Bilbo and Paulie - Bike or Tardis?

Critter Cottage was abuzz, as the news broke that Bilbo and Paulie were to be adopted.

"You're going to a big family, and they already love you," said Nana Kayzy. "They told me that they can't wait to take you on their teddy bear picnics!"

"When can we go, when, when?" cried Bilbo, jumping up and down with excitement, while Paulie hung on behind him.

"When can we go?"

"As soon as I can get you ready," Nana Kayzy answered. "Off you go, and have one last turn on the swing seat while I find a box to fit you both."

Bilbo and Paulie were not impressed at the thought of being cooped up in a box, so while they were swinging, they hit on a plan.

"A box doesn't sound good - we need a plan"

"Aha! I've got it!"

When Nana Kayzy went looking for the boys, they were not to be found on the swing seat, but searching outside, she found them - on the bike, and heading towards the gate. "And where do you think you're going?" she called.

"Where do you think you're going?"

"We're riding to our new home"

"We're going to ride the bike to our new home!" squeaked Paulie. "We don't want to go in a box."

Nana Kayzy laughed, picked them up, bike and all, and brought them back into the cottage, where Sandi and Scruff were already sitting up at the table. "We're going to have a farewell celebration party!" they cried.

Farewell Celebration Party

Bilbo and Paulie decided on orange cordial and lollies for their celebration, because "We need a BIG drink and lots of carbs to get us ready for our BIG trip," they explained. (Nana Kayzy told herself that she'd better be a little more careful in explaining nutrition to the bears in future.)

"We need a BIG drink and lots of carbs"

"What do you think, Paulie?"

"OK, Nana Kayzy - we'll go in the Tardis"

After their celebration, the boys were shown THE BOX, which Nana Kayzy quickly explained was just like a Tardis, and would transport them to their new home much more quickly than riding a bike all the way.

Bilbo and Paulie could see the sense in this, and after checking it out thoroughly, agreed to this method of transport.

"Watch your step, Bilbo - that first one's tricky."

"It's pretty comfortable."

When last seen, their little faces were full of anticipation of the exciting adventure ahead, and they gave solemn promises to write as soon as they arrived at their destination.

"We'll write as soon as we get there."

Nana Kayzy closed the box, and the intrepid time travellers were off, and . . . the Tardis disappeared from sight!

"Farewell, intrepid time travellers!"

                                                                                                                      

WELCOME TO NEW FRIENDS!

• A warm welcome to Robyn Kaye and Gabriele Joy, of GJOYful Bears - a lovely site to visit.
• Welcome also to a good friend who has just joined us here on the blog - Annette Henderson, of Dreamweaver Bears (see pic on my last post). Annette was an encouragement and inspiration to me in my early days of bearmaking - thank you, Annette.

"Hi" to Hahndorf, "Bye" to Some Critters

Amidst the beautiful Adelaide autumn weather, there was excitement in the teddy bear and doll community, as we headed for the Adelaide Hills Doll and Bear Show held at Hahndorf each year in April.

My friend Kay Schulz of Kay's Kids and I were to share a trading table again, and the anticipation of spending the weekend together made the early start worthwhile. We were also looking forward to catching up with beary friends, some of whom come from as far away as Sydney (1430 kms).

Kay and Kay - what a team!

On arrival, there was the usual rush and bustle of setting up, but thanks to Kay, who had done most of the work on Friday afternoon, all I had to do was place my critters on our table and make them comfortable.

Within five minutes of the doors opening to the public, Kelvin had charmed his way into the heart of a lovely lady, and he waved goodbye and headed off to his new home.

Kelvin (bottom right) says goodbye to Kaylee and Joy

Then dear Steve was descending from his bicycle and departing with his new mother.

See you later, Nana Kayzy!

Kay was also enjoying success, with her lovely bears and elegant pincushions being appreciated and adopted by discerning collectors. 

Some of Kay's lovely creations

After first rush, I grabbed the opportunity to have a quick look around the hall, and to take some pictures of friends along the way. To see more of their work or contact them, click on their name:

Valma Bolton of Teddy's Bits

Valma Bolton of Teddy Bits

On the right is Annette Henderson of Dreamweaver Bears

Annette Henderson of Dreamweaver Bears













Gabi of Anibeck Creations

Gabi with her exquisite Anibeck Creations

Gabi made this darling squirrel

Val Potter - Bear With Me Bears

Val Potter of Bear With Me Bears

Shirley is smitten with Wilbur (Kays Kids)

Meanwhile, back at our table, one of my girls was making the most of the day. Shirley, introduced to Wilbur, was instantly smitten, and refused to leave his side for the rest of the weekend. (I can see I'm going to keep an eye on those two!)

On the other end of the table Sandi stood dreamily alongside Scruff, her new best friend.

Sandi and Scruff

Later in the day, an earlier visitor returned to make an important decision - "Should I adopt San-Shu or Mei-Lei?"  After some deliberation the decision was made - it was Mei-Lei. Although San-Shu and I were sad to see her go, we knew that Mei-Lei was going to a loving home so we were glad, too.

Mei-Lei (on the right) farewells San-Shu

Before the show, I assisted with judging the competition bears for the first time - a rather daunting task, but very interesting. Pictured are the major prizewinners.

All in all, the Adelaide Doll and Bear Show was great fun, and Kay and I are already planning our participation in next year's event.

Where are you going, Twingk?

 Paulie held Twingkelle's hand as they sat on the swing-seat made especially for them (rather hastily) by Nana Kayzy. Since she had introduced them to each other, the two little bears had become the best of friends and were inseparable.

"Where are you going, Twingk?" Paulie asked.

"Nana Kayzy told me that I'm being adopted by a new Mum and Dad," Twingkelle replied.

"Oh, that's good, I 'spose," Paulie said, and pondered this news as he swung his legs on the swing-seat. "But why do you have to go away?"

Twingkelle squeezed his hand. "Well, Nana Kayzy says that my new Mum and Dad are moving to Queensland, and they're taking me with them to their new home in Cairns."

"Oh, that sounds exciting," Paulie said, trying to sound enthusiastic, "but you're my bestest friend - what'll I do when you go away?"

"Well, we can talk on the phone lots, and maybe you could come for a holiday sometime. Let's ask Nana Kayzy."

Nana Kayzy, who had been listening to the little bears' conversation, smiled when she heard this, and quickly responded by telling them that she had already planned a holiday visit to Cairns for Paulie,
" . . . and to get there, we're going to fly in a big jet plane," she told them.

Paulie was so overcome at the thought of going on a jet plane that he almost fell off the swing-seat!
 
He forgot his sadness at his friend's impending departure, and instead began swinging higher and higher, calling out excitedly, "I'm learning how to fly now!" This made Twingkelle squeal with delight, and she helped the swing-turned-plane go even higher by swinging her legs furiously.

The two little friends had heaps of fun, making the most of the beautiful autumn day and their time together, and planning how to tell the other bears their exciting news.

Read more about Paulie on the For Adoption page.