The Brightfields family move to Sugarbush Valley!

Gill and his family was patiently waiting for the bus to the deep South. Today will be the day that they will officially move to Sugarbush Valley. It has been coming for a long time, but being a very careful goat and one who dislike changes, he was always too scared to take the plunge. 

(Backdrop photo credit to Vidar Karlsen)

But when Mayor Bill lured another ice cream maker to Mystique Valley, Gill knew they had no other choice. The Brightfields have visited Sugarbush before and though it was not totally new to them, they will still be strangers. Gill was worried.

(Backdrop photo credit to Vidar Karlsen)

Olive: Come on come on, time to get on. We will be leaving soon.

Ellema: Good afternoon, Olive.

Olive: To you too, are you ready for the long ride.

Gill: Not really, but I'm sure you will make it as comfortable as possible.

(Backdrop photo credit to Vidar Karlsen)

After an extremely long and exhausting ride, the Brightfields, finally reached Sugarbush Valley. Gill made sure that his shoulder bag was still securely fastened to his body. He was relieved that Bruno and his family was there too, so although they had to go into two different directions, at least there will be a familiar face in the village.

After Bruno and his family was lead away by Andy Woodbrook, the Brightfields, followed the small dirt path in the direction that Andy showed them. 

Gill was relieved to see a mouse approaching them.

Jack: Good afternoon, on your way to the Village? I am Jack.

Gill: Good to meet you Jack, I'm Gill and this is my family, Ellema, Meshia and little Briel. Yes, we just arrived with the Woodland Bus from Mystique Valley, but are somewhat unsure where to go.

Jack: You poor people you should be exhausted. Here let me help you. I am in a bit of a hurry home, but I can at least help you to where the village starts.

Gill: Are you sure? That will be fantastic, thank you!

Jack: Sure! No problem!

Without further hesitation, Jack and Gill loaded the huge trunk on to Jack's milk cart and wheeled it in the direction of the little village.

When the Puddleford's house appeared around the bent, Jack unloaded the trunk and apologised profoundly for leaving them high and dry. Gill ensured him that he already helped them more than he could know and that he shouldn't feel guilty. No one even noticed the agitated Nelson Puddleford watching them, who was obviously not happy about more "foreigners" intruding in his village.

The Brightfields made their way up the narrow street lined with quaint buildings. In-front of the Country Market, Gill stopped. He noticed another mouse in the doorway of the shop.

Gill: Good morning sir, sorry to bother you, but I was wondering if you can just direct us in the right direction. Oh, and I'm Gill Brightfield by the way.

Spencer: Good to meet you Gill, I'm Spencer Maces. Sure how can I help?

Gill: We are supposed to meet Bertie Honeybear at CT 5, but we are not sure which way to go?

Spencer: Oh you are very close, just take the next alley, to your right and then right again. It is clearly marked.

Ellema: Thank you Spencer, and I hope to come shopping in your lovely looking store soon.

The Brightfields followed the directions as given by Spencer, but for some reason they couldn't find the numbers of the houses. Luckily a raccoon family were approaching them.

Gill: Good afternoon, sorry to bother you, but can you maybe tell me which of these houses is CT 5?

Durwood: Yes, sure. It is the 5th one in that direction, right Pansy?

Pansy: Oh no, I'm not sure, we are not really from here either.

Gill: Oh thank you anyway for your help, we will try that house, though.

Durwood (whispering): Oh Pansy, you have to stop with that now! You have been living in this village for almost two years now, you can't use that as an excuse anymore!

Pansy: But I really don't know which one is CT5!

Gill and his family was relieved to notice that the raccoon was right. Bertie was already waiting for them outside the house.

Bertie: You must be Gill, aaah and what a lovely family you have. Please to meet you Ellema, Meshia and little Briel.

Gill: Bertie! We are sure glad to see you!

Introduction were made all round and while the men talked about the Brightfields trip, Tamsie took Ellema inside to show her the house. Gill quickly learned that everyone knows everyone in the little village as passersby was introduced to him as if they were close friends.

Gill was glad to have meet the Patches family. At least more familiar and friendly faces. Katy and Meshia immediately clicked although the age gap was quite big.

The women quickly returned and it was clear that Ellema was impressed with the room that they will be leasing for now. Gill felt quite thankful about this. They have had much discussions with the Honeybears about the lease and how to make it as comfortable as possible for both families, that it would have really been discouraging if Ellema wasn't satisfied.

Tamsie: Ready to see our little village then?

Ellema: For sure!

Briel: I need ice cream.

The men quickly shuffed the big trunk inside, and together the two families made there way to the village square.

They quickly reached the village square and the Brightfields was quite suprised by the look of it.

While Tamsie ordered some ice cream from Maisie, the little girls ran to the see saw.

Ellema mustered up some courage and introduced herself to the Darwin family, afterall they will be working closely together soon.

And Bertie showed the spot, that he knew Mayor Hugo intends for the Brightfields soft serve shop, to Gill.

Gill: It is a great spot, but don't you think it is a little close to the ice cream cart over there.

Bertie: Maybe, but remember you serve different products and besides, that cart belongs to the Buttercups, the ice cream is homemade, and not soft serve like yours, and it is only operates certain days.

Gill felt a little bit better. As Bertie moved away, he looked over his should to try and catch Ellema's eye, feeling for his bag again. It was still secure, he should just never loose this. Ellema was already on her way over to him.

Gill: So how do you feel, Peanut? Ready for this?

Ellema: More than you would know. I think we will be very happy here.

Gill: Good, I am so happy to hear that. We will start tomorrow, bright and early.

Ellema: Yes we will, and are the money still save?

Gill: Yes it is.

Update profile pics and bios for the Bercher, Roberts and Simpkins Families

So recently I acquired a few extra family members. As I've mentioned before, I have all the families I want (for now) but some of them are still missing a few members. I am excited to welcome 4 new children to Sugarbush Valley!

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The Bercher Family

The Berchers recently welcomed a new baby to the family, little Ciska. Cissy, as her family fondly refers to her, is only still a baby and doesn’t want to play. She only screams for milk or her mommy.

(Note that the standing baby is Karissa and Ciska is the sitting one. I wanted the standing baby and this was the only way I could incorporate her realistically into the family, as the standing baby to me is older than the sitting one. Maybe I will do a story soon about Ciska's surprising appearance.)

The Roberts Family

PC Bobby Roberts recently became a father, a huge surprise and of course totally unexpectedly. But the few weeks that he has already spent with Hughie was pure delight

Hughie is spending all his time practicing magical tricks which he enthralls his young friends with. They all just love his, 'now you see it, now you don't ' as the vase of flowers disappears into thin air! As the son of the Police Constable he must just make very sure that he always make things reappear again.

The Simpkins Family

After finally finding her feet in Sugarbush Valley, Suzette was delighted when her two children, Glynn and Gwendolyn could join her in the village. Glynn and Gwen, as her mom calls her, are two adorably sweet kittens who have exceptional manners. They live for Saturdays when they usually help their mother to organize some friend’s birthday party and love to dress up in their best party outfits. It’s the thought of the delicious birthday cake, the brightly coloured balloons, party hats, the beautifully wrapped presents, and sending and receiving of birthday cards which make them love birthday parties so much.

Moving to Sugarbush Valley: Was it the right decision?

The bus pulled away and Bruno truly felt lost. He was an extreme introvert. He didn't like changes and more so communicating with other people. He loves his family, but also communicates the minimum with them. This is also the reason why he tends to bees. Not only does he love honey, but he found bees to be extremely interesting, and one doesn't have to talk to them. But now he needs to man up and take care of his family.

Gill: So whereto next for you and you family?

Bruno: I'm not sure, someone is suppose to meet us here, but I don't see anyone...

Just as Bruno felt like giving up hope, he was approached by a friendly looking beaver.

Andy (unsure): Good afternoon, sir. Might you be Bruno Bearbury?

Bruno: Yes, that is me.

Andy: Ok good, I'm Andy Woodbrook. Mr Trunk asked me to meet you here and take you to Highfields farm. I heard that you will be starting a bee-farm on Highfields farm?

Bruno: Good to meet you Andy. I'm truly relieved to see you. Yes that is the plan.

Bruno quickly gathered his family, said good bye to the Brightfields and left the bus stop with Andy.

They arrived at Highfields farm in no time, where Andy introduced them to Hornbull. Angela admired the beautiful view from the front lawn. She instantly knew they  would be happy on Highfields farm.

Hornbull: So tell me Bruno, are you looking forward to this challenge?

Bruno: Yes I do, I love beekeeping, but I'm worried about starting from scratch. I do however think that I learned enough from Horace Honeybear to be alright.

Andy: Do not worry. We are a very helpful community, and you will get all the support you need.

Hornbull: Yes, I've heard about the beekeeper from Mystique Valley, the best in all of Sylvanian they say?!

While the men was chatting outside, Daisy invited Angela inside. Angela was astonished by the beautifully decorated house of the Buttercups. She didn't realise that a farmhouse can look this pretty. 

Daisy immediately realised that Angela must be tired after the long travel. She offered that baby Harriet should be put to bed, and Daisy took Angela to the nursery, where they put Harriet in Cheddar's bed. Angela was amazed by this woman's generosity towards her.   

Back in the living room Daisy offered Angela some coffee, which little Annabel immediately started making.

Daisy: So tell me, are you looking forward to your life here, Angela?

Angela: I must admit I was very skeptical at first. We don't like changes very much, but it was an offer we couldn't resist. It is Bruno's life dream to have his own beekeeping business. And in the short time that we have spent here, it became clear that we made the right decision.

Daisy: Indeed! You will soon realise, that we are a very caring and helpful community.

While the women were enjoying some coffee, Hornbull took Bruno to see the farm. The beauty of the farm left Bruno speechless.

Hornbull: Aaah yes, lets see. Here is the stable cottage of the Meadows family, kind people, who started working on the farm about two years ago. 

Bruno: Is this the old stable you were talking about?

Hornbull: Yes, it is. And we have a similar one a few feet from here where you will live.

Bruno: The view are fantastic!

Hornbull: Well I'm glad you like it, as this is the very spot where I have thought you must set up the hives? Or what do you thing.

Bruno: I think it will be perfect.

Hornbull then took Bruno to inspect the old stable. Bruno was quite happy with it, yes there was much work to be done, but at least they won't be living in tents anymore. He just knew that Angela would approve too.

The men ventured back to the house, and found the women outside, appreciating Daisy's tulips.

Daisy: So you are back, I will start with dinner shortly. Tell me Bruno, what do you think?

Bruno: It is so perfect! Angela, honey, I think we will be so happy here.

Angela: I think so too yes. But I guess we should leave now, as we still have to go and look for accommodation in the village? Mayor Trunk mentioned that he will have a room ready for us.

Daisy nearly got a heart attack!

Daisy: Don't be silly, I don't want to hear any of that! You will be staying with us, until the stable are refurbished!

Angela: But how is that possible? You don't have a spare room, and we can't intrude like this.

Daisy: You will sleep in the kids' room and the children, including Cheddar will sleep in the living room. They will love it and as we have the fireplace they won't be cold. If it gets to cramped for you, we will pitch a few tents in the backyard. But you are my guests until you are fully settled in.

Bruno and Angela did at first feel as if they were intruding, but soon realised that the Buttercups are not in the least worried about them sharing their house with the Bearbury family. 

And THIS is how the Bearbury family ended up knowing they made the right decision moving from Mystique Valley to Sugarbush Valley.

The Periwinkle Rabbit Family

So finally it is the Periwinkle's turn to get their 30 seconds of fame on my blog. They were the 8th family I bought. They caused me a bit of anxiety, as they were discontinued at the time I wanted them (currently, with Epoch in charge, they are available again, albeit with flat hands)and I was really worried that I wouldn't be able to get a set. I was overjoyed when I found them in a small Christian Book & Art shop in an even smaller town in the Western Cape, Mossel Bay.

But that didn't make things easier for me, as I fretted a long time over what they would do and where they would live. The day I bought them I also bought the shoe shop set, so after considering it for a long time I finally realised that it is indeed a perfect match. 

Their house was more worrisome as I only envisioned them staying in Primrose Lodge, but as that house is not available in SA and it is quite expensive (postage wise) to get one here, I went for second best, and they finally moved into Cedar Terrace 2.

So without further ado here is the 12th installment of my "Houses and work places of the villagers of Sugarbush Valley".

Full view of the Cedar Terrace 2

Attic Floor: Parent's Room and Bathroom

Bathroom

Parent's Room

Middle Floor: Children's Room

Right Hand Side

Left Hand Side

Ground Floor: Kitchen and Living Room

Kitchen

Living Room

Kate loves spending time in her newly decorated kitchen

The kids love their new room and Alex enjoys the view from the new balcony window

Happy in their newly decorated house

Alex and Kate owns the Shoe Shop

The Periwinkle Shoe Shop

Be sure to check out the rest of my houses and shops too!