Paddington and Scout Decorate the Christmas Tree 6.

ROSIE: "Alright Scout. Yes, that black, gold and red bauble looks very nice there."

 

SCOUT: "Thank you Rosie! Please pass another bauble up Cousin Paddington!"

 

JAGO: *Quietly.* "Paddy! Paddy!"

 

PADDY: "Yes Jago?"

 

JAGO: "Just between us, I am glad that Duckie is too busy looking for another new nest to decorate the tree with us. Do you remember how bossy she was last year?"

 

PADDY: *Quietly.* "Oh yes I do! She is very driven. I don't think Daddy was too happy to find her sitting in the milk jug he uses at breakfast this morning." *Giggles.*

 

JAGO: "Poor Duckie."

 

COUSIN PADDINGTON: "Be careful as you climb little Bogart and Scout!"

 

SCOUT: "Don't worry Cousin Paddington! Remember, we are tenacious bears who are very good at climbing. Isn't that right, Bogart?"

 

BOGART: "It is, Scout! Tenacious bears can do anything, even climb up high in a Christmas tree!"

 

PADDY: "We know you are Scout and Bogart, but how will you both climb back down?"

 

SCOUT: "Don't worry Paddy, you, Cousin Paddington and Jago can catch us!"

 

COUSIN PADDINGTON: "Catch you?" *Alarmed.*

 

PADDY: *Doubtfully.* "Maybe this time Scout, you could try climbing back down."

 

BOGART: "But jumping is so much fun Paddy!"

 

PADDY: "Oh look, here is Daddy. Maybe he can help you down Scout and Bogart, if you ask nicely."

 

SCOUT: "Hullo Daddy!"

 

DADDY: "Hullo Scout. Goodness, you and Bogart have climbed up very high into the Christmas tree to decorate it."

 

SCOUT: "Yes we have Daddy, but now...ahem... we're a little bit stuck. Can you please help us down Daddy?" *Smiles shyly.*

 

BOGART: "Only if it isn't too much trouble, Daddy." *Smiles hopefully.*

 

DADDY: "Very well Scout and Bogart. Are you ready?"

 

SCOUT and BOGART: "Yes Daddy!"

 

DADDY: *Lifts Scout and Bogart from the upper branches of the Christmas tree.*

 

SCOUT and BOGART: "Wheeeeee!"

 

My Paddington Bear came to live with me in London when I was two years old (many, many years ago). He was hand made by my Great Aunt and he has a chocolate coloured felt hat, the brim of which had to be pinned up by a safety pin to stop it getting in his eyes. The collar of his mackintosh is made of the same felt. He wears wellington boots made from the same red leather used to make the toggles on his mackintosh.

 

He has travelled with me across the world and he and I have had many adventures together over the years. He is a very precious member of my small family.

 

Scout was a gift to Paddy from my friend. He is a Fair Trade Bear hand knitted in Africa. His name comes from the shop my friend found him in: Scout House. He tells me that life was very different where he came from, and Paddy is helping introduce him to many new experiences. Scout catches on quickly, and has proven to be a cheeky, but very lovable member of our closely knit family.

 

Rosie is Scout's cousin, because like Scout, she is a free trade knitted bear from Africa. She was made in Kenya by one of the Kenana Knitters, Martha Wanjira. She is made from home spun and dyed wool. She was a gift to me from two very dear friends, includng the one who gave Scout to Paddy.

 

Bogart has travelled all the way from Georgia, via Alabama as a gift to me from a friend. He has lovely Southern manners and seems to be a fun and gentle soul with an inquisitive nature.

 

Jago was a gift from a dear friend in England. He is made of English mohair with suede paw pads and glass eyes. He is a gentle bear, kind and patient who carries an air of calm about him. He is already fitting in with everyone else very nicely.

 

Travelling all the way from London, Cousin Paddington was caught in transit thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic, so it looks like he is stopping with us for a long while. That makes me happy, as the more I look into his happy, smiling face, the more attached I am becoming to him.

 

Freddy Fox is made by Merrythought in England. I bought him, of all places, from a men’s accessory shop in Melbourne’s Block Arcade, called Mr. Wares. Freddy Fox is made of English Mohair with felt paws and glass bead eyes. He has so much charm and charisma that already he is winning hearts with anyone whom he meets, and he is kind and sweet, which makes him an ideal member of our family.

Done