Budd, Calne post office, England

Isobel&Neil Posted Apr 20, 2007, 11:43 pm	Budd was going to be released 'into the wild' in London on the route of the Marathon.  She was hoping to be found by somebody who will help her to travel.  Unfortunately, as it was Neil's birthday weekend too, we just didn't get round to it .... We have decided to send her travelling instead, and will be looking for hosts in the Forum. Please sign up if you wish to host her.  We would particularly like to hear from members who haven't had the opportunity to host a ToyVoyager yet (though all are, as always, welcome!) The next step of her journey is in your hands
wourpet Posted Jul 6, 2007, 2:07 am	Well I've arrived at my host in Farmington, NM.  I must say its been a long journey but the most stressful was the last part of my journey.  My host has a new mail carrier it seems who thinks that everything can fit into the little mail box if you cram it hard enough.  While my host was pulling and twisting my package trying to get me out I was certain something was going to rip -- and rip it did but fortunately it was just the package.  I was a bit exhausted once I got out and I am resting up because we are going to be going camping at a lake in the mountains all week.  Henry the Hound and Rosa will be coming along too.
wourpet Posted Jul 15, 2007, 7:24 am	I am very tired after a whole week of traveling around in the Rocky Mountains, fishing in Trinidad Lake, camping in the forest, climbing to the rim of a volcano and shopping with my friend Rosa for postcards for Henry. Tomorrow after I have had a good sleep I'll update with lots of pictures and stories. Love, Budd
wourpet Posted Jul 19, 2007, 9:23 pm	On the way across New Mexico we stopped at a Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Angel Fire.  There were many things to see there but it was also having some construction and repairs.  I read all the names on this huge plaque and it took me some time.  They are all soldiers who died.  My new friend Rosa said her brother Coney is in Baghdad and she worries about him a lot.
wourpet Posted Jul 19, 2007, 9:37 pm	We camped above the lake at Trinidad but I got to go right down to the shore and go fishing.  I wasn't very good though and I caught my line on a stick. It was a lot of fun and I only got a tiny bit of sun burn.
wourpet Posted Jul 19, 2007, 9:50 pm	We went to an extinct volcano today.  It is actually called a 'new' volcano but it looked pretty old to me.  I walked around the rim and saw a terrific view.  It is the Capulin Volcano in New Mexico.
wourpet Posted Jul 19, 2007, 9:58 pm	Near Taos, NM the Rio Grand River made a huge canyon.  I was a little scared at first but I finally got out and had a good look.  It was a long way down.  I found a turquoise gem on the path when I was walking out onto the bridge.  My host said I could keep it.
wourpet Posted Jul 19, 2007, 10:09 pm	We took a long drive on the Highway of Legends.  Along the way we kept seeing parts of the Dakota Wall.  My host said it is a huge wall that runs along the Rocky Mountains from Canada to Mexico.  This is a picture of me and a formation called Profile Rock.  I was trying to see if it was at all like my profile.  It was cause by igneous rock flowing into the cracks of sedimentary rocks and then the sedimentary rock all eroded away. Does it look like my profile?
wourpet Posted Jul 19, 2007, 10:18 pm	We stopped at Monument Lake while we were on the highway of legends.  I didn't go fishing here, though, because it was starting to rain and I was excited about driving through the Spanish Peaks.  They are very important mountains that can be seen from far away and people used to use them as markers.  When we were up on top I could only ever see one at a time.
wourpet Posted Jul 19, 2007, 10:22 pm	One of my favorite parts of camping was just sitting around the campfire.  Especially when we had the marshmallows to roast on a stick.  I was very careful because my host said if I got too close to the fire I might burn my fur.
wourpet Posted Jul 19, 2007, 10:28 pm	We didn't get to do much today because it was raining.  My friend Rosa is from the desert and isn't used to the rain so she wouldn't go outside with me. Henry didn't care about the rain because he was busy planning secret missions and writing in his book.
wourpet Posted Jul 20, 2007, 1:01 am	We've been back here almost a week now and it is still very very hot.  Today I stayed inside most of the day and worked on my travel log.  Do you like my new hat?  My host said I could keep this one and she will even put my turquoise gemstone on it if she can.
wourpet Posted Jul 30, 2007, 9:48 pm	Today I was invited to help out at a trade show at the civic center.  We had a booth filled with all sorts of engraved projects and we shared our booth with the Blue Star Mothers.  My job was to show people some of the pretty wooden items. It was quite a busy day with a lot of people stopping by and asking questions and looking at things and by the end of the day I was quite played out.  I didn't even get a chance to wander around and look at the other booths.
wourpet Posted Jul 31, 2007, 1:36 am	Well today was even more fun.  I got to sit right at the table and help out. One of the other volunteers didn't show up so I took her place. Later in the afternoon I even got to walk about and see some of the other vendors at the show. Outside there was a huge climbing wall.  I watched some of the climbers and thought it would be good practice for me but we had to get back to our own booth.  The army recruiters were looking after the wall and one of them told me he met a Toy Voyager once before and his name was Coney.
wourpet Posted Jul 31, 2007, 1:41 am	My host took me in to get a new gem for my hat since the one I found was too big.  The store was closed so we will try again tomorrow.  We went over to the post offic and Wourpet said I will be leaving there soon to be on my way to my next host. Because I didn't get a chance to climb the wall at the fair I got to climb the wall at the post office.
wourpet Posted Aug 2, 2007, 12:58 am	Today while I was waiting to go to the store for the turqoise I talked for awhile with Stinger.  He isn't a TV yet but might be soon.  I was a little scared when I met him a few days ago -- he is kind of odd looking and has a very large stinger but today he told me about himself. He is a scorpion and scorpions can be up to 7 inches long.  They come in a wide variety and 90 species live in the United States -- but only 4 west of the Mississippi River.  Scorpions have 2 pincers and a curved tail ending in a poisonous stinger.  They eat insects, spiders, and sometimes lizards and mice.  They live in the desert but also in tropical forests and grasslands and caves.  They live for 10 to 15 years. Scorpions are prey to certain lizards, owls and mammals.  The venom of the scorpion consisits of chemicals that affect the nervous system but most scorpion venom is not considered deadly to humans or toy voyagers. I was glad to hear that and I thought Stinger was a pretty friendly scorpion. The second picture is my friend Rosa and I out in the backyard.
wourpet Posted Aug 2, 2007, 1:06 am	Today we went to the store and picked out a turqoise stone for my hat.  Wourpet told me my other stone was fake and it was just glass.  It was also too big for my hat so she told me I could pick a new one out.  It was very hard to do because there were soooooo many to choose from. After I finally decided we sewed it onto my hat band and I posed for some pictures.  Isn't it pretty?
wourpet Posted Aug 7, 2007, 2:39 pm	Wourpet decided to take me shopping again today.  We went to Home Depot and I felt very very small. I think though, that climbing around on the lumber piles is good practice for me.
wourpet Posted Aug 8, 2007, 10:06 pm	Today I got to help Wourpet in the work shop. We were building boxes and I learned how to use many of the power tools safely, including the laser. Because some of the jobs were very dusty Wourpet gave me an apron to wear. I got to help with everything but the gluing up.  Wourpet thought I might get very sticky paws if I helped with that.
wourpet Posted Aug 9, 2007, 9:18 pm	Budd is off for more travel on the USATVT.  Today she left with a first class ticket to Washington State where she will meet up with her next host. 3tmom.  After vacationing in Washington they will be returning to Virginia. The toys here had a farewell party for her and Rosa saw her off at the post office. She has been a very welcome and well behaved guest and we enjoyed her visit.
3tmom Posted Aug 21, 2007, 3:43 am	What a quick trip! I arrived in Washington this afternoon! I wasn't stuffed into a small, dark mailbox like last time and had plenty of air. My new hosts released me from the box as soon as they arrived from the airport.
3tmom Posted Aug 21, 2007, 3:53 am	This afternoon we're travelling to Grandpa's Woods on the Olympic Peninsula, near Sequim (pronounce squim)!  We're going to camp, pick berries, haul brush, pick berries, sightsee, and pick berries.  Grandpa's Woods used to be full of tall pines but they got sick and had to be cut down.  The Forest Service planted new pines which are competing with Alders for space.  Grandma and Grandpa cut down as many alders as they can.
3tmom Posted Aug 21, 2007, 4:08 am	This morning I saw a few deer.  They were quite shy and quickly moved away before I could greet them.  I helped pick berries: blackberries, black caps, thimble berries, and salmon berries. They're yummy.  This afternoon we drove through a Safari Park with many BIG animals.  3tmom let me greet the domestic animals.
3tmom Posted Aug 21, 2007, 4:17 am	Today, I picked berries, examined a log splitter, and hauled brush.  3tmom's husband let their eldest drive the pickup truck.  Grandpa had palpitations.  In the afternoon we drove to Hurricane Ridge in the Olympic National Park.  I saw the American Mt. Olympus and Canada (across the water).  After going back to Grandpa's Woods to pack the vehicles, we went home to Grandma and Grandpa's house.
3tmom Posted Aug 21, 2007, 9:13 pm	Grandma likes to go to the Mariners' baseball games.  Since today is her birthday, we are all going to watch the Mariners play the Twins.  I hope Ishiro hits a homer. This morning, Grandma made a cobbler with the berries we picked in Grandpa's Woods.  We ate it instead of birthday cake.
3tmom Posted Aug 21, 2007, 9:18 pm	We picked more blackberries along the side of a road.  When we got home, Grandpa let me help juice the berries and make jelly.  We made 53 jars of blackberry jelly.
3tmom Posted Aug 21, 2007, 9:27 pm	Tonight we are making chicken curry and ice cream for the church family night.  Chicken curry is a navy tradition.  We went shopping and bought lots of chicken, onions, apples, cream, and ice.  I didn't realize chopping onions was a sad occasion.  Grandpa made the mango chutney that went into and on the curry.
3tmom Posted Aug 21, 2007, 9:42 pm	We're going home!  I don't know where it is, but we're going. I pushed the luggage cart to check-in and then hung out with Eat-a-Lot Snuffles while we waited to go through security.  We boarded on time and then waited while more luggage (late & lost?) was loaded. We left one hour late. The photos are not displayed in the order they were attached.
3tmom Posted Aug 21, 2007, 9:59 pm	Because we left Seattle an hour late and our layover in Atlanta was supposed to be 45 min, we sprinted to the next terminal, hoping we'd make our flight. We arrived at the gate panting like dogs (I am an elegant immaculate cat, though, not a dog).  No one had boarded!  The plane had mechanical problems so the airline was looking for another plane. Our new departure was to be in 2 1/2 hours. I played, phoned friends, and checked out my travelog while we waited. We finally boarded after 11 pm.
3tmom Posted Aug 22, 2007, 2:54 am	The weather is very hot and humid, esp after the cool weather in Washington. 3tmom and her neighbor took their children and friends bowling so they could recreate in a cool place. I tried to bowl but the ball was a little too heavy so I kept score instead.  We had popcorn and fries for snack.
3tmom Posted Aug 22, 2007, 3:26 am	We arrived home after 1 am.  This is Barney the doorman.
3tmom Posted Aug 22, 2007, 8:01 pm	This morning we went to the Day Spa and Beauty Salon. I was pampered, petted, and enhanced. I helped Kat make chocolate no-bake cookies this afternoon. I even helped clean up afterward. I'm getting ready to play with Tee. I had a snack first, the cookie was good!
3tmom Posted Aug 22, 2007, 11:19 pm	Whew, I'm tired.  I played with a pack of energetic boys: bike riding, scooter riding, skateboarding, and shooting baskets.  I rested with Buster, the neighbor's cat who thinks he's 3tmom's cat.
3tmom Posted Aug 28, 2007, 1:51 am	Today we went to Busch Gardens in Williamsburg.  This amusement park's theme is Europe.  I especially enjoyed seeing England again.  I am a bit homesick.
3tmom Posted Aug 28, 2007, 1:59 am	I especially wanted to ride the Griffon, a spectacular new roller coaster, but it wasn't open for passengers today.  Watching the many roller coasters intersect was fascinating.
3tmom Posted Aug 28, 2007, 2:09 am	Busch Gardens has a nice collection of tropical birds.  My pretty shiny necklace attracted the birds, who kissed me and played hide and seek.  We practiced proper hygiene and washed up after touching the birds. Busch Gardens also handles Bald Eagles, America's National Bird, and wolves who have had accidents.
3tmom Posted Aug 28, 2007, 2:16 am	Next Friday, we're going to the first football game of the new school year.  Nellie told me the most important segment of the game is half time when the marching band performs.  She showed me the color guard's maneuvers.
3tmom Posted Sep 1, 2007, 4:22 am	I was a rescue hero today.  I rode an ambulance with a LOUD siren, rescued Doggy Boy, Snuggles, and Eat-a-Lot, and gave first aid.
3tmom Posted Sep 1, 2007, 4:41 am	We went to a football game tonight.  I think it was masquerade night because the big kids wore costumes. I don't understand why the players threw the squashed-looking ball instead of kicking it.  The object of American football is for the team to run the ball to the other end of the field and then kick the ball between the tall poles.  This involves a lot of running in circles, pushing, and falling on each other.  It rained hard shortly after the game started so 3tmom let me watch from a dry place and take photos.  The marching band played at half-time, which is intermission.
3tmom Posted Sep 1, 2007, 7:53 pm	We went to the post office today after everyone woke up.  I'm going to travel to my next host over the Labor Day Weekend.  Virginians celebrate Labor Day by mowing lawns, BBQ-ing, and shopping for school supplies. I met my driver and truck at the post office, then went inside to check-in.  I look forward to meeting BunTraveler in Oregon. Bye, Virginia.
marina Posted Sep 30, 2007, 2:46 am	Today I arrived in North Bay Village, Florida, after a relatively comfortable trip. I was just in time to attend Vince and Viviana's wedding. I enjoyed it. Little Vinnie sure was happy. He wasn't at all afraid of me even though I am a cat! We even took some pictures together (ah, but those are in Vince's travelog.) I wonder what I will get to do and see here? I just can't wait! *Ungh!* It wasn't easy getting out of my envelope... ...I'm almost out... Well, in the end, my host helped me. She kept going on about how cute I am with my little headband and earrings. Am I really that cute? I guess so, hehe...
marina Posted Oct 5, 2007, 4:26 am	Today I went with my host to a fondue restaurant called The Melting Pot. It was "Ladies' Night" so even though it was an expensive place, my host could afford to go as it was cheaper than usual (and still, I heard her mutter under her breath that it was too expensive for her. What a cheapstake...!) It was a book-club meeting, and there were four other nice ladies besides my host and her friend tarepanda who also was there. But the best part was that I met Helen Bear there! She is currently staying at tarepanda's so she got to come along, as well as Mocha. But Mocha shouldn't have been there--it was Ladies' Night after all! Oh well... Here I am next to a couple of yummy drinks (one is tarepanda's, the other one, with a neat ying-yang design, is my host's.) I gave her a look, hoping that she would share some of her drink with me, but she totally ignored me and drank it all by herself. Hey, hey!!! (By the way, she drank it so fast, she got brain-freeze three times. Serves her right.) Here I am again, this time with Helen Bear. I love how we look in this photo. Helen Bear is so very nice. I hope I will get to see her again.
marina Posted Oct 5, 2007, 4:37 am	Today I made a new friend--a nice piggy called Ruzovacek came to visit us. He will be staying here for two weeks. He seemed very shy at the beginning, but I did my best to help him feel comfortable, and I think it helped. Here's me and Ruzovacek soon after he arrived. After Rozuvacek was a bit rested from his trip, all of us--Palmito, Rosemary, Trapito, Ruzovacek and me--played hide-and-seek. I was "it". And boy, did we have fun! First we had to decide who would be "it". I quickly offered, because I think I'm quite talented when it comes to seeking! "...ninety-eight, ninety-nine... one hundred! Ready or not, here I come!" "Now where could they all be...?" Aha! I found Palmito! Of course, it was easy. He couldn't stop giggling from his hiding place. What a silly little monkey! And here's Trapito! I think he was daydreaming, because he seemed quite startled, ha ha ha! Now let's find Rosemary and Ruzovacek. Ooh... I wonder whose tail that could be...? Let's find out! *grab* Hahaha! Rosemary was so surprised that she became a little upset. Maybe it was because Palmito laughed at her so much, that he fell backwards (and still he went right on laughing.)  But it was funny... I laughed, too! Now only Ruzovacek's left. He sure knows how to hide! Ah, there he is! I don't think he's noticed us yet. He really is quite good at sitting still! Found you! Okay... Game's over! Wait--what was that noise? Uh-oh... Are you three okay?
marina Posted Oct 12, 2007, 4:23 am	My mentor has had a busy week, so I didn't get to go anywhere with her. But that's alright, as I'm having fun on my own, and playing with Rosemary and Ruzovacek a lot. Today, Rosemary and I played dominoes, but neither one of us won--it was a draw! I enjoyed the good game, though. But I was glad when it was over, because I got tired of sitting still. I wanted to explore the house. Rosemary came along. She's new here, so it was interesting for her, too! After some time we came across a tall bookshelf full of books, comics and various interesting things. So we began to climb it! More than anything, the bookshelf had comic books, and books on how to draw comics. They looked interesting, but Rosemary wanted to see what she called the "real" books, which were higher up. Rosemary doesn't care too much for comics... I wonder what her Mom, a hopeful comic book artist, thinks of that! Agh!! What is that thing?! It looks like a baby Chinese dragon or something of that sort... It's kind of cute, but those teeth look very sharp! .......Ah, it's OK--It's only a statue. Of course, I knew that already! I rode on its head, ha ha! But then Rosemary said to stop being silly and keep climbing up. This is the last stop. There are some nice collectible coins here, and also a lot of dust. The coins sure were shiny and pretty. But what a dusty shelf! On our way down, I helped Rosemary take out a book she is currently reading. She invited me to read it with her. It's called Perri, and it is about the life of a squirrel. The book is written by the same man who wrote Bambi; Felix Salten. I was surprised because the book is a little serious and sad at parts. But Rosemary told me that the original Bambi is a lot more serious and sadder than one would expected (though very beautiful.) We read and chit-chatted for a long, long time... I guess we must have fallen asleep! Well, that was a lot of climbing. My mentor put a blanket over us so we wouldn't catch cold. I may not have gone anywhere exciting, but it was a good day!
marina Posted Oct 16, 2007, 2:09 am	Today I went outside for a little exercise. After so many days inside, the sun on my fur felt wonderful! I am very excited because soon we will be visiting a place called Butterfly Garden. It seems there will be lots of other Toy Voyagers there. Ruzovacek and Helen Bear are coming along, too. I can hardly wait. I wonder what it will be like? Stimpy, too, was excited about going out for some fresh air. Climbing on the wire fence was great exercise for me. I really needed to move around a bit. The wind was strong, but I held on tight! That’s the bay behind my mentor’s apartment building. The waves were really strong. In the end I had to come back inside sooner than I would have wanted because the wind became just too strong. If my mentor hadn’t been holding me in her hand, I think I might have been blown away! Back inside, I found Shampoo, and we had some cat-chat together. Later Shampoo offered me a place where I could sharpen my nails. This house has a sofa especially for this purpose! Or so I think, as it is so very scratched up already. I left my own mark on it with my little sharp nails while Shampoo watched to make sure we weren’t found out.
marina Posted Oct 16, 2007, 2:33 am	Today’s the day! Butterfly Garden, here we come!!! Here I am on the car. There are many other Toy Voyagers with me on the back seat: Ruzovacek, Helen Bear, Romeo, Mumble, Mommet (who looks almost exactly like Trapito), Mocha, Snegovik and Prince Charming. With us are also carlissa, pkboo, marina and tarepanda. The car is full! Here is a big lake and little artificial beach at Tradewinds Park, where Butterfly Garden is located. We’ve parked the car and are trying to find the entrance right now. It may seem like the weather doesn’t look great, but, as a matter of fact, it’s perfect. No hot sun, a wonderful mild temperature… It’s quite windy, but other than that this looks like the perfect day to come here. Here we are!!! There’s a nice Gift Shop right behind me. I hope I have time to get something for Isobel anf Neil before we leave! This place seems to be taken right out of a fairytale. There are gorgeous butterflies of all kinds and sizes fluttering all over the place. It’s enough to leave you speechless, there’s just SO many—and every once in while, a hummingbird goes brrrrrzzz with its little wings right past your face! It’s like a dream… There are beautiful flowers wherever you look. If you look carefully, you can see the hanging feeders near the top. I think these are mostly for the hummingbirds, but the butterflies eat from them too. Or maybe it’s the other way around. I was too enthralled looking at the pretty things so I forgot to ask! Below are photos of some of the plants and flowers I saw: There were many hanging flowerpots all over the place. I would have liked to play more in them but my mentor said we would be left behind if we stayed there. Here I am with Romeo. He’s a very cheerful little pup. Look! There’s a butterfly right behind me!! Oh, oh! Here’s another! I think this one is called an Owl butterfly. There were many wire-mesh cages in which you could watch butterflies as they emerged from their cocoons. It was interesting and very touching at the same time. Here is yet another butterfly. I wonder how many I can find? There’s another one, hiding under a leaf! Here is a cute caterpillar. There was another one that was really, really big and fat, of a brownish color. It looked very scary! But my mentor liked them both and let them crawl all over her hands… Here is a lake full of beautiful Japanese koi. You can’t see them clearly in the photo, but there were many butterflies fluttering nearby the little waterfall. Those are the Japanese koi. Don’t they look delicious—ehrm, I mean, adorable? ::rollseyes:: This is making me hungry… Better move on to something else!! (By the way, if you look closely, you can see that the bottom of the lake is full of coins.) Here I am with Helen Bear and a rare flower. I had a wonderful time—and I managed to find something for Isobel and Neil, too. I hope they will like it. I am so tired! I’ll sleep well tonight.
tarepanda Posted Dec 24, 2007, 4:18 am	Well, we have arrived in our box a few days and it was getting very stuffy inside, so we were very impatient when the box was finally opened.  And we were a bit disappointed to realize that we just missed the trip to Macau. However, it is still nice to be able to breath some fresh air.  And to see such a group of TVs greeting us.  And among them is Mocha which I remember meeting over fondue in Miami.
tarepanda Posted Jan 22, 2008, 12:06 am	Tonight we go to see a pop concert. First, we go to a sushi place.  The sushi plates are on a conveyor belt which goes around the table.  You pick the dish you like.  It is kind of interesting and of course I love all the fish!! This is Mongkok, where the restaurant is.  It is one of the crowdest place on earth. This is what I see from the bus.  A lot of neon signs light up the night in the city. Hong Kong is a very busy city indeed. This is the star we are going to see at the concert.  His name is Andy Lau and he is a famous singer and actor in Asia.  He is our host's favorite and she thinks he is very handsome.  Well... What do you think? We buy some flashlights so we can wave them at the concert. It is a lot of fun.  I don't know the songs but I wave the light as everybody sings along.  I come to think he is one cute guy and his love songs are so moving.
tarepanda Posted Jan 22, 2008, 2:03 am	I am so excited today we get to see more of Hong Kong.  This is a street called Ladies Market, where you can find lots of inexpensive souvenirs, clothes and accessories, fake name brand watches and handbags, snacks and many more. Gosh, look at all the people crossing the intersection! We enjoy a dim sum lunch.  While MaruSaru pours us some tea, I check off the items I want to order from the list and submit it to the waiter. Food is here!  There is, from left, the Chinese tamale, the fried chicken tidbits, and the fish balls. This is in front of the restaurant.  They have big posters showing the abalone, lobsters and other delicacies they offer. This is Nathan Road, one of the busiest streets.  We are going to ride on a double decker like the one behind me! It is quite nice inside. They even have a TV! We go upstairs to get a better view.  There are lots of people at the bus station. Hmm, interesting signs.  I wonder what they say? And here is a Muslim mosque. We walk along the promenade by the harbour.  We can see the buildings on Hong Kong island. Look there is even a Chinese junk! We are now on Avenue of Stars. Look out! Bruce Lee and Budd are here! We find the handprint for John Woo, the movie director. And look, this one is Jackie Chan! Let's take a group picture!!
tarepanda Posted Feb 5, 2008, 3:56 am	Today we visited a Buddhist nunnery with Tarepanda and her mom.  Her mom was worried that the nunnery may be closed for the holiday but Tarepanda replied that she can't imagine a Buddhist temple closing for a Christian holiday.  Indeed it was not.  While the Chilan Nunnery is a relatively new building, it used architectural technique from the Tang Dynasty, around 7th century.  It is an all wooden structure built without using one nail.  As Tang Dynasty is the period with heavy cultural exchange between China and Japan, this style of architecture is commonly found in Japanese Zen Buddhism temples. Anyway, I am now in front of the nunnery. A fierce lion guarding the gate! The front hall is behind me. The corridor. A watermill useful for grinding flour, though they are not really using it now. It does feel like Japan, doesn't it?
tarepanda Posted Feb 5, 2008, 10:54 pm	Our Hong Kong vacation seems to just fly by.  We have a lot of fun.  Then we see Mara-Joy and Mocha off to Japan, and SaruMaru to Greece. This is the plane we are boarding to go home.  I am glad that we will be travelling comfortably in the cabin, and not boxed up!
tarepanda Posted Feb 5, 2008, 11:29 pm	Today we went to the beach.  The word "key" as in Viriginia Key, Key West and Key Largo comes from the Spanish word cay meaning a small island.  Look at all the palm trees! Over there is the Brickell area, a district with a lot of businesses, hotels and high end condominiums. Isn't it a gorgeous day?  I love the blue sky!  Across this ocean is England.  The thought makes me nostalgic.
tarepanda Posted Feb 6, 2008, 1:13 am	Weather in Miami is really nice and warm.  Imagine that they have strawberry fruits riping in January!  Today we go to a U-Pick field.  Look!  A big scarecrow! I am determined to help Tarepanda pick the best tomato. Now on to some grape tomatoes for her salad. After picking enough tomatoes, we go on to pick some strawberries.  This one looks delicious!!  Well it is indeed nice and juicy! Looks like this bunch needs some more time. Wow, Romeo finds a whole bunch hiding under the leaves! Look how many tomatoes we pick! And the red, plump strawberries.  We eat a lot and make smoothie out of the rest.
tarepanda Posted Feb 6, 2008, 2:29 am	Tonight we go to the BookCrossing meetup, where booklovers gather together to talk about and swap books. There are a lot of TVs too.  Besides Trapito, Mommet, Romeo, prince charming (whom I met when I was staying with Marina) and Mister_Right, I also meet mittens and picado.
tarepanda Posted Feb 28, 2008, 5:53 pm	Growl!! I have to complain!!!  Tarepanda is the most awful host!!  She had me all packed up and then kept telling me that my flight was delayed.  And delayed and delayed!!  I think she planned to suffocate and starve me!! Today I was so mad and hungry I just had to claw my way out.  I found two TVs, a dragon called Smith and a totally handsome bear called Cool Jules.  I told them my imprisonment, and that stupid dragon said, Oh we heard.  Nobody wants to host you so our host couldn't send you off... Ha, I would have bitten his head off if Cool Jules didn't stop me.  (and then the dragon did look like he could breath fire...) Anyway, Jules offers to take me to South Beach for a drink.  What is a cool, pretty girl like me to say? On the causeway heading to Miami Beach, we can see the cruiseships docked at the port.  Now, won't a getaway in the Bahamas be nice?  This is the world famous Ocean Drive on SoBe.  It is lined with palm trees and Art Deco style buildings.  The place to see and be seen, for sassy girls like me to hang out and meet some cool guys.  The weather is so gorgeous. And here is the house where the designer Versace used to live.  That is, until he got killed right on these doorsteps in front of the gate shot by a gun.  Wow.  Sacry. When we get home, Tarepanda tells me the good news that I have a flight booked for Russia.  Yippie!!  And I hope it is for real this time.  She assures me it is, but on the safe side, I am taking a cookie with me.
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted Mar 23, 2008, 1:24 pm	Hello! Today I've finally arrived in Novosibirsk, Russia to my new host Oksana. Here I met  3 more toyvoyagers- Rangler, Mousy Mouse and Morado. I have such a good company here! By the way Morado has also just arrived. At first I was a bit afraid and didn't want to leave my package, but Morado calmed me down. Here I'm examining Oksana's room. I found a very beautiful plant on the window-sill. Russians call it "dekabrist" (from Russian dekabr' which means "December", because it is in bloom in December. But Oksana has a strange plant- it has decided to bloom in March Oksana had a meeting with her friends in the cafe, so she took Rangler, Mousy Mouse, Morado and me with her. On our way she allowed me to climb a tree. Look, I'm not afraid to fall down! Novosibirsk had much snow in winter, but now it's melting. Still I could find some white snow and I start to dance When we came into the cafe we saw many girls and women- Oksana's friends. It turned out that they all (including Oksana) make handmade teddybears. It was so-o interesting! See you later! Tomorrow Oksana promised to take us for a walk and perhaps we will go to the movie!
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted Mar 23, 2008, 1:53 pm	Today we all have gone to the movies. We watched a cartoon about an elepant "Horton" and a fantasy movie "The Spiderwick Chronicles". We liked both films very much! And after that we went for a walk. The day temperature was about +6'C, so the snow was melting and there was lots of deep pools. By the way HAPPY EASTER! Oksana told me that today is Catholic Easter. Russians belong to the Orthodox church, so they will celebrate their Easter later- on April, 27.
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted Mar 25, 2008, 5:31 pm	Yesterday our friend Morado had his birthday and Oksana took me, Morado, Rangler and Mousy Mouse into the Irish pub. At first we had our lunch there and after that we were playing while Oksana and her friend were chatting. Then we went for a walk, saw a very beautiful church- Voznesensky Cathedral and bought a very tasty ice-cream. When we returned into Oksana's office we ate our ice-cream and played. Morado liked his birthday very much!
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted Mar 30, 2008, 6:28 am	We have such a nice weather now in Novosibirsk- it's sunny and about +5'C. Yesterday our host took us us for a long walk about the city. We enjoyed it very much! Look, we could see these birds: The streets are still full of puddles, but if such sunny weather stays longer, the roads will be dry soon. Here I'm in front of some Novosibirsk institute (university). At first I thought it was some theatre, but Oksana said that I was wrong. We could find a pine forrest. It's  situated not far from the main road- the Bogdan Khmelnitsky street. We envied those people who lived near that forrest- they could walk there everyday. We could see there many houses for birds! And here I'm near the monunents of some women. There are 3 monuments in fact- Some iron sculptures: Look what a huge umbrella! It was stading near some shoe shop: And here it is a sculpture of  a crow from the famouse fable of Ivan Krylov "The Crow and the Fox": Then we saw a drag-store with a sculpture of Doctor Aibolit (Doctor Doolittle) in front of it: The Palace of Culture: I liked these old green buildings very much. We could find the House with the yard where we could see some sculptures from Lewis Carrol's book "Alice. Looking through the looking glass" The sculpture of a poet: The sculpture of a clown:
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted Apr 7, 2008, 5:23 pm	Yesterday Oksana went to the post-office to send a traveling notebook to the next participant and we asked her to take us with her. We went to the post-office by the Metro. It was very interesting! When Oksana sent her notebook, she took us to the Pervomaysky garden for a walk. She likes that place very much. By the way do you know what temperature was outsides in the morning on Sunday-April,6? It was -10'C!  We could find a very old tree in the park with a deep hollow. We thought we could use it as our hiding-place  Here is the newly-weds' tree. It's a new tradition in that park for newly-weds. After the official wedding ceremony they go to Pervomaysky gargen to hang a ribbon and think of their wish. It's a stone sculpture of a mother and a child. We like it very much! Stone heart- one more symbol for people who are in love. At first it was clean, but then young girls and boys wrote their words of love on it Our small company on the bench I saw the wooden sculpture of an elk. The monument of the heroes of the USSR: We could see some birds in the garden:
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted Apr 13, 2008, 5:25 am	Yesterday our host took us to her friend Guzel for a cup of tea with cheesecake.  We could see many interesting things in Guzel's house. Guzel makes teddy bears and other toys, so we could make some photos with them: And here we are with the woollen bag. Guzel bought it and decorated with woollen flowers. She made those flowers herself from water and wool. Guzel brought us a wooden car and allowed us to play with it. It was so-o funny! )) Guzel loves indoor plants so she has a lot of plants at home. Here I'm with one of her plants and the wooden globus- Guzel decorated it with decoupage (I'm not sure how to write this word : We also could play with a big bicycle. It stands in Guzel's bedroom. We found an old clock- it was also rather big. And here I'm with Guzel's cheesecake. It looks so-o tasty! Guzel baked it herself. By the way I liked the fridge in Guzel's kitchen very much, because there were many different toys and magnets on it's door And this big cactus Guzel and her husband brought from Spain. Some more plant. It has already reached the ceiling. What a funny hedgehog! It's Guzel's first experience with oil paints: We found some sports equipment and played there while Oksana and her friends where chatting.
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted Apr 20, 2008, 5:12 pm	Today is Rangler's last day in Novosibrsk with us. Tomorrow morning he will be on his way to England to Steve and Helly. That's why we decide to have much fun today evening. We played with Oksana's Guinea pigs and feed them with salad: Then we watched the old Russian movie about children- how they were looking for the treasure. It was very interesting! When the movie was over I offered to look for some treasure in Oksana's flat . Everybody liked my idea very much! And can you imagine that in the end we found the place where Oksana keeps her money! )) We were very happy, but then Oksana saw us with her money and we had to run away from her 8)) We found the scales in the bedroom and we sat down on it to see our weight, but perhaps that scales was broken, because it didn't show anything After that we decided to read some very interesting magazine about teddybears: When we finished reading, I continued to examine Oksana's flat. And here's the fish clock. Oksana made it herself and now this clock hangs in her bedroom: Look! Here I'm with the dogs. Oksana made them of Papier Mache and the one of them is not finished- it has no ears, eyes and clothes: And here MousyMouse and me are playing with a big toy dog: Oksana has a Turkish drum at home so we had a chance to play it. It was very noisy but extremely funny! It's late already and we are going to sleep. We had such a nice time here with Rangler and we will miss him! I hope we can meet someday again!
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted Apr 20, 2008, 5:39 pm	Today morning Rangler went to England... We already miss him very much! Oksana took us to the post-office and after she sent Rangler we went to walk in the centre of the city. At first we were very sad, but soon we felt better. The whole week was rather cold- about-5'C and it was snowing much, so today is the first day since April, 14 when we have +11'C. We enjoyed such warm weather very much! We could the the famouse Vladimir Lenin's monument and the Novosibirsk Theatre of Opera and Ballet: Look how much snow! It's left after the snow- fall that happened on Thursday: The local museum: In the garden near the theatre: Here I'm climbing up the tree in the garden near the theatre: Me in snow: And who left these marks?.. Oh, it's a dove!
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted Apr 27, 2008, 5:25 pm	Yesterday a new TV came here. It's a small teddy bear- Hellen. She lives in England. She is so-o lovely! We all like her very much! Russians have their Easter today, so I wish you Happy Easter! Yesterday we helped Oksana to cook cheese soup and to dye eggs for Easter. There is a tradition in Russia to dye eggs with onion husks: Our Easter meal: One more tradition in Russia is to cook Paskha-special Easter meal made from curd. Oksana explained us that Paskha means "Easter" in Russian. We didn't cook it, but Oksana showed us it's picture, so now we know how it looks like. The traditional shape of paskha is a pyramid, symbolizing Christ's tomb. It is traditionally made in a wooden mould assembly called pasotchnitza that can be taken apart for cleaning, but more modern materials, such as plastics, are used nowadays. On the sides of the paskha are engraved (using the mould) traditional religious symbols, such as the "Chi Ro" motif (Labarum), letters "GW" (X and B in Russian letters, standing for Chistos Voskrese which is the Slavonic equavalent of the Paschal greeting "Christ is Risen!"), the Cross, eggs, and a lance, all symbolizing Christ's Passion and Resurrection. Another traditional Easter food is kulich. It is a kind of Easter bread, traditional in the Orthodox Christian faith — Russia, Belarus, Bulgaria, Serbia, Ukraine, etc. Traditionally during the Easter service, the kulich, which has been put into a basket and decorated with colourful flowers, is blessed by the priest. Leftover kulich that isn't blessed is eaten with Paskha for dessert. Blessed kulich is eaten before breakfast each day. It is baked in tall, cylindrical tins (like coffee or fruit juice tins), and when cooled is decorated with white icing (which is slightly drizzled down the sides), colourful flowers, and XB "Christ is Risen") is decorated on the side. Kulich is only eaten during the 40 days after Paskha (Easter) until Pentecost. Today is Morado and Mousy Mouse's last day in Novosibirsk with Oksana, me and Helen. Soon Oksana will take them  to the post-office and send to Moscow to Kristl. We all had much fun here and now Morado and Mousy Mouse feel a bit sad about their departure, but Oksana promises that  they will have nice time with Kristl too and  will see many interesting things in Moscow. Hope to meet all together sometime again! I will miss my dear friends very much!
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted Apr 27, 2008, 6:42 pm	Oksana took me and Helen to the post-office to send our friends Mousy Mouse and Morado to Moscow. The post office and near it: Oksana showed us the Irish pub. It's called "St. Patrick's corner". You can see St Patrick on the roof of that pub. It looks very funy! And there is a tree (I guess it's a wild apple tree) near the pub with empty bottles on it's branches: I could see the first green leaves on the trees! This is the cinema-house. It was built many years ago, but it was reconstracted, so now it's a modern and popular cinema house- "Victory": Here I'm near the casino- there are many casinos in Novosibrsk, but Oksana has never been there. And here is a car- it's prize which you can have if you win in casino. Helen and me want to try Perhaps we will return to our mummies in our own cars! )) Look what funy ladies! And they have a cat. At first we didn't noticed it: I could see the house which was built almost 100 years ago- in 1924. In fact it doesn't look so-o old at all. We could see these lovely Easter bunnies in some shop window: Finally we came to the church. As you already know today Russians celebrate Easter, so there are many people in every church. This one is the main in Novosibirsk. It's called the Voznesensky Cathedral. I already showed it to you: It looks very beautiful! All these people came to the church to sanctify their Easter food and special church wine: After that we went to Oksana's friend. At first we had Easter dinner there and then we traveled back home in a car.
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted Apr 29, 2008, 5:28 pm	Today morning we were very surprised when Helen Bear and me looked into the window- everything was white from snow! It turned out that while we were sleeping it started snowing.
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted May 2, 2008, 5:05 pm	Today is May,1 and Russians have a public  holiday.  May, 1 used to be International Workers' Day or Labour Day in the USSR, which celebrated the social and economic achievements of the labor movement. But in 1992 that holiday was renamed in The Day of Spring and Labour. But we still have demonstrations on May, 1. They are organized by different political parties (mostly by the party of the communists). Today Helen and me had a chance to see such demonstration. There were many people with flags and red ballons: But besides that demonstration there was another one made by young people of Novosibirsk. It had no meaning- it was just a funny joke- most young people who took part in it, prepared some funny costumes, masks or had strange make up on their faces and they had  posters with  funny slogans (they can hardly be translated into English). In fact Helen and me liked that demonstration more than the demonstration of communists.
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted May 3, 2008, 5:06 pm	After the demonstration Oksana took us to the cafe where we had a very tasty breakfast. Then we went for a walk about the city. We could see such a lovely small Chapel- St. Nickolas' Chapel: And here we are in the Pervomaysky Garden- pervomaysky means "May,1": It's written here Novonikolaevsk. Oksana told us that Novonikolaevsk is the old name of Novosibirsk. After October revolution in 1917 this city was renamed in Novosibirsk, which means New Siberia. We saw a  horse in that garden- it looked very funny with it's red ears And there was a women who was selling these lovely dolls: Later we went to Ikea- we were looking for a present for Oksana's colleague. So we bought a photo frame as a present and Oksana also bought some mirrows and a small chest of drawers for herself. When we finished with our purchases we when to Ikea's cafe and drank cola and ate ice-cream there.
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted May 10, 2008, 5:28 pm	Today we were walking in the Narymsky garden. It was the last day of Easter week so there was some celebration in the garden- with a concert, fair and different games. We could see many people in old Russian traditional clothes. And in the evening Oksana took me and Helen to her drum class. It was very interesting there! We were allowed to play a real drum djembe from Africa!
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted May 11, 2008, 9:39 am	Today Russians celebrate the Victory Day- this day marks the capitulation of Nazi Germany to the Soviet Union in the Second World War commonly referred to in the Soviet Union as the Great Patriotic War. This capitulation was signed late in the evening on May 8, 1945 (May 9 in the Moscow time zone), following the original capitulation Germany signed earlier to the joint Allied forces. The Soviet government announced the victory early on May 9 after the signing ceremony in Berlin. The May 9 Victory Day is celebrated in most of the successor states to the Soviet Union, especially in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. The day is traditionally marked by ceremonial military parades with the most prominent one being traditionally held in Moscow on the Red Square. There was a parade in Novosibirsk too- it was held on the Lenin's Square and there were lots of people, so that we couldn't see the parade very well But we could see the exhibition of military machines. It was very interesting. Then we went to the park to watch the fountains- they've just began to work after winter break. On our way to the park we found this wall with drawings: Look! What a lovely bear-fountain! And this fountain is much bigger than the one with a bear: We saw these boys and girls in the blue uniform near the memorial to the Heroes of the USSR: We also found the place where some people were preparing everything for the evening fireworks: The weather was so warm and sunny so that we couldn't help admiring the nature in the park: When we saw that sculpture, we at first thought it was made of snow, but it turned out to be made of white stone And this monument is a present to Novosibirsk from the Armenian community of the city. It was made for the 2000th anniversary of Christianity: We met many veterans of the Great Patriotic War: In the evening there were fireworks on the Lenin's square. Thousands of people came there to watch it. It was the most beautiful fireworks me and Helen bear ever saw!
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted May 13, 2008, 6:59 pm	Today Oksana took me and Helen bear to the Zoo. Here we saw some dinosaurs- they looked very big and dangerous, but of course they were not real Look what a lovely animal! It's a lemur. And here is a small exhibition of the birds' houses- they all look very interesting! I could live in any of them And it's a lynxs. We could see many birds there- some were very-very big! And this animal is very unusual, because it's not a lioness- it's a crossbreed of a lion and a tiger. And it lives with a lion. We also saw a white tiger. I'm with a deer: Do you know this animal? Oksana says in Russian it's called "mangust", but we couldn't translate it into English. We are with some forest flowers: We saw some big bears in the Zoo! As you see we met many interesting animals and birds and spent a wonderful day!
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted May 16, 2008, 4:47 pm	The last few days we had  hot and sunny weather in Novosibirsk and we enjoyed walking in the parks. Many trees and flowers are in blossom now and the city looks wonderful! Look what an interesting sculpture of a policeman and  traffic lights we found!  Isn't it funny? What a pink miracle! Oksana says that it's an almond-tree. And here's the sculpture of 2 storks- the symbol of a new family. Newly-weds like to make photos near these storks. Wild apple tree is in blossom. It smells so-o tasty! Some wild flowers:
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted May 31, 2008, 5:00 pm	What a nice and quiet day we have had today! It's Saturday and we decided to rest at home the whole day. So we were sleeping till 11 a.m., then we helped Oksana to do some work about the flat, went into the supermarket to buy some food and went to the post office to receive a package with 2 other TVs- Teddy Bear Donald and NormaNikkers. We became friends at once! What a pitty that tomorrow Helen Bear and me have to leave to our next hosts
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted May 31, 2008, 5:33 pm	Today Mittens has arrived and we were very happy to meet it! Oksana made these photos on our way back to Oksana's work from the post-office. Dandelions are everywhere here and they look like small suns in the green grass. What I like about May in Novosibirsk, that there are many trees and flowers in blossom now: And here we are already in the office with a teddy bear Timosha. It looks very sweet! Oksana's friend made it.
Oksana oksanashevtsova77@gmail.com Posted Jun 2, 2008, 5:34 pm	Today is the first day of summer! It's a children's holiday today in Russia. What a pitty that I won't see it, because in a few minutes Oksana will send me to Steve an Helly to England Oh, I feel very excited and happy that soon I will visit England, but still I don't want to part with my new friends- Oksana and other TVs- Mittens, Hellen Bear, Norma Nikkers and Donald. Helen Bear, I will bring your "mother" Helly warm greetings from you!
Steve & Helly Posted Jun 12, 2008, 8:13 am	Hello, I've arrived in Calne. I'm a bit grubby after my long journey so, first stop . . . the bathroom . . .
Steve & Helly Posted Jun 17, 2008, 7:36 am	. . . This is the life! Here I am relaxing in the bath/sink! Oooh! This is just what I need after my travels. Soon I'll be all clean and sweet smelling.
Steve & Helly Posted Jun 17, 2008, 7:40 am	Helly needs the sink . . . "I'll be right out! . . . In a moment . . ." . . . much later . . . Hurrah, all clean and sweet smelling!
Steve & Helly Posted Jun 17, 2008, 10:04 pm	I arrived at Helly's office this morning and decided to explore the bag which was on Helly's desk. . . Oh look! A bag with seven bears has been left on the table. We don't know who left them but we know they are destined for South Africa where they'll meet Threadbear.
Steve & Helly Posted Jun 19, 2008, 7:03 am	Here I am at The Avenue. This was a processional avenue of stones which lead to Avebury stone circle. There are still lots of stones remaining. Isn't this one big? I had to have help to climb up. Where there are concrete blocks this shows where stones used to be.
Steve & Helly Posted Jun 19, 2008, 7:05 am	Avebury is having lots of bollards put in place. It's the summer solstice this weekend and the bollards are to stop lots of people parking on the verges.
Steve & Helly Posted Jun 26, 2008, 4:20 pm	Look, this is Wadworth's Visitors' Centre, where Wadworth was born. It's a famous brewery. I got to taste some of the beer. Only asmall measure though as I'm nly a small bear.
Steve & Helly Posted Jun 26, 2008, 4:22 pm	Here are some of the different bears Wadworths brews . . . MMM I'd love to taste them all but I have a church tower to climb.
Steve & Helly Posted Jun 28, 2008, 10:32 am	The local Tourist Information Centre kindly agreed to arrange for the local Canon to open up the church tower for us - we were accompanied by 25 2CV owners! I had to stop half way up the tower to catch my breath. I counted eight church bells. They'd tucked the ropes out of the way so I couldn't have a go at a touch of campanology (?) -bell ringing! But, I didn't need to stop for long, after all I'd only climbed 50 steps and I must get into practice if I'm to climb Ben Nevis. Then I climbed the remaining 50 steps and look at the view of Devizes and the surrounding countyside.
Steve & Helly Posted Jun 29, 2008, 9:56 pm	After those views I went back to the campsite - I'm spending the weekend at the SAS - Swindon Association of Snails - 2CV camp. Pierre Bear, Elephonse & I went to call on a bear called Harry. He's not a toy voyager athough he should be. Harry travels to all the 2CV camps and has his own tent and sleeping bag. I'd like one of those!
Steve & Helly Posted Jul 3, 2008, 6:18 pm	I'm off to the New Forest today. I'm very excited, I'd like to see ponies and donkeys and even some cattle if there are any . . . There aren't many trees for a forest!
Steve & Helly Posted Jul 7, 2008, 8:10 am	Sorry about the delay in updating, Helly's new kitten is so mischievious she can't leave her for a second! Anyway, here I am, pony spotting. There were so many! I really wanted to see a donkey but didn't today.
Steve & Helly Posted Jul 7, 2008, 8:15 am	Here I am driving through Beaulieu. The foal wasn't dead, although it was lying so still it could have been . . . but then I saw an ear twitch! The New Forest has lots of ponies roaming across it. Once a year they are rounded up and branded and sold. They are supposed to be one of the safest breeds of pony to have for children as they are used to the traffic.
Steve & Helly Posted Jul 7, 2008, 9:55 pm	Driving through the forest I spotted more horses and a pony and trap.
Steve & Helly Posted Jul 7, 2008, 10:01 pm	Helly spotted the sign for a place called 'Lover'. The conversation went something like this . . . 'Lover, ohh' (Helly) Steve didn't respond but turned the car around and followed the signs. Still without saying a word he stopped in a layby and Helly got out with me and a camera . . . now, how did he know? Anyway, this is the start of a little village called Lover. On Valentine's Day cards used to be able to be sent here prior to the day and hand stamped at the local post office with 'Lover'. Unfortunately this no longer happens. We searched for the old post office but couldn't find it.
Steve & Helly Posted Jul 8, 2008, 6:27 pm	Look, I found a bear sign.
Steve & Helly Posted Jul 8, 2008, 6:31 pm	On the way home we passed through Salisbury . . . no, it is not the leaning cathedral of Salisbury, just the angle of the camera.
Steve & Helly Posted Jul 8, 2008, 6:34 pm	Then Steve just HAD to stop beside a local airfield! Can you see the old bi-plane?
Steve & Helly Posted Jul 8, 2008, 6:36 pm	Finally, after a really exciting day we drove passed Stonehenge.
Steve & Helly Posted Jul 9, 2008, 6:42 pm	I thought I'd introduce you to the reason Helly's not been able to do much toy voyaging recently, or bear making, or much of anything. This is Mabel. Unfortunately my first introduction was not good. After emptying 200 paperclips over the study she grabbed me and ran off to kill me. Luckily Helly grabbed me before I came to any harm!
Steve & Helly Posted Jul 9, 2008, 6:49 pm	Ahh, that's better. She's calm now. Mabel is a Balinese Varient. Balinese cats are basically long haired siamese cats. A varient is one with a short coat. The varients are used for breeding as they carry the gene necessary for long hair. Mabel is a seal tabby point - her colour. She's lying very close to Maisie considering Maisie doesn't like her!!
Steve & Helly Posted Jul 11, 2008, 7:00 am	This is Maisie, I'm in no danger from her. Poor Maisie is very ill and wasn't expected still to be here, hence why Helly has a new kitten. Unfortunately Maisie doesn't like Mabel, although Mabel's not taking 'no' for an answer! You can see Mabel got as close to Maisie as she could without being hissed at. Helly's other cat is Murph and he's sulking. he hasn't been in the house for two weeks
Steve & Helly Posted Jul 11, 2008, 7:07 am	Today Helly was delivering training in Devizes so at lunchtime she took me for a walk along the canal. Look at the lovely canal boats. We walked as far at Devizes Wharf, where boats stop to fuel up. Then it was time to head back.
Steve & Helly Posted Jul 28, 2008, 6:13 pm	Hi, I thought I'd finished my travels with Steve & Helly but today I went in Monsieur Alfonse, the 2CV for a tour of South Oxfordshire, where Helly grew up. First stop was Wittenham Clumps, near Wallingford. There are fantastic views from the top. On the way down Pierre Bear and I spotted this rather gorgeous British Racing Green MG. Helly says this is the best colour for an MG!
Steve & Helly Posted Jul 31, 2008, 6:24 pm	Hurrah, I've been out again today, this time to Dorset for fish and chips by the sea - fish & chips always taste better by the sea! I thought I'd show you some of the 2CVs which joined us on the run . . . oh, and another Helly favourite, a Morris Minor she spotted and wanted to take home with her!
Steve & Helly Posted Aug 20, 2008, 7:54 am	Here I am, about to go home to Toyvoyager Central. Helly & Steve have enjoyed having me and I hope I might return one day.

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