New profile pictures and updated bio's for the Trunk, Henry-Lloyd, Corntop, Whiskers, Maces and Buttercup Families

A quick Friday morning blog, just to make myself feel better and less guilty for being so absent. I think the biggest reason for my "blog" absence is that I have so many things that I would like to do SF wise that I am totally overwhelmed. 

I have at least 5 new stories I want to write, I have a few decorating projects that I have to complete, I want to update my family profile pictures and family biographies and then I also want to try my hand at some DIY furniture... but then real life happened and rather than using the half an hour I have over a weekend for my hobby I just sat and sulk and did nothing. The thing is that I had my birthday when we were on holiday and when we returned, everyone was hinting for a celebration party.

Now as many of you might know, not all friends and family always "gel" and get along, so we had to have 3 (mini) parties to accommodate everyone. It was exhausting, but at least it is over and done for another year, and I got very nice gifts.

I did however had some time during the week to take a few pictures, so without further ado (and moaning) lets do this!

I decided to take new pictures of most of my families. For this blog I will feature the first five families I got, well 6 to be precise, but I'm still happy with the profile picture of the Whiskers so I will just update their bio. The aim is to do this at least once a week until all pictures and bio's are updated.

The Trunk Family

The Trunk family has seven members, Hugo and Savannah as the parents and then their 5 children. Hugo co-owns a lumberyard with his siblings, but is also the mayor of the village. Apart from being the mayor's wife and a full time mother, Savannah is also a freelance writer. Savannah has a sister in Whisper Wood, Ella Ellwood. The Trunks live in Beechwood Hall.

The Henry-Lloyd Family

The Henry-Lloyds have settled nicely into the village and do not regret their decision to move to Sugarbush Valley. They family of 6 live in Cedar Terrace 1.

The Corntop Family

Things are finally looking better for the Corntop Family. The deli is open for business, and Hector and Christabel plans a grand opening soon. The renovations of the little flat on top, Orchard Cottage, is taking more time than expected though. The kids are happy and even shy little Cora is enjoying the nursery.

The Whiskers Family

(old picture)

Father Sebastiaan doesn't regret selling his business for one day, as the Florist is b(l)ooming and he is much less stressed. Katrina appreciates Sebastiaan's input and is unsure how she ever managed without him. The Whiskers live in Meadowcroft Cottage 1.

Katrina's brother, Michael Calico, lives in Mystique Valley. They visit him often and Amelia misses her cousin, Margot, very much.

The Buttercup Family

Things on Highfields farm are as splendid as ever and the Buttercups are loving life. After her little house renovating project Daisy is a much more pleasant wife too, and Hornbull can take his leisurely strolls uninterrupted again.

Daisy's bother, Gabriel Hornigold, will soon be visiting them form Marigold Creek, and her days are spent making Garbriel's favorite flavours of ice cream.

The Maces Family

Although they do not originate from Sugarbush Valley, both Spencer and Arvey feel as if they belong in Sugarbush Valley and it is difficult to believe that they once lived in Grinpa. Business is good at the Country Market and Arvey loves their small little (Applewood Cottage) flat on top of the shop 

Just like his brother Cecil Maces, who lives in Marigold Creek, Spencer is enjoying the slow living of Sugarbush Valley.

That is it for this week then, hope you enjoyed the updates and the new pictures. Please visit my blog for the full biographies of all my families. 

Three new families move to Sugarbush Valley

Farthing Dog Family
(bought this lovely family from Takealot and Reggies respectively)

Father: Harley Farthing
Mother: Penny Farthing
Sister: Wren Farthing (10)
Baby Brother: Rally Farthing (4)

Father Harley was a world famous surfer. He won the world championships 6 times during his career. While he was riding the last wave at his 6th World Championships, he had the most unfortunate accident. He fell from his surfboard and broke both his legs and arms. Although he was still crowned world champion again that year, his broken bones never healed completely, and he could never ride as a professional surfer again. He was thus forced into early retirement. Although to young to "retire" he qualified as a life saver and swimming instructor. He obtained valuable experience on some of the world's most famous beaches.

Eventually he got bored with the unfamiliarity of this lifestyle and to his wife’s, Penny, relief they decided to settle in Sugarbush Valley, from where Penny originates. Father Harley got a job as the life saver and swimming coach at the local Sugarbush Valley swimming pool, Mother Penny runs a day care centre for all babies to the age of 2.

They have two children, the 10 year old Wren who is extremely shy and very attached to her mother. Her parents hope that she will meet a special friend soon, who will help her to be more outgoing. Little boy Rally, who is only 4, is very wise for his age and often tells his mother and father exactly how they ought to do things.

Darwin Monkey Family
(bought this family from a fellow friend and collector, Santie. The twins were a gift from her)

Father: Geoff Darwin
Mother: Shirley Darwin
Sister: Katie Darwin (10)
Brother: Simon Darwin (9)
Twins: Bubbles & Bobo (1)

Father Geoff runs the Sweets cart and popcorn wagon with his wife Shirley. He loves to treat the children, and leaves free candy on the counter everyday. It does however sometimes end up in a bit of a scuffle as the children just love to get their hands on the free yummy sweets.

Shirley loves creating new candy flavors, and spend hours in her kitchen mixing delicious ingredients together like chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and cherries. She makes the best gift baskets filled with pecan caramel clusters, chocolate covered almonds and dark chocolate truffles. But like her husband she is very fond of children and loves to help them choose their favorite sweets.

Sister Katie is always on the go. She wants to be a professional gymnast when she grows up. After she has done her homework, she practices her cartwheels, handstands, and back flips for hours. Her routines are incredible, and when others see her skills, they are amazed at how talented she is!

Brother Simon is the opposite of his sister and is very calm and artistic. He likes to sit quietly and draw and paint pictures of outdoor sceneries. His favorite paintings are of the beautiful sunsets above the pond outside his window. Dew to his introverted nature he struggles to make friends, which isn’t helped by the fact the all his classmates are girls.

Twins Bubbles and Bobo like to help clean up after their parents, licking the chocolate covered spoons and bowls. Shirley, their mother, is sure more chocolate and candy is put on their clothes than in their tummies, though!

Decker Dalmatian Dog Family

(Trade with a fellow friend and collector, Sigrun)

Father: Brooklyn Decker
Mother: Kaitlin Decker
Triplets: Lucas, Brooke and Morgan Decker (1)

Brooklyn is a qualified banker but has had enough of the rat race of the city and after much discussion with his wife Kaitlin decided to quit his job and relocate to Sugarbush Valley. It is their dream to open a seafood restaurant on the banks of the river. Just like his nephew, Ben Henry-Lloyds, he loves fishing and sailing, and if at all possible he would like to literally catch the “catch-of-the-day” himself. But for now Brooklyn and his family will first enjoy a vacation in their new town.

Kaitlin is extremely sociable and though she will miss all her friends and the book club meetings, she loves the quaintness of the little village and has already made a friend in Margaret Petite.

The couple has 1-year old triplets, who are both adorable and are no trouble at all. They are very, very quiet. All they seem to do is eat and sleep, sleep and eat, which suits Kaitlin perfectly as this mean even more time for socializing.

Also visit my "The Villagers of Sugarbush Valley"-page for more families and there bio's.

The Farthings arrive in Sugarbush Valley

Harley Farthing came to a halt in front of a little building with a sign that indicated it was a Hamburger Restaurant. All around them critters were milling around, but no one seemed to notice these two strangers.

Wren: Daddy, are we lost?

Harley looked down at little Wren, the poor thing, she must be so confused, moving to a new town without her mother.

Harley: No Honey we are not lost, daddy is just trying to find his way.

Harley turned around and saw a Skunk and her little baby approaching them.

Jasmine: Sir, are you lost or looking for someone? Can I help?

Harley: Oh please. I'm Harley Farthing, and this is my daughter Wren, we are new to the town and I'm just trying to find the Realtor?
Jasmine: Oh you mean Kenneth Furbanks? The real estate agency is not far, just go straight down this street, turn the corner to the left at the end of it and you will see it on the opposite side of the street.

Relieved Harley thanked the friendly lady, and steering Wren in the right direction they walked down the sidewalk. He made a conscious attempt to remember the name Kenneth. Harley isn't very good with remembering names.

Wren: Daddy, what is a Realtor.

Harley (sighing, then smiling): It is someone who sells or lease houses, my dear. I'm just hoping Mr Kenneth has a magical solution for us.

But before Wren could inquire about "magical solutions", they've reached the estate agency. Harley noticed that Kenneth was already busy and he just hoped that that meeting will not take too long. He was so tired after the long travel, he just hoped that Wren will be ok.

While they were waiting, they were approached by a cute little monkey girl.

Katie: Hello, I'm Katie Darwin, what are you doing?

Wren (taken aback): Uhm ... oh... hey ... We are waiting to see Mr Kenneth.

Katie: I think my parents are almost done, it has been a while now. We just move here this morning and my parents are finalising our house.

Wren (warming up): Oh! Really? We just arrived here too! My name is Wren by the way, and this my dad Harley.

Katie: Nice to meet you Wren, lets be friends, as we are both new and then we don't have to worry about making friends when the school starts tomorrow.

Wren: Well ... uhm... ok! Great!

Harley had to feel pleased, he loved Katie, more for the fact that she was so forward and almost forced Wren to be her friend. At least Harley had one thing less to worry about, as he was sure with Katie by her side Wren will be ok.

At that moment the Darwins were done with their meeting too and all round introductions was made. Harley was even more pleased when he heard that Katie was also 10 years old just like Wren.

After the Darwins got all their children together, they left and Harley was alone with Kenneth. They had a quick chat about what the Farthings requirements were, and though Kenneth  weren't looking to positive about the prospects, he did indicate that he might have a solution.

Kenneth: I'm terribly sorry Harley, but housing in this village is really becoming a headache. We just can't keep up with all the new villagers and their need for housing. At least we still have a few options, but poor Alonzo, who is our resident builder, can't get in front.

Harley (worriedly): Oh no, if I had knew it would've been a crises I would've taken better precaution.

Kenneth: How should you have known. Take the Darwins for instance ... they will be a renting a room form the Redwood family, at least the Redwoods have a big house and can spare a room, and more importantly, both parties are happy with that solution.

Pretty soon they arrived at a big building that resembled a block of flats.

Kenneth: This is our Commune, the brain wave of Sydney Hazelnut, our Townplanner, and our hope for finding you a solution.

Harley: Anything will do, we are not fussy, I just don't want my wife to get here and then we don't have a roof over our heads.

Kenneth: Oh, so Mrs Farthing will be joining you? 

Harley: Yes, sorry, I probably probably mentioned that. Her mother passed away a few days ago, so she and our little boy, Rally, stayed behind to take care of the funeral.

Kenneth: So sorry to hear that! Aaah, here is Sydney let's see ...

Sydney Hazelnut was a strange looking little man, but he was extremely friendly, which helped Harley to relax immediately and he instantly trusted this man. After introductions were made, Kenneth excused himself as he had an appointment with Antonio Patches.

Sydney quickly explained to Harley that they just finished the third floor of the Commune and Harley were visibly relieved, and without hesitation indicated that he would like to reserve a room for him and his family.

Sydney: So let me quickly explain the set up of the commune to you. The original idea was to have a temporary living space for new villagers, in other words while waiting for their houses to be built or while being completed they can stay here, almost like a halfway house, but as things turned out we now already have five families living here permanently.

Harley: So how does it work and do everyone get along? Where I come from this would have never worked.

Sydney: It works amazingly well, you will soon learn that in Sugarbush Valley everyone lives together in great harmony. The families mainly share a bathroom and a kitchen. For things to work smoothly we have schedules for bathing times, and families take turns to clean the bathroom and kitchen and to cook meals. Everyone does their little bit and therefore everyone is happy.

In the kitchen Sydney introduced Harley and Wren to his wife Mona and Hildie, and then he took the newcomers on a quick tour around the commune.

The Hazelnut room

The Hawton room

The Furbanks room

The Timbertop room

The Thistlethorn room

and lastly the shared bathroom.

On the 3rd floor, they passed three doors and at  the 4th door Sydney took them into a barren looking room. It was still rough, with a just built smell and not decorated at all.

Sydney: Aaah, here it is. Welcome home!

Harley (puzzled): What do you mean, welcome home? Is this our room.

Sydney: Yes, and I know that it is not ready yet, but believe you me, by tonite when you want to go to bed it will be ready. You will soon learn that the villagers stand together when someone needs them and that help will soon appear out of nowhere to get your room ready.

Wren: Daddy, it is wonderful. We have a room and did you see the view! Mommy will love it, I just wished she was here.

Wren, who was quiet all the time, convinced her dad, with this response that the room is perfect and that they are exactly where they should be. He thanked Sydney for his trouble and the threesome made their way downstairs to finalise the paperwork.

But as they came down into the front garden, they were met by a tired looking woman with a huge smile on her face.

Wren: Mommy, mommy, mommy!!! I'm so glad you are here, I missed you.

Harley was as surprised as Wren and was just as happy to see his wife. 

That evening another happy family was spending their first night in Sugarbush Valley!

A new nursery for Delia.

Dear Readers

I've decided to do a story (or two) while I'm on holiday. This was written before we left. I really hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and wonderful new years's celebrations. Enjoy the first story of 2015 and hope there will be many more in 2015.

Thank you also for all the wonderful comments this past year and reading my blog.

Hugs

M

 It was the last week of the school term in Sugarbush Valley. The Christmas holidays were nearing fast and most villagers were already on holiday.

Delia was relieved about this, she was exhausted after a very long school year and were counting the hours till the end of the week. The few children that were still attending the nursery were luckily behaving well and Delia did more entertaining and played with the kids, then actual teaching.

While, like many days in the past, pondering the fact that she still does not have a nursery school, or rather an actual building to teach in, she was approached by Mayor Hugo and his two right hand men, Sydney Hazelnut and Alonzo Macavity. Delia got quite a fright, she really hoped it is not about a complaint. Skimble and the Trunk twins are in her school ... or wait, she sighed with relieve, maybe Sydney wants to reserve a spot for their little one that is on the way.

Delia: Good afternoon gentleman. 

Hugo (smiling and giving her a wink): Hello Delia, I see you are working hard.

Delia: Of course, Mayor. Play is the best way of teaching.

The adults had a good laugh about Delia's joke, but the conversation soon turned serious again. 

Hugo: Delia, Alonzo and I would like to go and show you something and get your input about a few things.

Delia (astonished and puzzled): Me? Why? And who will look after the children?

Hugo: Yes you and I'm sure Sydney will be fine looking after the little rascals for a while, won't you Sydney

But before Sydney could answer, the threesome were on their way. Delia looked back nervously and her eye caught the very distressed look of Sydney.

After a short walk, Hugo and Alonzo stopped in front of a cute and small, but cosy looking building. The sign said "NURSERY", but Delia didn't immediately register what was going on so Alonzo took the opportunity to spell it out to her.

Alonzo: Delia, it is high time that Sugarbush Valley gets a Nursery don't you think?

Delia (squealing): Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat? Seriously? But isn't their more important buildings that should be build first? Like houses and post offices and supermarkets and ... and...

Hugo: Yes Delia, there is, but what can be more important than the education of our children?

Delia: Oh this is fantastic, thank you, thank you, thank you! May I take a look inside?

Delia barely entered the nursery when more squeals could be heard. Hugo and Alonzo just looked at each other with raised eyebrows and rolled their eyes.

Delia was delighted with the inside of the nursery. It was spacious enough for all the little ones, but still cosy and charming. The cutest little chairs and work table was placed on one side of the room and Delia's fingers started itching the moment her eyes felt on the Piano.

Delia: I'm speechless! How can I thank you? And the decorations is so adorable, exactly how I would have done it. Was that Cassandra's handy work? And I guess Aaron and Edward must be thanked for the cute furniture?

Hugo: You don't have to thank us Delia, just continue the wonderful work that you are doing. Our children loves you and we appreciate everything you do for them.

Alonzo: And to answer your other questions Cassandra as well as Savannah and Mona were responsible for the decorating. They will be relieved to hear that you love it. Aaron and Edward really came through in the end to deliver this wonderful furniture too.

After looking around some more and asking many questions, Mayor Hugo handed over the keys of the new nursery to Delia. It was agreed that they will have a special opening in the new year.

That evening Delia and her whole family went to have a look at the nursery again. She was so proud to finally have a 'real' work space where she could do the thing she loves most.

Hoped you liked this short story. I also took a new profile picture of my Chiffons for the "Villagers of Sugarbush Valley" page.