The time had come to end my Babylonian Captivity and the gods had opened the gate for me to leave. I didn't just leave I ran; I ran down the street as if my bloomers were on fire and needed to put out the flames with 7 & 7. It had seemed as if it had been ten days or so, but a check at my posts showed it had not even been five.

When I arrived at Court the comforting faces of old friends awaited and we caught up on what seemed like an ocean of gossip and rumors. Nothing had changed except that the new back bar was so much more given to actually hearing what the person next to you was saying about so-and-so.

Everyone was ready for belly shots and as usual the entire room of friends got smashed. Nothing had changed; I got all the usual calls: "Wasn't that a blast? How do YOU feel this morning?" Well, like poo-poo really, but there's a price to pay for having fun. I really wish Mondays didn't exist.

No bordello of gossip would be complete without Thomas Barker (he was one of the late afternoon callers). He was going to yet another Christmas party tonight. I made a vow not to attend any this year, but might have to show up for ours on Wednesday. I wouldn't want THAT crowd talking behind my back.

Oh, and if you don't check out The Countess's recipe for Chrismas cookies you will be depriving yourself of a great holiday treat.