Monday 27 June 2016

The honey thief

It was another wonderful morning in Sugarbush Valley. This was the thoughts of Tamsie Honeybear as she accompanied her three children to school.

As they arrived at school, Tamsie's son Diggory immediately spotted tow of his classmates, Geo Hawton and Lester Thistlethorn. "Heya Digg!" Geo greeted excitedly. "Ready for the big game this afternoon?" Lester asked. Meanwhile Katy spotted her friend Abigail Woodbrook. "Bye mommy!" she yelled and joined her friend. 

"Good morning, Katy!" Abigail greeted perfectly. "You look wonderful this morning." Tamsie just smiled. It was always so interesting, how boys and girls differ. Tamsie's thoughts were interupted by Harley Farthing, "Good morning Tamsie, what another spectacular day in Sugarbush!" Tamsie smiled, "Indeed, I noticed it too while we were walking to school this."

"Well you must enjoy your day, happy baking!" Harley smiled. "Oh and can I take Lumy to school with Rally? I know you must open the bakery soon, and I don't mind to?" Lumy answered the request for her mother, "Yes I want to, mommy!" Lumy cried. Tamsie kissed her youngest and waved them off.

Though opening times wasn't that strict in Sugarbush, Tamsie was greatful to for once not be late. She unlocked the bakery and changed the "closed" sign to "open".

Like every other morning Tamsie was quite surprised by the emptiness of the shelves. They days are usually so busy that she doesn't always realise how fast the baked goods sell out. They were truly blessed, because empty shelves was a sign of good business.

Tamsie immediately start of by mixing the dough for the baguettes, they are by far the best sellers, and she usually has to bake more than one batch a day. 

As expected, just as she took them out of the oven the first customers arrived. This morning it was PC Roberts and his son, Hughie.

"Good morning, Tamsie. Ooh, I guess you just took these out, they smell delicious. Unfortunately, I'm not here to buy bread, I forgot to buy some snacks for Hughie's school lunch, and as you are on the way, I thought I'd treat him with something special."

"That is a fabulous idea, we have many baked treats for the kids, that is not too sugary or filled with jam or cream." Tamsie explained. "Of course. Hughie, where are you, come here! What are you doing behind the counter, show me what you would like." Bobby called out to Hughie.

While father and son made up their minds, Tamsie attended to Heidi Mcburrows. "Morning Heidi, fresh baguette, I guess?" The shy mole giggled, "Yes please, Tamsie!"

Tamsie, however first assisted the Roberts' out of the bakery. "That fish shape bread is a great choice, it is filled with a delicious tuna surprise. I'm sure Hughie will like it." Tamsie waved goodbye.

Finally Tamsie could wrap Heidi's baguette and after a quick chat, Heidi excused herself.

Tamsie was glad to be alone again, she has to get the Honeybread in the oven, it is Friday and Friday's are Honeybread day. The Honeybread is her specialty, and though it is easy and quick to make, it is exclusive and only available on Friday's. Tamsie hymned softly and was about to pour the honey into the mixture, when she realised that the jar was gone. She was sure she had it before the first customers arrived.

Tamsie looked under her bench, and even went to the small shelf were they keep some bread spreads for sale, but it wasn't there either. "Oh no, now I must rush over to the Supermarket. The Bearbury's just live to far out, I will never be back in time!" she thought out loud.

Tamsie was relieved to see that the Supermarket was empty. She grabbed a bottle from the shelf, barely greeted Wilbur Redwood, and rushed to the till.

"Tamsie, you look in an awful hurry?" Wilbur inquired. "I am, sorry for my rudeness, but my Honeybread is not in the oven yet, and the customers will soon start to arrive and demand it!" Tamsie explained wide eyed. "Hmmm, the Honeybread. I get it, here is your change, go Tamsie and good luck!"

"Tamsie Honeybear! Why on earth are you buying honey at the Supermarket." The upset voice came from Irene Bearbury, whose husband was the official supplier of honey to the Bakery. Tamsie quickly explained to Irene her dilemma, and after hearing the story, even Irene encouraged her to run like the wind, and get the bread in the oven.

Tamsie's heart sank when she reached the bakery, as there were already three customers waiting. 

"Good morning, ladies. Sorry you had to wait, I'm having a small crises." Tamsie tried to explain. "It is ok." Blanka Buttermilk replied. "Yes, no worries at all." Betty Hazelwood agreed. But Tamsie could sense that Beth Puddleford didn't approve.

"No Tamsie, this is unacceptable, your sign say you open at 8:00, it is already 10 'o clock, why aren't you open. Remember a lack of planning on your side does not constitute an emergency on my part." Beth preach. Tamsie just sighed, apologised and unlock the door, she knew there was no sense in arguing with Beth.

"At least the shelves are not empty, otherwise I would've surely went to Blueberry Hill to do my shopping." Beth mumbled. Blanka looked at Tamsie and winked. "Everything looks delicious, but for now just some bunnies for me, please."

Blanka thanked Tamsie, wished her a good day and left the bakery. Tamsie knew, Betty was there to pick up The Home's daily order, she quickly packed that and with more thank you's Betty was on her way too.

Tamsie took a deep breath and approached Beth, "Anything in particular you are looking for, Beth?" Tamsie inquired sweetly? "I want to treat Nelson with something special at lunch, but I don't see anything I think he would like?" Beth replied. "Are you looking for something sweet or savoury?" Tamsie asked.

Finally Beth settled on a plum tart for dessert. Tamsie was relieved that she found something that pleased the ever difficult Beth.

As Beth left, Bertie approached her, "Honey, where is the Honeybread?" he asked. Tamsie quickly told Bertie about the missing honey. Bertie was as dumbfounded, but they agreed that there was no sense in wasting time about trying to solve the mystery.

The two of them started working, and soon the shelves were filled. Tamsie managed to prep some sandwiches, ready to be taken away for those in a hurry, and Bertie finally shoved the croissants into the oven.

Just then the door opened and Tamsie realised that they haven't had any customers for over and hour. This time it was Cecilia Teak. 

"Good morning, Cecilia. Good to see you out and about. How can we help you?" Tamsie greeted.

Tamsie helped Cecilia pick a few special items, Cecilia paid, thanked the Honeybears for their great help and was off. "Oh she seems happy today?" Tamsie remarked. "She does, indeed!" Bertie agreed.

Just then they noticed another customer, "PC Roberts? Something the matter, I really hope that Hughie didn't get an allergic reaction to the tuna bread?" Tamsie asked wide eyed. PC Roberts looked furious, "No Tamsie, it is much worse than that, come on Hughie, don't be shy now!"

As Hughie stepped around his dad, Tamsie noticed the missing honey jar in Hughie's small hands. "Oh my!" she gasped. So that is what happened to my honey, Tamsie thought to herself.

"Auntie Tamsie, I'm so sorry, I took your honey. I love honey, but that is not a reason to take something that doesn't belong to me. I know I should've paid for it." Tamsie stifled a grin, the irony wasn't lost on her, but she realised it was a very serious situation for PC Bobby, so she tried her best to handle it as a serious one. "Yes that was wrong, Hughie, but you did the right thing to bring it back to me and apologise, I appreciate that, thank you!"

After returning the jar to Tamsie, Hughie quickly hid behind his dad. "I am really so sorry Tamsie, Bertie. It is indeed very ironic that the son of the Police Constable are a little thief, but trust me he will not do it again." Bobby explained. "Don't worry, Constable," Bertie said, "we understand."

Glad that they mystery of the disappearing honey was solved, Tamsie and Bertie took a minute to process the day. It has been exhausting but fun day so far, but as the doorknob turned they realised that it is not over yet.

Friday 17 June 2016

The Teak's day in Sugarbush Valley

Finally a new story from Sugarbush Valley. Damara has really exhausted me, so much so that I had no creativity left to do a new story. So please be patient with me as I am sure this is not my best still, but I missed my collection and wanted to play a bit. Happy reading!
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It was another glorious day in Sugarbush Valley. The square was bustling with activity. "I would like a heart lollipop, please?" Charlotte Brighteyes told Shirley Darwin. "Me too, me too!" her little sister Olivia squealed. "You must say 'please first." Charlotte corrected her.

Cecilia Teak and her daughter Bonnie was also enjoying, the marvelous weather in the little park, just off the square. Like most other days Cecilia felt miserable, but Bonnie's giggles helped to lighten her mood. "Oh I hope, I will one day feel better again." She said to herself.

Bobby Roberts, who happen to be nearby, overheard Cecilia and went up to her, "Good morning Mrs Teak, pardon me but are you alright? I wasn't eavesdropping, but couldn't help overhearing what you just say?" Cecilia fought hard against the tears, "Thank you for the interest, but yes I am ok, it has been six months now, some days are just harder then others." 

Bobby knew about the death of her son, so with a consoling word, he left her, understanding that she wanted to be alone. But Cecilia soon realised that if you wanted to be left alone, the square was not the right place.

Ellema Brightfield also came over for a quick chat. "Good morning, Cecilia!" She greeted friendly. Cecilia sighed and got up, "hello Ellema." Cecilia like Ellema, but this morning she wasn't in the mood to chat.

Worst of all is that Shirley Darwin also joined them. Luckily by now, both ladies knew about Cecilia's heartache and sort of ignored the topic. The three chatted about daily life in the village, and how Cecilia was adjusting to living in Sugarbush Valley.

After a good chat, Cecilia had to excuse herself. She had to meet Arthur and their daughter, Sadie at the Decker's Restaurant. While making her way to the restaurant, she felt blessed to have met these two friends, and maybe just maybe she must just let them 'in'.

As they arrive at the restaurant, Bonnie screamed, "Mommy look there is Sadie!" Cecilia looked up and saw her beautiful daughter on the small boardwalk. "Hello Mommy!" Sadie waved.

Kaitlin Decker greeted them at the door and ushered them inside. "Excuse the triplets, Penny Farthing has to babysit them today, but something occupied her. She will soon be here, but they shouldn't bother you." Kaitlin apologised

Little Bonnie immediately joined her sister outside, while Kaitlin took their order. "This surely is a wonderful spot for a restaurant." Cecilia remarked.

Cecilia turned to her husband, "So how did Sadie's enrollment at the school go?" Arthur smiled, "It was effortless. Everyone is so helpful, I met the headmaster Mr Huckleberry as well as Sadie's teacher Mr Chiffon. Two very eccentric men, but wonderful." That is good, Cecilia smiled back at her husband. 

Kaitlin and Brooklyn soon arrived with their food. Lobster for Arthur, seafood salad for Cecilia and seafood pizza for the girls. "It looks and smell delicious, thank you!" Arthur commented.

Just then Penny Farthing arrived. "I'm so sorry for the delay, Kaitlin. But Rally had a terrible cough this morning and I had to take him to Dr Fisher this morning, but he is ok now. Harley will be looking after him, so that I can take care of the triplets. Is that ok?" Penny rambled. "Yes sure, no problem Penny. They should be no trouble. We will pick them up after work." Kaitlin informed Penny.

Kaitlin greeted her babies, and Penny and the triplet were off.

"So Sadie, did you meet any possible friends today?" Cecilia inquired. "I met a few nice girls, one in particular was Alyssa, but I don't know if she will want to be my friend." Sadie replied. "Of course she will, Honey. You are a great friend, and she will be missing out if she doesn't want to be your friend." Cecilia assured her daughter.  

After a delicious lunch, the Teaks paid their bill, thanked the Deckers for the wonderful meal and made their way to the Commune where they had to meet Kenneth Furbanks.

They walked back into the village, enjoying the wonderful scenery. 

Firstly they bumped into Kelly Basset, the bus driver, accompanied by a stranger. "Good afternoon, Kelly, good to see you again so soon." Arthur greeted friendly. Just the previous week Kelly accompanied them into the village. "Yes, I'm just taking Ms Bramble here, into the village." 

After a few more meters they also met Basil Hazelwood and his daughter Evie. "Please to meet you Mr Teak, and your family." Basil replied. Sadie was glad to meet another possible friend, but Bonnie decided to keep a safe distance behind her mother.

They arrived at the agreed time at the Commune, and found Kenneth Furbanks, waiting for them in the kitchen. They greeted each other friendly. "I'm so glad I could finally get you a room in the Commune, as we discussed it is only temporary, until your house has been built."

While her parents talk to the strange man, Sadie noticed another cat girl approaching her.

"Hey, my name is Shelly Keats, will you now also live in the Commune?" Sadie smiled, I like her she thought. "I guess so, this my sister Bonnie, and I am Sadie." Sadie replied. "Do you wanna go play?" Shelly asked? "Sure, but maybe later, I just want to go with my parents to our room." Shelly said goodbye and left, telling Sadie to come look for her when she is done.

The Teaks and Kenneth made their way to their room. In the room they met the Timbertops, who was just packing up the last of their personal belongings. Introductions where made.

While Arthur and Kenneth discussed the last details of the accommodation, Cecilia acquainted herself with the Timbertops. They had a lengthy discussion about their new home, a boat. Cecilia was intrigued and the Timbertops invited the Teaks to visit them soon.

Finally they were alone in their new room. "It is quite small." Arthur remarked. "It is, but it doesn't matter, as long as we are together we have everything." Cecilia assured her husband.

Arthur noticed that Sadie was deep in thought and he approached her, "Are you ok, Honey?" he asked. "Yes I am, but it is a good thing Nolly is not with us anymore, here is no place for him." his daughter remarked.

To be continued ...