Remembering Marigold.

What ever do we need an iron for?
Are we expected to iron our own beds, or something, now?

Oh well, will you look here . . .

Aw! That’s is our beautiful and especially dear Auntie Marigold pictured on there!
Now we will never forget her, Pixie and Bear.
Not only was she a very cuddly piggy to snuggle up to, she taught me all I needed to know about locating the tastiest nibbles of salad.

Thank you to our friend Paul who created this very special masterpiece.
We all love it – just as we all loved our dear Marigold x

Our Dear Marigold

Our dear Marigold has had some health issues recently.

We made the decision (the one we all dread) to let Marigold leave with some dignity on Friday. Her health deteriorated over Thursday night, but she seemed to enjoy her romp at 7am when she and Fairy went into the Piggy Palace where they both always loved to tunnel through the fresh, deep, sweet hay.

I went to check them at 8am. She was back in a corner, hunched up, her chin resting on the hay, her breathing rapid . . . . and she was very still. She didn’t take the cucumber I offered her. When I stroked the fur on her little head it felt ‘different’, no bounce, and her head was so very still. The vet was so kind and her end so peaceful.

Yes, of course there are tears. Somehow though, I am trying to focus on the most important fact . . . . every single day was a joy to our dear Marigold. From waking up, to going in her basket where there was always a special treat to sustain her on the 20 metre journey to the Piggy palace in the garden. To that morning hay-burrow, as refreshing as a morning swim in the brightest blue, warm and sparkling sea! To companionable munching with her sisters, followed by snoozes, dreaming of the next wonderful thing to happen. Lunch! Always a tasty treat served with a side order of ear rubs or gentle scritchy-scratches! Not a day missed, ever. Then back into the kitchen to snooze the rest of the afternoon away with the background chitter of the radio, the mixer, and me and Ian, and random ear fondles, and kind words. Then the overwhelming joy of a leisurely afternoon tea, while we ate our tea right next to them! A cuddle up with Fairy followed before supper later on. Always with the tastiest treats, the things she most loved – the leafy bits from the celery, some slices of the sweetest, tiny tomatoes, some romaine lettuce, fresh dandelion leaves, juicy, mouthwatering cucumber slices! And another flurry of fresh hay to sustain her through the night!

Surely though, the biggest joy, both ways, was the joy she got from being Fairy’s Best Friend, her sister, her cuddler-upper-pig! And the joy that she gave TO Fairy, giving Fairy confidence, showing her the ropes! And close behind that was the complete joy she gave to us! She was such a character, easy going and straightforward, gentle and giving, and so very, very sweet.

Not once was Marigold frightened, harmed, worried. Her life was the very happiest it could have been. Joyous! I can see it when I look at photographs of her (but not now, it is just too painful).

She wasn’t a ‘cuddle pig’ so we didn’t force her to be cuddled, although she loved her head-top rubs so much! She loved her romps on the grass! She loved every minute of every day and that is what we have to focus on.

We are so grateful for all your support, and to my friends who follow Fairy’s Blog but who do not post, thank you every one.

This is the saddest time . . . but I KNOW we did everything to make Marigold’s life wonderful, magical and as happy as can be . . . . thank you all xxxx and thank you, Marigold. You will always be in a safe part of our hearts and we will think of you forever with so much love.

Oh, We Do Like To Be Beside The Seaside – Episode 2

Meanwhile – back at the beach.

 

SQUEAK – Sssssh, keep the noise down chaps and chapesses. We don’t want to rouse the ‘sleeping beauty’ from her slumbers just yet, do we?

 

Asleep? Moi? Oh no . . . I was just resting my eyes a bit.

 

Now where was I? Oh yes, time for some organised Fairy-Fun and games.

 

The Rev Mr Bear wins the ‘Deckchair sitting-on’ competition with another personal best.

 

Well, that’s enough ‘fun and games’ malarkey for the moment – it’s time for a huge slap-up pignic. Hope it’s not sand-wiches!

 

‘Tis a well known fact . . . munch . . . that food tastes even better when . . . chomp . . . eaten out of doors.

 

Hummmph – just a moment, is this all there is? I thought Mummy was joking when she mentioned the ‘diet’ word. Looks like a case of Salad Distribution Malfunction to me.

 

Goodness that was close – watch-out for low flying seagulls everyone!

 

Excuse me Primrose ma’am – you couldn’t send one of your flunky type mousies to the nearest ‘All things Bright & Munchable’ Food Emporium for a hearty top-up or two could you?

 

The main problem with all this jolly holiday spirit is that people loose all their inhibitions and begin to act out of character. Not that you would notice any differences in Monty and Minty, hehe!

 

Marigold!!!!! Put the Rev Mr Bear’s sherry down. Oh you already have!

 

Right, that’s it! Time for a little ‘Life on the Ocean Wave’ type activity to take everyone’s mind off the Sherry.

 

Yes Sir, I do appreciate that it might be a little futile in the Rev Mr Bear’s case.

 

Luckily his recovery rate is very rapid these days.

 

Woo Hoo – ‘We are sailing. We are sailing . . .’

 

. . . and the winner of the ‘Most Mousies crammed into a boat Award’ goes to . . .

 

MEEEEE! Well, who do you think stuffed them all in there?

 

Budge-up Marigold – time to play Pirates.

Avast m’hearties, shivver m’timbers, standby to board and other swashbuckling type utterances.

 

SQUEAK – while Fairy tries to make Marigold walk the plank – we’re taking Mr Bear to the Sherry Shop for a swift top-up.

 

Episode 3, The Finale, is HERE!

Happy 4th Birthday, Marigold!

But Marigold, it MIGHT be MY Birthday. When they were handing out the Birthday-dates, maybe they gave you MY Birthday so that must mean that this Birthday that is yours is actually, more than likely in fact, mine.

Why can’t it be MY Birthday? What’s that? I can share YOUR Birthday?

Well, that’s just the pigs-knees! Thanks, Marigold! I can stop pretending to sulk now.

Come on, Mr Bear, let’s get this party swinging.

Nice flowers, Fairy, thank you.

La . . . la (a bit higher) and laaaa. I am just warming up, Marigold . . . .

Happy Birthday to yooooou, Happy Birthday to yooooooooou!

Happy Birthday dear Marigold, we all love you too!

A fine singing voice even if I say so myself.

You can have your present now. I found this on PigBay. Look, it’s a very old copy of Super Salads written by Great, Great and Really Great Auntie Mildred.

Oh, thank you, sweet Fairy. You are the best sister a piggy could ever wish for (errr . . . has anyone noticed Fairy is all smudged with grass stains? It must be her special ‘party make-up’.)

Mwah-mwah!

Happy Birthday to MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Right then, enough of all this singing  . . . . Mum, Dad! You can bring on the snackettes NOW?

Nom nom nom, by jove, this really IS a Super Salad.

This really IS the best 4th Birthday ever!

Howdy, Folks!

Hummmph – either someone has tidied away the view (Mummy), or someone is trying to sneak up on me.

Funnily enough, I have spotted the odd couple of strange ears on the horizon lately.

Marigold, have you spotted any stranger than usual going on type things in the ‘strange ears on the horizon’ department recently?

No? Oh well, never mind. Nice hat by the way.

Humm – now what can this ropey looking appliance be? Sorry to string you along, but it’s time for my daily stroll on the lawn.

Oh goody – there looks to be a tasty treat trap – fine grass and tomatoes – my favourite.

And a jolly useful piece of rope too. I wonder what’s on the other end.

Oh, it’s just a couple of strange ears on the horizon, with a couple of mousie types attached.

SQUEAK-SQUEAK – Howdy, darn tooting pardner!

I’m Roger Roy and this is my Lass, Sue. I work in the Wild West Bank as The Lone Arranger.

Marigold! I told you a couple of strangers just drifted in to town.

Looks like we may need to call on the services of General Custard – we are surrounded by red skins!

Yes I know that was a bit wheek, but I couldn’t resist it! And now . . . back to the story . . .

Okay you two no good, low down hombres – go for your Bun.

Waddah ya mean – which one is ‘Ugly’?!

Now then my little Amigo’s, what is this Wild West malarkey all about?

I like the dressing-up bit – very ME, don’t you think?

Oh, it’s a Lasso is it? I knew that.

Would you like to see my Clint Eastwood impression, Sue?

When a Piggy with a Tasty leaf, meets a Mousie with a Lasso – the Piggy with the Tasty Leaf is me. Or anyway, something equally profound, oblique and suitably tough sounding.

I like the sitting around the campfire telling stories about how great darn tootin’ I am too.

Errr Muuum!

Enough of this sitting around – it’s time to round-up that thar posse and go rustle up some salad.

Adios, folks!

All At Sea!

Fairy’s Gone Potty!

Help! HELP!! HEEEEEEELP!
Let me out NOW – this minute!
What’s all that noisy, squeaky fuss about, Marigold? There’s an awful lot of ‘language’ coming from somewhere!

There does seem to be rather a lot of noise.
Never mind. Lets just ignore it. Look – we are about to get our photo taken. Smile sweetly and say GRASS!

Oh PHEW! Yes! There WAS a lot of fuss and it was coming from poor little ME, Mariella!
Didn’t you KNOW I was trapped under that plant pot?

I almost missed getting MY photo taken.
Look here, Mummy, bring the camera thingy! I am ready for it!

No! You wouldn’t dare hide me again would you Marigold?

NO! NO! And thrice NO!

DADDY! Come and protect me! NOW!

Oh! there you are . . . about time.

All aboard!

Take me away from all this. They were going to put me under a nasty plant pot! Boo hoo, sniffe ETC.

What’s that Daddy? You wouldn’t let them?

Oh Daddy! My hero!
Actually – I knew they weren’t really – I just wanted an extra Daddy Cuddle!

Fairy’s Beautiful Pea-Green Boat!

Ahoy! I say! AHOY THERE!
Chocks away!
I am going to sail my my beautiful new boat on a voyage across the seas.

Errr . . . what do you mean, ‘I have to row’? Isn’t it powered by anything?
Well, I’ll soon see about that!

That’s it, Marigold – row, row, row the boat, and off we go!
That Marigold is very useful sometimes.

Oh no! Look at all that water . . . it’s coming in!

We’re filling up! It’s time to bail out!

Whe . . . where’s Fairy? She’s left me in a sinking ship.
Bail out, Marigold, swim for it . . . squeaks a little voice from the shore.

Phewee, back on my kitchen table now after all that excitement.
I think we will keep the boat moored here, then I can hop in and have a snooze whenever I like.

It’s Topping!

Hello! What do we have here then . . . is this what I think it is?

I DO know what it is, I do, I do, I have just forgotten the word for it . . . anyway, it must be a present for me seeing as it’s landed here, right under my nose.

Let me get on with my investigations. Now then, let me . . .err . . . well, I can go under it but that’s no good, you can’t even see my ears.

Oi! Here I am! In my new HAT!

What do you mean, ‘it isn’t a hat, Fairy’?
Of course it’s a hat . . . it’s on my head isn’t it?

Well! I didn’t know Mariella was going to be allowed a go . . .

It does have nice knees, you are quite right, Mariella, very orange too, which is a bonus if you ask me.

That’s better! Actually, it is rather a snug fit . . . made for you I would say. But it isn’t FOR you. Just as long as we are all clear on that point.

Oh NO!!!! Marigold is in . . . in my . . . . what-do-you-call it.

You can get your bottom out of there Marigold, it isn’t your size – you’ll stretch it. I don’t think they even make them in your size . . . I must admit though – you do look very cute.


Phew! I am back in my rightful position. And guess what? I remembered what you call it! I’ve seen these creatures on my computer. I didn’t know they were all soft and squashy like this though, nor did I know they were filled with Guinea Pig . . . oh well, you learn something every day!

Heeee! I can hide right under my Turtle-Topper (did you guess right?) and pretend I am not in! That should fool everyone.
Now all I need is a bowl of salad under here with me and life would be perfect . . . . Muuuuum!
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Fairy’s Taxi Service!

I am just getting a bit of practice in ready for my forthcoming Driving Test.

Being the generous little piggy I am, I offered Marigold and Mariella a ride today.

Hang on in there, you two! I am just going to get my paw down and go for a bit of a zoom!

Marigold and Mariella hitch a lift! (10)

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee! Nieooooooooooooooooooow! Screeeeeeeeech!

Marigold and Mariella hitch a lift! (12)

‘I’m feeling a bit queasy, Marigold’.

‘Me too, Mariella! Fairy has spun my tummy up with her zooming about’!

Marigold and Mariella hitch a lift! (13)

Toot-toot! We’re here! When you’ve both finished clinging on you can disembark! I’ll take you for another spin tomorrow if you are good!

Marigold and Mariella hitch a lift! (16)

Fairy Makes An Important Announcement!

My dearly beloved people. You have all been gathered here today, at my great personal inconvenience I might add, to hear the latest of my very important proclamations delivered on my specially commissioned Soapbox. An Announcement of such import that even little ol’ me is getting very excited! Tee hee.

Get on your soapbox Fairy! (10)b

Humph, you two have finally deigned to put in an appearance, have you? I was in full flow and just getting to a really good dramatic bit when, in you barge, willy nilly, making me all loose my drift.

Get on your soapbox Fairy! (5)

I’ll just need to have a bit of a rest and gather my thoughts. I will need a big basket to put them in because some days I have lots of thoughts – mostly relating to food it must be said, but there are lots of them, hence the need for a jolly big basket! Now where was I? Was it something to do with food?

Get on your soapbox Fairy! (1)

Oh actually, that reminds me of the time I addressed the massed ranks of local salad growers, exhorting them to redouble their efforts to keep me supplied with light snacks. What a marvellous speech that was – they all enjoyed it so much, they threw lettuces and tomatoes! Kept me going for a day or two, that did.

Get on your soapbox Fairy! (2)b

What was that Marigold? Which point would you like me to get to exactly?

Get on your soapbox Fairy! (6)

Oh yes, that reminds me of the occasion I was guest speaker at the Grand Order of Pointy Things annual convention. What an unalloyed triumph that was too.

Get on your soapbox Fairy! (7)

There was I, surrounded by enthusiastic purveyors of all things pointy, when all suddenly and without warning I was unanimously elected Piggy with the Pointiest Finger Nails of the year, with certificates, major awards and a medal type thing.

Get on your soapbox Fairy! (8)

Mariella, you can admire them at closer quarters if you wish.

Get on your soapbox Fairy! (8)b

Or even closer. These extra special pointy ones come pre-adorned with optional Piggy Poo adornment.

Get on your soapbox Fairy! (8)c

Err, right, back to the very serious and highly important, if not world shattering then jolly well close to it, ‘Announcement’.

Get on your soapbox Fairy! (10)

I’d better just make sure the autocue operator has managed to keep up. It wouldn’t do to miss any dramatic bits out.

Get on your soapbox Fairy! (14)

Right you two, places please. Remember to look all excited and anxious, hanging on my every word and generally paying attention and not wandering off. That means you too Marigold. MARIGOLD!

Get on your soapbox Fairy! (16)

Right, that’s better. Do at least try and keep all lined up neatly.

Get on your soapbox Fairy! (18)

Just time for a quick photo opportunity for the massed rank of the paparazzi, so Mummy can capture this truly historic Announcement.

Try not to crack the lense with your smile Mariella.

Get on your soapbox Fairy! (19)

Okay, I’m ready for the big finish. The dramatic tension has reached breaking point. Nerves have been suitably shredded sufficiently and national TV and Radio have interrupted their transmissions to record these historic words –

Get on your soapbox Fairy! (23)

We will be holding a Grand Fairy-Fest Piggy Party at my house next year – and you are all invited! Timings to be finalised in due course. There will of course be tea and cakes and what not, for the grown ups.

Salads’R’Us, superior caterers to the top piggies, have been booked. They will provide mixed salads, plain salads, 4 varieties of hay, green salads, fresh grass lightly chilled, tomato salads, leafy salads, tossed broccoli salad,  . . .  oh and due to Health & Safety – guest piggy’s will have to bring their own nibbles!

Book your cuddle cups – NOW!

Get on your soapbox Fairy! (20)b

Scary Fairy and the Ghostly Goings On!

Hello loyal friends and dedicated Fairy followers. As if life isn’t scary enough for a sensitive little piggy such as me, my mousey family mentioned that something called Halloween was happening and Halloween meant everything would be ghostly and witchy and scary and pumpkiny and . . . actually, I am not sure where pumpkins come into it. They are not at all scary – in fact they are rather tasty. Perhaps people should get their facts straight before concocting such nonsense. In actual fact I’ll be having extra scoop of that little munchkin-pumpkin later for after afters. Anyway, to get back to the subject in paw – Halloween sounds just the ticket – let the spookiness commence!

So, Monty, is that Minty hiding under that spooky sheet then? Huh, not exactly scary is she? I am not even scarred a tiny bit. Errr, it is Minty, isn’t it??!

Halloween Fairy (25)

But hold your pumpkins . . . what’s that Halloween type Witchy contraption lurking over there?

Halloween Fairy (29)

Looks tailor-made for a tiny, petite elegantly furry Fairy-sized piggy. No good for big bottomed Mariella or furry-bloomers Marigold either. Move over a bit Monty and mind you don’t go poking your pointy nose where it isn’t required.

Halloween Fairy (31)

I am sure this comfy snuggle hut Witchy hat must be just for little ol’ me. I expect it has my name on it somewhere.

You could be forgiven for being lulled into a false sense of security inside here. Talking of which, I think I have visitors – Eeeek! Look! Scary ghosties! MUMMMMMMMMY!!!!!!

Halloween Fairy (1)

Eeeeek, Eeeeeeeek and Eeeeeeeeeeeeek again – those spooky ghosties have ghastly mouse type ghoulish feet poking out everywhere!!!!!

Just a spooky minute – they all have suspiciously familiar mousey type tootsies. What on carpet is going on?

Halloween Fairy (6)

Oh I see – on Halloween you dress-up as exceptionally unconvincing ghosties and people give you treaty type nibbles?! LOTS of treaty types of nibbles – to go away??!!! Wow – I could get used to these singularly secular celebrations.

Well, if you mousies are all going to dress up and try to be really scary, I may as well join you and take charge – although I don’t really see WHY I need a ghosty sheet, I am already very ghostly with my own beautifully white fur coat – whhhhhooooooooooooooo!

Pick yourself up, Mabel dear. Oh! You fainted with fright! Well get UP, this isn’t the time for lolling around. There are serious treat collecting type activities to undertake.

Halloween Fairy (16)

Right all you talented ghostly mousie apprentices – grab your ghostly costumes. I want a good clean scarefest with lots of wooooo’s and waaaaaaaaaaaaah’s and those sorts of things. Let’s scare everyone silly and make sure they give me, ooops, us double helpings of treats!

Halloween Fairy (43)

Very convincing . . . love the disembodied ear motifs! Good work.

Halloween Fairy (39)

I just need a few moments to get into character. What do you mean, “Fairy would make a good Goblin”? I heard that Monty?

Halloween Fairy (33)

We are PRETEND ghosts, aren’t we? Just double checking. I knew that.

Right – lets get treat collecting – errr I mean scaring!

Halloween Fairy (51)

Whoooooo . . . . and whoooooooooooooooooo some more . . . .

Halloween Fairy (37)

MUM . . . . DAAAD! ANYONE! Even Marigold and Mariella . . . . HEEEEELP!

There are genuine, real ghosts everywhere. Get lots of those tasty treats that I like a lot, to make them go away!

Whoooooooooooo . . .  quick – hurry up with those treats. Lettuce and things, especially things. They should help reduce the scarinessability. Don’t be frightened, now, bring ‘em on and be extra quick about it, please.

Halloween Fairy (48)

I bet you were all really frightened! Don’t worry – I was only pretending to be scary. I am still the ever popular furry bundle of cuteness you all know and love. But if I didn’t get my treats I was fully prepared to UNLEASH HELL – or even my TEETH.

Halloween Fairy (15)b

If Mummy and Daddy hadn’t piled my special pumpkin pie-dish with sufficient yumminess – I was going to get Mariella to sing! Now THAT would have been scary.

Looks like the greedy mouses have eaten far too many of their treats already!

Halloween treats (4)

You know, some people really think there ARE real ghosts out there – me? I don’t believe a word of it . . .

Halloween treats (7)

. . . but sometimes, if I squint my eyes and peer sideways, I think I CAN see ghosty guineas . . . one thing is for sure, they are NOT getting MY treats! The very idea!

Halloween treats (8)

What a spectacularly successful Halloween we had! All that scareyfying and treat nibbling has made me hungry!

Halloween treats (12)b