Mr. Badger Speaks

 I have given Mr. Badger a good long time to recoup from all his merrymaking (read hygge-making) and it's time to interview him before sending him on to Thistle Cove Farm.  He's been asking about going to the farm now for a few weeks. "When are we going to the post office?  I am longing to visit with Sandra and her animals.  I think I shall enjoy her company."  Okay, Mr. Badger.  It's time for you to stop in Virginia before you head over the water to the Strawberries at Mags's house in Belfast.  If anyone stateside would like to host Mr. B. you can let me know in the comments and I'm sure Sandra will be willing to let him take a side trip.  He's REALLY ready to get back to the UK (you'll notice in the interview).  

Pom Pom:  Mr. Badger, when you left Denver I promised you that your hygge-filled journey would delight the hostesses.  What did you think of Mags?
Mr. Badger:  She is full of fun and very exuberant.  I would like to have her as a houseguest in MY home.  She extends grand hospitality and her children (boys, my favorite) are wonderful.  Her husband radiates real hospitality as well.  They are a very busy family and their home felt "just right" to me.

 Pom Pom: I envy you, Mr. Badger.  I want to stay at Mags's house.  What do you think of Ireland?
Mr. Badger:  I thought the rain was snug.  Mags made me many cups of tea.  Her brew was delicious.  

 Pom Pom: Mags sent you on to Betty.  What are the woods like there?  
Mr. Badger:  VERY wild.  Betty's home is also very hygge.  There is a real feeling of love and attentiveness there.  Her boys are very kind and her husband offered me a pint.  I caught a glimpse of her well ordered cupboards and I was very impressed with her tidiness.  

 Pom Pom: And then you were on to Angela's.  Is she as vivacious as she seems to be on her blog?  
Mr. Badger:  Oh yes!  She and her kind husband (I called him Rev and he didn't seem to mind) are amazing when it comes to loving people.  They offer hygge every chance they get.  They are the picture of unselfishness.  I liked the bread Bob makes and I wanted to look through Angela's craft stash.  I was frightened that maybe Rev might want me to take a turn on his motorbike, but thankfully he didn't offer.  I especially liked listening to their prayers.  

 Pom Pom:  How were things at Chel's?
Mr. Badger:  Wonderful!  Lord and Lady Grantham really liked me.  They liked my clothes and Lady Mary is reading The Wind in the Willows to all of the children in the nursery.  I am glad you thought to let me watch the last Downton Abbey.  I really like Lady Mary's new husband.  Carson took me aside and asked if I'd like to see his pantry.  VERY tidy indeed.  Mrs. Hughes tickled Mr. Carson while we were in the pantry and I blushed.  

 Pom Pom:  How was it at the top of the cathedral?
Mr. Badger: You know I live underground!  It was terrifying, but I felt very holy there.  Chel is an excellent tour guide.  She held me close.  

 Pom Pom:  And you got to go to school with Kezzie?
Mr. Badger:  I quite fell in love with her!  She's a true teacher and taught ME to play the recorder.  I shall ask Ratty and Mole if they know how to play one.  Maybe Mr. Toad could find one at his house.  I enjoyed CBC, too.  He is a true gentleman, a snappy dresser.  I would like to visit their new home.  

 Pom Pom: And then on to Minnesota!  Were you cold?  
Mr. Badger:  Lisa knows how to make a home a perfect snuggery.  I am wondering if something about my presence causes people to move house!  Lisa has also moved since my visit!  I had no idea that such a woodsy wonderland existed in a country so young.  I enjoyed Lisa's library.  She has a fine appreciation for all things English.

 Pom Pom:  And then on to Heather's!  How was THAT?
Mr. Badger:  At first I was afraid the children might not like me, being an old English gentleman.  I didn't know that they REALLY know how to serve tea and that they spent a good bit of time in Scotland.  I had my OWN house there in the Blackberry Rambles!  I was treated like an honored guest! Heather is an excellent homemaker and teacher. I learned a lot listening to their conversations.  

 Pom Pom: I'm so glad you stopped here for a while so we could regroup.  Let's take a look at some of the treasures you are taking back to Ireland. 

 Mr. Badger:  Even though Pooh Bear is rather silly, I can't help but like him and I've always had a fondness for Christopher Robin.  This bridge was a lot of fun!  

 I'm definitely going to return to Downton Abbey when I can.  I'm so glad that Thomas Barrow is the new butler because he was very kind to me, offered me a coffee, and let me sleep in his sock drawer.  I took a nap in Mrs. Patmore's pocket while she walked down to her B & B.  I gave her some hygge tips as to how to make her guests feel welcome.  

 Here is a photo of the cold in Indiana.  Heather kept me warm and I truly loved spending the Christmas season with such a nice family.

 Betty took me to church.  This church has been around since the Battle of Hastings.  I put a coin in the plate.  I plan to attend here more regularly when I return to England.

Mr. Badger:  Overall I have had a wonderful time, but I miss the United Kingdom.  I know I shall stay in Ireland but I feel sure Mags will take me when she travels to England.  I have made so many friends and the pages of the book I'm traveling with are full of good words, good annotations, and lovely drawings.  You blog women are very kind and I enjoy the attention you've paid me.
Thistle Cove Farm, I shall arrive soon!
(So, Mr. Badger has had a shortened version of the world tour Ratty, Mole, and Mr. Toad enjoyed.  He's off for the next leg of his excursion.  I shall kiss him good bye and send him off with all kinds of The Wind in the Willows love and adoration!)