THE CHRONICLES OF HOLLYHOCK HILL: July 2010

MADAME CHEREE

This adorable little cottage houses Madame Cheree and her two little kittens.The cottage is filled with all thing nice like sugar and spice. Chandeliers hang from the ceilings and crystal vases filled with fresh roses adorn lace covered tables.

Pinks and whites are their most favourite colour combination and it gives the cottage a soft romantic atmosphere. Madame Cheree is a keen gardener and her garden is much to be admired. Organic vegetables are interspersed with lots of pretty flowers. There are hydrangeas and climbing roses, jasmine trailing over the fence and corn, spinach and parsley grow wild. End of season grapevines are lovingly twisted into wreaths, decorated with ribbons and tiny bird nests, which Madame Cheree makes from delicate thyme branches. Springtime hours are filled with the gathering of lavender flowers to be made into pomanders which gives the cottage a fresh fragrance, lasting well into the winter. Embroidery is another special pastime and once the kittens have said their prayers and are fast asleep, she sits by her cosy fire and creates her magic with nimble fingers and silken threads on a piece of fine damask.

Madame Cheree has her hands full these days with her two kittens, Miss Samara and Little Garrick. They are good little kittens and usually do what their mumma tells them, well, most of the time. And yet this kind soul still finds the time to do good to others.

As a special treat for Peter with Toolbox on his birthday, she stayed up late after baking gingerbread for her little ones, to bake the most delicious little pastry rolls filled with a combination of nuts, herbs and spices and goodness knows what else. They were d-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s. The pastries, piled high on a silver platter were devoured at record speed.
The recipe has been promised and will soon be published.

Peter's heart was deeply touched when she presented him with her gift the night before his birthday, so he could enjoy them on his special day.

Peter and Annie are very fond of Madame Cheree and her kittens, and since her recent widowhood, they like to keep a watchful eye over the family.

Miss Samara is a sweet little princess and likes to dress accordingly. She loves to wear her pink stole which is made from hand spun silk, as fine as gossamer, and a gorgeous flower bag which had been purchased, to compliment the stole, on a recent visit to the many vintage boutiques in a neighboring village. Shopping for vintage treasures is a favourite pastime on weekends and school holidays, and many a treasure is found.

Little Garrick fancies himself as Bob the Builder and just loves to go around with his hammer and nails fixing things. He is a great help to his mumma fixing things that don't need fixing just in case they will need fixing sometime in the future.
There was a bit of a to do recently when naughty little mice were found creating havoc in the cellar. Madame Cheree likes to keep a well stocked cellar. Her vegetable harvests are carefully packed in straw and her preserves stacked in rows according to the dates on the labels. Noises alerted Little Garrick and his friend Little Eric that something was amiss down there.
They were shocked to find mice eating into their own favourite cheeses and apples. The thieves quickly scooted off when Madame Cheree threatened to complain to their parents about their bad behaviour. Little Garrick immediately got out his toolbox and went about fixing the holes that the naughty mice had made. Miss Samara helped her mumma clean and tidy up the mess, the remainder of the cheese was put upstairs in the larder.

All was well again, they still had more than enough provisions to see them through the winter.

Reported By Jovi Woofley.

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A BAVARIAN BIRTHDAY

A BAVARIAN BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Annie with Spade's dear husband, Peter with Toolbox, is celebrating his birthday today. It has been decided that they would
go to their favourite restaurant nestled in amongst the rain forest high up in the mountains.Up along the winding roads the panorama is breathtakingly beautiful, as far as the eye can see. The forest is lush with myriads of tree ferns, creeping vines and wild flowers. Ancient Gum trees are so tall they look like they are reaching for the clouds. Huge boulders covered in soft green moss lay in creeks beds meandering through the forest and waterfalls spill down the side of the mountain.

The early morning sun causes steam to rise from the dew in amongst the shrubbery leading everyone to imagine that fairies, rumored to be living in the forest, are up and about cooking their breakfast. The air is filled with sweet birdsong and cheeky possums climb into their beds exhausted after partying from dusk till dawn.

Annie and Peter, were in fact born in the mountains of Bavaria, a land far, far away and over the big waters. Now, they are very happy living at Hollyhock Hill, but, twice a year on each of their respective birthdays they do so love to celebrate, Bavarian style. The Cuckoo Restaurant is a highly sought after venue for many a celebration, it boasts a menu fit for the most discerning of palettes. All of their favourite dishes are prepared to authentic age old recipes, just as it should be. Never once have they left the restaurant with their taste buds unsatisfied. Every vegetable imaginable is skillfully prepared with delicately flavoured vinaigrette dressings. A never ending variety of light fluffy pastries filled with roasted vegetables and sauerkraut are served and the combinations of salads are delicious.A wide selection of seafood is offered and a wonderful range of fresh baked breads. Delectable crepes are poured and cooked while you watch and then topped with fresh strawberries, ice cream and chocolate sauce. Light snowy white pavlova filled with fruit and cream is then followed with freshly brewed coffee and a stunning selection of petite fours.

While the patrons are enjoying their meals a lively entertainment is given, funny stories are told, traditional bell ringing is performed and the lederhosen slap song, much to every one's delight, and then everyone locks their arms together and sways to the rhythm of a favourite bavarian yodel song. This is followed by lively music played by the band and dancing is encouraged.

A stroll through the charming little village finishes off a most enjoyable afternoon.

We all at Hollyhock Hill wish our dear friend
Peter with Toolbox

a very Happy Birthday and Many Happy Returns.

Reported by Jovi Woofley

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Quilting Bee at Miss Pearl's

A Quilting Bee at Miss Pearl's Cottage

Miss Pearl, Miss Millie and Miss

Molly are great friends and indulged themselves by having their photographs taken when last week they spent an evening together at the opera house. They did so enjoy the Merry Widow Operetta, and now they dance around the kitchen table as the gramophone plays the lovely Merry Widow Waltz.
Miss Millie and Miss Molly fancy themselves as the beautiful Hanna , madly in love with the handsome Count Danilo Danilovitsch.

" I was born at the wrong place and at the wrong time ", laments Miss Millie,

" Oh I would gladly give up my fortune to marry the dashing Count Danilo, yes indeed I would oh, it is all so very romantic". sighs Miss Molly

Miss Pearl who is hosting the quilting bee in her lovely cosy cottage, was busy arranging the table for their afternoon tea.

Her dear friend and companion, Miss Tessa, was dozing by the warm fire and finds all this crafting stuff a bit of a bore, she would rather immerse herself in a good book. A quiet soul she is and quite content to potter around the house and garden, just keeping an eye on things you know, especially after the tragic events of not so long ago.

She does however appreciate good music and thoroughly enjoyed watching the two give, a not too bad, waltzing exhibition.

Now Miss Pearl did enjoy the lovely operetta too but she is more concerned with the here and now. Quilts have to be finished in time for the Craft Show and even though the event is not a competition, she is determined that her entry will be the very best example of excellence in needlework. She feels it is a great pity that there is to be no judgings and awards given, she is quite sure that if there was, her quilt would win the first prize.

Miss Millie and Miss Molly have brought along their cotton fabrics and threads, patterns and templates.

But choosing a quilt design is proving to be a bit of a challenge for Miss Millie as there are just so many designs and color combinations for her to choose from.

Miss Molly has decided on pinks and whites with lots of luscious roses and she also likes to incorporate a bit of embroidery into her quilts, she feels it adds that extra special touch.

Miss Pearl's taste runs to blue and white along with soft apple greens, and sometimes a touch of red will be included. Her fabric pieces are cut, the squares neatly stacked in the right order and ready to be stitched.

Rays of sunshine filtered down through the window, giving the room a soft golden glow as they enjoy themselves eating dainty herring sandwiches, finished off with slices of Madeira cake and hot creamy milk. The fire was blazing nicely and the sweet melody of the waltz filled the room. It wasn't long before the dear friends, each one having found a comfy chair, dozed off into a dreamy wonderland of dashing Counts and blue ribbon awards.

Miss Tessa chuckled to herself as she quietly tiptoed outside joining me for our afternoon stroll down the lane.

She was sure there wouldn't be any quilting done on this day. I had a bit of a chuckle myself and heartily agreed with her.

Reported by Jovi Woofley

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A POSTCARD FROM ABROAD

A postcard and a letter has arrived today from our dear Mrs Hessie Mouse.
Mr Johhny is so very excited to hear from his darling misses.

Mrs Hessie writes that her journey over the big waters was wonderful. They were most fortunate to have had good seafaring weather for the whole of the journey, there was not a storm to be seen.

The other passengers were most charming and seeing that she was unaccompanied invited her to join them at table on more than one occasion.
The captain and crew were ever so obliging and an invitation to dine at the captain's table was one of the highlights of the trip.

The tranquility aboard a tall ship gently riding the waves has to be experienced to be believed. She says she has never felt so relaxed in all of her life. The swish, swish, swish of the waves against the hull of the ship is not unlike the rhythmical chugging of a steam train, in that it gently lulls one into a sweet deep sleep.

Ports of call were indeed an education,she writes on, especially in places of a tropical climate where the residents run around in no less than skirts made entirely of grass. She says she would never have believed it had she not seen it. They cook their dinner in big holes in the ground and sing and dance all day long. A beautiful necklace, made with the loveliest, perfumed flowers was placed around her neck. Sea bathing was another, most pleasurable experience. She says to Mr Johhny, Dearest, I wish you were here.

The reunion with her relatives at Brambly Hedge went off a treat. There were so many invitations to morning teas and luncheons that she fears she has put on a bit of weight. The ladies have been on exciting shopping trips to markets and fairs, and some fine china has been purchased to add to her collection.
They have toured the Yorkshire Dales and are presently visiting the Cotswold.
It is high summer here and the gardens are magnificent, she says that if Annie with Spade were here she would surely think that she has died and gone to garden heaven. One is surrounded by the sweet scents of honeysuckle, lavender and roses. Wisteria and ivy are allowed to roam free over fences and up the walls right up to the chimneys even, it is such a delight to see.
The Cotswold boasts the most romantic thatched cottages and gardens that ever there was, and it reminds her of home.

She is missing us all some of the time, but she can't miss us all, all of the time because most of the time she is far too busy, but she does wish that we could all be here.
There will be lots of photographs of all the wonderful sights and gifts for her very dear friends.
Mrs Hessie finishes off her letter with a big smoochy for Mr Johhny and love to us all.

Reported by Jovi Woofley

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LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Mr Dusty Barkalot infected with the love bug.

It has been observed that Mr Dusty Barkalot has not been himself lately.

At first it was thought that he was still sulking over the accusations of negligence, even though the hearing committee has totally exonerated him, but, that is not the reason for his loss of appetite and moody demeanor. His erratic behavior has been cause for concern for a number of his dear friends.

The Lady at the big house was getting quite worried over Mr Dusty's health and sought to call for the assistance of the nice veterinary man, and, have Mr Dusty undergo a medical examination to find out what was ailing him.

Annie with Spade assured the Lady at the big house that calling out Mr Veterinary would not be necessary.

Annie explained that she thought Mr Dusty's problem was more to do with the state of his heart, not in a medical sense however, but more in the emotional sense.

It seems Mr Dusty has been noticed, on numerous occasions, sitting in Miss Gigi's cafe nursing a cup of hot frothy milk and daydreaming. He spends all his spare time there, and even pops his head in whilst on his rounds, just to make sure all is well, so he says.

Now Miss Gigi is a very independent mademoiselle and has made it quite clear that she is not interested in forming an attachment with anyone. In fact she has announced that she is soon to be closing down her cafe and returning to Paris.

She finds Hollyhock Hill a bit on the quiet side after spending her former years in the hustle and bustle of a large cosmopolitan city. Her plan is to reopen her cafe in her home town and settle there indefinitely.

But poor Mr Dusty is totally smitten. He has showered her with flowers and gifts to no avail, she is not impressed. Even his carefully penned love poems have not moved her heart.

But Mr Dusty is not giving up so easily, faint heart never won fair lady, he tells me, he is quite determined to win her over.

I myself though, think he should find a sweetheart closer to home, a nice well brought up country girl. These foreign females expect far too much, too much for us country boys to deliver. Why she expects to be showered with diamonds and pearls, a chauffeur driven limousine, and she parties well into the early hours of the morning. The cafe is opened late in the afternoons by her staff. Mademoiselle waltzes through the door in clouds of hot pink chiffon, greeting her patrons with daahrrrling zeez and daahrrrling zaat, as if she was a celebrity of the Moulin Rouge. She spends no less than an hour in front of the looking glass attending to her coiffure and only the very latest of fashions are considered. Gramophone records belt out the latest popular tunes and after midnight the champagne freely flows. Neighboring residents have lodged complaints, as the loud music is keeping them awake most nights. Why its enough to wake the dead they claim. These sorts of goings on are frowned upon in Hollyhock Hill.

I have decided to have a good heart to heart, man to man, chat with my good friend Mr Dusty and tell him whats what. I am wondering if he fancies himself in love due to the very delectable chocolate croissants served at the cafe, they do say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach.
Now if that is the case, and I am very sure it is, I will have saved my friend from a fate, far worse than death.
I am not sure if he is aware that the lovely Fraulein Issa, the new proprietor of the bakery, also bakes chocolate croissants, and hers are to die for.

Reported by Jovi Woofley

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A CRAFTY AFFAIR

Residents of Hollyhock Hill are invited to exhibit at the soon coming Craft Show to be held in the Village Town Hall on Main Street.

There are to be four categories.

Cloth Dolls....
Quilts.....
Embroidery...
Applique...
You may exhibit as many items as you wish as long as every item is handmade

Mumma Bunny, who has just returned from her lovely holiday at Calm Waters, had at first suggested a Doll Show as she herself is an excellent cloth doll maker. Her dolls are much sought after, far and wide. But Miss Pearl being an avid quilting fan complained that a doll show would be utterly boring, "Not many of us are so terribly fond of dolls" she insisted. Miss Millie also being an enthusiastic quilter poked her nose into the conversation and sided with Miss Pearl," After all" she said " Quilts are far more functional that dolls".
"Be that as it may "said Mumma Bunny," making a cloth doll takes far more creative skill than a quilt. After all a quilt is just a cotton blanket, but a cloth doll takes on a personality which the creator has to gently build by the careful sculpting of facial expressions. Suitable clothing and accessories have then to be considered and designed to match the developing character of the doll. Creating a beautiful cloth doll is a craft not to be taken lightly".

Mrs McKluckity asked if she should bake scones for the occasion. Miss Ashanthi thought an afternoon tea would be delightful and offered her freshly made blackberry jam to have with the scones. They both agreed a high tea in the gardens would compliment the craft show perfectly, weather permitting of course, after all it is the middle of winter. They clapped their hands with delight and hurried off to plan the menu and decided to ask Miss Issa if she might be persuaded to bake some of her wonderful cupcakes too.

Mrs Blackbird asked if knitted or crochet items may be entered as she really has no time for any other craft, especially not anything as wonderful as a cloth doll.
Mumma Bunny, being the sweetheart that she is, immediately offered to teach Mrs Blackbird the intricate art of cloth doll making on Tuesday afternoons and advised Mrs Blackbird to look around for a suitable sitter to stay with her young ones. She declared it was about time Mrs Blackbird had some quality time just for herself. As a matter of fact she felt sure her own darling Tasha would be more than happy to look after the young blackbirds. Miss Tasha was studying to be a teacher so the experience would do her the world of good.
Miss Pearl looked over at Miss Millie, rolled her eyes and stomped off in a huff.

Miss Molly Catwiskers overhearing all these discussions quickly scooted off to Catnip Downs announcing to one and all that a Craft Show is going to be held at the Town hall in Main Street. Claws came out as speculations where made as to who would and who would not exhibit.

Mrs Tuppence offered that her floral embroideries were second to none, glaring at everyone lest they dared to disagree. Miss Siam stretched and purred vowing that her applique cushions would undo them all.
Mrs Ginger arrived and upon being told about the Craft Show said that she would exhibit her handmade character bears, now that, she was sure would give everyone something to talk about.
Miss Molly, was only to pleased to kindly point out that teddy bears were not included on the list of entries.
" Is that So !!!!!" retorted Mrs Ginger, "Well they soon will be if I have anything to do with it, who is in charge of this crafty affair anyway ?"

Annie with Spade was busy installing a rather large, turquoise blue, water pot in the middle of one of the cottage perennial beds. She had acquired a rather lovely oriental waterlily and so decided a water feature would be a charming addition to the gardens.
Mrs Ginger, quietly sidled up alongside Annie carrying a tray with a cup of hot milk and honey on it and one of the famous cupcakes. She felt sure that Mrs Annie, who was working so very hard, could do with a bit of refreshment. She complimented Annie on her choice of the water pot and declared Mrs Annie a gifted, and artistic gardener, and that she was giving no end of aesthetic pleasure to all the residents of Hollyhock Hill. After a few more moments were spent discussing the weather and what have you, Mrs Ginger casually made mention of her own artistic endeavours, that being, handmade teddy bears, and how very much she enjoyed it. She went on to explain how difficult and challenging a craft it was and that it kept her fully occupied.

Now Annie with Spade is no body's fool, but she does so love all the critters at Hollyhock Hill and has a heart of gold. She thanked Mrs Ginger for bringing to her attention, her being remiss in not adding teddy bears on the list of entries for the forthcoming craft show. She remarked that teddy bears are so charming and so full of character, and that it would be such a shame if they were not also on display. Mrs Ginger readily agreed and declared that she would rise to the occasion and offer her very best character bears to be viewed and admired by all.

On her way home Annie with Spade popped her head through Mumma Bunny's door and warned her of the fierce competition ahead in the form of handmade teddy bears. After she left the Bunny household Annie decided that knitted and crochet items might also be added to the list of exhibits.

All those wishing to take part please be advised that this craft show is not a competition and judging will not take place. It is to be a fun, family day and it is hoped that a good time will be had by all.

All entries will be photographed and published on Critter Chronicles.

Reported by Jovi Woofley.

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A CELEBRATION

Invitations have gone out for a grand celebration at Hollyhock Hill.

It is to be a double celebration as Fraulein Issa is taking over the family bakery at her coming of age.

Her sweet parents are retiring and handing over the bakery to their beloved daughter.

The retiring couple are going to spend their days going for walks,visiting their friends or just simply enjoying the sunshine.

Their most favourite activity is going to the opera. They have their own special box which they say enhances their enjoyment of the gay musical plays which are often featured much to their delight.

Fraulein Issa is very excited about being the boss at last. She says being bossy is part of her nature and she is looking forward to taking charge.

The party is to be held in the gardens overlooking the valley and the blue hills beyond. Everybody young and old big and small, pitched in and did their bit to make the gardens ready for her special day. Fraulein Issa just loves flowers and fortunately the winters are mild at Hollyhock Hill. Pots of pink and red geraniums line the pathways and pink climbing roses have been trained to wind themselves over the arches. The herbaceous borders are still spilling over with every colour under the sun and the tables are adorned with pots of pretty pink hydrangeas

The bakery is a hive of activity as a large crowd is expected to join in the festivities.

Now great care must be taken when catering for such a large and diverse number of guests. After all the desired result is that all taste buds explode with happiness.

There are to be fluffy cream buns, sumptuous vanilla slices, and apple strudels filled with plump raisins and dusted with cinnamon. Shortbread cookies coated in rich dark chocolate. Homegrown asparagus combined with deep sea salmon in dainty sandwiches. These delectables will be served with raspberry punch and lavender tea.

Fraulein Issa has a reputation for baking the most divine cupcakes. She herself will bake and decorate them with sweet rosewater, butter cream icing. This rosewater is especially shipped in from beyond the sand dunes of Arabia and transported to the docks on the backs of camels.
Nothing but the finest ingredients will do.

Lights burn in the bakery long into the night as she lovingly works on each individual creation until her high standards are met. Ever the artist and with a deft hand she maneuvers that piping bag, round and round until the tiniest soft pink rosebuds are formed on a bed of baby blue icing. Sage green leaves are added to form a delightful miniature garden on top of every little cake, they are then surrounded with creamy white swirls. On others she will form tiny caramel bird's nests overlaid with a trailing green vine and tiny scarlet roses. In the midst of the nests one will find blue speckled, candy covered chocolate eggs.
She is often overheard saying that culinary pleasures must first be experienced by the eyes, then the nose and last but not least the taste buds. Such is her attention to detail and I vow and declare no taste bud will be disappointed.

The weather bureau has promised us a bright sunshine day and the air is buzzing with excitement.

We all wish Fraulein Issa a very Happy Birthday and great success in the bakery.

Reported by Jovi Woofley...News as it Happens

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A DARK AND STORMY NIGHT and A GHOST.

It was a dark and stormy night, the wind howled through the treetops. Rain pelted the windows and everyone huddled by their fires.
I said to Mr Dusty what a foul night this was and how glad I would be when morning came. He readily agreed, a night like this would bring nothing good.

We both dozed by the warm comforting fire, it was well after the midnight hour and the wind had finally died down. All at Hollyhock Hill had lights out and were fast asleep in their warm beds safe and sound at last.

All of a sudden a loud blood curdling S-C-R-E-A-M pierced the cold night air. We both jumped up frightened out of our wits, mouths open and just stared at each other. The fur on the back of my head stood up like a fence post. Neither of us spoke, we were paralyzed as if frozen in time waiting for what I don't know. And then another S-C-R-E-A-M. Mr Dusty declared that it was coming from Chickie Village. We both raced down the hill, lights were being turned on one by one in the neighbourhood." What was that " someone called out, " is it another fox "? yelled another. By now we could hear that it was coming from No 2 Grassy Lane, it was our new friend Miss Ashanthi who was in trouble. We banged on the front door but there was no answer, so we broke it down fearing the worst. Eventually we found the poor dear in a dreadful state hiding under her bed, shivering and shaking and hardly able to speak such was her terror. Miss Pearl wrapped in one of her handmade quilts came creeping in and seeing the state Miss Ashanthi was in threw her own warm quilt around her shoulders. She gently led her downstairs into the kitchen and sat her down by the big black stove and put the kettle on for some nice hot tea and a splash of brandy. We waited for Miss Ashanthi to drink her brandy tea and calm down.
Now seeing as how it was such a very cold night and that we all of us had had a shock it was decided that we all should have brandy in our tea. And very medicinal it was too.

Finally Miss Ashanthi was herself again and spluttered out that she had seen a ghost, outside her bedroom window.

We all stood staring at each other not knowing what to say next. Mr Dusty broke the silence and declared that there is no such thing as a ghost and that he suspected some fowl play was at hand.

Mrs MacKluckity arrived and went about cooking pancakes as dawn was breaking and Mr MacKluckity, Mr Dusty and I went outside and made a search of the area. The bedrooms at No 2 were upstairs and we were trying to figure out who and what could have made a ghostly appearance at such a height.
Looking up into the treetops we spotted the three naughty Blackbird boys stifling giggles and looking very pleased with themselves.
Aha! we all looked at each other and nodded our heads.

Over breakfast we assured Miss Ashanthi that all was well and that a fowl trick had been played on her by the Blackbird boys and that if they appeared in her window again she should throw her potty at them. They would be sternly dealt with, in fact this time we would put the matter into the hands of Annie with Spade, now she is a tough cookie when it comes to delinquent blackbirds. They were always messing up her seedlings after she lovingly planted them in the gardens. A visit was made to the Blackbird residence, and upon opening the door Mr Blackbird promptly fell out of it still half drunk from the night before. Mrs Blackbird was busy with her numerous offspring so we just enquired after her well being after the stormy night and bade them all good day.

Annie with Spade was furious and confronted the naughty Blackbird boys. The youngest of the three, ever willing to boast, told how they stole a white dishcloth off the clothesline and how two of them held each end of the cloth at the widow while the third poked his head into the dishcloth giving the appearance of a face in the window. They thought it to be a brilliant joke and couldn't understand why all this fuss was being made. Annie was not amused and told them so in no uncertain terms. She gave them an ultimatum, they were to do community work around Chickie Village, especially at No 2 Grassy Lane, pulling up all the weeds in the flower beds. They were to bring Miss Ashanthi a branch full of big juicy blackberries, enough for a lovely pot of jam, and they were to say sorry for giving her such a dreadful fright.

If they failed to do this she threatened to whisper in the ear of a Mr Baker who lived in a village over the other side of the hill, and of whom it was said, enjoyed a hearty meal of blackbird pie.
Just to make sure they were mindful of their promise Mrs Annie went about her gardening chores singing
"Sing A Song Of Sixpence A Pocket full of Rye, Four And Twenty Blackbirds Baked In A Pie, When The Pie Was Open The Birds Were Nicely Cooked, Oh What A Lovely Dish Indeed To Have For Tea ".

It was our turn to have a giggle,the flower beds at Chickie Village never looked more lovely, there was not a weed to be seen.

Reported by Jovi Woofley....News at it happens.

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AN EXOTIC VISITOR

The air is buzzing with the news of a beautiful stranger in Chickie Village

Hollyhock Hill has been graced with a visitation by a Miss Ashanthi, who is from an exotic island far, far away over the big waters, an exotic island that is famous for growing tea. This tea is the bestest in the world.

Miss Ashanthi is very beautiful with shiny, blue black ~~hair~~ feathers and bright sparkly eyes. A crimson comb adorns her head and over her shoulder she wears the most exquisite purple paisley shawl, made from real silk.

Wild cats and cheeky monkeys live in the jungles and at dusk flying insects turn into sparkling fairy lights just like magic. A lot of funny looking animals live there like I have never seen in my life before, and of course there are chickens and ducks. Maybe mice and cats too.They have plenty of rain and beautiful beaches with the whitest sands and lots and lots of very tall palm trees. Fruit trees and bright coloured flowers grow everywhere. They call it a tropical paradise, the most beautiful island that ever there was. The people are very friendly too and once an introduction has been made it is immediately followed by an invitation for lunch or dinner. It is considered impolite if such an invitation is not accepted. The people there love to have big parties every day.

Miss Ashanthi lives with the Lady Maree at Lake house Lodge, who is wanting to visit her relatives at this former homeland of hers called, Ceylon. Lady Maree had asked the Lady at the big house if Miss Ashanthi could come stay at Chickie Village for the duration of her trip so that she would not be lonely all by herself at the Lodge.

Seeing there is a vacancy at Chickie Village the Lady at the big house didn't hesitate to say yes. She felt sure the Misses Myrtle and Rosie would be delighted to have their lovely cottage lived in and looked after.

Mrs MacKluckity and Miss Pearl hurried over to the cottage to freshen it up a bit with mopings and dustings. A crystal vase filled with fresh white daisies was placed on the kitchen table and a large bunch of lavender was put in a basket beside the hearth. The pantry was stocked with a few essentials and a yummy carrot cake, baked by Mrs MacKluckity herself. The old black wood stove was polished up and lit with the kettle on top ready for some tea.

Thus the exotic visitor was welcomed to No 2 Grassy Lane.

Miss Ashanthi invited her guests to stay for supper, very grateful was she for all their efforts in making her feel so welcomed.

While they chatted on Miss Ashanthi cooked mulligatawny soup. and potato and pea curry. She grated carrots and coconut, and mixed freshly squeezed lemon juice through it and filled a little dish with mango chutney. The warm aroma of curry and spices filled the tiny kitchen and wafted out through the windows. Passers by knocked on the door of the cottage wondering what on earth was going on in there. Introductions were made and more invitations to stay for supper were accepted.

Miss Ashanthi's supper party was a great success even though many glasses of water were hastily drunk as no one in Chickie Village had ever tasted hot curries before. Mr MacKluckity nearly fainted, he turned quite red after biting into a rather hot chilli.

Over tea , the best tea in the world, and the yummiest carrot cake,
scary tales were told of tiger hunts and rogue elephants.
The tigers sneak around in the dead of night and kill poor sleeping creatures and take them away to be eaten.
Stories of elephants smashing their way through entire villages and killing people kept everyone hanging on to the edge of their seats.
Chicken houses are always built on tall stilts on the island she told us, to keep the residents safe from a variety of ground predators, which are a big problem over there,
Everybody cheered and said what a marvelous idea that was.

Nobody mentioned the fox incident , after all why spoil such a jolly party.

Midnight came and went, candles burnt low, slowly we said our thanks to Miss Ashanthi for a most enjoyable evening with promises for another get together soon.

Reported by Jovi Woofley.

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The Enquiry - Mr Dusty Barkalot - Innocent or Guilty ?????

Mr Dusty Barkalot stands accused of sleeping on the job, while Miss Myrtle and Miss Rosie were brutally attacked and murdered by Mr Fox.
It is believed that, had Mr Dusty been about his duties none of this would have happened.

Mr Dusty arrived at the hearing wearing a very smart tartan bow tie, and
an innocent expression. Sitting there in the dock it was very hard to imagine that he could be guilty of such negligence.

Miss Pearl, who lives on Snowdrop Lane said that she did see Mr Dusty on patrol late the previous night. As did numerous other folk who also gave their testimony.
The Lady at the big house however gave a more detailed report on Mr Dusty's activities on the said night and morning.
The Gentleman at the big house was away on a business trip and Mr Dusty was charged with the security of the big house while he was away. After the night patrol around the grounds of the estate Mr dusty took his position at the front of the big house guarding his mistress.

He was very diligent and barking a lot whenever anyone walked past the house or even on the opposite side of the road, such is his vigilance. On numerous occasions he would wake everybody up with his loud barkings and growlings whenever he heard a suspicious noise.
When the postman arrived early in the morning to deliver the mail it was feared Mr Dusty would charge right through the front window, such was his dedication to the job. The postman was terrified, he threw his hands in the air dropped the mail and ran for the hills.

The nice tradesman who came to give a quote on the electrics was bitten on the ankle by Mr Dusty. Fortunately, however, after much apologizing by his mistress, the threat of litigation was dropped.

It was found by the hearing committee, that Mr Barkalot was definitely not sleeping on the job.
He was in fact engaged in the security of the big house, which sits at the other end of the estate on top of the hill, Therefore it would be impossible for Mr Dusty, or anyone else at the big house, to have heard or be aware of the fox attack at the bottom of the hill in Chickie Village.

It was also said that this is a good lesson for those who would judge someone guilty before hearing all the evidence. And that an attitude of innocent until proven guilty must be maintained here at Hollyhock Hill.

It was decided that Mr Dusty be given a new, pure wool, hand knitted jumper as compensation for having to go through such an unsettling ordeal.

Once outside Mr Dusty's mistress, gave him a big smoochy hug and told him he is a good boy.

Everyone cheered and clapped hands and then we all went around to Mademoiselle Gigi's cafe for afternoon tea. Chocolate croissants and hot frothy milk was on the menu.

D-e-l-i-c-i-o-u-s.

Reported by Jovi Woofley...New as it happens...

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A MEMORIAL SERVICE

FOREVER IN OUR THOUGHTS

A memorial service was held last night for our dear friends Miss Rosie and Miss Myrtle, may they R.I.P.

There was not a dry eye in the house as Miss Rosie's favourite Psalm, Pslam 23 was sung by the congregation.

The LORD Is My Shepherd

1The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

An eulogy was given by Mrs MacKluckity who was especially fond of them both. Many hours were spent in each others kitchens trying out new recipes. Miss Myrtle's strawberry preserves were second to none and Miss Rosie made the best scones in the neighbourhood.

Invitations to high tea was a regular happening at the cottage .

There was a permanent arrangement for an ' all are welcome ' picnic on Sunday afternoons after service on the grassy meadow by their cottage. Everybody who came along brought a plate of something scrumptious to eat. Nobody ever went hungry in Chickie Village, Miss Rosie and Miss Myrtle made sure of that.

It grieves us all so very deeply that they had to come to such a sad end.

They will be sorely missed and forever fondly remembered .

May they rest in peace

Reported by 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.