"Well, don't be shy, Sissy Missy. I've got plenty ofdresses in 16 for bigger gals like you."With that, the shop owner ran her hand down the rack andpl...cked out two gowns, hanging them in front of us. "Whichone do you like best?" Once again, her question wasdirected at me and Mistress gave me another look.One gown was pink cotton, with lace edging around all theruffled layers. Its skirt was voluminous, and the top hadlong sleeves and a scooped neck outlined in lace. The othergown was black with. Life was like that. I had to listen to Karl discuss Professor Dixon's importance to the war on drugs. According to the university she had developed something that would eradicate pot. It sounded like a pipe dream to me. I had a strong opinion about it. The opinion was that no one would care what I thought.When the Plane landed. the Professor and her daughter were met by their interpreter and two Mexican Uniformed policemen. The cops would escort them to the hotel. The cops went with them to. Elf Norbert speaking. Hi, Sandra. What can I getcha? A what-you-say? Holy huh? Could you turn down your... ? Heavenly wha... ? Comma? ... Oh, okay, sure. No prob. Gotcha. Merry Christmas. Bye. Hello. Santa's Secret Shop. Elf Norbert speaking. What can I getcha?"A few short hours later Santa and Mrs. Claus were making final preparations, going over the list, checking it twice. Santa stopped to scratch his beard. "Honey, what's this one? Can you make it out? Those elves have such scratchy. Answering the phone, I composed myself and without a trace of breathlessness, I mustered. “Hello”“Hi babe it’s me” Phil replied.“Hi Phil, its good to hear your voice” I replied, genuinely pleased to hear from him.“The k**s have left for College and school so it’s just me” I continued.“It’s just a quick hello to let you know I’ve arrived safe and well and I should be able to FaceTime with you later say around 6:00pm your time” he said in a cheery tone.“OK why so brief? I queried “I have to go to.