December 2020
Tuesday, December 1, 2020 - Edition #143
Explaining….Halloween
Is Halloween a traditional holiday in Hamstington? Many rodents don’t know.
Halloween is not a traditional holiday in Hamstington, yet we still celebrate it. Why? Traditionally, we rodents have an annual costume ball in the royal palace in Hamsterville. However, in recent years, rodents from planet Earth have brought Halloween to Hamstington. It started out with small groups of rodents celebrating Hallween, and then it became a national holiday, since people would not go to work or school on that day.
We still have a large costume ball every year in Hamsterville, but Halloween is growing in popularity.
We interview Mildred Hamsters (see May 22), innkeeper in Hamsterville:
Reporter: Good evening, Mildred! It's so nice to see you! Were you at the last Costume Ball?
Mildred: Good evening! Yes, I was at the last costume ball.
Reporter: What were you dressed up as?
Mildred: I think I was a cocoa cup.
Reporter: *Ha, ha, ha* Why?
Mildred: I’m not quite sure.
Reporter: Have you ever celebrated Halloween?
Mildred: No. I just don’t really like it.
Reporter: What do you mean?
Mildred: I mean, why do rodents even celebrate Halloween? I mean, we have a reason for having a costume ball. It's the start of winter, when things really slow down, so we have a night of dancing and fun.
Reporter: Do you have any other reasons why you think a costume ball is better?
Mildred: Yes, halloween is once a year, and you can’t go out after 9:00pm because rodents are in bed, or out of candy! But with a costume ball, there's the fun of making the costume, and then you get this entire night of fun. AND you get to keep the costume, not like candy - that's gone in a minute.
Reporter: Thank you for your time this evening, Mildred!
Wednesday, December 2, 2020 - Edition #144
Fennel family reunited!
There are three families in Hamstington with the word ‘fennel’ in their last name. Blueberry-Fennel. Fennel-Strawberry. Raspberry-Fennel.
The three ladies in the families decided to do some investigating.
Fiona Fennel-Strawberry’s (top image) mother married Miles Strawberry, she then added ‘strawberry’ to her name.
Melody Raspberry-Fennel’s (middle image) mother married Dillon Raspberry adding ‘raspberry’ to the family’s last name.
Victoria Blueberry-Fennel’s (bottom image) mother married Ian Blueberry, her mother then added ‘blueberry’ to her last name.
It turned out, Fiona, Melody, and Victoria’s mothers were all sisters. They got separated in immigration and never reunited. It turns out that all three original fennels (the mothers) died a couple years ago due to long age.
The fennel cousins have been friends for a long time and are thrilled to actually be cousins! They all enjoy reading, baking, and eating berries😊.
The three have started writing a book together about their family discoveries and stories. The Daily Squeaker is reaching out to the cousins for a group interview!
Thursday, December 3, 2020 - Edition #145
Art Thief Strikes Again???
In September 2020, we interviewed Abigail Carrots about the fact that the art thief has struck! The art thief has struck a third time! (See June 12 & September 22)! We decided to interview Abigail for a third time.
Reporter: Hello, Abigail! Since the second robbery (September 22) has the museum been open?
Abigail: Yes, we opened on October 1.
Reporter: Has the museum closed again?
Abigail: Yes.
Reporter: What did the thief steal this time?
Abigail: I believe it was a Victorian tea set.
Reporter: Did you suspect the thief would strike in the victorian section?
Abigail: Yes.
Reporter: Did the thief leave another tuft of black cat hair?
Abigail: No, the only thing that was found was a flashlight with smudged paw prints. Scientists have already confirmed that the thief cannot be a cat, at least, based on the prints.
Reporter: Why do you think that the theft waits so long between robberies?
Abigail: I’ve thought about that a lot, there seems to be a two month pattern. I guess that the theft hopes that the museum settles back into a routine and relaxes its guard.
Reporter: If the thief were to strike again, what would he steal?
Abigail: After having three successful robberies, I would believe that he may become reckless or lose caution. I could imagine that his grand prize would be the Queens Ruby Heart Pin.
Reporter: Anything else you would/could share?
Abigail: Yes. It appears that the robbery was made during the afternoon closure. The museum closes at 4 and then re-opens at 6. My personal guess is that the robbery was made sometime around 4:30pm, this would ensure that the plan had enough time to be completed. Also, a window shattered on the third floor during this time.
Reporter: Thank you for this interview, Abigail!
Abigail: It was my pleasure.
Friday, December 4, 2020 - Edition #146
Mr Ground Squirrel Arrested!
Mr. Ground Squirrel (info October 29, September 14, July 29) turned himself in to the police after being spotted in Squirrel Village on Saturday, November 28, 2020.
Mr. Ground Squirrel (info October 29, September 14, July 29) turned himself in to the police after being spotted in Squirrel Village on Saturday, November 28, 2020.
He was spotted by Linda Furball (mother of Maria Furball - the kidnapped actress) while she was in the library tree (info November 5).
The police were on the lookout for him and early yesterday morning (December 3) he dragged himself up the police tree steps. Officer Michael Lettuce found him there, shivering.
Mr. Ground Squirrel will be in prison for two years, though it can be shortened for good behavior. Mr. Ground Squirrel only truly committed one crime, he stole Madame Von Hedgerows ruby pin. He also faked an art collection, though that is not a crime and lied to the police.
Mr. Ground Squirrel will also be writing an apology to Madame Von Hedgerow.
Monday, December 7, 2020 - Edition #147
Llama drama: Ms. Wonderwool - After the 100th edition!!! (1/2)
Ms. Silvia Wonderwool, the famous llama who changed ‘Hamstervill’ to Hamsterville, is currently living in Hamsterville. We check in on how she is doing. Ms. Silvia Wonderwool currently lives with her sister Silvi in Hamsterville. She lives near Hamsterville’s waterfront in a pale blue, Victorian style home. It has three stories. The first floor is made up of the kitchen, bathroom, and a storage room.
A spiraling staircase in the kitchen lets the llamas into the second story of the house. The second floor is split in two. The first half is a sewing/general room. There is a coach, radio, sewing machine, sewing and cart supplies, an easel, and other craft supplies. The second part is the two llama sisters bedroom. There are large windows on both sides of the house. The beds are lined against one of the windows. There is a desk next to each of the beds. The desks have a small compartment under them for notebooks, pencils, and other office supplies. The two supporting “legs” are bookshelves. However, Silvi and Silvia are planning on adding a wall between the beds. Silvia has been complaining that Silvi snores.
The third floor is actually the attic. The Wonderwool sisters changed it to be their office room. Silvia is a landscape designer and has a desk with sketches and a typewriter on it. Silvi is a photographer and her desk is full of sketches, cameras, and photos. The room is divided into thirds and the third half of the room is their astronomy area. The ceiling of the attic was once wood, but was changed to be glass. They keep astronomy books, a telescope, and pictures of the night sky in the area. Both sisters agree that this is their favorite part of the house. “Except maybe the kitchen.” Silvia said with a smile.
Part two of the Wonderwools story will be published Wednesday, December 16, 2020.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020 - Edition #148
Detective Smallfur retires!
Detective Smallfur, the private and police guinea pig detective and fan of Agatha Christie, announced that he was retiring from the Police Detective Department. Detective Smallfur was a detective on the Special Case team. His assistant, Mr. Leonardo Wiskers is also retiring. The two will continue to work as private detectives. In an interview with the Daily Squeaker on September 1, 2020 Detective Smallfur said,
“Reporter: Why did you reject the role of Head of the Department?
Detective Smallfur: I am thinking of retiring, my mother is not in good health, and I have just picked out a place for her to live with other elderly rodents, the place is called “Cherry Tree Family Cottage”. I want to help out there, and in olden times solving mysteries was more fun, today we have all this technology to help us, it takes out the real thrill.”
In a recent, non-published interview, Detective Smallfur told us that his mother, Lilli Smallfur, was living at the Cherry Tree family Cottage and enjoyed it. However, Detective Smallfur’s sister, June, had been asking him to retire so they could spend more time as a family. Detective Smallfur was offered the position of Head of Detective Department in May, but he rejected it. Detective Smallfur also said that “in olden times solving mysteries was more fun, today we have all this technology to help us, it takes out the real thrill.” We think that Smallfur Mysteries (Detective Smallfur’s detective agency) will be using old fashioned techniques to solve cases.
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 - Edition #149
Cordelia Cornflower’s Winter Resort (1/2)
Mrs. Cordelia Cornflower moved her family from Hamsterville to Lemmington near Lake Clearpebble. She started a winter resort there and advised the Daily Squeaker to stop by again sometime in Winter. Now that Hamstington is seeing regular snow and temperatures are below freezing during the night (and during day time for rodents living closer to the mountains) we decided to stop by the new Ice Fur Resort.
The Ice Fur Resort is built next to Lake Clearpebble in the city of Lemmington. It is a three story building with many windows and light. We start by walking through the front doors and into the lobby. The doors are made on the bottom half of a caramel colored wood and on the top half of glass. On the far side of the lobby is a desk with Cordelia’s sister, Lily, sitting behind it welcoming and checking rodents in. The floor is made of wood and a fire is burning on the right side of the room. The left side is full of couches and chairs. Behind the reception desk is a hallway with doors leading to different rooms and a staircase leading to the second and third floors. We walk on the second floor, it is filled with hotel rooms. The third floor is divided into two sections, the first half is a library with another fire and many chairs and coaches. The second half is the “astronomy” room. It has a glass ceiling, telescopes, big windows, and comfy chairs.
Going back down to the lobby and ground floor, we find that there is much more than just the lobby. Walking through the first door in the hallway behind the reception desk we found a large indoor skating rink. There is a door connecting to the next room. There we find racks with different ice skates, skis, and all necessary equipment.
We continue exploring Ice Fur Resort on December 15, Interview with Cordelia Cornflower December 14!
Thursday, December 10, 2020 - Edition #150
On October 22, 2020 Christopher Leaf returned after his expedition to see all 13 of Hamstington’s Waterfalls. We interviewed him about his experience.
Reporter: Good afternoon Mr. Leaf! How are you?
Mr. Leaf: I’m ok, a bit tired. Please call me Chris. How are you?
Reporter: Ok. Let's start with these questions! Why did you decide to travel around the Hamstington’s 13 Waterfalls?
Mr. Leaf: Well, I’ve always loved climbing, and some of the waterfalls are in very remote areas. I guess I just wanted a challenge.
Reporter: What job did you have before you went on this expedition?
Mr. Leaf: I was a bookstore owner in New Prairie Town, New Prairie Town Books: New and Used.
Reporter: And?
Mr. Leaf: What?
Reporter: Never mind! So, what happened that delayed your return?
Mr. Leaf: It's true that there was a landslide in the area that I was in. It blocked the trail and I, foolishly, decided to explore the area, off-trail, to see if there was another trail that led back to civilization. I got lost in the northern part of the Rodenti Mountains and only recently stumbled onto an ancient trail leading back home.
Reporter: Anything else you would like to say?
Mr. Leaf: Yes, to be 100% honest, I loved the experience. And I learned so much about the area and its native plants.
Reporter: Thank you for this interview Chris!
Friday, December 11, 2020 - Edition #151
Interview with Jannie Spot-Feather, owner of Lucky Duck Water Hotel!
Reporter: Can you explain what the Lucky Duck Water Hotel is?
Jannie Spot-Feather: In the Daily Squeaker editions November 13, 16, 18, 19, and 25 Ms. candy-Stripe shows you around Gerbil Town. It also includes the following information:
“There is the duck landing area, ducks are a main mode of transportation. Ducks can take up to 5 passengers and are very skilled in water landing. It is also a main tourist attraction as only Gerbil Town does this. Also, ducks enjoy doing it as they get free food from the customs officials and lodging.”
I run the place where the water taxi ducks stay.
Reporter: Do only water taxi ducks stay at Lucky Duck Water Hotel?
Jannie: No, all ducks and birds can stay. However, only water taxi ducks don’t have to pay.
Reporter: How do you know if a duck is a water taxi duck?
Jannie: They have an official badge.
Reporter: Don’t you lose funding that way?
Jannie: A bit, but the Gerbil Town officials have made a deal with me.
Reporter: What is Lucky Duck Water Hotel? And where is it located?
Jannie: Lucky Duck Water Hotel is on an island across from Gerbil Town in the middle of the Carrot River. It's surrounded by reeds and in the middle stands a big and tall weeping willow.
Reporter: Does Lucky Duck water Hotel also supply dinner, breakfast, or lunch?
Jannie: Yes. For breakfast you can either have oatmeal or reeds with jam. Lunch is fresh seeds with occasional soup. Dinner you have the choice of fresh seed bread, fern and fish soup, and rice. Desert will be anything from candied fruit to a chocolate cake.
Reporter: Where do guests sleep?
Jannie: You can book a room either in the reeds, the weeping willow, or underground burrows.
Reporter: Where do you sleep?
Jannie: In the trunk of the willow.
Reporter: What is the weather like in the area?
Jannie: It's often windy on the island since it's in the middle of the river, but otherwise very sunny.
Reporter: What sort of room would you recommend booking?
Jannie: A willow room is best in summer and early autumn. Burrows are nice for winter and spring. Reed rooms are best if you need to leave early.
Reporter: What are some things in the area worth seeing and doing?
Jannie: Kayaking is often really fun and the Lucky Duck Water Hotel also rents out canoes and kayaks. Willow climbing is often really fun as well.
Reporter: What is willow climbing?
Jannie: Willow climbing is when you take the leaves and use them to pull your way to the top. Then jump down into the Carrot River.
Monday, December 14, 2020 - Edition #152
Interview: Cordelia Cornflower
Reporter: Good afternoon, Cordelia! How is your winter resort doing?
Cordelia Cornflower: Only ok, unfortunately
Reporter: Why? Please explain.
Cordelia: Well, I was hoping we would have more guests.
Reporter: What are some of the activities guests can do at the Ice Fur Resort?
Cordelia: Rodents can ski, ice skate, snowboard, play ice hockey, go to the spa…
Reporter: Are you happy with the Ice Fur Resort?
Cordelia: Yes.
Reporter: Will you ever return to the Cornflower mansion in Hamsterville, or do you plan to stay in Lemmington forever?
Cordelia: Well, I’m not sure. I think that at some point some of my family will return to Hamsterville. I hope it doesn’t split my family.
Reporter: Do you think that there is a chance that the Cornflowers permanently move to Lemmington?
Cordelia: No.
Reporter: Why did you start the Ice Fur Resort?
Cordelia: I’ve always loved the Lemmington/Lemmingvill/New Lemmington area, but I have to be honest, I’ve never had a very good hotel/lodging. There is a good one in Lemmingvill, but the other cities don’t have any, or they are only open during the summer season.
Reporter: How did you buy the Ice Fur Resort?
Cordelia: It belongs to Sakura Cherry, she is a close family friend. When she heard my idea she agreed to help me remodel it, we actually didn’t buy it. We just sort of share it and the resort.
Reporter: Thank you Cordelia! It was very interesting to hear your story!
Tuesday, December 15, 2020 - Edition #153
Cordelia Cornflower’s Winter Resort (2/2)
The next room after the winter equipment room is a massage room. Then we find a large indoor swimming pool and hot tub.
We also learned that the rooms on the other side of the hallway are the staff living rooms. The staff is entirely Cordelia’s family, except a couple of grandparents/great-grandparents who just relax. Outside of the hotel we find a little winter garden tea house, an outdoor ice skating rink, bonfire areas, and ski/toboggan slopes.
The local river, Icicle Rivière, is frozen over, but a small stream still flows and the fishes still swim underneath. We talked with some of the guests here are some of the most typical opinions:
The Ice Fur Resort should also open in summer and have some summer activities!
The Ice Fur Resort should add a restaurant or create a list of good cafes and restaurants in the area!
Rooms were good, but the showers took forever to get warm water
Wednesday, December 16, 2020 - Edition #154
Llama drama: Ms. Wonderwool - After the 100th edition!!! (2/3)
Ms. Silvia Wonderwool, the famous llama who changed ‘Hamstervill’ to Hamsterville, is currently living in Hamsterville. We check in on how she is doing, you can read part one of this “check-in” on December 7, 2020.
We left off on December 7 after a tour of the house. Today we talked with Salvia Wonderwool about her family.
Silvia visited Hamsterville in June 2020 and undercovered the mystery of Hamstervilles ‘E’, however the information was not released to the public because Hamstington officials wanted an interview with Silvia. Silvia actually traveled to Hamstington to escape the heat of Paris, France where she lived. While in Hamsterville Silvia found a waterfront, pale blue, victorian house that was for sale. Without consulting her family she bought and moved in.
After a week living there she told her family. Her family in Paris’s neighbors were disgusted. Silvia had run away, shortly afterwards Silvia’s sister Silvi joined her in Hamsterville. Their brother, Silvio, was a bit annoyed. Now HE was the only one taking care of their parents.
Then, in early December/late November the Wonderwools from Paris came over for the Winter Holidays. Mr. Victor Wonderwool, Mrs. Star Wonderwool, and Silvio Wonderwool decided to rent out their home in Paris, France and to move to Hamsterville.
Part 3 of the Wonderwool’s story comes out December 18, 2020!
Thursday, December 17, 2020 - Edition #155
Cassy Chocolatia Gets New Glasses!
Mrs. Cassy Chocolatia, a capybara living on the Capybara Islands, recently stepped on her vintage glasses (or to be more specific her 1968, royal blue, old fashioned, antique eyeglasses). The Chocolatia Family has been trying to replace them. Roberto Salt, a neighboring capybara, has been trying to “recreate” the glasses for weeks!
He finally managed to make the same glasses. The Capybaras in the area are all very happy!!!! :-)Roberto Salt has decided to open an eyeglass store in Cap Town (the Capybara Islands’s main city), Ka Makaaniani (translated to English: The Eyeglass). The Capybaras will be having a party on December 19, all capybara in the area are invited! The local café, The Blackberry Coffee House, run by Annika Capibar will be providing lemonade and blackberry cheesecake. Capybaras are encouraged to bring something for the picnic, but it is not mandatory.
The party will be in picnic style on the Bluff overlooking Seaweed Bay. The exact location is between the two oak trees. Picnic chairs and blankets will be provided
Friday, December 18, 2020 - Edition #156
Llama drama: Ms. Wonderwool - After the 100th edition!!! (3/3)
Ms. Silvia Wonderwool, the famous llama who changed ‘Hamstervill’ to Hamsterville, is currently living in Hamsterville. We check in on how she is doing, you can read part two of this “check-in” on December 16, 2020.
We left off on December 16 talking about her family. Today we discussed her job as a baker. Silvia works as a baker in Hamsterville. When she first arrived there the first thing she did was unpack her large collection of homemade jams, jellies, nuts, cookies, spreads, and preserves. She also brought flour and other baking equipment.
After she first arrived, Silvia invited some rodents and llamas she had come to know to a big party!🍰 Therefore, in the first couple weeks she spend a lot of time baking and cooking.
Silvia currently works at the waterfront bakery, NGPC Lime Tree Bakery.
Silvia is not a fan of icing, but enjoys eating (and making) buttercream. She also dislikes cupcakes. Her favorite color is dark metallic blue. She enjoys working with rose, pistachio, and chocolate to create layer cakes. She is also a big fan of Mrs. Pearl Parrot (see bonus articles) and uses her recipes/cookbooks to create her own baked goods.
Silvia recently won a competition in Paris and hopes to open her own bakery or café in Hamstington.
Silvia thinks that icing should never be used to cover up mistakes in a cake, so she rarely uses it.
Monday, December 21, 2020 - Edition #157
Mr. Aito Masamoto back from Vacation!
Mr. Aito Masamoto was on vacation in Japan from December 6 - December 16. Rodents swarmed his café when he reopened in the late afternoon yesterday. He was visiting his parents in Japan. The below pictures are some that he made on his trip.
Mr. Masamoto also brought home some new recipes for his restaurant. Rodents can now buy Japanese steamed buns with a seaweed or fish filling. They can also buy Matcha Crepe Cake and Yuzu jellies.
While Mr. Masomoto was on vacation, The Little Takayama Seaweed Café was closed and Ms. Zana Sea was camping in the Lemmingvill area.
Mr. Masamoto has also decided to add some teas to his menu. Rodents can now drink green tea, barley tea, and buckwheat tea. Mr. Masamoto is serving them both hot and cold. However, not with ice cubes.
Also new, Mr. Masamoto is hiring Ms. Yuma Mountain, a coatis. She is Japanese and is interested in learning more japanese recipes. She will only be doing a part-time job though.
Tuesday, December 22, 2020 - Edition #158
Check-in: Three Kindergartens
The Little Chopstick Kindergarten (Explained on December 23, 2020)
The Little Chopstick Kindergarten is run by Mr. Kai Masamoto. Mr. Kai Masamoto has been doing cooking classes with his class this winter. Every week, students have to bring one item from a check-list. They then cook or bake something for the local librarians. Last week they made pumpkin soup, and chocolate, hazelnut, and buttercream cake.
The Orange Blossom Garden (Explained on December 24, 2020)
The Orange Blossom Harden is run by Crystal Natawabi in New Prairie Town. Crystal broke her left leg skating on Tear-Drop Pond. Last year, Crystal broke her right leg, and the year before that she broke her right wrist. Many rodents have recommended that Crystal should get an assistant, but Crystal hasn’t found the perfect rodent yet. She doesn’t want to take some random rodent that she doesn’t know, but she also doesn’t want to take a parent from her class.
The Happy Pomegranate Kindergarten (Explained on November 6 & 9, 2020)
The Happy Pomegranate kindergarten is run by Mrs. Von der Weide in New Prairie Town. Mrs. Von der Weide’s class is currently baking cookies for a fundraiser. Mrs. Von der Weide does skiing every winter with her students. However, she does not have a set of 15 skis and most of them were purchased in 1987 and need replacing. Every student is required to bring a family recipe for the class to bake. Unfortunately, the Citranus family (gerbils) has decided not to corruperate. The Citranus family has 5 children in Mrs. Von der Weide class, they make up 1/3 of the class.
Wednesday, December 23, 2020 - Edition #159
THE LITTLE CHOPSTICK KINDERGARTEN
The Little Chopstick Kindergarten is run by Kai Masamoto and is in NGPC. Kai Masamoto is the brother of Jim and Aito Masamoto. He is Japanese and liked to incorporate Japanese traditions into his kindergarten.
Like the Happy Pomegranate Kindergarten Kai has divided his school day into three parts. He has 15 students per year. Kai loves science and one of the kindergartens subjects in science.
Kai starts with movement and long jump at the beginning of the day. Kai creates a new obstacle course every day. The next subject is cooking/math. Kai enjoys cooking and in winter always does a baking/cooking fundraiser for his kindergarten. Kai does one week of math and then the next week is cooking. Most of Kai’s cooking recipes are Japanese, but he also encourages families to bring their own recipes for the kindergarten to make.
The last period of the day is science, Kai is good friends with some of the scientists working at NGPCU. Kai was able to get 8 used microscopes and his kindergarteners have fun looking at things through them. One of Kai's favorite areas of science is botany and the class takes regular trips to the NGPC herbarium.
Kai’s students have lunch after their second period (Math/Cooking). On the weeks where they cook, they have their cooked dish(s) for lunch. On other weeks, Kai will provide a vegetarian lunch.
Thursday, December 24, 2020 - Edition #160
ORANGE BLOSSOM GARDEN
The Orange Blossom Garden is a kindergarten in New Prairie Town, it is run by Ms. Crystal Natawabi. Like the Happy Pomegranate and the Little Chopstcik’s kindergartens, Crystal has divided her day into three periods.
The first period of the day is Choir. Crystal believes that singing is very important and has devoted an entire period to it. During this period rodents sing classic songs, newer songs, and learn to write their own songs.
The second period is gardening. Crystal has her kindergarten in her garden, with a little tent for when it rains. The garden is very large and doesn’t have any big trees, but has a couple small trees. It also has many bushes, and a small “stream” that runs from the Carrot River into a small pond. This garden needs a lot of weeding, planting, and other work. Some weeks, Crystal has the rodents draw some of the plants and other weeks they actually work in the garden.
The last period of the day is high and long jump/swimming. In summer and early fall, Crystal will use this period to teach swimming lessons. Students are required to bring their bathing suits every day. During the spring, winter, and late fall seasons Crystal does high and long jump with her students. She trains them for the annual Kindergarten Triathlon (information: November 20).
There is a lunch break before the gardening period. Crystal provides lunch on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Usually a rice dish. On the other days (Wednesday, Thursday) rodents need to supply their own lunches.
Friday, December 25, 2020 - Edition #161
New Prairie Town Winter Festival Ends!
Every year in New Prairie Town during the winter season there is an annual winter festival. This winter festival starts on Winter Solstice (December 21, 2020). The festival starts at 5:30pm and ends at 10:00pm. The Winter Festival begins on Winter Solstice and goes on for 5 days. The festival is held inside New Prairie Towns plaza.
Enjoy these Winter Festival pictures and read through the activities of the Winter Festival:
In the middle of the plaza is a large ice skating rink. Next to the rink is a small stand where you can rent ice skates.
On the first night of the festival there is an ice skating competition at 8:30pm.
Every day there is a different competition on ice at 8:30pm:
Day 1: Ice Skating (figure skating)
Day 2: Ice Hockey
Day 3: Ice Skating (speed skating)
Day 4: Synchronized Skating (Mens)
Day 5: Synchronized Skating (Ladies)
There is also an ice sculpture competition. Rodents (ages 12+) get a 1 foot by 1 foot ice block and have 4 hours to carve anything out of ice. Rodents are only given ONE ice block, so don't mess it up!
The current most popular designs for sculptures are:
Trees (Acacia are most popular)
Rodents
Oceans or clouds
You can buy ice skates, ice skating bags, and sweaters and various stands at the Winter Festival.
In New Prairie Town, schools end at 3:30pm, during the 5 days of the Winter Festival schools end at 3:00pm.
Monday, December 28, 2020 - Edition #162
Interview: Professor Volentina Von Pleateeth
Information can be found on Professor Von Pleateeth: October 2, November 10, November 11
Setting: Professor Von Pleateeth’s Double Story, Supposedly Haunted, Burrow’s living room.
Reporter: Good afternoon, Professor Von Pleateeth. The Daily Squeaker has been trying to get an interview with you for ages! How are you?
Professor Von Pleateeth: I’m doing just fine. How are you?
Reporter: Things are going well, but I need a vacation. What is CNC (Common Nuts Curriculum)?
Professor Von Peateeth: It's a plan that defines what math topics are taught in each grade (K through 12).
Reporter: You inherited a Double Story, Supposedly Haunted, Burrow, is it really haunted?
Professor Von Pleaetth: Well, there are times when I think I am not alone there. For example, this when I put a candle in the window, for the annual Light Festival my attic was extraordinarily bright and there was some giggling.
Reporter: Do you regret leaving your position at the NGPCU?
Professor Von Pleateeth: Well, I do not regret it, but I’m missing some of the events the university offered.
Reporter: For example?
Professor Von Pleateeth: The university organizes regular cultural events. Where rodents present their talents or share details of their traditions. I was frequently joining these events, but the drive to NGPC is too long for me to attend often.
Reporter: What about taking the train?
Professor Von Pleateeth: I could take the train, but I am sometimes so overwhelmed with grading. That I don’t have the time to just step out.
Reporter: Thank you for this interview, Professor Von Peateeth!
Tuesday, December 29, 2020 -Edition #163
Harsh Winter in Hamstingtington - Mr. Aito Masamoto’s problems
Mr. Aito Masamoto, the owner of the Little Takayama Seaweed Café in NGPC, is facing problems with the harsh winter in Hamstington. Mr. Masamoto started his café in July and has never faced the Hamstington winter.
He is currently debating what to do. The entire city of New Guinea Pig City is covered in ice and snow. Not many rodents are eating outside or at restaurants. Mr. Masamoto is only doing outdoor seating and is debating whether or not to close for the time being.
Another issue is that Mr. Masamoto lives in a pagoda in his garden. Mr. Masamoto has lived in New Guinea Pig City, but the winters are usually warmer and he is unsure what to do about heating.
The neighboring café, Café Guinea (run by Ms. Guinea), has indoor seating. That way it is able to stay open and guests still come there. Further issues for Mr. Masamoto are that he mostly serves cold or room temperature foods. He only recently started to make soups after Ms. Guinea let him use her kitchen.
Wednesday, December 30, 2020 - Edition #164
Squirrel Village Winter Problems
Squirrel Village, like all of Hamstington, has been experiencing a very harsh winter. However, Squirrel Village produces Hamstington’s nuts, this last harvest has been quite bad.
“Two of our five walnut trees had a very bad harvest. This year we have almost 40% less walnuts than last year.” Nicole Almond said, the leader of Nuts Today.
[Quick fact for rodents not living in Hamstington: Nuts Today is an organization in Squirrel Village that makes sure that each harvest goes well. They also have a podcast that can be heard at hamstingtonsqueaks.com.]
The decrease in nuts this year has been a major issue for Scarlet Squirrel, owner of a bakery in Squirrel Village. Walnuts, and all nuts, are a major part of her daily baked cookies, muffins, and breads.
Not only the walnut harvest was bad this year, almonds, hazelnuts, and pecans have suffered. Experts are unsure why. One thing is for sure though, until next fall there WILL be a shortage of nuts.
Thursday, December 31, 2020 - Edition #165
Fennel Family Interview
Fiona Fennel-Strawberry, Melody Raspberry-Fennel, Victoria Blueberry-Fennel
Reporter: Good evening, Fennel sisters! *wink*
Fiona: Hi!
Reporter: How are you?
Fiona: Tired, I had a history exam yesterday.
Melody: Ok.
Reporter: Fiona, what and where are you studying.
Fiona: I’m studying at the University of Hamsterville, I’m studying the history of the Royal Family.
Reporter: Let's get to the actual questions. How did you figure out that you are cousins?
Victoria: It was after Silvia Wonderwool uncovered Hamsterville’s missing E. I started to look into my family's history. I started around September, Melody and Fiona learned of my project and started to do the same. We then learned that we had the same grandparents and then the entire story unraveled.
Reporter: What is the book you are writing going to be titled? And when will it be published?
Melody: We haven’t agreed on a title yet. Vi [Victoria] thinks it should be Fennel Family Secrets, Fiona thinks Discovery would be a great title. I think the title should be Finding Family. Our estimate for the publishing date would be October 2021.
Reporter: Thanks for this marvelous interview! I have a suggestion for a book title, how about Fennel Sisters?
