I'm so sorry to hear this update. I'm in awe of your writing. I can't imagine how frustrating it must be to not have control over your own work. Sending hugs. ❤️

Sunday July 2, 1854.

"So it was all a mare's nest?" asked Annie, following one of the Reverend Brown's most boring services I've ever had the misfortune to sit through.

"So it would seem, miss," I replied. "Miss Death is a woman of spotless character, as her employer attests."

Bella used to torment our dog Sandy. She would swoop down and grab at the fur on her back. The poor dog was terrified of her.

Tuesday May 2, 1854.

"Young Mr Rains is concerned about the drawing teacher his sister recently employed," I summed up.

"I know," said George. "It was me who he begged to take on the case, remember?"

Only too well...

"This here is his residence," he continued.

"Then I guess you'd better knock."

Yes! She nibbles on anything made of wood, paper or cardboard! Her wings aren't clipped so she flies anywhere she wants, often landing places I don't want her sitting on. She is occasionally loving but more often nasty and selfish. We didn't choose Bella - we found her flying around our backyard.

That's an understatement lol!

I love that familiar song from the Red-Winged Blackbird! A wonderful spring call.

I don't have a rabbit but I'm happy to share a photo of our bird Bella, enjoying (unsalted) popcorn. Her favourite treat.

❤️ #CanadaStrong

Tuesday April 25, 1854.

Octavius Guy returns! Yes, I have wrested my diary back from George's grubby big hands, though not without a struggle.

My colleague has had plenty of time to make his mark as a proper detective, yet he seems more interested in the art of eating scones.

These are not the humans you want to chase. #usetheforce #cobrachickens

Wednesday April 19, 1854.

"Are you going to let me in on what's going on?" I asked.

Octavius was again engrossed in his newspaper.

He shrugged rather annoyingly then said: "I threw the coded letter I wrote out. The rag and bone man took it. The diplomat then purloined it. See?"

Tuesday April 11, 1854.

George Crump here. His nibs is still trying to crack the code. I was beginning to think that he couldn't.

"Why bother?" I asked.

"So we can change the next message Mrs Walsh receives," he replied.

"What next message?"

"Trust me, there'll be one."

Remember, if caught, invoke the sacred ‘Sorry, wrong chat’ defense. Good luck! 👍

Accidentally added to a White House Signal chat and now I'm leading Seal Team Six on an egg raid in Quebec

Elbows up, Rob. And we are many.

Sending you best wishes, Rob. ✊

Canadians have been strong in our "Canada first, anywhere but the US second" stance in response to this new regime. It may cost me more money and time at the store, but it is worth it. 🇨🇦

Sunday February 19, 1854.

"Miss, I have a small gift for you."

I trembled as I handed Annie what Florrie had chosen for me, a card with pressed dried flowers.

An iris, a pink camellia, white clover, and a fern leaf.

"I love it," she said, though I myself thought it a poor sort of present.

Friday February 10, 1854.

A few quick queries to the major fences led me to the tradesman and his brother-in-law at their Islington lodgings. Amateurs both, they had only heard whispers of a person named Bertha.

"She won't allow you to sell the rubies," I told them. "You'd do best to return them."

Thank you for thinking of me! It's good to be back. ❤️

Thank you Anita! It is so lovely to be back with you all. ❤️

Thank you Sir!

I understand too well lol. 😆

Hello George! I'm looking forward to reading all about your adventures!

Thanks Buzz! Love the love! 💘

Hi Michael! I hope you are doing well and having a healthy and happy start to 2025. It is lovely to be back. 😊

Hello Bluesky friends! Apologies I've been offline for a bit, but very happy to be back, connected with you. Have a great day! ☺️

Thank you!

😄 🤣 😂