$250/set
I don't really know how it happened!"
Arthur Iversham was sitting with Gregory Brewster at the bar in the Burgundy Turtle. "Naturally, I ducked into the back room of the store to unpack the latest shipment of Christmas bracelets when I heard Mimsy at the door. She and Faye started chatting away at the front counter about how to improve the village tree lighting ceremony and the next thing I knew, that darn Shrewsbury woman had a tape measure around my head. She says I've got to wear a stovepipe hat! And let me ask you this ~ Why would anyone keep a tape measure in a purse???"
Rolf topped off their beers while Gregory chuckled, patting Arthur's back saying, "That's what you get for letting Faye talk you into doing that duet in the talent show last month. Now that Mimsy knows you have a good voice, she'll find a way to get you singing at everything from the summer picnics to the pumpkin chuckin' contests."
"Oh, it's easy for you to laugh," replied Arthur. "She's already got you signed up for the chestnut wagon, or she'd be after you too. Hey Rolf, why don't you take over roasting the chestnuts and then Greg here can join me. It wouldn't be that bad if I had someone else doing it with me."
"Don't look at me! " cried Rolf, "remember, I'm playing Santa. Besides, ol' Greg can't carry a tune as far as the end of his nose."
The three of them sat in silence looking into their beer mugs commiserating as men do about such things. As one, they slowly turned their faces to the door of the pub when they heard singing from outside. Grins spread across their face as Walter Gallagher walked in the door. Suspicion rose in Walter's eyes. "What?" he said, backing up slightly.
And so it was that Arthur, Walter and their wives became the costumed Christmas Carolers at the Cobblestone Circle annual Tree Lighting Festival.
