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Hiya :-) Hope you can enjoy our world of happy n funny *SMILING PUG* COLOR CALENDAR 2008. SET # 3
There and so many adorable n stunning photos of our pool *SMILING PUG* pix submitted from your stock, unfortunately some great shots could NOT be used due to LIMITED PIXELS.
*Notes: You can print out in digital and nake a good hanging Calendar for this version, all files are in high resolutions.
Notes* (Double click on all sizes icon on the pix menu bar, all sizes format will show including the biggest resolution)
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays Video featuring our pool members, our smiling pugs can be viewed at youtube.com *-*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL1HDQEm3I4
More videos for viewing at bugbaby homepage:
www.youtube.com/profile?user=bugbunnybambam
ENJOY! *SMILING PUG*
Hiya :-) Hope you can enjoy our world of happy n funny *SMILING PUG* COLOR CALENDAR 2008. SET # 3
There and so many adorable n stunning photos of our pool *SMILING PUG* pix submitted from your stock, unfortunately some great shots could NOT be used due to LIMITED PIXELS.
*Notes: You can print out in digital and nake a good hanging Calendar for this version, all files are in high resolutions.
Notes* (Double click on all sizes icon on the pix menu bar, all sizes format will show including the biggest resolution)
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays Video featuring our pool members, our smiling pugs can be viewed at youtube.com *-*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL1HDQEm3I4
More videos for viewing at bugbaby homepage:
www.youtube.com/profile?user=bugbunnybambam
ENJOY! *SMILING PUG*
MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays Video featuring our pool members, our smiling pugs can be viewed at youtube.com *-*
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FL1HDQEm3I4
More videos for viewing at bugbaby homepage:
www.youtube.com/profile?user=bugbunnybambam
ENJOY! *SMILING PUG*
I bought this MANY years ago, when Beanie Babies were very popular to collect. THE feature that MUST remained attached to it is the RED HEART with "Ty" on it: the official maker of Beanie Babies. As you can see, that Red Heart has remained firmly attached!
Theme: "A Touch of Red"
Thank you for taking the time to view my photo, and for the faves and comments you make, thank you.
Fast friends Nika and Troubles at a walking pace in a pet carrier, looks like Nika may be wanting to bail out.
After my father-in-law passed, we adopted his beloved Troubles, and while she was nearly blind and deaf, had arthritis and few teeth, she kept rambling along. The two dogs developed a close bond the last five years.
My todays photoshooting with Friedolin the pug dog. Strobist: One 430EX through a little soft box from above right. Post: Lightroom 4.1
Troubles was part of our family for ten years after his owner's passing. Our cats and dogs readily accepted him, and Troubles was no trouble at all. 28mm, f/2.0, AI-S Nikkor manual focus lens.
Paddington, Scout, Cousin Paddington, Bogart, Jago, Duckie, Cabbage, little Lettuce and I would like to wish all all our Flickr friends, followers and viewers the very best for the festive season.
Thank you for all the interest you have shown in our photographs this year, and all the encouragement you have given me.
This may have been a terrible year for so many, however Flick has shone out as a wonderful community full of such lovely people. This year I have received such kindness from people I have never met and made some wonderful new friends who I know I will have for a lifetime. Thank you for being an amazing and supportive community!
Your Christmas may be different to what you are used to, however we hope that you still find much in it to make you happy and bright.
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.
Travelling all the way from London, Cousin Paddington was caught in transit thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. After so long here he has decided to stop with us permanently. That makes me happy, as the more I look into his happy, smiling face, the more attached I am becoming to him.
Jago is a recent addition to my ever-growing family. 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.
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.
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington and Bogart, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
Lettuce was a present from my two goddaughters to me to keep Cabbage company. My eldest Goddaughter, Polly, wisely suggested the name Lettuce since we already have Cabbage. She is very soft and sweet natured. She likes cuddles and warm laps a lot and like her older brother Cabbage she likes to sniff out adventures.
Duckie is a recent addition to the family. I saw her when I was at a Sunday market on a stall of homemade knitted and crocheted items. She caught my eye straight away with her happy, smiley face and bright colours. I think she finds life with my bears intriguing and perhaps a little confusing, however she is learning.
"Hullo everyone! On behalf of Scout, Cousin Paddington
Cabbage, Daddy and myself I would like to wish all of our Flickr friends and followers a very happy Easter! May the day be filled with lots of fun, laughter and a chocolate Easter egg... or two! We are sending you all lots of big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses!"
Paddy has managed to share my thoughts most eloquently. A very happy Easter to you all!
This year the FFF+ Group have decided to have a weekly challenge called “Snap Happy”. A different theme chosen by a member of the group each week, and the image is to be posted on the Monday of the week.
This week the theme, “chocolate” was chosen by GG, Greenstone Girl.
What better way to celebrate the joys of chocolate and Easter than with three little bears and a cute pug dog who all love chocolate?
PADDY: "Hullo everyone! Do you know what? Bears have two birthdays. Do you know what else? Today we are celebrating Scout's birthday, which is the 27th of March, with a picnic party in the garden and cake! Scout doesn't actually know when his first birthday was, so he has decided that his other birthday will be the day he came to live forever with Daddy and me, which was the 27th of March! So the 27th of March it is! Now Scout and I are not allowed to use the oven for fear of singeing our plush fur, so Daddy has been so kind and has baked Scout a birthday cake! It is a rich chocolate cake with chocolate cream cheese icing, because Scout loves chocolate anything! The cake is sprinkled with hundreds and thousands! Isn't that special?"
SCOUT: "Yes it is Paddy! Thank you Daddy! Grumby tummy Daddy! Grumbly tummy!" * Rubs tummy vigorously. "Isn't Daddy nice to do that just for me? I can't eat that cake all by myself, even with a grumbly tummy, so I am having a birthday party. It's my fourth birthday this year! I have invited Paddy and Daddy of course. I've also asked all our bear family of Cousin Paddington, Bogart, Jago, Daisy-Maud, Rosie, Orson, Danny Boy, Algie and our newest member of the family, Bertie. Of course I also asked Freddy the fox, Duckie and our pug dog Cabbage and his little sister Lettuce to come along, and also Chippy the monkey who lives in the front room. But best of all, we have two very special guests!" *Trembles.* "I asked Mummy Marian if mijn beste vriend Peter (who is also Rosie's prins) to come along, and also Paddy's beste vriend Oleg! Mummy Marian said yes, and thanks to some faerie magic, they get to be part of the celebration too! I am soooo excited! This is going to be the bestest birthday EVER! I know that everyone who I've asked to come will enjoy the occasion!
If today is your birthday too, I'd like to wish you a very happy birthday full of big little bear hugs and snuffly birthday kisses. Even if it isn't, I'd like to wish you a very happy day full of big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses. Would you like some cake too?"
This beautiful nursery pantomime nursery dinner set was made in England by the Shell China Company in the 1920s. It features six cups, saucers and plates as well as a teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl, platter, sandwich plate, a lidded soup tureen on its own dish and a gravy or cream jug on its own dish. Each piece is gilt edged and decorated and feature different faerie tales including: "The Queen of Hearts", "To Market, to Market to Buy a Fat Pig", "There was a Little Man who had a Little Gun", "Jack and Jill", "Goosey, Goosey Gander", "Sing a Song of Sixpence" and "Ride a Cock Horse" amongst others. The set I acquired from England, and it is a sister set to a 1930s Shell China Company faerie tale tea set. This set was given as a gift some years ago by a close friend who knows I collect nursery ware and children's tea sets. There are also doll (bear) sized tea spoons which are sterling silver salt spoons, and the spoon in the "Ride a Cock Horse to Bunbury Cross" sugar bowl is an Eighteenth Century mustard spoon and is sterling silver. Their dessert spoons are sterling silver coffee spoons made by James Dixon and Sons in London in 1921.
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.
My bears Paddy and Scout have made very good friends with two bears in Holland called Peter and Oleg (www.flickr.com/photos/40262251@N03/galleries/721577154558...) and their Mummy (www.flickr.com/photos/66094586@N06/) . Peter and Scout are very similar and have become best friends. Peter loves Rosie and Rosie loves Peter, so they have become prince and princess to one another. Paddy and Oleg are very similar too and have become best friends as well.
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, including 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.
Daisy Maud is Jago's little sister and was made by the same friend in England who made him. She is made of German mohair with floral fabric cotton paw pads that match her pretty sunhat, and glass eyes. A sweet and loving little girl bear, she is happy to be reunited with her big brother, Jago, and enjoys being spoiled by her new Daddy.
Orson, named after the little bear constellation, was made by the same friend who made Jago and Daisy-Maud. He comes ready dressed in 'trousers' made of German mohair accessorised with embroidered braces. His paws are ultra suede and his eyes are glass. He is described as being a little bit serious minded but very friendly. He's fine once he gets to know you.
Danny Boy, made by the same friend who made Jago, Daisy-Maud and Orson, has a touch of the 'Oirish' in him with his emerald green scarf. He has an open mouth as he likes to sing and comes with his own songbook, "Irish Airs for Teddy Bears". He has a wobbly head to give him animation when he's talking to you, and is made of English mohair, has paws of ultra suede and eyes of glass. Quite a happy-go-lucky little character....
Algie is made by the same friend who made Jago, Daisy-Maud, Orson and Danny Boy. He is is made of sparse English mohair, has paws of ultra suede and eyes of glass. A very adventurous little boy, he loves to climb and sit on top of gates, edges of tables and chairs. He adore climbing trees, and will cheekily sit there with crossed legs. He's very friendly and he loves adventures of any kind.
Duckie I saw when I was at a Sunday market on a stall of homemade knitted and crocheted items. She caught my eye straight away with her happy, smiley face and bright colours. I think she finds life with my bears intriguing and perhaps a little confusing, however she is learning.
Bertie came to live with me on Christmas Day 2022. He was a gift from a very dear friend. He is vintage and is hand knitted with soft red dioxide wool and has chocolate brown felt pads on his paws. He has shiny black bead eyes and has his own very smart tartan bow. He tells me that he was living in an antique shop for quite a while, just looking for his forever home, which now he feels that he has. Bertie is very soft and loves cuddles, and whilst perhaps not as forthcoming as some of my other bears due to his shyness, he is very loving and caring and gives big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses beautifully.
Chippy the monkey came to live with me when I was four. His name is derived from his innards, which are broken chips of hazelnut shells. He was made in America some time in the mid Twentieth Century. He features beautiful brown glass eyes, a felt face, hands and feet. He was given to me by one of my Grandfather's friends who worked in a small high street toy shop which sold a mixture of new, vintage and antique toys. Chippy was vintage at the time, and had been well loved prior, so with a few holes, some worn plush and patches, he was too worn to be sold, but my family friend knew that my gentle nature and respect for my toys meant he could find a new home with me for a long time. All these decades later, she was proven right, for he still lives with me; a bit more loved, a bit more worn and with a few more patches. He also has some red chalk marks on his right hand which I remember putting on him by accident when I was six! He wanted to draw a rose on my chalkboard and I helped him do it!
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington and Bogart, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
Lettuce was a present from my two goddaughters to me to keep Cabbage company. My eldest Goddaughter, Polly, wisely suggested the name Lettuce since we already have Cabbage. She is very soft and sweet natured. She likes cuddles and warm laps a lot and like her older brother Cabbage she likes to sniff out adventures.
PADDY: “I don’t understand why Daddy insisted that all three of us take Cabbage for a walk today.”
COUSIN PADDINGTON: “I don’t either, Paddy.”
SCOUT: “Well, it’s a beautiful spring day for it at least.”
CABBAGE: “Woof! Woof!” *Runs off across the lawn.*
COUSIN PADDINGTON: “Oh Cabbage! Cabbage come back!”
PADDY: “Too late! He’s gone!”
SCOUT: “But look Paddy and Cousin Paddington, he has stopped at something on our lawn!”
PADDY: “Goodness Scout! What is it?”
SCOUT: “I don’t know, but it looks like a picnic!”
PADDY, COUSIN PADDINGTON and SCOUT hurry over to where Cabbage has stopped.
CHIPPY: “Hullo chaps!”
PADDY: “Hullo Chippy! What are you doing out here?”
DADDY: *Appears from behind a rosebush.* “Surprise Paddy, Scout and Cousin Paddington!”
CABBAGE: “Woof… woof woof!”
CHIPPY: “Daddy thought the weather was so nice that it was time for a teddy bears’ picnic on the lawn and he wanted to surprise you! He thought I might enjoy it too!”
PADDY, COUSIN PADDINGTON and SCOUT jump up and down with excitement and delight.
PADDY: “Oh thank you Daddy! You certainly surprised us!”
COUSIN PADDINGTON: “Yes you did Daddy! Thank you!”
SCOUT: “Are those, jam fancies, Daddy?” *Eyes off jam fancies longingly.* “Grumby tummy Daddy! Grumbly tummy!” *Rubs tummy vigorously.*
PADDY, COUSIN PADDINGTON, SCOUT and CHIPPY: “We love you Daddy!”
CABBAGE: “Woof! Woof… woof!” *Snuffles.*
DADDY: “And I love you all too! Now come sit, eat some jam fancies and I’ll pour some tea.”
The theme for “Smile on Saturday” on October 24th is “song title” where the image must portray the title of a song. Therefore, I chose one of my favourite childhood and adulthood songs: “The Teddy Bears’ Picnic”, which is a famous song consisting of a melody by American composer John Walter Bratton, written in 1907 with lyrics added by Irish song writer Jimmy Kennedy in 1932. It is still popular to this day and has been recorded by many artists over the last century including Henry Hall and the BBC Orchestra, Ethel Smith, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Jerry Garcia, John Inman, Anne Murray and my favourite version performed by a band called the Palm Court Orchestra who specialise in playing Edwardian light music in a palm court orchestra style.
If you go down in the woods today, you're sure of a big surprise!
If you go down in the woods today, you'd better go in disguise.
For every bear that ever there was will gather there for certain,
Because today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic!
Every teddy bear who's been good is sure of a treat today!
There's lots of marvellous things to eat and wonderful games to play,
Beneath the trees where nobody sees they'll hide and seek as long as they please:
That's the way the teddy bears have their picnic.
Picnic time for teddy bears!
The little teddy bears are having a lovely time today.
Watch them, catch them unawares and see them picnic on their holiday.
See them gaily gad about:
They love to play and shout,
They never have any cares!
At six o'clock their mummies and daddies will take them back home to bed,
Because they're tired little teddy bears!
If you go down in the woods today, you better not go alone!
It's lovely down in the woods today, but safer to stay at home,
For every bear that ever there was will gather there for certain,
Because today's the day the teddy bears have their picnic!
This beautiful nursery tea set is made by the Shell China company in the 1910s. It features six cups, saucers (not all the set is being used today) as well as a teapot, milk jug and sugar bowl, all gilt and featuring different nursery rhymes including: "See Saw Margery Daw", "Jack and Jill", "This Little Pig Went to Market", "Taffy ws a Welshman", "Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross", "Little Jack Horner", “Pat-A-Cake, Pat-A-Cake”, "Old Mother Goose" and "I Saw a Ship a Sailing" amongst others. It is the prequel set to the Shell China nursery and faerie tale tea sets I have from the 1920s and 1930s. The designs are very Edwardian and the set is made up of smaller pieces. There are also doll (bear) sized tea spoons which are sterling silver salt spoons, and the spoon in the “Old Mother Goose” sugar bowl is an Eighteenth Century sterling silver mustard spoon.
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.
Cousin Paddington is a recent visitor to our family. Travelling all the way from London, he was caught in transit thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic, so it looks like he is stopping with us for a while. The more I look into his happy, smiling face, the more attached I am becoming to him.
Chippy the monkey came to live with me when I was four. His name is derived from his innards, which are broken chips of hazelnut shells. He was made in America some time in the mid Twentieth Century. He features beautiful brown glass eyes, a felt face, hands and feet. He was given to me by one of my Grandfather's friends who worked in a small high street toy shop which sold a mixture of new, vintage and antique toys. Chippy was vintage at the time, and had been well loved prior, so with a few holes, some worn plush and patches, he was too worn to be sold, but my family friend knew that my gentle nature and respect for my toys meant he could find a new home with me for a long time. All these decades later, she was proven right, for he still lives with me; a bit more loved, a bit more worn and with a few more patches. He also has some red chalk marks on his right hand which I remember putting on him by accident when I was six! He wanted to draw a rose on my chalkboard and I helped him do it!
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy and Scout, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
The pug...in all his begging, f1.2 glory. (btw, there is a dog cookie held against my lens hood to get the massive concentration you see on his face).
Website, www.TravisLawton.com.
Like me on Facebook.
My alter (blog) ego, The Lawtographer.
SCOUT: “Come along Cousin Rosie!” *Takes Rosie’s paw and pulls her towards the door.*
ROSIE: “Where are we going? Where are you taking me, Cousin Scout?”
SCOUT: “It’s a surprise, Cousin Rosie, but trust me, you will like it!” *Giggles.*
*Scout leads Rosie out into the garden.*
PADDY, SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, JAGO, FREDDY, CHIPPY and DUCKIE: “Surprise! Welcome to the family Rosie!”
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: “Woof-woof, woof-woof!”
DADDY: “Welcome to our family, dear Rosie!”
ROSIE: “Oh! Oh!” *Claps paws and jumps up and down excitedly.* “A tea party, just for me!”
SCOUT: “Well… it’s for all of us really, Cousin Rosie…”
PADDY: “Scout!”
SCOUT: “Err… but it is in your honour! Come along you can sit between Paddy and Dolly and me!”
ROSIE: “Oh thank you!” *Sits down and looks at the tea party.* “Oooh! Jam fancies! I love jam fancies! Grumbly tummy, Cousin Scout!”
SCOUT: “Grumbly tummy, Cousin Rosie!”
ROSIE and SCOUT: *Rub tummies vigorously and in unison.*
BOGART: “Oh yes Rosie, and there are some Kingston biscuits too!” *Points to biscuits on a plate.*
COUSIN PADDINGTON: “And there is plenty of tea to wash the biscuits down with, dear Rosie.”
JAGO: “Daddy makes a very fine pot of tea, I must say.”
FREDDY: “Daddy always makes sure we have plenty to eat and drink, Rosie.”
ROSIE: “Do you often have tea parties here?”
JAGO: “I have to say that as a more recent edition to the family, dear Rosie, we do have quite a few very nice tea parties.”
PADDY: “And we especially like having tea parties to welcome new bears to our family!”
ROSIE: “Gosh! Thank you everybear!”
DUCKIE: “Ahem!” *Clears beak.*
ROSIE: “Oh, and every duck, dog, monkey and fox, of course!”
DUCKIE: “Thank you!” *Smiles.*
CHIPPY: “We hope that you will enjoy living with us, Rosie. We have lots of fun and many adventures.”
ROSIE: “Oh, I’m sure I will, Chippy. Thank you!”
SCOUT: “If you hang out with me, Cousin Rosie, I have lots of adventures with mijn beste vriend Peter from Holland! We play knights and pirates and all kinds of games, and of course we love playing hide and seek! Peter is mijn beste vriend and I love him soooo much!”
ROSIE: “Oh I’m so looking forward to meeting him, and all of your other friends!”
PADDY: “Chippy and I have lived with Daddy the longest, so we can say that we have had a wonderful time with him over the years.”
SCOUT: “Many, many, many, MANY years, Rosie!”
PADDY: “Scout!”
SCOUT: “What?!?!”
PADDY: “What did I say about referring to senior bears’ and monkeys’ ages?”
SCOUT: “I didn't actually say you or Chippy were ancient, Paddy. I just said that you have been around for a very long time, like back in the days when the telly was black and white.”
FREDDY: “Gosh! I didn’t know that tellies came in black and white!”
BOGART: “Well, I would be alright on black and white telly, because I’m white, but I didn’t know about that either. Was it a long time ago, Paddy? Were there dinosaurs then too?”
PADDY: *Looks sharply at Bogart.* “No there weren’t, Bogart!” *Sighs.* “And we didn’t know Shakespeare or Chaucer either!”
BOGART: *Turns to Freddy.* “Who are Shakespeare and Chaucer?”
FREDDY: *Shrugs.*
SCOUT: “They are that mystery solving English couple on the colour telly on Saturday evenings, so someone must have coloured the picture so they are in colour and not in black and white.”
JAGO: “I think you will find, Scout, that that is Shakespeare and Hathaway.”
SCOUT: “Oooh. Well, then Shakespeare and Chaucer must have been their pre… pred…”
JAGO: “Predecessors, Scout?”
SCOUT: “The people who came before Shakespeare and Hathaway, so Shakespeare and Chaucer probably were in black and white.” *Nods emphatically.*
ROSIE: “I’m sure you are right, Cousin Scout.” *Looks at Scout and nods emphatically too.*
SCOUT: “Of course I’m right, Cousin Rosie! I’m always right.”
PADDY: “Ahem!” *Clears throat.*
SCOUT: “Well…” *Blushes pink beneath woollen fur. Adds more quietly. “Usually I’m right.”
DADDY: “Now everybear, monkey, duck, fox and dog, it’s best to enjoy your tea party whilst it’s fresh, but just before you do, let me just take a photograph of you all to make the occasion of Rosie’s arrival into our family. Now, say ‘grumbly tummies’!”
PADDY, SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, JAGO, FREDDY, CHIPPY, ROSIE and DUCKIE: “Grumbly tummies!”
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: “Woof-woof, woof-woof woof!”
*Camera clicks and whirrs.*
SCOUT and ROSIE: “Grumbly tummies, Daddy! Grumbly tummies!” *Rub tummies vigorously and in unison.*
This beautiful nursery tea set is made by the Shell China company in the 1910s. It features enough cups and saucers for everyone as well as a teapot, coffee pot milk jugs and sugar bowls, all gilt and featuring different nursery rhymes including: "See Saw Margery Daw", "Jack and Jill", "This Little Pig Went to Market", "Taffy ws a Welshman", "Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross", "Little Jack Horner", “Pat-A-Cake, Pat-A-Cake”, "Old Mother Goose" and "I Saw a Ship a Sailing" amongst others. It is the prequel set to the Shell China nursery and faerie tale tea sets I have from the 1920s and 1930s. The designs are very Edwardian and the set is made up of smaller pieces. There are also doll (bear) sized tea spoons which are sterling silver salt spoons, and Eighteenth Century sterling silver sugar nips in the “Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross” sugar bowl.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chippy the monkey came to live with me when I was four. His name is derived from his innards, which are broken chips of hazelnut shells. He was made in America some time in the mid Twentieth Century. He features beautiful brown glass eyes, a felt face, hands and feet. He was given to me by one of my Grandfather's friends who worked in a small high street toy shop which sold a mixture of new, vintage and antique toys. Chippy was vintage at the time, and had been well loved prior, so with a few holes, some worn plush and patches, he was too worn to be sold, but my family friend knew that my gentle nature and respect for my toys meant he could find a new home with me for a long time. All these decades later, she was proven right, for he still lives with me; a bit more loved, a bit more worn and with a few more patches. He also has some red chalk marks on his right hand which I remember putting on him by accident when I was six! He wanted to draw a rose on my chalkboard and I helped him do it!
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington and Bogart, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
Lettuce was a present from my two goddaughters to me to keep Cabbage company. My eldest Goddaughter, Polly, wisely suggested the name Lettuce since we already have Cabbage. She is very soft and sweet natured. She likes cuddles and warm laps a lot and like her older brother Cabbage she likes to sniff out adventures.
Duckie I saw when I was at a Sunday market on a stall of homemade knitted and crocheted items. She caught my eye straight away with her happy, smiley face and bright colours. I think she finds life with my bears intriguing and perhaps a little confusing, however she is learning.
PADDY: *Reading to Scout, Bogart, Cousin Paddington, Cabbage and Lettuce.* “My Grandmama, what big teeth you have.”
SCOUT: “I do hope that this is the version where Little Red Riding Hood gets saved by the huntsman.”
BOGART: “You mean there is a version where she doesn’t?”
LETTUCE: *Whimpers.*
SCOUT: “Yes! There is a nasty version which was written back in the olden days to warn young ladies not to stray from the path!”
COUSIN PADDINGTON: “Sshhh. Bogart and Scout, don’t be disrespectful. Paddy is reading!”
BOGART: “Oh! Sorry Cousin Paddington.”
SCOUT: “Bogart and I are sorry, Paddy.”
PADDY: “It’s alright Scout. Don’t worry, this is the version that does have the huntsman.”
SCOUT: “Thank goodness!”
PADDY: “Now, where was I? Oh yes, ‘And the Big Bad Wolf leapt from the bed and gobbled up Little Red Riding Hood in one, giant gulp!’ Oh! Hullo everyone! Do you know what? Today is World Storytelling Day, so as part of the observance for the day, I am telling a story to everyone else. You may sit and listen if you like.”
What Paddy says is true. The 20th of March is indeed World Storytelling Day. The first such day was celebrated in Sweden in 1991. The ethos behind this event caught on around the globe, and now we celebrate World Storytelling Day at an international level. By 1997 the occasion had travelled to Australia and Latin America and by 2002 it had spread across the rest of Scandinavia. 2009 marked the first time it was celebrated across all six continents (excluding Antarctica of course!). Now World Storytelling Day takes place every year and centers around a different theme each time, for example dreams, trees and voyages.
The aim of World Storytelling Day is to celebrate the art of oral storytelling, with as many people as possible around the world telling and listening to stories in their own languages on the same day. People taking part can link up with others around the globe who are also contributing, making it a truly international festival that creates new friendships and promotes a positive understanding of cultures around the world!
So gather your loved ones, make sure everyone’s sitting comfortably, and get ready to immerse yourselves in the magic of stories.
The book that Paddy is reading to the others is one of my many versions of Grimm's Faerie Tales from my library. It is illustrated by Yann Legendre and was published in 2014 by Rockport Publishers. It is a very deluxe book.
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.
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.
Bogart has only arrived in the last few weeks. He has travelled all the way from Georgia, via Alabama as a gift to me from a friend. I look forward to getting to know his character, but I can already say that he has lovely Southern manners and seems to be a fun and gentle soul with an inquisitive nature.
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington and Bogart, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
Lettuce, is also very recent arrival. She was a present from my two goddaughters to me to keep Cabbage company. My eldest Goddaughter, Polly, wisely suggested the name Lettuce since we already have Cabbage. She is very soft and sweet natured. She likes cuddles and warm laps a lot and like her older brother Cabbage she likes to sniff out adventures.
*SCOUT blows out the candle with a big puff.*
DADDY: "Now I had best cut the cake for you Scout. Little bear paws and knives do not go together. Who would like a slice?"
PADDY, SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, JAGO, DAISY-MAUD, ROSIE, ALGIE, ORSON, DANNY BOY, PETER, OLEG, BERTIE, FRDDY, DUCKIE and CHIPPY: "Yes please Daddy!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof! Woof! Woof!"
PADDY, SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, JAGO, DAISY-MAUD, ROSIE, ALGIE, ORSON, DANNY BOY, PETER, OLEG, BERTIE, FRDDY, DUCKIE and CHIPPY: "Thank you Daddy!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof! Woof! Woof!"
PETER: "Scout mijn allerbeste vriend?"
SCOUT: "Yes mijn allerbeste vriend Peter?"
PETER: "What did you wish for when you blew out the candle?"
PADDY: "Scout can wish doe whatever he wants to, Peter, but there is an important rule that goes with wishing on a birthday cake."
SCOUT: "I remember Paddy! You told me last year on my third birthday! You told me that I can't tell anyone what it is, or it won't come true, and I don't want that!." *Frowns.*
PADDY: "Very good Scout. Birthday wishes are extra special and they must remain a secret."
PETER: "Oh!" *Puts paw to mouth.* "That's a shame! I wanted to know what it is. Why must it be kept a secret Paddy?"
PADDY: "I don't know Peter." *Shrugs.* "I just know that those are the rules."
SCOUT: "Well, don't worry mijn allerbeste vriend! When my wish comes true, I will tell you."
PETER: "Shall I help you pass around the slices of cake, Daddy?"
DADDY: "Oh thank you little Peter! That would be a great help."
OLEG: "I'd like to help too, Daddy!"
DADDY: "Thank you Oleg! You are both such helpful bears! You must make Mummy Marian so proud!"
PETER and OLEG: "Thank you Daddy!"
DUCKIE: "Daddy?"
DADDY: "Yes Duckie?"
DUCKIE: "Does this cake have yummy worms and grubs in it?"
PADDY, SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, JAGO, DAISY-MAUD, ROSIE, ALGIE, ORSON, DANNY BOY, PETER, OLEG, BERTIE, FRDDY and CHIPPY: "Worms? Yuck!"
DADDY: "No, Duckie, it doesn't. However I'm sure you'll like it anyway!"
SCOUT: "Hullo everyone! Do you know what? Bears have two birthdays. I don't actually know when my first birthday was as I can't remember, so I have decided that my other birthday will be the day I came to live forever with Daddy and Paddy, which was the 27th of March! Now Paddy and I are not allowed to use the oven for fear of singeing our plush fur, so Daddy has been so kind and has baked me a birthday cake! It is a rich chocolate cake with chocolate cream cheese icing, because Scout loves chocolate anything! The cake is sprinkled with hundreds and thousands! Isn't that special? I can't eat that cake all by myself, even with a grumbly tummy, so I am having a birthday party. It's my fourth birthday this year! I have invited Paddy and Daddy of course. I've also asked all our bear family of Cousin Paddington, Bogart, Jago, Daisy-Maud, Rosie, Orson, Danny Boy, Algie and our newest member of the family, Bertie. Of course I also asked Freddy the fox, Duckie and our pug dog Cabbage and his little sister Lettuce to come along, and also Chippy the monkey who lives in the front room. But best of all, we have two very special guests!" *Trembles.* "I asked Mummy Marian if mijn beste vriend Peter (who is also Rosie's prins) to come along, and also Paddy's beste vriend Oleg! Mummy Marian said yes, and thanks to some faerie magic, they get to be part of the celebration too! I am soooo excited! This is going to be the bestest birthday EVER! I know that everyone who I've asked to come will enjoy the occasion!
If today is your birthday too, I'd like to wish you a very happy birthday full of big little bear hugs and snuffly birthday kisses. Even if it isn't, I'd like to wish you a very happy day full of big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses. Would you like some cake too?"
This beautiful nursery pantomime nursery dinner set was made in England by the Shell China Company in the 1920s. It features six cups, saucers and plates as well as a teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl, platter, sandwich plate, a lidded soup tureen on its own dish and a gravy or cream jug on its own dish. Each piece is gilt edged and decorated and feature different faerie tales including: "The Queen of Hearts", "To Market, to Market to Buy a Fat Pig", "There was a Little Man who had a Little Gun", "Jack and Jill", "Goosey, Goosey Gander", "Sing a Song of Sixpence" and "Ride a Cock Horse" amongst others. The set I acquired from England, and it is a sister set to a 1930s Shell China Company faerie tale tea set. This set was given as a gift some years ago by a close friend who knows I collect nursery ware and children's tea sets. There are also doll (bear) sized tea spoons which are sterling silver salt spoons, and the spoon in the "Ride a Cock Horse to Bunbury Cross" sugar bowl is an Eighteenth Century mustard spoon and is sterling silver. Their dessert spoons are sterling silver coffee spoons made by James Dixon and Sons in London in 1921.
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.
My bears Paddy and Scout have made very good friends with two bears in Holland called Peter and Oleg (www.flickr.com/photos/40262251@N03/galleries/721577154558...) and their Mummy (www.flickr.com/photos/66094586@N06/) . Peter and Scout are very similar and have become best friends. Peter loves Rosie and Rosie loves Peter, so they have become prince and princess to one another. Paddy and Oleg are very similar too and have become best friends as well.
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, including 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.
Daisy Maud is Jago's little sister and was made by the same friend in England who made him. She is made of German mohair with floral fabric cotton paw pads that match her pretty sunhat, and glass eyes. A sweet and loving little girl bear, she is happy to be reunited with her big brother, Jago, and enjoys being spoiled by her new Daddy.
Orson, named after the little bear constellation, was made by the same friend who made Jago and Daisy-Maud. He comes ready dressed in 'trousers' made of German mohair accessorised with embroidered braces. His paws are ultra suede and his eyes are glass. He is described as being a little bit serious minded but very friendly. He's fine once he gets to know you.
Danny Boy, made by the same friend who made Jago, Daisy-Maud and Orson, has a touch of the 'Oirish' in him with his emerald green scarf. He has an open mouth as he likes to sing and comes with his own songbook, "Irish Airs for Teddy Bears". He has a wobbly head to give him animation when he's talking to you, and is made of English mohair, has paws of ultra suede and eyes of glass. Quite a happy-go-lucky little character....
Algie is made by the same friend who made Jago, Daisy-Maud, Orson and Danny Boy. He is is made of sparse English mohair, has paws of ultra suede and eyes of glass. A very adventurous little boy, he loves to climb and sit on top of gates, edges of tables and chairs. He adore climbing trees, and will cheekily sit there with crossed legs. He's very friendly and he loves adventures of any kind.
Duckie I saw when I was at a Sunday market on a stall of homemade knitted and crocheted items. She caught my eye straight away with her happy, smiley face and bright colours. I think she finds life with my bears intriguing and perhaps a little confusing, however she is learning.
Bertie came to live with me on Christmas Day 2022. He was a gift from a very dear friend. He is vintage and is hand knitted with soft red dioxide wool and has chocolate brown felt pads on his paws. He has shiny black bead eyes and has his own very smart tartan bow. He tells me that he was living in an antique shop for quite a while, just looking for his forever home, which now he feels that he has. Bertie is very soft and loves cuddles, and whilst perhaps not as forthcoming as some of my other bears due to his shyness, he is very loving and caring and gives big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses beautifully.
Chippy the monkey came to live with me when I was four. His name is derived from his innards, which are broken chips of hazelnut shells. He was made in America some time in the mid Twentieth Century. He features beautiful brown glass eyes, a felt face, hands and feet. He was given to me by one of my Grandfather's friends who worked in a small high street toy shop which sold a mixture of new, vintage and antique toys. Chippy was vintage at the time, and had been well loved prior, so with a few holes, some worn plush and patches, he was too worn to be sold, but my family friend knew that my gentle nature and respect for my toys meant he could find a new home with me for a long time. All these decades later, she was proven right, for he still lives with me; a bit more loved, a bit more worn and with a few more patches. He also has some red chalk marks on his right hand which I remember putting on him by accident when I was six! He wanted to draw a rose on my chalkboard and I helped him do it!
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington and Bogart, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
Lettuce was a present from my two goddaughters to me to keep Cabbage company. My eldest Goddaughter, Polly, wisely suggested the name Lettuce since we already have Cabbage. She is very soft and sweet natured. She likes cuddles and warm laps a lot and like her older brother Cabbage she likes to sniff out adventures.
牠有一個非常神勇的名字，老弟都叫牠「大A」或「老大」。
因為這隻巴哥狗"灰熊番"+"非常魯"，小小一隻卻異常的活潑亂跳，不用鍊子栓起來是不行的，一個勁的就往整間屋子亂亂衝，吃東西時就活像餓了幾世紀，整個狗臉會全埋在牠的碗公裡，是說明明前半小時就餵過啊 = ="
不過牠也超可愛的！ 好愛唷~
"Pug Dog, ""Panasonic DMC-FX9", "Apr 20, 2009"
PADDY: "I hear a car!" *Peeks out the front window.* "Oh! It's her!" *Trembles with excitement and nerves.* "She's here!"
SCOUT: "Who is here, Paddy?"
PADDY: "Why, Her Majesty Queen Lilibet is here of course! Quick everybear! Let's make Her Majesty welcome."
JAGO: "Is my bow tie straight Cousin Paddington?"
COUSIN PADDINGTON: "You look perfect Jago."
PADDY, SCOUT, BOGART, COUSIN PADDINGTON, JAGO, FREDDY, DUCKIE, CABBAGE and little LETTUCE: *Hurry to front door.*
JAGO: "I shall open the door Paddy." *Opens front door.*
PADDY: "Welcome Your Majesty!" *Doffs hat and bows.*
HM QUEEN LILIBET: "Thank you very much. We are looking for the home of Paddy and Scout. The driver said this is it. Are we in the right place?"
PADDY: "You are indeed, Your Majesty. I am Paddy, this is Scout."
SCOUT: "How do you do, Your Majesty" *Bows and almost trips on pearl necklace.* "And this is my Dolly."
HM QUEEN LILIBET: "How do you do Scout and Dolly."
PADDY: "And this is our family, Cousin Paddington, Jago, Bogart, Freddy and Ducky."
COUSIN PADDINGTON, JAGO, BOGART, FREDDY and DUCKIE: *All bow."
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof Woof-woof! Snuffle."
PADDY: "And these are our dogs, Cabbage and Lettuce."
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: *Run up to Queen Lilibet and await pats and strokes.*
HM QUEEN LILIBET: "Thank you. We are so glad to be here in your lovely home. We have heard so much about you from England that We were most anxious to visit here on our tour and meet you all."
JAGO: "May I help carry your train, Your Majesty?"
HM QUEEN LILIBET: "Oh thank you very much, Jago. That would be most kind if you would. You may call me Ma'am - as in ham, everybear, duck and fox."
BOGART: *Whispers to Jago.* "Wow look at her pretty train, Jago. It's all embroidered and so soft."
JAGO: "It is, Bogart. Her train is trimmed with the softest ermine."
PADDY: "We have some lovely celebrations planned whilst you are visiting Ma'am. We have a lovely afternoon tea planned."
DUCKIE: "But I'm not coming to that Ma'am, as Daddy is not serving grubs and worms, only food that bears like."
COUSIN PADDINGTON: "Daddy has been baking very hard for you, Ma'am, to make a beautiful afternoon tea."
SCOUT: "And I'm going to perform and do a dance for you after the tea party, Ma'am as in Ham!" *Jumps up and down excitedly.*
DUCKIE: "And I am coming to that Ma'am, as Scout is a very good dancer."
HM QUEEN LILIBET: "Well, that all sounds quite delightful! I must confess, we are quite hungry after our journey. Grumbly tummy, Paddy! Grumbly tummy!" *Rubs tummy vigorously.*
SCOUT: "Do you get a grumbly tummy too, Ma'am as in Ham?"
HM QUEEN LILIBET: "Oh yes, little Scout. All this touring gives One a grumbly tummy quite often. We like your pearls and your pretty pink fascinator by the way. We are glad to see you dressed so beautifully."
SCOUT: "Gosh! Thank you Ma'am as in Ham." *Preens.* "I try to make myself look pretty every day. Daddy said that I was allowed to wear his Grandmother's special pearls because you were visiting, and you are special, Ma'am as in Ham."
COUSIN PADDINGTON: "Ahem." *Clears throat.* "Scout, I don't think Her Majesty meant for you to call her Ma'am as in Ham, but rather Ma'am and was indicating that it rhymes with ham, rather than ma'am that rhymes with farm."
SCOUT: "Well, you might think that, Cousin Paddington. But Ma'am as in Ham said to call her that, so I'm doing the right thing and minding my manners and being on my best behaviour, just like you, Paddy, Jago and Daddy told me to be." *Nods seriously.*
HM QUEEN LILIBET: "It's quite fine, Cousin Paddington. We are very amused."
SCOUT: "Well Ma'am as in Ham, if you'd like to follow me, I'll take to to the... ahem." *Blushes. Whispers quietly.* "The Lady Louisa. Come this way, please."
FREDDY: "Why are you showing Her Majesty to the toilet, Scout?"
SCOUT: "Freddy!" *Waves paw admonishingly at Freddy. "Don't use such vulgar language in front of Ma'am as in Ham! That's very rude! It's polite to call it the Lady Louisa. Daddy told me that!" *Smiles proudly.*
FREDDY: "Well, whatever we call it, why are you showing Her Majesty there? That isn't where the tea party is!"
SCOUT: "Well, I should have thought it was obvious, Freddy. Ma'am as in Ham keeps talking about wee. Wee this and wee that. She obviously needs to go to the Lady Louisa. Poor bear has probably been crossing her paws since she left London!"
JAGO: "Oh no, Scout. That isn't what Her Majesty means at all. If I may, Ma'am."
HM QUEEN LILIBET: "Pray proceed, Jago."
JAGO: "Scout, when you are royal person like Her Majesty, you don't say me, you say we instead. It's the Royal We."
SCOUT: "Oh!" *Puts paw to mouth.* "Is that because there is more than one of you, Ma'am as in Ham?"
HM QUEEN LILIBET: "No, Scout." *Chuckles quietly behind paw.* "It's just what we do."
SCOUT: "Why?"
HM QUEEN LILIBET: "I don't know really." *Shrugs.* "But We just do. It's tradition, and We are very big on tradition."
SCOUT: "Oh!" *Puts other paw to mouth and nods seriously.* "Well, now that we have that cleared up, I should probably show you where the Lady Louisa is anyway, as you'll need to go wee at some time as Daddy has the kettle on for some tea. Then we can sit down and have afternoon tea, and then after that I will dance for you. Come along Ma'am as in Ham." *Offers paw to Her Majesty Queen Lilibet.*
HM QUEEN LILIBET: "Lead on little Scout." *Takes Scout's paw.*
BOGART: "May I help you carry Her Majesty's train, Jago?"
JAGO: "Oh yes please, Bogart. It is a bit heavy."
BOGART: "But so soft and snuggly." *Giggles.*
SCOUT: "So, do you like disco dancing, Ma'am as in Ham?"
HM QUEEN LILIBET: *Looks perplexed at Scout as he leads her down the hallway.*
2022 marks the year that Her Majesty The Queen will become the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee after 70 years of devoted and loyal service to her people.
Celebrations will be happening in Britain and around the world during the Platinum Jubilee Central Weekend which takes place from 2nd to 5th June, and that includes here! How very exciting!
God bless our Queen! Long may she reign over us!
The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Commemorative Bear was made by Merrythought in Britain. She has been hand made from customised, platinum-tipped diamond white mohair plush, and she has The Queen's blue eyes and a hand stitched nose and enigmatic smile. Her left paw is embroidered with the years 1952 and 2022, in between which sits the royal crown. She is wearing a coronation robe of purple velvet, featuring satin lining, ermine trim, and extensive golden embroidery. Keeping true to the original Imperial robe, it is accessorised with two satin bows and luxury Italian tassels to finish. Her crown is a silver-plated replica of the Imperial state crown, which Her Majesty wore as she left Westminster Abbey after her coronation. It is studded with twenty six gemstones, has a purple velvet lining and white ermine trim. Her Majesty the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Commemorative Bear is number 557 of a worldwide limited edition of 1952.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington and Bogart, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
Lettuce was a present from my two goddaughters to me to keep Cabbage company. My eldest Goddaughter, Polly, wisely suggested the name Lettuce since we already have Cabbage. She is very soft and sweet natured. She likes cuddles and warm laps a lot and like her older brother Cabbage she likes to sniff out adventures.
Duckie I saw when I was at a Sunday market on a stall of homemade knitted and crocheted items. She caught my eye straight away with her happy, smiley face and bright colours. I think she finds life with my bears intriguing and perhaps a little confusing, however she is learning.
PADDY: “Hullo everyone! Do you know what? Saturday, July the 10th was Teddy Bears' Picnic Day in Australia. Sadly, it is a little too cold for Scout and I to have a teddy bears' picnic outside, so we asked Daddy to upload a photograph of the last teddy bears' picnic we had at our house, which was just a little after Easter. We had our whole family there: Cousin Paddington, Bogart, Cabbage, little Lettuce, Duckie, Chippy the monkey who lives in the front bedroom…”
SCOUT: “And Dolly, Paddy!”
PADDY: “And Dolly, Scout.”
SCOUT: “It was delicious! We had the Easter Eggs we hadn’t eaten yet, and tarts and shortbreads, and even some of Daddy’s special mince pies!” *Looks longingly at picnic food.* “Paddy. Paddy!”
PADDY: “Yes, Scout?”
SCOUT: “Paddy. I have a grumbly tummy! Grumbly tummy Paddy! Grumbly tummy!” *Rubs tummy vigorously.*
PADDY: “Oh dear! Well Scout, best you go and ask Daddy for something nice to eat.”
SCOUT: “Good idea Paddy!” *Runs off to find Daddy.*
PADDY: “So, a happy belated Teddy Bear’s Picnic Day from all of us, to all of you!”
This beautiful nursery tea set is made by the Shell China company in the 1920s. It features six cups, saucers and plates (not all the set is being used today) as well as a teapot, milk jug and sugar bowl, all gilt and featuring different nursery rhymes including: "The Queen of Hearts", "Ride a Cock-Horse to Banbury Cross", "Goosey-Goosey Gander", "Sing a Song of Sixpence", "Jack and Jill", "There was a Little Man who had a Little Gun" and "To Market to Market to Buy a Fat Pig". The set was a gift to me from a close friend. There are also doll (bear) sized tea spoons which are sterling silver salt spoons, and the spoon in the "Ride a Cock-Horse to Banbury Cross" sugar bowl is an Eighteenth Century sterling silver mustard spoon. There are also sitting on the edge of the serving plate some tiny doll (bear) sized nursery napkin each which is hand embroidered with a donkey motif. There are also doll (bear) sized tea spoons which are sterling silver salt spoons.
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.
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.
Bogart has only arrived in the last few weeks. He has travelled all the way from Georgia, via Alabama as a gift to me from a friend. I look forward to getting to know his character, but I can already say that he has lovely Southern manners and seems to be a fun and gentle soul with an inquisitive nature.
Chippy the monkey came to live with me when I was four. His name is derived from his innards, which are broken chips of hazelnut shells. He was made in America some time in the mid Twentieth Century. He features beautiful brown glass eyes, a felt face, hands and feet. He was given to me by one of my Grandfather's friends who worked in a small high street toy shop which sold a mixture of new, vintage and antique toys. Chippy was vintage at the time, and had been well loved prior, so with a few holes, some worn plush and patches, he was too worn to be sold, but my family friend knew that my gentle nature and respect for my toys meant he could find a new home with me for a long time. All these decades later, she was proven right, for he still lives with me; a bit more loved, a bit more worn and with a few more patches. He also has some red chalk marks on his right hand which I remember putting on him by accident when I was six! He wanted to draw a rose on my chalkboard and I helped him do it!
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington and Bogart, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
Lettuce was a present from my two goddaughters to me to keep Cabbage company. My eldest Goddaughter, Polly, wisely suggested the name Lettuce since we already have Cabbage. She is very soft and sweet natured. She likes cuddles and warm laps a lot and like her older brother Cabbage she likes to sniff out adventures.
Duckie is a recent addition to the family. I saw her when I was at a Sunday market on a stall of homemade knitted and crocheted items. She caught my eye straight away with her happy, smiley face and bright colours. I think she finds life with my bears intriguing and perhaps a little confusing, however she is learning.
SCOUT: "Goodness Paddy! Look at all the pretty ribbons, and listen to the music! What's happening?"
CABBAGE: *Whimper.*
PADDY: "It's New Year's Eve, Scout!"
SCOUT: "New Year's Eve! Already! Hoorah!" *Jumps up and down excitedly through the sea of curling ribbons.*
BOGART: "Excuse me Paddy. New Year's Eve? What's that?"
PADDY: "It's held a week after Christmas Bogart."
COUSIN PADDINGTON: "It is when we reflect on the passing year and celebrate the new year as it begins."
BOGART: "Oooh! It looks like fun!" *Joins Scout jumping up and down with excitement.*
PADDY: "It is! We can dance and play, laugh and cheer!" *Starts dancing.*
BOGART: "How wonderful!" *Starts cheering.* "Wheeeeee!"
SCOUT: "Wheeeeee! Come on Cabbage! Let's play!"
CABBAGE: "Woof! Woof! Woof!"
COUSIN PADDINGTON: "Wheeeeee!"
DADDY: "Australia is one of the first places to celebrate New Year, so Paddington, Scout, Cousin Paddington, Bogart, Cabbage and I..."
SCOUT: "And my Little Red Riding Hood dolly Daddy!"
PADDY: "And Scout's Little Red Riding Hood doll Daddy!"
DADDY: "And Scout's Little Red Riding Hood doll are getting into the spirit (and champagne) early!"
SCOUT: "Champagne Daddy?" *Looks concerned.* "You said I am too young to drink, and if I am, then dolly certainly is!"
DADDY: "Well Scout, that's true for Little Red Riding Hood, but we can make a special exception tonight for you. You may have a very small glass of very good quality champagne. I will put a glass out for you, Cousin Paddington, Bogart and for Paddy."
PADDY, SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON and BOGART: "Oh thank you Daddy!"
CABBAGE: "Woof! Woof-woof! Woof" *Snuffle snuffle.*
DADDY: "Happy New Year Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington, Bogart and Cabbage!"
PADDY and SCOUT: "Happy New Year Daddy!"
CABBAGE: "Woof! Woof!"
PADDY: "Scout, Cousin Paddington, Bogart, Cabbage, Daddy, Little Red Riding Hood and I would like to wish all our Flickr friends and followers the very best for the New Year. Thank you for your support, encouragement and comments. Thank you also for all your wonderful photographs! May your New Year's Eve be a festive one, however you are celebrating this year, and if you are fortunate enough celebrate it with others, may those others be people you love and who love you. May 2021 be a happy, prosperous and artistic year for you all. We are sending you lots of New Year's Eve big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses!"
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.
Cousin Paddington is a recent visitor to our family. Travelling all the way from London, he was caught in transit thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic, so it looks like he is stopping with us for a while. The more I look into his happy, smiling face, the more attached I am becoming to him.
Bogart has only arrived in the last few months. He has travelled all the way from Georgia, via Alabama as a gift to me from a friend. I look forward to getting to know his character, but I can already say that he has lovely Southern manners and seems to be a fun and gentle soul with an inquisitive nature.
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington and Bogart, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
SCOUT: “Paddy? Paddy!”
PADDY: “Yes Scout?”
SCOUT: “Paddy, it’s winter time and I haven’t had a chance to wear my lovely new tweed beret that Daddy gave me for my birthday!”
PADDY: “Oh well, we can’t have that! We need to take Cabbage for a walk, so why don’t you go and put on your beret, and you, me and Cousin Paddington can take Cabbage out to stretch his legs.”
SCOUT: “Oh goody!” *Jumps up and down with excitement.* “May I wear my mink fur too? It’s cold outside.”
PADDY: “Yes you may, Scout. Now hurry along.”
DADDY: “Now don’t stray from the footpath, and just once around the block with Cabbage, alright.”
PADDY, SCOUT and COUSIN PADDINGTON: “Yes Daddy!”
CABBAGE: “Woof!”
DADDY: “Very good! And make sure you don’t talk to strangers.”
SCOUT: “I may have a red cap on Daddy, but I am not Little Red Riding Hood!”
This year the FFF+ Group have decided to have a weekly challenge called “Snap Happy”. A different theme chosen by a member of the group each week, and the image is to be posted on the Monday of the week.
This week the theme, “winter” was chosen by Lisa, red stilletto.
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 Macintosh 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 is a recent addition to our little family. He 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.
Cousin Paddington is a recent visitor to our family. Travelling all the way from London, he was caught in transit thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic, so it looks like he is stopping with us for a while. The more I look into his happy, smiling face, the more attached I am becoming to him.
Cabbage is Paddy\'s Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy and Scout, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out. However, he does enjoy a good walk.
SCOUT: "Paddy! Paddy! Paddy come quickly!" *Concerned.*
PADDY: "What is it Scout? What is wrong?"
LETTUCE: *Whimpers.*
SCOUT: "Paddy, poor Peter and Oleg are lost in the snow looking for Otis, Odessa and Pat!"
PADDY: "Oh no!" *Puts paw to mouth.* "But Otis, Odessa and Pat are safely at home now. They are having tea by the fire."
SCOUT: "Oh dear! What shall we do?" *Panics.*
LETTUCE: *Whimpers.* "Woof! Woof-woof!"
PADDY: "We need to keep level heads, Scout and Lettuce. I know you both want to help our friends. I do too. I will fetch out my atlas and locate the coordinates of Peter and Oleg based upon their signal using Daddy\'s i-Phone, and I will compare those to the coordinates of where Otis, Odessa and Pat live. Scout, can you please call Peter and Oleg?"
SCOUT: "Yes Paddy!"
LETTUCE: *Whimpers.*
PADDY: "It\'s okay little Lettuce. You can do the most important job and keep Scout company to make sure that he doesn\'t panic."
LETTUCE: "Woof! Woof!" *Wags tail*
*PADDY fetches atlas and consults.*
PADDY: "Oh! It looks like Peter and Oleg are very close to Otis, Odessa and Pat. I have just put a little Babushka Doll marker to indicate were they are. They are near Tallinn!"
LETTUCE: "Woof! Woof-woof!" *Wags tail.*
SCOUT: "Did you hear that Peter and Oleg? You are almost there!"
PADDY: "I was talking with Odessa and Otis. They are going to send out a search party with a helicopter! Then they will take you back to their house for a bear afternoon tea of hot tea and cakes!"
SCOUT: "Did you hear that Peter and Oleg, Otis and Odessa are going to rescue you with a helicopter! How exciting!" *Trembles with excitement.* "And then they are going to take you to their house for afternoon tea!"
LETTUCE: "Woof-woof! Woof!" *Wags tail.*
PADDY: "The coordinates are 59.4370° N, 24.7536° E, which is just outside of Tallinn in Estonia."
SCOUT: "Goodness! Peter and Oleg travelled a long way with their sled!"
PADDY: "I am going to give these co-ordinates to Odessa and Otis. I am also going to give Mummy Marian (Marian Kloon (on and off)) Mummy Veebruar\'s (veebruar) details, so that she knows where to go to collect Peter and Oleg!"
SCOUT: "Perhaps Mummy Marian will bring little Max to play with Peter and Oleg on the journey home!"
LETTUCE: "Woof-woof! Woof!" *Wags tail.*
PADDY: "Did you hear all that Peter and Oleg! Don\'t worry! Help is on the way!"
SCOUT: "Paddy, Lettuce, Daddy and I are sending you lots of big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses to keep you safe and warm Peter and Oleg!"
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.
Lettuce, is a very recent arrival. She was a Christmas present from my two goddaughters to me to keep Cabbage company. My eldest Goddaughter, Polly, wisely suggested the name Lettuce since we already have Cabbage. I’m looking forward to getting to know her better. She is very soft and sweet natured, and I suspect she will follow her older brother Cabbage and help sniff out adventures.
PADDY: "Hullo everyone! Do you know what? Bears have two birthdays. Do you know what else? Today is one of my birthdays! And do you know what else? Today is my Daddy's birthday too! Isn't that a wonderful coincidence! Now Scout and I are not allowed to use the oven for fear of singeing our plush fur, so even though it is his birthday, Daddy has been so kind and has baked me a birthday cake! It is French lemon cake, topped with cream cheese icing and hundreds and thousands. Grumby tummy Daddy! Grumbly tummy!" * Rubs tummy vigorously. "Isn't Daddy nice to do that just for me? I can't eat that cake all by myself, even with a grumbly tummy, so I am having a birthday party. I have invited Scout and Daddy of course. I've also asked Bogart and Jago, Freddy, my pug dog Cabbage, his little sister Lettuce and Duckie to come along, and also Chippy the monkey who lives in the front room. I know that everyone who I've asked to come will enjoy the occasion!
If today is your birthday too, I'd like to wish you a very happy birthday full of big little bear hugs and snuffly birthday kisses. Even if it isn't, I'd like to wish you a very happy day full of big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses. Would you like some cake too?"
This beautiful faerie tale pantomime nursery tea set was made in England by the Shell China Company in the 1930s. It features eight cups, saucers and plates as well as a teapot, coffee pot, milk jug, sugar bowl, platters, sandwich plate, a lidded soup tureen on its own dish and a gravy or cream jug. Each piece is gilt edged and decorated and feature different faerie tales including: "Cinderella", "Little Red Riding Hood", "Dick Whittington and his Cat", "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" amongst others. The set I acquired from England, and it is a sister set to a 1920s Shell China Company nursery rhyme tea set that I was given as a gift some years ago by a close friend who knows I collect nursery ware and children’s tea sets. Each guest at the tea party also has a tiny doll (bear) sized nursery napkin which is hand embroidered with a donkey motif. There are also doll (bear) sized tea spoons which are sterling silver salt spoons, and the sugar ladle in the "Cinderella" sugar bowl and the sugar nips in the "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" sugar bowl are from the Eighteenth Century and are sterling silver.
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 Macintosh is made of the same felt. He wears wellington boots made from the same red leather used to make the toggles on his Macintosh.
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.
Travelling all the way from London, Cousin Paddington was caught in transit thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. After so long here he has decided to stop with us permanently. That makes me happy, as the more I look into his happy, smiling face, the more attached I am becoming to him.
Jago is a recent addition to my ever-growing family. 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.
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.
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.
Chippy the monkey came to live with me when I was four. His name is derived from his innards, which are broken chips of hazelnut shells. He was made in America some time in the mid Twentieth Century. He features beautiful brown glass eyes, a felt face, hands and feet. He was given to me by one of my Grandfather's friends who worked in a small high street toy shop which sold a mixture of new, vintage and antique toys. Chippy was vintage at the time, and had been well loved prior, so with a few holes, some worn plush and patches, he was too worn to be sold, but my family friend knew that my gentle nature and respect for my toys meant he could find a new home with me for a long time. All these decades later, she was proven right, for he still lives with me; a bit more loved, a bit more worn and with a few more patches. He also has some red chalk marks on his right hand which I remember putting on him by accident when I was six! He wanted to draw a rose on my chalkboard and I helped him do it!
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington and Bogart, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
Lettuce was a present from my two goddaughters to me to keep Cabbage company. My eldest Goddaughter, Polly, wisely suggested the name Lettuce since we already have Cabbage. She is very soft and sweet natured. She likes cuddles and warm laps a lot and like her older brother Cabbage she likes to sniff out adventures.
Duckie I saw when I was at a Sunday market on a stall of homemade knitted and crocheted items. She caught my eye straight away with her happy, smiley face and bright colours. I think she finds life with my bears intriguing and perhaps a little confusing, however she is learning.
SCOUT: "Come sit next to me mijn beste vriend, Peter!"
PETER: "Oh yes, mijn allerbeste vriend, Scout!"
ROSIE: "And next to me too, mijn prins Peter!"
PETER: "Yes mijn prinses Rosie!"
SCOUT: "We are going to have soooo much fun!" *Trembles.* "After we have had cake, mijn beste vriend, we can play games, like hide-and-seek."
ROSIE: "And imaginary games like playing Jack and the Beanstalk or I can be the damsel in distress and you and Scout can rescue me, mijn prins!"
PETER: "I can't wait!"
PADDY: "Are you sitting comfortably, mijn beste vriend Oleg? Can you see the cake and the candles?"
OLEG: "Oh yes I can. Thank you Paddy."
PADDY: "I can't wait to sit with you and have some lovely birthday cake and Twinings English Breakfast tea, mijn allerbeste vriend Oleg."
"OLEG: "Oh me too mijn allerbeste vriend!"
DADDY: "No birthday celebration is complete without a birthday candle to blow out." *Daddy puts a candle into the top of Scout's birthday cake and lights it carefully.* "Now let's all sing Birthday Bear Scout a very happy birthday!"
PADDY, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, JAGO, DAISY-MAUD, ROSIE, ALGIE, ORSON, DANNY BOY, PETER, OLEG, BERTIE, FRDDY, DUCKIE, CHIPPY and DADDY: "Happy Birthday to you!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof!"
PADDY, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, JAGO, DAISY-MAUD, ROSIE, ALGIE, ORSON, DANNY BOY, PETER, OLEG, BERTIE, FRDDY, DUCKIE, CHIPPY and DADDY: "Happy Birthday to you!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof!"
PADDY, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, JAGO, DAISY-MAUD, ROSIE, ALGIE, ORSON, DANNY BOY, PETER, OLEG, BERTIE, FRDDY, DUCKIE, CHIPPY and DADDY: "Happy Birthday dear Scout!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof! Woof!"
PADDY, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, JAGO, DAISY-MAUD, ROSIE, ALGIE, ORSON, DANNY BOY, PETER, OLEG, BERTIE, FRDDY, DUCKIE, CHIPPY and DADDY: "Happy Birthday to you!"
DADDY: "Now make a wish Scout and blow out the candle!"
*Celebratory applause, cheering and barking arises from the party guests as Scout prepares to blow out the candle on his cake.*
SCOUT: "Hullo everyone! Do you know what? Bears have two birthdays. I don't actually know when my first birthday was as I can't remember, so I have decided that my other birthday will be the day I came to live forever with Daddy and Paddy, which was the 27th of March! Now Paddy and I are not allowed to use the oven for fear of singeing our plush fur, so Daddy has been so kind and has baked me a birthday cake! It is a rich chocolate cake with chocolate cream cheese icing, because Scout loves chocolate anything! The cake is sprinkled with hundreds and thousands! Isn't that special? I can't eat that cake all by myself, even with a grumbly tummy, so I am having a birthday party. It's my fourth birthday this year! I have invited Paddy and Daddy of course. I've also asked all our bear family of Cousin Paddington, Bogart, Jago, Daisy-Maud, Rosie, Orson, Danny Boy, Algie and our newest member of the family, Bertie. Of course I also asked Freddy the fox, Duckie and our pug dog Cabbage and his little sister Lettuce to come along, and also Chippy the monkey who lives in the front room. But best of all, we have two very special guests!" *Trembles.* "I asked Mummy Marian if mijn beste vriend Peter (who is also Rosie's prins) to come along, and also Paddy's beste vriend Oleg! Mummy Marian said yes, and thanks to some faerie magic, they get to be part of the celebration too! I am soooo excited! This is going to be the bestest birthday EVER! I know that everyone who I've asked to come will enjoy the occasion!
If today is your birthday too, I'd like to wish you a very happy birthday full of big little bear hugs and snuffly birthday kisses. Even if it isn't, I'd like to wish you a very happy day full of big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses. Would you like some cake too?"
This beautiful nursery pantomime nursery dinner set was made in England by the Shell China Company in the 1920s. It features six cups, saucers and plates as well as a teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl, platter, sandwich plate, a lidded soup tureen on its own dish and a gravy or cream jug on its own dish. Each piece is gilt edged and decorated and feature different faerie tales including: "The Queen of Hearts", "To Market, to Market to Buy a Fat Pig", "There was a Little Man who had a Little Gun", "Jack and Jill", "Goosey, Goosey Gander", "Sing a Song of Sixpence" and "Ride a Cock Horse" amongst others. The set I acquired from England, and it is a sister set to a 1930s Shell China Company faerie tale tea set. This set was given as a gift some years ago by a close friend who knows I collect nursery ware and children's tea sets. There are also doll (bear) sized tea spoons which are sterling silver salt spoons, and the spoon in the "Ride a Cock Horse to Bunbury Cross" sugar bowl is an Eighteenth Century mustard spoon and is sterling silver. Their dessert spoons are sterling silver coffee spoons made by James Dixon and Sons in London in 1921.
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.
My bears Paddy and Scout have made very good friends with two bears in Holland called Peter and Oleg (www.flickr.com/photos/40262251@N03/galleries/721577154558...) and their Mummy (www.flickr.com/photos/66094586@N06/) . Peter and Scout are very similar and have become best friends. Peter loves Rosie and Rosie loves Peter, so they have become prince and princess to one another. Paddy and Oleg are very similar too and have become best friends as well.
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, including 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.
Daisy Maud is Jago's little sister and was made by the same friend in England who made him. She is made of German mohair with floral fabric cotton paw pads that match her pretty sunhat, and glass eyes. A sweet and loving little girl bear, she is happy to be reunited with her big brother, Jago, and enjoys being spoiled by her new Daddy.
Orson, named after the little bear constellation, was made by the same friend who made Jago and Daisy-Maud. He comes ready dressed in 'trousers' made of German mohair accessorised with embroidered braces. His paws are ultra suede and his eyes are glass. He is described as being a little bit serious minded but very friendly. He's fine once he gets to know you.
Danny Boy, made by the same friend who made Jago, Daisy-Maud and Orson, has a touch of the 'Oirish' in him with his emerald green scarf. He has an open mouth as he likes to sing and comes with his own songbook, "Irish Airs for Teddy Bears". He has a wobbly head to give him animation when he's talking to you, and is made of English mohair, has paws of ultra suede and eyes of glass. Quite a happy-go-lucky little character....
Algie is made by the same friend who made Jago, Daisy-Maud, Orson and Danny Boy. He is is made of sparse English mohair, has paws of ultra suede and eyes of glass. A very adventurous little boy, he loves to climb and sit on top of gates, edges of tables and chairs. He adore climbing trees, and will cheekily sit there with crossed legs. He's very friendly and he loves adventures of any kind.
Duckie I saw when I was at a Sunday market on a stall of homemade knitted and crocheted items. She caught my eye straight away with her happy, smiley face and bright colours. I think she finds life with my bears intriguing and perhaps a little confusing, however she is learning.
Bertie came to live with me on Christmas Day 2022. He was a gift from a very dear friend. He is vintage and is hand knitted with soft red dioxide wool and has chocolate brown felt pads on his paws. He has shiny black bead eyes and has his own very smart tartan bow. He tells me that he was living in an antique shop for quite a while, just looking for his forever home, which now he feels that he has. Bertie is very soft and loves cuddles, and whilst perhaps not as forthcoming as some of my other bears due to his shyness, he is very loving and caring and gives big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses beautifully.
Chippy the monkey came to live with me when I was four. His name is derived from his innards, which are broken chips of hazelnut shells. He was made in America some time in the mid Twentieth Century. He features beautiful brown glass eyes, a felt face, hands and feet. He was given to me by one of my Grandfather's friends who worked in a small high street toy shop which sold a mixture of new, vintage and antique toys. Chippy was vintage at the time, and had been well loved prior, so with a few holes, some worn plush and patches, he was too worn to be sold, but my family friend knew that my gentle nature and respect for my toys meant he could find a new home with me for a long time. All these decades later, she was proven right, for he still lives with me; a bit more loved, a bit more worn and with a few more patches. He also has some red chalk marks on his right hand which I remember putting on him by accident when I was six! He wanted to draw a rose on my chalkboard and I helped him do it!
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington and Bogart, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
Lettuce was a present from my two goddaughters to me to keep Cabbage company. My eldest Goddaughter, Polly, wisely suggested the name Lettuce since we already have Cabbage. She is very soft and sweet natured. She likes cuddles and warm laps a lot and like her older brother Cabbage she likes to sniff out adventures.
SCOUT: “Paddy? Paddy!”
PADDY: “Yes Scout?”
SCOUT: “Paddy, it’s a nice fine day, why don’t we take tea in the garden today.”
PADDY: “That’s an excellent idea Scout! Would you care to take elevenses in the garden today Cousin Paddington?”
COUSIN PADDINGTON: “What a capital idea! Thank you for suggesting it, little Scout.”
SCOUT: “Oh goody!” *Jumps up and down enthusiastically.* “Can we invite Cabbage and Chippy?”
PADDY: “Another excellent idea, Scout. Why don’t you go and get Cabbage and I’ll go and visit Chippy in the front room.”
*PADDY, SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON, CABBAGE and CHIPPY walk out to the lawn with DADDY carrying all the picnic things for elevenses on the lawn. DADDY lays down a picnic rug and sets out all the tea things whilst PADDY, SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON, CABBAGE and CHIPPY supervise him.*
COUSIN PADDINGTON: “I’ve worked up quite an appetite from our walk out here Paddy and Scout. Grumby tummy Paddy! Grumbly tummy Scout!” *Rubs tummy vigorously.*
PADDY, SCOUT and CHIPPY: “Grumbly tummy Daddy! Grumbly tummy!” *Rub tummies vigorously.*
CABBAGE: “Woof! Woof! Woof!”
COUSIN PADDINGTON: “What a perfect day to have tea on the lawn! Not too hot… not too cold…”
SCOUT: “Just right, Cousin Paddington?”
COUSIN PADDINGTON: “Indeed Scout. Just right.”
PADDY: “Tea Cousin Paddington?”
This year the FFF+ Group have decided to have a weekly challenge called “Snap Happy”. A different theme chosen by a member of the group each week, and the image is to be posted on the Monday of the week.
This week the theme, “animals” was chosen by Cheryl, Cheryl - Vickypoint.
Don’t tell them, but technically Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington, Cabbage and Chippy are all animals, but they are the sweetest and loveliest ones… albeit a little bit demanding on occasion.
This beautiful nursery tea set is made by the Shell China company in the 1910s. It features six cups, saucers (not all the set is being used today) as well as a teapot, milk jug and sugar bowl, all gilt and featuring different nursery rhymes including: "See Saw Margery Daw", "Jack and Jill", "This Little Pig Went to Market", "Taffy ws a Welshman", "Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross", "Little Jack Horner", “Pat-A-Cake, Pat-A-Cake”, "Old Mother Goose" and "I Saw a Ship a Sailing" amongst others. It is the prequel set to the Shell China nursery and faerie tale tea sets I have from the 1920s and 1930s. The designs are very Edwardian and the set is made up of smaller pieces. There are also doll (bear) sized tea spoons which are sterling silver salt spoons, and the spoon in the “Old Mother Goose” sugar bowl is an Eighteenth Century sterling silver mustard spoon.
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.
Cousin Paddington is a recent visitor to our family. Travelling all the way from London, he was caught in transit thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic, so it looks like he is stopping with us for a while. The more I look into his happy, smiling face, the more attached I am becoming to him.
Chippy the monkey came to live with me when I was four. His name is derived from his innards, which are broken chips of hazelnut shells. He was made in America some time in the mid Twentieth Century. He features beautiful brown glass eyes, a felt face, hands and feet. He was given to me by one of my Grandfather's friends who worked in a small high street toy shop which sold a mixture of new, vintage and antique toys. Chippy was vintage at the time, and had been well loved prior, so with a few holes, some worn plush and patches, he was too worn to be sold, but my family friend knew that my gentle nature and respect for my toys meant he could find a new home with me for a long time. All these decades later, she was proven right, for he still lives with me; a bit more loved, a bit more worn and with a few more patches. He also has some red chalk marks on his right hand which I remember putting on him by accident when I was six! He wanted to draw a rose on my chalkboard and I helped him do it!
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy and Scout, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
PADDY, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, JAGO,DUCKIE, CHIPPY and DADDY: "Happy Birthday to you!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof!"
PADDY, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, JAGO, DUCKIE, CHIPPY and DADDY: "Happy Birthday to you!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof!"
PADDY, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, JAGO, DUCKIE, CHIPPY and DADDY: "Happy Birthday dear Scout!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof! Woof!"
PADDY, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, JAGO, DUCKIE, CHIPPY and DADDY: "Happy Birthday to you!"
DADDY: "Now make a wish Scout and blow out the candle!"
*Celebratory applause, cheering and barking arises from the party guests as Scout prepares to blow out the candle on his cake.*
SCOUT: "Hullo everyone! Do you know what? Bears have two birthdays. I don't actually know when my first birthday was as I can't remember, so I have decided that my other birthday will be the day I came to live forever with Daddy and Paddy, which was the 27th of March! Now Paddy and I are not allowed to use the oven for fear of singeing our plush fur, so Daddy has been so kind and has baked me a birthday cake! It is a rich chocolate cake with pink cream cheese icing. I can't eat that cake all by myself, even with a grumbly tummy, so I am having a birthday party. It's my third birthday this year! I have invited Paddy and Daddy of course. I've also asked our pug dog Cabbage and his little sister Lettuce to come along, and also Chippy the monkey who lives in the front room. And because Cousin Paddington, Bogart and Jago are part of our bear family, they get to be part of the celebration too! I know that everyone who I've asked to come will enjoy the occasion!
If today is your birthday too, I'd like to wish you a very happy birthday full of big little bear hugs and snuffly birthday kisses. Even if it isn't, I'd like to wish you a very happy day full of big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses. Would you like some cake too?"
This beautiful nursery pantomime nursery dinner set was made in England by the Shell China Company in the 1920s. It features six cups, saucers and plates as well as a teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl, platter, sandwich plate, a lidded soup tureen on its own dish and a gravy or cream jug on its own dish. Each piece is gilt edged and decorated and feature different faerie tales including: "The Queen of Hearts", "To Market, to Market to Buy a Fat Pig", "There was a Little Man who had a Little Gun", "Jack and Jill", "Goosey, Goosey Gander", "Sing a Song of Sixpence" and "Ride a Cock Horse" amongst others. The set I acquired from England, and it is a sister set to a 1930s Shell China Company faerie tale tea set. This set was given as a gift some years ago by a close friend who knows I collect nursery ware and children's tea sets. Each guest at the tea party also has a tiny doll (bear) sized nursery napkin which is hand embroidered with a donkey motif. There are also doll (bear) sized tea spoons which are sterling silver salt spoons, and the spoon in the "Ride a Cock Horse to Bunbury Cross" sugar bowl is an Eighteenth Century mustartd spoon and is sterling silver. Their dessert spoons are sterling silver coffee spoons made by James Dixon and Sons in London in 1921.
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 Macintosh is made of the same felt. He wears wellington boots made from the same red leather used to make the toggles on his Macintosh.
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.
Travelling all the way from London, Cousin Paddington was caught in transit thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. After so long here he has decided to stop with us permanently. That makes me happy, as the more I look into his happy, smiling face, the more attached I am becoming to him.
Jago is a recent addition to my ever-growing family. 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.
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.
Chippy the monkey came to live with me when I was four. His name is derived from his innards, which are broken chips of hazelnut shells. He was made in America some time in the mid Twentieth Century. He features beautiful brown glass eyes, a felt face, hands and feet. He was given to me by one of my Grandfather's friends who worked in a small high street toy shop which sold a mixture of new, vintage and antique toys. Chippy was vintage at the time, and had been well loved prior, so with a few holes, some worn plush and patches, he was too worn to be sold, but my family friend knew that my gentle nature and respect for my toys meant he could find a new home with me for a long time. All these decades later, she was proven right, for he still lives with me; a bit more loved, a bit more worn and with a few more patches. He also has some red chalk marks on his right hand which I remember putting on him by accident when I was six! He wanted to draw a rose on my chalkboard and I helped him do it!
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington and Bogart, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
Lettuce was a present from my two goddaughters to me to keep Cabbage company. My eldest Goddaughter, Polly, wisely suggested the name Lettuce since we already have Cabbage. She is very soft and sweet natured. She likes cuddles and warm laps a lot and like her older brother Cabbage she likes to sniff out adventures.
Duckie is a recent addition to the family. I saw her when I was at a Sunday market on a stall of homemade knitted and crocheted items. She caught my eye straight away with her happy, smiley face and bright colours. I think she finds life with my bears intriguing and perhaps a little confusing, however she is learning.
DADDY: "Quickly everyone! We don't want to be late! The taxi to take us to Mummy Marian's birthday will be here soon!"
PADDY: "How wonderful it will be to celebrate with Mummy Marian!"
SCOUT: "Oh how exciting!"
BOGART: "Will there be cake, Paddy?"
PADDY: "Well it is a birthday party, Bogart, so I'm sure there will be."
BOGART: "Oh good! Grumbly tummy Paddy! Grumbly tummy!" *Rubs tummy vigorously.*
COUSIN PADDINGTON: "Do we have Mummy Marian's birthday card?"
SCOUT: "Don't worry Cousin Paddington, Dolly and I have it!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof! Woof!" *Snuffle and snuff.*
PADDY: "Very good Cabbage and Lettuce! You've rounded up the last few presents I think."
DUCKIE: "Not quite Paddy! I have the last one!"
PADDY: "Oh thank you Duckie! We don't want to forget that one!"
BOGART: "What is inside all these pretty birthday presents anyway, Paddy?"
PADDY: "Why lots of big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses of course, Bogart! What else?"
DUCKIE: "And loving ducky flaps too!"
BOGART: "Oh! Of course!"
SCOUT: "I will get to see mijn beste vriend Peter!" *Jumps up and down.* "How exciting! And Paddy, you will get to see your new beste vriend, Oleg!"
PADDY: "Yes indeed! I am excited about that! We are going to sit together and eat some of Mummy Marian's birthday cake."
SCOUT: "Peter and I are going to play hide-and-seek... oh, and eat some of Mummy Marian's birthday cake too! Grumbly tummy Paddy! Grumbly tummy!" *Rubs tummy vigorously.*
DADDY: "Now, whilst we await the taxi, let's practice singing Happy Birthday for Mummy Marian, so we will be in good voice when we arrive at the party!"
PADDY, SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART and DUCKIE: "Yes Daddy!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof! Woof-woof!"
DADDY: "Alright! One... two... three!"
PADDY, SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, DUCKIE and DADDY: "Happy Birthday to you!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof!"
PADDY, SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, DUCKIE and DADDY: "Happy Birthday to you!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof!"
PADDY, SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, DUCKIE and DADDY: "Happy Birthday Mummy Marian!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof! Woof!"
PADDY, SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, DUCKIE and DADDY: "Happy Birthday to you!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof! Woof!"
DADDY: "Very good everyone!"
SCOUT: "Daddy? Daddy!"
DADDY: "Yes Scout?"
SCOUT: "Daddy, Peter taught me a special Dutch birthday song to sing to Mummy Marian. Would you like to hear it?"
PADDY, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, DUCKIE and DADDY: "Happy Birthday to you!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof! Woof!"
SCOUT: "Very well. Ahem!" *Clears throat.*
"Lang zal ze leven,
Lang zal ze leven,
Lang zal ze leven,
In de gloria,
In de gloria,
In de gloria,
Hip, hip, hip, hoera!
Hip, hip, hip, hoera!
Hip, hip, hip, hoera!"
PADDY, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, DUCKIE and DADDY: *Clap with delight*
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof! Woof!"
DADDY: "That was beautiful, Scout!"
SCOUT: "Gosh! Thank you Daddy!" *Blushes pink beneath woollen fur.* "I hope Mummy Marian will like my song!"
PADDY: "She will love your birthday song, Scout!"
PADDY, SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, DUCKIE and DADDY: "Happy Birthday Mummy Marian!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof! Woof!"
My bears Paddy and Scout have made very good friends with two bears in Holland called Peter and Oleg (www.flickr.com/photos/40262251@N03/galleries/721577154558...) and their Mummy (www.flickr.com/photos/66094586@N06/) . Peter and Scout are very similar and have become best friends. Oleg and Paddy are also very similar and have done the same. Today is Mummy Marian's birthday. You can see Peter and Oleg getting the presents ready in is link: www.flickr.com/photos/66094586@N06/51190775637/in/photost..., or in the first comment below. We are about to head off to her birthday party. So on behalf of Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington, Bogart, Duckie, Cabbage and little Lettuce:
Happy Birthday (gelukkige verjaardag) dear Marian! We hope that it is wonderful day full of love! With lost and lots of big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses (berenkusjes en knuffels) from all of us!
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.
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.
Bogart has only arrived in the last few weeks. He has travelled all the way from Georgia, via Alabama as a gift to me from a friend. I look forward to getting to know his character, but I can already say that he has lovely Southern manners and seems to be a fun and gentle soul with an inquisitive nature.
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington and Bogart, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
Lettuce was a present from my two goddaughters to me to keep Cabbage company. My eldest Goddaughter, Polly, wisely suggested the name Lettuce since we already have Cabbage. She is very soft and sweet natured. She likes cuddles and warm laps a lot and like her older brother Cabbage she likes to sniff out adventures.
Duckie is a recent addition to the family. I saw her when I was at a Sunday market on a stall of homemade knitted and crocheted items. She caught my eye straight away with her happy, smiley face and bright colours. I think she finds life with my bears intriguing and perhaps a little confusing, however she is learning.
DADDY: "No birthday celebration is complete without a birthday candle to blow out." *Daddy puts a candle into the top of Paddington's birthday cake and lights it carefully.* "Now let's all sing Paddington a very happy birthday!"
SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, JAGO, FREDDY, DUCKIE, CHIPPY and DADDY: "Happy Birthday to you!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof!"
SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, JAGO, FREDDY, DUCKIE, CHIPPY and DADDY: "Happy Birthday to you!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof!"
SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, JAGO, FREDDY, DUCKIE, CHIPPY and DADDY: "Happy Birthday dear Paddy!"
CABBAGE and LETTUCE: "Woof! Woof!"
SCOUT, COUSIN PADDINGTON, BOGART, JAGO, FREDDY, DUCKIE, CHIPPY and DADDY: "Happy Birthday to you!"
DADDY: "Now make a wish Paddy and blow out the candle!"
*Celebratory applause, cheering and barking arises from the party guests as Paddy prepares to blow out the candle on his cake.*
PADDY: "Hullo everyone! Do you know what? Bears have two birthdays. Do you know what else? Today is one of my birthdays! And do you know what else? Today is my Daddy's birthday too! Isn't that a wonderful coincidence! Now Scout and I are not allowed to use the oven for fear of singeing our plush fur, so even though it is his birthday, Daddy has been so kind and has baked me a birthday cake! It is French lemon cake, topped with cream cheese icing and hundreds and thousands. Grumby tummy Daddy! Grumbly tummy!" * Rubs tummy vigorously. "Isn't Daddy nice to do that just for me? I can't eat that cake all by myself, even with a grumbly tummy, so I am having a birthday party. I have invited Scout and Daddy of course. I've also asked Bogart and Jago, Freddy, my pug dog Cabbage, his little sister Lettuce and Duckie to come along, and also Chippy the monkey who lives in the front room. I know that everyone who I've asked to come will enjoy the occasion!
If today is your birthday too, I'd like to wish you a very happy birthday full of big little bear hugs and snuffly birthday kisses. Even if it isn't, I'd like to wish you a very happy day full of big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses. Would you like some cake too?"
This beautiful faerie tale pantomime nursery tea set was made in England by the Shell China Company in the 1930s. It features eight cups, saucers and plates as well as a teapot, coffee pot, milk jug, sugar bowl, platters, sandwich plate, a lidded soup tureen on its own dish and a gravy or cream jug. Each piece is gilt edged and decorated and feature different faerie tales including: "Cinderella", "Little Red Riding Hood", "Dick Whittington and his Cat", "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" amongst others. The set I acquired from England, and it is a sister set to a 1920s Shell China Company nursery rhyme tea set that I was given as a gift some years ago by a close friend who knows I collect nursery ware and children’s tea sets. Each guest at the tea party also has a tiny doll (bear) sized nursery napkin which is hand embroidered with a donkey motif. There are also doll (bear) sized tea spoons which are sterling silver salt spoons, and the sugar ladle in the "Cinderella" sugar bowl and the sugar nips in the "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" sugar bowl are from the Eighteenth Century and are sterling silver.
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 Macintosh is made of the same felt. He wears wellington boots made from the same red leather used to make the toggles on his Macintosh.
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.
Travelling all the way from London, Cousin Paddington was caught in transit thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. After so long here he has decided to stop with us permanently. That makes me happy, as the more I look into his happy, smiling face, the more attached I am becoming to him.
Jago is a recent addition to my ever-growing family. 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.
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.
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.
Chippy the monkey came to live with me when I was four. His name is derived from his innards, which are broken chips of hazelnut shells. He was made in America some time in the mid Twentieth Century. He features beautiful brown glass eyes, a felt face, hands and feet. He was given to me by one of my Grandfather's friends who worked in a small high street toy shop which sold a mixture of new, vintage and antique toys. Chippy was vintage at the time, and had been well loved prior, so with a few holes, some worn plush and patches, he was too worn to be sold, but my family friend knew that my gentle nature and respect for my toys meant he could find a new home with me for a long time. All these decades later, she was proven right, for he still lives with me; a bit more loved, a bit more worn and with a few more patches. He also has some red chalk marks on his right hand which I remember putting on him by accident when I was six! He wanted to draw a rose on my chalkboard and I helped him do it!
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington and Bogart, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
Lettuce was a present from my two goddaughters to me to keep Cabbage company. My eldest Goddaughter, Polly, wisely suggested the name Lettuce since we already have Cabbage. She is very soft and sweet natured. She likes cuddles and warm laps a lot and like her older brother Cabbage she likes to sniff out adventures.
Duckie I saw when I was at a Sunday market on a stall of homemade knitted and crocheted items. She caught my eye straight away with her happy, smiley face and bright colours. I think she finds life with my bears intriguing and perhaps a little confusing, however she is learning.
Postcard with a picture of Roxy the Beach Pug on a California beach. Sent to a Postcrossing member in California.
PADDY: "Hullo everyone! Do you know what? Bears have two birthdays. Do you know what else? Today is one of my birthdays! And do you know what else? Today is my Daddy's birthday too! Isn't that a wonderful coincidence! Now Scout and I are not allowed to use the oven for fear of singeing our plush fur, so even though it is his birthday, Daddy has been so kind and has baked me a birthday cake! It is an orange poppyseed cake, so almost a marmalade cake. Grumby tummy Daddy! Grumbly tummy!" * Rubs tummy vigorously. "Isn't Daddy nice to do that just for me? I can't eat that cake all by myself, even with a grumbly tummy, so I am having a birthday party. I have invited Scout and Daddy of course. I've also asked my pug dog Cabbage, his little sister Lettuce and Duckie to come along, and also Chippy the monkey who lives in the front room. I know that everyone who I've asked to come will enjoy the occasion!
If today is your birthday too, I'd like to wish you a very happy birthday full of big little bear hugs and snuffly birthday kisses. Even if it isn't, I'd like to wish you a very happy day full of big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses. Would you like some cake too?"
This beautiful nursery tea set is made by the Shell China company in the 1920s. It features six cups, saucers and plates (not all the set is being used today) as well as a teapot, milk jug and sugar bowl, all gilt and featuring different nursery rhymes including: "The Queen of Hearts", "Sing a Song of Sixpence", "Ride a Cock-Horse to Banbury Cross", "Goosey-Goosey Gander", "There Was a Little Man who had a Little Gun", "Jack and Jill" and "To Market to Market to Buy a Fat Pig". The set was a gift to me from a close friend. The platter on which Paddington's birthday cake sits featuring "Little Red Riding Hood" is from a sister faerie tale pantomime nursery dinner set made by the Shell China Company in the 1930s. Each guest at the tea party also has a tiny doll (bear) sized nursery napkin which is hand embroidered with a donkey motif. There are also doll (bear) sized tea spoons which are sterling silver salt spoons, and the spoon in the "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" sugar bowl is an Eighteenth Century sterling silver mustard spoon. Their dessert spoons are sterling silver coffee spoons made by James Dixon and Sons in London in 1921.
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.
Travelling all the way from London, Cousin Paddington was caught in transit thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. After so long here he has decided to stop with us permanently. That makes me happy, as the more I look into his happy, smiling face, the more attached I am becoming to him.
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.
Chippy the monkey came to live with me when I was four. His name is derived from his innards, which are broken chips of hazelnut shells. He was made in America some time in the mid Twentieth Century. He features beautiful brown glass eyes, a felt face, hands and feet. He was given to me by one of my Grandfather's friends who worked in a small high street toy shop which sold a mixture of new, vintage and antique toys. Chippy was vintage at the time, and had been well loved prior, so with a few holes, some worn plush and patches, he was too worn to be sold, but my family friend knew that my gentle nature and respect for my toys meant he could find a new home with me for a long time. All these decades later, she was proven right, for he still lives with me; a bit more loved, a bit more worn and with a few more patches. He also has some red chalk marks on his right hand which I remember putting on him by accident when I was six! He wanted to draw a rose on my chalkboard and I helped him do it!
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington and Bogart, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
Lettuce was a present from my two goddaughters to me to keep Cabbage company. My eldest Goddaughter, Polly, wisely suggested the name Lettuce since we already have Cabbage. She is very soft and sweet natured. She likes cuddles and warm laps a lot and like her older brother Cabbage she likes to sniff out adventures.
Duckie is a recent addition to the family. I saw her when I was at a Sunday market on a stall of homemade knitted and crocheted items. She caught my eye straight away with her happy, smiley face and bright colours. I think she finds life with my bears intriguing and perhaps a little confusing, however she is learning.
PADDY: "Hullo everyone! Do you know what? Bears have two birthdays. Do you know what else? Today we are celebrating Scout's birthday, which is actually tomorrow, with a party and cake! Scout doesn't actually know when his first birthday was, so he has decided that his other birthday will be the day he came to live forever with Daddy and me, which was the 27th of March! So the 27th of March it is! Now Scout and I are not allowed to use the oven for fear of singeing our plush fur, so Daddy has been so kind and has baked Scout a birthday cake! It is a chocolate hazelnut cake, because Scout loves chocolate anything! It is dusted with drinking chocolate. Isn't that special?"
SCOUT: "Yes it is Paddy! Thank you Daddy! Grumby tummy Daddy! Grumbly tummy!" * Rubs tummy vigorously. "Isn't Daddy nice to do that just for me? I can't eat that cake all by myself, even with a grumbly tummy, so I am having a birthday party. It's mysecond birthday this year! I have invited Paddy and Daddy of course. I've also asked our pug dog Cabbage and his little sister Lettuce to come along, and also Chippy the monkey who lives in the front room. And because Cousin Paddington is stopping with us because of the nasty virus that has stopped people travelling around the world for now, he gets to be part of the celebration too! I know that everyone who I've asked to come will enjoy the occasion!
If today is your birthday too, I'd like to wish you a very happy birthday full of big little bear hugs and snuffly birthday kisses. Even if it isn't, I'd like to wish you a very happy day full of big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses. Would you like some cake too?"
This beautiful faerie tale pantomime nursery dinner set was made in England by the Shell China Company in the 1930s. It features six cups, saucers and plates as well as a teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl, platter, sandwich plate, a lidded soup tureen on its own dish and a gravy or cream jug on its own dish. Each piece is gilt edged and decorated and feature different faerie tales including: "Cinderella", "Little Red Riding Hood", "Dick Whittington and his Cat", "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" amongst others. The set I acquired from England, and it is a sister set to a 1920s Shell China Company nursery rhyme tea set that I was given as a gift some years ago by a close friend who knows I collect nursery ware and children\'s tea sets. The platter on which Scout's birthday cake sits features his favourite faerie tale: "Little Red Riding Hood" Each guest at the tea party also has a tiny doll (bear) sized nursery napkin which is hand embroidered with a donkey motif. There are also doll (bear) sized tea spoons which are sterling silver salt spoons, and the sugar tongs in the "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" sugar bowl is from the Eighteenth Century and is sterling silver. Their dessert spoons are sterling silver coffee spoons made by James Dixon and Sons in London in 1921.
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 Macintosh is made of the same felt. He wears wellington boots made from the same red leather used to make the toggles on his Macintosh.
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.
Chippy the monkey came to live with me when I was four. His name is derived from his innards, which are broken chips of hazelnut shells. He was made in America some time in the mid Twentieth Century. He features beautiful brown glass eyes, a felt face, hands and feet. He was given to me by one of my Grandfather's friends who worked in a small high street toy shop which sold a mixture of new, vintage and antique toys. Chippy was vintage at the time, and had been well loved prior, so with a few holes, some worn plush and patches, he was too worn to be sold, but my family friend knew that my gentle nature and respect for my toys meant he could find a new home with me for a long time. All these decades later, she was proven right, for he still lives with me; a bit more loved, a bit more worn and with a few more patches. He also has some red chalk marks on his right hand which I remember putting on him by accident when I was six! He wanted to draw a rose on my chalkboard and I helped him do it!
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.
Bogart has only arrived in the last few weeks. He has travelled all the way from Georgia, via Alabama as a gift to me from a friend. I look forward to getting to know his character, but I can already say that he has lovely Southern manners and seems to be a fun and gentle soul with an inquisitive nature.
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington and Bogart, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
Lettuce, is also very recent arrival. She was a present from my two goddaughters to me to keep Cabbage company. My eldest Goddaughter, Polly, wisely suggested the name Lettuce since we already have Cabbage. She is very soft and sweet natured. She likes cuddles and warm laps a lot and like her older brother Cabbage she likes to sniff out adventures.
PADDY: "Hullo everyone! Do you know what? Bears have two birthdays. Do you know what else? Today we are celebrating Scout's birthday, which is actually tomorrow, with a party and cake! Scout doesn't actually know when his first birthday was, so he has decided that his other birthday will be the day he came to live forever with Daddy and me, which was the 27th of March! So the 27th of March it is! Now Scout and I are not allowed to use the oven for fear of singeing our plush fur, so Daddy has been so kind and has baked Scout a birthday cake! It is a rich chocolate cake with pink cream cheese icing, because Scout loves chocolate anything and pink is his favourite colour! Isn't that special?"
SCOUT: "Yes it is Paddy! Thank you Daddy! Grumby tummy Daddy! Grumbly tummy!" * Rubs tummy vigorously. "Isn't Daddy nice to do that just for me? I can't eat that cake all by myself, even with a grumbly tummy, so I am having a birthday party. It's my third birthday this year! I have invited Paddy and Daddy of course. I've also asked our pug dog Cabbage and his little sister Lettuce to come along, and also Chippy the monkey who lives in the front room. And because Cousin Paddington, Bogart and Jago are part of our bear family, they get to be part of the celebration too! I know that everyone who I've asked to come will enjoy the occasion!
If today is your birthday too, I'd like to wish you a very happy birthday full of big little bear hugs and snuffly birthday kisses. Even if it isn't, I'd like to wish you a very happy day full of big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses. Would you like some cake too?"
This beautiful nursery pantomime nursery dinner set was made in England by the Shell China Company in the 1920s. It features six cups, saucers and plates as well as a teapot, milk jug, sugar bowl, platter, sandwich plate, a lidded soup tureen on its own dish and a gravy or cream jug on its own dish. Each piece is gilt edged and decorated and feature different faerie tales including: "The Queen of Hearts", "To Market, to Market to Buy a Fat Pig", "There was a Little Man who had a Little Gun", "Jack and Jill", "Goosey, Goosey Gander", "Sing a Song of Sixpence" and "Ride a Cock Horse" amongst others. The set I acquired from England, and it is a sister set to a 1930s Shell China Company faerie tale tea set. This set was given as a gift some years ago by a close friend who knows I collect nursery ware and children's tea sets. Each guest at the tea party also has a tiny doll (bear) sized nursery napkin which is hand embroidered with a donkey motif. There are also doll (bear) sized tea spoons which are sterling silver salt spoons, and the spoon in the "Ride a Cock Horse to Bunbury Cross" sugar bowl is an Eighteenth Century mustartd spoon and is sterling silver. Their dessert spoons are sterling silver coffee spoons made by James Dixon and Sons in London in 1921.
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 Macintosh is made of the same felt. He wears wellington boots made from the same red leather used to make the toggles on his Macintosh.
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.
Travelling all the way from London, Cousin Paddington was caught in transit thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. After so long here he has decided to stop with us permanently. That makes me happy, as the more I look into his happy, smiling face, the more attached I am becoming to him.
Jago is a recent addition to my ever-growing family. 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.
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.
Chippy the monkey came to live with me when I was four. His name is derived from his innards, which are broken chips of hazelnut shells. He was made in America some time in the mid Twentieth Century. He features beautiful brown glass eyes, a felt face, hands and feet. He was given to me by one of my Grandfather's friends who worked in a small high street toy shop which sold a mixture of new, vintage and antique toys. Chippy was vintage at the time, and had been well loved prior, so with a few holes, some worn plush and patches, he was too worn to be sold, but my family friend knew that my gentle nature and respect for my toys meant he could find a new home with me for a long time. All these decades later, she was proven right, for he still lives with me; a bit more loved, a bit more worn and with a few more patches. He also has some red chalk marks on his right hand which I remember putting on him by accident when I was six! He wanted to draw a rose on my chalkboard and I helped him do it!
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington and Bogart, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
Lettuce was a present from my two goddaughters to me to keep Cabbage company. My eldest Goddaughter, Polly, wisely suggested the name Lettuce since we already have Cabbage. She is very soft and sweet natured. She likes cuddles and warm laps a lot and like her older brother Cabbage she likes to sniff out adventures.
Duckie is a recent addition to the family. I saw her when I was at a Sunday market on a stall of homemade knitted and crocheted items. She caught my eye straight away with her happy, smiley face and bright colours. I think she finds life with my bears intriguing and perhaps a little confusing, however she is learning.
"Hullo everyone! On behalf of Scout, Cousin Paddington, Bogart, Cabbage, Lettuce, Duckie, Daddy and myself I would like to wish all of our Flickr friends and followers a very happy Easter! May the day be filled with lots of fun, laughter and a chocolate Easter egg... or two! We are sending you all lots of special Easter big little bear hugs and snuffly kisses!"
Paddy has managed to share my thoughts most eloquently. A very happy Easter to you all!
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.
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.
Bogart has only arrived in the last few weeks. He has travelled all the way from Georgia, via Alabama as a gift to me from a friend. I look forward to getting to know his character, but I can already say that he has lovely Southern manners and seems to be a fun and gentle soul with an inquisitive nature.
Cabbage is Paddy's Pug Dog. He was a gift to Paddy from a friend who also likes Pugs. He is fiercely loyal to Paddy, Scout, Cousin Paddington and Bogart, but seldom stays around long enough to have his picture taken, as there are always new adventures to sniff out.
Lettuce, is also very recent arrival. She was a present from my two goddaughters to me to keep Cabbage company. My eldest Goddaughter, Polly, wisely suggested the name Lettuce since we already have Cabbage. She is very soft and sweet natured. She likes cuddles and warm laps a lot and like her older brother Cabbage she likes to sniff out adventures.
Duckie is also a recent addition to the family. I saw her when I was at a Sunday market on a stall of homemade knitted and crocheted items. She caught my eye straight away with her happy, smiley face and bright colours.