We enjoyed some of the best ever New Year celebrations last night. It was simply great that we had the Suffolk and Midlands Branch bears staying with us, and it is undoubtedly the case that a house full of bears is a happy house.
The evening started off in the best possible way with a wonderful Thai meal prepared by our very own Chef Oakley. While Oakley was busy preparing the meal, those of us who aren't much help in the kitchen sorted through some fireworks, ready for later.
By the time we'd finished dining, it had, unfortunately, started to rain. We were a little dismayed as fireworks and rain don't mix. However, we still had pudding to go, and Oakley had really excelled himself, conjuring up a take on a Heston special, a reconstructed Black Forest gateau, with the posh name of a 'buche'.
Polly's nephew, Helmut, who is motorcycle crazy, tested the strength of the chocolate casing by riding along the top (we think he was trying to reconstruct the opening rooftop bike sequence in Skyfall). The chocolate was of excellent quality and very smooth, so stood up to the riding test (we had insisted on a drive through a disinfectant bath first).
Pudding was so delicious we lingered over it, long enough for it to have stopped raining by the time plates were scraped clean. We all trooped outside to see our big box of fireworks go off. Police girl Polly, being a very responsible type, acted as chief pyromaniac for us, and took charge of lighting.
It was a splendid selection and gave us a feast of colours, bangs, whistles, splutters and fizzes - all very exciting stuff. We were sad when they were over, but not for long, as back inside the Bear Cave we settled down to a few games of Boggle and Jenga - all fiercely competitive, with Branch honour at stake.
After toasting the New Year, we headed back outside for a midnight launch of some sky lanterns, kindly supplied by the Suffolk Branch ...
We'd seen them before, but this was the first time we'd lit and launched one. We all took a turn at sending one off into the dark sky and making a wish. We thought it was quite magical and a special moment.
The New Year had started very well for us, we hope it has for you too.
Love from all in Norfolk, Suffolk and Midlands Branches xxx
3 comments:
Happy New Year from Suffolk Branch too - we had a lovely time celebrating with Norfolk and Midlands Branches. Polly says it all seems very flat now in comparison - and that's not because of one of the Minders wanting to fire her up in a sky lantern! Yum yum that schwarzwaldkirsch torte style buche was near as good as Mutti Playmobil makes!
Erm, Hello my name is Ted and i'm a Tatty Ted. and i was just reading your blogs that my dad found for me.
I myself have never traveled much ( apart from a couple of times when dad packed me in a suitcase as he was too ashamed to carry me into the B & B.)
Anyway to get back to the point, Although i love my mum and dad i do not have any other bear friend's so i was wondering if i could join Bears Unlimited.
I do have a career though, My mum has a baby stall on a market in Burton on Trent and whenever she buys new stock say like a new pram or toy i have to check it is suitable for babies and test it out. I have been a fire engine driver, a digger driver, tested the prams etc so i would love it if i am qualified enough to join- I eagerly await your response and have asked mum to tell me as soon as i have revieved a response, I have lots of pictures i could share with you. Thank you from Ted the Tatty.
Hi Tatty Ted,
Thanks for your E-Mail, its fantastic to hear from you. At the moment we are all busy catching up on work after an exciting day at the races on Friday, but will send you a proper reply in the next few days.
Love all at BU Norfolk Branch
Post a Comment