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Yule Fictions Past and Present  by Grey Wonderer 6 Review(s)
BodkinReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/21/2006
I do love this tale.

And the vision of Merry trying to wrap a ladder. Just a little too sure of himself at times, that Brandybuck!

Author Reply: Thank you! I am quite sure that wrapping the ladder was a lesson in itself for Meriadoc the Magnificent! LOL

demeter dReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/19/2006
Ah, so that is why Merry ended up on the roof with the tinsel the next year. Odd, isn't it, that a Brandybuck who can be quite adventurous in a boat can be so bothered by heights! I enjoyed watching him deal with the Grubbs. One can see the beginnings of the people management skills he will need one day as Master. The Grubbs reminded me of Edith and Archie Bunker of "All in the Family!" Very devoted to one another, but strong-willed none the less. It seems that Saradoc and Esmerelda consider Pippin just as much their son as Merry is. And I adore Esmerelda'a reply "that is a Mother's trick. Marry well and your own lass will tell you that". I also liked Mrs. Grubb's description of a charming Pippin helping her with her groceries. That's our Pippin. Again, it is so nice to have the link between the two pieces.

Author Reply: This is exactly the reason for Merry roof-top adventure. When Lindelea wrote that I could just see Pippin's reaction upon finding Merry in that position and I had to laugh. The Grubbs are a bit like Archie and Edith, aren't they? They were quite a handful for Merry but he did manage them and the practice is certainly something that he can use. (I dare say that Saradoc has had to practice on the Grubbs in the past and likely has his own tale to tell.) As to Esmeralda's remark, I do think that most often it is the mother who knows what is going on in the childresn's heads, don't you? Thank you for reading and for taking the time to leave a review!

LindeleaReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/19/2006
(You're welcome!)

Thanks for the smile. I remembered this story from reading it last year, and appreciated the reminder.

You have such a touch for realistic dialogue! The old couple strike me as somebody I've known.

Author Reply: You gave me a big smile too with your drabble! I hide these Yule stories during the year and drag them out over the holiday because I am one of those nuts that only enjoy Yule stories during Yule. LOL
Thank you for saying such a sweet thing about my dialogue. My characters tend to talk alot, even the ones that aren't Tooks! Happy Holidays to you!

Pearl TookReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/19/2006
Yes, I remember this story! I loved it before and I loved it now. Wonderful, wonderful and, yes, wonderful. And Lindelea's follow-up is perfect as well.

I do so love your stories, GW!

Author Reply: I was so pleased with Lindelea's drabble and I was glad she allowed me to link it here so that everyone could enjoy it. Glad you enjoyed reading this one again! And I love your stories too!

harrowcatReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/18/2006
I was so glad to be reminded of this one GW. And I still don't know the answer to the last question. Having spent the afternoon wrapping my Dad's presents for my 3 year old Nephew so I might have a good idea! Why can't children's toys come in square boxes?

Author Reply: I say we need more things that come in square boxes! Gift wrapping is hard enough without the challenge of wrapping ladders and umbrellas and recliners! (Yes, I had to wrap a chair once and I am still complaining about it.) Thank heavens video games come in boxes that wrap easily! Thanks for reading and reviewing.

LarnerReviewed Chapter: 3 on 12/18/2006
He wants a ladder, and for it to be wrapped as a surprise, does he? And even if one does managed to wrap a ladder, how does one disguise it?

Dear Pippin, and he knows he has Merry over a--over a ladder! Heh!

Author Reply: This time Pippin does have the upper hand. I can't imagine disguising a ladder without taking it completely apart, can you? LOL Maybe Merry did.

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