Mechanicsburger Abroad

The Baron left a note before his departure. Just when he had begun to relax and think about setting up his lab, the Fifty get fractious. Humph, I begin to have very unladylike thoughts concerning the demise of the lot of them. His handwriting is so elegant…

I hope I may have the opening gala preparations completed before his return, if only to spare him another worry. I try, but unlike Herr Dolokov, I have but two hands.

Wolfgang will not be able to join me at Winterfaire. I am most distressed at the report from the school. He was unhurt, and his classmates fared almost as well. However, this is the third classroom he has blown up this year, and as such, he will be under restrictions until spring, after that wing is repaired. I am in total agreement with the punishment, but I am disappointed. I am still unable to wrap my mind about how in the world one could cause structurally-damaging explosions in a dance and etiquette class.

Still no word from the Sergeant on his arrival date. I hope he has not changed his mind and signed up for a different assignment. There has already been another cancellation in travel arrangements, and I am glad I kept the cat in the bag, so to speak. I would have hated to raise his hopes and then dissapoint him.

Even more trouble has possibly landed on my doorstep. Although I have not seen him, I have had reports that my brother Augustus has been sighted in Caledon. Luckily, so far there have been no angry missives from constables, fathers or farmers. I only pray the Builder keep him from his usual antics until I have sufficient back up to manage damage control.

Another reminder - I must get in touch with Herr Szondi regarding catering issues. I have obtained an Ordinal Champagne Waiter, and I must ask if that would be suitable. I should also ask if he'll provide tables, or we will.  He may want to use something dressier than the lab tables. I know I will, but I do not have Great-Großmutter's Vienna lace tablecloths here.

I need to meet with many people on scheduling as well. Ah, that is what the calendar is for, I should actually use the dratted thing, since I created it. Suggesting to the Baron that he also make use of it to let others know when and where he can be found sounds too much like nagging, and only Herr Dolokhov and the Baronin have that right. 

I am reminded of a favorite maxim of the Jaegerkin by my last journal entry. One would think after two decades of laboratory management I would know better than to make such a statement. Suddenly I have far too much to organize in two weeks or less. It is mine own fault, but at least I will not be bored. Still, there is a very long task list to complete before … the incident occurs. 

I must not tease, I know, but until I have a secure study, I must not leave clues where they might be found, yet I must make notes to remind myself. I have contacted the builder regarding the floor, and have noted the existence of a proper samovar. We will need to attend the garden to prepare it for winter. I should look into the rose issue, and make sure they will survive the winter. 

The dumpster rental will have to wait until I can ascertain the nature of the storage. I should speak with the Earl Primbroke concerning the steamer trunks he has in his establishments, and consider a similar design for the foyer. 

The quizophone still has not been programmed, and the phrasebook needs editing. There are still several books I need to borrow from the library (and read them). I really should schedule my office hours in the calendar, and ask the Baron about the gala mentioned last week. 

If the gala is to be held at the consulate, I need to prepare the foyer, and perhaps lighten the primload… somewhere. The buffet will not drain our resources, but the presentation needs to be correct. Accommodations will need to be arranged if the travel itinerary stays true. 

In conclusion, the list of reference points for the traveller - Prim & Proper (main store), Departure Spa, Silver Rose, the horse market (check for landmark), TaP and L&E. Inquire as to the existence of a fencing salle. Must steer them around to Mme. Vandeverre's eventually as well.