Stuffed animals – Dear Liza

Harold’s Home!

Dear Liza,

I’m sure you remember Harold, Auntie Bridgett’s stufftie. He has been with us for years, traveling all over Europe and Canada, as well as keeping us company when we were home.

For the last few years, Harold has been staying with Niece Madilyn in San Diego, while she was mourning the loss of her own dear stufftie, Bear. Harold and Bear had been friends and he wanted to be supportive.

But how Madi has agreed to let Harold come home ! We are so happy!

Cousin Kestrel has even decided to make a stuffed friend for Harold. She chose the same fabric I used for your placemats and napkins! Then she made the pattern and got the bits cut out the other evening. Next week, she will continue working on it. I will keep you posted if her progress!

I am hoping Harold will be strong enough to come with us on our visit later this spring.

Love,

Grandma Judy

Harold the Traveling Stufftie, Part 2

Dear Liza,

I have told you how Harold came to be with us and his travels in America. Did you know he has been to different countries, as well?

When we took our trips to England, France, Ireland and The Netherlands, Harold came along. I made him a backpack to hold his passport and sketchbook. I even wrote a poem about his getting ready for our winter in Europe!

Ode to travel preparations

Twas the week before travelin’ and Harold’s been busy
Packing and checking and getting all dizzy.
His backpack is filled up, his papers in order
(In case he gets stopped as we pass through a border)

All that’s left is waiting for the day that we leave
As he reads up on places to go, (by Rick Steves)
Paris for Christmas, with church bells and lamplight
Amsterdam for New Years, fireworks at midnight

His lovely beret keeps his head nice and warm
His scarf compliments his soft chubby form
So follow along and we’ll see where he goes
Harold and his people, through rain clouds and snows.

The wonderful thing about traveling with a stuffed animal is that they make friends everywhere. Old people wave from across the train. Children have their stuffties wave, too, and even if we don’t speak the same language, we have shared a smile.

Harold has visited noblemen in Ireland, learned about our favorite Irish writer, Oscar Wilde, and tried to visit a castle (they didn’t answer the door).

Harold has so many adventures, they may even need their own storybook sometime. But for now, he is enjoying having lots of snuggles with Cousin Maddie.

Love,

Grandma Judy

Farewells

Dear Liza,

Well, we left San Diego Friday to come home to Portland. First, Auntie Bridgett and I went to the gym at the Hilton Gardens Hotel and walked for half an hour. It’s good to start travel days, which involve a lot of sitting, with some exercise.

We had breakfast and then headed to Esther’s house, where we visited with Maddie and Jaxson. There were trains and tea parties, and the kids and Bridgett built museums out of blocks.

After a while we headed to Michael’s house, called Casa de Penrose, for lunch and more visiting. Leftover Thanksgiving never tasted so good! The warm sunshine on the patio was very relaxing. We even got some extra goodbye hugs from Yukie, Chris, Aya and Kion.

Harold Abroad

While we were there, Auntie Bridgett asked Maddie if Harold, Bridgett’s favorite stufftie, could stay in San Diego. Harold hasn’t gotten out much in Portland, and he would be able to give more love and comfort, which is what stuffties do best, with Madilyn. This made that little girl so happy! She has always loved Harold.

We had a wonderful visit and then had some sad farewells, to family, kidlets, stuffties, and sunshine. We had a long, layover-filled flight ahead of us.

We finally got home at 10:00, had some couch time with Mousekin the cat, and went to bed. It’s always good to come home.

Love,

Grandma Judy