Wedding Anniversary Greetings!

It is an important day today!
Aunt BJ's Cotton [second] Wedding Anniversary.
I just hope she recieves more that a cotton hankerchiefs!
Anyway, myself, John II [Aunt BJ has his twin] and Sam... And all the other Hug members want to say:-
"Happy Wedding Anniversary Aunt BJ!"


In honor of the occasion, Mother has promised to read to us all, a very special story this afternoon.
Apparently, Aunt BJ 'virtually' tossed her bridal bouquet of six red Roses with a a whisper of Baby's Breath tied with a bright blue ribbon to Mother!
That, caring, fun gesture firmly cemented their blogland friendship and turned it into the genuine thing.
But, there was more to come.
Aunt wrote 'The Runaway Bouquet' that hilariously relates how the bouquet actually made it to England via the mis-adventures of a ferret called Wicket to re-unite two lovers - Mother and gentleman friend Little Buddy!
It is now published in 'The Apple Tree', Aunt BJ's first book of short stories - Mother proudly has a signed copy.
Hugs,

Saturday Photo Hunters - Surprise!

I am sneaking in an entry for this weekly meme.
Caught Mother chuckling away the other day.
She then showed me this photograph with its surprise guest...It seems by the isolated beauty of Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park, Canada - Mother's been there, a couple thought to take a holiday picture of themselves using their camera's timer.
They were more than a little suprised, when this curious ground squirrel popped up in the foreground to steal the limelight!
He is my type of critter!
Hugs,

A Pearl of an Award!

My good bear friend Master Buttons has passed on this rather special award to me, yes me...The translation of the award is 'Your Blog is Like a Pearl - Rare, delicate and charming!'

I am very touched and grateful.

It does descibe me to a perfectly though!

Thank-you Buttons.

The rules to accept this award.

You must post the link of who sent the award to you.

Then pass the award on to 6 blogs with Pearl and Emotion.

I had a deep think about this and finally decided upon...

1. 'Aunt' Helena - Bob T Bears esq's very talented mummy.

2. 'Aunt' Miss Peach>(^;^)< - her blog is always full of beautiful images.

3. 'Aunt' The Duchess - she creates a wonderful escapist world.

4. Ludo van Doggy - a very clever canine trickster.

5. 'Aunt' BJ - a fine writer who take great photographs

6. Asta, the sassy foxy Miss from New York - she's lots of fun.

And, I am going to break the rules by passing the award back to Buttons just because, but he just has to accept it this time round!

Hugs,

True Colours Thursday - SKYE BLUE!

Last week I wrote about Little Precious Bear arriving from Singapore.

Well, she did not arrive alone!

Along with her came a special keyring, Miss Bonnie in her SKYE BLUE dress...

Mother attached her to her Quartz Crystal point & door key straightaway.

They have been inseparable ever since.

Hugs,

Wheelie Wednesday - Judy & Peaches!

"Hi, it's me Judy...It's been a while since I've had a word, but no matter, unlike big Wheelie brother Bailey I'm not going to make an issue of it because I'm a lady!

Mummy came home with a box of juicy, ripe Nectarines yesterday.

She said, she wanted a Summer fruit fix that reminded her of better climes, as our English Summer has been a misery since June!!!

I checked out a small fruit...

It certainly smelt really delectable, so fragrant.

But, Miss Peaches quickly had her paws in the box, demanding to know why Nectarines not Peaches...

Mummy explained because, they are always not 'free stone' & so tough skinned, unlike those from sunny BC in Canada or the States!

Anyway, we both hoped she might make Peach or rather Nectarine Melba as the Bear Hug & I are still, anxiously awaiting our very first taste of this much moated thing called Ice Cream!

But, no!

It's becoming a bit of an issue here, especially since we all read on Buttons blog about his Mom actually making her own!

If only, if only, Mummy had a sweet touth rather than a savoury one!

Anyway, next week I hope to visit my bestest 'wheelie' friend Autumn.

Her folks are going away on vacation, so I plan to wheelboat across the 'Pond' to the States to have afternoon tea with her!

Tell you all about it soon.

Foxy love & wheelie wishes,
xxx"

Playing a Fun Game!

Aunt BJ recently did this meme and forgot to tag me!

But, being a forgiving bear I will overlook this grave omission of hers!!!

The rules were simple enough, erase her answers and fill in my own.

So, here is goes!

1. Who is the hottest Movie Star?

I think Bob T Bear Esq, I admire his productions no end...

While Mother - she insists on playing along too, goes for boring actors Robert Redford, or Colin Firth!

2. Apart from your house & car, what is the most important item you have ever acquired?

My rescue, by looking totally bearsome @ Mother, when she spotted me on that Antiques Stall last year.

Mother says Airline Tickets and lots of them!

3. What is your most treasured memory?

Being bought by Mother.

I was growing weary of being wrapped in grubby newspaper & deposited in a packing box by the Antiques dealer, only to be put on display again the next day in the cold.

Mother goes for meeting Little Buddy in Hawaii - this is in 1994...

4. What was the best gift you ever received as a child?

Baby Bear memories I do lack, so have to pass here.

While Mother was initially torn between her rocking horse & her garden swing, as both allowed her to escape into her own private world while riding / flying through the air for hours and hours on end!

But, she thinks the swing wins, as it was her greatest source of pleasure, almost a companion as an only child, strange as that sounds, for longer years!

She says, she sat on it, no matter what the season, Winter or Summer.
She swung HARD & HIGH, almost rocking it out of the ground, imagining being as free as a bird, dreaming of going to far flung places & telling her-self wild fantasy tales.

Even in her teens she admits to sitting swinging away whilst reading, and when her childhood home was sold, her only regret was leaving the by then rusty swing behind.

5. What is the biggest mistake you have ever made?

Letting myself get kidnapped from my birth palace.

I could be living in with the Duke of Marlborough!

Mother went misty eyed here & said despite all the wonderful meetings, failing in love with a married man in the 1980's & keeping the affair current!

6. Four words to describe yourself?

Me - Reserved, Faithful, Caring & Superior.

Mother - Shy, Loyal, Differcult & Moody!

7. What was your highlight or low light of 2008?

Back to Mother's rescuing me - it was a highlight!

She says finding me - a very good answer in my bear eyes!

8. Favourite Film?

Mine has to be this...

This fascinating documentary film, an all too short 55 minutes, sees Hollywood star, Ewan McGregor, in the 'Polar Bear Capital of the World', Churchill, Manitoba, Canada.

A place on our mutual 'must visit' list.

But, Mother still opts for 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid'

We both watched, it recently.
See her post here on her Films, Memories & Movies blog!

9. Tell me one thing I don’t know about you.

I sneak up @ night to eat any cakes & biscuits left about.

While Mother, says she wanted to be a Air Hostess, but did not have the figure or languages - hence maybe failing for a Pilot instead!

10. If you were a comic book/strip or cartoon character, who would you be?

Why, Rupert Bear- he has smart atire!

Mother - Fred Basset, for no reason, she just likes him...
Now who to tag?

Bob T Bear, Esq, as I'm sure he will have a lot to say!

Buttons, he & his Hug always have fascinating tales.

Aunt Peach>(^;^)< & Karla because we love them.

And,

Maggie & Mitch, as they are always up to play.

Hugs to all,

Postscript:

As the Rocky Creek Scotties were the first to comment we tag them too - the more the merry is what I say!

A Rainbow Bear!

Mother has got a 'thing' about rainbows today!

I loved her photograph and since she seems on a 'high', thought I would do a Rainbow Bear search on Google.

I found this fine Rastafarian boy...He would have been very welcome to join my Hug.

I do like free spirits!

But, as a commissioned bear he has already gone to live with a Hillary, do wonder if that is Edward of Basically Bears H???

He was made by K.M Bears by Kerren Morris, who also has a blog HERE.

Think I will keep my beady eye on her.

Have a good weekend all Aunts, Bears & Pups.

Hugs

True Colours Thursday - PALE PINK!

Phew, we made it!??!
Was not sure I would be here posting today!
Anyway, before getting down to TCT business, must say 'Thank-you' to Aunt BJ, Buttons and Maggie & Mitch for their kind words and friendship, it means a lot!

Now, will take the opportunity to introduce a rather special little girl.
Mother has made many friends via the wonderful world of Dogs with Blogs.
One back in 2007, was Miss Precious, a so cute Silky Terrier from Singapore - seen here pretty in PINK...When she learnt Mother had broken her wrist that Autumn gardening, she sweetly sent 'Little Precious Bear' in her pretty PALE PINK outfit with pup, as a 'Get-Well' present...It was much appreciated.
Sadly, Silky Precious, nolonger updates her blog.
Mother misses her.
Hugs,

x

Postscript:
Miss Rosie's letter & video yesterday made my old bears heart flutter!
And, I certainly blushed PINK under my mohair.
I, of course will be only too delighted as her devoted beau, to escort Miss Rosie at dear Aunt Miss Peach>(^;^)<'s forthcoming wedding.
Who would not want to accompany this exquisite PALE PINK Steiff?
And, having romance in her home, made Mother smile too, even if it is only 'virtual' and between two Teddy Bears, separated by an ocean!

A 'Love' Letter from Miss Rosie!

"Hello Sir Woodstock...Ummm excuse my boldness but I wanted you to hear this song...
I hope you enjoy it.
I look forward to Miss Peach's wedding this autumn where you will escort me to my chair.

Respectfully yours,

Miss Rosie"

[Do not forget to turn OFF 'The Teddy Bears Picnic' on the Juke Box before listening!] - LOL!

Moody Blue!

Just a brief word about Mother!

It seems she feels totally blogged out - I think it means she has nothing left to say, that she has not said or photographed before and nothing to give back to her blog friends.

We do have posts prepared for this weeks True Colours Thursday but whether she will have the heart to publish them I am not sure.

It is all very worrying as she is turning her back on everyone & everything!

Over the past months, the last two especially, Mother has become sadder and more troubled, her depression - dark moods, and drinking spiralling totally out of her control.

Her oldest Bear Toby, admits he has never seen her so blue before.

We in the Hug have tried to rally her spirits but to no avail!

Everyday they sink lower and lower and she cries more for no reason.

I am personally, doing my best to take good care of her, even if it means my mohair getting repeatedly damp.

And, I just hope we will be back soon, as we will miss you.

So you do not forget me, the colour version of my 100th posts monochrome photograph...

Hugs,

Wheelie Wednesday on Friday - Bailey's Gotcha Day!

Hallo All, it's me!

And, a VERY significant day it is too.

Yes, it's a year ago that Mistress Blue came to my rescue.

She had been wanting a 'Wheelie' for ages & had even commissioned a pup, but before that stuck-up Miss WFT Judy arrived, I got my wheels in the door - Yes!

Now - as even, after a year, my 'puter skills are poor, I'm repeating my initial 'Wheelie' post for newcomers so they can appreciate the importance of to-day.

"Hallo everyone, it's Bailey here!

Well, that's my new name & I quite like it!

My adopted mistress, Blue said as I've been such a good boy - I'm lulling her into a false sense of security but please don't tell her - that I can have a word with you all.

And, in honour of the occasion I've got a silk bandanna to wear.

Hey!

Don't I look smart,?

I give you my handsome side profile first...

And, front, so I can chat away more easily...

The last weeks, been one of up & downs me, I can tell you!

On my very first remembered outing into the Outside World, my 'Wheelie' brakes failed & SOMEONE let go of me & I sped away down the road, eventually coming to a bumpy halt in a yard.

I waited & waited for THEM to come & retrieve me.

But, no one came, till this lady stopped to speak to me.

Then SHE left me too!

SHE did promise to return but I wasn't sure.

This me then...

However, SHE did come back & then blow me down, if SHE left me again all on my lonesome!

I was pretty scared by that stage, especially when some big BOYs with their own two wheels came by & peered @ me.

They threated to take me for something called a 'Joy Ride' - it didn't sound too joyful for me, they way they laugh & poked me!

I played dum & was that relieved when they rode away because SHE came back.

SHE scooped me up & carried me off.

Boy, were my wheels & I relieved!

SHE said I could stay with her, til THEY came for me.

I wasn't sure I wanted THEM too by then!

THEY had deserted me after all!

In truth my memories of my past life are very hazy, I think I was so traumatised by recent events, I blanked them out - all I remember is a dark, dark space & my mis-adventure in the daylight!

Anyway, THEY didn't come for me, dispute a Advertising Campaign.

So after a while, SHE said I was staying with her & her name was Blue.

I was very relieved, that was till SHE gave me a bedbath!

The indignity of it!!!

And, worse still, whilst doing it, SHE asked me - was I girl?

A GIRL, indeed!

I was mortified.

No way, I must have has the OP - I am all boy!

With my sex firmly sorted, we had to decide on a name for me.

My makers tag, says created by Mulholland & Bailie.

Per their web-site, I'm not their latest 'Wheelie' model either.

After a brief discussion, we settled on Bailey!

I think life's going to be just fine from now on.

I'll tell you about my new companions next time.

Til then, keep paw happy.

Bye-de-Bye!

Bailey"

And, a year on, life is GOOD in this Bear dominated household.

I may not get to post every Wednesday, as have to compete with Judy.

And his lordship, Sir Woodstock guards his blog space well too.

But, it sure beats kiddy abuse & a life on the streets!

I'm one content Wheelie!

Am off to ask for cake & icecream for tea for everyone, so we can celebrate my Gotcha Day in style.

Till next time keep paw happy!

Bye-de-Bye,

x

True Colours Thursday - CHOCOLATE!

Today I was torn about posting - sigh!
As you know, I like to use TCT to introduce my Hug members!
But, then Mother showed me this fine family trio of bears...They are made of 100% CHOCOLATE brown leather!
And, are awaiting adoption from the Plain Leather Shop in Dreamingspires Golden Cross Shopping Centre.
Regrettably @ a £100+ a piece, even Little Bear will not be joining my Hug any day soon!
Hugs,

x

World Cat Day, Munchen & a Bear Musuem!

I have had to have a serious word or two with Mother this morning, as it came to my belated attention that over the weekend, she had missed another important date on the Calendar of Life - the rather neat graphic's are from The Cat Realm ... Now, I know Mother is a confirmed dog lover BUT!!!
She does have serious pussycat friends - there is Daisy, Muffin & Ginger Jasper for three and, I just I hope that dear 'Aunt' Miss Peach>(^;^)<, will forgive her regrettable forgetfulness and neglect...It was Miss Peach who discovered they were long lost cousins, via the now defunked peculiar aristocratic title website.
She is...

Mother is "Lady Blue, the Mirthful of Bow under Bumpstead" !

Anyway, Saturday was 'World Cat Day', and we missed it!

And, I had a feline Hug member too, to introduce!

Yes, my hug is very eclectic, I insist on open mindedness about species - and this boy has been waiting patiently for his 'moment of fame' for a number of years.

Allow me to introduce lion Munchen...He hails from Munich in Bavaria, as his blue & white check suggests.

In the Summer of 1992, Mother spent the first of a few delightful holidays in that city due to her gentleman friend Little Buddy flying there!

The route was a new venture for 'Canadian Airlines! now long since engulfed by 'Air Canada'.

The crews - well, only the pilots had lengthy layovers - five days off @ a glorious time!

LB managed to secure two such coveted August pairings back to back.

So, Mother stayed on whilst he flew between Canada and Munich - she loved it - the classy hotel, the location, the warm weather & the cold mags of Beer in the Gardens!

Sadly, there are no photos as LB was very paranoid !

Moving on - Munchen's English after living here, for so many years is very good - barely a trace of a German accent!

He told me Mother procured him, as she could not afford a local Bear!

I found that very sad but know she cares for him.

He went on to say, whilst she was in his home city alone, she visited here...

This toy museum in the Old City Hall in Marienplatz in the heart of Munich, houses one of the largest collections of old toys from Europe and America.

But, Mother was only naturally interested in the teddy bears.

This is a souvenir postcard from her visit, showing a resident family of gold & white mohair Stieff Bears from 1904...

Going back to Munchen, he does feel somewhat Hug out numbered.

However, I did point out it could be worse there might 'living' cat for Mother to pet and he does have pride of place on the Rocking Chair - it seemed to cheer him up.

Hugs,

True Colours Thursday - My COLOUR!

I did not have to think too long about this weeks free choice of colour.
There was only one I could possibly choose.
Why, BLUE of course!
Firstly, because she is my Mother.
And secondly, because I have many BLUE Hug members.
Here they are all together in a collective photograph hug.
Back row, Bruge' & Stieff Blueberry - @ the front, left to right, little LV, Master Stormy, young Sam & Beany Blue Bonnet...
Hugs,

Wordless Wheelie Wednesday - Bailey Makes his Mark!

Monochrome Monday - Me on my One Hundredth Post!

How quickly time passes!
Was quite amazed when realised, I was about to make my 100th post!!!

Like Mother I am quite reclusive.

And, heaven for bid, that I blow my own trumpet!

But, I do believe I have done a remarkably fine job bear blogging!

So, I consider a image of myself is only befitting the occasion!

This was taken for Aileni & his Monochrome Maniacs meme...

I always think I look equally handsome in B&W!

But, wonder if anyone can guess the colour of my bandanna.

If, you can, there might be reward to mark the event???!

A clue, it is not blue.

Hugs,

x

Postscript -

To celebrate, Mother managed to restore my music!

All I now need, is the actual picnic in the woods!