Martha and Jane

Super Valentino To The Rescue!

2012-02-27T06:03:00.000-05:00

“Look, Baby Bedbug!! Gramma made me a SUPER VALENTINO CAPE!! Now I have Super Powers!!!”

“OOOOUUUUUU! It’s Tho Thparkly, Valentino!! But what are your Thuper Powerth?” asks Baby Bedbug.

“HAH! Just you wait and see! You and Bazil and Blankie- Come Watch!! See..I can LEAP Wide Sinks at a Single Bound!”

“And I can Run Faster than a Speeding Fairy GodMother Easter Egg!”

“And Look, Bazil...Thuper Valentino can balanthe a thpoon on hith Nothe for a long long time. Be very very Quiet...He’th gotta Concentrate!!!” Whispers Baby.

“And that’s why YOU, Super Valentino, want to volunteer to help us catch the Bad Imp? We sure could use the Help of a Famous Super Hero about now” says Martha.

“Okay...just the way we did it last time, Baby Bedbug. We’ll hide over here, and I’ll pull the String when The Imp goes under the box to get the Tabasco Sauce!” instructs Martha.

“But Thith Time Thuper Valentino will be ready to POUNTHE when the box Fallth! And he’ll be INTHIDE the Box in cathe the Bad Imp needth OVERPOWERING!!!!! And thith time, I took Auntie Valerie’th advithe and made a trail of thomething Icky for the Imp- PEPPERCORNTH!!!!!! Okay...me and Bwankie and Bazil are Ready!!!”

“LET’S DO THIS THING!!!!!!!” Shouts Super Valentino!!!

“Shhhhhhh...Quiet, I think the Bad Imp is coming! Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh................................” warns Martha. Please notice, Ladies and Gentlemen, that The bad Imp tried to Destroy this photo!!!!)

BANG!!!!! THUD!!!!!!!! THE BOX FALLS WITH A GIANT THUMP!!!!!!!!

“Oh NO!!! BABY, LOOK!!! I think they BOTH got knocked Out Flat!!!” yells Martha! “SUPER VALENTINO!!!! CAN YOU HEAR US??????!!!!!! OH NOOOOOOO!!!!!”

To Be Continued!!!!!! Will Super Valentino be Okay??? Did any of the glue or glitter fall off his Super Cape? Did the Bad Imp eat too many pepper corns? Are they sharing a gourmet salad under the box? Was that REAL Tabasco Sauce? Will it snow anymore in Connecticut?? TUNE IN NEXT TIME!!!!!!!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

Martha and Jane...Happy Valentine's Day!!!

2012-02-14T06:00:00.001-05:00

Tante Helen is always doing such sweet, thoughtful things for Gramma!! For instance, just this week Gramma received not one but TWO Special gifts in the mail from Tante Helen!! The first was something Gramma has ALWAYS WANTED..............

You guessed it!!!!!! YES......A Long- Snouted Polar Bear!!!!!! And her Wish was GRANTED!!!!

Not only is “Valentino” the most handsome Polar bear in the WORLD, he has also spent a lot of waiting time (Till he got to live with Gramma) trying out various Chocolate recipes.

So in honor of Valentine’s Day, he decided to prepare his famous “Penguin” Cupcakes..with chocolate and a surprise cream cheese middle! And of course, Baby Bedbug HAD to help!!!

It was also a nice opportunity for the special Cupcake papers and toppers that Gramma received for Christmas (The British Collection being given to her by dear Auntie Riley!) to be used!

“Now that the cupcakes are baked and cooled, we can decorate them with the Toppers, Baby” said Valentino.

“OOOUUUUUUUUUhhhhh...but we gotta do a Thtory cuz the Princeththeth want to have a Cupcake Ball! And there are the two mean Thtepthithterth! They won’t let thith one go to the Cupcake Ball and dance with the Handthome Prince Tholdier! ”

“Then the Blue Fairy cometh cuz of MAGIC and she leth the girl go to the Ball!!! The Blue Fairy Yellth, ‘TAXI!!! TAXI!!!! Take thith Princethth to the Cupcake ball and I WILL PAY THE FARE CUTH I’M THE FAREEE!!!!’ HAHAHAHAHA..A Fairy Joke! But the Fairy tellth the Girl to be home by Midnight or the Taxi turnth into a Double Deck Buth!!!! THO.... WATCH OUT!!!!”

“The girl Princethth danceth at the Cupcake ball and maketh the Prince Tholdier LAUGH Cuth of a Funny Knock Knock Joke!”

“ And when the Handsome Prince is done laughing he says to the beautiful Princess, ‘No one has ever made me laugh before....I have just fallen Madly in love with You, Princess!!! Let’s go make beautiful Valentine Cupcakes together!’ And so they dance and dance and bake and bake and before you know it, Baby, Big Ben strikes Midnight!” says Valentino.

“And OOPTH the Princethth forgetth and when the Big Ben doeth MIDNIGHT, the Princethth rideth home on the top Of the Double Deck Buth!!! Then what happenth, Valentino???”

“ Well, the Handsome Soldier Prince finds some Penguin Cupcake crumbs on the Castle steps. He puts them into a plastic bag and carries them to every house in the Kingdom. Finally he arrives where the beautiful dancing Princess lives. Just as the Prince walks inside her home, she is wiping Penguin Cupcake crumbs from the corner of her lovely mouth. ‘STOP!’ cries the Handsome Soldier Prince, ‘STOP I SAY!!!!’ He runs up to the Gorgeous Princess and quickly compares the crumbs in his bag with the crumbs on the corner of her perfect lips... ‘ Come AWAY WITH ME, MY CUPCAKE PRINCESS AND LET US LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER!!!’. So they both eat another Cupcake and that’s The End Baby!” smiles Valentino.

“OKAY!!! I LIKE THAT END!!! Now Let’th EAT!!! And Happy Valentine’th Day!!!”

*****

Oh..and that was not all, remember! Some of you know that Tante Helen and I refer to each other as “Lucy” and “Ethel” and because of that, Tante Helen (Lucy) discovered this Awesome find and Passed it along to Gramma (Ethel)!!!! You can even push a button, near the Lucy doll, and hear her say, “Ethel, I think we’re fighting a losing game!” SO MUCH FUN!!!!

And if any of you forget the “I Love Lucy” episode, go to see it on Youtube here!

And for a yummy Valentine Gift, go here to “All Recipes” for the Delicious Cupcake Recipe!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

The Capture of the Imp!

2012-02-08T06:18:00.000-05:00

“What’s wrong, Baby Bedbug?” asks Martha, “Why are you and Bazil hiding in your Teepee?”

“Marfa.....me and Bazil ith Thcared! We don’t like that Unicorn that’th running around doing BAD Thingth!”

“HAHAHHAHHAHAHA, oh Baby...he’s an IMP! Not a Unicorn!”

“But he’th got the Horn on hith head!!!” Insisted Baby!

“That’s true...he Does have a horn but Unicorns look like horses. They’re white and very preety..and do Magic. But this guy..this guy is a BAD IMP! Look, I’ll show you in Gramma’s Creature Book I found. See, it tells all about the Imp...”

“SO WE GOTTA TWAP HIM, MARFA!!!!!!”

“That’s what it says...let’s get a box and some string! We can DO THIS, BABY!”

“An Bazil TOO!” smiled Baby.

“Okay....we just need to tie the string around the spoon and stand up the box. Then we put the Tabasco Sauce inside the box like this...”

“Are we gonna Whithtle for him to come, Marfa?”

“No..we don’t want him to see us or hear us or he might get suspicious. We gotta hide and be tricky. An we need something to LURE him in...hmmmmm...”

“You mean... like to get him curiouth? I GOT MARTHHMALLOWTH!!!! He would like them!!!! I’ll make a path, Marfa. Come on, Bazil, you help me!”

“Okay...shhhhhhh...now we’re ready...be quiet Baby and when we hear him come and go into the box, I’ll pull the string.”

“I hear thomething, Marfa. He’th coming......HIDE!!!!!!! PULL THE THTRING!!!!!!!!!!!!

BANG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“WE CAUGHT HIM, BABY!!!!!! WE CAUGHT THE BAD TABASCO IMP!!!!!!!!”

“He’th under there, Marfa!!! Look, I think he’th gone athleep!”

“Careful...stay away, Baby!!! Let me lift the box! GET BACK!!! Umph!!!! LOOK!!! IT’S......................................

“HENRY D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

“HENRY D...JUST WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU”RE DOING IN OUR TRAP?” scolds Martha!!!

“Trap? WHAT TRAP??? You got any chips to go with this Tabasco sauce?”

TO BE CONTINUED....

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

This is IMP...OSSIBLE!!!

2012-01-25T16:36:00.000-05:00

“HEY!!!! SOMEONE TIED OUR TAILS TOGETHER WHILE WE WERE SLEEPING!!!!"

“GET US OUTTA HERE!!!!! WE’RE GONNA BE EATEN!!!!! HURRY!”

“OUCH!!!! Thombody banged down the Potty THEAT!!! Me and Bazil ith THQUITHED!!!! COME GET UTH!!!!!”

“HEEEEEELLLLPPPPPPPP!!!! GET ME DOWN!!!!!!!!! I FELL INTO A TRAP!!!!!!!! CUT ME DOWN!!!!!”

“This is NOT FUNNY ONE LITTLE BIT!!!”

“Who in the Heck is messing sound with MY DRESSES? SOMEBODY’S GONNA GET IT!!!!!”

To be continued...

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

TOTAL DESTRUCTION!!!

2012-01-15T20:19:00.000-05:00

“Hey who rang the doorbell?” asks Crabby Apple.

“Ouuu...maybe it’s a Christmas present!” smiles Happy Apple.

“Don’t be a Wormy Apple...Christmas is over!” grouches Crabby Apple

“Well... we’ll never know if we don’t Investigate! Let’s go take a look!”

“Hey...this is a Crummy box and someone wrote all over it. Look, it says someone called ‘Dan Ger’ is wanting his key right away! We don’t know anybody called Dan! I think there’s something rotten about this box!” frowns Crabby Apple.

“But my sign says that you need to open..it’s good for you!!! Oh let’s open the Box!!!!” grins Happy Apple!

“Hey nothing’s happening! I’m not gonna wait here all day! Sherlock Holmes is on TV any minute...let’s go back inside.” scowls Crabby Apple.

“Sigh..maybe you’re right...we can come back after the show and check the box....” agrees Happy Apple.

Little Known to the Two Seed-Brained Brothers, they have unleashed Havoc....Pandora’s Box was NOT THIS DESTRUCTIVE!! If you cannot stand naughtiness and even wanton devastation...then go away and pick flowers or something...I WARN YOU!

Inside the box....INSIDE THE BOX is RUIN RUN AMOK!! It is ‘Tobasco’ the IMP!!!! Nothing Santa Claus would touch with a 10 foot pole, believe me!!!

Inside Gramma’s house when no one else is at home!!!! Tobasco’s FIRST MESS!

OH NO!! Gramma just walked in from the back yard.....

“MACK!!! YOU BAD BAD BOY!!! WHAT A MESS!!!!” yells Gramma!

Gramma is “Tut tutting” while she picks up all the paper towels. “Now you can just stay out in the back yard while I drive to the grocery store! We don’t need any more disasters!”

Gramma grabs her purse but is back inside in a Flash!!! “I have a FLAT TIRE!!! I DO NOT BELIEVE THIS!!!!! Good thing I have just enough eggs for dinner..we can all have Omelets!”

Oh dear...Gramma better get back into the kitchen Quick!!!!! A mischievous Imp can get into a LOT of TROUBLE in very Little Time!!!

To be continued.......oh my!!!!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

Baby and Angel Chimes!

2012-01-08T18:55:00.000-05:00

“LOOKIE BAZIL!!! Gramma’th got a thpecial gift from Auntie Crithtina!!!! But I don’t know what it could be!”

“Ask your Guardian Angel, Honorine, she’ll probably know. Being a bear, and not alive for very long, I have had no dealings with such things....”

“HONORINE!!! COMMERE PLEATHE!! I NEED YOU! What ith Thith?? It got Angelth like you...”

“Hello, Baby. Why Auntie Cristina has sent Gramma ‘Angel Chimes.’ I used to see them on Christmas tree tops, long ago. There were angel chimes on the top of the tree and the candles on the trees (There were no electric Christmas lights long ago, you see) would make the angels turn around and ring the bells. These you can place on the table and we’ll light them and watch....

“OOOHHHHHHHHH They are THo Beautiful!!! But I don’t hear the bellth twinkling...”

“SSSHHHHHHHH..You have to be very quiet. See....it’s a quiet sort of magic..can you hear them now?” whispered Honorine.

“I can hear them!” said Bazil.

“Me too! I can hear them now. And are the bellth making More angelth?”

“Yes, Baby, whenever a bell rings..and Angel gets its wings! Have fun watching...”

“Here comes your friend, Josephine,” smiled Bazil.

“Jothephine!!!! Lookie! Ith an Angel- maker Auntie Crithtina thent from Dutch!!! And every time the bellth Ring, Angelth get wingth!!!”

“OH It’s like fairy magic, Baby!!! And look how pretty it is sparkling in the dark. And did she send these chocolates from Dutch too? Ouuuuuu..they look good...White chocolate and dark and Milk chocolate. And they have pictures!”

“We can play a game...every time the bellth have chimed 20 timeth, then we get to eat a chocolate cauthe there are 20 NEW Angelth!”

“Bears like chocolate too you know!” growled Bazil.

“Okay..let’s start counting...but I can only count to 10.” said Josephine.

“Me too. We can count to 10 Two timeth and that will be 20! That’th what Daddy told me!”

Angel Chimes are such a lovely tradition..thank-you Auntie Cristina..and thank-you Auntie Sandrine for finding Baby’s Guardian Angel! And of course, Auntie Katharine for Baby’s New bear, Bazil. So many wonderful Christmas Gifts this year! Love to you all!!!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM MARTHA AND JANE!!!

2011-12-31T18:35:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year One and All! Thank-you for a Fabulous Year, and we hope you will join us for more Fun and Stories with Martha, Jane, and pals for 2012!

We are all waiting

for the Tennis Ball

to Drop at Midnight!!!

Happy New Year!!!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

Twas the Night Before Christmas...

2011-12-24T06:20:00.003-05:00

“Marfa! Would you read a Chrithtmath Thtory from the BIG book?” asks Baby Bedbug.

“Sure, Baby! Here’s my favorite...Ahemmmmm:

“Twas the Night Before Christmas and all through the House,

All the creatures were stirring...

Each and Every Mouse

Was busy with baking

Christmas Cake, Scones, and Buns

The Tea Pot was steeping...

They were ready for Fun!

‘The Potter is Coming,’ they announced with a cheer.

‘We need to be ready! Chill the Stella...

Potter’s beer!’

The Magic arose from the BOOT made with love

It filled the whole house...

It flew like a dove...

And lit upon presents from friends far away...

‘Merry Christmas!’ they cried,

‘We’re ALIVE...here to Play!’

There were Snowmen and Gnomes, Reindeer and Cards

There were Hedgies and Angels and Warmth from afar...

Acorns, a Beaded Bowl, a Scarf twinkling like Stars!

And pressies to fill a Preety Bedbug tree

And a Scottie Mug, Cocoa, and Shortbread...Wowie!

There were gifts yet to open

Sitting patiently by...

The Magic was Bursting-

‘IT’S THE POTTER!’ They Cried!

When what to their wondering eyes should appear...

But a Sleigh with Three Cats, Two Dogs, and Good Cheer!

‘Now Nemo, Now Brutus, Now Freddy- Lead on!

On Bessie, On Bob-

The Thatched Roof we’re Upon!’

‘Welcome!’ yelled the Mice To the Potter and Steeds...

‘We’ve Tea, Buns, and Stella- all for your needs!’

So the broad, chubby Potter, with his little round belly

Settled down in the Shop

To eat Buns smeared with jelly.

And his Cats and his Dogs, they had Biscuits and Rice

And Temptations and Bones and as for the Mice...

We heard them Exclaim as they Toasted the sight:

‘HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT!’”

A Very Merry Christmas from all of us here at Martha and Jane! And a deep thank-you and burst of Love to our dear friends..all of YOU who have made this Christmas extra extra Special!

I would like to especially give a Huge Hug to The Potter- the BEST IN THE WORLD- Martin Cowley!!! Thank-you for the most Enchanting Mouse Tea Room Boot in the whole USA!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

Martha's Tea Party!

2011-12-07T12:26:00.001-05:00

“Gramma?” asks Martha, “Would you have a Tea Party with me?”

“No, sweetie, not right now. Gramma has lots of wrapping to do, and then I need to take the boxes to the Post Office. Why don’t you ask Henry D.”

“He’s at the Mall...probably standing in the chicken line. And Lucy’s with him, shopping. If Janie was here, SHE would have a Tea party with me....sigh....OH I KNOW!!! I’ll get Winkle, my Imaginary friend! He’ll have a Tea Party with me!”

“Hi Martha! Winkle at your Service!”

“Hi Winkle! Let’s have a Tea Party, okay?”

“How do you have a Tea Party?” asks Winkle.

“Well first we go and get something special to wear. You Gotta dress UP for a Tea Party...and we gotta have PREETY Hats most of all!”

“There...see...now it’s all set, and Gramma let us have Animal Cookies! What’d you get? I got a monkey and a elephant!”

“Mine looks like a Giraffe and a Tiger. Can I have Tea?”

“MAY I have Tea, Please? That’s what you gotta say. You gotta use Manners at a Tea party...it’s the LAW! Here’s your cup... and would you like some cream? OH LOOKIE! It’s Mr. TWIG!!! Hi...are you tired from all the Christmas Sweeping? Come have tea and cookies with me an Winkle!”

“This is Fun, Martha! I like Tea Parties!” smiles Winkle.

“Oh LOOKIE! here comes Alice Mouse!”

“Hello Martha, Hello Mr. Twig. I suppose that space must be where Winkle is sitting, Martha?”

“That’s right, Alice! We’re having a Fancy Tea Party...come join us!!! Would you like one lump or two?”

“Oh no lumps for me, Martha. I don’t care for lumps!”

“Silly, Lumps are Sugar...you gotta ask, ‘One Lump or Two?’ an then I give you one or two sugar cubes!”

“OOOHhhhhhhhh! I thought you meant Gravy Lumps! hee hee... Oh, in that case, yes indeed, Two lumps please! I am so tired of all that Christmas Baking!!! If I see another Cranberry bread, I’ll Scream!!!! This Tea party is just what I need to relax...”

“And here is Lucy!!!! I thought you and Henry D. were at the Mall?” asks Martha.

“He’s Still There...waiting to get some Fried Chicken! But it was WAY TOO Crowded for me, so I decided to just come home. Oh lovely Tea....just what I want!”

“This is so Great, isn’t it? There is nothing better than a Tea Party at Christmas with my good friends!” grins Martha very Happily!

And so it turned into a lovely, cozy gathering and when Gramma returned from her errands, she had a Surprise for Martha!!! A NEW Christmas Dress!!! Look how beautiful she looks! She’s growing up, isn’t she? But fortunately very slowly......Very Very Slowly...

And...don’t you forget to take time out, during this Busy Holiday Season, for a Cozy Tea party with Dear Friends!!!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

The True Story Of Thanksgiving Continued.....

2011-11-23T20:04:00.001-05:00

“AHOOOOOOOO...I think I fell athleep, Uncle Henwee D.” yawned Baby Bedbug, “Lookee.....I forgot to have Mr. Pilgrim Man and Tom Turkey lithten to the Thtory! My card ith from Tante Helen, who made it all by herthelf!!!!! Tante Helen Ith an Artitht!! Okay..now we wanna know what happened with the Thankthgiving Featht?”

“Well, after Mr. Martin Pilgrim got his nose out of the Fudge the Indians had told him how to grow, his little wife, Mrs. Shorty Pilgrim, told him that the Indians would be coming over for a Delicious Feast! ‘The Indians will be our honored guests’, she said, ‘And this will be our way of thanking them for all their kindness and generosity in teaching us how to grow our own food!’ Mr. Pilgrim thought this was a fabulous idea and he set to work drooling while Mrs. Pilgrim dusted and swept and vacuumed and did the laundry and set the table and colored her hair, and took the car in for an oil change, and began the cooking of the Giant Turkey!”

“WAIT A MINUTE, UNCLE HENWEE D!!!!!!!! TURKEY!!!! NO NO NO...THERE CAN’T BE TURKEY FOR THANKTHGIVING!!!!! WHAT WILL TOM THINK??? OH HE WILL BE THCARED AND HE’LL BE EATEN!!!! How can he be Thankful if the Pilgrimth EAT HIM!!!!!! AN HE WON’T GOBBLE GOBBLE GOBBLE!!!!!! NO, UNCLE HENWEE D!” screamed BABY!!!!

“Hmmmmmmm, Tom, eh? Okay...well, we don’t want to upset your Tom Turkey, do we? Well, we can change the Feast...Mrs. Shorty Pilgrim began the cooking of the Giant FRIED Chicken!”

“AAAUUGGGHHHHH!!! NOT FRIED CHICKEN!!!!! That is the MOMMY CHICKEN!!!! The Little Red Hen!!!! That’th the one that baketh the bread all by herthelf cauthe the other animalth are Lazy!!!! THE PILGRIMTH CAN’T EAT HER!!!!!”

“OooooooKAY....well then...ummmmmm, Mrs. Shorty Pilgrim went out into the garden and picked some delicious, creamy Macaroni and Cheese and began cooking it...how about THAT??” sighed Henry D.

“That ITH PERFECT!!!! I LOVE MACARONI AND CHEETHE!!!! That will be a GREAT THANKTHGIVING FEATHT!!!! HOORAY!” yelled Baby!

“So the Pilgrims and the Indians got together and had a Delicious Thanksgiving Feast, starring the Macaroni and Cheese, and they all ENJOYED IT!” smiled Henry D.

“Thank-you, Uncle Henwee D. We Loved that Thtory, and I LOVE YOU TOO!” hugged Baby.

So with that, Henry D will end his story and we ALL want to Wish YOU a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! No matter what you may eat, let us remember to give THANKS for all we have in this life. And to give BIG Warm HUGS to everyone around you and Grab that last piece of Pie before they can!!!!

Hugs and smooches,

and Happy Thanksgiving

from

Martha and Jane

The True Story of Thanksgiving

2011-11-18T18:29:00.001-05:00

“Uncle Henwee D. ? Will you tell me the Thtory of Tankthgiving?” asks Baby Bedbug.

“UH...ummm...Well Uh, Sure Baby...Let’s see....ummmm, as I recall....uh, WEll, Once Upon a Time, there were people who lived in England and they were very short.... and very grumpy and growly! Yeh, that’s how it was...”

“Why wath they grumpy, Uncle Henwee D.”

“Well, it all had to do with the uh, there uh being..... because there was no............... NO PUMPKIN!!!”

“UHHHHHHH, NO PUNKIN?” asked a wide-eyed Baby!!!

That’s right! NO Pumpkin anywhere...not even in Norfolk!!!!! The people couldn’t make pumpkin pie or pumpkin bread or pumpkin cheesecake. And they didn’t have any toasted, salted pumpkin seeds and no Halloween Jack-O-Lanterns!” stated Henry D.

“Tho...what did the little people do?”

“Well, one of them was a famous Sailor, and his name was Martin! Martin and his wife, Shorty, decided they would go across the pond in their vintage boat, the Mayflour, and take a picnic lunch in their pink and green dotty picnic basket...”

“Did Martin and Thorty get to a hotel in time for bedtime?” asked Baby.

“No, hotels weren’t invented yet, Silly! And I’m afraid the pond was foggy and rough and topsy turvey, and Martin and Shorty just made land after 2 years! And by then their picnic was all eaten up and Martin was hungry for fried chicken!!! And Shorty wanted a cream tea but they were both very excited to see the famous Little Rock!! They knew this would be their new home!”

“And what wath the Little Rock like, Uncle Henwee D? Wath there people there?”

“Yes, oh and I forgot, when Martin and Shorty landed at Little Rock, they changed their names to ‘Pilgrims’! And the new people they met were called ‘Indians’. They met a nice Indian family and they asked the Daddy, who was the Chief...they asked him, ‘HOW?’ ”

“How What?” asked Baby

“How to grow Pumpkin..and maybe fried Chicken too...” nodded Henry D.

“Did Mr and Mth. Pilgrim learn how to grow Punkin?”

“Oh Yes, the Indian family...especially the beautiful little Indian Princess, who was named Golden Sunshine, showed Mr. and Mrs. Pilgrim all about growing and canning and storage and stuff like that...” said Henry D.

“Tho...did they have a Thankthgiving Featht?”asked Baby, yawning.

“Not quite yet...but you’re close. Mr. Pilgrim was looking at all the yummy goodies the Indians had helped them to grow, and he said, ‘Those Indians sure have been great neighbors! This fudge is my Favorite!!!’ And then Mrs. Pilgrim came up with a plan...'Mr. Pilgrim..I have a wonderful idea!’ said Mrs. Pilgrim, ‘Why don’t we have the Indians over for a BIG FEAST! It can be our way of saying, Thank-you! Mr. Pilgrim...are you listening to me? Get your head out of that fudge!!! It needs to last us ALL WINTER!’

“And so the Pilgrims started to plan a big fancy meal for when the Indians would come over....Thursday, November 24th!”

“Zzzzzzzzzzzzzthzzzzzzzzzzzzzzthzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz” snored Baby...

“Oh, so I see this little Princess has fallen asleep. Well, Thanksgiving is a few days away yet...we’ll finish the story next time...”

To be Continued because Baby Bedbug is asleep and Henry D. has put her gently in her bed while he is off to the kitchen for a small Feast...it’s HUNGRY WORK telling stories!!!

Hugs and smooches

Martha and Jane

Dear Martha...guess what?!

2011-11-10T12:05:00.000-05:00

Dear Martha,

Guess what?! There is a wild animal living in our house!

Bjork and I were going upstairs when we saw something we never saw before. There was bowl of water and some funny looking food. It was on the stairway!

We looked closer at it...who could this be for? Tiny Hank has dishes in a different place...why is this food on the stairs?

Just then we heard a roar and looked up! It was a tiger at the top of the stairs!!

EEEEEK!!!!!! We ran screaming into the hallway and Tante Helen came running.

"Oh, you silly geese! That is Zephyr who has come to live with us. We adopted her and now she has found her forever home...just like you!!

Maybe we scared Zephyr. She ran up the stairs and hid!

Now we see her once in a while but Tante Helen says it takes time for a three year old girl kitty to get used to her new home and all the animals who live here. Well, I can tell you, she has a very loud ROAR and she is as pouncy as you would expect a tiger to be.

Miss you bunches and hope you have a story for us soon!

BFF forever, your friend,

XX Jane

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

Boo!

2011-10-31T05:07:00.000-04:00

Henry D, Martha, Winkle, and Lucy All Wish you all a Happy Halloween! (And Henry D. asks, “Is it okay if I EAT my Costume after we Trick-Or-Treat?”)

Jane, Hannah, Hester, and Bjork and everyone at Tante Helen's wishes you a spooky, treat- filled, safe, HAPPY HALLOWEEN from New England...where the snow is covering the pumpkins!

Have fun!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

Baby and Josephine Go Exploring Part 2!

2011-10-28T15:05:00.000-04:00

“Look Baby...we’re upstairs and here’s another door...let’s go Explore...” whispers Josephine.

“But we gotta hurry...ith almoth 4:00” says Baby.

“HAHAHHAHAHA, BABY!!! That’s not a real clock...it’s paper, remember?”

“Oh yeh...heheheheheh...” giggles Baby.

“EEEEEEKKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!! EGADS!!!!!! A....................MAN!!!!!” Yells Josephine!

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA, Jumping Jothephine!!! Ith only Paper...remember? He’th NOT REAL!!!!” laughs Baby!

“Oh yeh, I forgot...but he looks real...really nice! He must be The Daddy,” puzzles Josephine.

“He’th Handthome! And he’th got a PIPE!!!! LIKE THANTA CLAUTH!!!!” screams BABY!

“Com’on...let’s see what’s in here,” says Josephine.

“Lookie! The Bathroom! I’m gonna take a Bath and YOU thit on the Potty!” laughs Baby!

“The Potty lid really opens, Baby! This is great!” smiles Josephine.

“Now I’m gonna dry off and Let’th thee wha’th in the next room...”

“It’s the kid’s room, Baby! And look...a big sister and a brother and a little sister. Do you think they come alive?” asks Josephine.

“Oh Yeth! But it’th the Doll Law that they only come alive when real people aren’t here. They won’t come alive till you and me are gone home,” says Baby nodding her head. “ Let’th give them nameth!” suggests Baby.

“I think the Big sister should be Alice,” says Josephine.

“And the brother can be Ian..like Ian Grapeth!” says Baby, “You do the other thithter, “ says Baby.

“Okay, the little sister can be Emma,” decides Josephine.

“You know what we can do now...we can go up to the Roof!” says Baby!

“Let’s take the Daddy with us.”

“Look! We can Thee far far away! Lookie...a Kitty ith here too! Hith name ith Nemo!”

“OH BABY! Do you know what I just thought...there’s NO MOMMY! Oh that’s so sad!!! What happened to the Mommy?” asks Josephine.

“Maybe the Mommy ith working. Or maybe on a trip to Dithneyworld like Uncle Beamer!” says Baby.

“Or maybe the Mommy got lost!” frowns Josephine, “Oh poor Daddy and kids!!! They need a Mommy!”

“I can fix that!” smiles Baby, “I’ll make the family a Mommy!!!! Here’th thome paper and a marker...”

“Make her pretty,” says Josephine.

“TA DA!!!! The MOMMY!” smiles Baby, “Now they can all be a family again!!! Okay, we better get home or Mommy will worry...come on Jothie!”

Come back and see us here, at Martha and Jane, on Halloween...and again, thank-you to Riley Emma Dawe for giving Gramma such a wonderful Opportunity for Baby and Josephine! We LOVE you, Riley!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

Baby and Josephine go Exploring!

2011-10-20T17:37:00.004-04:00

“Thank-you for letting me spend the night, Mrs. Bedbug!” says little Josephine Kangaroo.

“Can we go exthploring now, Mommy?” asks Baby.

“Yes, girls...just don’t go too far,” says Donna Cristina Bedbug.

“Let’s put on Exthplorer Capes!” shouts Baby, “Here, Jothephine...you can uthe my apron!”

“What’s over there, Baby? I see colors!!! Let’s go look!”

“Thith muth be Gramma’th Gifths from Auntie Wiley!!! I heard her talking about them lath night!!! Gramma wath ALL HAPPY!!! LOOKIE, Jothie.....a cardth and the Ocean!!!!! And Auntie Wiley painted theethe all by hand!!!! Auntie Wiley ith a Painter!!!! And she decorateth chairth and tableth and writes the poem and drawth the pictureth!! Look...a Flower Keychain!!”

“And a teapot with a hook....I bet your Gramma will put this on the wall! OOUUUhhh...I’m gonna pretend I can go up to the top of that Lighthouse!” says Josephine.

“And letth be Mermaith too!! We can THWIM in the Ocean!!!!! Now keep your Legth together...like the Mermaidth do!!!! I’m Thwimming by the Octoputh!” (Photo #11)

“OH BABY!!! WHAT IS THAT?” Screams Josephine!

“IT’TH A HOUTHE!!!!!!!! A REAL HOUTHE!!!!! Look...thith ith the Kitchen!!!! Wanna Go in?” asks Baby.

“OH BABY!!! All the doors open! Oh I LOVE THIS!” yells Josephine!

“An LOOKIE, Jothie! The Door openth to another ROOM!!! LETH EXPLORE!”

“It’s the Dining Room! I’ll be the Princess at the table and you serve, Okay? We can take turns, Baby.”

“Look at thith room...ooouuuhhhhh...a Fireplathe!!!!!Now I’m the Princeth and you are the Famouthe Piano Player! You can play Chopthickth for me!” smiles Baby.

“BABY!!!! OH MY GOSH!!! STAIRS!!! OH COME ON!! WE GOTTA EXPLORE UPSTAIRS!!!!!” yells Josephine!

Oh MY! What will Baby and Josephine find upstairs???? A Ghotht? OOPS........ a Ghost? Or maybe an Explorer-Eating Monster? Or a GOAT- with Three Sharp Horns???? Come back Next time and FIND OUT!!!

To be Continued...

And a Special HUGE HUG and THANK-YOU TO AUNTIE RILEY EMMA DAWE, ARTIST (FOLLY BEA) EXTRAORDINARY!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

Happy Birthday, Dear Maker!

2011-10-12T05:45:00.000-04:00

“What are we gonna do, Marfa?” asks Baby Bedbug.

“Today, Oct. 12th, is the Most Special Day, Baby!!!! It’s Our Maker’s Birthday!!!! And to celebrate..we’re gonna make a Pumpkin Pie!”

“Punkin Pie!!! Mmmmmmm...can we have thom or doth The Maker eat all da pie?”

“No...Our Maker won’t really get any of this pie because she lives far far away in some sort of State of ILL Annoy, Gramma says...but WE get to eat lots to celebrate her Birthday!”

“Thoooo, we make da pie but The Maker dothn’t get any!!!! An we open Prethies and Cardth for her that The Maker dothn’t get ,an we get a year older that The Maker dothn’t get an we get THick from all the thweets The Maker dothn’t get....RIGHT?” smiles Baby, “But we don’t hafta get the Thpankings!!!! Right?”

“Yeth...I mean, Yes, sort of...let’s start the No Fail Pie Crust recipe. We need three cups of flour, 1 tsp. salt, and 1 Tb. sugar,” reads Martha.

“LOOK WHOTH IN THE THUGAR!!!!! Ith Carl Cucumber!!!!” Yells Baby!!!

“How come you’re in the sugar, Carl?” asks Martha, “Oh, would you measure out a Tablespoon for the pie dough please.”

“I’m HIDING!” Grunts Carl, “They grew me out in the back yard. I heard birds sing and saw the sun rise every morning. I saw flowers bloom and felt the coolness of rain upon my green skin! I trembled when my prickles developed and my muscles grew large. I saw the squirrels scamper and KNEW LIFE and JOY and WONDER! And Now they want to..................EAT ME!!!!! OH HELP ME!!!! HELP AN INNOCENT YOUNG CUKE!!!!” screams Carl.

“Hmmmmmm..I know someone who had the same problem,” thinks Martha outloud, “The silly Goose in the movie, BABE! He decided it would be Best if he became Useful...then the family wouldn’t eat him! Maybe you need to become useful, Carl. Here...help us with the Pie. Now I need to cut in 1 1/4 cup shortening...you can Help!”

“Now that’s done...we need to add 1 egg beaten, 1 Tb. Vinegar, 5 Tb. very cold water (Or more if need be, to make a soft dough). Okay...stir it all together and see...the dough is ready to rock and roll!” says Martha.

“Can me and Carl roll too, Marfa? Dat looks like fun!!!!” laughs Baby!

“Okay...now the pie crust is ready, and I have to do the Pumpkin Filling. Gramma says the recipe on the can of pumpkin is her favorite. While I do that, Carl, you and Baby can have some dough to use!”

“What should we make?” asks Carl.

“I KNOW! I KNOW!” screams Baby.

“Okay...the pie is in the oven! And we’ll bake some pie strips for us to eat in the meantime..we can use the leftover dough. If we didn’t use the rest of the dough for strips, we could freeze it for another Pie Crust!” says Martha.

“Look what Baby and I made!” says Carl, “Will this be enough to save me?”

“Of courth!” insists Baby, “Thith ith a Mathterpiece!!!”

“Pie’s DONE!” shouts Martha!! “Time for our Group Photo!!!!!”

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our DEAREST Maker, Valerie Weberpal, without whom there would be NO Martha and Jane!!! WE ADORE YOU From the bottom of our colorful Fabric toes to the tops of our Adorable Monster Ears!!! And all our love from (left to right)...

Back Row: Ghostie, Witch Wilomeana, Winkle, Martha, Henry D. and a lovely Fall Pillow!

Middle Row: Little Witchie, Little Elf, Beakman Bedbug, Baby Bedbug, Carl Cucumber, and Billie Bedbug (Still looking for a home!)

Front Row: Woolie Mittens!

All of these wonders, ummmm except for Carl Cucumber, have been created by OUR MAKER!!!! Thank-you, Dearest Valerie!

Happy BIRTHDAY!!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!

Jane, Holly, Ivy, Frith, Bjork, who live at Tante Helen's, also wish Valerie Weberpal, of Harvest Moon, a very happy birthday!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

Martha takes Mack and Henry D. to the Vet...

2011-10-03T19:16:00.000-04:00

“OOOOWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!”

“For goodness sake, Mack and Henry D!!! What is wrong?” frowns Martha.

“Our EARS HURT!!!!!” wails Henry D.

“Ick!!! It looks like you BOTH have infections! We better go see the Vet.

“Okay, boys..we’re here! Why do doggies like to stick their heads out the window?” giggles Martha.

“I think it’s cause of our heredity...being in the Un-Tamed Wolf Pack!” says Henry D. “ Wolves would always be in a pack and whenever they drove somewhere in a car, they stuck their heads out the window to smell for Wild Animals nearby!!!”

“Boy, you’re Smart, Henry D!” smiles Martha, wide-eyed!

“Okay...let’s go inside..it’s almost time.”

“Wait a minute, Martha. Me and Mack got DOG Stuff to attend to....don’t we Bro?”

“Now that we’re inside, you can read a magazine while we wait....” says Martha.

“I think I’m too nervous,” whispers Henry D. “What will the Vet do to me and Mack?”

But then it’s time to go back to see Dr. Hamilton! The dogs always get weighed first.

“Henry D..you weigh 8 Ounces!!!! You need to cut back on that fried Chicken!” scolds Martha.

Dr. Hamilton checks out Mack first...POOR MACK gets a Shot!

“OH NO!!!! I KNOW I’M GOING TO FAINT!” quivers Henry D.

Mr. Drew comes in to check out Henry D. “Let’s look in the good ear first,” he says.

‘DO I HAFTA HAVE A SHOT????? DO I????!!!!!” SCREAMS Henry D.

“Now now..let’s look in this other ear and we’ll see,”says Mr. Drew. “Hmmmmmm..not so bad. I think ear drops will take care of things.”

“Oh THANK Goodness!!!!” Sighs Henry D.

“And could you clip his nails please, Mr. Drew?” asks Martha, “He jumped up and scratched me on accident yesterday.”

“Sure thing, Martha!”

“There... now you’ll be able to go to the Mall and enjoy your Fried Chicken again before you Know it!” smiles Mr. Drew.

“SSSSShhhhhhhh...not so loud...Miss Bossy Pants is listening,” whispers Henry D.

“Time to pay up, and since you were both SO GOOD, we’re getting Greenies!!!” smiles Martha!

“Thank-you Dr. Hamilton!!! Thank-you, Mr. Drew!!!” Shout Martha and Henry D.

“Bark bark!!!” says Mack!!!

Let’s hope the doggies will be better soon!!!

Hugs and Smooches,

Martha and Jane

More Marfa and Baby at Heights Toy Center!

2011-09-28T06:54:00.001-04:00

Martha is babysitting Baby Bedbug, and they are having a Blast at the Heights Toy Center!

While Martha Has big eyes over Mr. Jeff, Baby Bedbug finds something Yummy!!

“Lookie, Marfa, Shakes n’Thstaws!!! We can get stawberry fo me and nilla fo you!”

“OOuuuhhhhhh..that’s not real milkshake, Baby..it’s lip gloss! Maybe Jeffie would find me irresistible with vanilla lips!”

“But you don’t got lips, Marfa... OOOUUUH...a PLAYHOUSE!!! COMON!”

“I’ll be Mommy and you can be Baby and Jeffie can be the Mailman!” smiles Martha.

“And me and Bwankie can sigh ou names!!!! I LOVE dis house....and it got Windows and we can eat snack wite inside ou own home!” yells Baby!

Mr. Jeff takes Martha and Baby over to the puppets because he knows Gramma has lots of puppets at her house.

Martha and Baby tell Mr. Jeff to “Turn Around!” and they’re going to have a Surprise for him!

“OKay....Miste Jeff.....FIND ME!” Screams BABY!

“Watch my Puppet Show with the Little Mermaid, Jeffie!” smiles Martha.

After Jeff finds Baby and they watch Martha’s Puppet show, Baby makes a Discovery... “LOOKIE, Marfa, A POTTY!”

“HAHAHHAHAHAHHAHHA...That’s just for dolls so DON’T DO ANTHING, BABY!” warns Martha

“Baby..here’s the Train! ALL ABOARD! Going to Neverland, Narnia, and the Emerald City of Oz!”

“Ahhhhhhh, I’m getting Sweepy, Marfa. Would you wead me a book?”

“Sure, Baby...come snuggle over here,” says Martha.

Baby gently falls asleep while Martha reads the board book. When she wakes up, she sees someone else was listening to Martha read the story.

It’s just about time for Martha and Baby to go home..the Toy Center closes at 6:00.

“OH Marfa and Miss Ruby and Mr. Jeff...Dat was SO MUCH FUN!!!!! Can we come again and maybe show Mommy and Daddy next time?” asks Baby.

“Sure, Baby!” laughs Martha.

“Baby, why don’t you ride home on this Lady Bug for fun!” suggests Miss Ruby.

“OH Tank You, MISS Wuby!!!!! I LOVE DIS LADY BUG!!!”

“Goodbye Baby! Goodbye Martha! Come again!” Smile Ruby and Jeff

What a GREAT TIME!!!!!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

Martha Babysits!!!

2011-09-18T07:16:00.004-04:00

Dona Cristina Bedbug and her husband, Beakman Bedbug, want to have a little time to themselves today, and Martha Jumps at the chance to babysit Baby!

“Is it okay if take Baby to “The Heights Toy Center”?” asked Martha.

Dona Cristina and Beakman think this is a Fabulous idea so off goes Martha with Baby...

“Here we are BABY!!! Ouuuhhhhh..this is the BEST Place in all Little Rock!”

“De got BIG ANTS!” screams BABY!

“Those are just Picnic Ants for the window..they’re not real,”laughs Martha.

“Okay...hold onto your Blankie...here we GO!!!!!” smiles Martha

“LOOKIE MARFA!!!! A Giant’s Ball!!! Can you put me on da top?” yells Baby.

“I think Ruby can..she works here,” says Martha.

“Here WE ARE, BWANKIE.... on Da top of Da WORLD!!!”

“Martha...bring baby over here and I’ll show you both how to play this game,” says Ruby.

“I gonna sit wite here so I can see weal good!” says Baby, “OOOUUUUUUuu.....I wanna woll da Dice!”

“Marfa!!! LOOKIE!!! A GIANT NEMO FISH FLY BY!!!!! Can I SEE, MISS Wuby? I WANNA WIDE!!!!!”

“It’s an ‘Air Swimmer’, Baby. I’m not sure the Fish can fly with you...try sitting here and we’ll see,” says Ruby.

“I’m weady to go but I’m afwaid I fall off. Can I hang on instead?” asks Baby.

“I’m not sure your Mom and Dad would think that’s too safe, Baby,” frowns Martha.

“It’s okay...I’ll be right here,” says Ruby, “I can catch Baby if she starts to slip...don’t worry!”

“LOOKIT ME!!! LOOKIT ME!!!!! I’M FWYING WIF NEMO!!!!!!!” Screams Baby!!!

“Was that fun, Baby?”

“Oh YES!!!!! And I saw a Band!!! Oh I wanna do da drums...PWEASE!!!!!”

“Here you go,” says Martha, “You better play loud now cause I don’t think your Mom and Dad will let you have this at home!” laughs Martha

In the meantime, Jeff comes back from Lunch...

“Oh IT’S JEFF!!!!!!” grins Martha! Ssssshhhhh...don’t tell but Martha has a Big crush on Jeff!

“Jeff!!! Can you push me on the Air Pogo?” giggles Martha.

“Sure, Martha!” smiles Jeff.

There is so much more to see and do...Martha and Baby have just gotten started..so we’ll leave Baby playing the drums for now and Martha with Jeff and we’ll Continue Next Time!!!!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

Dear Martha

2011-09-14T19:35:00.000-04:00

Dear Martha,

That was such a good story! We we loved it so much! Please tell Gramma that her stories make us smile! The ending was so exciting! And now some bedbugs will be going to new homes where they can start their bedbug lives with new people who will love them very much.

We had some excitement here! There is a bed bug romance happening in our house! Bjork has fallen in love with Boris and they became engaged after a whirlwind long distance romance!

Then Boris arrived!!! He brought Bjork so many presents, including a most beautiful necklace she will wear on the BIG WEDDING DAY!

After photos were taken, they dined al fresco on a lunch of fast food. Bjork CAN cook but she was too excited and she know that most guys love hamburgers and fries!

After lunch they went for a long walk in the herb garden. Boris looks so handsome in his kilt and sporran made by the talented Ms. Katharine of Scotland. His shirt was made Ms. Sandy of Kentucky. We think he is so nice!!

They are planning a wedding! Maybe we will be able to attend! Oh, it is so exciting!

Boris is staying in the doll room and getting to know so many new friends, especially the monkeys.

Oh, my! Look at the time! It's time to go to bed!

Miss you so much Martha! Say hello to Gramma and all the friends at your house!!

Your BFF,

Hugs and smooches,

Jane

YESSIR That's MY BABY!!!!!

2011-09-06T17:18:00.000-04:00

TODAY IS THE DAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH!!!!

The FIRST- EVER BABY BEDBUG IS DUE TO BE BORN ANYTIME NOW!!!! But Poor Dona Cristina Bedbug is having a difficult labor!

“Bork Bork” frowns the Swedish Chef.

“Back Labor,” says the Nurse shaking her head.

Finally after hours and hours of Dona Cristina moaning, and Beakman pacing, and the Nurse reading “Golf Digest” (They never have good magazines in the waiting Rooms!), and The Swedish Chef sharpening his poultry shears and shining his kitchen tongs.......... IAN GRAPES SHOUTS THE NEWS!!!!!!!

“HE’S HERE!!!!! HE’S HERE!!!! FINALLY!!!!!! SOMEONE LET HIM IN!!!! OH OH, THAT’S ME!!!! I’ll GET THE DOOR!!!!!”

OH OH OH.....AND IN HE WALKS- Tall and straight and PROUD.......................................THE STORK!!!!!!!!!!

All eyes are on him and finally Dona Cristina bedbug and her worried husband, Beakman, can breathe a sigh of relief. Smiles are on all the faces as THE STORK presents:

BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

“Sorry it took me so long, “squawks THE STORK! “There was that Hurricane coming up the coast, and I had to stay in a hotel a couple of nights! Well, if she meets your approval, I’m off...lots of more kids to deliver today!”

“OH YES YES!!!!! WE ADORE HER!” Beams Dona Cristina, “OH BEAKMAN, WE HAVE A LITTLE GIRL!!!!!!”

“BABY! OUR BABY!” coos Beakman, “YES, Sir MR. STORK, thank-you so very much! We love her!!!”

“Hi Mommy and Daddy!!! I like you both too! But I’m so so so sleepy...can I go to bed? I didn’t get a wink of sleep in that hotel room! And eating from the Snacks Machine wasn’t very tasty.”

“Of of course, Baby, but first you need to open a very special gift all the way from Scotland.” smiles Dona Cristina.

“Yes, Baby..it’s been waiting for you a long time and our dear friend, Katharine Huggett, knitted it by hand-from Shetland Wool!” nods Beakman.

“Oh BOY!!!!! A PRESSIE!!!!”

“OH LOOK MOMMY AND DADDY!!! A BLANKIE!!!! MY VERY OWN AND IT’S SO SOFT!!!! OH I LOVE IT!!!!!! THANK-YOU, MISS KATHARINE!!!!!” Smiles Baby!

“And it’s a special pattern just for you, sweetheart! Now you are all ready for a nice nap. And Daddy and I will watch over you while you sleep.”

“And when you wake up, we’ll have PIZZA TO CELEBRATE!!!!” laughs Beakman!

“Goodnight Mommy and Daddy...I’m so so happy to be home.....Yawn.......”

“Goodnight Baby,” smile Dona Cristina and Beakman, “Sleep tight...don’t let the Bedbugs Bite....sshhhhhhhh...she’s already asleep...”

Okay...since Baby is asleep, we won’t be too loud..but now it’s time for the Bedbug Drawing. Both Jane and Martha wanted to draw names so Tante Helen and Gramma decided to give away TWO bedbugs..also in celebration of Baby’s Birth!

Jane is going first and she is surrounded by her friends to pick the FIRST WINNER!!!!!!!

AND the WINNER IS................................

..........................................BETH!!!!!!

Congratulations, BETH!!!!!

Here goes Martha....and she picks.............

......................HELEN P!!!!!!!

We want Beth and Helen to pick out the Bedbug they would like to receive..so looking at the final photo...from left to right we have:

Billie (With the big green dots), Brahm, Bliss, Beamer. And sitting on the table is Baker!

Ladies, please let us know your favorites and we will send them on to you! Tante Helen will get your addresses!

THANKS ALL!!!!!!!

Hugs and smooches!

Martha and Jane

The End is Near...

2011-08-31T05:57:00.009-04:00

Blimey! Jack Yer PackRat ‘ere and O’im afraid there’s Brawling out on the path ta Gramma’s ‘ouse!!!

GET ‘ER, GET THAT WITCH!!! JAB WIF YER LEFT!!!!! GET ‘ER DOWN!!! THAT’S IT, MATE!!!!

It’s Wilomeana Witch VS. The Big Bad Wolf!!!! My Money’s on the WOLF!

Fact is, Valerie Vulture ‘as ‘ad about enuf, and she SWOOPS down and picks up Ian Grapes loike ‘ees nothin’ but a After Dinner Sweet!!! But she doesn’t plan ta eat ‘im....she’s all about rescuing the Bloke!!!

But neither the Witch nor the Wolf cares anything about wot’s ‘appening in the sky. OH NO!! Oh NOT ‘ER NOSE!!! NOT THAT! EUUUU! You GONNA SWALLOW ‘ER WHOLE????!!! NOT THE GLASSES TOO..OH Oi CAN’T LOOK! IT’S ALL TOO GRUESOME!!!!

“RAAAAOOOOLLLLLLL!!!You can open your eyes now, Jack!!!! NOM NOM!!! That Old Witch Wilomeana was more tender than she looked. GGRRRRRRRRRR.....Ah, sure is nice to have a Belly Full! Don’t you think the glasses make me look more intelligent? HA HA...Now down the path to meet Little Red Riding Hood..I still have room for Dessert! GROWLLLL!”

DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD!!!! Which Old Witch?

WILOMEANA WITCH!!!! Now that the old Gal is Gone, strange things start ‘appening! The Gingerbread Bedbugs are coming back ta Loife!!!!

And taike a look at Martha and ‘Enery D!!!!

“ Hey!!!! What’s going on? Where are you two carrying me? WHO ATE ALL THE CHEERIOS?” barks ‘Enery D!

“OH HENRY D!!!!! YOU’RE OKAY!!!! Oh!! OH!!!! Mr. Twig and me were so worried!!! You were under a Magic Spell..but now you’re Henry D. safe and sound!!! Oh, Come On....let’s go home!”

And ‘OPPING down the path is Clara Kangaroo an Beakman Bedbug.

And they’re just in toime ta see the other Gingerbread cookies come back ta loife!!!! But there...amongst the treats..is somethin’ Clara thought she would never see again!

“OH MY JOEY... MY JOEY!!!!!!!!!! YOU ARE ALIVE!!!! OH MY BABY!!!! I KNEW I WOULD FIND YOU!!!! I KNEW YOU WOULD COME BACK TO YOUR MAMA!!!! LOOK AT HIM, BEAKMAN!!! THAT’S MY BABY.......JOEY!!!!!!!!”

“NO, MAMA.....I’M JOSEPHINE. I’M YOUR LITTLE GIRL!”

“OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHHHHHH...MY BABY GIRL!!!!! JOSEPHINE!!!!!!!!”

An Just as Clara Kangaroo and Baby Josephine is ‘ugging and cuddlin’.....out o’ the Sky comes Ian Grapes in a Luvely Sky Balloon!

“HEY HO!!!! MISTER BEAKMAN!!!! I’VE ORDERS TO BRING YOU HOME IMMEDIATELY, SIR!”

Beakman Bedbug says goodbye ta ‘is good friend, Clara Kangaroo, and ‘er baby, Josephine, and climbs up the rope Ian Grapes throws overboard. ‘EE reaches the basket of the Balloon and everyone waves GOODBYE!!!

An Beakman arrives ‘ome ta greet ‘is ‘appy Wife, Dona Cristina Bedbug!!!!

“OH DARLING!!!! OH I WAS SO WORRIED!!!!” says Dona Cristina.

“ MY LOVE!!! BUT LOOK!!! YOU’VE BEEN ENHANCED!!!! YOU CAN HUG ME NOW!!!! OH I LOVE THEM!” laughs Beakman.

“But that’s not all my dear. WE are having a baby...very soon!”

“OH... I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!!! OUR BABY???!!!! The very FIRST BABY BEDBUG!!!! I LOVE YOU, DEAREST!”

Ahhhhhh..so let’s leave our littl’ Lovebirds and give a CHEER to All’s Well that Ends Well!!!!

An one final SURPRISE!!!! Since it was Tante ‘Elen’s Birthday in August and Gramma’s Birthday coming in September...Oi Tink it’s about toime ta ‘ave another BEDBUG DRAWING!!!!!

‘ERE’S WOT YA GOTTA DO:

YA gotta leave a comment on THIS Martha and Jane...

AND Ya gotta say wot you reckon the Bedbug Baby will be--BOY OR GAL?

‘Ere at Martha and Jane, we KNOW Wot the baby’s gonna be, so if ya guess roite and if ya leave a comment, ya get ta be in the Drawing.....on September 6th (The day the Bedbug Baby is due!). An if ya WIN, ya get yer choice o’ bedbug too!!!! GOOD LUCK ALL!!!!

Love and smooches

Martha and Jane

To Market, to Market, to buy a Side Dish?

2011-08-23T06:14:00.010-04:00

Oy there..Jack The Packrat ‘ere! Whoile “Enry D. was stewing nicely in the bowl, Witch Wilomeana was Naffed at Valerie Vulture...

“ Don’ tell me you FORGOT to purchase some goodies to go with our Main Course for the FEAST? HOW COULD YOU????!!!!!! We FINALLY have a Grand meal planned and you FORGET the EXTRAS!!!!! Just thinking of yourself, as usual, I suppose!” FUMED Wilomeana!

“I’m sorry...If you had a Treasure Box here for me..instead of making me spend my own Allowance at the store, I might have remembered!” whined Valerie.

“OH!!! SO it’s MY Fault, is it????!!! Well, FINE!!! You’re coming with me! Maybe next time you’ll remember. You can carry all the groceries!!!!”

“Just a second..let me go inside and get the card..it’s Senior Citizen day, you know! You get your 5 % Discount!” smiled Valerie.

“OH GOODIE!!!! That’s right!!! And don’t forget the 1,258 coupons!!! Maybe the store will end up Owing ME Money!!!!! HEHEHEHEH!!!”cackled Wilomeana!

Valerie ‘urried inside the cottage and spoke quickly and quietly to the mari’nating ‘Enery D.

“Listen up, Dog Roast! You better get while the getting’s Good!!! Otherwise your goose is going to be cooked!!! Can you HEAR ME?”

“OOOOUUUHHHHHH...Goose?? But I want Fried Chicken! Are YOU Fried Chicken? Come to me.....Crispy, tender, battered Fried Chicken!!!” said “Enery D. in a sort of Goofy, Dreamy way.

“VALERIE!!!!! ARE WE GOING OR NOT??? I’M NOT GETTING ANY YOUNGER OUT HERE!!!” screamed Wilomeana.

“YES YES!!!! I’M COMING!!!! Dog..... You better Go!!! Wake Up!!! GO!!!! Hrumph, well I tried.....” sighed Valerie.

As soon as Witch Wilomeana and Valerie ‘eaded for the store, Martha and Mr. Twig arrived on the scene!

“UUMMMMMMM...NUM NUM....Something smells yummy, Mr. Twig!! What could it be?” asked Martha, “OOOOOO, More Charades! Okay..sounds like ‘Smoke’??? Ummmmm, ‘Steam’? Uh, ‘Fog’??? Yes, I can see the fog coming out the window! Oh...SOUNDS like Fog...ummmmmm, LOG? Bog? Cog? JOG? NOG? BLOG? DOG? OOOOO...DOG!! DOG!!!! HENRY D!!!! Smells like...HENRY D??????!!!!! OH OH HENRY D. IS COOKING????!!!!!! OH OH NOOOOOOooooooOOOOO!

Mr. Twig is Nodding ‘is ‘ead up and down and rubbing ‘is ‘ands together!!!!!

“Oh, we’ve GOT to get him OUT OF HERE!!!! HENRY D...WAKE UP!!!! WE’VE GOT TO ESCAPE WHILE THE ESCAPING’S GOOD!!!!! Oh it’s NO USE!!!! Henry D. is under a BAD SPELL!!!!!! HELP ME, Mr. TWIG!”

Martha and Mr. Twig manage to find an ol cereal box and make a sort a stretcher to carry the poor sleepin’ Pup!

“WHEW!!! He’s heavy!!! Let’s rest a sec, Mr. Twig!!! Puff...puff.... Henry D. needs to stop Eating so much!”

“Are we going to the MALL?” asks ‘Enry D. “Get me the triple order of extra Crispy and 10 biscuits and double gravy!”

And Ian Grapes is on ‘is way to see Gramma and find out where o’ where is Beakman Bedbug. ‘EEE is staying on the path, loike Dona Cristina warned. But ‘Ees tired now and decides to ‘ave ‘imself a lit’le Cat Nap. UH OH, Trouble comes in Threes, they say! “Ere comes Witch Wilomeana and Valerie!!!!

“OOUUUUUUUHHH, LOOKIE, VALERIE!!!! What a Perfect Side Dish HE would make for our Feast!” grins Wilomeana.

“HEY YOU!!!! BIG NOSE!!!! That “Side DISH” Happens to be MINE!! I was here FIRST!!!!” yells an un’appy Big Bad Wolf!

“ I can’t help it that you’re a SLOWPOKE!!!! Step aside, FURBOY! That’s MY SIDE DISH!” Scowls Witch Wilomeana!

Fussing, Fighting, Arguing.....let’s check in on Dona Cristina Bedbug.

“BORK BORK...Bork Bork!!!!” smiles the Swedish Chef, holding up ‘is sign!

“Oh my...everything is happening so fast..oh I DO Wish Beakman was here!!!” moons Dona Cristina.

“And look what came in the mail today, Madam!” says the Nurse.

“OOOOHHHHHH.....Oh this is the Sweetest gift in the WORLD!!!! From Katharine, in Scotland!!!! Oh look at the knitting needles and yarn!!!..and a WRAPPED GIFT FOR THE BABY!!!! Oh, I’m Crying!!!! Oh SILLY ME!!!” smiles Dona Cristina .

THANK-YOU KATHARINE SO SO SO MUCH!!!!! WE Had NO IDEA there existed Knitting needles and lovely yarn for BEDBUGS!!! Thanks so much!!! And a BABY PRESSIE!!!!

OUUHHHHH...Dona Cristina will open it as the Birth Date gets nearer!!! OH! Everyone is SO EXCITED!!!!! Thank-you Dear Dear Friend!!!!

TO BE CONTINUED!!!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

Forecasting...Trouble!

2011-08-17T05:09:00.011-04:00

Oy, poor Clara Kangaroo...she finally realized Beakman weren’t ‘er Joey loike she thought ‘e was! If ya don’t know, it’s me, Jack the Packrat ‘ere, taking ya back to wot’s ‘appening with the Kangaroo and the Bedbug!

“Oh dear..I’ve been such a silly fool. All those neighbors laughed at me- thinking you were my Joey! I’m so ashamed!” whimpered Clara Kangaroo.

“Oh nonsense! It was a perfectly understandable mistake, Clara,” said Beakman. “Besides the antenna, blue skin, pom pom feet, no tail, and woolie wings, I look Exactly like a Joey!”

“Yes, you do, don’t you?” nodded Clara, “But now what? Oh Beakman, I want a little baby Joey so badly!”

“But Clara, right now I need your help, PLEASE! I have to get back to my friends, and my Wife must be very worried. And I don’t remember the way back to Martha and Henry D. because I was in your pouch and couldn’t see very well!”

“Oh, Beakman, you don’t want to go back THERE!!!! It’s DANGEROUS!!!! I’m afraid your friends were headed right for the cottage of Wilomeana Witch! She traps children and either turns them into Gingerbread cookies or EATS THEM- Buttons and ALL!”

“OH OH!!! Then we’ve got to hurry!!!! PLEASE!!!! I’ve GOT TO HELP MY FRIENDS!!!! HOP, CLARA, HOP TO IT!!!!”

Clara didn’t waste any toime and gave a ‘uge Kangaroo Leap back towards the Arkansas River! On the way towards Wilomeana’s cottage, they ‘ad to stop for just a minute ta see the FAMOUS “FORECASTING STONE”!!!!!!

Now, while Clara an Beakman were studying the famous Forecasting Stone, Martha was questioning Mr. Twig...

“But, Mr. Twig...I don’t understand why Gingerbread cookies are around the cottage..and out in the grass? Why aren’t they in the cookie jar? And where did they all come from? I’ve never seen cookies like that in the grocery store...not even in the DOLLAR STORE!!!!! They almost look like REAL cookies that aren’t cookies!”

Mr. Twig shook ‘is ‘ead and motioned to Martha.

“What are you trying to tell me? I don’t speak ‘Broom’! And all I can say in Spanish is, “La Cucaracha”! OH OH...are we gonna do ‘Charades’???? OH goodie!!!! Okay....sounds like...ummmmm, PILLOW? No, ummmmm, BILLOW? WILLOW!!!!!!! OKAY! WILLOW!!!!”

“UUUUUUUUUUUU...SCARY? Ummmmm...CREEPY? UHHHHHHH......Angry?...mean? GODZILLA?????!!!!

MEAN!!! THAT’S IT!!! MEAN!!!! OH OH!!!!WILLOWMEANA!!!!! That’s who’s doing this?????? WILLOWMEANA!!!! OH NO!!! OH MR. TWIG!!! I’m SCARED!!!! And WHERE IS HENRY D?????”

An, in the meantoime of the meantoime, Dona Cristina Bedbug is getting so big..she feels loike she’s going ta POP!

“Now, Swedish Chef...there’s one thing left to do before the baby comes. I need to be...Enhanced...for the sake of my child! I want to know the best size and shape..what is your Advice?”

“Bork, Bork, bork bork BORK!”

“The Famous Swedish Chef,” interprets the Nurse, “Thinks that the enhancement needs to fit your small size and be soft and supple for the baby. Therefore he thinks the medium size Wings will be the Best Choice!”

“Oh that’s what I had thought,” smiled Dona Cristina, “I can’t have a baby without having wings to hold my child. You must do the wing enhancement tomorrow so I will be strong enough to use them by the time our baby is born! Braids are lovely but a Mother needs more than beautiful braids...”

And ya moite recall Ian Grapes, the advisor and courier and friend and Butler of Dona Crisitina, is on ‘is way ta find Gramma and discover where in the World is Beakman!!!

“I need to hurry to Gramma’s!!! Mr. Beakman must be found and told the news of his BABY!” Let me remember...the Princess said to Stay on the Path! Yes, that was her advice, Stay on the Path, Ian Grapes! That is what she said and that is what I’ll do!”

To be Continued...

Will Clara Kangaroo carry Beakman to his friends on time?

Will Martha rescue Henry D. from the marinade?

Will Dona Cristina Bedbug be happy with her new wings?

Will the baby be a boy or a girl?

Will Ian Grapes get eaten by a Wolf?

Will we add yet ANOTHER PLOT???????

Join us NEXT TIME!!!!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

A note from Jane...

2011-08-11T10:52:00.005-04:00

Dear Martha,

Thanks you so much for getting Gramma to start a new story for us! We cannot wait to see what happens next!

It has been so very hot here. Usually we are sitting upstairs under a table where it is cool and the shutter keeps out the sun. (We do not tan, but we do fade.)

Bjork, our resident bedbug, isn't here in this photo. I think she is outside on the deck taking a sunbath and talking to the squirrels and the birds at the feeder. Hope they don't pick her up and carry her away! But she says that blue bedbugs are not that tasty...though they make good soup!

Tante Helen says "bonjour." She took this photo when she read us the latest part of your latest story.

Frith is waving at Henry D. He says he is homesick...maybe he will have to come an visit all of you soon. Don't mention this to Tante Helen, but there is NEVER any fried chicken here and he is not fond of dry dog food.

Time to go! All this writing has made me tired and hungry. Time for tea... and little something... and a nap. Missing you...and remembering what fun we had last summer!

We all send you hugs and smooches.

Your BFF,

Jane

***

Martha and Jane

who

send hugs and smooches

to our readers

and hope that you are

enjoying

our story!

The Bath Water is Hot as Soup!

2011-08-09T08:51:00.014-04:00

OY, Readers!!! Jack the Packrat ‘ere. Valerie Vulture is on ‘er way to the store to pick out a Treat from the Treasure Box!

“Thiz Izn’t Right,” Hisses Valerie Vulture, “Wilomeana ZayZ I dezerve a Treat from the Treazure Box, then I must fly here and use my 50 centz to BUY my PRIZE! I found her two perfect Victimz, and thiZ is MY REWARD???!!!

Well, Valerie gets back ‘ome and she’s Still complaining! Just loike a female, if you ask me!

“Yez, Mr. Twig, thiz iz a very pretty necklaze but I must pay for it myzelf! I need to have thingz Change around here!” fusses Valerie!

In the Meantoime, Witch Wilomeana ‘elps ‘Enery D. into a large bowl..for a BATH, she says...

“OOoouuuuuhhh, this is nice! Do you have a Toy Boat I can play with..or a rubber duckie? And what’s the spoon for?”

“Oh never you mind, young man, La la la...hum hum hum,” sings the Witch happily. “I’ll stir the bath water and keep it nice and hot for you..and add a bit of Soy Sauce and Garlic for the Marinade...OOPS, I mean some Bath Salts to relax you!!! HAHAHHAHAHHA, Silly Ol ME!”

And Martha don’t ‘ave any idea wot is ‘appening with her Pal, ‘Enery D.!! Witch Wilomeana sent ‘er out to pick flowers.

“Gee wiz, I don’t see any flowers out here...just bushy, prickly stuff! Hey!! Hi there!!! You’re the Broom, right? Wilomeana talked about you...Mr. Twig?”

Mr. Twig nods ‘is ‘ead but looks quoite upset! ‘E’s trying to tell Martha something!

“What’s wrong? Okay...I’ll follow you..where we going?”

Martha follows the broom off a ways through the trees...

“What are those, Mr. Twig? They look like more Gingerbread Bedbugs!”

Mr. Twig shakes ‘is ‘ead NO!

“Oh, I see...Uuuuooooooo..they’re not Bedbugs....look, one’s a Gnome...here’s a Bear. Hahahahaha, a Super Hero!!! Oh but LOOK, a BABY KANGAROO!!!! Why do I keep thinking about Kangaroos....and bedbugs? Does Wilomeana eat bedbugs? Oh I just CAN’T REMEMBER STUFF!!! But these cookies are Gingerbread too!!! What does it mean, Mr. Twig?????!!!”

And back at ‘ome is Dona Cristina Bedbug, looking at the Ultrasound The Swedish Chef is ‘olding.

“OOHHHHHH!!!! That’s MY BABY!!!! I CAN’T BELIEVE IT... do you know is it a Boy or a girl?

“Bork Bork!” says the Chef

“He has no clue as yet,” smiles the Nurse, “It will take a couple of more weeks to tell. But the baby definitely looks Healthy!” (Photo

“Mr. Grapes!” calls Dona Cristina, “Please..you MUST find Beakman!!! I don’t know where he is but perhaps you could go to Gramma’s house and see. I believe he was there visiting Martha and Henry D. Oh, PLEASE, IAN GRAPES, PLEASE find my Husband!!! He MUST be told about the baby! He MUST COME HOME!!! I NEED HIM!!!! Take yourself a picnic basket with goodies to Gramma’s and Stay On the Path! FIND HIM, IAN!”

“Yes, Princess! I will find Master Beakman! You can count on me!”

To be Continued...

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

The Test is Positive!

2011-08-01T15:48:00.010-04:00

OY! Jack the Packrat ‘ere once again to continue wot was ‘appening while Clara Kangaroo and Beakman were talking to the neighborhood gals.

“I Zee them coming Witch Wilomeana. They are headed Thiz way!” flaps Valerie excitedly!

“OOuuuuuuuHHHH, Girlfriend!!! You have found a FEAST FOR US!!!!! They look Scrumptious!” smiles the Witch.

“THE COTTAGE, Martha!!! We’re FINALLY HERE! Snif...snif..... I SMELL HAMBURGERS!” Winds Henry D.

“Henry D. Look at this...it’s very strange...a row of Gingerbread Bedbugs!”

“Nibble nibble like two Mice....Welcome, children, you’re quite Nice!” sings Witch Wilomeana.

“We’ve got Hamburgerz and Chocolatezzzz.....” Coos Valerie.

“OH BOY!!! I’M STARVED!!! THIS LOOKS GREAT!!! If you don’t want all of yours, I can help you out, Martha!!!!” says Henry D. wolfing down his HUGE Burger!

“That’s so funny...I was going to ask you about a friend of ours..and something about a kangaroo,” puzzles Martha, “But I’ve forgotten what. Oh this is very delicious! Thank-you, Ma’am,” smiles Martha.

“Just call me Wilomeana, dear. Valerie said we had company on the way, and I Knew you would be hungry!! There’s more if you want it..”

“Don’t hafta ask me twice!!! You can call me anything but don’t call me Late For Dinner!” Barks Henry D.

But while Martha and ‘enry D. are eating, wot they think is tasty food, someone outside the cottage is “ORRIFIED by wot they are REALLY Eating!

Meantoime, Dona Cristina Bedbug ‘as No Idea the whereabouts a ‘er ‘usband, Beakman!

“Princess..there is a courier outside the front door who has brought this item and needs a COD Payment of "$50!”

“WHAT IN THE WORLD?!!!! OH This IS THE FINAL STRAW!!!! ANOTHER ‘BJORK’ PINUP MY HUSBAND BOUGHT ON LINE!!!!” Tut Tuts Dona Cristina Bedbug.

“And there are strict instructions this is to be displayed on the wall for Immediate Enjoyment and Appreciation!”

“FINE FINE!!!! I am in NO MOOD to argue!!! Oh wait till that Husband of mine gets home!!! He will have some Explaining to do! You better believe it!”

“And madam, before I leave to pay the courier, the Doctor and Nurse are waiting to come in...”

“Alright, you may send in Dr. Kildare...I’m sure my blood pressure is high after that PINUP Surprise!”

“Oh no, Princess...we thought you deserved only the Best, the Finest, The Most World-Renown Persona to be YOUR PERSONAL PHYSICIAN! So, we have sent for..............................The Swedish Chef!!!”

“THE WHAT?” Yells Dona Cristina!!!! “Oh this is just a BAD DAY gone Worse!!!!”

“Here he is, Madam, your, Ahem, Doctor!”

“BORK BORK!!!!”

“NO! I AM NOT BJORK!!!! IS THAT WHAT YOU ARE TRYING TO SAY??!!!” fumes Dona Cristina!

“No, Ma’am...he is speaking Swedish. He wants to know if you are ill?” says the Nurse.

“OH FOR GOODNESS SAKE!! He is supposed to be the Doctor!!!

“Bork!!! BORK!!!” announces the Swedish Chef!

“Now what does he say?” asks Dona Cristina.

“He says, BABY BABY!!! You are going to have a baby!”

To be Continued...

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

We have a winner!!!

2011-07-25T09:08:00.003-04:00

Congratulations,

Sandrine!

Hugs and smooches,

Marta and Jane

Clara Kangaroo shows off her new Joey!

2011-07-19T17:24:00.008-04:00

Jack The Packrat ‘ere.....Back to our Story now mates! As you moight remember, Martha and ‘Enery D. are making their way to the Cottage in the Woods. The Old Gal, wot lives inside the cottage, is studying ‘er Magic Book! You moight a guessed..she’s no lady, she’s a roight Nasty WICKED WITCH!

“OOouuuhhhh, HAHAHAHHAHAHHA!! OUu look at THAT ONE!!! OOOuuuuuuu, maybe I’ll transform Valerie into one of these creatures- just for FUN!!!! Oh These are WONDERFUL!!!!! Won’t she be Tickled to become a Bonnet- Wearing CROWGIRL!!!!!! Or maybe a Clownheaded Stripey Knickered Wolf!!!!” giggles Wilomeana Witch.

“Excuzzzzeeee, Me, Madam. I have NEWZZZZZZZZ!” hisses Valerie.

“And just Where did YOU come from? You’re Supposed to be in the Forest finding VICTIMS!!! Can’t you see you’re Interrupting my Studies?” Scowls Wilomeana!

“Fine..fine..I won’t tell you then about the Two tazzty Morzzzels heading Thizzzzz way!” sneers Valerie...picking a tick off her wing.

“Well WHY didn’t you Zay Zo – Oh you’ve got ME DOING IT NOW!!! Why didn’t you SAY SO in the first place?!!! On the scale???”

“On the Zzcale..the girl izzz a Five, and the boy izzzz a Zix........very promizing..he likezzzzz to eat...I can tell!!!!!” hizzes....HISSES Valerie.

“OOOOUUUHHHHHH GOODIE!!!! It’s been SO LONG since we’ve had GOOD MEAT!!! I am SO TIRED of those Vienna Sausages!!! If I never see another can of Vienna Sausage, I would be Delighted!!! Bring them here and then you may pick something from the Treasure Box.” smirks Wilomeana.

“Thank- Youzzzzzz, Madam!”

Well, while the Vulture goes out to lead poor Martha and ‘Enery D. to their DOOM, Beakman is ‘aving ‘is own troubles wif that there Kangaroo!

“BUT LADY!!! I am NOT YOUR BABY!!!!” yells Beakman!!! “I am a BEDBUG!!! Look, see...I’ve got antenna and wings and long feet with pom poms!!! I’m a BEDBUG!!!! I’ve gotta get back to my Friends!!!! They’re worried... and I’M MARRIED TOO!!! MY WIFE must be GOING CRAZY!!!!!”

“BUT LADEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!” Yells Beakman!!!!!

“SSHHHHHH, Now dear. Here come the neighbors!!!! OH IT’S MAXINE, SHIRLEY and her little Nicholas!!!!! OH I CAN FINALLY SHOW THEM I HAVE A JOEY!!! AT LAST AT LAST!!!!”

“Uh oh”...whispers Beakman.

“MAXINE!!!! SHIRLEY!!!!!! LOOK LOOK, GIRLS!!! LOOK AT MY ADORABLE BABY JOEY!”

“WHAT IN THE?” SHRIEKS MAXINE!!!!!!

“OH MY...THAT IS A WHAT? WHAT IS THAT HORRIBLE CREATURE YOU HAVE ALLOWED IN YOUR POCKET? EWWWWWW...IT"’S A BUG!!! SOME SORT OF NASTY BUG!!!! NICHOLAS!!!STAY AWAY FROM THAT DISGUSTING THING!!! YOU MIGHT GET A RASH!!! DOES IT BITE?” grimaces Shirley!

"HAHAHAHHAHA!!!! OH CLARA HAS A BABY BUG!!! OH THIS IS PRICELESS!!!!

HAHAHAHHAHAHAHH....CLARA, MY DEAR, YOU KNOW HOW TO MAKE US LAUGH!!!!” cackles Maxine.

“BWAHAHAHAHAHHAHHAA!!!! OH YOU’RE RIGHT, MAXINE!!! CLARA, YOU ARE SUCH A LOSER!!!! FACE IT!!! SOME KANGAROOS ARE JUST NOT CUT OUT FOR MOTHERHOOD!! YOU TAKE YOUR GOOEY LITTLE BUG AND HAVE FUN!!!

BWAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHHA!!! OH I CAN’T STAND IT!!!!!” laughs Shirley hysterically!!!

“I’m sorry, Clara.....I tried to tell you...” says Beakman, tenderly.

Oh Crickey!!! Maybe things will go better for the poor Miss Clara next Toime!!!

And speaking O next toime....we’ve got a Special Announcement for all you READERS!!!! We are ‘aving another BEDBUG GIVEAWAY!!! That’s ROIGHT!!! Our Illustrious MAKER, Valerie Weberpal- no relation to Valerie Vulture, just completed another AMAZING, COLORFUL, ITCHING-FOR-NEW-HOMES BATCH O Bedbugs!!! "

’Ere’s their photo....and their Names, from left ta roight:

“Baker”, “Blip”, “Bliss”, “Billie”, “Beamer”, and “Brahm”

All ya got to do, ta be in the Giveaway, is ta leave a COMMENT on THIS Martha and Jane Episode! Then we’ll ‘ave the Drawing next week- in the next episode!!! You’ll get ta choose which bedbug you would loike!!! GOOD LUCK ALL and DON’T FORGET TA Comment!!!! See Ya next Toime!!!

Hugs and Smooches,

Martha and Jane

Crossing the River and Through the Woods....

2011-07-11T05:50:00.009-04:00

“Hey wait a minute!” barks Henry D. “I think this is the Arkansas River!!!! How do we cross to get to the cottage?”

“ ’ELLO ‘ELLO!!!! Oi’m Daft Duck!!” quacks a little duck, swimming up to the Travelers.

“CHICKEN!!!!!! YUM!!!!!!”

“He’s a DUCK, not a chicken!!!! Calm down, Henry D!!!” Martha shakes her head....

“Oi can take you blokes across the River! Climb aboard me wee yellow back!!!”

“Gee, thanks, Daft Duck....I think we better go one at a time. Ummmmmm, Henry D....” Martha whispers, “Do you think Daft Duck will be able to carry us....he’s so little and we’re so big...”

“Oi ‘eard you...Not to Worry, Mates! Oi’ve done it many times before...even blokes larger than yourselves!”quacked Daft Duck reassuringly.

“Okay..here goes!!!!” Chuffed Henry D. “ I hope I don’t fall in...that would be worse than when Gramma makes me take a BATH!”

“OH HENRY!!! YOU LOOK LIKE A TIGHTROPE WALKER!!!! OUUUUUUUUU!!!!! WATCH OUT!!!!! WHEW, YOU MADE IT!!!! MY TURN NEXT!!!” yells Martha!

“Beakman, do you want me to hold you and we can cross together?”

“No, that’s okay. I’m the smallest...and it looks sort of Fun!” smiles Beakman.

“OKAY, BEAKMAN!!! MARTHA AND I MADE IT!!! YOUR TURN WITH DAFT DUCK!!!” Yells Henry D. across the River

OY!!!! Oh MOI GOODNESS, DEAR READERS!!! JUST THEN, OUT ‘O NOWHERES, BEAKMAN IS SNATCHED UP BY A ‘OPPING KANGAROO!!!!!!

“BEAKMAN!!!!!!! WHAT IS HAPPENING??????!!!!!! LET GO OF OUR BEDBUG FRIEND, YOU.... YOU....OH YOU MARSUPIAL!!!!!” SCREAMS MARTHA!

“It’s Joey!!! My little Joey!!! I’ve looked and looked for a wee Joey for ages, and now I’ve found you!!!! Oh my little Baby!!! My little Lovebug!!!!” coos the Kangaroo.

My Goodness, Martha and ‘Enery D. didn’t know WOT Ta Think about a Kangaroo hopping away with Their Buddy!!!

“OH DEAR OH DEAR!!!! What do we do now??!!! Oh Henry D...Beakman is BUGNAPPED!!!!” whimpers Martha.

“I don’t know what we can do right now. We’re way over here and there’s no way we can catch up with a jumping Kangaroo!!! Maybe we can get help from someone in that cottage!”

“Oh, if only Beakman had his Cell Phone!!! Oh my..now what? What is this?” asks Martha, startled.

“HIYA! I’m Valerie!!! I am here to officially Escort you to the cottage of my Famous Mistress!!!”

“Chicken?” drooled Henry D.

“No, she’s a Parrot, Henry D. I’ve heard they’re friendly.”

“Oh Yez...YEZ...I’m very friendly!” smiled Valerie, “I’m going to take you to join in a delicious meal. We’ve been waiting for you!”

“OH BOY!!! NOW you’re talking my language, Valerie!!!” Grins Henry D.

“Follow me, Kids!!! Just through the woods here and straightaway to the Cottage for the Best meal you have EVER played a part in!”

OH NO!!!! OI’VE got Me Suspicions, Dear Readers!!! And as far as Oi know, that ain’t any Parrot wot Oi’ve Ever Seen!!!!

Come back next week for our Continuing Story!!!

(The Kangaroo is inspired by my Grandson, Oliver, who Adores Kangaroos!!! Just for YOU, Oliver!!!!!)

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

For Jane: Once Upon A Time....

2011-07-04T06:09:00.008-04:00

OY! It’s me...Your Favorite Packrat, Jack!!! O’iv been told Oi need ta tell a Story for our Best Gal in Connecticut, Miss Jane! Lemme look in me RatBag and see wot Oi moite ‘ave......

Ah..one of me all toime favorite tails.....Alright, Janie, you ready Moi dear...all cozy an comfy, are ye? ‘Ere we go, moi sweet:

ONCE UPON A TOIME, Miss Martha, ‘Enery D, and Beakman decided to take themselves a Walk...

“Remind me again just WHY we are taking a Walk in the 98 degree heat, 110 % humidity and Heat index of 123????” growled Henry D.

“Because Gramma said we need some fresh air and she needs 5 minutes Peace!” grumped Martha.

“I know Bedbugs don’t sweat, but it sure is hot out here. HEY! Here’s a Path! Let’s follow it” suggested Beakman.

“WOW!! LOOK...BREADCRUMBS!!! OuuuuuHHHHHH! A SNACK!” shouted Henry D.

“I wonder who dropped those breadcrumbs...this reminds me of a Story.” puzzled Martha, “OH OH...a Little WISHING WELL!!!!!”

“See...aren’t you glad I followed the bread crumbs...now you can make a Wish!” smiled Henry D.

“Yeah, well I wish you would stop eating those yucky moldy bread crumbs.....But WAIT! That’s not my REAL Wish! Hmmmmmmmm, what should I wish?” said Martha.

“It’s deeper than it looks,” said Beakman, “And there’s an Echo! Hello......Hello....Hello....”

“Let’s press on, “Barked Henry D. “Maybe we’ll find more chow...I’m STILL Hungry!”

“HAHA! So what else is new?” laughed Martha, “OH,Henry D........Beakman, LOOK THERE!! It’s a strange cottage in the woods! I’ve never seen THAT cottage before!”

“MMMMMMMMMMM!!! I bet you 10 cents that’s a Fast Food Chicken Joint!! I SMELL FRIED CHICKEN!!!!” drooled Henry D.

“And I’m Sure I smell fresh baked Scones,” grinned Martha.

“I smell Hershey Bar!” sniffed Beakman.

As for meself, Oi smell TROUBLE!!! Come back next week, Mates, and we’ll see wot ‘appens to the three Travelers!!!!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

Dear Martha...tell us a story...please?

2011-07-01T16:38:00.005-04:00

Dear Martha,

How are you? Remember last summer when I visited you? We had such a good time! I miss you!

We are getting bored around here. Tante Helen is playing with a bedbug all the time.We don't see her very much anymore. That bedbug has her own condo and she is always getting dressed up. Geesh.

Well something really exciting did happen! We didn't see Daphne and Jacques around for a few days....you know why? THEY ELOPED!!!!!

This is their formal wedding picture...they are dotty in more ways than one if you ask me...

Hanna has not been out to see Belties this summer...and we are all getting BORED here!! Remember Hannah last summer?

Remember the 4th of July??? We had so much fun!

Will you tell us a story? Pretty please? With whipped cream on top? And hot fudge sauce, too?? You always have exciting stuff happening at Gramma's!! There must be something going on there...more exciting than here!

Tell Gramma I miss her. (I would love to go to Krogering but they don't have them here!) Waving to Henry D.!

Your friend,

Jane

Happy 4th of July!!!

*********

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

A Job Well Done!!!

2011-06-26T17:51:00.006-04:00

Come take a Peek at the HUGE PARTY going on at Alice’s Tea Room!!! There is a big Celebration honoring Officer Harney and the Apple Brothers for their Bravery and Cunning in catching the Notorious Jacques Ze Crook!!!!

Mrs. Pridy Plum is even serving famous Battenburg cakes (All the way from Corner Cottage, England!) in honor of the occasion! As you might notice, Officer Harney and Alice have eyes for no one in the room except one another..but that will be another story for another time...

“OH NO, OH NO, OH DEAR!!!! OH GEE WHIZ!! This is TERRIBLE!!!!” says Martha to herself as she reads WHO has arrived at poor, unknowing, innocent, cotton brained Jane’s home!!!!

“OH JANIE!!! Little do you know what mean, BAD BAD Rats you have in your Nice HOUSE!!! OH BE CAREFUL!!! Hide Tante Helen’s Jewels!!!!! Hide Your Ruby Slippers!!!! Hide Bjork’s Designer Sun Glasses!!!! And for Goodness Sake, Hide the CHEESE!!!!” types an anxious Martha to her best friend, Jane!!!

But, Dear Readers...don’t give up hope...don’t go back to bed and pull the covers over your head......don’t cancel your trip to Savers to purchase that vintage Hawaiian shirt for your trip to Disneyland just because you are nervous and full of fear and bummed out...THERE IS GOOD, HAPPY NEWS!!!!!

YES...Belini The BEDBUG has found a NEW HOME!!! An Amazing Adventure of a Home Far Far Away and Once Upon A Time!!!! IN the LAND of Vintage Fairy Tales with the Most beautiful Rebecca and her Knight, The Skating Monkey!!! CONGRATULATIONS, REBECCA!!! Belini will be flying to you soon!!!! Send me your address my dearest!!!

Come back next week...
who knows WHAT will Happen!!!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

Priority Mail!

2011-06-18T15:59:00.005-04:00

Dear Martha...

We were out for most of the day...and when we came home there was a package waiting addressed to Tante Helen.

She opened it and there were two MICE sleeping!

They yawned and stretched and looked around.

The girl started climbing out of the box.

And now they are here at the computer and we are all writing to you. They say they are famous actors and the STARS of a story at Gramma's!!!

Bjork and I think that they are really Daphne and Jacques. Tante Helen thinks they are really CUTE and will be happy here, but we are not sure. Are they actors... or trouble makers? I know one thing...we are going to keep an eye on them. For now they seem busy enough worming their way into Tante Helen's heart. ( They know she has a soft spot for mice.)

We have heard that Gramma is not feeling well. Please tell her to feel better soon. Tante Helen says thank you for sending us these new visitors. We have not decided whether or say thank you or not!

Is is true they are allowed wine and cheese for breakfast, lunch and dinner? We do not think so! They keep saying, "how did we get here?" and "where is the chocolate?" and there is some confusion about a house that wasn't as safe as they thought....

For now,

XOXOXO Jane and Bjork

And to our

faithful readers:

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

You've got Mail!

2011-06-14T06:17:00.009-04:00

Jumping Geehosafat!!!! Jacques has ESCAPED with help from his Cheese Moll, Daphne!!!

“Do you think this is a Safe House, Babe?” asks Jacques....

“I don’t know but let’s cover ourselves with some of this tissue just in case.....”

“Good idea..I’ll keep a lookout for the Fuzz!”

Just as Jacques and Daphne get themselves covered, they hear arguing.

“You’re not supposed to wear that new skirt now....Gramma got it for Christmas!” scolds Henry D.

“I don’t care", smirks Martha, “Gramma said I could wear it now cuz it’s so Preety! And it’s a long time till Christmas and I can’t wait THAT long!!!

“And YOU are supposed to finish packing this parcle for Gramma! She’s sending Tante Helen her old shoe inserts cuz Tante Helen and Bjork went to New York, the City and shopped till they dropped and Tante Helen’s feet almost FELL OFF!”

“Yeh, I know...okay,” growls Henry D.

“You’re Grumpy today..maybe you need some Fried Chicken! I’ll help you here and then we can have fried chicken and then YOU play Beauty Parlor with me and You’re the Customer! Deal?”

“Well, okay..if I can eat the biscuits while you put bobbie pins in my ears!” smiles Henry D.

In the meantime, Our HERO Officer Harney is helping Alice Mouse to get her Tea Room back into shape. And Mrs. Plum and Zip, Officer Harney’s Wonder Dog, are preparing lunch.

“You are so kind to help me Officer Harney,” puffs Alice as they move the big chair.

“Oh...please call me Harold. It will be terrific to have the Tea Room back again. We’ll need to have a party to celebrate when everything’s done!”

And in the meantime of the meantime, there is Something Else to CELEBRATE HERE AT MARTHA AND JANE!!!! As you may know, we have had two very lonely Bedbugs looking for new homes! Five came flying this way and three were happily adopted. But that still left two without soft beds to lay down their weary little blue antenna blessed heads. Today BOPP has FOUND A HOME!!!! He has fallen in love with~~~~~~~~~~~~

LINDA OF NEW MEXICO!!!!!!!

He was overheard saying, “She looks just like my Dear Great Great Great Gramma, “Irmentrude Bedbug”!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS LINDA!!!!

Remember..there is one Bedbug remaining...comments on Martha and Jane may have Belini falling in love with YOU!!!!!

Till next time.....

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

Officer Harney, OUR HERO!

2011-06-05T19:00:00.011-04:00

When Officer Harney and his Police Dog, Zip, awaken...Beakman comes Skittering over to shake the Officer’s Hand!!!

“Officer Harney!!! You and Zip are HEROES!!!! You SAVED ME and Caught the most WANTED BAD GUY of ALL TIME, Jacques ZE CROOK!”

“I did?” questions a dazed but smiling Officer Harney.

“Allow me to introduce myself, I am the famous Sherlock Holmes! Scotland Yard has been tracking this Blighter for months. Once he reached American shores, he was lost to us! But you, my dear Mouse, have earned yourself quite a Handsome REWARD!”

“Constables Happy and Grouchy, get the Villains into the wagon and take them to the Pokey!” orders Sherlock Holmes.

Just then Alice Mouse and Mrs. Pridy Plum come Running up to Congratulate Beakman, Officer Harney, and Zip.

“OooouuuuuuHHHHHH, My Dear Officer Harney! I heard how you have saved my TEA ROOM from those Rude and Violent Vermin! How may I ever thank-you?” asks Alice.

“Why, Miss, I will be happy to assist you in returning your Tea Room to its former glory..then I would truly enjoy an afternoon tea!” grins an instantly smitten Officer Harney, “ And... a chance to talk to such a lovely lady as yourself. I’d like to ask, ummmmmmm, do you like, ahhhhhhhh....pottery? I’m thinking of becoming a Potter.. YES, A Potter! It’s always been an interest of mine.”

“Really? Oh I think that sounds Wonderful. Wouldn’t some pottery bowls look splendid in the Tea Room! And maybe a large Jug for fresh apple Cider. Those constables have me thinking about apple cider for some reason....”

As the Mice continue discussing their hopes and dreams for a bright future, the wagon full of desperate criminals moves slowly down the street...on its way to the “Big House."

But all of a sudden, Constable Happy Jumps atop the horse pulling the wagon!

“What are you doing, you rotten Apple??!!!” Yells Constable Grouchy, “Get back in this wagon! That horse is fine on his own!”

“AW...don’t be such a Grump!!!! I just wanna ride a horse for once in my life. You stay there in the cart and I’ll take the reins!”

But while the Apple Brothers are arguing, Daphne...YES DAPHNE! I wondered if you had noticed her lurking??? Now she is ready to spring her boyfriend as the Constables have their short attention spans turned elsewhere....

“I tell you what, we can BOTH ride the horse!!!” says Constable Happy, “Hop on up with me- you can see really good from up here! Giddeyup, MULE!”

OH DEAR..what a CALAMITY!!!! Now Daphne grabs Jacques by the handcuffed arm and they both run to the nearest Safe House...at least they Think it’s a safe house....

OH NO!!! What in the World will happen next?? Will Daphne and Jacques get sent far away? Will they need Delivery Confirmation or just go with a Flat Rate Box? Will they get caught and arrested by Customs..will they be dobbled and have to remove their shoes? And what about Officer Harney? Will he ever find out he is not Really the Hero they all think he is? Will he have doubts and guilt and go sailing and whack into other boats, during a BIG Race, on purpose? Or will everything be okay and he and Alice will get married, even though it’s hot outside?????

Come back Next Time!!!!!

Pleeeeeaassseeeeee!!!!!!!!

Hugs and Smooches,

Martha and Jane

A message from Martha and Jane...

2011-05-29T15:56:00.003-04:00

We take time out this week

to wish you a Happy Memorial Day!

(And a very special thank-you to Sandy Gossage who felted the Amazing Bedbug!)

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

A Little Help from our Friends!

2011-05-22T18:18:00.011-04:00

Officer Harney quickly and expertly finishes up his Police Business and hurries to where the Scream originated. On his way, he whistles that unique Police Dog Call which summons his Canine partner, “ZIP” (Named after the famous Kentucky dog with the pulled shoulder.) Together they make their way to the Vermin Bar

In the meantime, poor innocent naïve and sort of forgetful Beakman is put into the...OH NO!..OH NO, DEAR READER...NOT THAT!!!!! Our Bedbug is put into THE DUM DUM DUM DUM.....BLENDER!!!!!!

“Oh, Jacques,” Says Daphne, “I’m worried! They must be on to us!!! Maybe it’s time we sky up!”

“Listen, Baby..nobody Pulls the wool over ol’ Jacques!!! I got a mind like a Steel Rat Trap! You just keep looking pretty and wear that Diamond Babushka...let me worry about the Important stuff!”

JUST THEN, Officer Harney and Zip (Who have both assessed the situation in a matter of seconds) BURST UPON THE SCENE!!!!!

“GET THE GOBBLER, ZIP” Yells Officer Harney! “I’LL TAKE CARE OF THE OTHERS!!!!”

OH, it is HORRIFYING TO WATCH but I Can’t Help Myself!!! Officer Harney battles Magnificently!!! Sort of “Marquess of Queensberry Rules” with a baton! But Jacques and his henchmen are tricky and down right Dirty in their fighting- NO HOLDS BARRED!!!!! If you are opposed to excessive, gratuitous violence- you may want to skip over this photo.... a viewer warning!

Oh dear, oh my, oh woe is me, oh bah humbug....Sometimes Evil gets the best of good. This is the case, my dear friends, I am so so so sorry to say that our Hero, Officer Harney, and his faithful dog, Zip, are thrown into the Blender along with helpless Beakman!!! The Villains have thrown Officer Harney in upside down to add insult to injury!!!

OH, WHAT NOW?!!!

“HAhahahhaahhahhah!!! What do you get when you put a Bedbug, Mutt, and dumb Cop into a Blender?” laughs Gobbler Gator!

“BWAHAHAHAHHAHAHHAH!!! I SAY WE TURN IT ON NOW AND FIND OUT!!!” Laughs Jacques!!!

“Wait...I hear something..what is it?” asks Daphne!

OH OH!!! OUT OF NOWHERE THERE IS HOPE!!! SALVATION! In the FORM OF SIX GLORIOUS NON-BUTTON WEARING BEDBUGS!!!!

“ My Bedbugs and I heard there’s a bit of a Problem going down here- concerning a GOOD PAL OF OURS!!!” growls Beadle! “Would you VERMIN KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS?”

“Yeh....maybe a bit of a rash might get you mugs to talking..or shall we say, CONFESSING?” says Bismark!

“Why I thing the Vermin are turning RED already!” smiles Baskin!

“Bismark...you go make our Vermin friends a bit more comfortable, while the rest of us give a little help to our friends!” says Beadle.

The three captives are released gently from THE BLENDER! Officer Harney and Zip are still unconscious but Beakman, although weak, is able to greet his Bedbug friends and shake their wings in gratitude!

“Now Beakman..you must never forget again the Power of the Itchiness!” instructs Beadle. “It is your secret weapon against the Evil of the World!” she says dramatically!

“Yes, Ma’am, I won’t forget again..and thank-you all so much!” smiles Beakman.

“We are leaving you now but we have called Backup for help. I want this to look like Officer Harney has been the VICTOR! No one ever need know we were here...right?”

“RIGHT, MAAM” nods Beakman.

“COME ON BEDBUGS! WE ARE OFF TO OUR NEW HOMES!” yells Beadle, “well..most of us...there are two of you still looking for a place to lay your weary, cute little bug antennas...

Good Luck Belini and Bopp...may the Bedbug of Happiness smile upon your Quest for homes! Our Work here is Done” says Beadle.

So...it seems a Happy
Turn Around but...

DO COME BACK NEXT

TIME FOR THE FINAL CONCLUSION!!!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

The Bedbug is BUSTED!

2011-05-15T19:43:00.010-04:00

When Beakman hears Daphne snoring, he figures it’s safe to come out from under her bed. In fact, the whole place is shaking with the sounds of loud sleeping!

“OH NO! This is Worse than I thought!” whispers Beakman to himself, “The Diamond Babushka!!! SSShhhhh, not so loud! they’ll hear you..uh, Me!...... Hmmmmm.... That Jacques is a THIEF. I need Backup! I gotta call the cops! Let’s see, 9..1..1...OH NO!!! MY Cell phone battery is Dead!!! OH NOW WHAT?”

Oh dear, Beakman is so frazzled, so stressed, he has Forgotten his very own Bedbug POWER OF THE ITCHINESS!!! If only he removed his button, they would ALL be at his mercy!!! But the poor little Bedbug is way too nervous to think straight!

“Hmmm....I’ve got a plan...it’s gotta work..then I can run tell the POLICE!”

Beakman is going to disguise himself as Daphne! But her dress is too small, so he does the best he can. He carefully and quietly makes his way down to the Vermin Bar. All the nasty culprits are knocked out..fast asleep.

“Thank-goodness,” Beakman peeps, “This is going to be easier than I thought...”

“HEY, BABY!!! Where you going? Come give me a little Kissy!!!” slurs Jacques.

“Oh...ah....Okay...I’m just going to the Dollar Store to buy some new Flip Flops to go with my Summer dress....ummmmm..okay...a quickie” squeals Beakman in a high falsetto voice.

“Commere, Sugar Lump! Wait, Toots, you can’t wear the Diamond Babushka in public. Lemme take it off your pretty little head for now, HEY.... UH !!!! HEY!!!WAIT A MINUTE!!! YOU AIN’T DAPHNE!!! You’re just an IMPOSER!”

“He’s A IMPOSTER TOO, BOSS!!!” Croaks Gobbler Gator.

“YEH!!! But now THIS POSER’S A DEADBUG!!!!”

“ AUUUUGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!!!Wait!! WAIT!!!” Screams Daphne, “STAY AWAY FROM HIM!!! HE’S A BEDBUG!!! YOU’LL GET THE ITCHINESS!!!!”

“HAHAHAHHAHHAA! WHAT A MACAROON!!!! THIS JOKER FORGOT TO TAKE OFF HIS BUTTON!!!” smirks Jacques!

“HAHAHAHHAA, WHAT A NIMROD!!!” Don’t worry, Toots, this guy ain’t gonna cause any problem!!!! You don’t worry your pretty little head!”

But, closer than you think, Officer Harney is giving speeding tickets to two young reckless drivers. The ever-alert officer hears a scream, coming form the nearby Vermin Bar...

TO BE CONTINUED.....

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

THE PLAN IN ACTION!

2011-05-07T18:06:00.008-04:00

Officer Harney walks his beat..this is HIS town. The Rock..uh, The LITTLE Rock. He knows its ins and outs..its ups and downs...its sideways and upsadaisys. He Loves his town..but he hates it too. He hates the criminals..the Rats... who turn his town inside out with their cheating and stealing and sneezing on the vegetables at “Kroger” and eating at “Senor Tequila” without paying and driving their fast cars through the pedestrian crosswalk so the small lady with her four boxes, going to the post office in the rain and trying to also hold her umbrella, has to wait until somebody finally stops but by then she is really upset and turning red with emotion and yelling stuff at the cars which is not really ladylike!

Yes, Officer Harney hates stuff like that happening in HIS Town!

He walks by the garden wall and the beauty of the day is Spoiled by the faces of Criminals! Criminals of the Worst Kind!

Officer Harney knows about Jacques Ze Crook! He knows if he were to catch this Vile Thief, there would be a big promotion. He could find a sweet little mouse,buy a home, settle down, raise a couple of kids, have a yard and an above ground pool, retire and start a hobby...Pottery!!! He has always wanted to feel the clay with his bare hands....have a Potter’s Wheel ! OH...IF ONLY!!!! ..............................Where are you, Jacques???????!!!!!!

But in the meantime, while Officer Harney walks his beat, Henry D. and Beakman arrive at The Vermin Bar!

“Okay..you know what to do, right? You take off your button...and while everyone’s sleeping, you go downstairs and INFECT them all with the Itchiness!!!” says Henry D.

“BUT...BUT...I..I....I’m ......I’m Nervous!!!!!” Stammers Beakman!

“YOU CAN DO IT! Where’s that Bedbug Spirit????!!! Come on..I believe in You!!! Got your cell phone, right? Okay DO YOUR BEST!”

Henry D. runs off (To the Mall for fried chicken) and poor Beakman is left alone.

“What have I gotten myself into??? Oh Gee..what would the others do? HAH...Bjork would snoop around, looking for stuff to wear. Bilbo and Babs would look for the nearest Tea and Scones. Boris would Hear no Evil, Speak No Evil, and See no Evil. Benny wouldn’t leave his house without Noah! Belmont would bring a Goat friend..or a wise Owl. Boll Dooz Man would make fancy gingerbread cookies. And Belkin wouldn’t be dumb enough to be here in the first place! OH NO...I HEAR Voices!!! Oh I GOTTA HIDE!!!!”

“OH Jacquesie!” coos Daphne, “ Oh I LOVE my Diamond Babushka so so much!!! I’m going to wear it to bed tonight!”

“Here, Babe,”smiles Jacques, “Let me help you onto this...ummmm...tipsy bed!

What’s wrong with this thing?? Oh well, we got loads of money. We’ll just go to the store and get a new one! Okay, sweets, I gotta go talk to the boys some more. You get some rest now, Toots!”

OH DEAR! And Beakman is stuck under the bed!!! Will Daphne fall asleep soon? Will Beakman be able to successfully go downstairs and infect the Vermin? Will Officer Harney ever find Jacques? Will polka dots take over the UK???

Find out NEXT TIME!!!!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

And a Special Thank-you to Tante Helen for Officer Harney (I LOVE HIM!)

If the Shoe Fits...

2011-04-26T20:09:00.010-04:00

Finally Bluebeard Bear arrived at the home of our Hero, CinderBeakman. He knocked on the door and the Creepy and Dowdy Stepmother answered.

“Hello, I’m sure you have heard by now, that I have been going around the Kingdom trying this Dutch Shoe on the foot of every eligible young male. Are there any in this house?”

“Any what?” she cackled

“Young eligible males, of course!!!” shouted BluebeardBear. (He was pretty darn disgusted and tired)

“Yes, there are three..UH....two...Only TWO eligible young males.” stammered the icky Stepmother.

‘Well, can I come in and try this shoe on them, for Pete’s Sake??!!!!” yowled Bluebeard!

“Well, why didn’t you say so....Yes, you may come in although I don’t give 2 cents worth about Pete!” sassed the stinky Stepmother.

Well, Bluebeard had to wait another minute while the dishonest Stepmother ordered CinderBeakman to his room...."And STAY THERE and DON’T MAKE A PEEP or I will make you paint DOTS on all the furniture!” scolded the wrinkled old Stepmother.

“Okay...who’s first...how about you, young man?” asked Bluebeard Bear.

“HEY!!! That’s my Pottery Shoe..I’d know it anywhere!” smiled Martin!!!

“Sorry, Martin..it’s too big for your small feet. You know what they say, Small feet......small...............shoes..” said Bluebeard.

“ME NEXT!!!! Dat’s MY SHOE!!!!” hollered Colin.

“Wait a doggone minute, young fellow....you seem to have 6 legs. I don’t think this one Dutch shoe can possibly be yours!”

“Well, if that is your excuse, Madam, for eligible young men, it’s pretty lame. You are sure this is all you’ve got?” questioned Bluebeard Bear.

WAIT! WAIT!!!! Mr. BEAR!!! You forgot CinderBeakman!!!!” squealed Sandy and Pinky Kim!!!

“Come out, CinderBeakman! The Beautiful Princess Dona Cristina instructed me to try the Dutch shoe on EVERY young man in the Kingdom!”

And so it was that CinderBeakman had his turn to try on the lucky Dutch Shoe...

“OH MY GOODNESS!!!!” Yelled Bluebeard Bear, “WE HAVE A WINNER!!!!!”

“And I even have the other shoe!” grinned CinderBeakman.

Well, I am sure you will ALL be delighted to know that CinderBeakman was reunited with his true love, The Gorgeous Royal Princess, Dona Cristina.

“Oh my love..I am so happy we found you!!!” cooed the Princess...”But now you must live with me in the palace and be my Royal, Handsome, Hunk of a Prince!”

“But my love, you don’t mind that I am a........a...well, a.....BEDBUG?!” asked CinderBeakman fearfully.

“HAHAHAHHAHA, MY LOVE!!! Look what is hidden under my crown!” laughed the Princess

“AH!!!! ANTENNA!!!!” Shouted CinderBeakman...

...who was, from this day forth, known as Prince Beakman!

AND THEY BOTH LIVED

HAPPILY EVER AFTER!!!!

THE END!!!!!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

The Dutch shoe makes the rounds!

2011-04-25T18:24:00.006-04:00

CinderBeakman ran quickly from The Royal Palace so the Beautiful Princess Dona Cristina would not see him revert back to his old, smudged self.

“I had the BEST TIME!!! Oh, Chicks, it was Thrilling!!! I danced the Dance of Love with the most beautiful girl in the World!!! I am in love...IN LOVE with the Princess Dona Cristina!!!”

“Wait a minute..Lover Boy,”cheeped Sandy, “Where’s your other shoe? You only got one!”

“Oops..Uh Oh, I must have lost it when I dashed from the Palace...” said CinderBeakman, “Oh well, I still have the one... and memories and Love in my heart!”

And speaking of the Dutch shoe, The Princess Dona Cristina had found CinderBeakman’s other shoe, in between sobs, and instructed the Lord High Executive, Bluebeard The Bear, to hunt the Kingdom for whomsoever's foot would fit into the shoe!

“And do not return until you have found my True Love.....Please”, spoke the sad and lost and a little bit cranky Princess Dona Cristina.

“Yes, your Majesty!” Bowed Bluebeard Bear.

Bluebeard knocked on every door and rang every doorbell...trying the shoe on all the young males in the kingdom!

“Hmmmmmm...NO, Too Small!”

“No, no, much too small (Thank goodness!)

“Close, but no cigar...your foot is too small!”

“OH DEAR”, sighed Bluebeard the Bummed-Out Bear, “Will I EVER find the Right Young Man? It’s getting late...where do I sleep tonight, where do I begin tomorrow, when will this all end, and when will it stop thundering in Little Rock?”

To Be

Continued

Tomorrow...

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

CinderBeakman meets Princess Dona Cristina!

2011-04-24T19:26:00.006-04:00

CinderBeakman was on his way to The Royal Ball--thanks to the magic of his FairyEggMother!

“But wait, CinderBeakman! I’ve forgotten the Most Eggcellent part- your Ceramic Dutch Shoes!!!! They will bring you Eggstra Good Luck at the Ball!”

“Oh, they are Da Bomb!!! Thank-you, FairyEggMother! Now..I AM ON MY WAY TO THE ROYAL BALL!!!”

“Don’t forget!!!! Eggamine the time constantly..BE BACK BEFORE THE CLOCK EGGHIBITS TWELVE!!!”

The FairyEggMother and Sheila Chicken waved a happy Goodbye to CinderBeakman!

At Last..AT LAST CinderBeakman arrived at the Royal Ball..and there before him was the loveliest sight he had ever seen...NOOOOooooo, not his two brothers, silly! It was the Beautiful Princess Dona Cristina!

CinderBeakman went right up to the pretty Princess and asked her to Dance...the dance of LOVE! Everyone grabbed a partner...Martina and Colin had to dance with the chocolate Milka twins.

“Who’s that guy? I never seen him before?” pouted Colin, as he tried to resist biting off the head of the younger MIlka twin...

“I dunno...some new guy. The Princess dances with him and we’re stuck with these Rabbits...I mean...REALLY STUCK!!! Hey, Bunny- you’re melting! Your chocolate is getting all over my new coat!!!”

But neither CinderBeakman nor the dear Princess paid any attention to the unmannerly brothers. They only had eyes for each other...it was definitely a Romantic Waltz!

It seemed like CinderBeakman had only been with the Princess for a few minutes...but suddenly, “BONG BONG BLEEP BONG BOMG BOMG BONG BRATTTTT BONG BLECH BONG BONG BINGO...” the Clock struck MIDNIGHT!!!!

“OH NO!!! IT’S MIDNIGHT!!! I’ve GOT TO GO!!!!” yelled CinderBeakman..."I LOVE YOU PRINCESS DONA CRISTINA!!!!”

But as CinderBeakman ran away, one of his Dutch Shoes came off....but he did not notice.

“WAIT! WAIT MY DARLING...MY DEAR...MY STUD MUFFIN!!!!! COME BACK!!!! I LOVE YOU TOO!!!!!!” Wailed Princess Dona Cristina!

“Oh how will I find my TRUE LOVE? When will I ever see him again???? Will it ever stop snowing in Connecticut? But wait...LOOK..one of his shoes fell off!!! I will take it all over the Kingdom and I will try it on every young man until I find the one it fits- MY TRUE LOVE!!!!!”

To be continued

Tomorrow...

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

CinderBeakman IS going to the BALL!!!

2011-04-23T18:14:00.006-04:00

“CinderBeakman...I am your FairyEggMother, and I am made of all of your most beautiful hopes and dreams and wishes..plus a creamy yolk and gooey white and an Uber Groovy SHELL! Let’s go discuss this in the kitchen..I’m at my most comfortable in a kitchen- not sure why. Now, I know Eggzactly what you want...you want to go to the Royal Ball at the Palace, si?

“OH YES, Fairy EggMother! I want to dance the dance of Love with the beautiful Princess Dona Cristina...oh heck, I’d even settle for the Polka!” replied CinderBeakman dreamily!!!

“ I think I can eggzecute that...Hmmmm, first of all I need some............CHICKS!”

“Oh my, I can certainly help out with that part it,” clucked Sheila Chicken, “ Pinky Kim, Oliver, Emma, Tommaso, Ethan, Sandy, Ann, Julian, Adele, Hajnalka, Valerie, and Noah...Come here, Youngsters!!!!!!”

“Ah, Eggzellent..just what I need for the magic spell! Hold still little chicks...and now for the Magic Words!!! EGGZA EGGZA EGGZA.........Soft Boiled! Fried! Scrambled! and Sunny Side UP!”

A Beam of rainbow colored light Exploded, and there suddenly appeared the most Wondrous Egg Coach that CinderBeakman had ever LAID eyes on!"

“THERE! A Coach and 12!!! To carry you in style to the Royal Ball! Now, aren’t you Eggxited?” smiled The Fairy EggMother.

“Oh oh!!! It’s more than I could have wished for,” said the happy bedbug......."But ummmmmm, my clothes?”

“Oh how Eggzasperating!!! Of course! EGGZA EGGZA EGGZA.....Sharp Dressed Man.....THERE!!!!!!”

And a Bolt of Lightening Exploded in the Kitchen and confetti splurted into the air like the icing of a Funfetti cake!!!

“OH LOOK AT ME!!!! I AM Putting On the RITZ!” sang CinderBeakman!!!!!

“But remember, the magic will Eggspire at exactly 12, Midnight. You must be back home by then!” advised the FairyEggMother.

“OH I WILL!!! I Promise!!! Goodbye Sheila......Thank-you FairyEggMother!!! I AM OFF TO THE BALL!!!!!”

To be continued Tomorrow...
Easter Sunday...

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

CinderBeakman Gets help...

2011-04-22T20:31:00.007-04:00

Poor CinderBeakman was working and working as hard as his tiny skinny little legs would move. He was interrupted from taping his 346th paper chain by his lazy good-for-nothing brothers.

“Hey, CinderBeakman, how do we look?” said Colin smugly.

“Yeh- like our Top hats? They’re the finest Plastic money can by!” grunted Martin.

“Too Bad you don’t get to go to the Ball-- looks like you gotta lotta work left to do!” said Colin shaking his head.

“But don’t worry, we’ll be sure to say Hey to the beautiful Princess Dona Cristina for you! I Know she’s really gonna be beside herself that an ugly little stinking Bedbug didn’t go to The Royal Ball!” jeered Martin.

“HAHAHAHHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHHA......A BedBug at The Royal Ball!!!

AHAHAHAHHAHAHHAA,” laughed the brothers cruelly, and they left CinderBeakman alone to continue his many chores.

“I’ll never get done with everything! I might as well just stop working- what’s the use anyway?” moaned the tired little BedBug.

But his good friend, Sheila Chicken, showed up for a visit.

“Oh my, such a long sad face...what’s wrong CinderBeakman, my dear?” asked Sheila.

“Oh, Sheila, I was hoping to go to the Royal Ball at the Palace..but Mother...ummmm, I mean, Mrs. Killingback, has given me too many jobs and I’ll never get them all finished on time.

“We’ll all help you, won’t we children! All these chicks of mine would be happy to help our Favorite Bedbug!!! Now...Oliver, Tommaso, and Emma- you three help with the paper chains..you too, Pinky Kim! And Ethan and Sandy- you help tidy up!”

“Mama, I don’t wanna tidy the fowl room!” peeped Sandy!

“Young lady...you will get your beak washed out with soap and water if you do NOT grab the broom this minute!” scolded Sheila Chicken.

But just as the little chicks all got their orders and began to help CinderBeakman, there was a Flash of Light and soft music, like wind chimes, and fluttering above the room was the most lovely Fairy EggMother any of them had ever seen!!!

To be continued Tomorrow...

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

The Story of CinderBeakman...

2011-04-21T20:48:00.007-04:00

Once Upon A Time...

There was a little bedbug who was known as “CinderBeakman” because he would sweep the ashes by the fire and they would get all over him. (Just like antifoul gets on you when you try and deal with your boat). CinderBeakman had two lazy brothers, by the names of Martin and Colin...and a stepmother by the name of Mrs. Killingback.

One day a messenger came to the door. “There’s someone at the door! You get it, Martin!” screamed Mrs. Killingback.

“No, Mom, I’m drinking my tea...Colin can get it!” Croaked Martin.

“I’m not gonna get it...that’s CinderBeakman’s job! Get the door you LAZY bedbug!” twitched Colin.

“OH BOY OH BOY!!! MOTHER.....It’s a message from the Royal Palace!!!”grinned CinderBeakman.

“Don’t call me Mother! I am NOT your Mother...you were adopted out of the kindness of my heart when I found you in that old mattress. Now Give me the Message!”

Mrs. Killingback sat on the couch and the boys gathered round...

“It says here that all the young men in this house are invited to the Royal Palace for an Easter Ball on Saturday. The Ball will be held in honor of the beautiful Royal Princess, Dona Cristina.”

“OH BOY!!!! A ROYAL BALL!!!! OH I’VE NEVER been to a Royal Ball” shouted CinderBeakman.

“And what makes you think you’re going to this one, Smarty Pants?” scowled Martin.

“Yeh...it’s only for me and Martin! You ain’t invited!” snorted Colin...and his antenna poked at CinderBeakman.

“Martin....Colin..you both go upstairs and start getting together your costumes for the Royal Ball. I’ll take care of CinderBeakman...” Said Mrs. Killingback.

“But why can’t I go?” asked CinderBeakman, “It says, “Every young man”...and I’m a young man!!!!”

“YOU are a BEDBUG and nothing more. But since I am feeling very happy and GENEROUS today, I will make you a deal. We received these Wonderful British Banners in the mail. They are to be made into a chain and hung to celebrate the Royal Wedding in Great Britain. If you finish the paper chain before midnight tomorrow night, you MAY go to the Ball! And there are only 6, 553 paper banners to put together.

But first you must finish baking the confetti cake, to go with the new Harney tea and the dippy eggs and soldiers you must prepare. Then you must build a Pottery for Martin’s new hobby and sew red dotty curtains for the front bathroom and give a lecture at Doll Club and work 5 hours at the candy Store, and build a gutter garden, and babysit the 8 kids who live down the block and go on a Scavenger Hunt, and delicately carve 16 Easter eggs and paint them. Time’s A-WASTING!!!!” "

“But how can I get all of that done in time?” moaned CinderBeakman, “Oh gee...why did I ever think I would get to go to the Ball?”

To be Continued on Friday...

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

The PLAN...

2011-04-17T19:56:00.008-04:00

Martha, Winkle, Alice Mouse, Mrs. Pridy Plum, and Beakman Bedbug work out the plan to oust the Vermin from the Tea Room!

“And we will need that dog-- Henry D.” states Mrs. Plum.

“Uh oh...he and Lucy are on their way to the Mall right now..I’d better try and catch them QUICK!”

Martha goes running out and stops Henry D. and Lucy just in time!

“Henry D,” says Martha, “This is Beakman and we.....”

“A FLEA!!! A GIANT FLEA!!!!! STAY AWAY!!!!!” Screams Henry D!!!

“Beakman isn’t a Flea, silly, he’s a...”
"TICK!!!! A BIG BLOOD SUCKING BLOATED TICK!” Yells Henry D!

“NO! Calm Down! Beakman is NOT a Tick..he’s just a Bedbug. My goodness, Henry D, you’re....”

“A BEDBUG!!!! AUGH!!!! I’VE GOT A RASH!!! Where’s the CALAMINE LOTION???”

“Henry D! Listen to me,” Scolds Mrs. Plum, “Beakman IS a Bedbug but he is wearing the special Button necklace so you CANNOT catch the itchiness from him. Now settle down and listen to the plan...we need your help to get the Tea Room back for our poor, desperate Alice Mouse!”

“Okay...okay. I’m HUNGRY and was on my way to the Fried Chicken stand and you interrupt me with Giant Bugs!” frowned Henry D. “Well, what’s this so-called PLAN of yours?”

While Mrs. Plum and Alice Mouse describe the plan to Henry D, Jacques is busy giving Daphne a priceless gift in the upstairs of the Vermin Bar.

“OH JACQUES!!!! OH IT’S A DIAMOND BABUSHKA!!!! OH I LOVE IT!!!! I’ve NEVER seen such a Beautiful Scarf!” raves Daphne!

“You Deserve ONLY THE BEST, MY DOLLBABY!” smirks Jacques.

Jacques goes downstairs, leaving Daphne to admire her new sparkling Diamond Babushka.

“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!” Laughs Jacques!!! “I DID IT, BOYS, I DID THE JOB NO ONE ELSE COULD PULL OFF!”

”Whadja Pull Off, Boss...someone’s Ear?” asked The Gobbler Gator.

“NO YOU NUMBSKULL! The DIAMOND BABUSHKA!!!! I STOLE IT LAST NIGHT...FROM TIFFANY’S.....THE ALARMS NEVER TOUCHED ME!!!!”

“TIFFANY’S???? BUT DAT’S ALL DA WAYS IN NEW YORK CITY!” croaked the Gobbler.

“NO, IDIOT, NOT THAT TIFFANY’S! The Tiffany’s here in Little Rock..you know, Tiffany’s Swap Shop- we buy your used Junk- THAT TIFFANY’S!!!!! It’s been in their window for months!!! Some famous Mice, The Ozark Mousetain Daredevils, were presented with the Diamond Babushka ages ago by the Mouse King and Queen of Austria.. I guess they ran into hard times and the Babushka was traded for a lifetime supply of cheese. It’s WORTH a Fortune!!! You, MY Dear Vermin, are looking at A GENIUS!!!

Meanwhile, Henry D. has heard the entire tail of Alice Mouse and her tearoom, and he is Determined to help!!!

“Okay, LET’S DO THIS THING” Says Henry D.

”MY HEROES!!!” smiles Alice!

TO BE CONTINUED...

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

Pridy Plum discovers the Vermin Bar!

2011-04-12T06:02:00.006-04:00

After visiting with the Bedbugs, Mrs. Pridy Plum finally reaches her destination- -The Mouse Tea Room! OH DEAR, the rumors were correct...what was once an established, cozy and reputable Tearoom is now a degenerate Vermin Bar!

“Look at the likes of you all! This is worse than I ever would have expected!”

“Come on, Mrs. Prune! Join me in little taste with my new Best friend, “STELLA”.” slurs Jacques.

Mrs. Plum turns on her heels and walks quickly away from the terrible tavern of Stinky cheese and Sticky Brew.

She makes a left turn and soon is in the happy company of Martha, Winkle, and Alice Mouse. Mrs. Plum is fit to be tied and explains her anger to the three friends...

“We MUST do something to help poor Alice here get back her Home...her Tearoom!!”

“If only we had that friendly Cat back to help...Bombalurina...oh she was a lovely Kitty!” sighed Alice.

“But she’s all the way in England now...we have to think of a different plan, “said Martha.

“I could Scare them out!” said Winkle, “But I’m afraid they might not see me...”

“I have a plan but let me discuss it with Alice first, if you don’t mind. If she likes my idea, then we’ll ask Your opinions!” said Mrs. Plum.

Alice Mouse and Pridy Plum are in discussion for quite awhile...finally they both have smiles on their faces and Hope in their hearts!

“But we will need that Bedbug you say you met,” said Martha, after the plan was explained.

In the meantime, that very same bedbug, Beakman, is looking for a flashy button.

He is going to make himself a Button necklace. He has heard from the Bedbug Boss, Belkin, that wearing a button necklace will prevent all bedbugs from giving the Itchiness to their friends. Beakman likes a bit of Bling..so he picks out a sparkly button and threads it and ties it around his neck. Just in time... because he is needed in the company of friends!

Beakman sits down to listen to the plan proposed by his new friends..will it work?

Will Alice Mouse be able to return home? Will Mrs. Plum be able to work with Alice and help restore the once lovely Tearoom? Will Martha stay itch-free thanks to Beakman’s Button Bling? Will Winkle be able to help- even though he is invisible and imaginary? Will Jacques and Stella get married??? Will it snow anymore in Connecticut?

To be Continued........

and if

you would like to join us

and have your very own adorable bedbug,

please contact Belkin Bedbug.

Love and smooches,

Martha and Jane

Miss Pridy Plum continues on her way...

2011-04-03T16:35:00.006-04:00

Well, if your memory is a bit slow, like mine, you may have to think back and recall Mrs. Pridy Plum on her way to the Mouse Tea Room.

Pridy had stopped on her journey through the forest to speak with her old friend, Jack the Packrat, and to do a bit of trading. Jack also warned Mrs. Plum that the Tea Room was no longer the comfortable, charming Tea Room of old; but instead, a nasty foul Vermin Bar of bad reputation! But Mrs. Pridy Plum was determined to see for herself...so off she went.

She stopped in the Gnome Village and asked for directions...

On her way again, and this time Mrs. Plum stopped to inquire about her tiny friend, Mr. Nutmeg. She asked Sticklewump, the Bear, if he had seen Mr. Nutmeg?

“No, Ma’am, not for awhile. Him and me was supposed to go berry picking but he never showed up. Ah’m still waiting on him. Meantime I think I stepped on a burr...ma foot feels mighty funny! Ah’ll lift it here..you see wot you can see for me, please.”

“Oh dear, Sticklewump!!! I’ve found Mr. Nutmeg!” moaned Mrs. Plum.

“There you be, Horatio, how you get there? You ready to go berry picking now?”

Well, after helping to peel Mr. Nutmeg off, Mrs. Pridy Plum saw another friend, Flynn, and he agreed to take her closer to the Tea Room.

Flynn dropped her off and she heard strange noises, so she went to investigate.

“OH NO!!! It’s bedbugs!!! Three of them! Oh, I musn’t let them see me!”

But it was too late!!! One of the bedbugs came frisking in her direction.

“Hi there, Mrs..... My name is Beakman...and yours?”

“Oh, get back, GET BACK!!! I don’t want to catch the Itchiness from you!!!

“But, Mrs....you won’t catch the bug from us...you’ve got the Shield. See those buttons you’re wearing...buttons prevent the itchiness! Most of our friends, who aren’t bedbugs, make themselves a necklace of buttons! Come on and see what we’re doing here...”

This is Boris and Boll-Dooz-Man..we’re all working on party hats for a spectacular Birthday on Monday. Birthday fellow’s name is Oliver...a pal of our friend, Babs Bedbug, and they live all the way in Amsterdam! We all love Oliver- he’s a Special Bedbug friend!

“ Oh I would love to make one too...but I need a bit of a rest first. Might I sit a minute in this lovely rocking chair?”

“You bet! Take a load off, have some hot tea, and then we’re happy to share our supplies!!”

“Oh thank-you all!!! I’m so excited about Oliver’s birthday...I hope we’ll be able to see a bit of how he celebrates! It’s going to be hard to wait till Monday!”

To be continued...

hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

And if you would like to see the Bedbug fun on Monday, please go to Facebook and look for Bedbugs Club!!

And if you would like to join our club, you need to contact Valerie who is in charge of Bedbug Birthing.

There's no place like home...

2011-03-25T11:47:00.004-04:00

Jane has returned home from her excellent Oz adventure.

"There's no place like home...there's no place like home," said Jane.

Everyone at Tante Helen's was happy to see her home again. They were not sure if they had imagined the Oz party or not. But when they saw the Dorothy costume, the ruby slippers, and the wig on the floor beside them, they knew it must have been a REAL adventure!!

"Woof! Woof" barked Toto from the basket, giving Frith quite a surprise. "You remind me of Hank, that loud little Yorkie who lives downstairs! He barks all the time."

"Could you just open those animal crackers, please," said Hannah, the needle-felted cow, "and where is the tea?"

Tante Helen tip-toed away leaving them to talk. She could tell that Jane was secretly pleased to be getting so much attention. But Jane knew...

there's no place like home!

Hugs and smooches,

and special hugs to Martha and Gramma

and the entire

cast in Arkansas...

which just might be

the real OZ!

Martha and Jane

The Oz Treasures are Chosen!

2011-03-19T05:07:00.011-04:00

TODAY is the DAY of the GREAT OZ PARTY!!!! Dorothy's friends have been traveling the Yellow Brick Road all night..in hopes of finding a clue for her Rescue from the Wicked Witch, Hester of OZ!!!!

The Tin Woodman (Martha), The Scarecrow (Winkle), The Cowardly Lion (Beakman Bedbug), and The Ummmmmaaaaaahhh......... Tree (Henry D.) had almost given up hope...when they came to a Sudden STOP!!!! There, in front of their path, lay 42 Books about the Land of Oz and its many Adventures!!!

"Look at these Books!!!" said The Scarecrow, "There must be Something written in one of these that will tell us How to rescue Dorothy!"

"That's using the Ol' Brain!" growled The Cowardly Lion.

"But there are TOO many! We don't have time to read through all these OZ books!!! Who knows what is happening to Dorothy right now!!!!" BARKED (ahem..) THE TREE!

But all of a Sudden, Magic Stars encircled the Travelers, and a lovely form came floating towards them.

"LOOK!!! It's ValGLINDA!!!!!"

Yes, it was indeed the Good Witch of Oz- the Beautiful and Talented (And likes to RUN Marathons in her spare time!) ValGlinda Of OZ!

"My dear friends...what you all need to save dear Dorothy is right in front of your eyes. It has been here the entire time...Books!!! Your Books! Each one of you has your own special book. Inside of them, you will find the treasures to claim and in so doing, Dorothy and Toto shall be SAVED!"

The Travelers bid FAREWELL as ValGlinda Runs away....

The Tin Woodman goes first. He carefully opens his book and....

"OH MY GOSH!!!! LOOK!!! A MAGIC OZ RING!!!! Oh this is my FAVORITE!"

The Scarecrow is next. He looks through many books and finds his own. He opens it AND.......

"WOW!!! A Flag of OZ!!!! Let's see...with my clever Brain I can tell you that the Northern Purple county is "The Gillikin Country"; The Western Yellow land is "Winkie Country" (Where the TinWoodman will eventually Rule); The Southern Land (Where ValGlinda rules) is "Quadling Country"; the Eastern Land is "Munchkin Land" (Where The Scarecrow will eventually Rule!); and the Green Middle is "The Emerald City" (Where Ozma of Oz is ruler!). This Flag is definitely MY favorite!!!

The Cowardly Lion hesitates but with urging from his pals, decides to choose his Favorite from his very own book!

"LOOK LOOK, Everyone!!! It's a Cowardly Lion Pendant!!! It even has the Medal the Wizard gave me!!! This is MY Favorite!!!"

And last but not least, THE TREE Of OZ swooshes over to find His book!

"Hey...there isn't a book about The Tree of OZ!!!! What am I gonna do now??? Oh Why??? WHY did I let my appetite get the best of me?!?!?" moans the unhappy Tree.

"Wait a minute...I've been thinking about The Wizard of Oz book-- it might have a tree!!!" smiles Happy Apple, "Here it is...Try this one!"

The TREE OF OZ opens up the very first Oz book ever written, and there are Magical Eye Glasses!!!! Emerald City Glasses!!!!

"WHOA! COOL!!!! You were right, Happy Apple! These Emerald City Glasses are MY Favorite!!!!"

So now the Friends have chosen their Favorite OZ Treasures!

According to the Wicked Witch, Hester of Oz, one of you- Dear Oz Party Participants- They will join the Party and YOU, dear Rescuer, will Win the PRIZE- "The Wizard of Oz", illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger!

"On Saturday, the four Foolish friends of Dorothy will come in contact with many OZ treasures. They will each pick one treasure and claim it as their favorite. Whichever Party Goer (Online party guest) is the FIRST Ozite to tell me which objects were picked by the four friends will BREAK THE SPELL!! You and Toto will be free to join the party and then go back to your Home Sweet Home. That same person, who broke the Spell, will also win a Wonderful Prize!"

GOOD LUCK and
Have a FANTASTIC TIME
TODAY!!!

All OUR LOVE AND
MAGICAL OZ WISHES
to LINDA in New Mexico!!!!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

The 4 Woolies Whoosh to OZ!!!

2011-03-18T06:05:00.009-04:00

IT WORKED!!!! Kitchen Witch Owlina Stewpot's Spell worked!!! Martha, Winkle, Henry D, and Beakman Bedbug are in the Magical Land of OZ!!!!

"LOOK AT US!!!! WE ARE REAL OZ CHARACTERS!!!" Shouts Martha happily, "I'm The Tin Woodman of Oz! And look, I even have an ax!"

"And I'm the Scarecrow! My, but my stuffing is all over the place!" says Winkle.

"And I'm the Cowardly Lion...OH BOY!" Barks Henry D.

"Uh, No you're NOT! I'm the lion!" says Beakman, "Listen to this, GGRRRRRRR...ROAR!"

"But wait a doggone minute...If you're the Lion, who am I? The Wizard???? OH BOY! I'm THE WIZARD OF OZ!!!!" Smiles Henry D.

"Ummm...no, you're not the Wizard," says Martha.

"Glinda??? I'm Glinda? Ummmmm...TOTO!!!! I should be TOTO!!!! Ummmm, Uncle HENRY!!! OF COURSE, THAT'S WHO I AM!!!" yells Henry D.

"Uh, no...you're a ummmm, an Apple Tree."

"A WHAT????!!!!!!! A TREE!!!!!! YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!!!! A TREE???!!!!! BUT I DON'T WANNA BE A TREE!!!!"

"That's what happens when you gobble up a magical spell before it's ready" growls Beakman.

"And LOOK!!! You have the two APPLE brothers for company!!!! "Happy" and "Grouchy"!!!

"Oh Great! The one time I get to go to the Magical land of Oz and I'm a TREE! I guess it's pay back for all the times I hiked my leg on TREES!" frowns Henry D.

"But where is Dorothy?" asks Winkle, "Isn't she supposed to meet us here?"

"I don't know! I hope She's okay!!! You don't think...." Martha stopped!

"AUGH!!! Look up in the sky!!!! Something is written!" says Happy Apple.

"It says Dorothy is CRABBY!" says Crabby Apple

"No it doesn't! It says Dorothy is CAUGHT!!!! OH NO!!!!!"

Meanwhile, poor Dorothy and Toto are scared and lonely in Witch Hester's dark dungeon...

"AH HA! I see your four friends have arrived in OZ! Oh how sad, they don't see you anywhere! Ah, Goodie, there is my Sky message- delivered right on time! Now your friends will be truly Troubled!" Witch Hester laughs Wickedly!!!

"They will come and RESCUE US, Toto, I KNOW they will!" says Dorothy.

"Silly girl...your friends cannot rescue you. That is not part of the Spell...noooooooo...there is something special they must do, that is true. But they are only part of the process. The rest must be done by a member of the GREAT OZ PARTY which will be given on Saturday!

All of OZ will be there...oh, except you and Toto, of course..... HEH HEH HEH !!!!"

"What must be done, Oh Wicked Witch?" asks Jocko.

"On Saturday, the four Foolish friends of Dorothy will come in contact with many OZ treasures. They will each pick one treasure and claim it as their favorite. Whichever Party Goer (Online party guest) is the FIRST Ozite to tell me which objects were picked by the four friends will BREAK THE SPELL!!!! You and Toto will be free to join the party and then go back to your Home Sweet Home. That same person, who broke the Spell, will also win a Wonderful Prize!"

"What will it be?" asks Dorothy.

"A bit nosey, aren't we? Well, I suppose it won't hurt to tell you..it will be a Book..."The Wizard of Oz," by L. Frank Baum, illustrated by Lisbeth Zwerger!!!! BUT..if no one answers my question, you will be forever in my POWER and the Ruby Slippers will be MINE!!!! HEH HEH
HEH!!!!!!"

PLEASE, For Dorothy and Toto's sake...JOIN us Saturday for the Great Oz party!

Hugs and smooches,

Martha and Jane

What about Dorothy and the party??

2011-03-16T14:50:00.008-04:00

"There's no place like Oz...there's no place like Oz!" said Dorothy clicking her heels and and holding tightly to Toto.

"Oh! Everything is so different here!!! We must be in Oz!"

(She doesn't see who is watching her from above...the winged monkey Jocko!)

Oh, my!!! Dorothy is being whisked away by Jocko, the winged monkey!

Dorothy and Toto find themselves in the the Dungeon of the Wicked Witch, Hester of Oz!

"AH-HA!!!! You are finally back my dear Dorothy!!! You don't know how long we have waited. my dearie!!! ! And NOW I must help myself to those ruby slippers!!"

"Grab those slippers, Jocko!!

To be continued!

Hugs and Smooches!

Martha and Jane