Happy New Year from the Acorn Hill Press Staff

Heavenly Perfomance

The Christmas season would not have been the same without a Christmas play in Acorn Hill. One complaint: "It was too short".

Memorizing Luke 2 and making the costumes were not Sarah Daffodil's only jobs. She also directed the play and delivered a glowing performance as an angel. Mayor Asher Ply Wood had his acting debut as Joseph. He also worked the concession stand. Autumn Fern played Mary, great with child. Nathaniel Barn Loft had a dual role as Caesar Augustus and a shepherd. Queen Esther Hunts played his sheep. Pastor Eli Hemlock took the starring role as Baby Jesus.

Knowing that Hemlock was sensitive about the word "baby" that part of his name was dropped. Despite this, he still did not like lying in the manger.

The audience raved over the performance.

Terminee

It was Christmas, 2009 when Sarah Daffodil received Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. Daffodil savored this book -- making it a study and making close friends.

Main House First Lady Mom recalls how the novel affected the entire city of Acorn Hill. "We all became familiar with the characters and the scenes. There was the anniversary celebration on Youtube, different versions of the movie, the acting out and dressing up of parts, French bread, the French cafe' pressed-flower picture, the music...the music...and we learned about Napoleon." The high point for Daffodil was attending the musical last spring.

Not long ago when Acorn Hill citizens were riding in their van, Daffodil closed her book for the last time. Tears streamed down her face. Nathaniel Barn Loft noticed asking what was wrong. "I finished Les Miserables." The tears were mostly about the story's ending, but they were also about reaching the end.

This was the end of Les Miserables but not the end of Victor Hugo's writings. Daffodil picked up several hardback copies of his work. The studies will continue.

The Assignment

It was time for Autumn Fern to do her writing lesson. Main House First Lady Mom, realizing that she had a long word for Fern, gave "careful" instructions.

"This is a long word. After you have written a letter, cross it off," said Mom. Fern understood. "Mom, I scribbled them off," said Fern. "That's OK," said Mom.

Mom obviously left Fern unsupervised.

Watching, Waiting, Wondering

With two high-profile citizens in Acorn Hill, people have wondered what will become of the other citizens. Main House President Dad and First Lady Mom also wonder.

For now, they see Mayor Asher Ply Wood's leadership skills -- hoping to encourage them and to direct them in the right way. "Asher is a good student," said Mom. "Oftentimes he doesn't want to do something, but he does that something and doesn't gripe about it."

Mayor Ply Wood will continue his general education, ride his bike, dress up like a cowboy, fish, make boats, play with stuffed animals, study the French Revolution and WWII and practice photography.

Dad and Mom say that they are content to watch, wait and wonder where the Lord will lead.

Let Them Eat Cake

The hand-held mixer did not have much time for rest with all of the icing and batter it had to mix -- three more birthdays with three more must-have cakes.

Autumn Fern's custom-made party included a New York-Style Cheesecake, cheeseburgers and macaroni and cheese for dinner, pink and white streamers and balloons. She received several gifts, all of which she is thankful for.

Main House First Lady Mom awoke to gift bags covering the dining room table as well as a peanut butter cake. One of the gifts of note consisted of three tickets to see My Fair Lady and dinner at her favorite restaurant.

While shopping for Mayor Asher Ply Wood, Main House President Dad and Mom weren't satisfied with the toy isle offerings. They went to the nearest home improvement store, where Dad purchased tools and hardware for a project. "I love my tools and want more of them," said Ply Wood. His cake was chocolate, decorated with nails.

If you like cake, this is a good time to visit Acorn Hill.

Dad's Late Party

Every year Main House President Dad quietly knows that it is his birthday, and every year he gives up his free birthday dinner at Scalini's. He spends his birthday with outdoor writers at their annual meeting.

A week after his birthday, Acorn Hill citizens threw a party for him. Main House First Lady Mom served lasagna for dinner. Dad opened gifts. Then Nathaniel Barn Loft lit the candles on his cake. Dad sat...waiting for the Birthday Song. No one started, and he didn't know when to blow. In the meantime Pastor Eli Hemlock blew out six of the candles. All got back on track once Dad re-lit the candles and Mom started the song.

Later in the month Dad and Mom get to have dinner at Scalini's where mom will get her free birthday dinner.

Daffodil's Gift Sticks

Free stickers! That was an opportunity that Sarah Daffodil couldn't resist. She ordered just the right ones for some of her closest friends. Daffodil's plan is to give the stickers to Mayor Asher Ply Wood and Autumn Fern as rewards when they have tried hard at their math. Ply Wood's stickers have his name on them with monkeyes. Fern's stickers have her name on them with a bear holding an umbrella. Pastor Eli Hemlock doesn't have math lessons. Therefore, he was able to have his stickers right away. His stickers have his name and a train on them.

Questions Fly at Barn Loft

A young inquisitor visited the Harvest Festival. First, she fired questions at Nathaniel Barn Loft. Then she questioned Sarah Daffodil.

Little Girl: Why is your sister older than you?

Nathaniel Barn Loft: Because she was born before me.

LG: Do you live here? (at the Kollocks)

NBL: No.

LG: Did you drive here?

NBL: No.

LG: Did you get here, in a spaceship?

NBL: No, in a truck.

LG: Why does Sarah have balloons at her building?

NBL: So people know where she is.

LG: What is that? (pointing to instrument)

NBL: This is a dulcimer.

LG: What are fingerpicks?

NBL: Things that I put on my fingers to pic with.

LG: Why does one go on the thumb?

NBL: (demonstration)

LG: Why do you have three pics?

NBL: So I still have one if I lose one.

LG: What if you loose all of them?

NBL: I'll use my fingers.

LG: Is the banjo your dad's?
NBL: No. I bought it.

LG: With your own money?
NBL: Yep.

LG: Who is your dad?

NBL: (pointed)

LG: How long have you been here (festival)?

NBL: Three hours.

LG: How many brothers and sisters do you have? Thirty?
NBL: Four.

The little girl's brother entered the conversation, saying he was sorry to Barn Loft. Barn Loft asked why. The brother apologized for his sister, whom he said talks too much. Barn Loft said that he knew about that.

Rodeo

It's not every day that one is able to pet a kangaroo, "piggish guy" and camel, plus horses, lamas, goats, and then go to the rodeo. That's just what Mayor Asher Ply Wood, Autumn Fern and Main House President Dad did at the Chattahoochee Mountain Fair.

"I liked the rodeo because of the horses," said Ply Wood. "I liked the girls," said Autumn Fern.

Dad thought there was too much "clown entertainment" between actual rodeo events, but everyone had a very nice evening.

A Grand Opening Day

It took quite a few checklists being checked off, but once Sarah Daffodil got past these, she was ready and eager for the Grand Opening of her studio/gallery - Sarah's Lavender Cottage.

This is where Sarah creates, shows, and sells her pressed-flower originals, cornhusk dolls and printed items. "I could not imagine a more perfect setting for sweet Sarah," said a friend.

Many people came out for Sarah's big day. She is thankful for everyone who visited. To see Sarah's artwork and learn more about the cottage visit Sarah's Lavender Cottage online.

Tea for Four

It was the perfect time for a pot of tea and a perfect time for Nathaniel Barn Loft to sit and converse with fellow residents of Acorn Hill.

What a thrill it was for Mayor Asher Ply Wood, Autumn Fern and Pastor Eli Hemlcok when Barn Loft took the time to have tea with them. They talked about their favorite color, their favorite animal and their favorite president.

The tea party menu consisted of hot chocolate and saltines topped with American cheese and sprinkles.

Better Late Than Never

Citizens were ready for Main House President Dad to get back on the road again after his morning of fishing on the way home from travel. It was the day of the Garlic Festival. After driving through back roads, citizens were greeted by the inviting welcome of wildflowers at the entrance of the private farm. Our first smiling face came from a friend at her booth, where she was selling handmade jewelry. Excitement grew as Mayor Asher Ply Wood, Autumn Fern and Pastor Eli Hemlock spotted the chickens and the cows. Sarah Daffodil was drawn to the alpacas. Nathaniel Barn Loft was drawn to the sound of the stringed instruments.

With just a half hour left before the festival ended, everyone took in what they could. They learned about alpacas. Daffodil bought some hair for cornhusk dolls. Ply Wood, Fern and Hemlock walked through a garden maze and saw the cows up close. As the musical group packed up, Dad and Daffodil learned that garlic tastes a little different from other parts of the world. Daffodil bought four bulbs from Italy.

Acorn Hill Citizens Party

It all started with Uncle Scott's idea to gather at his house for Grandpa's birthday. Once the date was settled, Acorn Hill citizens got busy preparing for the festivities.

Mayor Asher Ply Wood and Autumn Fern got the marker bucket down to draw fabulous artwork. They also gave him a sample of their thoughtful writing. Well... Autumn Fern's work never got to him. It is still on the clipboard that she wanted to give to him. Mom said that she will hide it until Christmas.

Nathaniel Barn Loft brought his banjo and a dulcimer to play music for Grandpa. What made the music even better was when Cousin Dylan joined in on the guitar. Dylan did some experimenting on Barn Loft's instruments too.

Sarah Daffodil made a Texas sheetcake and cupcakes. Both were well received. Main House President Dad grilled salmon, which he had brought home from Alaska, also a hit among the fish lovers.

As an added surprise for Grandpa, Aunt Laura drove down from Kentucky to join the party.

Acorn Hill citizens enjoyed celebrating with Grandpa very much.

Acorn Hill: Growing, Learning

From bone discoveries on Lewis and Clark's expedition to Mayor Asher Ply Wood's missing tooth, citizens are learning and growing.

Autumn Fern is learning how to jump rope, one of her mother's past favorite pastimes. She is determined to be really smooth at it, like girls she saw on Youtube.

Pastor Eli Hemlock is jumping a huge hurdle, breaking a habit he's been in since birth. With help from fellow residents of The Main House, Hemlock will soon move from diapers to regular underwear. "The pastor is teaching Mom longsuffering," said Sarah Daffodil.

Mayor Asher Ply Wood is losing teeth -- baby teeth. So far, he has made a dollar. He has two teeth that are wiggly.

Ply Wood made a mid-evil re-enactment with his "thugs" of the Lewis and Clark expedition. He is enjoying his study of Lewis and Clark's expedition and Thomas Jefferson.

Basement Concert

Events just pop up at Acorn Hill. Citizen were thrilled to learn recently that there would be a concert in the basement after dinner.

Mayor Asher Ply Wood and Autumn Fern started the concert with a peppy instrumental. Ply Wood played the keyboard while Fern strummed her ukulele. The duo played several more songs while the audience enjoyed popcorn and pop tarts. When Pastor Eli Hemlock had enough of sitting in the audience, he popped up and took hold of the ukulele. A heroic save from the audience kept the ukulele from tumbling to the floor at one point, but the pastor added good music to the end of the show.

Ply Wood prepared the refreshments. He and Fern also set up the seating. Fern took tickets and graciously allowed Queen Esther Hunts admittance.

Swim Practice

Practice, practice, practice - life is full of practice. We practice reading, writing, math, patience and simply trying to be nice. But swim practice is special to the summer alone.

Nathaniel Barn Loft swims the farthest out and is no worry to Main House First Lady Mom. She knows that he could save himself if he tipped out of the canoe. Mayor Asher Ply Wood will effortlessly put his head under the water. Autumn Fern recently started practicing this skill.

"They are all doing well in the water," said Mom. "I see Pastor Eli Hemlock edging himself away from the shore more these days. He'll be right with them soon."

A bonus to new swimming skills for the mayor is that he netted a fish by practicing - something Mom urged.

Dickens Discovery Delights

Going to resale shops is like an archeologist at a dig, or maybe a pirate searching for treasure. A treasure is just what Main House First Lady Mom found.

Main House President Dad and Mom dropped off some items at Habitat for Humanity. While there, they looked around. Mom started with the books. Many titles aren't worth a second glance; however, Mom gave a second glance at the hardback collection of Dickens books she found. She remained calm.

Since she knew that 15 books could add up, even at Habitat, she chose two: David Copperfield and Nicholas Nikaby. The lady at the register said, "Fifty-four cents." Mom then wanted all of them. The lady said that she'd give us a deal of $5 for the entire set. After buying them, Mom figured that it would have been a better deal if she had sent residents in one at a time for two books each. No complaints from Mom, who can not find the published date of them.

A Banjo Among Us

For more than four years Nathaniel Barn Loft only played the dulcimer. Now there is a new sound coming from his fingers -- and it's loud!

Barn Loft decided that he wanted to buy a bluegrass banjo. He did research, asked for advice from experienced banjo players and figured out the best banjo for his needs. The man at banjo.com advised Barn Loft to practice finger rolls instead of learning songs from YouTube. There are basics that he needs to learn. Barn Loft also bought a teaching CD. "He'll get it down soon," said Main House President Dad. Barn Loft's banjo weighs 13 pounds - which is a lot heavier than a dulcimer!

Michigan Ho!

A new seating arrangement pleased everyone as several Acorn Hill residents filled up a van for the annual trip to Michigan.

The first stop was in Milford, Michigan, where everyone enjoyed visiting with Grandpa and Grandma Terry. Autumn Fern looked forward to sitting on Grandpa's lap. She did some despite the fact that Grandpa's arm was hurting. "It was nice shopping with Grandma Terry," said Sarah Daffodil. They went to Heavenly Scent Herb Farm, which is a favorite site. They also went to a couple of other local shops with plants. Residents enjoyed the pool, going for walks and watching TV. "It is always so nice just being there," said Main House First Lady Mom.

Next residents visited in Muskegon, Michigan. There they got to see Uncle Don, Aunt Lucille, Joyce and Ray. Nathaniel Barn Loft played his dulcimer for their church group. Later a few residents bundled up to play in the sand at Lake Michigan. Sarah Daffodil got to climb sand dunes, which was what she was hoping to do. Ray showed everyone some new games. Mayor Asher Ply Wood got pretty good at bouncing pencils into a jar. Everyone had a nice time.

The return trip included a swing through the Michigan Cabela's store, two days at a dulcimer festival in Ohio, where Nathaniel Barn Loft taught and performed, and a night at Grandma's house in Kentucky. At Grandma's, residents also got to visit with Aunt Laura, cousin Jerred and Grandma's giant teddy bear of a dog, Doodles.

Next year the trip will be in August.

On Break

The Acorn Hill Press staff is taking a brief break this summer. Look for more news you can trust beginning again in July. Thank you! AHP

Pride and Prejudice a Favorite

A couple of years ago Acorn Hill residents wanted to know more about Jane Austin's stories, especially since Austin was on A&E 's list of the most influential people of the past millennium.

Pride and Prejudice was highly recommended by a friend. Residents committed themselves to watching the six CD set and liked it. After seeing other movies based on Jane Autstin novels, residents talk often about Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth and Mrs. Bennett - characters from Pride and Prejudice, who are sometimes guests at Autumn Fern's tea parties.

Last summer Main House First Lady Mom read Pride and Prejudice to Sarah Daffodil and Nathaniel Barn Loft. Mom didn't enjoy reading Austin out loud but kept at it since Daffodil and Barn Loft enjoyed listening to it.

It is Barn Loft's favorite movie. He was thrilled when he got it for Christmas. Main House President Dad watched and enjoyed it. "It was only right for him to know the story that we all like. Now he can discuss it with us, " Mom said.

Mountain Laurel Moments

As Sarah Daffodil did last minute primping to corn husk dolls, Nathaniel Barn Loft ran his fingers along his fret board. Both preparing for the 49th Annual Mountain Laurel Festival. Daffodil and her corn husk dolls took their place at the festival for the third year. She says that she is very thankful to have a place at the Mauldin House Gardens to display her work. Barn Loft took his place on the porch of the Big Holly Cabin where he played his dulcimer with fellow bluegrass friends. Autumn Fern was set on having her face painted by her friend Miss Cecile. "Autumn usually paints her own face. This was a real treat for her," said Main House First Lady Mom. Mayor Asher Ply Wood simply enjoyed everything.

Ply Wood Branches Out

Finding cars in the tent from a previous camping trip and catching five fish, Mayor Asher Ply Wood had his weekend start off with much excitement.

As a student of Nathaniel Barn Loft, Ply Wood played two songs on the Open Stage at a dulcimer gathering at Hard Labor Creek State Park in Rutledge, Georgia. Barn Loft helped him warm up for the show. Ply Wood also helped the festival's host committee in various ways. That evening and the next, Main House President Dad, Barn Loft and Ply Wood camped, and on the second day of fishing he caught three catfish.

After this dulcimer gathering was another - Grand Old Dulcimer Day in Nashville, Tenn. The next morning began a day of fishing with dulcimer friends. Ply Wood said that he caught more fish than he could count. "I unhooked a lot of fish, and I caught a lot of them. I had a good time," said Ply Wood.

When asked how he caught so many fish, Ply Wood replied that it was because he had "magic underwear."

Boards and Beads Beautify

There once was an arbor at Acorn Hill. It fell down. Citizens had desired a new arbor ever since. In comes Main House President Dad.

Thoroughly thinking it through, Dad chose several boards. He, Nathaniel Barn Loft and Mayor Asher Ply wood nailed them together. The new arbor adds interest by ushering guests and citizens into Acorn Hill. A fence made by Dad and Barn Loft will finish this project.

Main House First Lady Mom took on a much smaller and simpler project. She glued tiny jewel- toned beads to a knob. Six more knobs to go, and a new finish will make an old dresser feel as fancy as a china cabinet full of antique china.

Making Friends

He is short, dark and somewhat handsome. His name is Kenneth, and he has four legs. He is the newest citizen of Acorn Hill. He is also a good friend.

A puppy, cold and shivering, sat on a pile of black trash bags. He might not have been noticed if it hadn't been for his whimpering. "What did you say?" Mr. Kenneth, a friend of Nathaniel Barn Loft's asked Barn Loft. Barn Loft and his friend were at the landfill when they discovered the puppy. Barn Loft knew he hadn't said anything. There was Kenneth, waiting for a friend.

Mr. Kenneth brought Barn Loft and the then-unnamed Kenneth to the Main House. He quickly made close friends at Acorn Hill.

Easter Bonnets - A Thing of the Past?

Why the difficulty in finding an Easter bonnet this year? Wasn't there even a song about an Easter bonnet?

It isn't every day when someone in Acorn Hill wants an Easter bonnet, but this year Autumn Fern really liked the idea of owning one. Unfortunately, a bonnet,- aka, pretty, white straw hat with flowers and ribbons or the like was not easily found.

Main House First Lady Mom was resolved to the fact that Fern would not have one. On Easter morning Sarah Daffodil said, "Mom, come here." Daffodil revealed a delicate and pretty wreath that she had made for Fern's delicate and pretty head.

"It wasn't easy measuring her head," said Daffodil. "She kept on moving." Fern was sleeping while the measuring took place. Daffodil braided raffia with tulle and ribbon. She added artificial flowers that she pulled off of her pens, (Refer to Pretty Pens in the AHP archive.)

Mom is thankful that stores don't dictate what the citizens of Acorn Hill do and wear.