THE CHRONICLES OF HOLLYHOCK HILL: 2010

THE CRAFT SHOW EXHIBIT 1- CLOTH DOLLS

The Craft

Show

Hollyhock Hill

Town Hall.

The doors of the Town Hall opened at ten am sharp this morning. Main St was a hive of activity as the awaiting crowd of eager spectators milled around outside the big oak door chatting happily amongst themselves. Preparations for the show have been in progress for some weeks now and the ladies were thrilled to have the day finally arrive. Many an hour had been spent with needle and thread in hand; everyone did their best to make sure this would be a grand show and the ladies were so pleased to have their handcrafts on display at last.

It was a glorious spring day and tables had been set up under the old willow tree in the town square and the partaking of refreshments was already underway. After an overnight rain the morning sun was streaming down through the branches giving the whole scene a picture postcard look. Everyone was dressed in their best and full of enthusiasm, anticipating the many compliments that were sure to be forthcoming.

The first exhibit upon entering the front door is

Cloth Dolls

made by Mumma Bunny

The hall was ablaze with colour and charm, such wonderful exhibits of excellence in needlework. Mumma Bunny has done herself proud, such a beautiful array of dolls.

They are all exquisitely put together with lovely detailed faces and the stunning dresses are made of fine cottons and antique lace. Each doll wears delicate vintage lace pantaloons and pettiecoats above hand painted shoes. There was much ooooohing and aaaaahing amongst the admirers.

There were so many dolls that it was very difficult to choose which ones to photograph. Mumma Bunny was inundated with requests to purchase the dolls, but she gently explained that she could not part with any of her dolls as she was very attached to them. Not only that but her four daughters also loved the dollies and would often hold tea parties with them in the garden or have them sit on their beds in amongst the lovely cushions Mumma Bunny also enjoys making. She did relent and offer to take orders and hold classes for those that wished to learn the art of cloth doll making.

Mumma Bunny was beside herself, so many orders were taken that she declared she didn't know how and when she could fulfill them all. Little Nessa Bunny brought her Mumma a nice cup of tea and a yummy cupcake, and set to writing down the details of the dolls on order thus giving Mumma Bunny a chance to collect herself.

Photographs were kindly taken by Annie with Spade

YOU MAY CLICK ON THE PICTURES TO ENLARGE THEM

The next exhibit with be Embroidery.

Brought to you by Jovy Woofley

posted under | 0 Comments

HOW A BOWL SHOULD BE LICKED

Thought you doggie people would like this one.....

This is how a bowl should be licked.....

Glad the owner grabbed a camera instead of chasing the puppy away.

I'll bet someone had a major tummy ache after this....

Until one has loved an animal, part of their soul remains unawakened.

Brought to you by Jovi Woofley,

just for fun.

posted under | 0 Comments

WELCOME SPRING

Spring has finally arrived here in Hollyhock Hill and although the winters here are relatively mild, the arrival of spring is cause for much joyful anticipation for the whole community.

The fields are ablaze with colour, sweet scented Erlicheer and pretty Bluebells, Snowdrops and Hyacinths fill the soft warm air with their intoxicating fragrance. Camellia and Rhododendron bushes are laden with their sweet offerings.They are the first fruits and herald the arrival of the warmer weather with the promise that much more is to follow.

Annie with Spade is beside herself with joy as are most of the other keen gardeners at Hollyhock Hill. Faithful preparations of soil and the plantings of the myriad spring bulbs now emerge displaying their God given glory. Gardeners are indeed rewarded abundantly for their labour of love over the cold winter months. The dainty little Pickwick Crocus are Mrs Annie's favourite but then she also loves Hyacinths as well. She brings them up close to her face and inhales deeply of their sweetness.

Mrs Annie has a thing for vintage bird cages and plants them up with all manner of things. This one houses some young succulents which will fill out in due time and look very handsome indeed.

Actually if the truth be known all the plants in the garden are Mrs Annie's favourites, she just loves them all and from morning till dusk the place to find her is out in the midst of all her treasures. Peter with tool box built a very handsome bird house, and after Mrs Annie decorated it with flowers he positioned it on the balcony at the back of their cottage overlooking the gardens, just in case one of their little feathered friends needed extra accommodation. Springtime is such a hive of activity here and housing gets snapped up very fast indeed. A newly married couple of finches tried to move into a basket of Begonias the other day, Mrs Annie said to Mr Peter "Now that will never do, they must have proper housing to be safe". She is always so concerned for the safety and well being of all the critters living at Hollyhock Hill. The climbing roses are

budding and the new shoots have to be secured against the wind and in a day or two young seedlings will be planted out in the specially prepared beds. There will be Larkspur, Canterbury Bells, and an all time favourite, the Papaver Poppy, it has such exquisite blooms but Mrs Annie doesn't want that to be broadcast, as some people might get the wrong impression, here they are grown for their beauty alone. Little Primroses have popped up here, there and everywhere after their lovely winter sleep. Love in the Mist and Forget Me Nots are competing for space along pathways and the cheeky Nasturtiums are threatening to take over the vegetable plots.The elegant Cymbidium orchids are starting to show their colours as are the pretty little Violets that were repositioned earlier in the year.

Parsley and Silver beet, which had been given a lovely place to grow have spilled out and self sown all over the garden, such is the abundance and it is only the first week of spring.

The last of the leeks and celery have been harvested so the vegetable beds will have to be worked over and prepared for spring planting too. Spring is indeed a busy, albeit an enjoyable time for most gardeners.

There has been quite a bit of spring rain already and a strong south wind did some damage, a pretty pink Camellia Japonica full of plump buds was knocked over and the lovely apple green pot it was in was broken, Mrs Annie was rather upset about it. Mr Peter quickly went out and bought her another one in the same colour, she was very touched by his kindness, thanked him with a big kiss and promptly repotted the lovely Camellia. The new pot was even bigger than the broken one and has a lovely embossed pattern on it, very elegant indeed.

I must say that spring is just about my most favourite time of the year.

Brought to you by Jovi Woofley.

ps. you may click on the pictures to enlarge them :)

posted under | 0 Comments

MRS HESSIE MOUSE ARRIVES BACK HOME

W E L C O M E H O M E

There is much excitement amongst the folks here at Hollyhock Hill today as Mrs Hessie Mouse has arrived back home safe and sound, after her big holiday to the land far, far away and over the big waters.

Mr Johnny has made all sorts of preparations to welcome his darling wife, as he has missed her terribly. His bachelor days are well and truly over he says, there is nothing to compare with contented married life. The cottage has been scrubbed clean from top to bottom and on the advice of Mumma Bunny and Mrs McKluckity new lace curtains adorn the windows. A most beautiful arrangement of pink roses, fit for a queen, sits on the dining table. No effort has been spared to welcome home their dear friend.

Cakes have been baked and a variety of dishes prepared in readiness for the welcome home party. It has been decided to hold the party in the garden as it is such a lovely sunshine day, the first day of spring is just around the corner and the weather today is perfect.

Mrs Hessie declares how good it is to be home again even though she did have a wonderful time. She has missed her darling Mr Johnny and her dear friends so very much. The time went very fast as there was so much to do and see. All her relatives are well and were so pleased to catch up with her. There were many late nights spent sharing stories and just reminiscing of things past. The days were full of sightseeing, shopping, lunch and afternoon tea.
One of the highlights of her trip was being able to find more pieces for her collection of fine china.

Mrs Hessie is especially fond of the Brambly Hedge range and there was plenty of it available. She does so love to set a fine table. Her own tea set did have a few missing pieces which had been broken some time ago so it was thrilling for her to find a complete set beautifully packed in a lovely basket. So easy for storage and so on. Gifts for her dear friends included a lovely pink decanter for Mrs Annie to keep her rosewater in, Mrs Annie loves to smooth pure rosewater onto her face
she says it keeps her skin soft and clean, and shaving soap and brush for Mr Peter. A collection of beautiful vintage teacups, for Mrs McKluckity, Mumma Bunny and Madame Cheree to choose from, they could have whichever one they liked best. Mr McKluckity was presented with a lovely set of hand garden tools as he is a keen vegetable gardener. Mr Johnny was given a handsome new tweed coat, and Mr Dusty and I received a leather bound journal each. Mr Johnny had written and told Mrs Hessie about Miss Ashanthi and she was not forgotten either, Mrs Hessie had brought her a lovely English cottage tea pot cosy seeing she is so very fond of her tea. The afternoon went by very quickly indeed as there was so much to talk about.

Mrs Hessie was thrilled to hear about the soon coming Craft Show and the ladies chatted on about what they were going to exhibit. Mrs Hessie is quite skilled with a needle and thread herself and said that she would exhibit more that one piece of needlework and give those at Catnip Downs a bit of competition. Oh everyone was so very glad to have her back home again.
She tut tutted when told about Miss Pearl's shenanigans, and the goings on by the Blackbird boys and had a bit of a giggle, as did we all, about poor Mrs Fluffybot. She heartily agreed that No2 Grassy Lane would make a most wonderful boarding establishment for young ladies and congratulated Miss Ashanthi on her new position. Mrs Hessie said she would start needle work classes for the young ladies if Miss Ashanthi felt that to be a good idea.
We were such a jolly party that it was with great reluctance we said our good nights and declared in unison, after all tomorrow is another day.

Brought to you by Jovi Woofley.

posted under | 0 Comments

A COLLECTION OF MID- CENTURY RECIPES

These delightful recipes are

mid-century recipes, from

'Charming Vintage Recipes'.

A collection of recipes has been presented to the Chronicle for publishing from some of the best cooks in the community.
They are tried and true recipes and it is hoped that they will be much enjoyed by the reader.

All the recipes are cooked from scratch

using basic everyday ingredients. They are quite delicious and simple to prepare.

The residents at Hollyhock Hill are very proud of their organically grown produce and favour a vegetarian diet. However a seafood dish has been included for those who enjoy fish.
Milk and eggs are considered gifts from our dear friends which are gladly given therefore gratefully received and heartily enjoyed.

Click on the recipe of your choice to enlarge.

BLESSINGS

to all the generous

CHURCH LADIES
who shared the

RECIPES

so dear to their hearts.

Brought to by Jovi Woofley

posted under | 0 Comments

STRANGE GOINGS ON part 4

STRANGE GOINGS ON part 4

Happy Outcome

Miss Ashanthi was delighted with Mrs Annie's proposal of opening a respectable boarding establishment for young chickens. Having never married and therefore being childless, she welcomed the idea of putting her natural mothering instincts into practice. Well there were so many things she could teach the young ones, she said, and cooking a decent curry would be first on the list. They could learn to make jams and preserves and how to set a good table, oh! yes indeed she thought it a wonderful idea.
She did admit to not being herself lately. In fact she even went as far as to say that she had felt a little lost, as if she just could not find her feet, as the saying goes.

Mrs Annie and Mr Peter had brought with them an extra special welcome gift. They felt that an extra special welcome was in order just to convey to Miss Ashanthi how everybody at Hollyhock Hill were so very happy to have her here as part of the community. As for the silly gossip that was circulating, Mrs Annie assured Miss Ashanthi that worrying about gossip was not worth the trouble. Some of the occupants of Catnip Downs were notorious for their silly stories and that most residents in Hollyhock Hill didn't take one bit of notice of them.

Mr Peter carefully positioned the handsome new birdbath, so that it would be visible from the kitchen window, thus giving Miss Ashanthi the pleasure of viewing the pretty little bluebirds frolicking in the sunshine while she was busy with her daily chores.
Miss Ashanthi's heart was deeply touched by this act of kindness, and remarked that she did indeed feel most welcomed. Mr and Mrs McKluckity arrived with a basket laden with delicious pastries and salad. Mumma Bunny and Pappa Bunny came with their four daughters and brought with them more delicious food. It was then decided that an impromptu picnic should be had out on the meadow, so Mr Dusty and I scooted around inviting one and all to come along and join in the fun.

It turned out to be a lovely afternoon, everyone enjoyed themselves.
No mention was made of Miss Pearl's silly story, it was felt that it was best to let bygones be bygones. Miss Pearl had apologised and Mr and Mrs Fluffybot had accepted her apology. Mrs Fluffybot was herself again and was even able to have a bit of a chuckle over the incident.
In our small community here at Hollyhock Hill everyone tries to get on with each other and not hold grudges. After all God says to love one another and that is the motto we all try to live by.
All in all a most pleasant afternoon was had by all.

Brought to you by Jovi Woofley.

posted under | 0 Comments

STRANGE GOINGS ON part 3

STRANGE GOINGS ON part 3

GOSSIP GOSSIP GOSSIP

It was market day and the news was abroad, everyone was talking about the strange goings on in Hollyhock Hill.

"I say, Mrs Lacecap, have you heard the news? the most alarming stories are being broadcast, there is talk of wild jungle creatures, here in our village." said Mrs Fluffybot

"Oh don't be silly, how could there possibly be wild jungle anything living here in Hollyhock Hill, may I point out, that this is not a jungle. You have been taking too many sips of that medicinal brandy of yours I think " replied her friend Mrs Lacecap.

" No but it is true I tell you, it's being talked about all over the village, Miss Millie and Miss Molly swear they saw a suspicious looking creature lurking over by the lake. Mr Barkalot attempted to confront the creature but it bolted away at lightening speed." insisted Mrs Fluffybot.

"Well I am not one for believing the stories that spring forth from Catnip Downs, that lot are away with the pixies most of the time. Such a wicked lot they are an' all." answered Mrs Lacecap. "Here comes Mrs McKluckity lets ask her if she knows anything about it."

"Good Morning to you Mrs McKluckity, such a lovely day is it not ?, What a gorgeous umbrella you have there. By the way, have you by any chance heard of any strange goings on in the neighborhood lately ?" asked Mrs Lacecap

"And a very good morning to you Mrs Lacecap and to you too Mrs Fluffybot, oh thank you, yes I do so love this umbrella, it was a gift from my dear husband you know. He is such a darling man, always concerning himself with even the smallest details of my wellbeing. I am just so, so very blessed." answered Mrs McKluckity.

" Yes, yes, how nice for you dear, but do tell have you heard the latest gossip about wild jungle creatures here in our midst ?, and sleeping in the tree tops I am told, such strange goings on I must say". said Mrs Lacecap

"As a matter of fact I have heard some mention of it, but really it is quite ridiculous, wild jungle creatures indeed. Utter Nonsense if you ask me" answered Mrs McKluckity
"Oh!,but do excuse me, there is Mumma Bunny over by the ice-cream cart, I must speak with her on a matter of great urgency. My last batch of fig jam has gone quite moldy and I am sure she will know what to do about it. Cheerio then, do have a lovely day".

" There, you see Mrs Fulffybot, it is all nonsense, if there was any truth in the rumours going around Mrs McKluckity would surely know about it, she is in the know, you know, if you know what I mean." declared Mrs Lacecap.

"Well, I would hazard a bet that Miss Molly and Miss Millie do know a thing or two about it. Lets see if we can find them." said Miss Fluffybot.

"Ummm! No, it was very nice chatting with you dear, but I must be on my way and finish my shopping, we are having guests tonight for supper and I really haven't a moment to spare. Good luck with your enquiries," chuckled Mrs Lacecap.

Mrs Fluffybot hurried off to Catnip Downs and found not only Miss Millie and Miss Molly sitting outside discussing the matter, but Miss Pearl was there also and what a lot they had to say about it too.

"Oh good morning Miss Molly, Miss Millie, Miss Pearl, so nice to see you all enjoying the bit of sunshine we are having today, I will be so glad when winter is over and done with. I am so looking forward to the warmer weather, spring surely cannot be far away now." said Mrs Fluffybot

"Good Morning Mrs Fluffybot the three purred in unison. " Yes it is a lovely morning. What brings you to Catnip Downs may I ask ?" enquired Miss Molly.

"Well now," said Mrs Fluffybot " I was wondering if you might know, just what is going on. I have heard such strange reports of wild creatures sleeping in the trees, that I am quite beside myself."

"Yes I agree, there is definitely, something going on as it has been my experience that there is no smoke without fire. Mr Barkalot isn't giving anything away, and even Mr Woofley refuses to discuss any of the reports that are circulating. You can be sure something is dreadfully amiss" said Miss Molly.

"Oh my goodness," wailed Mrs Fluffybot " does this mean we are all going to be mauled in our own beds, something has to be done about this creature, what is it exactly, does anyone know, has anyone seen it even ?"

"Well, as a matter of fact, I have caught a glimpse of the thing, last night it was," whispered Miss Pearl
Looking around, just to make sure no-one else was in earshot, Miss Pearl continued on;
"Now do not repeat this to anyone, not a soul mind, I do not want to cause anybody any undue alarm.
I was on my way home, you see, from afternoon tea at Miss Ginger's. It was getting quite dark but there was a full moon, so I could easily see my way, when I heard a rustle in the bushes.
Just near the lake it was, which is not the usual way I go home, but I was in a bit of a hurry. Well I quickly hid myself as best as I could, and there passed by me, the most sinister looking creature that ever I did see.
At least ten feet tall it was and hairy all over. It's eyes gleamed bright yellow in the moonlight and smoke came pouring out of it's nostrils.
I held my breath and watched it slink off into the woods and slowly climb up one of the big Cypress trees."

"Quick!!! get the smelling salts" called out Miss Millie " Mrs Fluffybot has fainted."

Mr Fluffybot, having been summoned by Miss Molly found his dear wife in a terrible state, she was blubbering on about fire eating monsters and that they were all going to be murdered in their beds, on and on she ranted.

Now Mr Fluffybot is a kindly gent, upright and of good character, and generally of a very easy going disposition.
He lovingly dotes on his sweet little wife.

Having realised what was going on Mr Fluffybot flew into a rage and gave Miss Pearl a good telling off,
" Just what do you think you're on about, terrifying my wife so, with your silly made up stories.
I am going to expose you for what you really are, a vicious, wicked, piece of gossiping bag of fur.
I shall report all of what you have said to the Chronicle and everybody will know what a nasty piece of work you really are." shouted the furious Mr Fluffybot.

The three felines, having great difficulty containing their mirth, stifling giggles behind their paws, watched as Mr Fluffybot escorted the still distraught, blubbering Mrs Fluffybot home.

" Oh me! Oh my!" sighed Miss Pearl," Who would have expected her to take on so, silly old thing, didn't she realise I was only joking."

"Well well," said Miss Molly " Seems you have gone a bit too far this time my dear, you had better send an especially lovely basket of flowers with a note of apology, begging forgiveness."

And so it was done.

To be continued......

Reported by Jovi Woofley

posted under | 0 Comments

STRANGE GOINGS ON part 2

Strange goings on part2-The Solution

Annie with Spade and I spent the day in Tree Fern Gully yesterday which is located on the other side of the blue hills surrounding Hollyhock Hill. The trip through the forest on the steam train was most pleasant. It was a beautiful sunshine day and the forest gleamed fresh and new after the overnight rain. The village boasts some of the most wonderful vintage boutiques and vintage shopping is the thing to do for most females and I must say they do it very well. These boutiques are a veritable Aladdin's cave of vintage trash and treasure and poking around in one of these establishments is thrilling indeed. One never knows what one will find.

Mrs Annie did very well for herself, a most magnificent ruby red candle holder was found along with an art-deco yellow glass decanter, the original purpose for the decanter was to hold sherry but Mrs Annie said she will will use it to hold extra virgin olive oil. Then she came across an old wobbly white basket, perfect for planting pansies in she said, and a lovely wooden serving spoon with a ceramic handle, not unlike those from her much loved Bavaria. The next treasure was a lovely little flower decorated baking dish with a sturdy lid. A pretty gift was chosen for the little princess Samara for her birthday, a beautiful pink flower fairy and a purple ceramic toadstool with teddy bears living in it. I came across a very handsome writing set, containing a bottle of black ink and a feather quill with a nib, now this will come in very handy when I am writing up my journals.

After a delicious lunch sitting in the sunshine at a charming little outdoor cafe we continued on to the Municipal Library, we wanted to find out more information on the habits of wild chickens. Something had to be done for Miss Ashanthi, this business of sleeping in the tree tops could not continue. Mrs Annie is very fond of all of her friends at Hollyhock Hill and if something is troubling any one of them she will go out of her way to help find a solution to their problems. In the library we found a book specialising on the bloodlines of the chicken. It is indeed true that all chickens originated from wild jungle fowl, so this behaviour of Miss Ashanthi is really quite natural.

"Even so" said Annie. " It is not wise in the long term for her to be roosting in the tree tops, it is much better to be safe than sorry ."

" Who knows what type of predator could come into the area. The only funerals services I want to attend in the future is that of someone dying a natural death of old age after having lived a happy life. It is sad enough that we creatures have to die at all without having to die in such a brutal manner". she explained.
I heartily agreed with her, I certainly did not want to have to report on anything like that again in the future. We took notes on the information in the book and made our way home. A stop off at Fraulein Issa's bakery was in order as Mr Peter had requested one of her yummy fresh baked pies and a strawberry cheesecake. Cheesecake is his favourite.

Over supper we passed on all the information we had gathered at the library over to Mr Peter for him to read. A little later Mr and Mrs McKluckity called in to see what progress had been made.
After much discussion about the situation we all agreed that Miss Ashanthi needed some company. It was felt that if she had like minded friends of the same age group sharing the cottage with her she may not feel the need to roost like her forbears. After all when living alone one can get a bit silly, loneliness can play tricks on the mind and have us do all manner of strange things. Why before the incident with the fox, No2 Grassy Lane always had four and sometimes even six chickens living there, it is a very roomy cottage. All of the other chickens had died of old age.

Mrs McKluckity made mention of a friend of a friend, who knew of quite a few young chickens, who were wanting to spread their wings and gain a bit of independence. This seemed like the perfect solution for them, living with an older, mother type figure just to keep a bit of an eye on them. Well, it would certainly keep Miss Ashanthi well occupied and thus leave her no time to feel sorry for herself.

So it was decided that Mrs Annie would have a chat with Miss Ashanthi and explain to her that there were a small number of young chickens desperately looking for a good home in the area, and ask her if she would like to share her accommodation, with two, or perhaps three of them. She would impress upon her the need for supervision of these young ones. That they were just starting out on their own in the world, and her being there, would be giving their parents much peace of mind, knowing that a kindly matron was watching over their darling daughters. She would also point out that this would gain her the admiration and respect of the whole community, why she would be seen as no less than a matron of a respectable boarding establishment for young chickens.

Everyone agreed that this was the most favourable solution to the problem and they fervently hope that Miss Ashanthi would agree to the proposed new living arrangements.

To be Continued.....

reported by Jovi Woofley

posted under | 0 Comments

STRANGE GOINGS ON

Security Guard Mr Dusty Barkalot
has reported a strange goings
on at No2 Grassy Lane.

Last evening while dusk was falling and Mr Dusty was dutifully patrolling the grounds of Chickie Village he saw that the front door of Miss Ashanthi's cottage was wide open. After much knockings and calling out he ventured inside to make sure all was well only to find the cottage totally empty. The cottage sits next to a fence which borders a lane way, which borders the next estate in which there happened to be a workman quite nearby stacking timber. Mr Dusty called out to the workman asking him if he had per chance seen a beautiful black chicken in the area. The workman replied that he had not, but would keep an eye open and let him know if a beautiful black chicken happened to pass by. Mr Dusty thanked him very much and continued the search. Darkness was rapidly enveloping our little village and being very concerned at this stage for Miss Ashanthi's safety, Mr Dusty ran to the cottage belonging to Annie with Spade and Peter with Toolbox and raised the alarm.

Peter with Toolbox assured Mr Dusty that she would be found and not to distress himself, he felt that Mr Dusty was afraid he would once again be in question regarding his security maintaining capabilities. With lanterns held high the three made a thorough search of the neighbourhood knocking on doors and asking everyone if she had been seen. Still no trace of her could be found, Mr Peter found this to be strange indeed as he had spent the whole day with the help of a workman renovating the Village. Extra security measures had been installed, new tall fencing had been erected and the wire mesh dug deep into the ground. It was felt that even though Fox and relatives had been banished to a far away island it would be a good idea to ensure that Chickie Village be made totally fox proof as one never really knew what the future might hold. The Gentleman at the big house had told Mr Peter that no expense is to be spared, as there were still a few, very frightened chickens.

Mrs Annie was getting very worried at this stage. "What on earth could have happened to her?" she asked Mr Peter.

"Well, since we have moved into our cottage here there have not been any dramas whatsoever", replied Mr Peter " there has got to be a logical explanation to this, she must be somewhere in the neighbourhood."
Mrs Annie decided to look into No2 again and check under the bed, you just never know, maybe those Blackbird boys have been up to mischief again. Nothing under the bed or in the wardrobe, or in any of the spare rooms. Annie sighed heavily and went to the window, opening it wide she took a deep breath of fresh air. A beam of light from the lantern she was holding picked out an irregular shape in amonst the branches,
"But what is this I see, there she is up in the tree tops fast asleep".gasped Annie in amazement
Annie immediately called out to the others " she is fast asleep in the treetops, on a branch in the Cypress ".
They both bolted up the stairs to see, and yes indeed there she was totally oblivious to all of the commotion she had stirred, fast asleep deep into her chickie land dreams.
"Well I have never seen anything like this before "declared Mr Peter " a chicken asleep in the treetops, does she fancy herself to be a bird I wonder?".
Mrs Annie could not help herself and retorted "Chickens are birds, Ha Ha Ha."
Mr Peter chuckled and replied "Well you know what I mean".
They decided to leave her be as no one could reach her anyway and they didn't think she would be in any danger being so high up in amongst the branches, well so they all hoped. Mr Dusty accompanied Mrs Annie and Mr Peter back to their cottage for a drink of hot milk with honey, and a good calm down, his poor nerves were a bit frazzled. Mrs Annie offered to make up a bed for Mr Dusty by the warm fire as they planned to be up nice and early in order to confront Miss Ashanthi and ask her to explain herself.

Over breakfast the next morning the three of them tried to figure out what to do about this situation. Mrs McKluckity popped her head in the door wanting to know what had happened. After hearing about all the goings on of the previous night she told them of Miss Ashanthi's strange behaviour at the luncheon at Mumma Bunny's home the other day." She was very irritable indeed," she said" and not at all her usual happy self, she didn't join in any of the conversations and was at times, even quite rude to Mumma Bunny, on our way home she complained that amongst all the food on the dining table there was not a curry to be seen. She had felt herself to be quite neglected. "

Little Primrose who boards with Mrs Annie, tut tutted and declared she was very pleased with herself having been born a cat and not a temperamental chicken.
Mrs Annie reprimanded Little Primrose with a "That will do Primrose, go and do something useful, as a matter of fact a basket full of parsley and carrots would very be useful indeed".
Mr Peter who had just this minute returned from a quick visit to the big house, to inform the Lady at the big house what had taken place, asked us all to sit down as he had something to tell us.
The Lady Maree who is holidaying at her home town in the land far far away and over the big waters is apparently not coming back. She has decided to spend the rest of her days there with her dear sisters. So Miss Ashanthi has been abandoned to us and Chickie Village is to be her forever home.
It was Mrs McKluckity's turn to tut tut." What a goings on indeed", she said " the poor dear is grieving for her home. She did tell me you know that back home the chickens love to roost in the tree tops. They have been intermarrying with wild fowl for many years, and tree top habitation is quite natural to them, they consider themselves to be free spirits and don't like confined spaces."
Mr Peter was not impressed with this free spirit business. "Free spirits indeed, she won't be much of a free spirit lying on her back with her neck broken." he said. " there has to be a solution to this problem".

To Be Continued

Brought to you by Jovie Woofley

posted under | 0 Comments

AN INTRODUCTION

MEET MOLLY

She's a grey speckled pony that was abandoned by her owners when Hurricane Katrina hit southern Louisiana.

She spent weeks on her own before finally being rescued and take into a farm where abandoned animals were stockpiled. While there, she was attacked by a pit bull terrier and almost died. Her gnawed right front
leg became infected, and her vet went to LSU for help, but LSU was overwhelmed, and this pony was a welfare case. You know how that goes.

But after surgeon Rustin Moore met Molly, he changed his mind. He saw how the pony was careful to lie down on different sides so she didn't seem to get sores, and how she allowed people to handle her.

She protected her injured leg. She constantly shifted her weight and didn't overload her good leg.

She was a smart pony with a serious survival ethic. Moore agreed to remove her leg below the knee, and a temporary artificial limb was built. Molly walked out of the clinic and her story really begins there.

This was the right horse and the right owner, Moore insists. Molly happened to be a one-in-a-million patient. She's tough as nails, but sweet, and she was willing to cope with pain. She made it obvious she understood that she was in trouble. The other important factor, according to the owner who is dedicated to providing the daily care required over the lifetime of the horse.

Molly's story turns into a parable for life in Post-Katrina Louisiana. The little pony gained weight, and her mane finally felt a comb. A human prosthesis designer built her a leg. The prosthetic has given Molly a whole new life, Allison Barca DVM, Molly's regular vet, reports. And she asks for it. She will put her little limb out, and come to you and let you know that she wants you to put it on. Sometimes she wants you to take it off too. And

sometimes, Molly gets away from Barca. 'It can be pretty bad when you can't catch a three-legged horse,' she laughs.

Most important of all, Molly has a job now. Kay, the rescue farm owner, started taking Molly to shelters, hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. Anywhere she thought that people needed hope. Wherever Molly went, she showed people her pluck. She inspired people, and she had a good time doing it.

It's obvious to me that Molly had a bigger role to play in life, Moore said. She survived the hurricane, she survived a horrible injury, and now she is giving hope to others.'

Barca concluded, 'She's not back to normal, but she's going to be better. To me, she could be a symbol for New Orleans itself.'

This is Molly's most recent prosthesis. The bottom photo shows the ground surface that she stands on, which has a smiley face embossed in it. Wherever Molly goes, she leaves a smiley hoof print behind.

Please feel free to copy this if you would like to share it with all of the animal lovers that you know. God's creatures often reflect the character we aspire to.
God Bless,from Trish at Homemade Quilts by Granny .
END QUOTE

It was decided by the editor that this wonderful story of Molly's courage should be told to all Critters far and wide. We pray that Molly will make a full recovery and enjoy the rest of her life in her new forever home.
God Bless Molly and God Bless us All.

Brought to yoy by Jovi Woofley

posted under | 1 Comments

About us

WELCOME TO THE SILLINESS AT HOLLYHOCK HILL

The stories on this blog are based on real events, and on real people and animals. Miss Ashanthi lives in my backyard and is beautiful indeed. Her previous carers are from Sri Lanka but due to illness could no longer look after her. She still roosts in the treetops and I have to get up on a ladder and get her down to put her to bed in the safety of the henhouse every night. My other chickens were sadly killed by Mr Fox and we did have a possum in the hen house.

Mumma Bunny is my best friend and has indeed four beautiful daughters. Mrs Hessie Mouse is another dear friend and has two cats called Miss Molly and Miss Millie. Miss Issa is our granddaughter and does make lovely cupcakes. Madame Cheree is another special friend and has two young children. Mr Dusty is my sweet fluffy friend and Mr Jovie belongs to Mumma Bunny.

I decided to tell the stories in a whimsical way for a bit of fun. The world has become far too dark and a bit of light hearted fun is good for the soul. I am Annie with Spade and my dear husband is Peter with Toolbox.

We hope the tales we tell do at least make someone smile. Have a lovely day.