Thursday, December 24, 2009

Decorating With Trees




That's it! With our new kittens in residence, this year instead of decorating the tree, we are decorating with trees! Rocky and Cleo love anything and everything that dangles and either tries to play with it or ingest it. After due deliberation,we (well, that's mostly me as the boys are generally too busy to consider consequences) have decided to forgo usual decorations for a simple (shall I say ellegantly understated) display of little trees through the house.The middle photo shows them all having a drink in the kitchen. We have one fairly major tree which sits on the counter between the kitchen and family room, two rosemary plants shaped into trees, a tiny holly in the downstairs powder room, two small pines here and there, and two very unusual and lovely cedar topiaries on the dining table. These last are almost chartreuse in color and lemon scented. The best part is that they are all living and will go into the garden or the woods behind our home when the weather permits.
Kim is coming for a few days and our little family will all be together for a brief time. That's the best thing on earth - especially when there are plenty of doggie and kitty kisses for everyone.
My wish for all is that Christmas is just what you want it to be. Life is so precious, whether it's family, friends, kitties and puppies and all creatures, or these marvelous little trees that have come to share our holiday. Peace be with you.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

A Little Snow








Our snowfall was small compared to most places in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States this last weekend. It did provide great interest to the furry folk of the Griffin household. The kittens, Rocky and Cleo, are still amazed by everything in the world and enjoyed watching the snow from indoors. They were fascinated by the critters enjoying snacks at the bird feeder. The kitties insist that I get up early each day and Rose, who has always enjoyed playing in the snow, was making "snow angels" on the deck at 5:30 a.m. She couldn't wait to get outside and enjoy the fun!

Monday, December 7, 2009

More Ebay fun and an Online Show!


As Maude is just about to find out where she will go to live, little Mimi is getting nervous! She's hoping there will be a new Mom or Dad for her out there somewhere. I shall list her Ebay auction at the conclusion of Maude's auction. I'll come back to this spot and post the link then.
Here's the link to Mimi's auction:


Online Show for the new year
Due to inclimate weather (I do all my photographing outdoors) I shall have my next Online Show after the first of the year. I'll be notifiying those on my mailing list so let me know if you'd like to hear from me. You can sign up at my web site: www.donnaandthebears.com There's a little bear with a red balloon that says "Email Donna" Just click on that and send me a message!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Ebay Auction for Maude tonight!


Well, if I've done this properly, the Ebay auction for little "Maude" should appear at 9:05 pm PST. When she actually appears, I will list the link here as well as sending the link listing to those who have asked to be on my mailing list. Technology is a wonderful thing when it works properly - and if I've filled in all the blanks!
Here's the link to the auction:
I hope you will visit!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Hometown fun!




Many thanks to Sarah and Keith for a wonderful evening! Kim, Kim's friend Craig, Jason (my son) and I had a fine time at the Norfolk Admirals hockey game held at the Scope arena in downtown Norfolk, Virginia. As an added bonus, the Admirals won the game in an overtime victory! This morning, I've taken Kim to the airport to head back to Pittsburgh. It was cold here (37 degrees farenheit) but will warm today. I don't think it'll get much warmer where Kim is going. Her visit was much too short and I'm already looking forward to the next time.

Friday, November 27, 2009

"Trimming the Tree"

The new photo at the top of this page features some bears that I made especially for a British magazine special feature and was requested by Kathy Martin. It was a joy creating these little bears showing some little ones who are trimming their tree and are surprised by a visit by Panda Claus. I think my favorite is the little one clinging to the star looking warily at the visitor.

Friday, November 20, 2009

To "The Burgh" and Beyond







I've about recovered from a wonderful trip to visit with Kim and then attend a teddy bear show in Ann Arbor, Michigan. I have lots of photos and don't know where to begin! Kim and I had a grand time shopping and going to a Penguins hockey game. I was so glad to see old friends and meet new ones at the show. The weather was gorgeous the whole time - much different from the flooding going on here in this area of Virginia. We had little damage and a whole lot of leaves in the yard. Let me share some photos!


The pretty girl on the left standing in line at the Mellon Arena is my Kim. We bought some bears representing some of our favorite players. Got a good shot of the Cotton Candy Man - apparently an icon at the games.
Next time, I'll add some shots at the show! I've found a new book that's very interesting too. More on that soon!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Rose Vists the Vet




Not to be outdone by the kitties, Miss Rose had her annual visit to the Oaks Veterinary Clinic today. Dr. Hannah Adams (white coat again) and Assistant Shannon treated her so kindly and Rose certainly enjoyed the attention. She's doing pretty well for a senion citizen of almost 12 (her birthday is in February) and we are enjoying every day of her wonderful life!! We are so thankful for the kind folks at the clinic who take lots of time and care with all our furry family.

Monday, November 2, 2009

GOLDEN GIRLS!







A phone call from two very dear friends, Cindy and
Darlene, on Saturday night brought the news that
both my Golden Teddy Nominees had won! I did think that they were playing an early "April Fool's Day" joke on me, but another call from Alice the next day gave me further evidence that it may be true!!
Sue from Teddy Bear Review sent a message today that made it official. And the logo shown belongs to both little girls.
I am so grateful to all who voted for my little bears!
I wish I could give each of you a hug - but know that my thanks and hugs belong to you.
I will offer both Mimi and Maude on Ebay with no reserve very shortly. I'm preparing to leave next week for the teddy bear show in Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA, on November 15th, and will try to get the ebay template done when I return. If you aren't on my emailing list and would like to know when they will be available, just email me through my website: http://www.donnaandthebears.com/.
If you are going to the Ann Arbor show and would like a sneak peak of bears going with me to the show, let me know!