Our new home...............

The move is finally over and we are settling in slowly. The two younger kitties have adjusted quite well but our older Mischka is not happy and taking time to find his space again. I think he still is in mourning for his older much loved brother Sasha.

We had an entire week of warm temperatures even reaching over 20C one day and no rain whilst the move was taking place, much to our relief. We now have boxes around the house to unpack and the double garage is totally packed with 'stuff'. We started very carefully putting items in the garage trying to keep all our fabrics and 'beary' stuff in one place but soon gave up so we will have to spend some time rearranging things in the not too distant future! Presently we have orders and commission to complete and a bear fair on the horizon so it is back to being creative again. 

Our new home is situated in a small village which has a tiny store and Post Office and of course a pub. There is a very beautiful old church and wonderful places to walk. Surrounded by fields and farms, it is very beautiful here with some trees. This morning I stopped to buy fresh asparagus and rhubarb from the farm as well as raspberries and blackberries. The garden is waiting for some love and care and my transplanted pots of daffodils and tulips are looking so beautiful. The peonies are growing well and buds are starting to form, can't wait for these as they are my favourite flowers and I had no success with growing them in South Africa. I had to treat myself to a bunch once a year at an exorbitant price.

The fields are bright yellow with canola and quite a sight to see. Will have to take some pictures this weekend to share. Of interest I discovered that canola oil was first developed in Canada from rapeseed (brassica) and the name is derived from Canadian oil - low acid. Amazing what information you find on Google/Wikipedia.

I have completed only one new bear for our web page and she has already found a home. Clara is a traditional style little girl with a dress made from pricey 'Liberty' cotton which I have 'aged'. Hard to believe that the original colour of the flowers was actually a deep red, the whole area of dyeing fabrics and removing colours can produce some interesting results.

We have a long weekend to look forward to, must decide on something special to do. Will take lots of pictures to share.

Wishing all our South African friends a very successful bear fair at Buitenverwachting in Cape Town on 1st May, looking forward to some feedback.

Have a great weekend. 


Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint on it you can.  ~Danny Kaye