Banner Sponsors
For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
Boechout, AntwerpHi everyone,
Last weekend I was very pleased to pay a visit to the lovely Catherine (from Bumpkin Bears) who lives just half an hour's drive from me.
Catherine had been working on a commissioned bear for me, aptly called Crosby (like in Bing Crosby, White Christmas, ...)
On Sunday the bear would be ready for me to collect, so I was very eager to meet up with Catherine and my -no doubt- lovely new companion. :dance: I was up at the crack of dawn (5.30 AM), not having slept much at the prospect of adopting a bear especially made for me. I had no doubt that Catherine would have done a great job, but I had specifically asked her not to sent me any photos of the bear, so it would be a surprise for me.
Need I say that "Crosby" is a gorgeous teddy made from beautiful brown mohair with a sort of silvery tip and that he has an adorable face and that I immediately loved him? Methinks I need not. 
However, I knew that Catherine had another teddy up for adoption called "Winston". Before going to Catherine's I had decided that I would not let myself be tempted into adopting another teddy. But when we were sitting there, drinking a cup of tea, and generally making a big fuss over how beautiful Crosby is and giving him lots of hugs and kisses, I got the distinct feeling that someone was watching me. And sure enough, there on a shelf of a cupboard was Winston, looking very sad and lonely. I thought I saw a little teardrop, but that could have been a trick of the light. 
I asked Catherine if I could see Winston and he looked at me with his big sad eyes as if to say :" Please take me home with you for Christmas ???" Well how could I resist ... and the rest is history. 
So here they are : my two new Bumpkin Bears, Crosby & Winston; joined by my two "old" Bumpkin Bears, Lewis & Bailey. :dance: I hope you like them.
Oh by the way, it was freezing -10° C when I took these pictures, so you can imagine the bears "were not amused" !!
Hugs, :hug:
Peter
P.S. A very big thank you to Catherine for making me feel so welcome in her home 
Sophie Z'OursOh, it looks like you could not find a better Christmas gift for yourself than gorgeous new bears!
I love these photos of them playing in the snow.
Here the very little snow we had is already melting and I bet it will be fully disappeared for Christmas.
Beary hugs,
Sophie.
Such a beautiful group of bears, Peter! I can see how Winston would tug at your heartstrings, and he looks VERY glad to be with Crosby in that last photo. 
Becky
Bumpkin Bearsoh Peter, how wonderful to see 'my' boys in their new home all together. Oh cheeky Crosby throwing snowballs at Winston! I knew they'd get up to all sorts of mischief. It was lovely as ever to welcome you to my home. I sincerely could not ask for a better home for my Bears, I am sure it's going to be a fun Christmas at yours.
Send them all big hugs from me, and keep warm with this weather, they are forecasting more snow tomorrow!
Catherine x :hug:
Past Time Bears Great bears - lucky you, Peter! :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:
The Littlest ThistleAww, what a fabulous new home, I think I'm quite jealous of them 
Enjoy your new company over Christmas
bingle bears Peter, what wonderful bears you have to add to your wonderful hug!!
Cheryl
Dolls N DreamsGreat bears and great pics!!!
DoodlebearsBeautiful bears, beautiful pictures and beautiful photos. I love the way you share your love of bears with us all Peter, thanks so much.
Hugs, Jane. 
Peter, thank you for this little picture story. These four bears look great and make a wonderful group. Congratulations to your bear family addition! :clap:
Marion
I love your bears!
puca bearsThey look SO lovely together, Peter.........I hope they got their hot chocolate tho!
It's looking pretty much the same here - "winter wonderland" - and set to continue........
huggies
Maria
DENBY BEARS Peter bear, like I said before, you are simply the best, I love the story and photo's of your new bears and the winter white snow and then the wonderful tree. Great turn of events for you hug to have two more wonderful bears among them. Have a great holiday and a wonderful New Year.
Hugs Pat Hage
