The raking of the leaves..

Its a cold and foggy day on the Hilltop..but at least it's not raining..(yet)... there is a big job to be done...The raking of the leaves...on the Hilltop grounds there are a lot of trees..And as they say...in every job that has to be done,there is an element of fun...especially when you do it together..So...we are all helping our dear Dutchess...make way make way..its raking day....O,dear....watch out for little old me...yes..overhere...I am under this big pile of leaves...

And later it's off to the Hilltop Kitchen...for hot cocoa...and applefolds...Like to join us...

In the mood for Food..

Elvira goes Nutts..

Little Robin

There is this beautiful little Robin living in our garden..he often sits in the tree in front of the bedroom window of the Dutchess and sings...come rain or come shine..! We tryed to make a video but uptil now didn't succeed...Listen to this sweet birdie instaid....

A visit..

O...hello dear..so nice of you to come visit...better take of that wet coat and shoes and warm yourself by the fire...I will put the kettle on..tea wil be ready in a jiffy..lets sit and chat..There are many wonderful things I would like to tell you...Wasn't the rollercoaster ride marvelous..Yes,I did see you there..drinking lemonade with Sir Hog...we are so happy he safely returned in the garden...who could have guessed that he was building such a wonderful roller machine together with Mr C...I enjoyed the coaster ride too,but you must know I was in bed all day yesterday...with a very upset stomach.....So today I decited to take it easy and do some knitting...Don't tell anyone but I am knitting a sweater for Gustave....it will be a present for Christmas...I am already counting the days to this magical event..
This time we will not only cellebrate in our garden but also on Hilltop Hall...this is something you are never going to forget...the biggest Christmas tree you ever did see...standing in the hall way..lit by hundreds of candles...and then the Christmas dinner...served in the big dining room...I hope I get to sit next to our dear Dutchess...Did you ever visit Hilltop Hall....NO....o my gosh...you simply must do this sometimes dearest...I will ask the Dutchess if she will give you a grand tour...or better yet...I will take you myself..I know many many secret passages.....

A walk to Hilltop Hall

Isn't it funny how a story tells itself.....for months now I have been writing about the adventures of Miss Moussie and her friends. And believe me I didn't made them up...they are not just some sweet characters...they realy exist..Now I see a smile on your face..bet you are thinking...how sweet..this lady is going cookoo...Rest assured, I am not....I''m just exploring my imagination..and there they live and keep me company every day. Not only was I writing about Miss Moussie but also there was this story about a little girl....you can find her on' The Dutchess' blog..dealing with a very dangerous alphabeth..Then It came to me..this wonderful idea...many stories have been written for children..and many times the starring character is a child......never a middle aged Lady...like me..haha....So, from now on the Dutchess is going to be in her own story....I am not using this story line on the garden blog just yet...but it is going to be in my next book... wonderful, crazy,and magical things are about to happen...a story for all the old(er) girls and boys to enjoy...maybe children should read it to there parents and grandparents...
In this little video you have been watching...you can make a lovely walk in an enchanted setting...this is how I 'picture' Hilltop Hall......there ,in this old victorian gem lives the Dutchess..and in the garden her sweet garden friends....I will keep you posted..and for now...have a lovely walk and a marvelous day...remember,stay warm and stay happy..

All's well that ends well....

They walked and walked and walked....but there didn't seem to come an end to the path they were following...Our swampthings began to get tyred..
-I don't know about you ,said Elvira...but I don't look very scary anymore...
-We should rest for a while,croaked Gustave..when one is tyred one can not be creepy.....
-Lets take five,twittered Miss Moussie,and I mean just five because it's getting dark soon...
WHO landed next to his friends..bringing them some chestnuts he picked on the way..
-That's great,said Gustave..lets roast them..I will build a fire..
-Well,this is going to take more than five minutes..twittered Miss Moussie, but we do need the rest to get our strenght back so we can attack the Pumpkin..
It was very quiet in the forest...there was no wind....not a leaf was stirring...there was just the sound of the crackling fire..Our friends didn't speak..they were staring in to the dancing flames..alone with there thoughts..
Then, suddenly WHO lifted his head..and turned around...did he just hear something..a strange sound came from under that blackberry bush...there...listen..
Miss Moussie,Gustave and Elvira didn't seem to notice..
WHO decited to go and take a look....he walked slowly towards the blackberry bush..crawled under it and then...gave our friends a very big fright by yelling...WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.......
-Who,me...what who ....WHO what..stammered Gustave hopping up and down...WHO, where are you..
Miss Moussie sat as frozen on the ground...she couldn't move ,she couldn't speak...and she was thinking..no.. she couldn't even think anymore..
And Elvira...she immediately ran to the very spot where WHO had disappeared...
-WHO,she called out...WHO..and then almost fell in a big hole from which she heard the voice from WHO answer..'I am down here...I fell in some stupid hole,I bet you its from Mr C..
First Miss Moussie swallowed almost a whole chestnut,and then got back in action...
-WHO,darling are you oke..can you see anything down there..is it very dark and creepy..do tell us how we can get you out of there..
-I am fine,I can see clearly now,there is a light at the end of the tunnel..and I don't want to get out..I want to go to the light..answered WHO..
-O NO....he is going towards the light, we are loosing him..twittered Miss Moussie dramatically
-Don't be silly Miss,croaked Gustave..he is just fine...WHO ,he called....wait there....we are coming..Come on friends...I believe WHO found a short cut..and with a bit of luck we can find Mr C. down there..
Gustave jumped very frog like into the hole..Elvira followed with a very elegant squirrelly jump...and Miss Moussie followed very Miss Moussie like..carefully stepping over the edge.....the three of them tumbled down...landing at WHO's feet.
Nice ...said WHO..so far so good fellows..now, lets find out what's at the end of this tunnel.WHO took the lead...him being the biggest and the creepiest ..
There was a bright light shining at the end of the tunnel..first he light was red..then green..then orange..
-Strange place for a traffic light..mumbled WHO..
Coming closer to the light they heard loud rattling noises..
-WHO, WHO,whispered Gustave..stop..I think we are very close to the pumpkin..I heard that creepy rattle before...
They all stopped in their tracks....listening to the rattling of the chains and then they heard a laughter...and this laughter came from the end of the tunnel...
-It's coming closer, squeaked Miss Moussie ,shaking like a leaf...it's the Pumpkin Monster....I want to get out of here...
-We came to save Sir Hog,and that's what we will do..monster or no monster..said Gustave in a firm tone of voice..stand tall my friends..we can do it...
And so our brave friends stood there.. paw in paw....ready to take charge..
A shadow appeared at the end of the tunnel...it was small..round..and prickly...followed by another one..somewhat bigger..with glasses...
Now the laughter changed in a loud scream....a scream for help...
-Help Help...screamed the two shadows....Monsters in the tunnel...help..and they turned around and ran away...
-Well,that was easy..croaked Gustave..we scared them away..piece of cake..
-Goodness...twittered miss Moussie..these screams sounded familiar..I could swear one of them was from Sir Hog..
-Yes..said Elvira ,and the other one from Mr C...
-Did we just scare our friends away, said WHO in disbelieve..
-Follow them...no time to loose, twittered Miss Moussie, and off she went...running as fast as her little moussie feet could run..yelling..Stop ...Sir Hog..Mr C..its me...

Up ahead in the tunnel the two shadows ran for there life...they hadn't seen such creepy monsters before in their whole life..
Said one shadow to another...C...listen ,this monster is making a very familiar squeaking sound ...listen..
-By jolly...friend Horatio...could this be our dear Miss Moussie...answered the other shadow..now standing still...
Horatio and C..waited...waited to see who was running after them....

WHO....they called out together...because who was the first one coming around the bend..WHO..flapping his swamp wings..WHO,old chap...what are you doing here..and why are you looking so very green,are you sick..we almost didn't recognise you at all..
-Goodness..squeaked Miss Moussie ..arriving after WHO...and what may I ask are YOU two doing here...we were ever so worried ..Sir Hog..are you oke..and dear C..why did you act so mysteriously lately..
-Did you two escape..croaked Gustave..
-Yes,do tell..was it very scary in this Haunted Pumpkin..asked Elvira exited..

-Escape..mysteriously...I am afraid I don't understand a word you are saying..said Horatio...we are fine...I believe I can't say this about you the way you look and all.....
-Well,one thing is correct said C..it all has to do with a Pumpkin,bet you can't guess what it is..
-C..croaked Gustave,no time for riddles...Reveal your secret...NOW!
_Oke Oke..said C...it supposed to be a surprise...but come on then, follow me...and you will see..
At the end of the tunnel there was an opening.....and when our gang stepped out into the forest this is what they saw....A PUMPKIN ROLLERCOASTER....

So...this was why Mr C had acted to suspicious...and why Sir Horatio had disappeared...they both..in secret made a Rollercoaster Pumpkin...how marvelous...Would you like to join our sweet garden creatures for a ride....come on lets have fun ..together we make this a day to remember...You can buy your free tickets at the free lemonade stand...All's well that ends well...and wasn't this a wonderful ending of a great adventure....
Stay warm and stay happy my friends........

Follow..if you dare..

About two ours ,and a lot to do about nothing later...our little troup was dressed to impress...!

-Look at you ,said Gustave to WHO...MR Creepiness himself...you are the most swampy swamp thing I ever did see...
-And how many DID you see dear Gustave,twittered Miss Moussie...did you...EVER..see a swamp thing in real life...
-No Miss...croaked Gustave,but I saw many in my imagination and that's what counts..
Well, this was an argument Miss Moussie didn't dare to argue so she started to rearrange her tentacles...and she straightened her waterlily hat..
Then.. WHO flapped his majestic wings..creating a whirl of slime and muddy water..
EEEEEUuWW...squeaked Miss MOussie....WHO ,go do this somewhere else...I all ready took a shower today...
-You certainly don't look like you did ..laughed WHO..and the others laughed with him..
-Not funny...twittered Miss MOussie...and she started to walk...I am going...
There she went...a little tiny swamp creature with a tail....disappearing in to the forest..leaving a slimy wet trail...
-lets follow her guys..croaked Gustave...
-Yes, lets..said Elvira...before she gets in trouble..

So now there were three swamp creatures running through the garden...green ghostly things in a hurry...
On Hilltop Hall all was still very peaceful and quiet....When you look up..to the window on the left...you can see someone is opening the curtains...This must be our Dutchess...yes,there she is ...looking out of the window...just in time to see these peculiar creatures dashing through the morning mist.....

-Lets just go immediately and straight to the haunted pumpkin...squeaked Miss Moussie while running...I think in daylight this creepy thing won't look so creepy...
-You are absolutely right Miss,croaked Gustave out of breath...lets do it...and scare to wits out of that great big orange balloon..
-YEEE,yelled Elvira...we are the Pumpkin busters....repeat after me...when there's something strange in your neighbourhood.... Who are you gonna call...PUMPKINBUSTERS..
And above the misty clouds they heard the mighty swamp wings of WHO swirling ...and a brave voice yelling...GERONIMO.......

Our little garden creatures were ever so brave and full of courage..determent to go and save there friend Sir Horatio Hog..and..also very important....to find out why Mr C Mole was acting so strange lately....digging holes in the middle of the night..

The fog was getting thicker and thicker...Soon our little garden friends couldn't see where they were going..
-Goodness,twittered Miss Moussie...Stay close together darlings...better grab each others tentacles..Gustave..dearest..that's my tail...well never mind ...just don't let go now...

Miss Moussie ,Gustave,and Elvira walked very slowly and very close together through the misty forest..
Above there heads they could hear WHO...calling..."Whoohoo where are you ...whoohoo,answer me...
-We are down here...down here my friend..croaked Gustave very loud..
-We should sing...said Elvira..then WHO can follow the sound..
-O what a great idea darling..twittered Miss Moussie..and she started singing...
Heigh ho, heigh ho..off to the pumpkin we go...heigh ho, heigh ho..
Gustave and Elvira joined her ..and a lovely little choir sang loudly whilst walking through the foggy forest..Who just had to follow the sound of music..

However...a few minutes later...Miss Moussie's singing came abruptly to an end...

BOINGGG..Miss Moussie bumped into something...what appeared to be a signpost..
-O.M.G..squeaked Miss Moussie...a bump..
-A What..asked Gustave..a bump..
-Yes on my head...look..I believe this is going to be a big bump..
-I believe its a signpost ..said Elvira surprised..but I can't read the sign because of the fog..
-A bump as big as a sing post..O.M.G..squeaked Miss Moussie..I have to get my mirror out of my purse..
Then WHO appeared out of the mist..he circled three times round the signpost ,and then came down with this message..listen..

This path to the Pumpkin leads
Follow if you dare..

-How dares this silly signpost...telling us what to dare or not to dare...said WHO..
-I don't like signposts twittered Miss Moussie ,I think they are very suspicious..you never know if they are telling the truth..
-We are going to follow that path..croaked Gustave...
-Yeeeh,yelled Elvira..watch out Pumpkin....here we come....

Dress rehearsal

This time they didn't have to wait...Gustave jumped out of the water not even a second after they called him..

-There you are,he croaked happily..right on time..everything is ready..the Dress rehearsal can begin....Just you wait and see what a wonderful creations I made last night...I think I would make a great designer of Haute Couture..
Step this way please...And before the eyes of Miss Moussie and WHO...Gustave,from under the water Lillie's, revealed his Swamp Line...
-O wait for me ..called a little voice from under the lilac bush...It was Elvira..
'Am I still on time to fit my Swamp dress..'
-Just showing the latest design...croaked Gustave proudly...then we can start the fitting..you can pick one my dear...see which one you like best..

Who and Miss Moussie where flabbergasted....so Gustave and Elvira were serious about this creepy swamp thingy plan...
Miss Moussie was the first to speak..
-Gustave,your swamp creations are amazing,but I am not going to try them on..they are ever so wet and slimy..so sorry but I will have to disappoint you this time..maybe WHO would like to give it a try..?
-Did you ever see a flying swamp thing ,I don't think so ,said WHO..a little nervous...
-That's just why this plan is going to work,croaked Gustave...nobody ever saw a flying swamp thing...dear WHO..you will scare the..bliep..out of that Haunted Pumpkin..you will be our hero..
-I will..well then ..I could always give it a try..said WHO..do you have anything with wings my friend Gustave..I do love all the magical shades of green you used,you truly are an artist..

While Elvira,WHO,and Gustave were very busy fitting and adjusting there swamp costumes....Miss Moussie was having her doubts..would this work..could they save Sir Hog by scaring The Haunted Pumpkin...and shouldn't she be a part of this rescuing swampthing team..was it even possible they could do it without her...somebody had to take charge..
-Oke darlings,she squeaked...I'm in...please Gustave..give me one of your marvelously wet and slimy creations..

Floating stars

For the second time this week WHO banged on Miss Moussie door...and again in the middle of the night...

-Who is it...Miss Moussie squeaked with a very sleepy voice...GO AWAY, I was dreaming the most beautiful dream about a horse from Nowhere..
-Its me ,WHO...so sorry to disturb you again..but what I just saw in the forest looked very suspicious and I had to come and tell you right away..
-Suspicious you say..o dear ..Just a sec..and Miss Moussie jumped out of bed into her robe..pink ,with bleu forget me nots..then,swiftly, she opened the door.
-I am so happy to see you ,said WHO,a few minutes ago I had a strange encounter with Mr C..as you know we haven't seen much of him lately..but there he was ...digging a hole..just a few feet away from the Haunted Pumpkin..!
-Goodness,twittered Miss Moussie,dousn't he know what has happened to Sir Hog...we have to warn him..
-I did, I did...but he wouldn't listen..he told me to let him be..sighed WHO and then crashed on the sofa....
-Lets wait until daylight twittered Miss Moussie,then you and I are going to visit Gustave at the Pond..maybe he knows why Mr C is acting so very strange..
And so they did..on the red sofa,sitting on cushions of violet blue,they drank some tea with honey and ate a piece of walnut bread with raspberry marmalade to ease there nerves.
Then, at the crack of dawn, they headed in the direction of the Pond.......WHO hoovered over the tree tops with Miss Moussie on his back...

-You can land now ,Miss Moussie twittered holding on to her new hat,green..with white Lillie's of the valley.."I can see the pond ..isn't it beautiful in this morning light..I see little floating stars..
-It's magical..said WHO..it looks like Gustave sprinkled some fairy dust on the water.... Who landed softly under a willow tree..
-Care full now..we mustn't fall into the pond..squeaked Miss Moussie ..whilst she stood close to the edge of the water ...and there they where...again..calling and waiting for Gustave to come out of the water...Lets hope this time he isn't emerging as the terrible swamp thing.. -

LOOK!......C

In the middle of the forest,in the moonlight,on the Hilltop,we see Mr C...what is he doing there..does he know that he is standing just a few feet away from the Haunted Pumpkin? Somebody should warn him...this could be dangerous..Mr C is acting very strange...running around with a shovel and digging a hole in the ground..Maybe he is making a new entrance to his labyrinth...or maybe he is burying something..or.....someone...!

Under a full moon Who hoovered high over the tree tops..he was searching the grounds..he felt a great responsibility for the safety of all the little Hilltop Creatures..and he made a promise to himself to watch the Haunted Pumpkin 24/7..
What was that..a dark shadow moving under the bushes...Who made a dive..gliding on his brown feathered wings...he landed ever so quiet on a branch of the big Chestnut tree..he looked down..and who was it WHO saw...Yes...Mr C..
-Its C...whispered WHO to himself...this can't be good...If I don't warn him the Pumpkin might eat him like he did Sir Hog...
-Whoo hoo,whoo hoo..whood WHO...C,can you see me ,I am up here..Whoo hoo..
Mr C didn't respond,he just kept on digging and digging..
-Who who...C ...WHO whood again...then he picked some chestnuts from the tree and started throwing to get Mr C's attention....one did hit Mr C right on his behind..!
-Who ddid tthat...stammered Mr C..waving his shovel through the air..
-Me,that's who....said WHO ..it's me up here....My dear friend C ..do you know you are in a very dangerous place ..if you look behind you can see the Haunted Pumpkin glowing in the dark..please keep away from there or you might end up like Sir Hog..'
-Who do you think you are attacking me with chestnuts in the middle of the night,said C irritated...I am working here can't you see....please,just let me be..
And C..started digging again....minding his own buisness...and what could this buiness be ..Who knows..well, that is ,WHO didn't know..and he flew back to the garden to tell his friends all about this strange encounter with Mr C on the Hilltop!

Hog In The Fog

It was ever so still....in the dead of night...Gustave couldn't sleep...thinking about Swampthings....Elvira couldn't sleep...thinking of Swampthings..Miss Moussie...slept like a log,but she was dreaming....dreaming of a Hog in the fog...and a horse from nowhere...and sitting at the fire with Mozes....

A Plan...

In the middle of taking a bite from his sixt cookie,Gustave frose....Then he jumped up and tryed to say something with his mouth full... "HMMPFINWTDOOO,MPFCMNNE"....he said, and then he ran out of the kitchen....
-What was he saying..squeaked Miss MOussie and she hurried after him...
-I believe it was what they call a text message...said Elvira following Miss Moussie..like..I KNW WHT TO DO..COME ON....
-You mean he has a plan...twittered Miss Moussie...thank goodness!

Gustave ran towards the pond....stopped, and then took a dive into the green water..
-Gustave squeaked Miss Moussie...I am not going to follow you in there...you know I can't swim, please come out and tell us what you are planning to do..
Elvira and Miss Moussie stood ther impatiently waiting for Gustave to emerge from the pond ....they waited and waited..
-Gustave this isn't funny anymore..twittered Miss Moussie..no time for jokes..we have to do something right now..
At that very moment a THING emerged from the deep dark water...it was green and slimy...with a sort of tentacles waving around...and it was hissing and puffing like a dragon...
-O.M.G...squeaked Miss Moussie grabbing Elvira by here tail trying to pull her away...A Swamp thing..run for your life..
But Elvira being very brave and clever didn't move an inch...she saw what we can't see at this moment but she saw it was not the terrible swamp thing emerging but ..Gustave

Gustave the swamp thing climbed out of the pond..'Friends'..he said whilst dripping water and slime and waving his tentacles...Friends...we are going to beat this Haunted Pumkin with his own wapon...
-And that is,asked Miss Moussie....
-Creepiness..answered Gustave...we are going to be very scary..and demand the Pumpkin to let Sir Hog go....I just know this will work...
-O Gustave you are wonderful..said Elvira...I love it when a plan comes together...lets gather everybody...we are going to be Swampthings...
Miss Moussie was very quiet...she wasn't so sure this plan could work..and she wasn't so sure she would like to be a swamp thing....too wet..and too slimy..yak.

Troubled..

It was a glorious morning..the wind had decided to have a rest after his blustery night ,the sun was shining,and the garden lookt magical in golden autumn colors.
It could have been a wonderful autumn day if it wasn't for the sad news WHO brought home ...something terrible had happened..Sir Horatio Hog was missing...probably swallowed by the haunted Pumpkin on the Hilltop.
There they were...all the little,and not so little garden creatures,sitting in Miss Moussie's kitchen..all with troubled hearts...

-I just don't know what to say..said Gustave..and he took another bite from his fifth cookie...
-Well,you do know how to eat cookies...twittered Miss Moussie,how can you eat in a moment like this..
-It's my nerves,its my nerves..so sorry ,croaked Gustave..but when I eat I can think better..the cookies are just what I need..food for the brain..and I don't ask why you are polishing your silver like crazy..I suppose you are nervous too...
-We better come up with an idea ,said Elvira..looking very squashed and flushed,sitting between the kitchen table and the burning stove..its very hot in here...
-WHO,laying on the sofa in a very dramatic pose,didn't say much..he was still recovering from the shock...

What ever will they do...lets not disturb them any further and come back later...hopefully they will find a way to help Sir Hog...anyway..something else is puzzling me...did you see Mr C...he isn't in Miss Moussie's kitchen..

The disappearing of Horatio Hog..

It was still dark when Miss Moussie awoke...there was a blustery wind howling outside her window..
Goodness,she twittered,what dreadful weather..So good I did all of my shopping yesterday...now I can stay inside today with a cup of tea and a good book.
She tryed to get back to sleep but the wind was rocking her little houssie and cried many lyrics..
Then, there was a sudden knock on the door...and again...and again!
Who could this be..
Miss Moussie heard a panicking voice calling..."Please, Miss Moussie open up..Its Me.. WHO!
As quick as possible Miss Moussie jumped in her slippers and ren to open the door.
There stood WHO..out of breath..with a bewildered look on his face..

-The Pumpkin ,he stammered,the Pumpkin...and poor Horatio!
-What are you trying to tell me dear Who..did something happen to Sir Hog?
-I saw him in the forest..heading towards the Haunted Pumpkin..I warned him not to go there... I said to him ...'there is more between heaven and earth then we know my friend Horatio'....this could be very dangerous...but he wouldn't listen..and now he is gone...he went in to the Pumpkin..I waited and waited..but Horatio disappeared, then I heard a creepy voice cackle... GO AWAY........

WHO crached on the sofa..leaving Miss Moussie standing in the doorway ..in the blustering wind..now what to do.....

Scary Movie..

'The monster of the wild wood'...come..sit yourself down..and lets watch together..Iike some popcorn..and when you find it to scary..I will hold your hand..

The talk of the Garden...

Now..after reading the news everybody is talking about it...The haunted pumpkin on the Hill!.And where do you go to hear the latest gossip...yes..to the barbershop!

-Dear Sir Hog..please sit still..its only your beard that needs a trim..

In the barbershop chair is sitting Sir H. Hog...nobody knows where the H stands for..well,we believe it to be Horatio..but we are not sure..Sir Hog comes from a very nobel family..royalty he wants us to believe..

-Sir Hog..please ,why are you so jumpy today..
-Why?Do you even have to ask..I want to go to the Haunted Pumpkin..did you see it last night..it was glowing in the dark...I tell you,it was staring at me with two creepy piercing eyes..I didn't dare to go near it ..but now at daytime I will go and take a look..
-O my dear Sir...would this be wise.....rumour said spooky noises are coming out of there..like chains rattling..and the whispering of voices..
-Well,somebody has to go there...don't worry I will be fine..I...Sir H. Hog come from a very nobel family..my grand father was a Knight..and my mother always told me I am just like him..a fearless creature..

And after saying this Sir H Hog..jumped out of his seat and headed in the direction of the Haunted Pumpkin on the Hill...

The Pumpkin on the Hill..

Do you know what the days news is...you are not going to believe it...there seems to be a haunted Pumkin on the Hill top..wow...I hate anything haunted..its too suspicious..and I can't stand the suspence..O dear...Well,I am not going near that spooky pumpkin...wonder if Gustave knows..he likes scary things..

Ponds and Pies..

There should be two of everything...Gustave sighed..How he missed his dear friend Miss Moussie..When you have two of everything..one could leave, and the other could stay..so,you were never to be alone..or lonesome..Well,having two Ponds would be difficult,then he wouldn't know in wich one to swim..Having two Pies..that's a complete different story,one could never have enough Pies.." A Friend"...that's what makes you ever so vulnerable..You just have to wait..until he or she come's back..and you can be together again..just the two of you,friends for ever..two of a kind..

Listen.. what's that...a little squeaky voice..could this be.....

Dear You

Thank you for visiting the garden...we are always so happy to see you...read all about,The Harvest Dinner,my new Houssie,The dragonfly Ball,The Jiffy trail,Nowhere,and many more adventures in this wonderful enchanted garden...The Dutchess is out for a while,but she will be back soon..Remember...stay warm and stay happy..

The Harvest Dinner..

Are you all ready to enter The Labyrinth..then please take with you a little lantern..its ever so dark in the underground passages.. I did wish Mr C would arrive...and Miss Moussie..it seems we will have to start without them..come on guys..here we go..follow the squirrel..

What could have happened to Miss Moussie...we know she had a strange encounter with a masked bandit..a little birdie told us..and this little birdie also told this..

Gustave,Mr C ,and Miss Moussie where running running running...away,away from this scary creature that was approaching..
-I hate running,twittered Miss Moussie out of breath..especially when one is scared,because then one can loose all sense of direction..o,dear...can you see the creature behind you dear C...
-Nno,can't see it,stammered Mr C...can't see anything...I seem to have lllost my glasses,..you have to go on without me...I will fffollow underground and catch up with you lllater..
-Can you find your way home C..asked Gustave..shall we meet back in the garden..at the gate..
-Oke oke..said C..see you....and away he was ..under ground..
-Goodness Gustave..twittered Miss Moussie..now its just you and me...Who has disappeared into the clouds..searching for the bandit...

And just where was this bandit...this strange masked creature...it was sitting at a campfire..eating pancakes...and enjoying himself...

-Gustave,I do believe we are running in circles..twittered Miss Moussie...I am sure we came past this hollow tree a few minutes ago...I remember it because it has such
peculiar shape..it reminds me of our dear friend Mozes his den..LOOK
-A strange tree indeed Miss,but maybe a good hiding place ...lets wait there until the bandit's gone..
And so they did...together Miss Moussie and Gustave stepped into the hollow tree...and stood there in the dark for minutes and minutes...not making a sound...well, that is until Miss Moussie felt something tickle...and then she gave a very loud squeak..."EEEEeeeeeeeUW...Gustave...there's someone breathing in my neck..
Dear readers..what happened next was indescribable...so I will not even begin to try...but a few moments and a lot of screaming later..Miss Moussie,Gustave,Mozes,the Tea Rat,and another sweet person named Gretta came tumbling out of the tree..there was chaos,confusion..and happiness
-Old chap..we meet again..shouted the Tea rat beside himself out of joy..and he slapped Gustave on his back ,and there you are..my sweet Miss,how marvelous to see you again..we have such wonderful stories to tell..
-Mozes my dear..how I missed you twittered Miss Moussie...let me hug you...and Tea ,my dear Tea...how could you do this to me...I was ever so worried..

Well,you can imagine how happy our dear garden friends were to see each other again...after a while of talking and a little dance of joy they all went on there way back to the garden..Mozes,as always leading the way...Gustave hopping and croaking next to Gretta...and Tea walking with Mis Moussie...they didn't speak at all...they just looked in each others eyes..On there way they found Raccoon...and Raccoon being Raccoon,always in for a party...he followed the troupe to the garden...to celebrate a home coming and a big Harvest dinner...at the garden gate they found Mr C....dear Mr C...who said with a big smile on his face...
- Hand in hand, with fairy grace, we will wine and dine, and bless this place...
So...lets all follow him now..and have ourselves a wonderful wonderful evening....

Just a minute...

Hello there dear Fiend...so nice of you come..please wait a little while at the garden gate...soon Mr C will be here to escort you to his Labyrinth..Mr C went on a search party with Gustave,Who,and our dear Miss Moussie...I am sure they all will arive on time..in the mean while ..let me, Elvira, serve you a little glas of fairy wine...Just a drop my dear..because this wine goes to your head and than back to your toes..you will be as small as a moussie in a minute..well,that's the only way you are going to fit in a mole's hole!

Formal Invitation to a Dinner..

Elvira is very busy today...now that her dear friends are on a quest,its her job to write a big pile of invitations to a dinner....The Harvest Dinner..
Elvira asked me to help her...please could I invite YOU..friends from far away places, because Elvira didn't have all your addresses...

So..my dear friend would you do me, and all of the garden creatures the honor to attend to the Harvest Dinner...Thursday evening..at 8...In Mr C's Labyrinth...

p.s Please do not wear high heeled shoes because its a long walk through a maze of tunnels..before we arive in Mr C's kitchen..

Hope to see you there...the Dutchess and company.

Pancakes..

Who hovered over the spot where Miss Moussie sat and where our friends where just about to eat Gustave's Fungi special..
-Away Away..he shouted..run away...there is a strange masked bandit approaching..
-Ya,Right..a bandit...one of your jokes dear Who..with a mask you said...could it be Robin Hood..croaked Gustave laughing..whilst he flipped over a mushroom pancake on the campfire..
-No time for jokes my friends,shouted Who..hurry..a strange creature is running your way..
-Goodness,twittered Miss Moussie, I believe Who is serious..and quickly she jumped of her toadstool..come on guys,pack your bags and run..
-But But..what about my pancakes..sputtered Gustave..we can't just leave them here..
-O yes wwe cccan stammered mr C....let the bandit rob them..maybe he is a pppancake robber..
Our garden friends grabed there things together..Gustave couldn't resist to take a quick bite from the pancake first..and then the three of them ran away..Who followed circling in the sky..where did this strange creature go...Who lost track of him...

Darkness surrounded him...the creature sat very still..to afraid to move..he listened..He just could not understand what happened to him...one minute he was traveling with his friends on the road to Nowhere and now he was nowhere at all...where could he be..
He remembered he ate a cookie..it did taste funny..and then the lights went out..
Did he hear voices in the distance..was it the Tea rat..Mozes maybe..no..this sounded more like a twitter..and there...flapping of birds wings..And then this smell...the smell was familiar...O ,this brought back a wonderful memory...from when he was just a little raccoon..playing in the fields and his mommy calling...'Pancakes...
Pancakes...Raccoon jumped up,and without thinking he began to run..run ..run..Mommy I am Home..

Nowhere to be found..

The road was long..our friends were tired..and they were about to lose all hope to find the Jiffy trail..
-Time to stop and rest for a while...twittered Miss Moussie..look there I see the perfect spot for a lunch break...
-How interesting,said Mr C..'Coriolus versicolorus'...I bet you don't know what that is...but you can eat it..
-Wonderful,croaked Gustave,then lets stay here and I will make us a funghi special..because that's what it is dear Mr C..a muschroom..
-They make lovely forest benches....I believe fairies do sit on them....and Miss Moussie, whilst saying this, made herself comfortable...well,she twittered,don't I look just like a fairy sitting here..

While our friends where resting, Who was hovering over the Hilltop trees...he saw Gustave make a campfire..saw Miss Moussie sitting there very fairy like..and..he saw something else...a creature he didn't see before in his entire life..and it was coming closer...it was running trough the forest..
I don't believe my eyes, WHO said to himself...a bandit...a masked bandit in the Hilltop forest...and in great haste he swooped down to warn our dear garden friends who where just about to eat Gustave's Funghi special...

To go or not to go..

Gustave couldn't sleep...he was up all night worrying...Yesterday, Miss Moussie and Mr C came to visit him and they had this crazy idea to go on a surch for Mozes and the Tea Rat..
-I bet we can ffffind the Jiffy trail again..stammered Mr C exited.
-No time to waste..twittered Miss Moussie...find your map of the Hill top forest and we are on our way...
And so Gustave did...but he wasn't sure of this map was correct..it was very old..it did belong to his great great grandfather!
Miss Moussie is packing a knapsack..marmelade sandwiches...a thermoscan with chicken soup..and a little blanket to keep her warm in the cold night air...they wil leave at dusk...because for little creatures its safer to travel in the dark...
There will be four of them...'Who' is going with them...who is Who...Who is a very funny guy..an Owl, and stand up comedian..you never know when he is serious but he is also a very good guide in the darkness..
So,keep your fingers crossed and wish them luck..

drawing Charles van Sandwyck.

Labyrinth..

Mr C's Labyrinth is dark and mysterious...if you want to see Mr C there,you need a map and a compass to guide the way...even Mr C doesn't know every exit or every passage.Today Miss Moussie went for a very important visit...Mr C waited for Miss behind the tool shed....at the entrance of his labyrinth.
-O goodness Mr C,twittered Miss Moussie, following Mr C into his hole...its ever so dark in here..I can not believe you can see anything at all...do you know where you are going...shall I light my little lantern?
-This will not be necessary my dear...just hold on to me and we will be at my living quarters in a minute...almost as quickly as you would travel a Jiffy trail..
-Speaking of the Jiffy trail..do you think we could ever find it back...and follow it again..this time I would put a complete different destination mail into the singing Pumpkins...I would write...bring me to my friend Mozes...what about you dear C..?
-I miss my friend Mozes,said Mr C,and my jolly fellow the Tea rat,maybe you and I should go on a Jiffy search,I bet you and I could find it...O dearest,watch your step ,a big tree root is crossing this passage..we have to climb over it...
-I am sure we could find the Jiffy trail together..and I do hope we can find Mozes and the tea rat before the big Harvest dinner in your Labyrinth ,it wouldn't be the same without them...are we almost there yet Mr C..I believe i smell something yummy...Chocolate.
-Chocolate it is my dear..hot chocolate with cream...and here we are..let me welcome you in my kitchen..
-Thank you my dear Mr C...lets sit at your table and make a plan together...We have much to talk about...like,when shall we leave for our search..and also very important we have to make a guest list for our dinner...and set a date..how about next Thursday...this gives us a week to find our friends....

And there we leave our two garden creatures....in Mr C's Labyrinth...wonder what will happen next..will they be able to find there friends in time for dinner...or maybe Mozes and the tea rat will be able to find THEM...

House warming party with imaginary cookies..

O,hello there my darling friend,this is a surprise...so nice to see you at this wonderful Houssie warming party...would you care for some tea with an imaginary cookie...Gustave did his best baking...

On the move..

Hello there...so nice of you to visit. Please walk with us through the Hilltop forest on this clear autumn morning..the sun is shining..and the birds are chattering in the tree tops....Listen... they are trying to tell us something...What are you all chattering about sweet feathered friends...what did you say...you like cherries..no.....O,a mouse with a a basket full of berries...o dear, this must be Miss Moussie, coming home from her field trip...come...we have to hurry...we must go and hide under the Lilac bush and wait there...so we can see what happens when Miss Moussie sees her new Houssie..come on..run as fast as you can.....................
Pfew...that was just in time ..please dear,sit ever so still...and hold you breath...there she comes...our dear Miss Moussie...

Miss Moussie was feeling very tired...she had been picking berries and visiting an old vriend...Now, she was longing to get home and crash on the sofa..
How she loved this quiet mornings in the forest...a lovely breese...autumn in the air..very very loud chattering birds...?...That was strange...why did the birds from the Chatter Creek make this much noise on a quiet Sunday morning...what were they saying...something with cherries or berries..funny..'No No No,my darlings',said Miss Moussie,'you can't have my berries...go pick for yourself..
'Ah,almost there',sighed Miss Moussie with relief...'I can see the garden gate..I will be so happy to be home where I can put my baskets down on the kitchen table...they are ever so heavy'!
There Miss Moussie entered the garden...she walked past the lilac bush..turned left at the Dahlia's..and then...frose...

Our dear garden friends (and you yourselves ofcourse)....all gathered hiding under the Lilac's,saw Miss Moussie stop and stare...she stood there like a stateu..staring at an Ivy grown with pink roses decorated cottage.......Then, she suddenly gave a loud scream and with a big swung threw her baskets in the air...It was raining berries..
A new housie,a new houssie..I knew it, I knew It, she twittered....How marvelous, how lovely,..and big tears rolled down her pink powderpuffed cheeks.
Then,Gustave came to the rescue..from out of his pocket a big red handkerchief appeard..
"There you go Miss,please take this to dry your tears..its oke..I only used it one's...when I was out fishing..'!
'Thank you',said Miss Moussie blubbering,'very sweet of you ,much appreciated'...and blew her nose..
'Well then...dear friends....lets all help...There is work to be done..lets MOVE.. and before you know it we will all be sitting drinking tea in Miss Moussie's new houssie'...This was Elvira speaking and taking charge..so....listen to the squirrel...could you help with the curtains..or would you like to do some painting..

A very busy day..

And we are still waiting...Miss Moussie is visiting a friend in the Hilltop Forest....

Today is..berry picking day...Miss Moussie always does this on wednesday afternoon when its not raining,so...this gives us the opportunity to prepare our surprise...Lets see....is she gone yet...She is...then we have to hurry...because when she gets back her new houssie must be standing on the same place as where the old one now is..Our Dutchess is going to pick up the old houssie...and will replace it with the new..Can you imagine the look on Miss Moussie's sweet little face when she comes back...

O,How Romantic...

Look,how romantic....a new houssie for our dear Miss Moussie..with pink roses and ivy grown..

Miss Moussie's Houssie

After the big adventure from last week,all our little garden friends are a bit down..
Gustave is just 'hanging' around ,Mr C, for the first time got lost in his own Labyrinth under the lawn..Miss Moussie didn't come out of her houssie since Saturday..the curtains closed..and the door locked.
The Dutchess came home this afternoon ,and found the garden ever so still and gloomy.
O,dear..what to do..She stood there for a minute under the Lilac bush,and then decided it was time for a present...She had been hiding this present for quite some tome now in the tool shed..A new Houssie for miss Moussie..this would bring some joy in the garden..moving,decorating..stay tuned ,because you will be very welcome on the house warming party..

Adventures..

-Nowhere to be found..o my gosh..whispered Miss Mousse...o my goodness...now I am worried sick..what can we do..
- Mozes knows what he is doing,said the the Dutchess reinsuring,we have to wait and see...we have to trust Mozes and our dear friend the Tea rat..they are both very clever and couragious...I think they are on a great adventure..
--I love adventures..Mr C said..and sat himself down in the cushions...lets hope they will write another letter soon..

They all sat there a while...they told the Dutchess about the walk through the forest,the Jiffy Trail,and the singing pumkins,that is, Miss Moussie did the talking..Mr C was to tired to say another word..and Gustave, he fell asleep with his little head on the pillow ..still holding a teacup in his hand

Well,life will take its course in the garden...please come again to visit...we are always so happy to see you...and maybe next time there will be news from Mozes and his adventures in Nowhere...for now...stay warm and stay happy..
For now ,stay warm and stay happy...

Open it..open it..

Open it,open it,our sweet garden friends were jumping op and down on the bed..
-Oke,oke,said the Dutchess,and she openend the envelope with great care..
Blue,the letter was blue..and it smelled like Lavender...the scent filled the room
The Dutchess gave the letter to Mr C because he can read letters like no other..
Ahum...Mr C cleared his throat..ahumm...
-Go on,go on,twittered Miss Moussie,what does is say..
-It says...said Mr C...

A letter from Nowhere....

O dear....Gustave dropped the teapot....Miss Moussie was squeaking her little head of...Mr C was jumping up and down ...and our dear Dutches was trying to make sense out of this big chaos in her bed at this very urly wednesday morning...
-Please, calm down ,calm down ,she said...Miss Moussie,dearest, stop squeaking...Mr C..please stop jumping..and Gustave darling..its oke..never mind the teapot...its not broken, it fell in the cushions..and you were ever so sweet to bring me tea...
-Its not the tea pot..its not the teapot...croaked Gustave...its Mozes.. its Mozes..
-Darling..you can not mistaken Mozes for a teapot...smiled our Dutchess...I believe Mozes is a somewhat bigger...
-No,We looked everywhere...and we can not find him....no,we do not mean we can not find the teapot...twittered Miss Moussie,when she saw the dutches lifting up the blanket..we can not find Mozes..
-Now they had the fullest attention of the dutchess...Really,she said...then, where could our dear fiend be.....
Suddenly they all heard a little voice coming from the hallway..."I found something.I found something...
It was Elvira....with in her hand a letter.
-I found a letter ,she said..a bit out of breath from running up the stairs..I found a letter in the garden....a letter from Nowhere..but where is Nowhere,and on the back of the envelope is written..open me and you will see.....

Mozes where are you..

-Am I there yet..twittered Miss Moussie...she didn't dare to open her eyes...
-Its oke Miss..you can look now...Gustave croaked...we are home..we are sitting in your houssie..
-O how marvelous...there is no place like home,and that's exactly what I wrote on the destination mail....there is no place like home for a moussie like me..
At that moment they heard a loud knock on the door...who could this be...
-Just a minute...Miss Moussie shuffled to the door...she was still wearing her magnificent pink and very tight dress..
In the doorway stood Mr C...with a big smile on his face...
-Hello,hello, there you are.....wasn't this a wonderful experience...to travel on a Jiffy trail..I will never forget this,not even when I live to be a hundred years old..I even think I will write a book about it..bet you don't know the title of the book...
-Well, Mr C,croaked Gustave,let me guess..maybe the title of the book will be..."Back in a Jiffy..
-My dear green friend...that's correct...said Mr C surprised,you can read my mind..
-Mr C..did you happen to see Mozes in the garden on your way to my houssie..asked Miss Moussie...I am beginning to feel a bit worried...
The three little garden friends then ran out the door..into the dark garden..
They called...they called again...and they searched the whole night through until dawn...under the lilac bush ,up the tree,in the tool shed..in the pond..but Mozes was nowhere to be found.....
-Lets wake up our dear Dutchess...maybe she knows where Mozes can be..squeaked Miss Moussie with tears in her eyes..
-I will make some tea...Gustave croaked with a very sad croak..we will go upstairs in our Dutchess bedroom and wake her up....
-Speaking of tea...we didn't hear any news from our friend the Tea rat in the last few ours..he always calls after visiting the theatre..how strange..
Our little garden friends being very worried and confused entered the bedroom of the dutchess in the urly morning light...climbed on her pillow...woke her up by whispering in her ear, and then... Gustave, being ever so shaky and nervous dropped the teapot...

drawing Charles van Sandwyk

Put it in the pumpkin

Slowly, step by step..Mozes followed the Jiffy trail..Mr C close behind him..then Gustave with Miss Moussie clinging on to his arm....
-I thought this was supposed to be a quick way to travel...twittered Miss Moussie...Mozes can you see where we are going...are we there yet...I can't see a thing,its ever so dark..
-Well..I believe I can see something ,..'bet you can't see what I see', said Mr C.
-No we can't ,said Mozes a little impatient,Mr C... please tell us what you see and don't keep us in suspense...
-I see.. I see...one ..no, two..no.. three..I believe I see a couple of lights in the distance
-Thank Goodness..that means we are almost home..squeaked Miss Moussie relieved.
-I wouldn't be to sure of that, said mozes,I can see the lights too and they don't look like our fairy lights in the garden....they look like ...pumpkins..
- Pumpkins,croaked Gustave...You mean this big round orange things...
-That's what I mean dear friend..Glowing pumpkins...
-Oke, that's it...squeaked Miss Moussie..glowing pumpkins are very suspicious..its not even Halloween yet...'I am going back...come on Gustave..'and Miss Moussie began to pull Gustave's arm...'lets turn around..'
-SSSsstt...quiet...everybody ssstand ssstill now...the pumpkin lights are getting closer..stuttered Mr C jumping up and down.
-Now they all were standing very still and very close together..they saw five glowing pumpkin lights.. bouncing and dancing through the forest...coming closer and closer...they stopped in front of our little scary troupe..then the pumpkins began to sing..

We welcome you in the middle of the night
and hope we gave you a real big fright
put in each pumpkin your destination mail
then you'll be gone in a Jiffy on the Jiffy trail..

-Singing Pumpkins,whispered Miss Moussie,can it get any crazier..
-I think I know what they are trying to tell us..said Mr C...we have to write a letter telling where we want to go,then put it in the pumpkin..and of we go..
Miss moussie grabbed her purse..she twittered, where are my glasses...can't write without my glasses....and paper...does anyone have pen and paper.?
-Here,take my pen ,said Mr C,I always carry it with me to write down important
things..and we can write on a leaf..I will gather five from the beeche tree.
And so they did...they all wrote down where they wanted to go..and they all thought they were going to be home in a jiffy..
Each of them walked up to a pumpkin ....together on the count of three they dropt there destination mail.....and poof..where gone in a jiffy...
I wonder where to..
Oh,look there is one pumpkin left....its your's...where do you want to go..do you know your destination...just anywhere,somewhere or nowhere at all...lets hope we will meet again..stay tuned..

No they are not out of the woods just yet.....

Mozes,being very brave went first..'come on you guys..follow me..lets follow the trail...'
-'Well',Miss Moussie squeaked..'if you don't mind I will wait here..and see what happens..you can always come back ...or call me when you are on the other end of the trail..',and she sat herself down in the clover...not thinking about her marvelously pink dress..or beetle droppings..She diceded not to move an inch!
-'But bbut',stottered Mr C...he always begins to stotter when he's very exited about something..'bbut...you can't stay here alone in the dark..we simply MUST follow the jiffy trail..it came to us for a reason..we have to find out where its going..'
-Yes,my dearest Miss,croaked Gustave...Listen to Mr C..please,just stay close to me...
-'I must be crazy listening to you all'..twittered Miss Moussie,'crazy to follow a trail that might go nowhere...going nowhere doesn't make sence at all!
-Oke then..if you feel that way then stay where you are...wait until daylight and find your way home to the garden on you own'...this was the calm and very wise Mozes speaking..he turned his back to Miss Moussie and started walking...followed by Mr C....who was talking to himself again...saying something like ..'this reminds me of book I read ..what was it again..ah, something with a yellow brick road...o my, I believe there were lions and tigers and bears..o my..
-Lions and tigers and bears...and you want me to go in there...Miss Moussie now squeaked very loud..o my goodness.
-Come on Miss...I'll protect you...croaked Gustave..and he grabt Miss Moussie by the hand..
So there they all went...through the forest ..in the dark.. following a trail..going Nowhere....

The secret trail ...

There they all went...through the forest ..in the dark...Miss Moussie was glad it didn't rain...in here marvelously pink dress she shuffled carefully over the dark forest paths...they just came back from the theatre..had a magical evening, but now were very tired..longing to be home in there soft comfy beds...Mozes did lead the way...he alway's does in the forest..you can't possibly get lost when Mozes is there to guide you..So..Mozes first...then behind him..Gustave..hopping very happily...then Miss Moussie tiptoeing,and the last one in this parade was Mr.C...talking in himself...he does that quite a lot these days..
Miss Moussie, waving with her purse twittered nervously..'Yoehoe,dear Mozes,are we there yet...my feet are killing me'.
-In a minute Miss..answered Mozes...we have to take a turn to the right at the big hollow oak tree, and then we will be home in a jiffy..
-Isn't it a wonderful evening,Gustave croaked...Don't you just love the forest when its dark and mysterious...
-Do you all know what a jiffy is..Mr. C asked...bet you all don't know what a jiffy is...
-We don't..croaked Gustave,but we do know you are going to tell us...so Dear Mr C ..what's a jiffy.
-The time taken for light to travel..And light travels so very fast...faster then we can...unless....
-Unless what dear C..twittered Miss Moussie...almost tripping in some beetle droppings..
-Unless we find the secret Jiffy trail in this forest..I know it's there...my great great grandfather found it one's up on a time..
-I now all the paths in the forest, said mozes..never heard of a Jiffy trail...never did see one..
-Well, if you look for it you can't see it,said Mr C...it has to come to you...
-A path that has to come to you...giggled Gustave...like ,when you wistle and call..here... Jiffy Jiffy....He thought this to be so very funny tears were running down his chubby cheeks from laughing.
-yes, you are correct..absolutely correct dear Gustave..this is the way to do it...only you have to believe in it..magic only works when you believe in it, that's a scientific fact...and there Mr C stopt with his explanation of magic and jiffy's.
-I wished we could find one now..Miss Moussie sighed..
-And I wished you all stopped babbeling...mumbled Mozes...come on..put you best foot forward.
-I have no best foot left ..they are both protesting..and not willing at all..twittered Miss Moussie.
Mozes was loosing his patience..how to bring this little troup home as fast as possible..they were getting on his nerves..chattering..croaking and twittering..
He lifted his head to the sky..there he saw the big bear ..his favorite star..Hello friend...mozes said softly with a smile on his face..can you help me find a jiffy...I would like to get home with this gang as fast as I could.
As soon as Mozes had spoken these words...in front of him the trees and bushes began to move....the trees bowed and the bushes stept aside...and there suddenly a trail appeared..
Mozes abrubtly stood still as a statue...Gustave bumping into him..followed by Miss Moussie...and then Mr C....Silence....only the wind whispered through the tree tops..
'follow the trail...follow the trail..'
-O my goodness,Miss Moussie squeaked..we found it we found it...
Slowly Mr C walked towards the beginning of the path..."Come on he said exited..where are we waiting for,lets go...
-But, but where wil it lead us...Miss Moussie whispered very very softley..I don't think we should do this...one never know's where one will end...
Mozes took a deep breath.."We are going,he said with a firm tone of voice...stay close together....
Are you curious where this secret trail will lead them..then lets follow and click here...on the Link to Knowhere..

The Hilltop forest

Would you like to take a little walk with me...we will close the garden gate behind us and enter the Hilltop Forest....a wonderful and magical place...We often go there for a little stroll..When Mozes isn't sleeping under the lilac bush he sleeps in the forest,in a big hollow tree...its his home. He knows every creature that lives there..he knows every hidden trail..and every secret the forest keeps.
If you listen very carefully you can hear a soft whisper..."welcome"...Its the forest greeting you...Know you are always welcome my friend...the forest lies waiting to be explored..maybe you will be the one to whom the forest will tell his secrets...

Toast....

We are so enjoying the summer evenings....we can't remember when summer was this warm and friendly...Lets embrace the last summernights..and make a toast..a toast to friendship..our friendship through the seasons...

Itsy Bitsy Spider

Do you like spiders...When you do then please visit the garden...there are beautiful spiderwebs to admire...we have a spiderweb exhibition...so..every spider in the garden is doing his best to create the most beautiful spider web ever...when it's dark MR C comes out of his labyrinth and is going to admire all of these magnificent works of art..at dawn when the webs are marvelously magical...covered with diamond dew drops...Mr C will give away the "Silver Lining award" to the web he loves the most...and Mr C knowing a LOT about art, then, will give everyone gathered in the garden a lecture about' The art of the web through the ages'...we hope this will not take to long...then followed by a sweet little ceremony..to honor the spider for his enchanting and inspiring work..No one is to touch the web and every winged creature is warned not to fly into it..well...they didn't like to do that anyway...
A little itsy bitsy tiny spider made his web in my living room..this was a mistake..go on.. shoo shoo..silly spider, weave your web outside for everybody to see...

Drawing Dennis Hockerman

Summer Rain..

It's raining....sweet summer rain...all the flowers in the garden are happy...they are lifting there heads to the sky and let the raindrops kiss them.. Its a good day to take a minute for yourself...just pause for a while..do as the flowers do...lift your head up ..feel the rain on your face and take a deep breath...

I am going to be a very busy bee today...after visiting the Theatre...the Fair...the Dragonfly ball...celebrating birthday's...now we have to go and prepare ourselves for a new season...'Fall'..we call it.. 'the golden time' in our garden...you can all ready see a glimpse of it...the light is changing...so..in the next couple of weeks we take time to say goodbye to this wonderful summer...it has been a glorious one...
Then in the third week of September we will welcome Autumn....and we will do it in style..with a big welcome 'Harvest' dinner...and this year Mr C..is our host...I am so looking forward to it...a dinner in Mr C's Labyrinth... we will keep you posted...
For now...I am going to check my supplies...and fill my cupboards..................

High Tea..

Have to hurry..Very important date...a high tea in our garden...you are all invited...lets go and celebrate two birthday's...yes two...The Dutchess and the devine Miss Moussie...Hip Hip Hurray!

P.S..would you like to go for a drive with me...after tea..I have just bought a new automobile..and I can assure you I am a very good driver....oh,the poetry of motion....

Gone with the wind..

I woke up this morning very urly and was lying in my bed..listening...listening to what..you might ask..yes, good question...I was listening to something I didn't hear...there was something missing in all the lovely noises coming from the garden outside my door...What was it...and then..then I knew what it was...I didn't hear Mr Swoop the swallow...and I could'n hear his friends eather...where were all the swallow's gone..Did they leave the garden, back to far away places..are they on there way home..then some other birds will also be migrating very soon...the goose from the pond..the storks from our daisy meadow...But I do so miss the sounds of the swallows..please Mr Swoop come back next year..I will be waiting..

The Dutchess and the Falcon..

Hello my dear friends...how are you today..I hope well and happy..there is something wonderful I have to tell you...Yesterday evening..all was very quiet in the garden..our Dutchess was sitting at her desk..writing..Suddenly she heard a cry..a cry from a soaring bird..she did hear this before in the last couple of days..not knowing precisely what kind of bird was making this sound...Maybe a Falcon...but we never had a falcon in the garden before....There it was again..a lonely cry..and now very close by..Our Dutchess stood up from her chair..leaving her little birds nest (this is how she calls her room )entering the master bedroom..there the french doors to the balcony where open to let in the summer wind..and there our Dutchess suddenly saw, sitting on the balcony..A FALCON....Our Dutchess couldn't believe her eyes...What a beautiful creature..Slowly she walked towards the open door..step by step coming closer to the entrance...the Falcon sat ever so still,just moving his head..curious...dark little eyes following her every move..In the doorway the dutchess stopt..and stood very still...the falcon didn't move a feather....so,our dutchess being very bold decided do try to get even closer..just at the very moment she stepped one step forward...the Falcon cried again...Our Dutches startled..the little step became a little jump....'Oh,now I've don it'..she was thinking by herself..'now he will fly away'...No,he didn't,unbelieveable..the falcon remained seated....Now the Dutchess was determined to get closer...how was it possible this bird didn't fly away..maybe it was injured...
She grabbed a shawl from the dressing table and wrapped it around her arm...like this she again walked slowy towards the Falcon...he looked surprised...and then...it was the most magical thing ..he flapped his wings and the next moment he sat on her arm ...The Dutchess held her breath..she stood as still as a statue..and so they remained for a few minutes..Just looking at each other..Then they both heard the disturbing sound of thunder approaching in the distance..The Falcon lifted his head...And our Dutchess said,"Yes,maybe you should go now,there is a storm heading our way...Go on my dear Falcon..Fly..
At that moment the Falcon spreads his wings...and takes the sky...He circles a few times over the garden,and then flies away in the direction of the Hilltop Forest...
Leaving our Dutchess standing there...completely flabbergasted.

And this my dear friends is not a tale from the fairy with a tail( this being little old me of course)no...it realy realy happened..at a beautiful summer evening in our garden...
Have a wonderful day and see you soon........hug..from your Miss Moussie............

Picture from the internet..Torenvalk/Kestrel.

The Road To Home

Carry your home in your heart and you will alway's remember wich way to go...

Hayday..

A hayday..its a very very warm summerday....Mozes is taking a nap..its to hot for bears..its to hot for any creature...so,we are taking it easy...and just hang out in the hay....drinking lemonade eating ice cream and watching the clouds drifting by....see that one.. it looks like a castle...we are soo happy that Gustave,Mr.C and the Tea rat are safely home again...there was almost a terrible accident on the open road..We are all so fragile..and life is such a precious thing...you all take care now..watch your step,and mind where you'r going...and don't forget to take a hayday one's in a while..a role in the hay keeps the doctor away...

The Open Road

Hee...you forgot to bring back the carriage....

The Fair...

I don't think it has never been this busy in our garden...we where all up and about bright and early this morning...Mozes was the first one staggering through the garden...sleep still in his eyes... going straight to the pond..and there he took a dive...waking up Gustave...by splishing and splashing around!
Then together they went to build up the market place...It didn't take long for the first fairies to arive...followed by a few garden gnomes..I must tell you I don't like garden gnomes very much..they sometimes scare the witts out of me ..as you may know garden gnomes can stand still for hours and hours...and then when you least expect it they can suddenly whistle, or yell something stupid like "Hello Doll"when your passing by!
I hope they will behave today...You can find my little Swop Shop under the lilac bush next to Mozes his Honey pot....yes,Mozes is selling honey...he made a deal with some very friendly bees..Gustave is selling something very lovely..he is selling MUSIC..You can book him to come and play his Banjo...on birthday's,weddingparty's etc..Speaking of Birthday's ..we are cellebrating one today..our dear Dutchess's Hubby...We wish him many many B-Day's more to come..and we wish you a happy stroll through the garden today...have a chat with the elves...buy some fairiedust..try my marmelade..listen to Gustave play..and don't let the garden gnomes fool you...
We will end this "Fair" day at the Hilltop ...take your bag of goodies with you and walk up to the Daisy Meadow...there await's us a lovely picnic..prepared by the birds from the Chatter Creek...Lay yourself down in the grass and stay with us to watch the sunset...the days are already getting shorter...Drink some fairy wine..listen to the concert of the birds at dusk...and have a merry evening waltzing with an elf...