Berry Picking, Baking and Bee Stings!

Hello future readers!

I made it! Yep, I'm writing this entry from beautiful Falling Waters, West Virginia! Far out! The flight as really fun. I sat next to this really nice lady who was going to visit her grandchildren. She has a grand daughter about my age named Cecilia. I told her all about my West Virginia friends.  Right after I had lunch and a nap, we landed at Dulles International Airport.

Vivienne and her mom were at the gate waiting for me. It was so good to see them again! I gave Vivienne a big hug! I've missed her so much!

We rode back to Vivienne's house, singing goofy songs all the way. Even Mrs. Walton joined in. She taught us a song from "Alvin and the Chipmunks" called "Witch Doctor". I've heard the song before, I really didn't know the words. Vivienne and I kept messing up the chorus on purpose. We laughed until our stomachs hurt! When we finally got to Vivienne's house, Mr. Walton was already there, 'cos he had the day off. As soon as we walked in the door, he picked me up and swung me around in a big warm hug. He smelled good like after shave lotion.
"How has my other little girl been?" he laughed. He's such a neat dad! We went up to Vivienne's room so I could unpack and change my clothes. Vivienne said she asked her mom if we could pick berries and make some cobbler! Outta site! So we got a pail and walked out to the edge of the woods near her house to pick some berries. I remember this place from Camp Falling Waters last year!

We each ate a few of the berries. It was hard not to just eat them all, 'cos they were so sweet! When the bucket was full we walked back to her house to make the cobbler. On the way back, Vivienne showed me a pond where water lilies grew! Wow, were they ever pretty!

When we got back to the house, we washed our hands and the berries, and got out the aprons and all the stuff we would need for baking.

We mixed some dough to make the crust. Then I rolled it out while Vivienne added some sugar to the berries, and a pinch of cinnamon. Ooh! Was this ever gonna be good!

Then Vivienne put some butter on a knife and used it to write the letters V and J on the top crust, and the sprinkled more cinnamon on it! All right! Then she put it in the oven.

Of course after that, we had to clean up the kitchen. Vivienne did the dishes while I wiped down the table.

When we were finished, Vivienne suggested we go out and play while the pie was baking. Great idea! We chased each other around her backyard and climbed up her favorite tree.

Then we played Hide and Seek. I was it and Vivienne hid. She didn't know it, but the bush she hid behind had a surprise on it, (and not the good kind!).

I looked all over the yard and couldn't find her, so I yelled "Ollie ollie oxen free!"  The minute she jumped up to run back to the base, the bee stung her on the arm. Ouch! Vivienne started to cry and she almost didn't wanna show it to me, 'cos her arm hurt so bad. Poor Vivienne! What a drag!

We went back to the house and Vivienne mom pulled out the stinger and put some ice on it. Then we went into the bathroom and got the first-aid kit.

By the time we finished taking care of the bee sting, the cobbler was ready. Oh good! I knew that would make Vivienne feel better. Bee stings are definitely a bummer! We let the cobbler cool for a bit, and then Vivienne cut it right down the middle, giving the "J" half to me and the "V" half to herself. Yummy! Was it ever good!

Later on, we had cold cuts, sliced tomatoes and watermelon for dinner (or as they say here, supper). I'm glad we had a light meal, 'cos I was still kinda full from the cobbler. Oh well, sometimes it's fun to eat dessert first! It's been a busy day, and we were getting tired, so we got ready for bed. We played Barbies for a little while before we fell asleep. Vivienne's Dr. Barbie gave my Beach Barbie and check-up and gave her cream for her sunburn! *giggle*

It's been a super day, future readers! I know I'm gonna have a really groovy time here in West Virginia. I can't wait to see what we do tomorrow! *Yawn* G'night future readers.

Until next time,
Your friend,
Julie Newman


*Note from Julie's doll mom, Sharry:*

A BIG hug and thank you to my friend Fawn for hosting Julie's visit this week. She is providing all the photos you will see during Julie's visit to Falling Waters. Thanks Fawn!