Daisy Buttercup

So this morning as I got to work, I was startled by Daisy Buttercup who have invited herself along with me. She told me her kids (she has 5 of them) is driving her mad and she needs a break. I was too afraid to ask what she did with the kids or who will be looking after them.

She made herself comfortable on a blanket she brought with her and watched every move I made and tsk tsking, when I was browsing the net.

During my coffee break, Daisy asked for some too, and was quite upset when I told her I took mine with milk and one sugar. She prefers her black with two sugars. (note the two cute Christmas cards in the back that I got from 2 of my SF friends)

Some more watching ensued after the coffee break and when I asked her for help or if she is just gonna sit there, she took out her lunch (and didnt offer me any).

The only time during the day that Daisy did look she wanted to help me was when I got two packages and she was just as eager as me to open them.

The first was from my friend Suvi who send me the most beautiful handmade birthday card and some bedding for my homes, of which I never have enough - thx Suvi!

The other package was from an ebay seller. I love that little cupboard and already know exactly where I will use it!

All became very quiet all of a sudden and to my utter relieve Daisy got the babies to sleep, even if she did use my new bedding without my permission.

All in a days work!

Emma Furbanks' wish

Emma and her husband Kenneth were having lunch in the little Pizzeria. They did this often as the Pizzeria was close to their Real Estate shop and the pizzas were delicious.

Emma: Kenneth, I was thinking... uhm... I would really like to have another baby.
Kenneth: Emma, are you crazy? Have you lost your mind? Do you remember what the doctor said after the birth of Greta...
Emma: I know I know, but that was 12 years ago, maybe things might have change ...
Kenneth: I don't think so and I'm not going to take that chance, we have two beautiful, well-mannered children, we don't need anymore than that.

Emma: I guess you are right, but a little baby would be so darling.

Emma was sort of talking to herself, Kenneth has already gotten up and was ready to leave. He had clients coming from Blueberry hill that wanted to see a house in Eaglewood. The Furbanks are also the real estate agents in Eaglewood.
Kenneth: Sorry Em, if I was a bit abrupt, but I really don't want to take any risks and you know that you and the children are my everything.
Emma: I understand, that is ok. Good luck with the showing, hope they are interested and not time-wasters.
Kenneth: Hope so too, see you later.

Emma wasn't ready to leave yet, she was enjoying the peacefulness of the shop and the puttering around of Frasier gave her peace of mind. It is just that she feels so alone these days. Douglas and Greta has grown so quickly and don't really need her anymore. And the fact that two of her close friends Molly Mcburrows and Theodora Dappledawn are expecting, doesn't make it any easier to just except things.

Frasier: Enjoy the pizza, Emma?
Emma: As always it was superb, you really know how to make them.
Frasier: I like to think so yes, thank you. Anything else?
Emma: No thank you, I should be off anyway.

As she stood up she got an idea. Maybe she must try that adoption agency that her friend in Blueberry Hill told her about. It will not be too hard to get hold of the number and why not just phone them for interest sake, maybe they wont even be eligible for a baby. "Yes", she thought, "maybe that is what I should do."

On her way back to work she tried to figure out from where she will make the phone call, there are only three telephones in Sugarbush Valley. One at the pizzeria, one in the Hazelnuts room in the Commune and one at Beechwood Hall. The pizzeria is not ideal for such calls, she doesn't want to intrude in the Commune, she knew everything there was always a bit cramped, but the thought of asking Mayor Hugo to use the phone also didn't really appeal to Emma.

She passed the village laundromat and stop by for a quick chat to Mae Mulberry. Little Pumpkin were playing outside and as always Emma's heart literally skipped a beat and ached for a split second, when she noticed the adorable little baby. It was at that precise moment that Emma decided she wïll make that call.

Emma marched straight to Beechwood Hall, hoping that Mayor Hugo is not working in his study. She quickly reached the mayor's house and as luck would have it, Mayor Hugo instantly opened the door, which was a sign for Emma that he wasn't busy upstairs. Her thoughts were confirmed when she saw the three babies busy playing on the living room floor.

Hugo: Savannah needed a break, so I offered to watch the children.
Emma: Oh they are adorable, next time you should phone me if you need a babysitter.
Hugo: Thanks Emma that is very kind of you, but I actually appreciate that I can spend some time with them too. Work really keeps me busy and if I'm not forced to make time, like today, I will probably never see them.
Emma: You have a point, mayor. But I need to ask a favor. May I use your telephone?
Hugo: Sure, sure. It is upstairs and take your time.
Emma: I appreciate that, thank you.

Emma went upstairs and made the call. It was a very short conversation and Emma put the phone down very slowly. She couldn't believe it! They were actually eligible to adopt a baby and the best news of all was that the agency knew of a squirrel baby that has to be adopted urgently. The lady explained that obviously there will be some paperwork, interviews and inspections, but as this is an urgent matter the process can be sped up.

Mayor Hugo was still playing with the kids downstairs and after Emma thanked him she left. Suddenly Emma didn't feel so sure anymore, and what if Kenneth hates the idea. He'll probably be extremely angry that she did all this behind his back. She would need help, but who? Who will know how to handle a situation like this...

And like a fairy godmother who knew she is needed Velvetter Slydale stood in the doorway of The Delicatessen just as Emma came around the corner. Emma knew that is the right person she should talk too. Emma really liked Velvette, although they weren't really friends they got along very well and Velvette has always been very friendly in the past.

Emma: Hi Velvette, how are you?
Velvette: Oh Emma, hello. What a nice surprise. One doesn't often see you walking around in the village. Work keeping you busy?
Emma: I guess, and yes recently business have picked up a bit so Kenneth are forever showing people around and I have heaps and heaps of contracts to complete.
Velvette: Yes, our little village is expanding rapidly.
Emma: Velvette, can we possibly have a quick cup of tea? Do you have the time, I need your advice?
Velvette: That would be wonderful, where?
Emma: Arvey's tearoom?
Velvette: Perfect, what is the matter Emma?
Emma: Let's wait till we sit down, it is quite serious.

The two woman walked to the tearoom and ordered the tea. While waiting Emma relayed her problem to Velvette and Velvette listened intently. When she finished, Emma burst out crying. It felt so good to share this with someone, and someone who actually listened and understood.

Velvette: There, there Emma, no need to cry and trust me your situation doesn't seem so impossible as you think.
Emma: It doesn't?
Velvette: Why are you so shaken up? As I understand you want a baby, you can get a baby and that probably by the end of the month? I think you are mostly worried about Kenneth?
Emma: I know, I know and yes Kenneth is my main concern.
Velvette: Here is what you will do, go home tonight when all is quiet, make the suggestion of adopting. You will instantly know if he wants to or not. If he doesn't want to you will have to let it go, if he wants to, then there is no problem, if he is unsure, give him a day or two to digest the idea. And you don't have to tell him everything at once. How does that sound?
Emma: You make it sound so easy, but I guess that is the best plan.

The ladies finished their tea, said their good byes and went their separate ways. That evening after dinner was finished and the dishes was done. Emma sat down next to Kenneth.
Emma: Ken, about the baby ...
Kenneth: Oh Emma, please let this go.
Emma: Just hear me out, ok?
Kenneth: Ok, but I'm not liking this.
Emma: I had a thought, and I would like to consider it and discuss it with you, but only if you are comfortable with it. How do you feel about adopting?

Kenneth didn't immediately say something. His face was without emotion and he didn't even blinked an eye. Then he turned to Emma and looked her straight in the eye
Kenneth: Really Em, you will consider that? I've thought about it too, but didn't know if it was an option. And to be honest after you brought up the idea of a baby this morning, I realised that I would also like to have another baby.
Emma: Really Ken? That is how you feel? Oh you are such a wonderful wonderful man.

Emma decided not to tell Kenneth that she had phoned the agency already, and agreed with Kenneth that she will phone them the following day to make an appointment. As suspected the meeting with the agency went very well and from there everything ran smoothly.

A month has past since that first meeting and today will be the day that little Alfie will be joining his new family. Understandably Emma is extremely nervous, they have only met the little boy once before and it was love at first sight. Now that it is becoming reality Emma is wondering if they made the right choice, but it does seem so. Kenneth is like a young child about a new toy, Greta has helped her mother to get little Alfie's room ready and never stops talking about him and Douglas has made numerous wooden toys for his little brother already.

It was arranged that the social worker from the agency, Wendy Dale will meet the family, at the Hamburger Restaurant. Velvette Slydale will accompany the Furbanks just to make sure everything runs smoothly for them. They were waiting in anticipation, and got up like one man when Wendy came through the door with little Alfie holding her hand.

He immediately hold out his hands so that Emma can pick him up and he was just as friendly towards the rest of his new family.

The "new" Furbanks family!

A few updates and things to come

I've decided to do a quick update of the changes in "profile area", i.e Villagers of Sugarbush Valley.

Update 1
Branson Whiskers got new shorts. It is the original one he was released with.

Previously he wore these shorts:

Update 2
Emma Furbanks also got new clothes, in this case a new dress. Not sure it is the original one, but much prettier than the one she used to wear.

Her previous dress:

Update 3
A new profile pic for the Dappledawn family (Thanks to Sigrun for sending me the previous one).

The old profile pic:

Update 4
Then finally, and surely the best new addition: the Bouqet Skunks for which I almost waited 4 months!

Bouquet Skunks Family 

Father Stilton
Mother Rosemary
Brother Sage(11)
Sister Jasmine(10)
Baby Sister Lavender (3)

Stilton and his wife Rosemary are the proprietors of the Harvester Restaurant in Sugarbush Valley, the oldest culinary establishment in the district. Stilton took over the reigns from his mother when she retired. Stilton lost his dad at a very young age, which meant that he and his mother are very close as it has always only been the two of them. He has no siblings either. Stilton is the host and manager of the restaurant, during the day he balances the book and in the evening he plays the charming host. He can however; also cook up a storm and his vegetables lasagna is a sure winner.

Rosemary is the cook in the restaurant. She has no formal training but is without a doubt the best cook in the Valley. She even wrote and published a recipe book. She started at the Harvester Restaurant as a waitress, mainly to earn some pocket money. Old Mrs. Bouquet however, quickly realised that Rosemary had a natural “feel” for cooking and slowly taught her some recipes and tricks of the trade. It was only much later that she fell in love with Stilton and after a few years of courting, Stilton popped the big question.

Sage may be perceived by some as a quiet boy but his sparkly eyes and his cheeky smile give away his big personality. He is always ready to lend a helping hand to his friends and especially his fellow villagers. Sage idolises his father and wants to take over the family business one day and be just as good a manager and host as his father, therefore he already works in the family business cleaning and tidying, but only at weekends and after he has finished all his homework.

Unlike her mother Jasmine has no inkling to cooking and usually burns, spills or ruins something. Her mother has tried and tried to show her how to cook, starting off with toasting bread and brewing coffee, but even that have had a disastrous outcome. She would much rather go for a long walk in the forest and pick wildflowers for the restaurant, she prefers setting the table to cooking and loves to add something to the tables to liven them up or make it romantic.

Baby Lavender is three years old and probably the most mischievous of all the babies in Sugarbush Valley. She always has a twinkle in her eye, which is a dead give away for her plans. She mostly gets away with everything because of her infectious giggle when caught out.

Read all my family biographies here: http://sugarbushvalley.blogspot.com/p/stories_11.html

I also have 2 new stories coming up soon

*Why are the Bouquet Skunk Family living in the commune

*A new baby for Emma Furbanks 

Presents, trades and ebay surprises

So I knew there were some parcels waiting for me at work, but I was hugely surprised when I got back to work at exactly what they were!

First from a dear friend in Ireland, Carrie. She spoilt the whole family with some treats, gifts and then the dress up babies for me.

Next was my parcel from a friend in Finland, Suvenkorento. We traded some items, and this is what I got. Great trade, I would say!

Lastly and my biggest surprise was a package from ebay. When I saw it was from Hayley I almost started to cry as I was certain they had gotten lost! My Bouquet Skunks, in immaculate condition.

I will come to work with a song in my head everyday if this is waiting for me!

(sorry for the bad photo quality and "workish" background. As Im at work I had to take the photos quickly with my phone)

The Dappledawn Family's holiday

The Dappledawn Family recently took a trip to the coast. It was an extremely long drive of about 1100 km. But they managed to do it in one day, departuring at 3:00 am and arriving at 13:30 at their destination.

An early morning stop had to be made to fill up the car with fuel. No one felt like taking a family picture, but Theodora insisted! "For the Tourist Office you know!" It was especially hard for Tilly who is not a morning person at all. Herbage was thinking about the long drive ahead and couldn't really focus on picture taking. Radish had to visit the restrooms urgently and almost ran before the final click of the shutter.

The first week was spent on a friend's farm, they did many exciting things like driving tractors, milking cows, helping to plough the field, swimming in the river and feeding the animals.

A family pic taken on arrival.

Herbage with the farm as background.

It took some convincing to get Theodora on the narrow strip of wall, but she loved the view and was glad she did it.

Radish convinced everyone to do a bit of tree climbing too.

To his mother's dismay he was ready to jump out of the tree to "save" them all from the giant cat who was watching them!

The Dappledawn family spend another week at the beach. Building sand castles, swimming, playing bats and ball and just enjoying the sun and extremely hot weather.

All and all a great holiday.