Digger and Dennis - Trainee Treasure Hunters

"Hurry, Dennis! We've got to get out into the garden before it's too late." It had been a beautiful day and the winter sun was still shining, but the shadows were beginning to lengthen in the late afternoon.

Digger grabbed his fork and shovel and off he went, closely followed by Dennis, waddling as fast as his short ducky legs would allow. Their plan was to look for buried treasure in the short time available to them before sunset.

First stop was the herb garden. In a nice spot near the alyssum and rosemary Dennis and Digger began exploring but, although very pretty, this didn't seem to be quite the sort of place for buried treasure.

Moving on, in the front garden underneath a rose tree and near the snowdrops, they found another likely location for digging, It was here that Digger discovered he was ambidextrous, as he cleverly handled both shovel and fork with equal skill.

Dennis was full of admiration for his friend's bi-paw digging ability, but neither of them felt satisfied that what they were looking for was in this garden either. So on they went, as the sun sank lower in the western sky.

By the time they reached the cottage garden and near the nasturtiums (a place with excellent potential), both treasure hunters were beginning to feel a little weary. However, Dennis said to Digger encouragingly,

"I'm sure we will find what we're looking for here," and so saying, he began to forage around with his beak in the nice damp soil, and Digger intently watched his progress.

And then, just as they were both about to get right down to it, who should appear on the scene but Nana Kayzy.

"Hello, dear ones - what are you up to?"

"Looking for buried treasure, Nana," Digger answered. "We're sure it must be hidden here."

 "Well, my dears, it's getting very cold and the sun is almost gone. I think you should wait until tomorrow to find that treasure. If you're right, it will still be there tomorrow. Why don't you come inside to the warm fire, and tell the other critters what you've been doing?"

Digger the Dog and Dennis the Dancing Duck only hesitated for a moment. The thought of a warm fire, a nice dinner and an evening with friends was much more inviting than staying out in the cold.

Digger collected his tools, picked up Dennis in his arms, and followed Nana Kayzy into the nice warm cottage and the furry warmth of the hug. After all, good friends are the best treasure anyone can find.

Final Note about Digger and Dennis

Digger is still with me at Critter Cottage and is available for adoption. His information is on my For Adoption page. 

As I write this, Dennis the Dancing Duck is preparing to fly to Far North Queensland, where he will be welcomed into a new family who assure me they dance frequently and have lots of water nearby for Dennis's delight. We will miss you, Dennis!

....ooo0ooo....

A warm welcome to Carolyn Robbins, a new follower of our blog. I know you will  enjoy visiting Carolyn's excellent bear blog Warm Heart Bears (very cute), and this will also lead you on to her Rose Cottage Dolls and Patchwork Ark blogs. Carolyn is a very busy and clever lady!

D is for Daffodils, Dogs, and Ducks

Alright, I admit it - I am a little addicted to alliteration!* That is, I love the sound of a string of words starting with the same letter or sound. So, on this delightful day - damp, but with spring about to slip into sight (oh, that was a bad one!) -  I couldn't resist the opportunity for another fix with today's post title.

D is for Daffodil 

Last week I completed ten days of hard labour - picking, bunching  and selling daffodils and jonquils on a roadside stall.

 I did it for our neighbours while they were away on holiday (thankfully they are home again now), and these pics celebrate my last day of bunching.

It was satisfying work, especially when the honesty box was honestly filled with coins by my customers (or IOUs left). I have to say, though, that if I doubted the doctrine of the depravity of man beforehand, this experience confirmed its truth. So disappointing it was to have many bunches taken without payment, but on the bright side it could have been worse - most did pay. So all in all, being a flower lady for a short time was a bit of fun.

D is for Dog 

I don't know why it's taken me so long to make a dog, but Digger insisted on being born, so here he is. He is a busy little chap, and longs to be out, digging for bones or other archeological treasures.

D is also for Duck

Dennis the Dancing Duck is the result of a lifelong affection for ducks and especially a song my brother Jon Robinson recently wrote, called The Dancing Duck. I'd love to share the song here, but don't know how to upload it. However, if you would like to hear it I'd be glad to email it to you on request.

Dennis and Digger are great mates, and in my next post I will tell you the tale of these two intrepid excavators.

*Note:  alliteration |is the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. 

Bonjour, Babette!

Well, I've been postponing the production of this post, procrastinating and puddling around, but finally decided to publish today (how many 'p' words can one fit into one sentence?)  My reasons for delay have been many, but foremost was the hope of completing alterations on a dress I'd found in my box (see last post) for Babette.

However, time and Babette waits for no Nana. Babette does not want a dress (pleading eyes); she wants to say "Bonjour!" to the world unhampered by clothing. Babette decided that all she needed was a flower in her hair, and one around her neck.

So, without further ado, may I introduce you to Babette.

Babette is made of apricot pink English mohair. Her footpads are ultrasuede, with pulled toe detail. She is stuffed with polyester, and has beads in her tummy and legs for added weight. Her English glass eyes are backed with white ultrasuede highlights, she has an embroidered nose and mouth, and has needle and scissor sculpting to give extra character to her face, along with her pixie-like ears.

Babette is designed to sit, having bent legs, and her overall length from head to toe is 35cm.

Babette is a contented, sweet-natured little girl, and I know she will make the special someone who adopts her very happy. Her adoption fee is AUD$140.00, plus postal and insurance costs. For further information about Babette, please email me.

Fun at the Adelaide Doll, Bear and Collectables Show

Last Saturday, Kay Schulz and I shared a table at this small show. 

We had a most enjoyable day together, catching up with other bear artist friends, chatting with visitors, and giving our bears a day out. 

We also farewelled Elfyn, who captured the heart of a lady. With a wistful last look and a hug, he departed, and I am happy that he has gone to such a good home.