The Gieke Family: Update 28.02.2014

(For the Giekes' previous week, simply click on the label with their name.)

Like many families in New Maximiliania, the Giekes also still live in the house that I first gave them. It is originally a Maxis-made house, but has been extended and slightly modified.

Tara Gieke, nee Kat, still has all three of her original cats living with her (this one is Samantha).

Chester, who turned into an Elder last round, was already quite close to reaching his LTW of becoming Education Minister. But on arriving at their house again after more than a year, I find that many of the Giekes' friends died during that year, and now Chester needs six friends before he can think about being promoted.

For some strange reason, the week on this lot starts on Thursday instead of Monday. Both Tara and Chester are unwell, but thankfully, a bowl of comfort soup later sees them both restored to full health.

Tara as the stay-at-home wife will be the one to make most of the friends needed for Chester. Here, she greets Tommy Ottomas, who, in shorts and t-shirt, seems to be oblivious to the cold weather.

Of course Tara has more to do than making friends. With three cats, there is always one food bowl or other to fill, the litter box to clean or the cats to be hugged.

On Friday, Chester maximises his charisma skill, while Tara is on the phone, trying to make new friends as well as maintaining established friendships.

One good way of keeping in touch with friends is to invite them over, and so Tara throws a party in the afternoon. From left to right, we see arriving Trisha Traveller, Erin Singles, Carla Reamon and Gary Greenman.
       

From the other side of the road, Jodie Larson, Shaun Singles, Beau Broke and Kevin O'Feefe (formerly Beare) are heading for the house.
       

Soon, a lively group gathers around the table. A berry cake was found in Tara's inventory, probably purchased at either at Ty Bubbler's or the Davis' bakery. The champagne is brought out, too.
       

And here is the reason for the cake and champagne: it is Tara's birthday today!
       

On Saturday, the ice on the pond is all gone, and Tara is happy that she can finally go fishing again.
      

Very early on Sunday morning, Chester joins his wife for some fishing - and receives his Silver Badge before he even arrives at the pond! Have you ever seen this in your game?
      

On the same day, Faline is the last of Tara's cats to grow up into an elderly cat.
       

Gesine Gavigan walks past and is greeted by Chester.
       

Monday morning sees the Giekes both wanting to clean one of the pet beds - Chester "wins" :-)
      

When he has left for work, Tara drives into town and pays a visit to the "Frippery Frock", the clothes shop recently acquired by Violet Jocque.
       

Before she heads back home, she changes into one of her new outfits. I think sticking to her original green colour scheme suits her.
       

Gary Greenman, one of Tara's closest friends, comes visiting on his own accord.
       

As soon as he is home from work, Chester changes into the lightweight summer shirt and shorts Tara brought for him.
       

Tuesday morning, Chester's first task is to repair the broken shower.
      

Nearly unnoticed by anyone but the cats, dear old Mickey dies. He was well into his 30s, which is truly ancient for a cat.
       

Tara was outside when it happened, greeting Albany Capp.
       

It is Wednesday and still dark when Tara makes her Golden Fishing Badge.
       

It is such a beautiful day, and what with Chester not having to work today, the couple decide to host a fish barbecue for their friends. Tables, chairs, umbrellas, torch lamps and a grill are set up on the lawn between the house and the pond, and several phonecalls are made.
       

The guests begin to flock in.
       

Tara's stuffed rainbow trout will taste even nicer than usual when done on the brand new grill and eaten outdoors.
       

he week ends with Chester and family friend Erin Singles sitting at the campfire. The party is a roaring success, but stupid me realized too late that I should have made it an anniversary party - that would have fulfilled Tara's lifetime want! Well, She'll have to wait until next round. And so will Chester, who now needs just one more friend for his next promotion - hoping that none of their current friends will die during the rest of the round.