A Very Sheepie Tale

Once upon a time, in a land of wool and needles, there lived a lovely princess who answered to the name of Her Royal Highness, Princess Sheepie. Except when she was watching cartoons or eating. Then she got a bit absorbed in those activities and would only growl at those who tried to hail her. Princess Sheepie spent much of her time in the castle (which only makes sense given her love of eating and cartoon watching) and could often be found in the main living quarters happily knitting away on one poorly executed project or another. 'Twas a happy life for the princess and spared others in the kingdom from having to deal with her lengthy dissertations on her favorite foods.

One day, though, the princess found herself somewhat dissatisfied with her lot. For, you see, she had been knitting for two straight days and had little to show for her efforts. She had made repeated knitting errors and was, quite frankly, whining a great deal. Finally, in what may have been either pity or exasperation, another princess from a kingdom all the way across the land suggested that she stop trying to knit a Jaywalker sock since the act of tinking that stupid double decrease every few rows wasn't working out. She pointed out the ease and joy of the Broadripple sock and said that she hoped the her royal friend might consider this alternative. Princess Sheepie took this sage advice and was, for a short time, very happy. The pattern was quite simple and highly addictive. She knit and she knit and she knit...

And then her hands got wicked tired. Princess Sheepie loved her Broadripple sock. And yet she knew that, without a break, she would soon be admitting herself to the local healer's hut for carpal tunnel surgery. A little rest was in order.

So the princess rose up from the couch (with some difficulty...she'd been there a while) and garbed herself in her finest jeans and t-shirt. (note: the princess was required to tend to her own garbing since, following a rather well-publicized incident involving a pumpkin and an ill-placed glass slipper, all the local mice have unionized) She then descended to the lower level where her somewhat less than reliable steed awaited.

And, thus garbed and mounted, she headed out to the Royal Fishing Derby. (hey, it's better than nothing, right???)

The princess rode her steed to the castle of her future sister-in-law and Princess Sheep In Training in order that they might travel together in Future SIL's more reliable coach. First, though, she had to make her way past the vicious Guardian Hound.

Which sort of isn't all that difficult...you just pick him up and move him.

And, after being gifted with a royal pasta salad for tomorrow's lunch (the future bride to Prince Sheep is one heck of a cook), Princess Sheepie accompanied Future SIL to the site of the Royal Fishing Derby.

Which is, surprisingly enough, held near the ocean. Who knew?

Once at the marina, they were met by Their Majesties, King Sheep and Queen Sheep who are less formally known as Mommy and Daddy Sheep. There was great rejoicing and embracing despite the fact that the Princess had last visited with them two days ago. 'Tis a loving Sheepie family and not afraid to show their affection for one another publicly despite their Royal Status.

Now, Princess Sheepie has very, very, very little interest in fishing. And even less in competitive fishing...but, as we have already noted, she does enjoy her food. In this, the derby was more than able to meet her royal needs

There was beef prepared over an open flame:

Too bad they didn't use that flame to actually finish cooking the steak. It was, shall we say, "rare." Dangerously so...

But it was the food of the sea that drew the princess to this event:

Soft-shell Maine lobster, fresh from the sea and courtesy of Daddy/King Sheep! The Princess is well-tended.

The view was lovely, the weather mild and the company lively. There was music and conversation and a good time was had by all. It was a lovely break from the toils of knitting for Princess Sheepie and one most thoroughly enjoyed. She returned home to the castle refreshed and ready for further sock construction.

And She Knit Happily Ever After...until she dropped a stitch anyway. But that's another story for another day.

The End

SA