THE CHRONICLES OF HOLLYHOCK HILL: June 2010

NESSA BUNNY

Little Nessa Bunny is enjoying her school holidays which have arrived at long last. Now there is lots of time for her to do all of her favourite things.

School is great fun and little Nessa does enjoy learning her time-tables. Mr Wise the teacher is a kindly gent full of patience, wisdom and knowledge. Her marks at end term are very high indeed and she does her parents proud. She has three older sisters who are attending the university in the big city. It is expected that little Nessa will follow in their footsteps. One of her older sisters, Tasha, went on a trip over the big waters to a land far away. The people there, she said, had funny talk but nevertheless she had a great time. It was a good learning experience for her. Little Nessa wants to go to a faraway land too but Mumma Bunny said she has to wait till she gets to be grown up like her sisters. However, a little trip has been organized to get away from this cold wintry weather for a little while and have some fun in the warm sunshine.

Lots of cooking and baking has been done and the trunk is packed. The destination is four hours drive north of Hollyhock Hill, to a lovely sunny spot on the banks of a river called Calm Waters. Dear friends have a small farm there and have invited the family to join them for a few days.
Picnics will be had and games played. Feeding the beautiful swans with bits of bread and cake is a great delight for all the youngsters.
Little Nessa wasn't sure if Mumma Bunny had packed her favourite yellow dress so while no one was looking she unpacked the trunk to check. She is rather keen on Rodney Rabbit you see, who always looks so dapper in his red velvet jacket, and she herself wanted to look especially pretty. The two of them have such great fun together exploring the surrounding hills and getting into all sorts of mischief .

Poor Mumma Bunny threw her hands in the air in dismay when she saw the trunk opened and the carefully packed clothes strewn all over the kitchen floor." Oh me ! Oh my ! she exclaimed," We are going to be late." "What can you be thinking of child to do such a thing" . Just then Pappa Bunny and Miss Tasha walked in and upon seeing the commotion burst out laughing as it was such a funny sight to behold.

Pappa Bunny made Mumma Bunny a lovely cup of tea, and Miss Tasha quickly took the tearful Nessa upstairs and packed the favourite yellow dress along with a pretty white lace pinny, into one of her own travel bags, the pink one with white spots. Little Nessa squealed with delight and planted a big kiss on Miss Tasha's cheek. By the time they got back down into the kitchen the trunk had been repacked again and Mumma Bunny was no longer cross. Little Nessa said sorry to everyone and there were hugs and kisses exchanged all round.

Pappa Bunny said that they had better get going as time was marching on. So without further ado they set off on their trip waving goodbye to us all.

We wish them a safe and happy holiday.

Reported by Jovi Woofley

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WINTER'S GARDEN

Annie with Spade is here today tending the garden.

She loves working in a soft gentle mist, the cold doesn't bother her at all.

She arrived wearing a yellow beanie with bright pink pom poms, boots and gloves, a thick yellow jacket and pink scarf. I have seen her pulling off a few layers when she gets

too hot though. Gardening is a very active activity.

The flower beds need re-doing and winter is the perfect time to prepare the ground for a spectacular spring show. Seeds have arrived and they look very promising indeed.

There is a problem however with the violets, yes those naughty little violets. Not content to have a lovely spot in the morning sun, they want to take over the whole of the garden.

The foxgloves and hollyhocks , roses and everyone else have been complaining bitterly and refused to flourish. There were grumblings about all the food being gobbled up, nothing was left for their lunch or teatime.

So Annie with Spade decided to get ruthless and remove them to the compost bin.

All of a sudden the panic stricken violets started showing off their lovely fragrant blooms, but Annie was not fooled by this display of emotional trickery and proceeded with the task at hand. Not all ended up in the compost bin however, a lovely spot was found on the fence line of Chickie Village. Mr and Mrs MacKluckity were passing by on their way to market and gave their seal of approval, declaring that it would be a pleasure to keep the violets under control, there would be no more creeping around in their backyard. The violets themselves couldn't believe their good fortune, not only were they repositioned in full sun, but in a spot ensuring an abundant ~~fertilizer~~ food supply all year round. Mr MacKluckity told us that Mrs MacKluckity just loves to have a bowl of sweet smelling violets on her bedside table at night .

Everybody was happy.

Pretty penstemons were moved to a sunnier spot so as to curtail their straggly habits and seedlings of larkspur and delphiniums were planted. Spring bulbs were not neglected either and mass plantings of erlicheer and hyacinths, bluebells, hoop petticoats and crocus went in.

Tea was had at half past four under the rose arbor. A delightful spread on a red checked tablecloth. There was Yorkshire tea, cupcakes and salmon sandwiches. The Lady at the big house declared Annie with Spade an angel and thanked her for coming to 'do' every week. Said the garden is thriving under her care and she is so much looking forward to lovely displays of flowers come spring.

Plans for more birdhouses were discussed and designs chosen.

The vegetable patch is to be dealt with next. After the winter harvest rotation planting was advised by Mrs Annie and a good going over with compost and lots of organic fertilizer.

Night was falling, Annie with Spade said her goodbyes and we all went indoors for supper.

Reported by Jovi Woofley.

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THE JUDGING OF MR FOX

FOX TO BE BANISHED

Lights were burning in the big house long into the night.

The talks were centered around the tragic deaths of Miss Myrtle and Miss Rosie It was decided that Mr Fox must be dealt with and soon.
He was being held captive, imprisoned in a vacant shed at the back of the big house, the door locked and bound with a very big chain.

The Gentleman at the big house was in favour of shooting Mr Fox with a double barrelled shot gun, such was his fury, he had no sympathy for Fox whatsoever.

"This is a christian community and the murder of innocent creatures will not be tolerated at Hollyhock Hill". he declared.

However the Lady at the big house felt compassion for Fox as he was in a desperate situation it seems and trying to feed his family.

Over coffee and port the matter was being debated at great length.

Security Guard Dusty Barkalot was being spoken of very highly, apparently it was due to his efforts that Mr Fox was finally captured.

The Lady at the big house proposed that Mr Fox be banished into exile.
That a solemn pledge be given by him in exchange for his life, that he would promise never to set foot on Hollyhock Hill ever again.

The Gentleman at the big house pointed out that a fox is more cunning than a snake and couldn't be trusted. However he would arrange for Fox, his family and relatives to be transported to a large island, a good distance away from the mainland, as foxes can swim short distances if the need be,
and be deposited there along with all their belongings. Thus ensuring that peace and harmony could once again reign free at Hollyhock Hill. It was unanimously agreed to be the best solution as nobody wanted blood on their hands.

And then we all went to bed. I was dog tired.

Reported by Freelance Journalist Jovi Woofley

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A BIT OF SILLY GOSSIP

By Two Silly Cats

Miss Millie Pussywillow and Miss Molly Catwiskers were overheard, whilst on their way to the fish market to buy fresh fish for their supper , gossiping as usual about the recent events at Hollyhock Hill. Miss Millie hadn't bothered as yet to read the latest edition of the Chronicle.

Quote;

"Well Miss Millie ,what do you make of the gruesome murder and abduction , slap bang in the middle of our quiet little village?" asked Miss Molly

"What on earth are you on about ?" enquired Miss Millie

"Why, haven't you read the latest news in the Chronicle ? " asked Miss Molly"

"No, I have not. I am far too busy working on my patchwork quilt. It has started to get rather chilly and I want to finish it before the winter sets in " replied Miss Millie

" You are acquainted, I am sure, with Miss Rosie and Miss Myrtle that live on Grassy Lane in Chickie Village. Yes, well Miss Myrtle was found dead with her poor neck broken and Miss Rosie is nowhere to be seen, obviously abducted. And to top it all off that security guard, Dusty Barkalot was found sleeping on the job. " declared Miss Molly.

" No ! what Are you telling me, Oh ! shame on him, Oh ! I can't believe it. No, there must be some mistake , I saw the two of them just the other day Miss Molly, they were with Mamma Duck in the grain store buying extra grain for the winter . They were complaining about those cheeky youngsters from the Blackbird family that live on Plumtree Avenue. It seems they are incorrigible and take great delight in stealing Miss Rosie and Miss Myrtle's supper right from under their beaks.The poor dears even went to the trouble of buying a very expensive grain storage contraption to try and put an end to the problem so as not to add extra grief to Mrs Blackbird, who has enough on her plate already, what with that husband of hers." said Miss Millie.

"Oh no Miss Molly, I truly don't believe those nice Blackbird youngsters could do such a thing." exclaimed Miss Millie.

" Be that as it may Miss Millie . The Chronicle reckons that Mr Fox is lurking around Hollyhock Hill, a bounty has been put on his head an' all. Apparently Mrs Hessie Mouse saw him sneaking around the village, up to no good he was I can tell you, she is beside herself with worry." said Miss Molly.

"Well, yes Miss Molly I did hear that Mrs Hessie has gone into hiding again, poor soul. Maybe we should warn Mrs Mamma Duck .....?" said Miss Millie

"Indeed Miss Millie it looks like Mr Fox has got it in for our feathered friends. What a state of affairs, I don't think I can cope with all of this. Oh dear me, Oh dearie me ! " wailed Miss Molly

end quote.

This details of this conversation was passed on to the editor by, Guess who !!!

PS: Lady Hester of Green gate Manor, a little birdie had told her.....

Reported by Jovi Woofely

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An Announcement from Bramble Cottage

A Trip Abroad

Mrs Hessie Mouse announced last night, while the storm was raging and everybody was all cosy and warm drinking hot chocolate and eating pancakes with maple syrup, that she has decided to go on a holiday abroad. Yes indeed our Mrs Hessie is going to visit her relatives at Brambly Hedge. Of course there will have to be a wee stop over in Gay Paree for some much needed retail therapy. This nasty business about Miss Rosie and Miss Myrtle has just been too much for her to bear. So Mr Johnny, who is a dream of a husband, caring and sensitive, talked his darling wife into taking a little trip to get away from it all and soothe her poor rattled nerves.

A new pair of gorrrjus slippers, fit for a princess have been purchased along with some handsome new luggage. Cheeky Miss Abby fancied she would stow away in said luggage but was soon discovered much to her dismay.

Lots of hugs and kisses were exchanged amid promises of regular postings of postcards.We all wished her a very safe trip and a happy holiday.

Security guard Dusty Barkalot is sulking up at the big house not at all happy at being accused of sleeping on the job.

We are all awaiting the outcome of the enquiry into this dreadful affair.

Reported by Jovi Woofley

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Weather Alert / Big Storm Coming This Way

The Bureau of Meteorology has reported that a severe cold front is headed towards Hollyhock Hill.

Thunderstorms with heavy rain is expected to arrive after dusk. It is recommended that everyone batten down their hatches and take shelter wherever possible.

The Lady in the big house has declared that anyone seeking shelter and bowls of hot nourishing vegetable broth followed by scones with jam and clotted cream, may do so in the cellar. Where comfy bunks with clean sheets and warm blankets have been prepared. The pot-bellied stove has been lit and is blazing nicely.

Doors with be closed and locked by half past four or as soon and tea is finished with.

If anybody misses this deadline,

Mrs Hessie Mouse at Bramble Cottage has offered a spot in front of her roaring fire to see the night out with hot chocolate and pancakes for supper.

Reported by Jovi Woofley

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Murder and Mayhem in Chickie Village

BREAKING NEWS.....

Annie with Spade found Miss Myrtle dead with her neck broken and Miss Rosie is missing, nowhere to be seen, feared murdered and abducted.

The suspect is Mr Fox and when he is apprehended corporal punishment will be considered unless he has a jolly good explanation for this fowl deed (as in a den full of hungry cubs).

The whole community is in mourning and many moments of silence have been observed. The Lady in the big house is beside herself with grief and very angry with Mr Fox.

An enquiry is to be held to determine why security guard Dusty Barkalot did not raise the alarm. It has been suggested he was sleeping on the job.

Reported by Jovi Woofley (who is also mourning the sad loss).

Stay tuned for more news as it happens.

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A possum Tail in the Henhouse...

Mr Possum was discovered asleep in the corner of the kitchen at No 2 Grassy Lane in Chickie Village late this morning.

Jovi Woofley was on the scene assessing the situation.

Security Guard Dusty Barkalot ran around the grounds of Chickie Village barking a lot.

The Lady from the big house called over Annie with Spade who was busy tending the vegetable garden. After discussing the situation they decided to confront the intruder and asked him to explain himself.

Mr Possum mumbled something about a big possum party the previous night celebrating Possum Protection Day and promptly nodded off to sleep again. A gentle prodding aroused him sufficiently for him to explain that at the break of day he was still so intoxicated from drinking rose nectar that he couldn't find his way home. The cottage looked so warm and inviting that he just crawled into the corner by the stove and fell asleep.

Miss Rosie and Miss Myrtle both declared that he behaved like a gentleman,was no bother at all and couldn't understand what all the fuss was about.

Annie, being a very compassionate soul gently lifted Mr Possum and carried him to the door of his own house in amongst the ivy on the big plum tree in the corner of the estate.

Mr Possum mumbled his thanks and scurried off to his own bed promising to behave in future.

The Lady at the big house thanked Annie for her help. Miss Pearl served morning tea in her lovely cosy kitchen.They had a little chuckle at the antics of intoxicated possums, as did we all, and wondered what was on earth going to happen next.

A full report was made by freelance journalist Mr Jovi Woofley

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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.