Farthings visit to Highfields Farm

So my next story is ready and I hope you will like it. I really wanted to feature Highfields farm again, as it is still my favorite building, but I just again realised how difficult it is to take pictures of the living room and kitchen area. Hope it looks ok and that you enjoy it!

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Daisy Buttercup walked like a woman on a mission. She had so much to do. She noticed Ellema Brightfield outside her house, and decided to stop for a quick chat, she needed to vent her frustrations.

"Good morning, Daisy." Ellema chirped. "You look awfully hurried!" That was all the encouragement that Daisy needed. "You wouldn't believe it, Ellema, this morning after breakfast, Hornbull informed me in a matter of fact way, that we are having guests over for dinner!" Then she told a short version of the story to Ellema.

"Guests! Really? How did that happen, Hornbull? And why am I only hearing about it now? The house is a mess and I have nothing to cook with!" Daisy ranted. "Oh Honeycups, don't worry Harley and Penny are easy going, we have bread." Hornbull explained. "Bread? BREAD! Are you insane! Well you will have to watch the twins, as I am not taking them with me into town."

"Oh men, they can be so forgetful, and selfish." Ellema tried to comfort Daisy. "Well I should be off, see you around." And with that Daisy stormed off, not even noticing her friend Tammy Honeybear in the doorway of her house.

Daisy passed the village square and her eye caught the sweets cart of the Darwins. She decided to buy something from Geoff. He will most definitely have something for dessert.

She waited her turn, had a quick chat to Shirley, also telling her about the stunt Hornbull pulled on her, and then she turned to the sweets cart, admiring all the pretty candy.

"Good morning, Daisy, how can I help?" Geoff asked. "Oh Geoff, we are having guests over tonight and there will be no time to prepare a dessert. Any suggestions?" Daisy looked helpless. "For sure, I have these macaroons, or what about a box of Belgian chocolate. Or do you prefer Turkish Delight?" Geoff offered. "Oh the macaroons sounds delicious, I will have them. It will go perfectly with a cup of French Vanilla coffee.

Wasting no time to get on to her next errand, Daisy greeted the Darwins and hurried off. 'Dessert sorted", Daisy thought to herself, but oh my what will I make for the main course.' she wondered.

She made her way to the Deli of the Corntops, feeling confident that she will find some inspiration there. However, in front of the Deli, she bumped into Pete Petite, and as she was in a foul mood, she needed no encouragement to give him a piece of her mind, regarding his poor service. "But Daisy, it is not my fault if the supplier hasn't send your item yet. And you know that things usually take longer to deliver to outlaying areas." Pete explained. "Oh nonsense, Pete, I have ordered my new crockery set over two weeks ago, I'm almost certain that you must have lost it." Daisy said and turned her back to Pete.

Pete walked away, feeling very depressed. He wondered where that package might be and decided to go on a search for it. Daisy, in the meantime gave Pete one last look and shook her head, service in this town is in shambles.

Daisy was relieved to find the Deli quiet, Irene Bearbury was the only other client. "Good morning Irene, are you doing some last minute shopping too?" Daisy greeted Irene. Irene greeted Daisy with a puzzled look, but Daisy barely listened to what she was saying, immediately telling her what Hornbull has done. Irene, gave a shy laugh, not understanding Daisy's dilemma at all. She wished they can have some guests over. It was really difficult to make new friends.

While Irene ordered and paid for some cheese and sausage. Daisy had a look around, and she got the inspiration she hoped for.

She will make her delicious and famous lasagna. She gathered all the ingredients and placed them on the counter. "Ooh are you making Daisy's famous lasagna?" Christabel immediately asked. "Very good eye, yes I am. Hornbull invited guests over, and only informed me this morning, at least I know it is always popular." Daisy replied. "Sure is!" Christabel ensured Daisy.

Now that she knew what to prepare and have all the ingredients, Daisy was in less of a hurry. Outside the Deli, she met Kaitlin Decker and her two daughters, Brooke and Morgan. "Morning Daisy", Kaitlin greeted friendly, "in the mood for a cup of coffee?" Daisy sighed, she so wished she could do that, but she knew if she indulged herself in a date with Kaitlin now, she will never get everything done. "Oh Kaitlin I'm so sorry, I have to rush home and prepare for some guests we are having." Kaitlin indicated that she understood and they said their goodbyes.

Two hours later, Daisy returned from her outing into the village, and knew that though she had alot of work to do, she had enough time. Her mood, however, took a turn for the worst again, when she arrived home. Not only was the entrance to the house a mess ...

... she found Hornbull asleep on the couch! "Hornbull Bartholomew Buttercup! SHAME ON YOU!" she almost screamed!

Hornbull instantly sat bolt upright. "I can't see, I'm blind!" he quivered. "Oh don't be silly, just remove the blanket form your face." Daisy shrieked. "How can you be sleeping while we are having guests over?" The front entrance is a mess, and look there is a wheelbarrow in my living room, get up and HELP ME!" Daisy demanded.

Hornbull immediately got up and started to work like a maniac. He knew Daisy and and knew better then to make any further jokes. Daisy immediately started unpacking her basked to prepare the lasagna.

While cleaning the living room, there was a knock on the front door, at first she thought it was Hornbull again, wanting to apologise or even irritate her some more, but she was surprised to see Kelly Basset, with a parcel in his hand. "Good morning, Daisy, Pete asked me to drop this off, on my way out of town."

Daisy immediately knew what it was, and ripped the package open. It was indeed her 'lost' crockery parcel. "Thank you, Kelly, for taking the time to deliver it. And I will personally go and thank Pete and apologise to him, I was really nasty to him this morning." Kelly nodded and went off, he still had to make some deliveries in Blueberry Hill.

After Kelly left, Daisy quickly washed her new plates, and proudly set the table with it. Finally she was done. The lasagna was baking slowly in the oven, the bread and salad was done, and the house was clean. She will now take a long bath.

After her bath, she got dressed, sprits on her favorite perfume, and called out to Annabell and Cheddar. "I'm coming, mommy." Cheddar replied. "What is it Mother?" came a less friendly reply from Annabell.

"So you know we are having guests over tonight. It is Mr and Mrs Farthing and their two children, Wren and Rally." Daisy said. "And you know what is expected of you?" she continued. "Yes mommy, I will play with Rally, I really like him we are in Mrs Chiffon's school." Cheddar excitedly told his mother. "Good, thank you Cheddar. What about you Annabell?" Daisy looked at her daughter. "Yes, Mother, I will play with Wren!"

It was just then that Hornbull called up from downstairs, that the Farthings have arrived. Daisy made her way downstairs, calling after Cheddar and Annabell to come down too.

Everyone greeted each other and Daisy invited Penny inside. She was relieved to notice that Cheddar and Rally was already climbing on top of things, with Paddock watching them carefully. Even Annabell was friendlier than usual towards Wren.

While the men and children took a tour around the farm, Daisy and Penny had a chat in the living room. "So Penny, how is the Daycare planning coming along?" Daisy inquired. "It is taking longer than anticipated, and I'm really getting worried now, as that always has been our main income. But Mayor Trunk has finally allocated a building to me, and we spent the whole of last week fixing it up. Hopefully by February it will be open. Some of the mothers are really getting frustrated with having the little ones around the whole day, complaining that they get nothing done." Daisy nodded and winked and the two friends had a good laugh, each understanding exactly how that mothers felt.

Finally, everyone was ready to have dinner. The adults gathered around the dining room table... 

... while the kids enjoyed some pizza.

After dinner the children were excused and went to play. The girls in the room with Annabell's pretty dollhouse ... 

... and the little ones in the nursery.

The adults enjoyed some coffee and the macaroons, while relishing the peace and quiet in the cosy living room.

Soon a wonderful evening came to an end. The Farthings thanked Daisy and Hornbull for their hospitality. Even the children said some heartfelt goodbyes.

After cleaning downstairs and making sure all 5 children were asleep and comfortable, Daisy could finally turn in herself. She felt pleased and satisfied. Though the day started off bad, it turned out to be a lovely evening in the company of new friends. 

A new mom's day

So my first "real" story for 2016. I hope you enjoy it! Inspired by a friend who recently had a baby.

Blanka looked around her small cottage and sighed, she was so tired, at least she had time to make the bed, before the crying start. But the dishes in the kitchen has really piled up and not to mention the feeding bottles. She should also probably prepare a wholesome dinner for poor Andrey, he is such an understanding father.

She quickly went into the small bedroom to check on Heike. The little angel is still asleep. After the nights they had the past couple of days, it is no wonder, she must be exhausted. Her thoughts wondered to Andrey again. The poor man looked so tired this morning, and she didn't even had the energy to make him coffee. It is hard to mask the constant crying of a baby in such a small cottage, luckily he has his earplugs.

A soft knock on the door frightened her, and immediately made her turn back to Heike to see if she is still asleep. Luckily she was, maybe it is an angel knocking, or was it her imagination all together.

Even though she was unsure if there was an actual knock, Blanka still went over to the front door. She was surprised to indeed find Roxy Renard there. "Hey Roxy, you knocked so softly, that I was not even sure if there actually was someone at the door." Blanka greeted.

"Yes, I was just worried that Heike might be asleep and I would never forgive myself if my interruption waked her. How are things here? I know the first few weeks can be though, so I thought to stop by and just check in on you."

Roxy's sweet gesture and genuine concern was enough to send Blanka into a fit of tears. 

"Oh Blanka, no, please don't cry! What is the matter?" Roxy asked worriedly. "It is Heike, I think there is something terribly wrong with her! She just doesn't stop crying." Blanka whispered through the tears. The older woman stifled a smile, she knew that feeling just too well. "Well she's asleep now, so I bet it is not that bad. In the meantime, let me make you a cup of tea, and you can tell me all about her illness and the symptoms." Roxy ordered. "Ok." Blanka said timidly.

Roxy brewed the tea and draw a chair up and listened closely to Blanka's concerns. She tried her best to put the young mother's mind to peace, but also suggested that she stop by Dr Fisher's clinic just to be sure. "But he will think I'm a bad mother." Blanka said. "Oh nonsense, he will never do that, promise me you will go!" Roxy demanded. "Ok." came another timid reply from Blanka.

After the tea and little chat, and without much convincing, Roxy managed to persuade Blanka to also take a nap while the baby was sleeping. Blanka immediately fell asleep and Roxy took the opportunity to quickly clean the kitchen...

... while making her delicious macaroni and cheese dish. She even prepared Heike's next feed. She left quietly, making sure to lock the door behind her.

Blanka awoke with a start, "oh my," she thought, "I slept, and Heike is still sleeping. Maybe she is not ill. But where is Roxy?" She got up to have a look around.

She almost burst into tears again when she found the dish for dinner on the kitchen counter and that her kitchen was clean. "Oh Roxy, how will I ever thank you." She was brought back to reality by Heike's familiar squealing noises, "how cute they sound, when one is rested." Blanka realised. 

Heike was wide awake in her bassinet, and immediately looked happier when she noticed her mother, "you must be hungry sweetie, you slept for so long, let me quickly go and make your bottle. It was then that she realised the feed was already prepared and waiting on the dressing table. Blanka once more thanked Roxy quietly.

Heike was in such a good spirit after the feeding and burping that Blanka decided to take a walk into the village, and maybe she must stop by Dr. Fisher's clinic just to make sure Heike is indeed fine.

It was a sunny afternoon outside, and Blanka was glad that she decided to go for a walk, nothing a bit of fresh air and sun can't fix.

Near her house, she met Fliss Redwood and her daughter Cali. They were on their way to buy some fresh produce at the Blackberry Market, but stopped for a quick chat. Talking to adults sure was satisfying, Blanka thought after she said goodbye to Fliss and her daughter.

As she came into the village she passed the patisserie, one of Blanka's favorite shops in Sugarbush Valley, and went inside.

"Blanka! And little Heike!" Pippa was truly happy to see them.

And while Pippa fussed over Heike, Blanka admired all the delicious cakes, tarts and other treats.

"So want to satisfy your sweet tooth?" Pippa asked. "Oh no, I am on a bit of a diet, but I want to buy something for Roxy, do you perhaps know what her favorite is?" Blanka inquired. "Of course, I do!" And Pippa quickly made up a box of Roxy's favorite treats.

Blanka decided to go straight to Roxy's house to deliver the gift, but as luck would have it she met her just outside the shop.

Roxy was delighted and relieved to see Blanka. She always feared depression, in new mothers. The two friends had another quick chat, and Blanka assured Roxy that she was feeling like a new person.

With a song in her heart Blanka said good bye to Roxy, enjoying the fact that she could give something back to this new friend she made.

After a quick visit to the park, Blanka made her way home again, and passed the clinic. She decided to stop. As luck would have it, Schroeder was just seeing his last patient for the day.

While waiting, Rosemary Bouquet also came over to admire the beautiful Heike. "What a beautiful, healthy daughter you have Blanka!" she commented, to Blanka's delight.

Schroeder indicated that he would quickly examine little Heike, and Blanka took the chance to talk to Isabel. Isabel assured her that Heike's behaviour is typical that of a new born and that Blanka should not worry.

Dr Fisher, confirmed what his wife said, by assuring Blanka that physically there is nothing wrong with the adorable Heike. As she walked home it felt like a mountain was lifted from her should, and once again she silently thanked Roxy,

That evening, Andrey was surprised to find a sleeping baby, delicious dinner and a happy and content wife when he arrived home from Eaglewood. "Wow, Blanka, you are glowing, did you and Heike have a good day?" he inquired. "Yes, the best ever!" his wife replied happily!