In the United States and Canada, the series is known as “Where’s Waldo?” The original British books are known as “Where’s Wally?” and that’s translated directly into Spanish as “Dónde Está Wally?” So, with that as my inspiration, here’s “Where’s the Duchess?” (“Dónde Está La Duquesa?”). She’s much easier to find in this piece of art than she is right now (for me at least) in real life. But, as in the art, she’s no longer alone.
The latest word is that, not long after Sweet-Bonnie’s-Friend-Good-Samaritan-Howie’s visit, The Duchess did in fact leave her apartment as she was required to do. My understanding is that she was helped down to the lobby of her building by emergency workers. I believe, but am not certain, that a shelter has been set up in a community room off the lobby. I do know her two local emergency contacts were phoned and told she was downstairs, with her neighbors, with everything she needs, and she’s in good spirits. I know this all third-hand. I didn’t hear it directly but, thankfully, I did eventually hear it just the same.
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| WHERE’S THE DUCHESS? CLICK TO GET THE BIG PICTURE. |
Old friends and acquaintances have been exceptionally generous and kind. One of my mother’s incredible friends let me know The Duchess could stay with her as long as necessary. If I could only reach the Duchess, I would tell her that. I’m also especially grateful to a few always empathetic and thoughtful members of my extended family. They communicate with me and don’t blame me for living far away. They also laugh (and listen) while I speak in New York hyper-drive, which is what I do when I’m stressed, angry, nervous… or happy. (I guess I’m often in New York hyper-drive.) One of these days, I’ll actually speak with or exchange email with The Dowager Duchess herself. In the meantime, I’ll leave things to her minions.
Who needs electricity anyway? As the Dowager Duchess of Downton Abbey once said:
“I couldn’t have electricity in the house. I wouldn’t sleep a wink. All those vapours floating about.”
Ok I'm still laughing at her at the bottom of the painting. I was actually looking for her.
kisatrtle:
I had so much fun with that. I hope she likes it, too!
She's right about the vapors, you know.
Bob:
Although I'm a slave to electricity, I love the silence that comes when the power is out. You don't appreciate how noisy all those "things" are. But I've never been aware of "vapors" myself.
"Helped down the stairs" be buggered! What's wrong with the truth? That she surf-skated down them on a silver tray to the tune of Hawaii Five-O, high-fived the concierge on the way past and fell headlong upside down into a Parker Knoll Recliner supplied by FEMA and sited right between the optics and the television remote …
Give the lady my best wishes, I hope that she can move back to civilisation again soon.
Owl Wood:
I know you've seen the good news. Funny that it turns out she never went anywhere! Ah, the game of Telephone. La-Z-Boy Recliners are more the thing in the States. Parker Knoll sounds so classy.
I'm so glad to hear that the Duchess is downstairs and has all she needs! And I'm hoping you hear from her soon!
thickethouse:
It's probably a good thing I thought she was downstairs! Ignorance is bliss!
I wish that I could be as clever in my comments as you are in your posts, but, nope! Still, what great news this is :)) I can certainly imagine how relieved you are to get news.
Judy
Judeet:
Thanks for thinking I'm clever in my posts. If that's the case, I wish I could be as clever in real life as I am in my posts! I'm sure you've got me there.
Oh Mitch…I love the last line….oh the vapours(english spelling..lol) Take care with the hyper-drive…I know how super expended energy can exhaust one….hugs!
R
Ron:
I'm going to go back and correct that spelling now. I should be ashamed of myself. Oddly, last night was my worst night's sleep all week. Probably over-tired…
There she went all 16 floors down on the back of some hunky emergency worker, or something like that. [We can dream, can't we?!]
Glad she's alright.
Peter:
Now that I know she stayed upstairs the entire time, I'm assuming the emergency worker just wasn't hunky enough… or maybe she liked the personal visits. (No, not MY mother!)
Maybe that's why I can't sleep at night–all those electric vapors floating about!
Stephen:
I was once told by a friend from North Carolina that "the vapors" have an entirely different meaning in the South.
Personally, I thrive on those sweet vapors of electricity that power my old PC! I'm glad you're getting updates on DD so you don't have to worry–well, at least so very much!
Ms. Sparrow:
I think I'm addicted to vapors, too.
And breathing out……
You really must be so relieved Mitch! I think some 'vapours' would be good right about now!
Jim:
I was forgetting Step #2 all week. Breathe in. Breathe in. Breathe in. Breathe in…
What was I supposed to do next?
I found her!
She's the clothed one, lol
Debora:
Ha! It was quite challenging finding the appropriate placement. I certainly didn't want my mother pressed up against someone's boobs, butt, or crotch!
I'm sure it must be so frustrating not to be able to talk to her directly. Hang in there. Sounds like she is in good hands but I know you won't be able to relax until you speak with her.
Jenners:
I'm so impressed with the amount of attention she and her neighbors received!