01-12. Adjustments at the Manor

When the Riddle-Racket family moved into their new home, there were a few adjustments that needed to be made.

First of all, money was low, so I sent Di over to the festival grounds to pick a few exotic flowers. In no time at all, she'd earned over 1000 simoleons. 

Then, after feeling a bit lost out in the world (she's a Loner), Di began talking to herself. Well, she started arguing with her self, and her self wasn't having any of that! Di is quite Insane and often shows it.

After returning home, I had her work out her frustrations. She may be Insane, but she's healthy. 

Dudley hasn't lived long in the household, so I wasn't surprised that he didn't have any athletic skill whatsoever. And he a policeman too. Well, time to get cracking!

It only took Dudley a short while to buff up and lose some of his pot belly. Too bad it isn't that easy to get in shape in real life! Sims are lucky, at least when it comes to exercise.

This was the first time I'd seen Dudley without a shirt. He has a large eagle tattoo on his back! I was also shocked to see his choice of swimwear. 

The next morning, Di decided to make a chocolate pie. I have no idea where she got this ugly nightie. It's not the one I gave her. Poor dear! She still looks a bit dead even after her resurrection.

Despite losing his fairy wings, Dudley was feeling pretty good about himself, what with his promotion at work, the new house, and a good friend. Could he talk Di into some "benefits?"

Unfortunately for Dudley, things took a bad turn for him. Somehow his adulthood was coming to an end. Must have been because of me clipping his fairy wings. 

Suddenly, it was his birthday. And wouldn't I like to buy him a cake to celebrate? Uh, ok. 

I told Dudley he'd better call in to work to take a personal day off ... without pay. 

So we had an impromptu birthday party.

But while Dudley was going through the change ... 

... Spade was once again terrorizing the mailman. 

Not being content with just growling, Spade went in hot pursuit of the guy. Letters were flying, and so were the mailman's feet!

Spade chased him to the end of the property. 

Meanwhile, Dudley was feeling the first stirrings of stiff joints, grey hair, and slumped shoulders. At least his recent weight loss lessened the agony of his transition. 

And though the idea of retirement and "basking in his accomplishments" was tempting, the reality was that Dudley had not achieved his Lifetime Wish to reach level 10 in Law Enforcement as a DNA Profiler.

He would have to carry on. The thought of it was enough to depress anyone. 

I did what I could. I gave him some new clothes and a pair of glasses. At least he still had his hair. I also let him keep his mustache, trimmed down just a bit to lessen the effects of the grey. 

Di told him he looked distinguished. Dudley wasn't so sure he believed her, but appreciated the kind words.

Dudley tried not to think too much about his condition that day. He puttered around the house, spending most of his time with Piper. Good old Piper. She knew how he felt, being an elder herself.

But the truth was, Dudley hadn't been prepared for this sudden aging. He hoped he'd be able to finish his work at the police station. Too bad he'd wasted so much of his life before meeting Di.