jillslife

[jillslife]

On wednesday it's once again raining.... At least her cough from yesterday is finally gone but the fall weather keeps punishing her, she really needs to get a rood over herself. She does her usual chores in the rain - good thing she likes gardening - and spends some time with the chickens.

Jill still hasn't decided what to name the little one yet... she wonders if it will turn out to be a hen or a rooster. After taking care of Billie she decides to call Rahul and take him up on his offer.

Jill: "Hey, how are you doing today?"

Rahul: "I'm good, thanks. How about you? Already soaking?"

Jill: "Ugh, yes. So I decided to take you up on your offer.... any chance I could come by tonight and take a warm shower at your place?"

Rahul: "Yeah, of course. But come by earlier, I can let you in on my lunchbreak, you can hang out a bit while I'm at work."

Jill: "Thank you so much! I can't do anything today anyway, might as well rest a bit. We could make some dinner tonight?"

Rahul: "I would love that. Mom is on some event in the city, it will be just the two of us anyway."

Jill: "So, when should I come by?"

Rahul: "Around 1pm. But I gotta go now, see you in a bit!"

Jill: "Bye!"

She still has some time left so she wanders around the Bramblewoods and forages what she can... Even the birds aren't around today.

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[jillslife]

The next day starts with taking care of Billie and a lot more coughing... Jill hopes this cold will end soon, there's been a forecast for rain for the next few days.

She decides to take it slow today and works on the garden... She also takes some cuttings and grafts her first plants. Let's hope she will get some pomegranates, soon!

Jill spends the afternoon researching with her gardening books again to discovers something new... She learns that she can grow some orchids if she can somehow find a lily... perhaps a visit to the Crumplebottom's should be on her agenda. The Vegetables and mushrooms won't give her anything new, though.

In the middle of researching another plant she hears something from the coop.... Seems like that egg Snow White has been sitting on the last few days has hatched!

Such a cute little chick.... Jill wonders if it will grow up to be a hen or a rooster...

She decides to visit the pub that evening to get a hot meal and wash up a bit... Her own bathroom would be nice as well... What would plumbing cost? What does a foundation cost? Who can she actually ask all these questions?

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[jillslife]

Jill decides to ride her bike into the town inspite of her cold and she's glad she did... she gets around 800 simoleons for her giant crops today! A couple of more harvests and she may be able to think about getting a home!

She also visits the Crumplebottom's stall and asks for a few more giant crop seeds while she's here... and some flowers she read about in her gardening book - once she's home again she plants a snapdragon which will eventually sprout and bloom this season!

Afterwards she does a bit more researching... and discovers some new grafting options! A pomegranate... how interesting...

Before she can learn anything more though, there's an unexpected visitor...

Rahul: "Hey... I just wanted to see how you were doing. You sounded a bit down over the phone today so..."

Jill: "But... I don't want you to catch my cold..."

Rahul: "I don't really care, I could use a few days off. And I was a bit worried that you might lie around here somewhere with a fever or something... I sent you a text like 3 hours ago."

Jill: "Oh! Sorry, I was researching something, I didn't even notice."

Rahul: "Yeah, well, at least you're alright. Do you mind some company?"

Jill: "Not at all! But I'm afraid I won't be much fun tonight, I'm feeling exhausted.."

Rahul: "Then let's sit down a while, tell me what you did today..."

Jill: "My giant crops were ready to harvest today so I harvested them and planted the rest of the seeds I got last time and........"

I doesn't take long for her to fall asleep and Rahul sticks around for a while.. just so that she can sleep a little.

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[jillslife]

Jill feels a little bit off the next day... perhaps it wasn't the best idea to spend the whole night out in the rain researching her plants.

At least the giant crops have finally grown! She wonders how much money they will make her. Jill still has some seeds left ver from her last visit to the Crumplebottom's Flower Stall so she plants the right away. She also gets a visit from Charmer while she works... he seems to like following her around.

Rahul [texting] : "Hey, do you want to meet up at the pub tonight?" She decides to call him back instead of texting.

Jill: "Hey, sorry, I don't think I can make it tonight... I don't feel so good, I think I caught a cold and I don't want to pass it on to you." Rahul: "How come? The tent isn't doing it's job after all?" Jill: "No, it probably was the weather yesterday..." Rahul: "You know you can always come around... I will find an excuse for my mother. I don't like you getting sick."

Jill: "That's sweet... but I don't want to impose too much." Rahul: "You're not, I like having you around." Jill: "I'll remember that next time, then." And no, there was no one around to see her blushing.

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[jillslife]

After a hot shower and putting on some dry clothes, Jill feels a lot better. They hang out a bit in Rahul's room.

Rahul: "I... wanted to talk to you about yesterday."

Jill: "Yesterday was good. I enjoyed every second of it."

Rahul: "Really? Because I feel the same way... perhaps we could do that next summer as well?" She notices the implication... next summer is a whole year from now. Rahul really wants this to be serious. Good thing wants that as well. Jill: "That's a good idea."

Rahul: "Thank the Watcher... I just wanted to make sure you didn't think this is some one-time-thing or something... I really do like you."

Rahul invites her to stay for dinner ("I don't want you out there in the rain the whole night") and Jill enjoys the salad he makes for them.

She wonders how much it would cost to have her own home with her own kitchen...

When she finally returns home that evening Snow White and Charmer and already sleeping inside her coop - they found the way home already! With nothing else to do she spends the rest of the night researching plants with the help of her gardening book. She really wants to try grafting.

Seems like she could graft some new flowers if she manages to find a tulip somewhere! The chocoberries and mushrooms won't get her any more crops though...

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[jillslife]

It's raining heavily on the first day of fall and Jill is thankful for the umbrella she packed when she left her home... but she takes care of the garden anyway. Billie doesn't seem to mind the rain at all.

There's some good news, though... The chicken and the rooster have been delivered! She decides to name them something... very original. Meet Charmer and Snow White!

She does some foraging and gets a text from Rahul.

Rahul [texting] : "Hey, hope you had a good nights sleep!" Jill [texting] : "Yeah, thanks, I slept like a log... it's been such a long time since I've been swimming, I feel really lethargic today..." Rahul [texting] : "Sorry to hear that... do you have some time to come over today? I wanted to talk to you about something."

Jill [texting] : Sure, I'll be over once I visited Ms. Goldbloom."

After a short visit to the vegetable stall she does just that.

Rahul: "Hey! Oh my Watcher, you're soaked! Have you been out in the rain the whole day?"

Jill: "Yeah, sorry... But my chicken are finally here!"

Rahul: "That's nice and all but you'll catch your death if you don't get dry soon... do me a favour and take a warm shower, I'll get you a towel and put those clothes in the dryer..." Jill: "Thanks!"

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[jillslife]

They spend a wonderful day at the beach... and Rahul really does take her scuba diving.

In the evening they cozy up at the bonfire and Jill starts to have this funny feeling in her stomach... she really does like him a lot.

They decide to visit the beach bar before they hop on the train home and it seems like the feeling is mutual.

Rahul: "I've had so much fun with you today... you know, I really... like you a lot, Jill."

Jill: "I.... do, too."

Rahul: "Do you... can I...."

He fumbles a bit, but then it just clicks and they both lean in... an Jill thinks that, in spite of all of the hardship, this may be her favourite last day of summer.

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[jillslife]

The next morning she harvests all her plants... and works on those giant crops again. She hopes they will grow soon.

Jill: "Good morning, Ms. Goldbloom! I've got some crops to sell! Also, I think I have the money for the chickens... would you call your former supplier for me?" Kim: "Sure! Thank the Watcher.... so we WILL finally have some eggs in this town." Jill: "How long do you think they will take to deliver them?" Kim: "I don't think it will be long at all.. with those delivery prices I at least hope it's express shipping or something...." She gets a text from Rahul then. Rahul [texting] : "Where are you?" Jill [texting] : "At the plaza, just sold some stuff to Ms. Goldbloom." Rahul [texting] : "I'll come and get you then."

Kim: "Who was that?" Jill: "That was Rahul.... we want to visit Sulani today, it's the last day of summer!" Kim: "The two of you really get along, don't you?" She smiles knowingly and Jill can't hide the blush that creeps up on her. Jill: "Yeah... we do."

They get to Sulani just past 2 pm... and it really is beatiful.

Jill: "Wow! This is just like the pictures you showed me yesterday!" Rahul: "I told you it's going to be great!"

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[jillslife]

The next afternoon, just as promised, Rahul comes by and they visit the McMillans.

Derek: "Well, this is it.. it's a but run down, but I think the paint is still okay..." Jill: "It looks perfectly fine to me. Thanks again for selling it to me!" Derek: "I told you we don't use it anymore... did you find someone who sells chickens?"

Jill: "Yes, Ms. Goldbloom will do the order for me once I have the funds for the delivery. But it's just a few more simoleons and I'm done." Derek: "It will probably be worth your money, eggs are in.... very high demand right now." Jill: "Yes I hope so. Here's your money. Rahul will help me get in home."

Jill: "So what do you think?" Rahul: "Looks like it will fit. We just have to get it in..." After a little pushing and and heavy lifting, they manage to get the coop back to her home lot.

Jill: "We did it!"

Rahul: "Yeah, good job. You don't look it, but you're actually pretty strong." Jill: "You do remember that I farm for fun and profit?" Rahul: "Forgot about that.... but listen, there's something I wanted to ask you..." Jill: "What is it? Anything for you after that big favour." Rahul: "Nothing like that. Well...tomorrow is the last day of summer and I wanted to enjoy it out on the beach... there's a train that travels right to Sulani from here and I've been wondering if you maybe want to come along?" Jill: "Sulani? I've never heard of it..."

Rahul: "Look, it's beautiful, especially in summer! I thought we could perhaps visit this beach, have a good time, there's even a beach bar nearby..." Jill: "Yeah, I'd love that! I've never been to the beach!"

Rahul: "It's going to be great! I'll take you scuba diving!" Jill: "Let's meet up at the plaza around noon?" Rahul: "Perfect. See you tomorrow!"

With nothing else to do for the evening, Jill decides to finally take a look at that gardening book the birds gave her all those weeks ago... apparently there's a thing calles grafting? She will have to research some of her plants... perhaps she can even make them last in more seasons than one!

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[jillslife]

The next day starts with more of the same... taking care of the garden, especially the giant crops - they are a LOT of work. Jill hopes that it will pay off.

She gets a text from Rahul in the middle of her work. Rahul [texting] : "Hey, You wanna meet up after work at the pub and grab a bite to eat?" Jill [texting] : "Sure! What time are you off today?" Rahul [texting] : "About 6pm. Meet me up front?"

Jill [texting] : "Of course! See you tonight!" Then it's the usual foraging and fishing... Jill gets some golden wool from the birds today.. perhaps she will keep that for the next village faire!

She manages to catch quite a few today and sells them to Kim before she meets up with Rahul. Just a little bit left until she can pay for chickens!

Rahul: "Hey Jill! I've been itching for some foosball... you wanna play a round or two?" Jill: "Yeah, sure, but let's eat something first, I'm starving..." Over dinner the conversation turns to Jill's plans for the chicken coop.

Jill: ".... and I've got the money now, but I don't know how I will be able to get it over to my lot..."

Rahul: "I can help you out with that, I've got the delivery cart. If we secure it enough we can probably just drive it there."

Jill: "You would do that? That would be awesome! When do you have time to try it?" Rahul: "Tomorrow. I can just borrow it after work, I don't think Kim would mind." Jill: "It's a date! Text me after work?" Rahul: "I will. But now it's time for foosball!"

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[jillslife]

After that it's off to the plaza to talk to Agatha Crumplebottom. Jill: "Hello Ms. Crumplebottom! I'm here to collect your grocery order for Ms. Goldbloom!"

Agatha: "Oh, that's great, we've run out of eggs!" Jill: "As everyone on town I think." Agatha: "Yes, I heard there was some problem with the delivery?" Jill: "Yes, sadly. Ms. Goldbloom is working overtime to find another supplier."

Agatha: "That's bad news... but how about you? Did you buy that field we used to own?" Jill: "Yes, I bought it last week. I even expanded the fields yesterday, but I've run out of seeds... do you sell any flower seeds?" Agatha: "Of course we do! We also sell some special seeds for oversized crops... have you ever tried planting some?" Jill: "No, I've never even heard of them.. just that there was some faire for it a few weeks ago?"

Agatha: "That's right... we have Watermelons, Lettuce, Mushrooms and Aubergines. They even grow in any season so they're great for winter... are you interested?" Jill buys a whole bunch, even though she only has room for three seed packets - she hopes they will bring in some big money! She meets Kim just as she is about to leave the plaza.

Jill: "Ms. Goldbloom! I managed to collect the other two grocery orders for you!" Kim: "Thanks, Jill, you're such a big help." Jill: "I'm afraid it's more eggs though..."

Kim: "Oh, I'm going to explode! I really need some eggs to sell...."

Jill: "Actually I've been talking to Derek and he will sell me his chicken coop... do you know where I can get any chickens?" Kim: "Yes I do.... that guy who broke off our deal is selling all of his.... he's charging a lot, though. And with the transport..." Jill: "Well, I could start small.... just a chicken and a rooster perhaps... the rest is up to nature?" Kim: "I will ask him about it, but you're probably looking at 500 simoleons." Jill: "And then we will finally have some eggs!" Kim: "That would be amazing..."

So she's on the money grind again... Jill plants some of the giant crop seeds that night and spends the rest of the night fishing... another 900 simoleons to go.

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[jillslife]

Jill visits Ian and Derek the next day. Jill: "Hey Derek, are you home?" He's out back on the patio.

Derek: "Hello, Jill! It's good to see you! How have you been?" Jill: "I'm fine, thanks, how about you?" Derek: "Well, I'm old, but at least I'm healthy..." Jill: "That's good to hear. I'm actually here on an errand... Ms. Goldbloom asked me to collect you're grocery orders." Derek: "Oh, are you helping around town? That's nice.... we need some eggs... seems like they're in high demand right now." Jill [laughing] : "Some?" Derek: "Six will do just fine."

Jill: "Okay, I'll tell her. But she's struggling to find a new supplier, that's why it's taking so long." Derek: "Ah, that makes sense... well I hope she finds one, soon. We sold all of our hens last year, they were too much work for us." Jill: "Really? So your chicken coop is empty?" Derek: "Yes, we've been relying on Kim's stall."

Jill: "Would you perhaps sell it to me? I've been trying to think of some way to get chickens myself, but I don't have the means to build a coop..." Derek: "Sure, we don't need it anymore... but where are you staying now?" Jill: "I bought the fields the Crumplebottom sisters used before..." Derek: "Good for you! You would need someone to help you move it, though... and it's used." Jill: "I don't care about that. How much would you sell it for?" Derek: "How about 400 simoleons?"

Jill: "I can do that! Can you give me your cell phone number so I can call you when I get the money?" Derek: "Sure, but you're welcome to come by anytime, that offer still stands... don't be a stranger!" Jill: "Thank you, Derek."

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[jillslife]

Jill has some time the next morning before she visits the Creature Keeper, so she decides to expand her fields! She doesn't have anything to grow on them yet, but if she goes out foraging today she could sell everything to Kim when she relays her grocery orders.... most of the plants she grew in spring are out of season.

After a heavy workout with the hoe she now has twice the room to grow something! Evenm Billie seems pleased!

The way to the Creature Keeper is not far from her foraging route, so she visits the birds again and they give her another cross-stich pattern. Then it's over the brigde towards a cozy little cottage.....

Jill: "Hello, my name is Jill! Are you Mr. Bell?" Michael: "Yes?" Jill: "I'm here on behalf of Ms. Goldbloom for your weekly grocery order?" Michael: "Okay.... I want some eggs." Jill: "Okay! How many?" Michael: "Just... some."

Jill: "Okay? Anything else?" Michael: "No." He turns and starts talking to a rabbit that just appeared out of the nearby hedges.... She doesn't get anything else out of him, so she leaves him to his animals. He's a special one indeed. On the way out she notices some more berry bushes and fruit trees... another stop added to her foraging routine!

Jill: "Hey Ms. Goldbloom! Here are you're grocery orders!" Kim: "Oh, thank you so much, dear...." She starts reading through them. Kim: "Stupid eggs... I still haven't found a new supplier... you don't have any chickens by chance?" Jill: "No... I still don't have a chicken coop, but I've been thinking of building one of my own... I would need a woodworking table for it, though." Kim: "That's a shame." Jill: "Do you need any more help?" Kim: "Could you collect the orders for the McMillans and the Crumplebottoms for me as well?" Jill: "Sure! Is it okay if I do it tomorrow? I actually wanted to buy some seeds from you and plant them this evening..."

Kim: "That's fine! I'm so grateful for your help, I'll give you a discount today."

She buys lots of different seeds and plants them in her new fields... and wonders what will grow this season. Still so much to discover.

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[jillslife]

Billie is hungry again.... she really burns through Jill's berry supplies. But she's so cute! Jill also sacrifices some of her mushrooms to make another batch of fertilizers for her growing plants.

It's sunday again, which means there are new NAP's open for voting. Jill decides to vote for 'Self-Sufficiency' sounds like something she can accomplish.

Getting around the Bramblewoods is much easier now that she has a bike... the trip to her bird friends used to take up tp an hour, now it's so much faster!

They reward her with another golden treat... She really needs to get that chicken coop... perhaps she can even build one her own?

Jill: "Perhaps I should invest in a woodworking table next? I wonder if Rahul knows somewhere I can buy that, too."

She spends the rest of the day fishing... she needs to pay her property taxes soon. When she rides her bike into town that evening, Kim looks a little stressed. Jill: "Hey Ms. Goldbloom, everything alright?"

Kim: "Huh? Yes dear.... no actually not. My egg supplier has bailed on me and I've been trying to replace him all day, I didn't even manage to collect the grocery orders for the next week...." Jill: "Oh... I'm sorry to hear that. Do you need any help with that?" Kim: "Well... if you're offering...."

Jill: "Of course! You've helped me out so much when I came here, I would love to return the favour!"

Kim: "Would you be a dear and collect the grocery orders from the pub, then? Sara and Simon are some of my best customers and I don't want to lose them.... There's also the Creature Keeper in the Bramblewoods, he lives just over the bridge behind the ruins... Micheal Bell is his name." Jill: "Sure! Do you need to get it done today?" Kim: "No, love, tomorrow is fine... you're really saving my bacon here, thank you so much." Jill: "Don't mention it... I wanted to visit the pub anyway and this Creature Keeper is not out of my way, either... I'm surprised I haven't met him before, we're practically neighbours...."

Kim: "He tends to keep to himself. And the rabbits. And the birds.... he's a bit..... special." Jill: "I'm sure it will be fine... see you tomorrow!" She visits the pub right afterwards and the owner, Sara Scott, is happy to see her. Jill: "Hello, Mrs. Scott! I'm here to collect your grocery order for Ms. Goldbloom!"

Sara: "Oh, thank the Watcher... I would have gone there myself, but weekends are always so busy...." Jill: "Not to worry, I'm here for it now!"

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[jillslife]

There's something weird going on with Billie today.... why is her tongue a cake?

Jill: "What's going on, buddy? Do you want me to take this? It it for me? Or are you hungry?" The plant nods enthusiastically.

Jill: "Okay then.... how about some blueberries?" That doesn't seem her favourtive food, but she takes it anyway. Weird plant. Of course, all of the other plants get taken care of, too.

Now that Jill owns a bike, she can expand her foraging route! There's some paths up the mountain she hasn't taken yet, so she decides to go out for a bike ride.

She finds some mushroom colonies at a small lookout and takes them... this means more income for today!

Then, she gets a text from Rahul Rahul [texting] : "Hey, hope your first night in the tent went well!" Jill [texting] : "Yeah, it was really comfortable... it keeps out the wind at least." Rahul [texting] : "Glad to hear it. Listen, would you like to come over today and watch the game with me? It's Pride day and my favourite team is playing.... The San Myshuno Llamas against the Oasis Spring Eagles."

Jill [texting] : "Sure! I'll come over in a bit!" Rahul [texting] : "Awesome! We can go to the plaza afterwards and see what the cow faire is all about."

Jill: "I'm so excited, I loved the Llama games when I was still living in San Myshuno!" Rahul: "Did you ever see a game?" Jill: "Mom took me to one, but that was ages ago..."

Rahul: "You know, when I was little that was my dream job!" Jill: "You wanted to join the team?"

Rahul: "Yeah. We'll see what I can do when I get my degree... If they even accept my, that is." Jill: "I'm sure they will. When are you going to enroll?" Rahul: "Probably in Winter when I get the money by then."

Jill: "You can do it! Oh, the game is starting...."

Rahul is in high spirits after the game - the Llamas won! They go out to the faire where they grill some of Jill's home grown mushrooms and enjoy the evening together...

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[jillslife]

After shopping at the second hand store they are both hungry so Rahul buys them some burgers at one of the food stalls in the area.

Jill: "Wow, this is really good!"

Rahul: "Yeah, it's some sort of gourmet festival today... I think they call it 'Night On The Town'? There's a whole lot of catering services around selling for some publicity." Jill: "That's our good luck! The food is amazing." They visit the Arcade afterwards and try about every game there is.

It's almost 9pm when they're finally finished and waiting for the next bus home.

Jill: "Thanks for today, Rahul... I really had a lot of fun." Rahul: "Me, too. That new game was amazing. And you've shown quite the skill in Ping Pong I must say...." Jill: "You're just salty because I beat you 3 times." Rahul: "A little." Jill: "How much longer until the bus arrives?" Rahul: "About 10 minutes I think." Jill: "I regret that I left the hoodie at home... With the sun gone it's pretty cold." Rahul: "Then scoot over a bit... I don't bite... much." Jill [laughing] : "Oh, my Watcher, how cheesy can you get?"

When they arrive home in Henford-on-Bagley later, Rahul helps her set up the tent in the dark.

Jill: "Thanks again. I really appreciate it."

Rahul: "Don't mention it, I had fun. We should do that more often... I you want." Jill: "I would like that." Rahul: "Goodnight then, Jill." Jill: "Goodnight!"

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[jillslife]

They arrive at Magnolia Promenade shortly after 2pm. Their first stop is the shop for outdoor equipment Rahul has recommended and Jill finds what she wants easily.

Jill: "This looks good, doesn't it?"

Rahul: "It says that it will protect you in any weather... seems sturdy enough."

Jill: "At least until I can pay anyone to build me a cabin or something..." She is also interested in some of the bikes they're selling.... It would be a lot faster to get around with one of these AND they're on sale now... only 100 simoleons for one of those pretty ones with the flower baskets!

She buys the green one (she even gets a helmet for free!!) and the tent they've chosen, but when they leave she notices the second hand store downstairs....

Rahul: "You wanna take a look? You could use some new clothes..." Jill: "Well, thanks a bunch." Rahul: "No, I didn't mean.... okay, I did mean it that way. There's holes everywhere." Jill: "If you would spend the whole day crawling around in bushes for berries..." Rahul: "Let's just go in."

The shop is nice and well organized and she finds something that suits her budget quite nicely... thank the Watcher she managed to sell some of those fish she caught last night!

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