Monday 30 March 2015

Sugarbush Valley gets a dentist.

Andrey Buttermilk opened his eyes and for a moment he was unsure where he was. Then it all came flooding back to him, he is in the Sugarbush Valley Commune, sharing a bedroom with a friendly, but angry  looking badger. He was relieved to see that his roommate has left, though he really like Bobby, he wasn't in the mood for small talk. Andrey wanted to wake up slowly and let the happenings of the previous day sink in, because what a day it was...

As he was about to fill the coffee pot, the door to the bedroom flew open, and three small boys came running in.
Dylan: We are here for our morning story!
Tomas: You are not uncle Bobby?
Gerard: What did you do with uncle Bobby?

Andrey was totally overwhelmed by this inquisition, and before he could answer, a friendly looking lady came to his rescue.

Camilla (apologetic): Oh my, I'm so terribly sorry! It is all my fault, Bobby told me that he will meet them in the garden for their morning story, but before I could tell them they were gone.
Andrey (laughing): No harm done, I'm just glad I'm off the hook.
Camilla(laughing): You should be. Sorry, I am Camilla Hunter-Smyth and these are my boys Dylan, Tomas and Gerard.
Andrey: Good to meet you, I'm Andrey Buttermilk. I guess it is your husband I spoke with yesterday about my doctors uniform.

It was confirmed that Charles were indeed Camilla's husband, and also that Camilla has done the alterations the previous night as Charles couldn't remember when Dr Andrey will be needing his uniform. 

After talking some more Camilla and the boys left Andrey to enjoy his coffee. He was glad for the few pieces of rusks he had with him. He was unsure when he will get time for eating again. While enjoying his breakfast his thoughts wandered to the previous day...

He arrived just after breakfast in the village. The busdriver who directed him into the village said he must look for the big house opposite the square at the end of Sugarbush drive, as that is where the Mayor lived. Andrey had a look around, but was unsure where to go, he admired the various quaint looking shops, which was so unlike the huge stores one can find in Grinpa.

He was relieved to see a Raccoon lady approaching on a bicycle, and decided to ask her help.
Andrey: Sorry Ma'am, but can you please tell me where is the Mayor's residence?
Pansy: No sorry...

The Raccoon sped past on her bicycle, almost knocking Andrey over. Andrey was astonished by the lady's aloofness, he really hoped that not everyone in this village was like this. 

As he turned around to continue up the street, he bumped into the prettiest creature he has ever laid his eyes on, he was completely mesmirised by her and though he could hear she was talking to him he couldn't respond.
Blanka: Excuse me sir... are you okay? Can you hear me? Sir?
Andrey (stuttering): Erm... yes... erm ... sorry
Blanka: Are you lost?
Andrey: Erm ... I'm not sure ... erm ... I'm looking for the Mayor's Residence.
Blanka: Oh yes, that is close by, just continue up the street.

And with that the lady left, Andrey turned around to ask her name, but when he tried to speak, a funny croaky sound left his mouth and he quickly hurried off, afraid that she has heard it.

He soon reached the stately residence of the Mayor, just as the lady indicated.

An Elephant, which he presumed was the mayor, opened the front door.
Hugo: Good morning, you must be Andrey Buttermilk? I'm Mayor Hugo Trunk, but please just call me Hugo.
Andrey (smiling): Hello, yes that is me indeed, good to finally meet you sir ... erm... Hugo.

Andrey was relieved to hear that his voice has returned to being normal. Mayor Hugo introduced him to Sydney Hazelnut, who was the Townplanner and Mayor Hugo's right hand man. Without further ado they made their way to the clinic to meet Dr Fisher.

As they walked down the street Andrey was surprised to see a modern looking toyshop. The owner, greeted them friendly. He was really beginning to like this village, everyone was so friendly and helpful.

As they reached the clinic, Andrey felt how his chest and throat began to feel heavy again. He was almost certain that this is how one feels if they have a heart attack, except in his case it is not a heart attack, but rather a love attack, as there on the small hospital bed, sat the beautiful lady, that he has just met.

Hugo: Andrey, this here is Dr Schroeder Fisher.
Schroeder: Andrey, please to meet you, I'm sure we will do great work together.
Sydney: I think it is important that you first work out a schedule who will be using the clinic when.
Schroeder: That is a good idea, what do you think Andrey? Andrey?
Andrey: Yes, sorry. Please to meet you Schroeder. We must, we must.

Schroeder excused himself to attend to his patient again, he found it weird that Andrey wasn't very talkative and didn't ask any questions, but he shrugged it of as being overwhelmed by too many new things. He didn't realise that Andrey's strange behavior was because of the beautiful Blanka Periwinkle.

The next stop for Andrey was the Commune. Hugo and Sydney have confirmed with PC Bobby Roberts the previous day that his new roommate will arrive soon.
Hugo: Andrey, this is PC Bobby Roberts, he was kind enough to agree that you share his room with him, until you get a place of your own.
Andrey: Thank you, Hugo and PC Roberts. I really appreciate that you will do this for me.
Bobby: First of all, please call me Bobby, and it is only my pleasure, it will be nice to have a roommate.

Hugo and Sydney were still talking to Andrey and confirming a few final things with him, when Charles Hunter-Smyth approached them. Hugo and Sydney said their goodbyes and left Andrey with his new acquaintances.
Charles: Good afternoon, I guess you are our new dentist. Glad to meet you.
Andrey: Indeed I am, it is nice to be here.
Hugo: Andrey, Charles and his wife plans on opening a Boutique soon, but in the meantime they are making the most beautiful pieces on order.

Andrey: In that case, and sorry for being so forward, will you please mend my uniform, the seam on the left side is unravelling.
Charles: Sure, no problem, give it to me then I'll have Camilla fix it for you.
Andrey: Thank you very much.

Charles also left, which meant that Andrey were alone with Bobby in their room that they now shared, for the first time.
Bobby: So I guess first things first, we must get a bed for you.
Andrey: That is a good idea, but do you know where we will find one?
Bobby: I know just the place.

Bobby lead Andrey into a dusty workshop, a friendly looking rabbit greeted them.
Aaron: Bobby! Good too see you. 
Bobby: Hey Aaron, this is Andrey Buttermilk, he is our new resident dentist, he just moved to the village today, and will share a room with me. We just have one small problem we need a bed, can you help.
Aaron: Good to meet you Andrey.
Andrey: Likewise...
Aaron: Let's see I'm almost sure I had something here.

Aaron went over to a pile of wood, which Bobby and Andrey soon realised, was just old or broken furniture.

And as out of thin are, Aaron conjured a bed.
Aaron: Aaah, yes, here it is. I knew I had something here, will this do? I know it is broken, but I will quickly fix it.
Andrey: Aah yes perfect, thank you so much.
Bobby: Thank you Aaron, I told Andrey, not to worry as I knew that you would be able to make magic.
Aaron: My pleasure, guys, glad I could help.

Bobby and Andrey left the workshop and Bobby suggested that they go to the Hamburger Restaurant. Andrey gladly accepted the invitation as he was very hungry. They were happy to see that the restaurant was dead quiet and easily got a table in the corner. The two new friends had a good time chatting, when the pretty lady from earlier entered the restaurant.

Andrey immediately felt that heart attack feeling coming on, but ignored it and asked Bobby if he knew her.
Bobby: Oh yes, that is Blank Periwinkle. Her parents live in Eaglewood our neighboring village. She also has a brother Alex Periwinkle, who owns the shoe shop.

Andrey was ecstatic to finally have a name to put to that lovely face, and tried his utmost to not show Bobby. He already felt like a love sick puppy no use in having everyone know it too.





After finishing their lunch, Bobby suggested that they must go back to the Commune, so that Andrey can meet his fellow residents and also so that they can sort our their room. In the kitchen of the Commune, things were loud and busy. Bobby introduced him to the Thistlethorn couple, Chester and Willow, who owned the Haberdashery. As well as the Timbertops, Rose and Taylor, who had a very interesting sounding job, bicycle tours, which Andrey vowed to do soon.


Back in their room, they were surprised to find Andrey's bed. Aaron sure was quick.


The two had a look around, and after some brainstorming they finally agreed on the layout of the room.

They first moved the bed out of the way and then pushed the cupboard into place.

Then they move the bed into the corner. They admired their handyworked and agreed that this was certainly the best layout. 

After that exhausting work, which took up the whole of their afternoon, they decided to go down to the kitchen again, to have a chat and find some food. The rest of the evening was spent chatting, but Andrey did turn in early.

So this morning looking back on yesterday, he was quite happy to seize the day in his new home town, except he has to confront his feelings for Blanka Periwinkle soon, as she filled his dreams last night, and he realised that this was more than a little crush.


Thursday 26 March 2015

Review - The dentist set with Milk Rabbit Father.

About two weeks ago I ordered some items from my favorite seller in South Africa. The new items have just arrived in our country that week and amongst them were the Fish restaurant, an item I've longed for for so long. As I was about to hit sent I decided why not ad the dentist set too. With all these kids in Sugarbush Valley, a dentist is definitely needed, and this will make for a good story too.

Then on Tuesday my parcel arrived, I have to be honest, I haven't had time to open the restaurant yet, I want to savour every moment, but I did open the dentist set, and as I opened it I took some pictures. More for cataloging purposes, as I'm not keeping the box.

So if you wondered if you should ever get this set, lets see if I can help with your decision making.

The front of the box
The fact that this set came with a figure made it so much more appealing, but I guess if it came without the figure but with the uniform, I might've still gotten it.

Opened box
I just had to get a clear shot of those cute pictures.

Side of the box
Instructions about the dentist mask and how the lamp fit into the dentist unit.


Back of the box
This is always my favorite part of the box, I like to know what exactly is inside. (we will get to the pamphlet)

Packaging
Everything is neatly and securely wrapped and packed

What is inside
That trolley is so cute, I'm just a bit unsure about the pink stool and chair

Close up
The dentist items - I especially like the 6 tools, very life like.

The dentist chair
A close up of the light, it looks so real to me, and the little tap and cup was a nice touch,

Trying it out
Blanka Periwinkle had a tooth ache and was willing to let Andrey have a look. 
(WARNING! Please be aware that the dentist mask is really tight - I had it on for less than 5 minutes and it left and indent in the figures fur, so please be careful and it is advised not to leave the mask on for long periods)

Love at first sight?
So do we hear wedding bells?
(Now I'm getting ahead of myself - stay tuned for more about these two!)

The pamphlet - Front
I also took a picture of the pamphlet. I immediately noticed that they have added the 4 (striped cats, tuxedo cats, labrador dogs and goats) new families we are getting, as well as the Chocoloate grandparents. It does seem as if these one will substitute the old release as they are not on the pamphlet. The new garden sets are also on there.

The pamphlet - Back
At the back they have added the cruiser, restaurant and the other beach vacation items, as well as the school items.

All in all a great set and a must for every village. I again love how close to real life it is (bar the pink stool and chair). Have a look at the earlier release of the dentist set with the Clearwater Vole.

 Any questions? 

Do you have this set? What are your thoughts on it?

Wednesday 25 March 2015

A day with the Woodbrooks

So finally time for a story. These picture were take over three different days, and to ad more diversity to them, some of it were also taken by Sigrun. One day I will buy a Copperbeech Cottage for my Woodbrooks, so I needed Sigrun's help with the breakfast pictures (2 of them) and the very last one where they are relaxing in front of their home. Thank you Sigrun, for again helping me out. Enjoy the story everyone!

Andy Woodbrook wiped the sweat from his brow, he was finally done loading all the produce onto the cart. Now just for a quick breakfast, then he can go and make the deliveries.

In the kitchen Bethanie has already set the table, she and the children where just waiting for Andy. Andy's stomach gave a growl when he saw the delicious food, he was raucously hungry. He gave his family each a good morning kiss.

Andy: Thanks dear for a delicious breakfast
Bethanie: It is my pleasure, are you all loaded?
Andy: Yes, and it is quite a load, I will probably be gone the whole day delivering it.
Abigail: Will I ride with you to school.
Andy: Yes Abi, you will.
Marcus: Want go too!
Bethanie: Maybe that is not a bad idea, I'm all done at home. I have a few things to do in the village and maybe I can see Tamsie.

Andy: Everyone ready?
Abigail: Yes daddy!

Andy was glad his family joined him, although the village wasn't far, he preferred company and this way he could always have a nice chat with Bethanie.

Andy: Are you thinking of taking Marcus to Penny?
Bethanie: I was thinking of trying out Penny, yes, he was rather fine the previous time, so I want to leave him a bit longer this time.
Andy: That is a good idea, he must get use to school, especially if he will join Delia's nursery next year.
Bethanie: That was my thoughts too.

Soon they arrived in the village and the first stop was Abi's school.
Bethanie: Look there is Frances, she is already waiting for you, enjoy your day my love.
Andy: Be good Abi and see you later.
Abigail: Bye mommy, daddy and Marci, love you all.
Marcus: Bye bye Abi.

Andy dropped his wife and little Marcus in-front of the commune. He blew Bethanie a kiss and waved to Marcus, and drove off. He can't wait to see everyone's faces when he delivers these beautiful fresh vegetable.

Bethanie was glad to find Penny in the kitchen,
Bethanie: Good morning Penny? Still alone?
Penny: Yes I am, I'm still struggling to get everyone around here, to trust me.
Bethanie: Don't worry that will soon change and I think it is more a matter of "trust you with their children, then trusting you".
Penny: I guess, at this point in time I'm more a glorified babysitter than a daycare mother, but I must be patient.
Bethanie: You must be, the villagers will come around, and on that note, do you mind looking after Marcus today? I know it is short notice, but I want him to get use to you.
Penny: Oh yes, of course! I would love to look after him. Just yesterday I saw these amazing crafts you can make from used toilet paper rolls, so we will try that our.

Bethanie left Marcus at Penny with a happy heart, and he was contend to stay too. Her first stop would be at Aaron's workshop.
Aaron: Good morning Bethanie, how are you?
Bethanie: I am fine thank you Aaron.
Aaron: What brings you by?
Bethanie: I would just like to find out how busy you are? Andy's uncle Roger, left a lot of old furniture in the cottage, some of it seems valuable and I would like you to have a look at it, and repair those that needs some attention.
Aaron: Aaaah that sounds very interesting, I will see when I have time, then I'll come by, I am not that busy at the moment.

Bethanie thanked Aaron and left. Next stop is the Country Market, she just want to fill up on some bathroom necessities.

Bethanie loved visiting the Country Market. Spencer was always friendly and ready for an interesting chat, and the items that he had on sale were glorious. While chatting to Spencer about a specific ointment her sister-in-law, Svetlana, told her about, she noticed her best friend, Tamsie, entering the Market. She immediately ended her conversation with Spencer and walked over to Tamsie.

The two friends were happy to see each other and decided to have a cup of tea in Arvey's Tea Room.
Tamsie: So what brings you to town? You never venture in here without letting me know, so I guess this was a "spur-of-the-moment" idea.
Bethanie (laughing): Oh you know me to well. For some reason I was up early, and got all the cleaning and chores done before breakfast. I just needed to see some people, so yes, I decided to come with Andy, on his delivery rounds, but it was my intention to go round the bakery to see you.
Tamsie: I believe you.

The friends had a lovely time and multiple cups of tea.

MEANWHILE not far from the Country Market, Andy stopped at the Deli, owned by the Corntops, for his first delivery, a case of deliciously sweet tomatoes.

Hector: Good morning Andy, thanks for the tomatoes, they look delicious, and so rosy and red.
Andy (proudly): I am quite proud of this crop, you must taste them. Will you sell them fresh or will Christabel make some magic and turn them into something special.
Hector (laughing): Oh I'm not really sure, maybe a tomato quiche. Tell me Andy, how is that garlic coming?
Andy (blushing): I'm really struggling with those Hector, I don't know why. You need some?
Hector: Yes, I want to cure some meat and make salami, but my garlic is running low.

With promises of delivering the garlic soon, Andy hurried off.

His next stop was Bob Blackberry's Fresh Produce Market in the square.
Andy: Good Morning, Bob. I see you are just waiting for me?
Bob: Indeed, yesterday afternoon Wilbur Redwood stopped by and bought all my vegetable for the Supermarket, luckily I had no customers yet, so I'm relieved to see you.

The men quickly unloaded the cart.
Bob: Wow Andy! Look at these pumpkins, they are amazing! Betty, I think we should keep these for ourselves, my mouth is now watering for some pumpkin pie.
Andy: Thank you Bob, but I'm more proud of these cauliflower. 

After some more "oohing" and "aahing" about Andy's wonderful vegetables, Andy said his goodbyes and went off. The last stop will be the Pizzeria. He arranged with Bethanie to meet her there for lunch and of course he has to make Frasier's delivery too.

When Andy arrived, he noticed that Bethanie was already waiting for him. She was deep in conversation with Wilbur Redwood, who owned the Supermarket.
Frasier: Morning Andy, here for a bite?
Andy: Yes, and of course for your delivery. I must say I am a bit mystified by your order of mealies and radishes, are you trying out something new?
Frasier: Yes, I actually want to, the mealies will be for the dough, and the radishes will be combined with some sausages and spinach leaves, I think it will be an amazing explosion of taste.

Andy tried his best to hide his disgust, as that really didn't sound like something he would eat, but he will not say that to Frasier. Frasier gets offended soon, and it was better to just smile.
Andy: Hey Beth? Had a lovely morning?
Bethanie: Yes, I had a nice visit with Tamsie, oh and I already ordered the pizza so we won't wait long.
Andy: That is great, thanks. So any news?
Bethanie: Oh not much, I went to Aaron, he told me he will come by some time and have a look at that lot of old furniture.
Andy: Good thinking, I think he will do a great job in restoring it.

After a delicious lunch, it was time for the Woodbrooks to head home. They stopped by the Commune to pick up the children. As arranged Abigail was waiting for there too.
Bethanie: Marci! How did it go Penny?
Penny: Great, he is such a delight and the cleverest thing!

Bethanie again thanked Penny for her time, and with that they went home. Nice as the outing into the village was, it was still great to ride home.

Later that evening, after dinner, the Woodbrooks enjoyed the last bit of daylight in the front garden. Andy again realised how happy he was and would never trade this live for anything.