Bridget Fielding

Bridget Fielding has lived in Sugarbush Valley all her life and seen her beloved village grow over the years.

She is married to Darcy Fielding.

They have three children; Daniel, Helen and Clop. Like every other mother she loves her children equally but they each have something special that she loves about them. Daniel is the intellectual genius and at his young age of 14 he already helps to keep the books of the business in order. In Helen she sees a little of herself. Like her, Helen is quite shy and will most of the time not utter a word, until she has to step up for her family or defend someone who has been done wrong. Clop is the little joker in the family and unlike any of the rest of the family. His favorite game is to hide behind something and scare people when they walk by.

They all live in a small cottage on top of the Hamburger Restaurant. Bridget is very proud of her home, even though it is very small, she finds it cosy and comfortable and it provides in all their needs.

Small kitchen (most of the time they use the restaurant kitchen, but Bridget like to make some magic on that one burner portable stove)

Main bedroom with its fabulous country cottage feeling

Children's room

Bathroom

The Fieldings own the Hamburger Restaurant, where Bridget work as the hostess and waitress. She finds her job both challenging but highly satisfactory. Her favorite time of day is just after the breakfast run when things have quieted down and some of the village ladies come in for a quick coffee or English muffin before doing there morning shopping.

The one thing Bridget loves about the little village is all the small specialty shops; like Pippa's Delicatessen, Perwinkle's shoe shop, Bob's fresh produce market, with Betty's juice bar alongside it and of course the florist which is one of her favorite shops.

She remembers the day that the bakery closed down when old Mr Beagle died and his wife moved away to go and live with her children. Her mother was very sad and ever since no one else was brave enough to try their hand at it again. She is however very excited about the Deli that Hector and Christabel will be opening soon and everyone is waiting in anticipation for the opening of the fishmonger.

The Sylvanian Market, owned by the Maces, is the biggest shop in town, but still small enough to expect individual attention. It specialises in toys, children's clothes, gifts, toiletries and medicine. Bridget's favorite part of the shop is however, Arvey's cosy little tea room.

It is here that Bridget's day will start today. She will meet her friend Kate Periwinkle at the tea room for a quick cup of tea and maybe a slice of cake before she will start her weekly shopping.

Bridget: "Morning Kate, it is really great to meet you here."
Kate: "I know this is my favorite little shop in Sugarbush Valley, except for our shoe shop of course."
Bridget: "Coincidence, ha-ha. As I feel the same way but I like our Hamburger shack a bit more, ha-ha."
Arvey: "Morning ladies, only tea today, or can I entice you with some cake? It is Pippa's delicious strawberry chocolate cake?"
Bridget and Kate: "Ok we'll have the cake."

After an hour it was time to say their goodbyes. Kate went off to the shoe shop to help Alex, and Bridget went into the Market to buy some things.

Bridget bought some toiletries and gifts for the children. The extraordinary thing about Bridget's three children is that they all celebrate their birth dates on the same day; 4th July!"
Spencer: "Will that be all Bridget?"
Bridget: "Yes thank you, maybe some of that vitamins too, thanks.
Spencer: "Good decision. Thanks for the business. Greetings to Darcy. I will bring the family round for some hamburgers soon."
Bridget: "Yes you do that, we have expanded the menu a bit so that there is something for everyone's taste on it.

Next stop for Bridget was the Blackberry fresh produce market and juice bar. She bought some fresh fruit and vegetables at Bob's stall and some jams and juice at Betty's. After a quick chat with Betty it was time for some more shopping.

Laden with packages she strolled through the small village she loves so dearly, looking around and admiring everything. Next stop was Pippa's Delicatessen.

Pippa: "Hello Bridget, wow have you bought everything on offer in the village?"
Bridget: "No not nearly, but I've gone a bit overboard and the best part is that I'm not nearly finished, ha-ha."
Pippa: "Lucky lady, next time I'm taking you with me shopping. But what can I do for you?"
Bridget: "First of all I want to place the order for the kids' birthday cake and then just some dessert for after dinner tonight."
Pippa: "Ok I'm making a note of the cake. And for dessert what about some lemon meringue pies?"
Bridget: "Lovely, thanks. Well, I'm off. Goodbye!"

It was really now becoming difficult to carry everything.

Alex: "Bridget, wait let me help you with that."
Bridget (red faced and very shy): "Oh thanks Alex, ha-ha. I've bought a bit more than I can carry."
Alex: "So doing some more shopping or what brings you to my little shoe shop?"
Bridget: "Well actually yes, I'm looking for a pair of nice shoes for myself. I guess Ill have to wear them home, as I cant carry anything else."
Alex: "Trust a woman to make a plan to do some more shopping! Look at this beautiful pair of shoes, I think it will suit you and your style perfectly."
Bridget: "Ooh I love it and Ill take it!"
Alex: "You are definitely one of my more easier to please customers."
Bridget (turning scarlet red again): "Thanks Alex, see you later. Luckily I only have one more stop."

Bridget's next stop, the Florist, was just around the corner.

Katrina: "Bridget, hello. Come in but you'll have to leave all that parcels outside, my shop is not big enough for it all."
Bridget: "Hi Katrina, your new shop looks amazing. I especially love that curtains and the wallpaper looks fantastic."
Katrina: "Thank you Bridget. It was nerve wrecking but I'm glad I persevered as I love the new look too. Are you looking for anything specific?"
Bridget: "Yes, as we don't have a garden I'm thinking off trying my hand at some window box flowers or just some plants inside. I just need some seeds please."
Katrina: "That is a great idea, try daisy and petunia seeds they love window boxes. And maybe this book about small scale gardening too."

Bridget: "Perfect, thank you. So I'm on my way. I'm just glad our cottage is not too far, maybe I must leave some of the stuff here and fetch it later."
Katrina: "Well that will not be necessary, look who just appeared around the corner, as if he new you will need him."
Daniel: "Hi mom and Mrs Whiskers. Wow mom that sure is a lot of parcels, let me help you, I was just on my way home from school."
Bridget: "You are such a darling boy, thank you Daniel. Goodbye Katrina."
Katrina: "Bye bye."

Arriving home Bridget quickly hid the birthday gifts in her room and started right away with unpacking all the shopping.

After helping his mother, Daniel went upstairs to do his homework. After all was tidy again Bridget decided to make her delicious pumpkin soup for dinner. As she was stirring the soup she thought back on her day and just how happy she is with living in Sugarbush Valley.

Moving on and moving in...

The day has finally arrived that Hector and Christabel have been waiting for. The building where they want to open the Deli will be available for occupation form this morning. Unfortunately the little apartment on top needs some major restoration before they can move in but at least they can finally start their new life in Sugarbush Valley.

The Corntops, together with Sebastiaan left Meadowcroft Cottage early to go and inspect the old bakery building. For the umpteenth time Christabel felt extremely guilty for leaving Katrina with a chaotic house and a mountain of dirty dishes, but when she offered to first clean the house, Katrina insisted on doing it herself. 

The old bakery was in an acceptable condition. Except for the obvious cleaning and painting, nothing was broken and the water supply and electricity was working.

It was then that the idea strike Christabel

Christabel: “Hector, I have an idea...”

Hector: “Ok here it comes... are you not happy with this?”

Christabel: “No not at all it is perfect! I was more thinking in the line of making the shop our temporary home.  Katrina and Sebastiaan have done more than there part for us now and we can comfortably live in here for a month or two until the apartment is renovated completely.”

Hector: “I actually love the idea, Honey. But what about the Deli?”

Christabel: “ Think about i,t it will take us at least a month or two to get all the stock and furniture before we can open. In the meantime we live here, making the villagers use to the idea of the Deli and its location, and to keep bread on the table we can start of small by selling fresh sandwiches and coldrinks from the front deck. What do you think?”

Hector: “ Truly great idea! We can easily fit a sleeper sofa in here and Cora’s cot. Kirsty can sleep in her sleeping bag and on this side there is enough space for a small kitchen. Let’s do this!?

Sebastiaan: “Guys, I'm really glad for you, but please don't feel pressured to move out.”

Christabel: “Thanks Sebastiaan, but I value our friendship to much and I think we are nearing the point of overstaying our welcome. We are doing this!

After they were happy with what they've seen they returned to Meadowcroft Cottage to inform Katrina of the wonderful news. Christabel noticed that for the smallest of moments a look of relief crossed Katrina's face, but it was over so quickly that she instantly doubt if she even saw it.

After gathering most of their stuff they went back to the old bakery and first agreed that from now on it will be reffered to as the Deli. They had a final look around, agreed on what to put where and started to move the furniture inside. Luckily Sebasatiaan was there to help them. 

It was decided that Christabel will move the smaller items and the men the big furniture. Kirsty showed up in time to look after her little sister Cora.

Hector: "Lets get Cora's cot inside first, it is so big and heavy. I really hope that the comfort of her own bed will assure us of an uninterrupted night's sleep."

Sebastiaan: "I hope so too for your sakes, but we are also struggling with the twins, and if one wakes, the other is instantly wide awake too."

Next was the sleeper sofa.

Hector: "Wow, it is a tight fit, but it is in. Will this do, Honey?"

Christabel: "Perfect, yes! Thank you."

Soon all the furniture was in it's places and they could begin organising everything inside.
Kirsty: "Daddy, where will I put my sleeping bag?"
Hector: "Here is the perfect spot for it"
Christabel: "Has anyone seen Cora's 'blankie', she looks very tired? Oh, dont worry, found it!"

Cora was so content being in her own cot that she fell asleep as soon as Christabel covered her with her 'blankie'.

The adults and Kirsty continue to pack everything away and in no time, the Deli was converted into a cosy and comfortable living space. Christabel was smiling from ear to ear.

 Soon it was time for Sebastiaan to leave.
Hector: "Thanks my friend for all your help, we wouldn't have been able to do it without out. Also thank Katrina for her generosity and hospitality these past three months.
Christabel: "Yes, please tell her and I'll come by in the morning to pick up the rest of our stuff and also thank her in person.
Sebastiaan: "No problem guys. Enjoy the night and don't hesitate to come over if you need any help. Good bye!"
Corntops: "Good night!"

On his way home Sebastiaan couldn't help but think about Katrina. He was wondering what will be waiting for him when he gets home.

Back at the Deli the Corntops was delighted to be alone and in their own apartment with their own stuff.

Kirsty: "Oh mommy and daddy it is wonderful to be with you again. I loved staying with Ingrid, but their is no place like home even if it is an old bakery.

Christabel: "I cant agree more sweetheart. Well, I don't know about you, but I'm very tired so I'm going to bed.

Hector: "A good night's rest is all that we need now."

Soon all four member of the Corntop family was fast asleep, having different dreams of their beautiful new life.

In the meantime at Meadowcroft Cottage, Sebastiaan couldn't believe his eyes when he stepped through the door. Order has been restored to his home. Everything was in its place again and he could smell freshly baked bread and something hearty was boiling on the stove.

Sebastiaan: "Katrina, what is all this?"
Katrina: "What do you mean what is all this? This is our home, neat and tidy as it should be.
Sebastiaan burst out laughing: "This must have been very hard for you, having guests for three months?"
Katrina: "It was harder than I thought it would be, but I'm a better person for doing it. I learned alot, especially that a neat and tidy home is not all that matters, that helping friends in need and being surrounded by loved ones, are what life is all about.
Sebastiaan: "Well, it is nice to be all by ourselves again. Where are the kids?"

Katrina: "Believe it or not the twins are already asleep, ...

...Branson is actually doing some homework...

... and Amelia is taking that bath in peace and quiet at her own leisure that she has been moaning about for the past three months."

Sebastiaan: " So while we wait for Amelia to finish her bath and Branson to finish his homework, why don't we enjoy a glass of wine?"

Katrina: "Oh yes please!"