Stuffie Spotlight - Alexander Mackenzie Bear

Hey everyone, this month a beary good friend of mine is in the Stuffie Spotlight. Please welcome Sandy Bear (aka Alexander Mackenzie Bear)!

1) What is your name and where do you live?

My name is Alexander Mackenzie Bear, but you can call me Sandy. I'm named after Alexander Mackenzie, one of the great Canadian/Scottish explorers! I live in an old coal mining town called Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.

2) Tell us about how you got started blogging/writing.

Well, it sort of started off as a dare... could I post/write about an adventure every day for a year? It took a bit, cause human sekrebearies are NOT the most reliable, but I managed it! During that year, I discovered that there were other stuffie bloggers out there who were also writing about their adventures. And the rest is history.

3) What other pursuits do you have?

Well, let's see... I love exploring new places. Travel, hiking, photography, kayaking, camping, road trips. All of that is great fun. I'm also a bit of a home body when I'm not traveling which means gardening, cooking and home repairs. I have several alter egos: Handy Sandy, Chef Sandy, Farmer Sandy... and, of course, Sherlock Sandy!! Whenever there is a mystery... I get called in to solve it. I don't take on "Missing Honey" or "Where's the Salmon?" cases though... I'm also a member of the RCMP Bear Squad, a duty I take beary seriously.

4) What is your favorite food and favorite thing to do?

Other than honey and hot chocolate? Well... I think roasting bratwurst over the campfire with beet/potato salad. My favourite thing to do is hiking in the forest!

Here is the link to Sandy's blog: http://bearistabear.blogspot.ca/

Will YOU be next in the Stuffie Spotlight?

Tax preparation service

Hey everyone, do you know what time of year it is?

No, it's not quite springtime yet.

But if you said "tax time," you're absolutely right!

Here in the United States, many humans (and stuffies) can be found buried under their tax documents while punching numbers into a calculator. Many of them scratch their heads and have absolutely no idea what's going on.

But don't let that happen to you this year. I want to help stuffies everywhere with filing their taxes, which is why I'm opening my own branch of H&R Block Tax Preparation Service, just in time for the tax season!

You might be wondering what qualifies me to do your taxes. Well, I actually do have experience with this. Check out how I did with filing taxes in 2014 and 2015 (I'm not sure what happened to 2016 and 2017).

I also offer free hugs at the end of my service (which you'll probably need after paying taxes).

Alright, I've put a little sign out and a calculator, plus pencils, and pens. Do you think I'll get any clients?

Oh look! Here comes my first customer. That was quick.

And in no time, the line was out the door! Looks like I might need some help. Alright, time to get to work!

2018 Stuffie Winter Olympians

Hey everyone, the 2018 Stuffie Winter Olympics have come to a close! Let's take a look at some of the courageous stuffie Olympians who entered this year's contest!

First up is Sandy who bravely gave it his all in the SPRINGBOARD SNOW PILE DIVE. This is a new event to me, but looks like great fun! Sandy, are you okay?

Next is Droopy and friends with DOGSLEDDING. It looks like Droopy and Patch are leading the team, and Spunky and Grandpa are in the back. I especially like the blue and white snow landscape!

Jerry and Ben also entered the WINTER HIKING event! Here they are, all decked out in their winter gear - looking great, guys! This also seems like an event Little Fox would have liked to enter.

And next, we have Martin MurmelTier with the MARMOT CURLING TEAM. The judges love the straw handles on these handmade curling stones!

Okay, so the gold medal goes to... (drumroll please)...

EVERYONE!

Yes, everyone has won a prize! Thanks for entering this year's Stuffie Winter Olympics contest. I will be mailing your prize beary soon!

What's wrong with Uncle Tibbs?

It's been a while since I've seen Uncle Tibbs. I wonder what he's been up to lately. Maybe you are wondering the same thing. Let's go find him, shall we?

I saw him passed out on the couch.

"Hi Uncle Tibbs..."

"LEAVE ME ALONE!!" he roared, taking a swig of beer.

That was very unlike Uncle Tibbs to yell like that. He looked beary angry.

"Uncle Tibbs, are you okay?" I asked.

"I"M FINE! NOW GO AWAY!!"

Ooogie, Miss Feathers, and Parker came over to see what was the matter.

"Ohhhhh nooooooo," said Ooogie.

"What's wrong with him?" I was worried about my friend.

"It looks like he has a severe case of adultitis," said Miss Feathers.

"Woof?"

"Yes, it's something that only adults get. Usually caused by work and stress," she continued.

"It sounds beary serious. How can we help?" I asked.

"Well, usually it means that the patient needs more F-U-N. We can start by giving H-U-G-S right away."

"Okay everyone, let's give Uncle Tibbs a big hug right now!" I said.

"HARUMPH!!" scoffed Uncle Tibbs. The expression on his face did not change.

"We need backup," Miss Feathers said.

"I'll get help!" I ran off and came back with several stuffie friends.

Very soon, dozens of stuffies were hugging Uncle Tibbs.

"Mooooore huuuuuugss, moooooreeeeee," said Ooogie.

"Everyone, please hug Uncle Tibbs with everything you've got and send him good thoughts!" I cheered them on.

"WE LOVE UNCLE TIBBS!! WE LOVE UNCLE TIBBS!! WE LOVE UNCLE TIBBS!!" they chanted.

But it was no use. Uncle Tibbs was still angry.

"Wait, look!" cried Miss Feathers.

Uncle Tibb's face returned to his normal self!

"Uncle Tibbs...is it really you?" I asked.

"Hi Ajdin! Thank you for all the hugs just now! I feel so much better! And you're right - I need to have more fun!" he said.

I hope you will give someone a big hug today!

Mailbag

Hey everyone, it's time for a mailbag post! I received several cards lately and wanted to show them to you.

The first is a postcard from Sandy from his trip to the west coast of Vancouver Island. It's a beary beautiful postcard with a sunset over the ocean. Thanks Sandy!

Next is a Valentine's Day card from Jerry & Ben. It's a Peanuts card! I love Peanuts characters, don't you? Thanks Jerry & Ben!

I also received a Valentine's Day card from my friend Jessica and Wesley Bear. It has a cupcake on the front with a heart and glitter. Mmm, now I feel like having a sweet treat. Thanks Jessica and Wesley!

And last, but definitely not least, I got a Chinese New Year red envelope from Droopy! 2018 is the Year of the Dog! Parker, come over here!

Woof!

In the Chinese New Year tradition, people (and stuffies) exchange red envelopes with money inside. It's a gift to wish everyone a prosperous new year. There was a Starbucks gift card inside this card! Thanks Droopy!

Thank you so much everyone! Your mail really brightens up my day.