Plushpussycat's giveaway!

One of my blogger friends are having this fantastic competition celebrating her blog's 3-year anniversary.

Look at the fantastic miniature prize you can win (I hope I win!)

Visit her blog here http://www.plushpussycat.com/

Picnic with daddy!

Nelson Puddleford was feeling very upset. This was not unusual, as Nelson was easily upset. If it was cloudy he was upset that the sun wasn't shining, and if the sun came out he was upset by the heat and wished that it would rather rain. Also if a customer came into Nocturnal and bought the cheapest set of bed linen he was upset by the stinginess of the client, but also if a customer were to buy the most expensive linen set of 400 thread Egyptian cotton, it upset him that someone can boast so openly about their wealth.

However, today Nelson had every reason to be upset. It would, actually, be more like Nelson not to be upset by this situation as he gives the impression that he does not care about others. This might be true for strangers and people that he dislike, which is most people, but not when it comes to his family. His family is his whole world. He loves Beth to the end of the world and back and he knows that she loves him unconditionally too, despite his obnoxious disposition. The same is true for his three children. In his eyes they can do no wrong, and he will do anything and give up everything to provide for them and keep them happy.

That morning Nelson took his three lovely kids to the little play area just behind the shops in main street. Beth had indicated the previous day that she wanted to go to Camilla Hunter-Smyth's dress sale with her best friend Willow Thistlethorn. At first Nelson was upset. Why on earth would Beth want a new dress, but then he thought that maybe Beth deserved a little treat so he suggested that he will take the children to the play area.To Beth this was a very strange suggestion, because though Nelson loves his children he will never close the shop to play with them. Beth, however, decided not argue with him and was just too glad that she will have a bit of free time.

Tommy, Sammy and Maisie enjoyed the outing thoroughly. They first took turns on the swing, then they slid down the slide and when Tommy and Nelson kicked a ball, Maisie and Sammy rode the rocking horses to the end of the world.

Beth packed a variety of snacks for them and soon it was time for a picnic. Nelson enjoyed a sandwich and the kids could choose between an array of treats from yogurt to scones. While sitting quietly Nelson admired his beautiful children, and thought to himself that they must do this more often. Life is too short and Beth needs the break from time to time, as they can be just as naughty as they can be cute.

After the snacks Nelson sensed that the three were a bit tired, so he suggested a short nap before they continue playing. They still had to do a bit of splashing in the paddling pool. Quickly all four of them was fast asleep, huddled together.

A few minutes later, or what felt like a few minutes, Nelson was wide awake. Something was wrong, and it was then that he realised Tommy and Sammy was not asleep anymore. He didn't give it much thought as he was sure that they were just playing in the paddling pool, but to his dismay they were nowhere to be seen. He felt a stiring in his stomach and felt instantly nauseous.

As luck will have it his Nemesis, Slick Slydale appeared out of nowhere. A very vicious thought crossed Nelson's mind, but he immediately thought of something else. Not even Slick Slydale will do that.
Slick: Aah Nelson, what a great surprise. I see it is Daddy's day.
Nelson: Morning Slick, I guess it is.
Slick: Everything alright, are you only babysitting one of your children?
Nelson: I'm not babysitting, ok, I'm playing hide and seek with them, now if you will excuse me, I must go and find Tommy and Sammy.
Slick: Very well, see you around Nelson.
Nelson (under his breath): I hope not

Nelson was not the sort who ever panicked but now he was panicking. Where are they, how can they just disappear like this and what will he tell Beth. Luckily Maisie was still fast asleep, he knew that if she were to wake up now, she will start screaming. The triplets are very attached to each other.

Nelson decided to have a look around. With one eye one Maisie he started to survey the surroundings. Tommy and Sammy are nowhere to be found. He was wondering what to do. Should he go home and alert Beth and his fellow villagers and send out a search party. Or should he rather stay a while and hope that they will find their way back to the park.

While trying to figure out what to he saw Digger and Heidi Mcburrows coming his way. He was instantly relieved as he would just ask them to quickly watch Maisie while he look for the two lost ducklings.
Nelson: Good afternoon Digger and Heidi, I'm so relieved to see you two! Can you quickly ...
Digger: Hello Nelson, sorry pal, gotta hurry our little baby is on it's way. No time for chit chat.
Nelson: Ok...

"Pft" he thought, not more babies, and why call me pal? I'm not his pal. While still deep in thought about the audacity of some people another figure appeared in the distance. Surely this time he will not be told off again?

To his astonishment it was Eric Renard. Nelson likes Eric and unlike some of  the other villagers it feels as if Eric understand his aloofness.
Nelson: Eric Renard! Good to see you, welcome back.
Eric: Hiya Nelson. It is good to be back. Can't wait to see Roxy and Baden, it was just too long.

Nelson: So did you finish the project at long last?
Eric: Yes we have and thank goodness for Alonzo, if it wasn't for him that shopping mall will still be non existent. He is really and excellent builder.
Nelson: I've heard. Listen Eric, I need a favor... uhm two of my kids Tommy and Sammy has disappeared and I can't leave Maisie alone. Will you quickly watch her, while I just have a look around?
Eric: Sure, but I guess you won't have to look far, the are just playing in the ditch over this hill. I asked them if they shouldn't rather come with me, but Tommy very politely answered that he may not talk to strangers and that he and Sammy is enjoying the water too much. And that I must just tell you they are there!
Nelson: That little devil, but I'm so relieved to hear that they are ok, that I guess  I will not be too angry with them.
Eric: Yes, I understand. Our kids like to test us. Well, I'm off. See you soon Nelson. Come over one evening for a nice chat and a glass of wine.
Nelson: That sounds like a good plan, and of course Roxy's vegetables lasagna?
Eric: Indeed, bye.

Nelson walked over to the hill and indeed their the two little darlings were playing. He called out to them and they hurried back to them. By now Maisie was awake too, so they packed up everything and made their way home.

All agreed it was a great, fun filled day. And as Tommy and Sammy were never really lost he decided not to tell Beth

Parcel from Iceland

So on Tuesday I got my long awaited trade parcel from Iceland. Sigrun and I try to this as often as possible. Not only do we obtain things that hardish to find in each other's country but it is always fun and who doesn't like to open a parcel.

And how fantastic it was to open this one! Everything you see is MINE!! Except the small Smurfie and the horse (is it Nutmeg) was for JC, my 3 year old. Oh yes and there was some chocolates but that didn't last very long.

So first up Eric Renard. As you can see his family is very excited to see him and some of the other villagers are also waiting in anticipation to see if there is something for them.

I really like Eric Renard, but as I already have a Lollipop man in Sugarbush Valley, he will be the Handy Man. He was away for a long time helping his good friend Alonzo Macavity with a big project in another city. (Eric will feature in my next story, which will be his official coming back scene.)

I decided on a whim to get a baby for my Mcburrows family - Mo Mcburrows.

She will soon make her official appearance too, but a family picture is in order for now.

Next up Yvette Blackberry. She was my birthday gift from Sigrun and I adore her. She is just as cute as the rest of her family. And what a cute dress!

I'm totally in love with her accessories. The camera is so cute and I've always wanted a suitcase to use in my stories!

Her family was over the moon too see her, have a real good story planned to introduce her into the village.

Then it was time to move on to the furniture sets I got.

First up a bed for the Corntops, they've had it with sleeping on a sleeper couch!

Schroeder Fisher ordered a beautiful sofa set for him in Isabel, but is not entirely sure how he will fit that it into their room in the Commune, they need a house urgently. (This was my Christmas gift from Sigrun and I shrilled with delight when I opened it. This is my absolute favorite livingroom set, I just love the colours!)

Then the two sets I was most eager to get, as I never thought I would own them! The rustic kitchen set and cosy living room set.

 

The rustic kitchen set is fantastic. My favorite piece the kitchen sink unit. I love its blue colour. It is just a bit confusing to me that the wooden top of the basin and the chair and table colour doesn't match. But maybe I'm just too perfectionistic, to let things like this bother me.

If the rustic kitchen set is fantastic then the cosy living room set is unbelievably fabulous. In my opinion though. Yes the couch is VERY green and plasticy, but what I love is that it can double as a sleeper couch ;-) I really like the shelf and the light up little fire place. Again I'm wondering why the rocking chair and the shelf is not the same colour.

Well I'm still on cloud 9 with all these items and will be for a long time to come. Thank you Sigrun for doing this for me. Sigrun is indeed a fabulous person to trade with.

And then lastly the two additional items that was just included in the box, because Sigrun has a big heart is Owen Bearbury and the pink beautician table. I let it slip one day that the Bearbury's is so cute and I wonder how they look in real life, so of course she sends Owen as a surprise. The pink table is for Margaret Petite when she move to the Village one day.

At work: Buster and Dennis

So this morning at work when I returned from the kitchen with my cup of coffee two very naughty boys were playing in my office.

I ordered them to explain themselves, as to my knowledge they should be in school. According to them Mr Huckleberry has given all the grade 8 pupils the day off, do to some research and read a book and hand in an essay on Monday about this particular book. I was gobsmacked, that never happened in my school days. Apparently they weren't worried about the essay, as both indicated that they will write it on Sunday evening. It came to light that the essay must be a 1000 words long, and what was even more frightening, neither of them have started to read the book for the essay.

I nearly fainted and tried to explain the enormity of the situation to them. I insisted that they immediately start reading their books. Luckily they brought it along. It was quiet and peaceful for about an hour.

But unfortunately I had to leave my office again, and when I came back more chaos. At least my office was quite private so they couldn't disturb any of my co workers.

I promised them that I will order them something nice for lunch if they will just sit down and read their books. After some negotiations the reward was set to be pizza. So another hour of reading ensued, but then the whining started of how hungry they are. Buster even made loud growling noises, while trying to convince me it was his stomach. So I gave in and ordered the pizza, in hindsight I should have ordered two.

After finishing the pizza there was no chance of a quiet moment again, they just had to much energy. I was extremely relieved that I didn't order them some coke too.

The next moment they were playing tennis on my notebook. They thought the surface of the book was ideal for tennis. I just rolled my eyes and let them be.

I tried feebly to get them back to reading and tried playing on their conscious about the upcoming test series. They quickly went over to my desk calendar and showed me exactly when the test series is due to start and how many weeks till then.

After counting to 10 numerous time and finally completely losing my cool, I demanded that they should organise the top drawer of my desk. That kept them quiet for the rest of the day and I could peacefully complete my tasks.

Exciting prospects

Camilla Hunter-Smyth couldn't sleep, she was just too excited. She decided to rather get up and go make herself a nice cup of tea. The rest of her family was finally all soundly asleep. It was again one of those nights that the triplets just wouldn't calm down, as soon as Dylan and Thomas were down, Gerard had an opinion about something. Finally after the 500th story, or what felt like the 500th one, Dylan announced that he is very tired and that they will go to bed now, and just like that they fell asleep.

In the kitchen she filled the kettle with water and put it on the stove. At first Camilla was rather skeptical about the idea of living in a commune with 5 other families, especially after what she was used to, but it turned out quite all-right and she is grateful for the friend she made in Isabel Fisher.

Isabel appeared in the kitchen door as if she knew she was called for, carrying two empty baby bottles, looking exhausted.
Camilla: Still up? Everything ok?
Isabel: I guess, the twins are going through a growth spurt and they want a "milky" every hour. It feels like all I'm doing is washing bottles, making formula and feeding them.
Camilla: Poor you, it will end  soon, just don't loose hope. Tea?
Isabel: I know, but it is so exhausting, I need some sleep. Tea would be lovely.

Camilla poured the water into the cups and while waiting for the tea to steep got the milk, sugar and cookies.
Isabel: So are you excited about tomorrow?
Camilla: Extremely, I think that is the reason why I can't sleep, and the reason why I'm keeping you up.
Isabel: Don't worry about me, I need some adult conversation. Tell me more about the "sale". Did Mona give the go ahead to use the living area?

Camilla (laughing): Yes, she did, but I'm not holding it against her for not liking the idea at first. She has a lot on her plate and gets enough hassle from other people.
Isabel (giggling): You are indeed a wonderful person. So tell tell!
Camilla: No, I'm not giving it away, you will have to come and have a look yourself, but be prepared to spent some money.
Isabel: You are so mean, but yes I'm bringing Schroeder's purse.

Isabel decided that it was time for some sleep and left Camilla alone. Camilla was having a look around the living area, and planning how she will set up and display the clothes. She just hope the village women show up and that Isabel wont be her only client. Camilla finished her tea, washed the cups and went upstairs.

THE NEXT MORNING.

Camilla woke up early, feeling irritated with herself for doing so. She can only start to set up her "shop" after breakfast, and she really felt like a lay in after her sleepless night, especially as the triplets were still soundly asleep too.

Camilla must have managed to doze off afterall, as when she came to it again, her eyes was forced open by two little fingers. Gerard was sitting on top of her, with his brothers at either side.
Gerard: Mommy, wake up. Are you dead?
Camilla: No I'm not dead, but if you three keep treating me like a giant doll, I might be soon.
And with that she jumped up and tickled Gerard until he shouted for mercy. He quickly jumped off the bed and ran our of the room with his brothers.

Camilla looked at the clock and instantly started to panic it was 9:00 and the "shop" opens in an hour's time. She quickly got dressed and hurried downstairs. The living area was deserted, but all the furniture was moved to one side. At least one thing less to worry about.

On her way out to fetch her merchandise, she bumped into Mona.
Mona: Morning Camilla, are you ready for the big "sale"?
Camilla: Not really I've overslept and now I'm really not sure if I will be able to set up everything in time.
Mona: No worries I will help you, if you'll let me. Sydney and Charles already moved the furniture.
Camilla: Oh I wondered who was so kind, I will greatly appreciate your help. Let me quickly go and fetch the dresses.

Camilla got to know another side of Mona, and she realised that Mona is actually a very nice person. Within, what felt like minutes everything was displayed and packed out in such a way that the commune living area looked like any other shop and not like a kitchen at all.

Camilla: Wow Mona, you work wonders. Thank you so much for your help.
Mona: No problem, I like to help and to organise things. Glad I could help.
Camilla: Now I can finally start selling. I just hope that I will get some customers.
Mona: Stop worrying, you promoted the event well enough and believe me every woman in this village wants a new ...

Mona was interrupted by a knock on the door. It was Hatty Huckleberry and Velvette Slydale.
Camilla: Good morning ladies and welcome to Camilla's Dress Shop!
Hatty: Thank you and good morning, high time that we get the chance to buy some of your wonderful creations. We only ever hear about it.
Velvette: Fantastic work and yes thank you Camilla.

Though Velvette and Hatty were the first customers, they were definitely not the last. Every single woman in the village came by, some bought two, even three dresses.

Others only bought dresses for their daughters, and one or two just had a look, but Camilla didn't mind. She just wanted everyone to see their lovely creations.

 Ladies like Mae Mulberry and Roxy Renard who always gave the impression of not caring about clothes and looks complimented Camilla on the detail of their dresses and bought a dress each.

The last customers of the day were best friends Willow Thistlethorn and Beth Puddelford. Camilla was extremely surprised by their visit as Beth was known for her aloofness and showing no interest in any of the village events. Willow on the other hand was an excellent seamstress herself, and made all her own clothes.

The event was a huge success and a complete sell out. Camilla felt extremely blessed that their hard work this past month paid off. As they don't have a shop or work station yet, she and Charles have been designing and making clothes in their room during the day. They don't need to do this as they have enough savings to keep them comfortable for probably the rest of their lives, but sewing and dressmaking is what they love, and that is probably what they will be doing for the rest of their lives, no matter what the situation.

Before bedtime that night she and Charles celebrated the success of the "shop" in the kitchen with a glass of wine. After some thinking and considerations, they decided to have such a sale every month end, until they can open a decent shop someday.

They toasted to it, and just knew that this is exactly what the ladies of Sugarbush Valley need!