I'm glad that they got things right this year. I remember the year that someone sent for a Swedish misogynist by mistake. Once it was explained that a masseuse rubs people the right way and a misogynist rubs them the wrong way, the Swede was banished through the magic connecting tunnel to the Mudcat Recovery Ward and is now assisting Hurty Gertie in the Physical Therapy room....

Speaking about the tunnel to the hospital, it was chronicled in last summer's adventures in The Recovery Ward that the Squid had found himself a wife and a number of young squidlets were running about in the Tavern. Their number was diminished by a few having perished in an ill advised journey into the hospital, where the Squid and Liz The Squeak had to rescue the survivors. For now, the link to the hospital has been closed and secured. There are quite a few left, and they are gathering whatever they can find to use as ornaments on the yet undecorated tree, so keep a close watch on your belongings.....

The alligator came back through the alley gate and has assumed his usual role as bartender....

Liz is once again hogging the loo, and the usual line is growing and folks are beginning to grumble....