The Tillyville Times - July 25, 2004

The Tillyville Times

July 25, 2004
Vol 1 No 9



The Big Race

Skinny McKinney was so sure he could beat that Warren Rabbit in a footrace.
"But he's so fast," Tilly Squirrel said.

"Fast isn't everything," Skinny said.

"Yeah, but in a footrace it beats whatever comes in second," Tilly replied.

"I admit, Warren is fast," Skinny said, "but I have a plan."

"A secret plan?" Tilly asked.

"Wait and see," Skinny said.

The race would be three times around Niel Lake on Swan Circle Road. Old
Herbert Swan himself fired the starter's gun. Only it wasn't a gun, it was a
trumpet. Runners ready. Get set. BRRRAPPPP!

At the blare of Herbert's trumpet, Skinny took off fast. Warren Rabbit took
off faster.

"Look how far behind Skinny is already," Geneva Owl said to Tilly Squirrel.

"Don't worry, Skinny has a plan," Tilly said. "A secret plan."

"Is it working?" Geneva asked.

Tilly shrugged. "I hope so."

By this time Skinny had almost completed the first lap. Yup, there was Frog
and Duck's new house just ahead. What a beauty!

Warren Rabbit rushed past the starting line. The crowd clapped. A few moments
later Skinny McKinney passed. "He does run very gracefully," Geneva Owl said.

"Yes, but you don't get style points in a footrace," Tilly told Geneva. They
watched the runners. Warren Rabbit's lead seemed to be increasing.

"Come on, Skinny," Tilly yelled to his pal. "Remember your plan!"

Skinny smiled to himself. What a great plan it was.

The second lap was almost finished. Skinny kicked it up a notch. There was
the Frog and Duck house again. Good. But no sign of that pesky Warren Rabbit,
Skinny noticed. No sign, ha ha! Won't be that way for long. Passing the pile
of discarded lumber from the newly built house, Skinny gave the agreed upon
signal. From the corner of his eye, Skinny thought he saw the nod of a big
straw hat.

"Here comes Skinny," Tilly said to Geneva.

"He's so far behind," Geneva said. "And only one lap to go. No way can Skinny
catch Warren Rabbit now."

Skinny waved to the crowd. And then he set off around Niel Lake for the last
time. Skinny lengthened his stride. He pumped his arms. He took his breaths
deep and fast. He said to himself, "More ways than one to skin a Rabbit." And
then he thought about what he said. "Skin, ha ha. Rabbit, ha ha. Ways. Ha
ha ha." Sure enough, there was the sign, just as he'd ordered it. DETOUR.
And an arrow pointing off into the middle of Niel Lake. Oh, that poor Warren
Rabbit. That sad and soon-to-be-if-not-already-soaked-soggy-and-second Warren
Rabbit. "Whew!" Skinny panted. "So many hyphens nearly take my breath away."
Nevertheless, Skinny upped his pace. Give the race fans a good show. He
streaked past the Frog and Duck house one final time.

There was the finish line just ahead. And there was Herbert and Geneva and
Tilly talking to ... oh, no! How could this be? Warren Rabbit.

"Hiya, Skinny," said Warren. "What took you so long?"

"What took me so long!" Skinny sputtered. "Didn't you see the sign? The
detour sign? Back down the road aways?"

"Is that what that was?" answered Warren. "I was running so fast, I couldn't
really read it. The letters were just a blur."

"Don't tell me you went off course?" Tilly said to Skinny.

"I hope you weren't trying to take a short cut."

"No, I- I-"

"No matter," Tilly said. "How about a refreshing dip in the lake? Last one
in's a rotten egg."

Tilly and Geneva and Warren and even old Herbert Swan streaked towards Lake
Niel. Skinny was too tired to run. He took his time.

This racing was way overrated. When he got to the water, it would still be
fine.



This Week in Tillyville

This SUNDAY, we feature a fairy tale about red needles and blue needles, with
an ending so strange you'll be able to hear a pin drop.

Tilly Squirrel can't read his shopping list. This is a job for the mysterious
Dr. Molé Molx. MONDAY.

On TUESDAY Skinny and Tilly battle over the Scrabble board. Skinny seems to be
getting all the good letters, but Tilly has a trick or two up his sleeve. Or
does he?

Skinny McKinney tries out his new digital camera. What's wrong with this
picture? Find out WEDNESDAY.

THURSDAY, night of the big dance, but Tilly Squirrel isn't much for dancing.
Geneva Owl has other ideas.

This FRIDAY, Dorian serves up the Dark One. 'Nuff said.

The strangest things can happen when you rub the Hm. This SATURDAY, a boy gets
a new bike, takes a field trip downtown, and needs the mayor ... and a monkey?



Come visit TILLYVILLE for summertime fun, and no sunscreen required!
http://tillyville.com