What a whirlwind the last month has been! There was getting the house repaired by Miss Marnewyn. She did such a fine job and the house hasn't been so cozy in winter in a very long time. Da's resting far more comfortable now than he was before. We still worry for him, and I've been looking for someone who can help care for him, but we're handling his vague times better.
I've been to market a fair number of times, and keep meeting new folks. It's so strange how some folks seem like they don't much like hobbits, and they want you to know it. Ma always taught me it's not polite to let folks know you don't like 'em, and you should always just be pleasant to them. Though she's hard pressed to be nice to Gammy Boggs her own self.
There was a man in the market was treating me like I was some sort of neeker breeker creeped in from the swamp. I were closing down my cart and leaving, then he offered to escort me home to keep me safe! I didn't really need his help finding my way, and there are always watchmen on the road to the house, so I declined. He then cried out that he hoped not to find me dead on the side of the road! It almost seemed like a threat! So I stopped and spoke with each of the watchmen along the way home. I let them know what happened and they kept an eye on me all the way. There's nowt so queer as big folk!
There's a lass comes to market regular named Miss Audea. She's fair thin and I think she's not doing well for money. I've seen her a few times, and last time I sent the rest of my soup home with her. She protested nicely but I fair forced it on her, I was so worried she didn't seem to have had a warm meal for a while. Next I see her I think I'll ask does she have a trade or plans. I could sure use help, or she might at least be able to get herbs and such for me and I could pay her for that in food or coin.
I had another fair-sized order for Bottle Cakes, for some group of folks calls theirself "The Wyld Hunt". Met Miss Fredericka Bluejay, who buys supplies for them. I figured I could give folks better prices for when they buy a dozen or more Bottle Cakes at a time, and she ordered a whole dozen, so I gave her the lower price. She seemed pleasant and seemed to really like the sausage sample I gave her. Those really seem to encourage folks to buy, I'm glad I started offering them.
I got invited to a yule ball and it was so grand. I wore a dress of Ma's that was a deep, rich green in a nice soft fabric. The food was real fine, but I think I might have et too much of it. I provided some pickles and such for the table, though. So that probably evened out. I didn't drink near as much cider as some folks did! I got a chance to dance with a few different folks, and some were real kind to me. There's some sort of rift happened with Mister Leoffrith and Miss Haritha that I don't know anything about, but they were looking real awkward when they saw each other. He seemed to have fun anyways, and I was happy about that. He's such a kind man, always treats me like I were anyone else, never talks down at me or over my head, always seems to know where I am sos he doesn't walk over me. Wish more big folks were like that!
I got to talk about pickles and farming, and met some interesting folks, one has a farm and I said I'd visit and maybe buy some veg from him, but I haven't had a chance what with all we've been putting up for the coming year. I hope I get a chance to go out there and see how they're fixed for cheeses or milk. I wonder can you dry cheese or does it just get sos you can't eat it if you do that? I'll need to look into that this winter. Maybe you can smoke them.
