Pippa's Big Idea

When the Patches family moved to Macadamia Grove, Pippa Patches was a little surprised to find that the village did not have a library.  An avid reader herself, she thought it a pity that the villagers did not have the opportunity to borrow books.

As time passed, and the family settled in, the thought came to Pippa that perhaps she could do something about it herself.  After talking the matter over with her husband, her mind was made up.  The next day, on the pretext of collecting Zac from school, she stopped to chat to the headmaster, Mr Buckley.  He was a member of the Village Council, and invited her to put her idea to the Council at their next meeting.

When the day came, Pippa was quite nervous, but she was greeted courteously by the members of the Council (most of whom she knew by now anyway), and took the seat that the chairman, Edward Babblebrook, offered her.

Pippa spoke intelligently about the importance of reading, and about how a library could be a valuable part of the community, and the Council members listened carefully.

"Well I for one agree that it would be a lovely idea," said Amber Hazelnut, "but where would the library be?  And who would run it?"

"Somewhere central would be best," Mr Buckley put in.  "From my point of view, it would be excellent if it was close to the school.  We do have a number of books that the students can take home to read, but a wider selection would be great for them - and for their learning."

"I may have a suggestion," said Brooke Rivertail.  "If we are to go ahead with this idea, there is still a building in the village square that noone has opened a shop in as yet.  The Council could claim it, and employ someone to run it.  It's only small, but it might do."

"As for who is to run the library, I for one would be very happy to volunteer some of my time," said Pippa.  "I think some of the other villagers might, too.  My husband and I have also collected some encyclopedias and other books that we would be pleased to donate, if you like."

In the end, it was settled.  The Council voted unanimously to forge ahead with the library plan.  The Council would own the building, and agreed to finance the purchase of books for the library.  The day-to-day running was to be done by a team of volunteers, headed by Pippa herself.

After that, things moved quickly.  Brooke Rivertail had asked her husband to supply shelves for the library.  He arrived early one morning with Hawthorne Prickles, and began installing them.

"Phew, this is heavy work!"

Next, the books began to arrive.  First, the encyclopedias and books from other lands that the Patches had donated, then the books ordered by the Council, which came in several deliveries by post.  Pippa took charge of them all, and was soon happily stocking the shelves.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door, and someone poked their head in.  Pippa was thrilled to see who had stopped by - it was Ariane Woolly!

Ariane was something of a local celebrity, as she was a very popular children's author.  Pippa's daughter Sarah, like many Sylvanian children, had spent many happy hours reading her books.  Pippa hadn't met Ariane properly yet, and felt a little star-struck!

"Hello," said Ariane.  "It's Pippa, isn't it?  I do hope I'm not interrupting, but I heard about the library, and I think it is a wonderful idea.  I wanted to stop by and donate some of my books.  Just a couple today I'm afraid, as I had a few extras of this one already, but I have asked my publisher to send copies of all of them to you, and one of my husband's book too.  I do hope that wasn't too presumptuous of me!" she added, looking slightly embarrassed.

"Oh no, it's wonderful!  Thank you so much!" cried Pippa.  "The Council has been very generous, and have ordered what books they could, but we can always do with more.  It's very sweet of you."

"No problem at all," Ariane smiled.  "Now I must rush off I'm afraid - I've left the twins with Angel, and I'm really a bit concerned that they might be a bit much for him to deal with if I'm away for too long!"

Pippa was pleased to find that there was great enthusiasm among the other villagers for the library too, and several had put their hands up to help her run it.  Willow Thistlethorn was one of the first to volunteer, and her eldest daughter, Celeste, insisted on joining her to help set things up.

"Look Mum, it's Goodnight Honeybee!  This was Ash's favourite when he was little!"

After the Thistlethorns had left, and Pippa was just about to head home for the day, Edward Babblebrook stopped by to check on progress.

"I must say it's all starting to look good, Pippa!" he said cheerfully.  "There's quite a few empty shelves though," he added, looking around.  "I'm sorry we couldn't buy more just now, but books are quite expensive, as you know, and it's all the Council could spare at the moment."

"Oh that's quite alright," Pippa said with a smile.  "This is a very nice start, and the Woollys have offered some of their books too.  It will probably take people a little while to get into the swing of borrowing from the library anyway.  Perhaps we might have a fundraiser or two later on, to pay for some new books?"

"That sounds like a great idea," Edward agreed.  "Have you found anyone to help you run things as yet?  Isabella has a knack for ferreting out volunteers, if you need her to help."

Pippa laughed.  "Oh, that's quite alright.  A few people have volunteered already - I have made up a list for you - and I shall put a sign up on opening day if we still need more.  Really though, everyone has been very kind already - it has all happened more quickly than I expected!"

"Yes, the people here are generally pretty helpful, aren't they?  That's good to hear," Edward said, pleased.  He was very proud of Macadamia Grove, and relieved that even as the little village had grown larger and busier, still it had not lost any of its friendliness, and sense of community.  Not for the first time, he found himself reflecting that he wouldn't want to live anywhere else!

Happy Easter!

The residents of Macadamia Grove are having a lovely morning - the big Easter Egg Hunt is on!

Happy Easter everyone!

A Tree Change

The Outback Koalas moved into Macadamia Grove in January (you may have seen them on my Meet The Families page).  This is the story of their arrival...

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After their very successful village Christmas party, the Trunk family (who own the Courtyard Restaurant) had decided to sell the large tree they had been using as a function centre.
"We really don't have many functions large enough to warrant it, and with the village growing so much, I just feel someone else would get more use out of it," Savannah remarked, and Hugo agreed.

So the decision was made, and the next morning a new sign could be seen outside the tree...

A week or two later, Steve and Kylie Outback arrived in Macadamia Grove by town car.  They were a little tired, having visited three other small villages that day, and looked around appraisingly.

"Well this one is rather pretty," Steve remarked.  "Nice feel to the air, too - lovely and fresh."
"Mmm," his wife answered noncommittally.  "Well, let's have a look around..."  The last place they had been was pretty too, she thought, but much too small and sleepy for them to make a living there.  Would this place be the same?  Were they asking too much to find a village that was just right?  Would they be better off staying in Town, with its larger population and well-equipped hospitals?

You see, the Outbacks led very full and successful lives in Town, but they had always felt there was something missing.  After the birth of their second child, they had finally made the decision:  what they needed was a "tree change", to live a less hectic life with green things growing all around.  So on this sunny day, they had left their children with friends who were glad to babysit, and had made a tour of several likely-sounding country villages.  So far, they hadn't had much luck.  This village was to be the last they looked at today, before heading home.

As they walked through the heart of Macadamia Grove, Kylie had to admit she did like the look of this little village.  The stream flowed bright and pure, the grass was green, and Steve was right - the air really was delightful.  The villagers, too, looked happy and contented as they went about their late afternoon activities.  Several faces turned curiously toward the newcomers, and one or two people gave them a friendly wave.

Finally they saw a welcome sight - in the distance, over a bridge, a lovely looking restaurant beckoned. 
"Shall we have a drink before heading home?" Steve suggested.
"Oh yes," Kylie answered gratefully.  "I could do with a rest.  Maybe we could even get something to eat?  Kevin and Stacey said they didn't mind if we left the girls with them for dinner."

Five minutes later, they were being ushered into their seats by a very attentive Maitre d'. 
"Welcome to the Courtyard Restaurant!" said Mr Trunk, handing them their menus.  "What would you like to drink?"

After they had ordered their food, Steve said tentatively, "Did you happen to see the 'for sale' sign next door?"  Their eyes met.  Kylie had noticed it, too.
"It would be a lot of work..." Steve added uncertainly.  "Heaven knows where we'd find a builder..."

Over at a nearby table, Mr Rivertail couldn't help but overhear.

"Ahem..." he said, coming over to their table.  "Sorry to intrude - Murray Rivertail's the name.  I couldn't help overhearing - were you thinking of buying the Treehouse?"

The Outbacks were a bit startled by this, as was Mrs Rivertail, who stared disbelievingly at her husband!

"We're... er... not sure.  We haven't even looked at it yet really," Kylie managed.

Mr Rivertail went on to explain that he was the local builder, and would be pleased to arrange a meeting with them and Mr Trunk if they were interested.  The koalas thanked him, and arranged to return the following day.  Just then, their food arrived, and Mr Rivertail left them to enjoy their meals.

The next morning, the Outbacks returned to Macadamia Grove, and went straight to the Treehouse, where they met Mr Trunk and Mr Rivertail.  Kylie and Steve explained exactly what they would need built, and Mr Rivertail seemed to think it was no problem at all.
Then Steve raised an important question - would they be able to find work in this village?
"What do you do for a living?" asked Hugo, curiously. 
"We're both doctors," said Steve.  "Kylie's a top-class surgeon and obstetrician in fact, while I deal more in the GP line." 
Hugo looked thrilled.  "Why, that's perfect!" he exclaimed.  "We could do with some medical professionals in Macadamia Grove - there currently aren't any.  In fact we were just discussing it at our last Town Committee meeting."

Kylie and Steve looked happily at one another, as Murray and Hugo started to talk sums, measurements and equipment. 

"Well honey, I think we might have just bought a house!" Steve said with a smile.
"And it's going to be perfect!" Kylie breathed.  "How marvellous to actually be living IN a tree!"
"A real 'tree change' indeed!" Steve laughed.

The Perfect Christmas Party (Part One)

Okay, so the Advent Calendar thing got away from me a little at the end there - we have been very busy, what with four Christmas parties to attend in three days, and two of them being at our house!  I hope this story will make up for my absence - and fill in the gaps of what our Sylvanians were up to in that last week before Christmas!  This is a collaboration, so many of the creatures pictured here are my daughter Caitlyn's.  She has written the second half of the story on her blog, Sylvanian Stories.

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'Twas the week before Christmas...  and everyone in Macadamia Grove was looking forward to the big village Christmas party!

Every year in Macadamia Grove, the whole village is invited to one big celebration on Christmas Day.  Each family takes a turn hosting the big event.  Some families (generally those with smaller cottages) choose to host the event in a park or by the river;  others hold it in their own home.  This year, it was the Trunk family's turn, so of course the event would be held at the Courtyard Restaurant.

Savannah was very excited and proud to have a chance to host Christmas in their beautiful restaurant.  It was the perfect venue, with the large grassy area outside, the huge old tree with the "special functions" dining platform, and of course the restaurant itself.  Savannah had planned the perfect menu too, and the whole family had had some input into what decorations they would have.  Savannah just knew this was going to be the best Christmas party ever - it was going to be perfect!

Many other people in the village were excited about the venue for this year's party too, and were very interested to see what delicious food Savannah would be preparing!

By the 18th of December, preparations were in full swing.  Hugo had placed orders for everything they would need from the Supermarket.  Most of the decorations were waiting to be put up.  Hugo had also arranged one or two extra surprises without the children's knowledge, and he went to see Mr Rivertail to check on progress.

"Don't worry Hugo,"  Murray said cheerfully, "It will delivered safe and sound the day before Christmas!"

On the 19th of December, Edward Babblebrook arrived at the Courtyard Restaurant to see how things were going.  As the Chairman of the Macadamia Grove governing committee, it was his responsibility to make sure the host family was managing okay with all the preparations, and to see if they needed any help.  He was very impressed with how organised the Trunks were.

"Is there anything I can do while I'm here?"  he asked.
"Well actually, you could give us a hand putting the lights up if you don't mind,"  said Hugo.  "Brooke Rivertail will be here soon to help too - she is bringing a ladder."
"Sure, no worries!" said Edward.

In due course, Brooke arrived, and the three worked together to hang the lights all around the front of the restaurant, and in the big tree.  Brooke had an excellent eye for where the lights would look best.

On the 20th of December, the Buckley family played host to a large group of village children.  This was Nellie Trunk's idea.  She had had so much fun making paper snowflakes with her brothers and sister that she thought it would be lovely to display their efforts at the Christmas party.  Her brother Ivor had said, "But we won't have nearly enough!", but Nellie knew just how to fix that, and had gone to see Mrs Buckley.

With school finished for the year, Mr and Mrs Buckley had a bit of time to spare, and were glad to help out.
"Now children,"  said Anna, "After you have finished folding, take your scissors, and..."

Maisie Honeycrackle leaned over to Misty Rivertail.  "It's just like being at school!" she whispered.
"But more fun!" Misty whispered back.

On the 21st of December, Christopher Appleblossom started on a new gingerbread house, specially created for the party.

He wanted to make sure he got it done before he needed to concentrate on all his cranberry macadamia nut bread orders...

On the 22nd of December, Mr Whiskers and his daughter Pearl brought the Supermarket order to the Courtyard Restaurant.  Hugo was amazed at the large number of Christmas Crackers Savannah had ordered.

"Well there needs to be one for everyone, dear!" she pointed out.

On the 23rd of December, it was time for Savannah to start making some of the food for the party.  She decided to start with dessert.  Meanwhile, she set Ivor to work in the garden, picking vegetables to be roasted tomorrow.

On the 24th of December, Savannah got up very early, as she had a busy day ahead!  All the mixing, chilling and freezing was done - all that remained was to fire up the oven and get baking!  Savannah turned the oven on, humming, and walked around doing a last check on things while she waited for it to heat up.  Everything was looking perfect!

But just as she got back to the kitchen, disaster struck!  A plume of smoke drifted up from the oven, accompanied by a nasty crackling sound!

"Oh no, oh no!" cried Savannah.
"What's wrong, Mum?" Ivor exclaimed, running downstairs.
"My oven is broken - how will I finish this cake now?  Let alone all the roasts I need to cook!"  Savannah wept.
"Well can't you ring Mr Prickles?"  asked Ivor sensibly.  Mr Prickles was the local handyman, whom everyone tended to call on when something needed fixing.
"He's away, the whole family have gone to spend Christmas at the Seaside," Savannah groaned.  "Oh, what am I going to do?  Our perfect Christmas party is ruined...!"

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Oh no - will the Trunk family be able to pull their Christmas party together, even with no food?!
Head over to Sylvanian Stories now for the thrilling conclusion...

December 16th - Presents Under the Tree!

The Rivertail children are very excited - they can't wait until Christmas Day!

All those brightly coloured presents under the Christmas Tree - what could be inside?

Mrs Rivertail knows of course (well, all but one!), but she's not telling!

Murray and Brooke exchange a happy smile.  Having all the family together, sharing the fun and excitement of the festive season - for them, this is the best part of Christmas.

I notice that the Rivertails seem to have FIVE presents under their Tree!  I wonder who is getting two?

December 8th - Paper Snowflakes!

Today, Misty and Todd Rivertail have been very busy making paper snowflakes! 

They know it is the only snow they will see over Christmas, as December here is the beginning of a hot Summer.  This is not typical for Sylvania, but a strange weather anomaly exists around Macadamia Grove that causes its seasons to be reversed...

December 5th - Introducing Dorothy Patches

I know this post is a day late, but we have barely been home in the last couple of days - so busy!  Still, better late than never!  I hope to get today's post up in a few hours...

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It's the 5th of December, and Dorothy Patches is selling icecream at a special Christmas event just outside Macadamia Grove.  Dorothy is a very kind dog, who loves to volunteer at the stall every year.

Many families have come down to enjoy an evening's fun, including the Rivertail beavers.  Misty and Todd have brought some of their pocket money with them, especially to buy a treat at the icecream stall.

What is the event?  Well, if you look behind Dorothy you might find a big clue, but my daughter Caitlyn will be posting more about it tomorrow over at Sylvanian Stories...

December 4th - Writing Christmas Cards

Today Mrs Rivertail managed to find a quiet moment to sit down and write Christmas cards for all her dearest friends.

"Hmmm, who shall I send this one to?"

It's December!

Sorry I haven't posted for a while - real life has been a bit busy...  There have been Sylvanian things going on here though - mostly crafting, as well as a few new arrivals (mostly furniture).

As of today though, it's December!  In our corner of Sylvania, that is super exciting, as it's when everyone starts getting ready for Christmas.  I have decided to try to do a Sylvanian "advent calendar" of sorts, with a new post every day leading up to Christmas (thanks to Emily of Dandelion Creek, for giving us the idea - she did one a couple of years ago that was fantastic!).  That way, you will get to see how our Sylvanians prepare and celebrate.  Mostly it will be a photo each day, with maybe a story or craft thrown in now and then.

To kick things off, we will have a peek at the Rivertail family of beavers, who have been busy today decorating their Christmas tree.

Misty and Todd have found that cooperation is key when putting the tinsel on!

We put our Christmas tree up today, too!  Happy December, everyone!