication across cultures and borders.

Goggledygook and Mumbo Jumbo are two different things!

***

A Witch is not a Witch!

Mary Bliss was accused by her jealous neighbor of witchcraft simply because she was well dressed, healthy, and seemingly always pregnant with healthy children... even her vegetable garden was full and produced more food than her family needed. But Mary was no witch, she was just a clever and resourceful woman who knew how to make the best of her situation.

She had learned from her mother how to sew beautiful clothes from scraps of fabric, how to heal common ailments with herbs and spices, and how to plan her pregnancies according to the phases of the moon.

Mary also had a secret: she had believed a friendly fairy (her angel) lived in the woods behind her house. The fairy helped Mary with her garden, giving her seeds and advice on how to grow them. The fairy also blessed Mary's children with good health and happiness. Mary was grateful for the fairy's friendship and always shared some of her food and clothes with her. Mary loved her life and was proud of her achievements, but she also knew that she had to be careful. She knew that some people in the village were envious of her and would try to harm her if they could. She tried to avoid trouble and keep a low profile, but one day, her neighbor saw her talking to the fairy in the woods. The neighbor ran to the village and accused Mary of being a witch who consorted with evil spirits.

Mary was shocked and scared when she heard the accusation. She knew that she had done nothing wrong, but she also knew that the villagers were superstitious and would not listen to reason. She had to find a way to prove her innocence and save herself and her family from the witch hunt.

Mary Bliss lived through many hardships and accusations but managed to come out victorious every time. 

***

17th Century American
Mary Bliss Parsons was an American woman who was accused of witchcraft in 17th-century Massachusetts. She was born to Thomas and Margaret (Hulins) Bliss in Gloucestershire, England in 1628. Her family later immigrated to Hartford, Connecticut, where she married Joseph Parsons on November 2, 1646. The couple later moved to Springfield, Massachusetts. In 1655, Joseph Parsons purchased a land tract from the local Native Americans in what would become Northampton.

Twice Accused!

Mary Bliss Parsons won her case in court. In 1656, her husband Joseph Parsons filed slander charges against Sarah Bridgman on behalf of his wife in the trial Parsons v. Bridgman. He charged that Bridgman had spread rumors about Parsons, insinuating that she was a witch. The court ruled in favor of Parsons. Bridgman was ordered to make a public apology and pay a fine and court costs.

Later, in 1674, Bridgman charged Parsons with witchcraft. The local magistrates ordered a search of Parsons’ body for “Witches’ marks” and then decided to send her to Boston for trial at the Court of Assistants. After a trial, the court in Boston acquitted Parsons of witchcraft.

The Bi-Plane Pilot

Bessie the bi-plane pilot loved to fly her plane any time anywhere. She loved to fly fast and high. Bessie was very brave and wanted people to believe anything is possible if you try very hard. One day, she decided to enter a flying contest with other pilots from around the world. She wanted to show them what her bi-plane could do and how skilled she was as a pilot.

The contest had three challenges: speed, altitude, and acrobatics. Bessie was confident that she could ace them all. She took off from the runway and zoomed past the other planes in the speed challenge. She soared above the clouds and reached the highest point in the altitude challenge. She performed amazing loops and rolls and twists in the acrobatics challenge. The crowd cheered and clapped as they watched her amazing feats.

Bessie landed her plane and waited for the results. She was sure that she had won the contest. But when the judges announced the winner, it was not her name that they called. It was another pilot who had flown a more modern and powerful plane. Bessie felt a pang of disappointment and sadness. She had tried so hard and done so well, but it was not enough.

She walked over to the winner and congratulated him. He smiled and thanked her, but then he said something that surprised her. He said that he was impressed by her performance and that he admired her courage and passion. He said that he had never seen anyone fly a bi-plane like she did and that he wished he could fly like her. He said that she was an inspiration to him and to many others who watched her fly.

Bessie felt a warm glow in her heart. She realized that even though she did not win the contest, she had achieved something more important. She had shown everyone what a bi-plane could do and how a brave pilot could fly it. She had made people believe that anything is possible if you try very hard. She smiled and thanked him for his kind words. She felt proud of herself and of her plane.

She decided to keep flying her bi-plane any time anywhere. She loved to fly fast and high. Bessie was very brave and wanted people to believe anything is possible if you try very hard.

***

Bessie Coleman (1892-1926) was the first African American and first Native American woman pilot. Born in Texas in 1892 during the age of Jim Crow segregation and overt racism, she was refused admission into every U.S. flying school because of her ethnicity. Rather than let that deter her, she learned French so she could go to aviation school in France, where there was far less prejudice against people of color.

In 1921, Coleman received her international pilot's license from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.

I Remember...

A little boy in a tree

He climbs so high and feels so free

He sees the birds and hears their song

He feels the breeze and breathes along

He picks a fruit and takes a bite

He savors the sweetness and the light

He swings his legs and hums a tune

He wishes he could stay till noon

But then he hears his mother's call

He knows he has to leave it all

He says goodbye to his tree friend

He hopes to come back soon again

I remember, me in the tree.

Frequency-Hopping System 

The three sister detectives rummaged through some old boxes in a corner behind the wardrobe. They stumbled upon a strange drawing. The drawing had strange patterns and symbols, and at the top were the words "Secret Communication System."

The sisters were intrigued and excited to uncover this mysterious discovery. As they examined the drawing, they noticed two names on it: Hedy Kiesler Markey and George Antheil. They had never heard of these names before, and so they decided to ask their grandmother about it.

At first, their grandmother hesitated to reveal anything about the document because of its sensitive nature. But upon seeing the curiosity and excitement in her granddaughters' eyes, she decided to share the story behind the drawing. She told them that Hedy Kiesler Markey, who later became known as Hedy Lamarr, was a famous actress in the 1940s. However, she was also an inventor and had patented a secret communication system during World War II. Her invention was a way to guide torpedoes using a frequency-hopping signal that was nearly impossible to intercept or jam.

Hedy had teamed up with George Antheil, a composer, to create the system. Together, they used a piano roll to control the frequency changes, making it more difficult for enemies to decipher the code. Their invention was ahead of its time and became the precursor to modern-day technologies like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The sisters were amazed by the story, and they couldn't believe that their grandmother had known about such a fascinating invention all along. They felt proud to learn about a woman who had made such a significant contribution to the war effort and to technology.

From that day on, the sisters were inspired to learn more about women in history who had made important contributions but had been overlooked or forgotten. They knew that there were many more stories out there waiting to be discovered, and they were determined to uncover them.

Mr. Jones and Mr. Jenkins

Holly, Molly and Dolly were bored. They had played all the board games, watched all the movies, and read all the books. They decided to explore the attic, hoping to find something interesting.

They climbed up the stairs and opened the door to the dusty room. They saw piles of old boxes, trunks, and furniture as usual. They started to rummage through them, looking for anything that caught their eye.

"Look at this!" Holly exclaimed, holding up a leather-bound journal. "It looks ancient!"

"Let me see!" Molly said, grabbing it from her. She opened it and read the first page. "Find the inspector and beware of Mr. Jenkins."

"Who are they?" Dolly asked, peering over her shoulder.

"I don't know," Molly said. "Maybe it's a clue to a mystery!"

"Or a treasure!" Holly said.

"Or a trap!" Dolly said.

"Let's find out!" Molly said. She flipped through the pages, but they were all blank. "That's weird. Why would someone write only one sentence in a journal?"

"Maybe it's a code," Holly said. "Maybe we have to find the inspector and Mr. Jenkins to unlock the rest of the journal."

"Or maybe it's a prank," Dolly said. "Maybe someone wanted to mess with us."

"Well, there's only one way to find out," Molly said. "Let's go ask Grandma."

They ran downstairs and found their grandmother in the kitchen, baking cookies.

"Grandma, do you know anything about this journal?" Molly asked, showing her the book.

"Oh, that old thing," Grandma said. "I found it in the attic when I moved in here. I don't know where it came from or what it means."

"Do you know who the inspector and Mr. Jenkins are?" Holly asked.

"No idea," Grandma said. "Why do you ask?"

"We think it might be a clue to a mystery," Molly said.

"Or a treasure," Holly said.

"Or a trap," Dolly said.

Grandma laughed. "You girls have such vivid imaginations. Why don't you go play outside for a while? It's a beautiful day."

She gave them each a cookie and shooed them out of the door.

Holly, Molly and Dolly walked around the neighborhood, looking for any signs of the inspector or Mr. Jenkins. They asked some of the neighbors, but no one knew who they were.

They were about to give up when they saw a man walking down the street with a badge on his chest and a hat on his head.

"Hey, look!" Holly said. "That's an inspector!"

They ran after him and caught up with him at the corner.

"Excuse me, sir," Molly said. "Are you an inspector?"

The man looked at them with surprise. He was tall and thin, with gray hair and glasses.

"Yes, I am," he said. "Inspector Jones, at your service."

"We need your help," Molly said. "We found this journal in our grandmother's attic, and it says 'Find the inspector and beware of Mr. Jenkins.' Do you know what that means?"

Inspector Jones took the journal from her and examined it.

"Hmm," he said. "This is very interesting."

He opened it and saw the blank pages.

"Very interesting indeed," he said.

He looked at them with curiosity.

"What's your grandmother's name?" he asked.

"Rose Smith," Holly said.

"And where does she live?" he asked.

"Number 12 Maple Street," Dolly said.

Inspector Jones nodded.

"I see," he said. "Well, girls, I'm afraid you've stumbled upon a very dangerous secret."

He leaned closer to them and whispered.

"This journal belongs to Mr. Jenkins."

The Majestic Chest

Λύστε τους γρίφους
Solve the Puzzles

αρχή

νούμερο δύο

τρείς

Solve the Mystery Puzzle Boxes to reveal the secret chamber.
Each secret chamber has a message!
The message inside the third box (τρείς) "You must solve ALL puzzles"!

Greek philosopher, Pythagoras, postulated that the meaning behind numbers was deeply significant. In their eyes the number 3 was considered as the perfect number, the number of harmony, wisdom and understanding. It was also the number of time – past, present, future; birth, life, death; beginning, middle, end – it was the number of the divine.  

Each puzzle box will lead you to another puzzle box, until you reach the final puzzle box that will reveal all secrets.

Holly, Dolly and Molly were three sisters who loved solving mysteries. Their grandmother had told them stories about the room of puzzles, where a large ornate carved chest was hidden. She said that the chest contained many small ornate carved puzzle boxes that would lead them to solve a larger more complex mystery. She said that the mystery had something to do with their family history and the secrets of the attic. But she also warned them that the chest and the puzzle boxes could only be opened by those who had proven their skills and courage in solving mysteries.

The sisters were curious and eager to see the chest and the puzzle boxes inside. They asked their grandmother how they could prove themselves worthy of entering the room of puzzles. She smiled and said that they would have to solve three mysteries that she had prepared for them. She gave them each a clue card with a riddle on it. The riddles were different for each sister, but they all had something to do with the attic.

Holly's clue card read: "Find the hidden door behind the portrait of a woman with a pearl necklace." Dolly's clue card read: "Look for the key in the vase that has a crack shaped like a star." Molly's clue card read: "Follow the trail of buttons to the closet that has a red ribbon on it."

The sisters decided to split up and search for their clues in different parts of the attic. They agreed to meet at the door of the secret room once they had found their clues. They also promised not to peek at each other's cards or help each other out. They wanted to prove that they could solve mysteries on their own.

Holly went to the wall where several portraits of their ancestors hung. She looked for a woman with a pearl necklace, but there were many of them. She decided to try moving each portrait and see if there was a hidden door behind it. She started with the oldest one, a serious-looking woman with a long black dress and a pearl necklace. She lifted the portrait and saw nothing but a plain wall. She moved on to the next one, a cheerful woman with a yellow dress and a pearl necklace. She lifted the portrait and saw nothing but a plain wall. She moved on to the next one, a beautiful woman with a blue dress and a pearl necklace. 

They gasped at what they saw inside...👀 There were dozens of small ornate carved puzzle boxes, each one different from the others. Some were made of wood, some were made of metal, some were made of glass, some were made of stone. Some had knobs, some had switches, some had dials, some had keys. Some had numbers, some had letters, some had symbols, some had pictures. Some were simple, some were complex, some were easy, some were hard. Each puzzle box had a label on it that said:

"This puzzle box will lead you to another puzzle box, until you reach the final puzzle box that will reveal all secrets."

The sisters picked up one puzzle box at random and examined it carefully. It was made of wood with carvings of animals on it. It had four knobs on each side that could be turned in different directions. It also had four holes on each side.

The Crystal Cave

The three sisters (Holly, Molly and Dolly) listened with rapt attention as their grandmother told them a story about the Cave of the Crystals in Naica, Mexico. They were sitting on the couch in the living room, surrounded by pillows and blankets, while their grandmother sat on a rocking chair with a photo album on her lap.

"Look at these pictures," she said, flipping through the pages. "These are some of the largest crystals ever found on Earth. They are made of gypsum, a mineral that you can find in your drywall or even in your beer. But these crystals are not like anything you've ever seen before. They are as big as trees, some of them reaching over 30 feet long and weighing up to 12 tons. They are so clear and shiny that they look like ice, but they are actually very hot and humid inside the cave."

The sisters gasped as they saw the images of the giant crystals, sparkling in the dim light of the cave. They looked like something out of a fairy tale or a science fiction movie.

"How did they get so big, grandma?" asked Holly, the oldest sister.

"Well, it's a long story, but I'll try to make it simple. You see, millions of years ago, there was a lot of magma under this mountain. The magma heated up the water that was trapped in the rocks, and dissolved some minerals in it. The water became very rich in calcium and sulfate, which are the ingredients for making gypsum. The water seeped into a big cavity under the mountain, where it stayed for a very long time. The temperature and pressure were just right for the gypsum to crystallize slowly, forming these amazing crystals over hundreds of thousands of years."

"Wow," said Molly, the middle sister. "That's incredible."

"It is," agreed their grandmother. "But you know what's even more incredible? The people who discovered and explored this cave. They were very brave and curious scientists who wanted to learn more about this unique place. One of them was Professor Penny Boston, who was a leader in astrobiology."

"Astro-what?" asked Dolly, the youngest sister.

"Astrobiology is the study of life in other planets or places where life might exist," explained their grandmother. "Professor Boston was interested in this cave because she thought it might have some clues about how life could survive in extreme environments, like Mars or Europa. She also wanted to see if there were any living organisms inside the crystals or the water."

"Did she find any?" asked Holly.

"She did," said their grandmother. "She found some tiny bacteria that were living inside the crystals, some of them for millions of years. They were very different from any other bacteria on Earth. They had adapted to the harsh conditions of the cave, like the high temperature, humidity and acidity. They were also very slow-growing and had very low metabolism. Professor Boston called them 'super life' because they were so resilient and ancient."

"That's amazing," said Molly.

"It is," agreed their grandmother. "But exploring this cave was not easy or safe. The cave was very hot and humid, almost like a sauna. The air was thin and had very little oxygen. The scientists had to wear special suits and respirators to protect themselves from the heat and dehydration. They also had to be very careful not to touch or damage the crystals, which were very fragile and precious. They could only stay inside for a few minutes at a time, before they had to go back to a cooler chamber to rest and recover."

"That sounds scary," said Dolly.

"It was," said their grandmother. "But they were willing to take the risk for science and discovery. They wanted to share this wonder with the world and learn more about our planet and its history."

The sisters looked at each other with admiration and awe. They felt a new respect for their grandmother, who had been one of those brave scientists who had visited the Cave of the Crystals many years ago.

"Grandma," said Holly. "You're awesome."

Their grandmother smiled and hugged them.

"Thank you, my dears," she said. "But you know what? You're awesome too. And maybe one day, you'll get to see this cave for yourselves. Or maybe you'll find another one that's even more amazing."

The sisters nodded eagerly.

"Maybe we will," they said.

They cuddled up with their grandmother and looked at more pictures of the Cave of the Crystals, dreaming of adventures and mysteries waiting for them in the depths of the Earth.