Puzzle One: The Chrono-logical Journal

My name is Ramsey, but you may call me: The Puzzleboy.

How does one get to be not just A Puzzleboy, but THE Puzzleboy?

Perhaps I’ll answer that question someday— for the time being: accept the title, and be very impressed.

Here’s how this works: once a month, I will send you some sort of puzzle. Perhaps it will require some left-brain-style logic. Or maybe it demands some right-brain-style creative thinking. On rare occasion, it might need some center-brain-style bribery.

Once you have either solved the puzzle or invented an answer that sounds just convincing enough, follow the instructions below the puzzle to submit your response.

All puzzlers who submit a correct answer before the deadline will have the option to forever be enshrined in The Puzzleboy Pantheon. Their future participation will also be measured in the Seasonal Scoreboard and the Longest Correct Answer Streak board.

Simple enough? Excellent. Then welcome to the inaugural puzzle presented to you by me: The Puzzleboy.

Entry A

What a difference a year makes. Certainly a lot warmer this December!

Was hoping to make it to the folks’ place, but I’m still getting into the swing. I couldn’t finish all my papers AND get a train to Buffalo. Still lit the candle from last year, even if no one’s around to see it.

Other than that: quiet! I plan on getting some reading done. And there’s a new picture based on a Hammett that I might check out in town. But I suppose that’s it!

Let’s hope my essays go alright or I might never see snow again! Har har!

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Entry B

Woke up around 5am when Mary and Al started stomping around the living room looking at presents. There was a fair amount of snowfall, so I did get to make a couple runs with the Flexible Flyer after breakfast.

Lots of good shows on the radio today, probably since they know everybody will be at home today. We’ve got Mutual on, but I’ll have to turn it off soon so I can focus on my homework.

We had one day of school this week, yesterday, and Ms. Ferrell gave us this HUGE assignment. We have to write a theme essay about the most important events of this year. I’ve narrowed it down to two. I’ll probably just flip a coin.

Maybe I’ll write it about the teacher who gave us homework on Christmas! What a present!

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Entry C

Can’t believe I left this book at my place last Christmas while I was back home. I could have faked it when I got back, but I simply have too much integrity for that, Yule Log.

Got home late on the train the night of the 23rd, and practically the second I woke up Al and I got into a huge brawl because he rusted my old sled out. I felt bad, and wouldn’t you know it: “Santa” put a new one under the tree for him. Haven’t seen him all day, so I guess he likes it.

Mary tells me she saw Midge and Burt talking to one another. Not sure what that’s about. I guess we’ll talk later. There’s already been one plot to overthrow Christmas! No need to let this be a second!

Alright. Going to see what’s on the Red Network before gingerbread. Merry Christmas!

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Entry D

Another Christmas. Maybe when I’m older I’ll be able to have Christmas in space like “Buck Rogers in the 25th Century!” But for now, Christmas on Earth is still pretty whiz-bang!

A fairly quiet Christmas day round these parts. Made some gingerbread cookies. (They came out pretty good, if I do say so myself.) I got an orange in my stocking, new gloves, and a boring biography of the boring new President for Christmas. I did NOT get to toast because Uncle Beau actually brought real wine this year.

Mom loved the perfume I got her. I don’t know if de Reviens is fancy (or what it means) but I do know it took three weeks worth of paper route money to afford!

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Entry E

Here in the kitchen as the Christmas gingerbread bakes. Just a little snow fell today around noon.

A fairly quiet holiday, all things concerned. I got Pop a can of his Prince Albert. I got Ma a copy of “Silent Night” by Bing. Followed Burt’s advice and got Midge a picture frame. I think she liked it, but who can tell with Midge?

Grandpa got me a cheap old model of a Sopwith Camel. Isn’t the government supposed to be sending him checks? Plus, I’m in high school! Give a fella something he can use.

Al’s lurking for cookies again. Guess that means it’s time to wrap up.

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