Times 10 challenge, Sapphires Short story Options

[Rhymer]

Mini Story continuation.

samba
stripper
echoing
hypnotic
chocolate
goombay
ambulance
fire truck
axe
litter

The following morning, I was awakened by a passing Fire Truck and Ambulance, both of which, with sirens blaring, were speeding along the road outside (Where else would it be?). Despite the rude awakening, I waved to the lone fireman holding tightly to an Axe, who waved back as they careered down the road with a cloud of disturbed Litter fouling the calm, cool morning air behind them.
Feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day, I first partook of an early morning hot Chocolate, along with lightly toasted croissant. Once eaten I took a close look at my latest purchase. A Goombay drum, which I had purchased on impulse earlier, when I was enticed to visit a Samba Palace. Outside its entrance, a seductively, scantily dressed, foor tapping Stripper hoped, by her charms and the Hypnotic sounds Echoing from inside, to entice smiling passers by, to stop awhile and enjoy her entertaining offerings. With a variety of musical instruments arranged at palace entrance - all for sale - I had been persuaded to purchase a Goombay Drum. Exquisite workmanship throughout was evident, with the goatskin membrane skillfully strectched and embroidered with the delicately tattooed name of its maker, clear to see,

Chocolate,
Ambulance
Axe
Litter
Samba
Fisherman
Hearse
Workmanship
Palace
Tablet

[JustDaniel]

samba
palace
workmanship
litter
ambulance
hearse
chocolate
fisherman
axe
tablet

I made the decision to avoid the Samba Palace and all the workmanship of the scantily clad woman in the window. lest I end up on a litter carried off by some ambulance... or even worse, a hearse! I decided instead sensibly to visit a neighborhood coffee shoppe, where I shared a table and conversation with a local fisherman, both of us enjoying a steaming cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream on top. I was afraid to ask why the old man was carrying an axe, but at length, he took it with him, leaving me to spend time catching up with things on my tablet.

ambulance
chocolate
hearse
tablet
underwear
streusel
necklace
anvil
sledge hammer
firecrackers

[Rhymer]

samba
palace
workmanship
litter
ambulance
hearse
chocolate
fisherman
axe
tablet

I made the decision to avoid the Samba Palace and all the workmanship of the scantily clad woman in the window. lest I end up on a litter carried off by some ambulance... or even worse, a hearse! I decided instead sensibly to visit a neighborhood coffee shoppe, where I shared a table and conversation with a local fisherman, both of us enjoying a steaming cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream on top. I was afraid to ask why the old man was carrying an axe, but at length, he took it with him, leaving me to spend time catching up with things on my tablet.

ambulance
chocolate
hearse
shoppe
underwear
streusel
necklace
anvil
sledge hammer
firecrackers

I thought we were only changing 5 words for a new chapter - not seven? Or is my eyesight worse than I thought? Just wanting to know before I start my reply. Rhymer

[JustDaniel]

Sorry, Denis. My mistake! I changed one of the words, so that now I've only changed 6. Along the way, Sylvia made the decision that she thought changing 6 might be a good idea, so that's what I've done ever since.

Hope this is satisfactory to everyone. I'll be glad to go back to 5 if that is both yours and Sylvia's decision. Okay?

deLighting always in your creative stories, Daniel.

[Psyche]

I think changing 5 is OK. What do you two, Daniel and Denis, think? I'm always delayed with this challenge, you are so quick and clever, both of you. Today we took a walk in deep snow, it was lovely.
I'm also moving furniture around, having stuff fixed or mended, whatever. It's a great opportunity for changes in the home, makes me feel good. So that's my excuse. Hope to chime in tomorrow...we'll see. If the snow is not too deep, a carpenter is coming to put wheels on my TV table, at the moment it's got books underneath! And he'll move my settee so that I can watch TV from a comfortable position.
Daniel, I hope you're feeling well with your replacement knee. Has it finally healed and you've regained your balance and acceptable walking?
Keep safe, both of you, Sylvia

[JustDaniel]

Since Denis is comfortable with five and you are too, let's simply settle on five changes. It's totally fine with me. Please allow my current six to stand, so as not to complicate things further. Thanks

As to my recovery, I posted an update in Facebook, but it appears that the replacement has done the trick, and I've been walking with the Rollator without pain. I'm hoping that further exercising and strengthening will allow me to walk with a cane and eventually perhaps without even that. I'm very encouraged, since at this early stage it appears that the pain in my shin (when walking) is gone. We'll see when the patellar tendon heals. Will be seeing surgeon on Wednesday, when he'll personally be uncovering the wound and decide on when staples will be removed. Friday I should be home, assuming surgeon okays it.

deLighting in your concern, Daniel *sun*

[Rhymer]

ambulance
chocolate
hearse
shoppe
underwear
streusel
necklaceanvil
sledge hammer
firecrackers
After sitting awhile, checking out the latest happenings on my Tablet, along with news, weather and sports, I decided to stroll out and about to catch up on a celebration that was scheduled to take place later. Sideshows and contests, such as, Sledge Hammer throwing - and for the strongest and fool hardy - Anvil tossing. Not for me! However, after enjoying another Chocolate and a second, tasty Strousel covered croissant, I strolled down the avenue to seek out the location and check out happenings taking place later. I arrived just in time to witness the start of the opening ceremonial parade, which was led by a decorated Hearse accompanied by two pasty faced ghouls dressed in long-john Underwear patterned with a skeleton motif! Donated by a local Shoppe who saw it as an advertising opportunity - they, bedecked with iron necklace and heavy bangles, set the scene for the “Spirited” occasion. Standing by I spotted an Ambulance - purely a precaution. The two ghoulish clowns danced and pranced in front of a mixed band of musicians. Hard to make sense of the music thanks to the overwhelming din of Fire-crackers, constantly exploded by spectators - also in costume. Many of whom, were half sozzled by quaffing on the freely flowing local Rum! . What a day to remember! Rhymer.

Anvil
Firecrackers.
Necklace
Hearse
Underwear
Clogs
Corpse
Rum
Policeman
Stroller


I\m quite happy to change 'five' words. A moderate idea which allows the 'theme' of the Mini Story to progress with some continuity.
Wish you all the best with your "Op". Don't be in a hurry to get out and about. Denis.

Whether young or old,
be not too bold.
So your leg won't fold,
walk with a cane to hold,
Maybe tipped with Gold?
and do as you're told,
or the Doc will scold!

Monotetra? Well I tried!

PS:
When I - much younger then - got gored by a bull and ended up with a broken leg and very bruised ribs - lucky to escape with my life! I thought I could and would walk on it a few days later! Made it much worse - my wife Pauline says I'm too impatient! Maybe? I'm not one who likes sitting around doing nowt and there were no computers back then, so sitting and twiddling my thumbs was a penance I detested. I did learn a valuable lesson from that encounter. Viz: Walking behind a bull is much safer than it is walking in front of one! It was our own bull - named Ace of Hearts - he was an Ayrshire for whom I had a great respect. Long story and truly it was not his fault. Take it easy Daniel. There's an untouched day tomorrow. Be there and walk carefully. Rhymer.

[JustDaniel]

Thanks for the cute monotetra and admonition to be patient, Denis. I've often given the advise: "Be patient, lest you become one!" so I concur with your advice. I'm in no hurry to get back out there without sufficient support, though I do want to be able soon to negotiate the halls and kitchen of my home without a lot of support, except the walls, counters, tables, chairs, etc.

Also, glad that we all agree on the 5 Word Changes for the continuity of the story. Here goes:

anvil
hearse
corpse
underwear
firecrackers
stroller
policeman
rum
clogs
necklace

I avoid the anvil-toss event lest I end up in that hearse that has been seen about the streets carrying a fake corpse dressed in long-John underwear. I join the festivities this afternoon, walking among folks tossing firecrackers rather indiscriminately, one even landing next to a woman pushing her stroller, waking up and scaring the baby. A policeman arrives to disperse some of the revelers, some affected by too much rum. I again enjoy some of the island cuisine and wonderful varieties of music along the way, walking comfortably in the clogs I'd purchased yesterday. Before I return to my room I purchase a necklace for my wife and each of my three daughters and call it a day.

stroller
policeman
rum
clogs
necklace
villager
travel agent
motorcycle
push cart
suit case

[Rhymer]

Later in the cool of the evening, I decided an evening walk along the boulevard would be ideal, but barely hd I begun, when a Motorcycle came careening around the corner at high speed! The rider, losing control, skidded into a Push Cart. as he swerved to narrowly miss a loaded Stroller that had a Suitcase and a pair of Clogs hanging from its handle. Before I had a chance to see if the rider had been hurt, a Policeman showed up and took command of the situation. I later found out it was a Villager who had partaken a little too much Rum, that had crashed. He was employed as a Travel Agent - one of the ‘modern’ set that seem to have taken over the world today. Adorned with a necklace of old beer caps, and other chinzy souvenirs of his personal travels, he wanted customers to think he was the epitome of how the world travellers should look. A sleazy example - a forerunner - of what is so clearly evident today. Rhymer.

Villager
Stroller
Rum
Policeman
Clogs
Sleazy
Chintzy
Beer
Modern
Helmet

[JustDaniel]

villager
helmet
sleazy
policeman
modern
stroller
clogs
beer
rum
chintzy

This morning I learned that the villager who upset the push cart yesterday was out on bail and sporting a helmet with sleazy stickers on it. The policeman who'd arrested him was not happy with the modern interpretation of the law and easy bail, but he was doing his job protecting the shopkeepers and the locals and tourists as well. There was yesterday's stroller, but this time it had a baby inside, and the mother was wearing the clogs she'd bought yesterday. The beer gardens and rum joints and all the music venues were full, and all the chintzy visitor items were displayed in the various shops all over. Everything was back to normal

sleazy
chintzy
beer
modern
helmet
passenger
cruise ship
all-nighter
parade
mountains

[Rhymer]

The following day, I decided to relax awhile, so grabbing a cold Beer from the cooler, the Modern portable fridge, I made sure my safety Helmet was ready to hand, just in case I decided to go climbing in the Mountains. Something I often did when off on an All-nighter R and R trip. After loading up, took the road, which still sported the Sleazy, tattered remnants of the Chintzy decorations of yesterday’s Parade. Before I headed out, I had decided to take the shoreline road until it joined the inland route, which headed away from the sea. On arriving at that junction, as I turned to head inland, I saw a Passenger Cruise Ship was heading into the harbour, which further added to my resolve to extend my All-nighter into a few days of R and R. By then, hopefully, the ship and its mass of sight seeing, gawkers woud have moved on to another port. Rhymer.
Beer
Mountains
Cruise Ship
Passenger
All-nighter
Gawkers
Shoreline
Goat
Hermit
Forest

[JustDaniel]

all-nighter
mountains
shoreline
goat
gawkers
hermit
forest
beer
passenger
cruise ship

By the time Denis got back from his all-nighter, which turned out to be a full week in the mountains, I had to coax him along the shoreline with the goat accompanying him to get back to his room. There were a lot of gawkers when I almost had to carry him to his room. He looked like some hermit coming out of the forest... and I think he'd had more than his share of beer or some other inebriating substance. The next morning it was a lot easier to get him packed up to join me as a passenger on our departing cruise ship.

goat
passenger
forest
gawkers
shoreline
lounge chair
diners
longshoremen
life boat
passport

[Rhymer]

By the time Denis got back from his all-nighter, which turned out to be a full week in the mountains, I had to coax him along the shoreline with the goat accompanying him to get back to his room. There were a lot of gawkers when I almost had to carry him to his room. He looked like some hermit coming out of the forest... and I think he'd had more than his share of beer or some other inebriating substance. The next morning it was a lot easier to get him packed up to join me as a passenger on our departing cruise ship.goat
passenger
forest
gawkers
shoreline
lounge chair
diners
longshoremen
life boat
passport

Despite Daniel’s thoughts and comments, I would like to put the record straight regarding my appearance and dishevelment. Not beer but medication had reacted in a way never before experienced. Before heading into the mountains I has requested and received needed tablets for my allergy condition. Unbeknown to me, she - known as Sylvia - had changed them for a newer brand. The higher elevation of the mountain, had reacted in a manner much akin to that of an intoxicated person. Sure had Daniel fooled! Despite Daniel’s good intentions, it so turned out, my plans were changed even as we left harbour. Firstly I, seated in a Lounge Chair, waited before being hustled into a small pinnace - a Life boat - where I was joined by a burly Longshoreman who, like me, had no Passport. He had been talking with his friend - the ship’s engineer down below, and found he had left it too late to walk ashore, before the boat sailed. As we waited for my baggage I gazed at the Shoreline, whilst a small crowd of Gawkers, - Passenger Diners - watched amusedly, at our upsetting of the ship’s routine. As they waited, with the ship having hove to, they were amused to watch the antics of a Goat in the Forest, that lined the shore. However, with the departure of the ship being interrupted, by us, not all were amused. However, we finally made it safely back to shore, where the longshoreman and I had friendly, celebratory drink before heading to our respective homes. Rhymer.

Lounge chair
Longshoreman
Goat
Life boat
Diners
Medication
Tablets
Hangover
Atlantic
Chile

[Psyche]

Hello Denis, you're an excellent story teller. I'll never reach your level of expertise and humour. Please publish your tales one day.
Though I've travelled far and wide, I've never had your experiences on ships or any other kind of vehicle, save as a traveller. Your knowledge far exceeds mine. I suppose many tales were told around a bonfire, a camping site or maybe on ships.
You never cease to amaze me.
Hope to participate soon. Snowing a lot here, I take walks with my boots on. I'm also rearranging my furniture and giving my cottage a new look. I'm busy while this virus keeps strong. Fortunately, my area is free of it...crossing fingers. We've lost an inmense amount of revenue, as this is an all year international tourist resort. You may have heard of Bariloche, else google it. It's beautiful, all this vast area of lakes and mountains.
Keep safe, Sylvia

[JustDaniel]

lounge chair
goat
diners
medication
tablets
hangover
lifeboat
longshoreman
Atlantic
Chile

As Denis and I both sat on our lounge chairs I apologized for my misunderstanding of his difficult situation, and he graciously forgave me. However I couldn't help but feel like the scapegoat as other passengers seemed a bit put off by having to wait for the disembarking of the two passengers. Denis and I, however, had a snack with other diners as he talked with them bout his medication and the new tablets he was taking, which gave him the appearance of having a hangover. At length the lifeboat was ready for him and the longshoreman to head off to shore, and our cruise ship headed for the Panama Canal to cross from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean for our long trip along the South American coast to Chile.

diners
Atlantic
Chile
lounge chair
lifeboat
magician
swimming pool
shuffleboard
chess
seagulls

[Rhymer]

Once I arrived home, I pulled out my lounge chair and sat on my patio to enjoy the sight of the cruise ship disappearing over the horizon out, into the Atlantic Ocean. Somewhat relieved my short, unexpected experience was over, still it was one that brought back many memorable moments for me. This when my dear wife and I had taken a cruises on the SS Veen Dam through the Caribbean and into the Atlantic Ocean. A time when Diners would dress in formal attire, for the evening meal. Once finished meal they would be entertained by a variety of performers. Magicians, comedians, dancers - cabaret style - a variety of entertainers, who would often chat with you and while away the evening. A time to indulge in a luxurious lifestyle, rarely ours back then! Most cruise ships sported a small swimming pool for those who liked to indulge and show off their skills to others watching! Passengers could also indulge and socialise in Shuffleboard: play Chess or Scrabble, or saunter down to play the slot machines in a below decks location. All this taking place, as overhead, wheeling and diving, shrieking Seagulls waited for food scraps to be thrown overboard or sent down the kitchen ‘gash’ chute, where they’d squabble and fight for the choicest scraps! Screaming “mine, mine, mine” they’d often lose out to another smarter marauding bird, perched on a Life boat or th taffrail, waiting for the opportunity to snatch up the most succulent scrap, then head away as fast as its wings would allow! Some Diners would encourage their antics by throwing food scraps into the air, which a bird would adeptly catch in mid air. Life on board a Cruise ship was a time for luxurious living, whether it was in the Atlantic, Caribbean, or the coast of Brazil or coast of Chile. Waited on by an army of crew attendants, passengers had every possible need catered for. Ah what great memories we possess of our two week cruise we still enjoy! Ones we can relive at will today, thanks to the multitude of photographs we took. Rhymer.

Atlantic
Magician
Swimming pool
Shuffleboard
Seagulls.
Taffrail
Luxury
Attendants
Chute
Screaming.

[JustDaniel]

I'm afraid that, since you've used all these words in your own tale, Denis, any attempt on my part to used them again (especially because I've never been on a cruise ship) would end up being repetitive or boring. I'm going to have to leave the next tale up to either you or Sylvia, I'm afraid. For the sake of the future, I'd suggest that NONE of the added five words that you offer be in your own tale. Respectfully, Daniel *sun*

[Rhymer]

Mini story Finale as per Rhymer.

Atlantic
Magician
Swimming pool
Shuffleboard
Seagulls.
Taffrail
Luxury
Attendants
Chute
Screaming.

Leaving the Atlantic behind we sailed into the Panama Canal. Firstly the locks kept us bottled up ready to move out once the convoy for the westward trip had assembled. Much depended upon the Eastward flow of shipping. Strictly regulated, Cruise ships of all descriptions and sizes made up the convoy. A strict 4 nautical knots an hour was enforced with heavy fines for miscreants. With towering cliffs along part of the canal route, and steep forested areas, the journey was an adventure second to none. All the time Seagulls accompanied us with their Screaming cries, as if to warn any ‘locals’ this was their ship and beware interlopers, if they neared the kitchen Chute! Passengers lined the Taffrail along both sides of the ship’s upper deck waving to any peasants seen. A ritual that seems expected of all cruising tourists. Even as we sailed along, Ship’s Attendants brought all manner of cool and hot drinks to passengers, who seemed to do nothing but wait for service. A few ‘regulars’ - tourists who booked a cabin every year, would ignore the scenery and play Shuffleboard, whilst others partially submerged, chose the Swimming pool to escape the tropical heat. Often, all that could be seen of them, was a head and the hand that clasped their drink. Amongst the Taffrail gawkers, often a few of the evening entertainers - such as the Magician might be seen, though he was more likely to be propping up the Duty Free bar, quaffing a lager or suchlike, chatting the bar tender. The bar would be strategically situated off the main foredeck, where passengers could still see the land slipping away behind them, if they twisted their elevated bar stool landwards. The essential hallmark of a Luxury cruise is always deemed ‘service’, no matter how much it costs! Rhymer.

Yet again, I seem to have mistakenly added words that are not permissible. I thought the idea was to use words that would test the writer. Whether or not they are used in the Chapter or not. As for being boring? Surely that depends upon how you would look at the offering and how much imagination you put into your composition.

Not to worry Daniel. I just enjoy the pleasure of making a story with whatever ten words are offered. If you choose to use them or not, has little bearing on the way I approach a topic/subject. Guess that’s where I differ from many?

So now I will add this Chapter - a final one is always welcomed by me - or perhaps you’d like to start another story with words of your own choosing. The Challenge is creativity and given time - mine is very limited - we can see how it goes. Sorry for the screw-up I made. I’m learning all the time. Rhymer.

[JustDaniel]

I'm the one with little creativity, Denis. It's your gift of storytelling, not mine. The words that you added were FINE; it's just that you had already used them in the story, so I felt too limited to create something ELSE from them, adding to my difficulty. This time you added NO WORDS.

I will simply wait your return to add FIVE NEW WORDS to whichever five of the old words that you choose to keep. I'm only desiring to keep the fun activity going, my friend. Please continue to offer your wonderful stories. They're very refreshing to me. Again, as to my stories being boring, do note that Sylvia has never failed to appreciate your stories, whereas there's seldom a word about mine, except for occasionally making her laugh. I do tend to be boring! That's not criticism of our friend Sylvia; it's the reality about ME.

deLighting to share and awaiting your word list, Daniel *sun*

[Rhymer]

Hi Daniel , I thank you for your comments. I however, would like to make a couple of comments regarding this Challenge. A Challenge which I find very evocative and stimulating, and something I really do enjoy - possibly need as I grow older and fight the never ending fight to make use of whatever sight is left me. The scariest time of my life without a doubt! This blasted Corona virus is a curse which prevents me from getting the cataract operation I so badly need on my one working eye!
Between Sylvia ansd yourself, I have enjoyed a resurgence of my pleasure in wrtiting. For months now, poetry - which has always been my second love - my dear wife Pauline of 65 years has been and remains my First Love - has been a lost “ talent” for want of a better word, shall we say? Unfortunately Pauline is suffering the first signs of demntia - maybe Alzheimer’s so I tend to be a little lax in finding out the guidelines rule a Challenge. Not known as a patient man, the need for tolerance and patience, has never been greater than now.
Of late I have found it a hard, unforgiving, stoney road to walk, and the extreme heat of summer - breaking all manner of records, ;plus my love of gardening - two acres - has me on my knees some days.
Okay I’ve made my excuses. For which I apologise. I don;t want to sound as a Dutch Uncle but what I’m trying to say is that whether you think yourself good, bad or indifferent, really matters not if you write as you can/do, and enjoy it! Boring? Not a bit of it. We all look at life and interpret it in a way familiar to us. One we are comfortable with, and no matter what others may think, if you enjoy what you’re doing, knowing, and it is your best? That’s what counts. I am truly grateful for the chance to participate in what has awakened my little grey cells once again. Not much poetry, but with around five thousand written - a book published and my publisher wants me to put together another - very flattering but out of the qustion right now - I’ve covered a lot of topics, subjects and feelings - as I see them. I find the lack of interest shown today in MM, which was a vibrant and stimulating site, vey sad. Basicaslly I get a great kick out of “trying” my hand at whatever is thrown my way. Always great when someone enjoys my attempt.

Too late to add a list of words tonight, but will do so in the morning. Hope you’re over the worst of your Op? I have a severe hernia - my third, but again Covid-19 prevents me having it fixed right now. Growing old is a bummer, and don’t I know it!! Take care, Sayonara and catch you again later. Denis aka Rhymer.