Hi Terry,
Thanks for the clarification. I had caught the reference to irony as an allusion to the story, but I wasn't sure what an "ironic compliment" would be if not a backhanded compliment -- hence my playing off of the phrase with my "backhanded insult" line. It is I who should apologize, since my attempt at humour with that turn of phrase apparently backfired. (I guess this is what you get when two aspies try to communicate...) In any event, I had not been insulted in the slightest.
We do indeed have similar senses of humour: The "no sole" line was the one I enjoyed most in my story, with the idea of an oil lamp having a built-in "fireplace" not far behind. Honestly, the whole concept of oddball fairy tale or nursery rhyme real estate appealed to me. But I had had no idea whether anyone else would be as tickled by the conceit as I had been. I appreciate your singling out that passage.
Joy,
Lynn
