MN: I'm back, is anyone else here?
Storyteller: I'm here, Nora's still not back.
MN: I heard traffic was kind of nutsy today, so she might be a tad delayed.
Storyteller: How was New York?
MN: Crowded, but civilized and genial, as usual. On Black Friday, New York is a lot saner than any given shopping center in the suburbs.
Storyteller: I'll never understand it. It's supposed to be all about peace on earth and goodwill toward silly creatures, and you've got them up early and mauling each other over silly things.
MN: You and me both. I'll be amazed if the crime rate didn't go up ten points on that day. Now then...I prepared the punch, it's cooling in the fridge...I've got to get going on the cake and some quick breads and things.
Storyteller: I've got a few radish and rockweed quiches; those will go quickly.
MN: Good, good. And we brought home some really good cheeses to make a cheese tray from, and we've got lots of fruits and vegetables for fruit and vegetable trays. Got to have something healthy, don't you know.
Storyteller: I hear Beth likes mint mocha; think we can make some of that?
MN: Oh, of course...and I'll have to talk to Red about opening up the pool area...Red, my friend, keeper of the recreational dunking spot, would you unlock it later on tonight?