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#1
"As you know, Eli, while my mother is a great fan of French food and drink, she has a low opinion of the French capacity to efficiently run anything more complicated than a restaurant or small family business, such as a railway network or a country. Therefore, she has insisted that an empty BR 'Ferrywagon' be sent from Cant Cove to Brittany as a trial and return with a selection of Breton-crated and barrelled produce chosen by me on your advice.

"For such an enlightened lady, your mother still has some strong prejudices, Sylvie", Eli laughed.

"She would state that experiences are not prejudices!" responded Sylvia. "Anyway, she told me that if the van returns with its contents in good order in a reasonable time, she will recommend to Marrek Prowse, you know, the General Manager of the 'Castle Estates', that negotiations commence with Breton produce suppliers and with customers for Cornish products so that the wagons or, if we decide on goods containers, do not travel out empty, also begin. She also said that you and I can manage this project in our spare time! Next Easter would be a good time to make our first visit, she stated. I, of course, gratefully accepted and, this evening, we can try to persuade as many as possible of our friends to accompany us.

"Huh! You know, Sylvie, that Monique is rather 'sniffy' about there being anything worth travelling to Brittany for and will only agree to join us if we all promise to go on to her home, Paris, afterwards!"

"That's our Monique, of course, but Paris is always worth a visit, Eli!"

Eli, as she began to brown the chicken, "This is going to be a meal to remember. The 'Beloved' will love it."

As Sylvia arranges the starters, "It's more than just a meal, Eli. It's a celebration of your heritage and the bond we all share here as members of the 'Karadow'."

"You're right", replied Eli. "It's these traditions that keep our history alive. Speaking of which, have you read your mother's research paper on Atlantean agriculture?"

"I have, and it's fascinating. There's so much we can learn from the past, Eli. But let's focus on the present and get this dinner ready for the 'Karadow'."

"Agreed. Let's make my ancestors proud", Sylvia."

"We will, Eli." Sylvia checked the oven and the cooker top. "That's everything prepared and in its place. While we wait for the three courses to be ready to serve, I've just time to quickly answer your earlier question.

The two friends sit down, and Sylvia pours the last of the Breton cidre into two small glasses.

"Cheers!"

As Eli checked the oven, "Yes, all is looking very good."
#2
N Gauge Discussion / Re: Show your Latest GB Loco a...
Last post by Bealman - Today at 02:11:09 AM
Great to see one on these shores!  :thumbsup:
#3
N Gauge Discussion / Re: Show your Latest GB Loco a...
Last post by Nebnoswal - Yesterday at 09:50:09 PM
Now arriving downunder

#4
General Discussion / Re: An Eventful Christmas at T...
Last post by Chris in Prague - Yesterday at 09:31:35 PM
"Sylvie, how did your mother gather and preserve all this knowledge of Atlantis?"

"My Eli, you're full of questions this evening! You mean more than just through her network of paid researchers?" Sylvie smiled indulgently at her companion, her gaze shifting to the kitchen clock. "Alright, darling, it seems we still have time before the rest of the 'Girls' join us for dinner. Since we're on the roster tonight, I'll share the answer as we prepare the meal."

"Thanks, Sylvie. It's my Breton specialities this evening."

"I remember it's our turn", Sylvia smiled. They'll be delicious, I'm sure, Eli. Please remind me of the three courses."

"As a traditional Breton starter, we'll have Coquilles Saint-Jacques à la Bretonne, also known as Scallops au Gratin."

"An excellent choice, Eli."

"Thank you. It's a classic dish where scallops are prepared with onions, shallots, garlic, and herbs, then topped with breadcrumbs and baked. To follow, we'll be making Poulet Breton. This is a hearty chicken dish simmered in a sauce flavoured with cider, crème fraîche, and mustard, served with potatoes. For dessert, we'll be serving Far Breton, a custardy cake from Brittany that's known for its rich texture and often includes dried plums or raisins; I've chosen special plums. It's similar to a flan and can be enjoyed by everyone at the end of the meal."

"Excellent, Eli. These dishes will complement the Poulet Breton well, offering a complete meal showcasing the flavours of Brittany."

As Sylvia and Eli prepare the Breton dinner, their conversation changes as they focus on their shared culinary tasks.

Sylvia, as she chopped onions, "Eli, could you preheat the oven for the Coquilles Saint-Jacques? We want a nice golden crust."

Eli, as she set the oven, "Certainly. And the scallops, are they ready for the topping?"

"Almost. I just need to sauté them with the garlic and herbs. The aroma is going to be heavenly", replied Sylvia.

"I can't wait", smiled Eli. "And for the Far Breton, did we soak the plums in rum?"

"Yes, they've been soaking overnight in our room where no one can snack on them!" answered her friend. "I'll fetch the bowl now. They'll add such a rich flavour to the dessert."

She returns. "Here they are. Nice and plump!"

As Eli gathered the ingredients for the main course, she asked, "Now, for the Poulet Breton, do you think we should start with browning the chicken in the pot first?"

"Definitely", her friend replied. "It'll lock in the flavours before we add the cider and crème fraîche. Oh, and make sure to season it well."

"Naturally", Eli replied. "And the cidre, is it the special one from Brittany?"

"Don't worry, Eli. I know you're very fond of Breton cidre with its rich, full-bodied, rustic flavours and fruity, floral, and spicy notes. The 'Girls' love it, too, which is why I had to hide the bottle at the back of the top shelf in the cupboard! Here it is! It's the same one you asked me to recommend to my parents."

"You mean the Breton artisan cidre that was added to the product range distributed by the 'Castle Brewery'?"

"Yes, it's that's the one", answered Sylvia. "Here, have a taste." Sylvia pours a little from the large glass bottle into a small glass.

"Mmm, yes, it's the perfect blend of sweet and tart. It'll complement the chicken beautifully."
#5
N Gauge Discussion / Re: Railway Modeller January 2...
Last post by Loft - Yesterday at 05:09:35 PM
Hi Ian: I have been building a Robinson A5 from your very useful article (my first attempt using a 3D printed body, yes, they are delicate!). I'm a bit stuck on the appropriate Fox transfers - huge number of items. Would you possibly have the codes for the lining-out etc?
#6
N Gauge Discussion / Re: Took some stock to the clu...
Last post by Newportnobby - Yesterday at 11:48:36 AM
Quote from: Roy L S on Yesterday at 11:16:11 AM
Quote from: Newportnobby on March 21, 2024, 01:13:40 AMTook my Metrovick last night and had it hauling a somewhat dirty set of parcels stock composed of 2 x GUVs, 3 x BGs (Barry, Robin and Maurice :-X ) and an LMS 50ft brake

Class 28 Metrovick + parcels on Heatherley by Mick Hollyoake, on Flickr

Is Heatherley your local Club layout Mick?

It is, indeed, Roy. I had nothing to do with the build as I joined long after it was 'completed' (is any layout ever completed?)
#7
N Gauge Discussion / Re: Took some stock to the clu...
Last post by Roy L S - Yesterday at 11:16:11 AM
Quote from: Newportnobby on March 21, 2024, 01:13:40 AMTook my Metrovick last night and had it hauling a somewhat dirty set of parcels stock composed of 2 x GUVs, 3 x BGs (Barry, Robin and Maurice :-X ) and an LMS 50ft brake

Class 28 Metrovick + parcels on Heatherley by Mick Hollyoake, on Flickr

Is Heatherley your local Club layout Mick?
#8
N Gauge Discussion / Re: Took some stock to the clu...
Last post by Newportnobby - Yesterday at 10:25:29 AM
I think most of us enjoy watching vids of N gauge model railways, but the forum doesn't accept 'motion pictures' so a hosting site like YouTube or Flickr has to be used.
#9
N Gauge Discussion / Re: Took some stock to the clu...
Last post by geofff - Yesterday at 09:03:41 AM
I don't understand/can't do most of the concepts on here (DCC , scratch building, how to repair) , but this is the type of postings that I look forward. So well done Newport and DiTape.
#10
General Discussion / Re: An Eventful Christmas at T...
Last post by Chris in Prague - Yesterday at 08:21:13 AM
"Fascinating, Sylvie. And you have learnt all of this from your mother?"

"Yes, Eli. Although she is always on the lookout for more knowledge! Many a penniless PhD candidate has benefitted from her generosity in return for searching for and then forwarding forgotten texts discovered in ancient archives the world over."

"So, Sylvie, there still information out there to discover?"

"Certainly, but it can only be discovered by those who believe in its existence, Eli."

"I see. I imagine that Queen Priestesses had an important role in choosing young Atlanteans to be trained in one of the twelve roles?"

"Yes, that's right, Eli; in Atlantis, we know that the Queen Priestesses played a key role in identifying and developing the future leaders and specialists who would perform the twelve essential roles within their civilisation. The selection and training process was deeply spiritual and holistic, reflecting the values and beliefs of Atlantean culture."

"How did that work?"

"Here's how my mother explains the Queen Priestesses approached this sacred duty: From a young age, Atlantean children were observed to evaluate their innate talents and inclinations. The Queen Priestesses, with their profound intuition, recognised these natural affinities and guided the children towards a path that aligned with their inherent abilities.

"Through various ceremonies and divinatory practices, the Priestesses sought insights to determine each child's destiny. These rituals ensured that the chosen path was in harmony with the greater plan for the individual and Atlantis.

"Once a child was identified for a specific role, they would be placed under the mentorship of a leader in that field—be it a Poet, Physician, Farmer, or any of the other roles. The Queen Priestesses oversaw this apprenticeship, ensuring that the teachings were imparted with wisdom and care.

"Beyond the practical skills, the Queen Priestesses also facilitated the spiritual growth of the young Atlanteans. They taught them the importance of balance, harmony, and the interconnectedness of all life, which were central to Atlantean philosophy.

"As the young Atlanteans matured and honed their skills, the Queen Priestesses facilitated their integration into adult society. They performed rites of passage that not only recognised the individual's mastery but also their responsibility to contribute to the common good.

"Even after the formal training was complete, the Queen Priestesses continued as spiritual advisors to the Twelve, offering guidance and support as they navigated the complexities of their roles within Atlantis.

"In this way, the Queen Priestesses ensured that the spiritual, intellectual, and practical aspects of Atlantean life were a seamless whole, creating a society where each individual could thrive and contribute to the greater good."

"Fascinating. How did the Queen Priestesses select their successors, Sylvie?"

"In the lore of Atlantis, the selection of successors for the Queen Priestesses was a sacred and meticulous process, steeped in tradition and mysticism. Here's how my mother explained it unfolded: Succession was believed to be divinely ordained, with potential successors often being identified from a specific spiritual lineage or bloodline that was considered to be particularly favoured.

"The Queen Priestess looked for signs and omens in nature and the cosmos, interpreting these as indications of the chosen one. This could include astrological events, dreams, or other mystical experiences.

"Candidates had to undergo a series of trials designed to test their wisdom, character, and spiritual aptitude. These trials would ensure that the successor possessed the necessary qualities to lead and guide the people of Atlantis.

"A Council of respected Elders and former Queen Priestesses had a say in the selection process, offering their insights and approval to ensure the continuity of their traditions and values.

"In some narratives, the people of Atlantis themselves had a role in affirming the successor through a ceremonial gathering or a public display of support.

"Once a successor was chosen, a grand ceremony would take place, marking the transfer of power and the spiritual mantle from the reigning Queen Priestess to the new one. This ceremony was filled with symbolic acts, sacred chants, and thanksgiving offerings.

"Before fully assuming her duties, the successor spent a period under the mentorship of the current Queen Priestess, learning the sacred rites, secrets, and responsibilities of her new role.

"The process was designed to ensure that the new Queen Priestess was not only capable and knowledgeable but also spiritually aligned with the divine will and the greater good of Atlantis."

"Thank you. I can see the legacy in your mother and you.

"Thank you, Eli. We do the best we can. My mother is an inspiration to us all."
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