Warm Winter Dress

Hitty Madge is thrilled to get a warm handknitted winter dress with an removable waistcoat for extra warmth.  Just in time for the extra cold temperatures!

Hitty Mischievous tries her hand at painting

It seems Hitty Mischievous wants to try her hand at painting before she leaves.  She has seen Hitty Madge at work at thinks it can't be all that hard.

She looks at the apron and brushes, but decides she really doesn't want to be bothered with them.....

She makes sure no one else is around....

To her surprise, a picture appeared!

Hitty Madge comes along to see what is going on in the art studio.

Hmmm......

Looks like Hitty Perdita Mischievous has some explaining to do!

One thing though, she has a nice work of art to put up on her wall at home!

Hitty Mischievous visit is soon coming to an end....

Hitty Perdita Mischievous' visit is coming to an end....there are still a few things she wants to 'experience' before she leaves on Monday.

Today she joined Hitty Madge in visiting some friends where she had her first 'experience' - English Fish and Chips....she decided to pass of the mushy peas business.

....

For the life of her she couldn't quite figure out why anyone would want to eat peas all mushed up like baby food - she had her teeth still so didn't need her food puréed.   

Once home she decided to look up just what Mushy Peas were...as they were a brighter green than expected....no one in Rose Cottage could give her an explanation....

It seems they aren't just 'peas mashed up' but rather dried marrowfat peas which are soaked overnight in water with baking soda (bicarbonate soda) then rinsed in fresh water and simmered with a little sugar and salt until they form a thick green lumpy soup.   They are a traditional accompaniment to fish and chips in Northern England and the Midlands.    Sometimes mint is used as a flavouring and quite often food colouring is added to enhance the colour.

Quite frankly we all agreed after reading this we would rather stick to peas 'a la natural'   unadulterated without all the additives!

She did enjoy her fish and chips very much though!

Christmas after dinner....

The Christmas dinner had been eaten and enjoyed...

Treats galore consumed

Aprons have been discarded and dishes stacked...

Relaxing together after presents have been unwrapped.

The Hittys of Rose Cottage are content.

The children are playing with their new toys.

What fun they will have with this!

Aprons have been discarded and dishes stacked...

Relaxing together after presents have been unwrapped.

Hitty Mischievous helps with the Christmas Eve preparations.

There is much chatter and excitement in Rose Cottage today as preparations for Christmas Day are underway.

Hitty Mischievous is getting stuck right in and helping...never fear, her arms aren't raised in order to make some magic....

...but rather to reach up to get the jars of sweets and candy canes down.  She is sure everyone will love those, especially the children!

Other of the Hitty household members are having a nice time chatting and reading beside the tree.

Noel, Miles and Brittany are in the yard playing and chatting about their hopes and dreams for Christmas.

Busy times!

The Hittys pose for a Christmas Portrait.

The whole family!

From Left to Right:

Back row:  Becassine, Hitty Patience, Hitty Madge, Hitty Mary Jean, our guest Hitty Perdita Mischievous, Hitty Leonarda - yes still wearing her new bonnet, Hitty June, Hitty Moana,  Hitty Granny Estelle

Sitting: Hitty Thankful with Holly on her lap, Hitty Annabelle, Miles, Hitty Scary, Noel, Hitty Carol Faith, Hitty Ethel with Natalie on her lap, Hitty Joyful with Ivy on her lap and Brittany.

Half Pint Hittys Painted, Clothed and Named!

The size of these tiny ones....very daunting!  

Especially when one's eye sight isn't what it used to be!  What the camera shows that the eyes don't see....means their lips will have to be repainted after Christmas.

Jointed with elastic as that is what we had on hand.

Dressed...the girls wanted red ribbon sashes for Christmas, but the dresses would normally have blue sashes.

Two little bundles of mischief! 

Meet Holly and Ivy.

Hitty Mischievous comes to the rescue!

Hitty Perdita Mischievous heard about the plight of the Half Pint Hittys 'Not Yet Arrived' and decided to do something about it.

She didn't wait around to 'ask permission' instead opting to make some magic while no one was around

Oh....I wonder what is happening?

Goodness!  It worked.... I think she even surprised herself.

She rushes off to tell the others.

'Guess what'   The Half Pints have arrived....at least I think they have!

Hitty Madge, Granny Estelle & Hitty Joyful come to have  a look.

Hitty Moana joins them.  

Well they have certainly arrived, but oh dear what happened on their journey!  Looks like some 'surgery' needs to be done.  She says.

Oh I can fix that!  Hitty Mischievous claims.

Now dear, I think you have done really well helping them to arrive before Christmas, but I think we need to leave the 'surgery' to someone with a bit more experience....Hitty Madge tells Hitty Mischievous as she gives her a hug.