An important job!

Hildie Hawton packed the last item into her basket and had another look around the Commune kitchen, it seems as if they have everything. 

Mona: Hildie, is that everything?

Hildie: Yes, I think so. And once again thanks for your help, you know it is not necessary.

Mona: Oh nonsense, you know I love to help you.

Hildie: ... and to you too Emma, I'm not sure how Barry and I will do this without your help.

Emma: As Mona said, it is nothing, you serve our children so we don't mind helping.

Barry: Yes thank you ladies.

Hildie and her husband, Barry, is responsible for preparing and serving the school lunches. It is quite a stressful job, as not only do they have to serve dishes that the children like , but Hatty Huckleberry, who is the school inspector, has very strict guidelines about the menu. While loading the items onto Jack Meadows' cart, Hildie thought back on her last couple of weeks. 

It has been a long time coming, that Hildie felt what they served was not up to standard and the kids didn't enjoy it that much. Hildie wanted to try something new and delicious, but she was out of ideas.

Then one evening when she and her family was out for dinner at the Hamburger Restaurant, she bumped into Rosemary Bouquet and after talking for a while she asked for her help.

Hildie (apologetic): Oh Rosemary, I'm so sorry to ask this of you, but can you give me some inspiration for new and creative meals for the school lunches?

Rosemary: Hildie, I must confess, I admire you. I just told Stilton the other day, that I never want your job, serving school lunches to kids must be my worst nightmare.

Hildie (surprised): Really? But how come? You own and run a successful restaurant? Surely you will be great at it!

Rosemary: It is easy to serve adults, who know what they like and what they want, but kids are unpredictable, and you can never be sure if you would hit the right spot with them.

So after a long conversation, Rosemary told Hildie about this cookbook she inherited from her mother containing some wonderful kids recipes, which she will lend to Hildie. Hildie at first declined, telling Rosemary that she can't use the book as it is too special, but Rosemary insisted and Hildie spent many nights, studying the book, to compile a new and exciting menu.

Today will be the first day that Hildie and Barry will serve some of the new food. Hildie is quite anxious as Hatty isn't aware of these changes to the approved menu, but she and Barry agreed that they want to try it out on the kids first, before involving Hatty. 

On arrival at the school the children were already queuing.

As luck would have it, one of Hildie's toughest customers, Isabella Hunter-Smyth, was at the front of the que. She never ate anything, maybe a breadroll and some juice. And to worsen the situation Hatty was there too (with her clipboard) to do her inspection.

Hildie: Good afternoon, Hector. Everything for you?

Hector: Yes please, I'm starving.

Hildie: There you go Hector, what about you Isabella? Or just a breadroll?

Isabella (eyeing her brother's food): I think I will try everything today too, that stew looks and smell delicious.

Hildie (astonished): Really? Great and of course you can try out everything, Isabella.

Hildie threw a quick glance at Barry, who was smiling from ear to ear. This is going well.

Next up was the senior class. They could be mean and Hildie has heard many of the names they have called some of the food, that were served in the past, and it wasn't charming. Hildie and Barry quickly served Douglas Furbanks and Radish Dappledawn, and then it was Tilly's turn.

Tilly: Hello Auntie Hildie, this dish looks delicious, what are these?

Hildie: These are Omurice. It is a dish consisting of fried rice wrapped up in an omelette and topped with ketchup.
Grizabella: Really, I've never heard of it, but I will most certainly try it too.

Hildie sighed loudly with relief, Grizabella, though a sweet girl, was a real critic, as she loved food so much. This was truly going well.

Tilly and Grizabella dissapeared with their plates and next up were Ike and Mistoffeless, the original name callers.

Ike (smiling): Is omurice save to eat.

Barry: Yes Ike, you will love it, and if you don't you can call it whatever you like, and we will not blame you.

Mistoffeless: Well if it is good, I will ask Grizabella to make it, I am sure she will be able to.

Barry: I'm sure she would, it is not tricky, but for such a simple dish it is delicious.

And with that, the two rascals were off.

Just as Hildie and Barry, wanted to clear the table, Radish was back.

Radish: Is there second helpings? It was delicious, I'm not sure if I prefer the stew or the egg and rice thingy.

Hildie: It is omurice, Radish, and of course there are more.

Barry: Glad you liked it Radish, here have another breadroll too.

As Radish sped off to enjoy the food, Hatty and Hubert Alan came closer.

Hatty: That was a good serving, Hildie? Barry?

Barry: Yes it was, we are so happy when the kids love the dishes.

Hubert Alan: Thank you for your hard work, I appreciate it that you take such good care of the children's nutrional needs.

Hildie: It is our pleasure, and what you pay us to do.

Hatty: There is just one small problem, this are not the food you had on the approved menu.

Barry: You are right, Hatty, it is not.

Hatty: But that is prohibited, you know I must approve all menus.

Hubert Alan: Hatty, dear, I'm sure it is not that bad, for one the kids loved it so I'm sure you can make an oversight?

Hatty: Hubert Alan, if I ignore everything all the time, chaos will ensue. Care to explain Hildie?

Hildie: We are sorry, Hatty, it was a last minute change (Hildie crossed her fingers behind her back, as she told the white lie). And we do not intend to do it again.

Barry: But why don't you try the food yourself, there are extra.

Hubert Alan: I will be glad to, thank you.

Hubert Alan duck into the food immediately, and Hatty halfheartedly also picked up a spoon.

But as Hatty was about to give her verdict, she was interrupted by the sound of loud clapping. All the children gathered around the serving station and with big smiles gave Barry and Hildie a big applause, It was clear that they loved the food and with that Hatty was silenced.

Back at the Commune Hildie and Barry immediately started with the preparations for the next day, again assisted by their friend. Hildie loved these kind of afternoons. The men usually gather in the kitchen too and kept them company, and children's laughter could be heart from outside.

While browning the onions for the following day, Hildie was called over by Charles and Camilla Hunter-Smyth.

Camilla: Hey Hildie, sorry to interrupt, but can we quickly have a minute of your time.

Hildie: Yes sure, what seems to be the matter?

Charles: Oh it is quite the opposite.

Camilla: Yes indeed, we would just like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the delicious food you served at school today.

Hildie (smiling proudly): Yes?

Charles: Isabella can not stop talking about this rice dish you served...

Camilla: ...and as you are probably aware she never eats anything. So thank you, thank you, thank you!

So that ended good for Hildie and Barry. I think it was nice of Rosemary to share her mother's cookbook with Hildie?

Another little update I want to ad to this post is that the Chocolate Rabbit sisters was both spoiled with new beds for their girly pink bedroom.

Till next time!

New profile pictures and updated bios for the Fisher, Hazelnut,Huckleberry, Slydale, Furbanks and Puddleford Families

So finally time for some more updates. I really should become more diligent with all these different series of posts I got going, maybe I have too many going as I do loose track too quickly. But for now I have six new profile pictures and just a quick bio for each family.

The Fisher Family

The Fisher family, surely doesn't feel like new comers to the village anymore and after two years they have settled in nicely. For mother Isabel it is sometimes still frustrating to contain her four very energetic children between the four walls of their Commune room, but she knows it is only temporary.

The Hazelnut Family

Mona can't believe how happy she is with the arrival of their new little baby boy, Joe. She was certain, she didn't want anymore children, and all the while didn't bother much with preparations, but now she is truly over the moon. Otto and Odette has come to terms with the little creature in their lives too, and is not nearly as affected by the sleepless nights as poor Sidney. Sidney is glad that their bedroom in the Commune double as his office, he often sneaks in a little map these days.

The Huckleberry Family

Hubert-Allan and his family lives in Cedar Terrace 3. They share the home with their best friends, the Slydale Family. Dennis and Esmé love sharing their room with Buster and Scarlett. Nothing much has changed in the Huckleberry family, except that mother Hatty might be even more nosier. It is becoming real difficult for Dennis and his friend, Buster, to be mischievous. 

The Slydale Family

As mentioned above they Slydale family share a house with the Huckleberry family. Slick and his best friend from school, Hubert Allan, bought the house a few years back, when Hubert Allan got a permanent position in Sugarbush Valley. It is a decision that they have never regretted, and even their wives love the arrangement. Slick is, however, getting real tired of all the Sugarbush Valley housing problems, but fortunately he is a realistic man, and understands that there is no quick fix. He just hopes that the villagers will stay patient, and not move away to greener pastures.

The Furbanks Family

The Furbanks permanently resides in the Commune. As both father Kenneth and mother Emma are extroverts, they love it. They are surrounded by their friends and they never experience a dull moment. Their son Douglas loves playing in the corridors of the Commune, while daughter Greta finds the quiet staircases ideal for writing her poetry. Adopted baby Alfie is also adjusting well. He just wishes he can one day see his "real" sister again, but he never shares this wish with his new family.

The Puddleford Family

Nelson and his family lives in Bramble cottage at the end of Valley road. Nelson and Beth has converted the front room into a little shop, Nocturnal, where they sell bed linen. Nelson prefers to have his shop right under his nose so that he can scare away impostors. Tom, Sammy and Maisie are very excited as they are finally allowed to attend Mrs Chiffon nursery school. Beth has a sister Wanda who is married to Mayor Bill Waddlington from Rooibosch Hill.

I hope you enjoyed the updates, and I will try my best to have the next installment ready by next week.

Nelson's day

So after decorating the Puddleford home a while back I wanted to do a story where I could show of the house a bit, and it was high time to have a quick look into the life of my "least" favorite character. I think you will get to see a different side of Nelson. Hope you enjoy it!

It was just another quiet morning in Sugarbush Valley and Nelson Puddleford, slave to his routine, enjoyed a peaceful morning in his secluded front garden.

Apart from enjoying his early morning cup of tea and croissant, Nelson also read the paper, but what Nelson most liked to do was to watch the passers by.

There were those who, from experience, knew Nelson was watching them, and turned to greet him.

Then there were those who knew Nelson was watching them, but just ignored him.

There were also those who were totally oblivious of the fact that Nelson was watching them, mostly because they were new to town.

And then, of course, there were those that were totally unaware of the fact that Nelson was sitting there, but were so relieved to see him there, as surely that must mean his shop is open.

Harley: Good morning Mr Puddleford. I'm impressed to see that here are some people in Sugarbush Valley who start there business early in the morning, as we really need some warmer blankets, last night was freezing. Good on you!

Nelson: Pffft... so much for peace and quiet.

Penny: Excuse me, I didn't get that?

Nelson: Oh nevermind, do come in.

Nelson was quite upset about this disturbance. Who in their right minds visit a shop at 7:30 in the morning. It must be city folk, then he remembered that Beth mentioned something about a new Dog Family, the Farthings, moving to the village. "More foreigners then", Nelson thought. Nelson was so caught up in his own thoughts that before he could tell the Farthings to wait outside, everyone piled into the small shop. Now Nelson was really upset.

He was wondering how he could help these people if they crowded his shop, but it didn't seem to bother them, and Nelson helped them as quickly as possible. At least they weren't fussy so the sale was done quickly.

After seeing the Farthings off, Nelson returned to his quiet spot. Surely there must be some time left before he must start his chores. He was, however, again interrupted. This time by Andy and little Marcus Woodbrook.

Nelson actually liked Andy and after a quick chat invited him to sit down and have a cup of tea with him. Andy and his family went for a walk and little Marcus got tired. So while Bethanie and Abigail continued their walk, Andy and Marcus needed a place to rest.

Nelson quickly went inside to fetch Andy a cup of tea, while Andy got comfortable.

The two friends had a nice chat. Mostly about Andy's farm, but also about all the new villagers. Andy had to smile while listening to Nelson complaining about all the "foreigners".

Some time later Bethanie and Abigail appeared and it was time for the Woodbrooks to move on and also start their day.

Nelson thanked Andy for the nice chat and waived them off.

Just as Nelson was about to return to his favorite spot, his wife Beth appeared in the doorway of their little cottage.

Beth (angrily): So will you never be coming in today?

Nelson: I'm so sorry Quackie, it his been a tremendously busy morning.

Beth: Busy? You mean watching people and reading your paper?

Nelson: No ... I served the Farthings, had tea with Andy and ...

Beth: Oh yes very busy indeed, try waking the triplets, getting them dressed and feeding them. And now they are finally ready for their playdate, which you will take them too.

Nelson: Of course, that is way worse. Come on you three lets go.

Nelson wasn't bargaining on taking the triplets to their playdate, but he knew better than to argue with Beth.

Upon returning to the cottage, he found that his paper and tea cup was missing. Beth must have taken it into the house, obviously a clear sign that the lingering has to end, and that the day must start.

Inside, Beth was already cutting the material for her next order of bedding. Nelson was hoping for another cup of tea, but new better than too suggest that.

Nelson: That is a petty fabric, for who is the order. 

Beth: Are you back, finally. It is for someone in Eaglewood, a new client. I want it to be perfect.

Nelson: Your work is always perfect, Quackie. Well, I'm gonna start with the stock take.

Nelson didn't like taking stock. It was a tedious job, but if you want to keep your fingers on things it was one of those tasks you just had to do.

Nelson diligently began the stock take, and was making good progress, when he was interrupted by Pete Petite. Nelson welcomed the break and invited Pete in.

Pete: Good morning Nelson, I have a parcel for you.

Nelson: It must be for Beth, she is working on a new order and has ordered some lace and fabrics for it. How is the little one.

Pete: You mean Halley? Oh she is good, we are still struggling at night with the sleeping, but that is apparently normal.

Nelson: Very normal indeed. Here have this blanket for her, you know, a small something from me and Beth to congratulate you on the new addition to your family.

Pete: Are you sure, wow, it is so pretty and so soft. She will love it.

When Pete has gone, Nelson continued his work, but could here Beth pottering in the kitchen. It was finally lunch time.

Nelson and Beth usually had lunch in the secluded front garden. While enjoying the delicious sandwiches Beth made for them, they chatted about the villagers, business and mostly about the triplets.

Beth: Nelson, I really think we should consider sending them to Delia's nursery.

Nelson: But why? They are clever beyond their years. I don't think they need it. You will do a better job than Delia and it will just be an unnecessary waste of money?

Beth: Oh Nelson, stop being such a fossil. Times change, and I have a full time job. I don't have the time to home school them. Tomorrow I'm taking them to the nursery for an hour or two, Delia will advise me of what to do. Then we will take it from there, and that is it!

Nelson was unhappy, their peaceful lunch, wasn't peaceful at all and it didn't end good. He just want the best for his little ducklings, and he really thought that Beth was more than qualified to teach them herself. Maybe he must consider home schooling them himself. Nelson got up, to go and fetch the children.

Upon returning he found Myriam Chantilly and her kids waiting for him.

Nelson: Hey Myriam, waiting for me?

Myriam: Yes sorry Nelson, but the colder weather was so quick upon us and I realised last night that I don't have enough baby blankets. Can you help?

Nelson: Sure, I have just the thing for you. Come in, but, let the kids play outside.

Myriam: Ok, thank you Nelson.

Myriam was a bit perplexed by the fact that the kids had to stay outside, but it sounds as if Nelson will be able to help her quickly so she lead the way into the tiny shop.

Nelson was glad he did the stock take that morning, this way he knew exactly what to offer Myriam. It was a polka dot blanket that could double as a wrap.

Myriam: Nelson, thank you! It is perfect, and now poor Jacques will be warm and cosy tonight.

Outside, Maurice, Myriam's husband where waiting for them. He just returned from his job at the school and when he saw the kids in the front garden, decided to wait for Myriam. Nelson thanked Myriam for her business and waved them off.

The rest of the afternoon Nelson spent playing with his children. He told them stories, taught them basic math and also how time works.

Soon it was time for the children's evening routing of dinner and bathing, and though he adored his kids, Nelson was very happy to know that he can finally get back on his favoured chair to have some peace and quiet.

And much like the mornings, the passers by acted the same...

Their were those who saw Nelson, and gave a quick wave, but walked on by.

Some stopped by for a quick hello and a chat.

And then there were those who were just to occupied to notice him, but Nelson didn't care about any of these behaviors, as long as he could sit in his chair and not talk much, the world may pass him by.