Dumbledore's Adventures

Finders Keepers...

2011-01-08T22:38:00.001Z

Look at what some nice minion left me this morning...

I ended up eating a few more than I meant to...

Royal Opinion

2011-01-06T21:44:00.002Z

It's the centenary of International Women's day on the 8th of March and to mark it a project has been created to knit 100 million stitches (to represent the missing women in our society) . To achieve this they want everyone to knit a 6 inch square. As a bear of importance such as me I feel it's important to give back to society and represent the path of right.

So armed with a mother in-law who can knit, needles and ball of wool I knitted.

It took about 5 hours to manage the 6 inches square. It's not perfect despite my prowess as a King it appears knitting is a challenge to me - I'm blaming my lack of opposable thumbs.

Wii Ruler

2010-12-29T12:17:00.000Z

Greeting loyal minions,

It has been a while since I last graced you with one's Royal musings but one has found oneself too busy with important matters of state to find the time. I am now enjoying a Royal holiday on my own personal island.

Maggie (a local minion) suggested I try my paw at using the 'Wii'. First I had to create a account.

Apparently Polar Bears don't usually play so I had to make do with options available (I will be getting someone to write a letter of complaint to the makers of this 'wii' over this ridiculous oversight). Still I look rather dashing even when slumming it as a minion.

Next it was time to play. Maggie suggested Mario Cart.

She claimed she was has talent at this game and would show me how to play but I won every race right from the start.

Clearly she is deluded over her talent at the game, when I pointed this out she seemed rather upset but one patiently explained that after all one is King. So naturally superior to her in every way.

My favourite circuits were the snowy ones (particularly the one with penguins) - here is me mastering DK's Snowboarding track

So ultimately I ruled and Maggie drooled (Kateri says it was more crying than drooling but if so I think it was tears of joy at witnessing such greatness).

Don't worry minions once she stopped crying I let her have one of the Royal chocolate coins to show her what a wonderful and benevolent King I really am.

Your benevolent and mighty ruler,

King Dumbledore

Calendar Credits

2009-12-30T16:33:00.000Z

December

2009-12-01T16:31:00.000Z

Of course being the King means I get to give a Christmas Message... I'll need ot think carefully about what I want to tell you all about my wonderful year...

November

2009-11-01T16:30:00.000Z

October

2009-10-01T16:30:00.000+01:00

September

2009-09-01T16:29:00.000+01:00

“Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath and a glass of wine"

2009-08-05T22:08:00.005+01:00

At least according to St. Thomas Aquinas.
I am saddened when I must leave my adoring minions.
However I will take St Thomas's advice and
have a good soak,

some sleep

and a box of chocolate (I'm King and I don't do wine).

August

2009-08-01T16:29:00.000+01:00

Spotted

2009-07-26T21:00:00.003+01:00

Ten extra minion points* to anyone who can spot the polarbear.
*Minion points can not be exchanged for any goods made from or related to chocolate.

Bejewelled

2009-07-26T20:46:00.001+01:00

I have new crown jewels. Bow all before my majesty.

Expenses

2009-07-12T19:33:00.003+01:00

My loyal minions.

I know I have been quiet and have not regaled you with the tales from my royal household. This is merely due to some serious issues I have had to address. I have had to investigate some illegal expenses claims made by my representatives. It appears that my loyal team have been siphoning off extra chocolate biscuits and brownies from the royal mint to have with their "second breakfast" I can assure you there will be no more flagrant abuse of my chocolate accounting procedures.

Having now resolved that issue. I have embarked on my Royal Summer Tour of 2009 with three of my most loyal minions. I believe there will be chocolate cake in my honour on Friday (one of the minions has requested one for me specially on her birthday) and then we will be touring this fine nation. No chocolate shop shall go unsullied.

Your benevolent and mighty ruler,

King Dumbledore

July

2009-07-01T16:28:00.002+01:00

June

2009-06-01T16:28:00.000+01:00

May

2009-05-01T16:27:00.000+01:00

Does a bear s*** in the woods?

2009-04-22T12:34:00.003+01:00

Not this polar bear.

This polar bear visits a fully plumbed, flushing, running water, locking, clean convenience.

Nothing so uncivilized as a wood for the royal behind. Thank you very much.

*ahem* do you mind looking the other way, I'm busy here.

It is essential to keep one's paws clean for all that chocolate. No nasty bugs on me!

One always enjoys a blow dry to add that extra fluffiness element

One last check in the mirror to ensure 100% perfection! I'm ready to face my adoring minions once again.

Dispatches

2009-04-15T22:45:00.003+01:00

My normal minions have gone on a scouting mission to Wisconsin. I have heard tell that the one named Palin is no longer a possible threat to my polar bear brethren but I felt that I needed first hand evidence that the believer Obama truly is the "ruler" of the United States (obviously I am supreme ruler of all the known universe but I cannot deal with the nitty gritty so I allow those mere humans to play the game of "politics".)

Since I would not wish to fend for myself for this time I have come to the safe haven that is my second most loyal minions. They treat me with great respect. They have even purchased rather fetching carrying devices, matching ones too. Not sure I care for the colour but I must admit I can be seen in a crowd which suits me just fine.

April

2009-04-01T16:25:00.000+01:00

Corporate Sponsorship

2009-03-16T20:23:00.004Z

As you, my loyal followers and minions, know I am grand overlord and benevolent (when it suits me) ruler of all that I survey.

I rule not only the lowly peoples of this world but also receive tribute from the many corporate entities who benefit from my kindly and supportive rule. On a recent tour I was given a substantial tribute by one of the largest corporations that support me.

Here I am at a Starbucks receiving one very large gold covered chocolate coin (the best kind) and a very welcoming Hot Chocolate on a rather chilly, even for this handsome polar bear, morning.

Benevolence

2009-03-05T21:00:00.006Z

In my role as benevolent leader I have taken on the duty of learning from those who came before my most majestic self.

In my study of Marie Antoinette I feel I am able to enhance her policy of "let them eat cake". Quite obviously where she went wrong is that she should have stated "let them eat chocolate cake".

This is one of the founding principles of my dominion. Chocolate cake for all, so long as I have the largest slice.

March

2009-03-01T16:24:00.000Z

The Royal Mint

2009-03-01T13:38:00.003Z

My royal mint is effective but sometimes it is a nuisance having to carry around all of those heavy gold coins. It seems that my minions find it makes their bags too heavy to carry and being the benevolent leader I am I have decided to use printed money. I don't normally do tasks for myself but I would never give my PIN to any of my mere minions, the accounts are full of my hard collected donations from my devoted minions.

February

2009-02-05T16:17:00.000Z

Here is the calendar entry for Feb - so true!

January

2009-01-15T16:14:00.000Z

Of course I also don't need to diet because I am as handsome as I can be already.

The best non-chocolate present ever!

2009-01-14T16:19:00.000Z

Clair made me a special calendar because none of those available were good enough! I feel I should share this work of art with you all. This image is of the front cover - Lottie and Lexie (two of my favorite minions) drew me crowns (because as previously mentioned I rule) and chocolate. You can see me here with Bill Tong.

I'm King of the Castle...

2009-01-09T14:18:00.002Z

and you're the dirty wee rascal!

Do Polar Bears like honey?

2009-01-07T14:15:00.002Z

Triumphant

2009-01-03T00:05:00.001Z

I consented to allow my minions to play me at one of their simple games. Being the ever generous monarch I am I allowed them a few pieces of "pie" before I rallied home in my triumphant march to the the centre using my giant intellect. I demolished all before me displaying my immense knowledge on subjects as diverse as the Spice Girls, religion and boxing.

Crown Jewels

2009-01-01T22:09:00.000Z

My many minions have been commissioned to produce works of art to celebrate me, King Dumbledore. I have inspected this first offering showing a plethora of crowns representing my majesty and dominance over many kingdoms. I approve thoughrally, especially the preponderance of jewels bedecking each crown. Yes, that is appropriate.

Your majestic overlord,

King Dumbledore

The Royal Mint

2008-12-29T02:10:00.002Z

As the world faces financial ruin I, as Supreme Ruler, I have ordered the production of my very own coins to save the world economy.

The process is not very fast (possibly due to my only employing two small tigers) but I demand high standards and supervise every step of the production.Finally my waiting is rewarded with the presentation of the first two official coins of my realm.

Mmm... I will have a fishy in a little dishy...

2008-12-28T14:29:00.002Z

Over the last year it has become apparent that I love all things fishy. First things first I must choose from the menu what I fancy.

Do I want a fish supper?

Or a prawn sandwich?

What about a seal steak?

A starfish sundae?

Hitching a Ride

2008-12-27T23:15:00.002Z

As many of you know I feel little need to walk, that is what the masses must do. I am above such mundane transport instead I am driven or ride to all venues.

I have three servants who are willing to ferry me to any location I desire.

Should they fail me I will ride my royal steed swiftly across the landing to the nearest chocolate source.

Christmas Games

2008-12-27T17:47:00.002Z

I had lots of fun on Christmas Day (not to mention plenty of yummy food).

My Beharie minions got a pile of lego so I helped them construct their kits (they'd never have managed without my help). Kateri said I should do something more useful like help make dinner but my minions needed me - besides I shouldn't have to make my own food.

Then after all the excitement I ran a quiz for Mohan and Mohinder. I am a excellent quiz master (even better

than Stephen Fry) because I know so much. Of course that can be a problem since being a genius makes it very hard not make others feel foolish and little but I try very hard to make them feel equal. Well as equal as you can be to a supreme being such as myself.

Christmas Food

2008-12-26T17:30:00.002Z

Ah, Christmas is all about the food on our Orkney trip.
We started with our traditional cinnamon buns (Dumbledore tried to keep them all to himself) at about 9:30.

Then we prepared the Salmon Moose and Deep Fried Cheese. I even helped to prepare the cheese (Grimbister, coated in a double layer of bread crumbs and served with Christmas Chutney).We ate this starter at about 12:30.

The main meal was served at 4ish - Tom's folks are from England so they have a big meal far earlier than my family who'd eat about 6.

The meal included Granny Elliot's stuffing (a Whalley family tradition).

Then about 6pm pudding was served.

Kathryn had made profiteroles which proved to be very popular with a certain Polar Bear. Also on offer was Owen's Tiramisu, though this was not suitable for younger family members!

Present from D'Alby girls

2008-12-25T22:14:00.002Z

Loyal subjects,

As you know I expect tribute from all of my subjects and the D'Alby girls did not let me down.

My exciting present...

Getting help from loyal servants to open it... (sometimes you do need an opposable thumb)

Look at all my precious gold coins! Not to mention the handmade royal stocking they also provided. It really was fit for the King.

I hope you all have a lovely Christmas too,

Your benevolent overlord,

Dumbledore

Christmas Morning

2008-12-25T18:04:00.002Z

Visions of Sugar Plums dance through my head...

When I awoke it was clear that Santa had been...
Though I was not the only one to get a visit from old St. Nick...
Santa knows me so well, he gave me this magnificent crown...
and a pile of gold coins...
Mohan got some crushed spiders and Mohinder some dried Buzzy Bees what more could we ask for?

Getting ready for Christmas

2008-12-24T18:13:00.002Z

According to Kermit the Frog one of the most pleasant of all activities is getting ready for Christmas. Dumble and the tigers certainly got in on the act. While Mohan and Mohinder decorated a little tree, Dumbledore made a gingerbread house.

It's the same gingerbread house kit the D'Alby's used.

Dumble felt that he'd missed out since we'd ran out of time when to to it with them so he insisted we buy one to bring north!

He let me, Magnus and Kathryn help but he insisted that I add that any dodgy bits were done by us. His bits all worked out wonderfully.

Visit to Santa

2008-12-15T20:37:00.002Z

Loyal Subjects,

I went to visit the one and only Santa (he visited Stirling just so we could meet up). I took the D'Alby's with me (mostly for warmth it was freezing!). I asked for chocolate and World Domination. Lottie asked for a game but Lexie forgot what she wanted though she had mentioned chocolate coins previously so I told Santa to give her that (after all who wouldn't want that?).

Till next time,

Dumbledore

The Real Deal

2008-12-15T17:50:00.001Z

Santa was in Stirling for one day only(Okay, mummy had time to take them on one day only). We just HAD to go see him. Minnie was doubtful that he was the real Santa and the instant she sat on his knee had a good ole tug on the beard to check. Yup, definately the real Santa. I can't believe she was so doubtful- check out the beard, the cheery smile and old man glasses. That is Santa. Plus his belt buckle was very Christmassy.
Lottie and Lexie weren't too fussed about what they wanted for Christmas but told Santa ooh, six or seven times, Dumbledore wants Chocolate.

King Dumbledore's Royal Tour

2008-12-14T09:24:00.001Z

Dumbledore came for a royal visit to the D'Alby family this week. We were taking him to visit a part of his kingdom- the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. He spent time admiring the view:

His minions carried him wherever he desired to go- even allowing him to snuggle in for extra warmth in the cold climate. Even a polar bear gets cold from time to time.

Dumbledore selected the royal tree which was then carried home to be decorated for him.

Dumbledore decided that he needed a more sedate form of transport and his loyal servant Christopher carried him home.

Once he returned to the royal lodging house he took up residence upon his royal stool in front of the fire to deliver new royal proclamations.

Please remember that all tributes to King Dumbledore are due by Christmas day and should be paid in Chocolate. All forms of Chocolate are acceptable but preference is for gold coins.

Birthday Fun

2008-12-10T20:26:00.002Z

Well I turned 21 again on the 9th. Dumbledore was their helping me along. Tom made a great Polar bear cake (I think it's the first time Tom's ever given me a birthday cake let alone baked one!). It was a recipe from the Christmas ASDA magazine. Clair was their to witness and has added a bit to her blog.

Happy Birthday to You

2008-12-09T18:04:00.001Z

Today is a big birthday day, it is the birthday of both my little brother Kris and my friend Kateri (who has reached the grand old age of...erm...21!) I'm quickly posting before I head out to dinner with my family for my brother's birthday but I caught up with Kateri on Friday night...

Of course there was a very special guest- Dumbledore was there to enjoy the celebrations. Of course a polar bear would only have one choice of drink- white wine.

There was a very special cake made by Tom's fair hand of a polar bear. Dumbledore didn't seem to mind the thought of cake-cannibalism, as long as he got the chocolate button nose. The cake was rather delicious though.

Love of all things sweet

2008-11-16T21:30:00.002Z

As many of you loyal subjects know I, King Dumbledore, have a sweet tooth - I got given it by the Tooth Fairy :)

Anyway I have been sampling a couple of exciting dishes recen

tly. One was at the Stenness Ice-Cream Parlour. I thought about the Stenness Monster but it is bigger than me and I had had breakfast already.

Then I also sampled some cake at the local Garden centre with Tom's help. I let him have a couple of crumbs as a thank you for his loyal service.

New Hat

2008-11-07T21:43:00.002Z

Big thanks to Marjorie who knitted me a lovely and warm hat - so as the winter chill begins I will be the envy of all cold headed minions.

Dumble Gets Crafty

2008-11-01T20:07:00.002Z

The badge making phase included this gem Dumbledore wanted. It tell's everyone he's King Dumbledore. 'Course most of us could tell be the rather fetching pink crown he's wearing in the pic.

New slaves to do my bidding

2008-10-23T14:19:00.002+01:00

Finally after months of trying to convince them the humans have finally got me rat slaves. These two little critters can do my bidding and fetch me food! There does seem to be a small problem right now where they eat the food rather than pass it on to their King but this will change soon enough!

Retro Bear

2008-10-15T11:25:00.001+01:00

Once again Dumbledore has infiltrated my defences and has managed to snaffle yet more chocolate based treats. This time he managed to get hold of my current favourite retro chocolate bar, the Wispa. Good job my security cameras are around to capture the incident. Not to worry though, my intrepid guard baby managed to run him down and get him nice and sticky, well stickier than he was after eating the chocolate. He may be a mighty polar bear but not as mighty as a baby who is learning to crawl.

Royal visit to the Dounby Show

2008-10-04T13:57:00.002+01:00

Welcome to another thrilling excerpt from my life. I know you inferior humans like to read about my glorious fun so you can give meaning to your otherwise drab existence so I will regal you with the tale of my royal visit to Dounby show.

Dounby is a town in Orkney and the show is an opportunity to meet all the players in the area and catch up on the latest gossip. As you’d expect I enjoyed conversations with many of my loyal animal subjects. I am sure that these sheep will remember this moment for the rest of their limited existence.The local dogs performed for my pleasure. There did not appear to be much plot to their show but they put their heart into it and enthusiastically led their humans around a obstacle course.Like all good local shows a large attraction was the rides. I too love a good tea cup ride and I also really enjoyed the swing ride. I had ordered a royal video of the event but my PR lackey feels that not everyone would appreciate me going round in circles for a minute. I would urge you to campaign for your right to see this momentous movie, I think it’s a shocking piece of censorship that I am not being allowed to share it with you and make your dull little lives a bit brighter.

Adieu,
King Dumbledore

I go driving in my car…

2008-09-28T13:13:00.002+01:00

Well loyal subjects over the holidays I had the opportunity to try my paw at a range of driving opportunities. I can’t help but feel if I weren’t the wonderful and royal bear I was I might have considered a career as a JCB driver. You must admit I look very good at the wheel!

I also tried my paw at train driving though I found that there was a small issue of scale – having said that I was of course still very talented at it.

Finally a bit of fun I had heard that Quad biking this could be dangerous but I think you’ll agree I am completely in control of this rather shiny example. I even let Mohinder (one of my little tiger chums) try driving a 4x4.

Of course there are times when you just want to be driven and for those moments I have ~~slaves~~ servants to help me out and chocolate to nibble as I relax.

Until the next time,

Polar Bears For Obama

2008-09-27T16:10:00.001+01:00

Okay I'm not usually political here but sometimes it is a little hard to stay neutral. The upcoming American presedential election has got me a little annoyed, mostly because of the views of the Republican Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. I'm usually up for women crashing through the glass ceiling but her disbelief in evolution (she's a creationist) and that global worming is caused by humans and that polar bears are not threatened by melting ice caps, helllllooooo she lives in ALASKA!! Is this woman even connected to the same planet as the rest of us?

I'm not alone in this thinking, Dumbledore is concerned too, chek out his concerns here. In the mean time, I'm doing what every non-US citizen with no voting rights can do. I've got a bumper sticker on my car and hoping that somehow the American people will do the right thing. If you need to gen up on what's what and who's who in the election then you can check it out here.

Dumbledore sighted munching cake!

2008-09-09T20:22:00.002+01:00

Read all about it here

The only Palin I support is Michael!

2008-09-08T19:45:00.002+01:00

Usually I am a politically neutral bear but it has come to my attention that a certain USA vice-presidential candidate (Sarah Palin) is against me and my noble ursus maritimus brothers. Apparently she feels we are not in any danger and doing just dandy.

Now I know for a fact that rising temperatures are affecting my ursine brethren. Not all of us can live in houses and eat chocolate all day, some have to live in much colder places and have to hunt for their own food (I know it’s sad but I can only try and lead by example).

I urge my ursine brethren to support Obama. Remember, a vote for Obama is a vote for Polar Bears.

Show your support by getting a bumper sticker from DoodleDandy

Day to Day

2008-09-07T19:58:00.001+01:00

It's been a bit of nightmare in the house this last week. Lottie came down with hand foot and mouth disease which causes blisters on the tongue and a fever among other things. Add to this she had some sort of infection in her throat, she's not been well. Just as she was getting better, lo and behold Lexie came down with it too (isn't it always the way).

To give me a hand with the kids whilst they were sick my mum took Lottie overnight and then Lexie, Minnie and I joined her the next night so we all got a bit extra sleep. The girls had a bath together with granny's help which made them all feel better too, their favourite part was making bubble beards.

Another piece of news, Chris has got himself a new job. He starts on Monday as a marshall at the local Karting. He has been looking for something new for a while- his old job hours weren't going to fit when I go back to work so this has come at a good time for us. Plus, it's a lot more fun than selling gas and electricity.

We were in Cupar this today for a Christening and the girls insisted that Uncle Tom and Auntie Kateri bring Dumbledore along too. All of them seemed to enjoy the day out and the cake.

"Heaven, I'm in heaven, and my heart beats so that I can hardly speak..."

2008-09-03T01:00:00.002+01:00

…when we’re out together buying chocs to eat.

Underling I have discovered heaven and it’s name is ‘The Oban Chocolate Company’.

Handmade chocolates you can see being made. The first challenge
was to choose from the menu. Not a simple task – even choosing a hot chocolate was a challenge in the end I couldn’t decide so I got two.

The chocolate sampler was wonderful. They had ones with chilli so they had a hot after taste, banoffee truffles, honey and ginger white chocolates…

Though I can’t help but feel I might have had eyes bigger than my tummy…

Rather busy...

2008-08-27T20:39:00.002+01:00

Please don't take the lack of posting as a I have given up the crafty goodness - more that proper work has caught up with me and I am currently trying to help get a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition out, co-ordinate Duke of Edinburgh Award stuff for Girlguiding Scotland, finish my sock monster, get my Lones newsletter finished and do myreal 9-5 job!

Crafty night was cancelled this week but my version of Jingjing, a cat badge plus 'Pungy' the sock monster and some more Dumbldore adventures are all coming soon... ish :)

Can't wait for more Dumbledore adventures? He's been spotted lurking over at Clair's House

Spotted!

2008-08-24T21:46:00.001+01:00

During this afternoon's procedings there was one small, furry, kilt wearing interloper who was spotted gorging on the chocolate cakes. You'll notice he has shunned the fruit based confectionery on the right.

Royal Train Journey

2008-08-01T22:08:00.002+01:00

Loyal Subjects,

I thought you'd like to witness your great King enjoying a exciting train ride on Mull. During my recent royal visit to the area I took a short trip on the Mull Railway on my way to visit Torosay Castle. Through this video you can pretend that you were with me, basking in my regal glory.

I hope you enjoyed that,

King Dumbledore

Otter-ly Brilliant

2008-07-29T00:04:00.001+01:00

Polar Bear watches Otter

This weekend Chris and I were child-free and in Oban (not for a romantic getaway or anything so sensible you'll understand, but for Chris to go to an archery competition). So whilst he and Tom were playing shooty, Kateri and I opted to don our "Archery Widow" badges and looked for something that offered more entertainment and visited the chocolate factory (seriously Yum) and the Seal Sanctuary on the Saturday.

The best bit by far was the Otter (Fingal, a North American Otter), we also had Dumbledore, Kateri's stuffed polar bear who seems to be fixated on anything that could possibly be food (chocolate, seals, crabs...)

We did take him absolutely everywhere with us over the weekend and not a single comment on the fact we posed him at any opportunity we could find. Either people were concerned that we were dangerous to approach or people regularly photograph stuffed creatures around Oban. Either way, it was a fantastic day out!

Zoo Trip by Dumbledore (King) Part 2

2008-07-23T10:38:00.002+01:00

Welcome back loyal subjects!

After lunch we decided to walk on the wild side. By taking a look at some cats.

Now those of you who know me may know I live with a couple of tigers (one a tad bee obssessed and one who is a spider fan) neither are exactly towering.

It turns out that they are very little indeed compared to those who feast on bigger meat than insects!

I on the other hand am as tall as an 8 year old Chimp!

I then ~~hunted~~ spoke to some of my subjects.

The penguins looked tasty but I just couldn't get their wrappers off!

Alas it finally came to heading home.

However I had found a new subject to help me rule my Kingdom.

Bill Tong is a Red River Hog and is now the offical Royal Chocolate Finder. This high honour is because I am told that pigs are specialists at finding chocolate truffles.

Until next time,

King Dumbledore.

Zoo Trip! by Dumbledore (King) Part 1

2008-07-23T09:45:00.002+01:00

Greetings Loyal Subjects,

I thought I would share some of my royal adventures with you (so you can feel close to my greatness).

Last week I went on a royal visit to Edinburgh Zoo with some of my subjects (opposite).

Apparently it was one of the smaller subjects birthday so as a special reward for surviving a year I let her carry me.

There were of course many animals for me to talk to and it was intersting to catch up on gossip and of course for them to have the honour of meeting me.

The Honey Badger was filling me in on good places to find honeycomb covered in chcocolate.

The trip was very educational apparently these camels do not carry fat in their humps but rather babies.

Not all of my subjects seemed keen to chat. This Koala seemed much more intersted in sleeping than meeting his King. However, even he felt the aura of greatness I project and woke up to say hello.

For lunch my subjects provided me with a range of chocolate choices. Including the zoo themed Animal biscuits I love so much. Nothing like munching on monkeys to set you up for the afternoon!

Then we looked at the map and decided which of the animals I'd like ~~eat~~ meet.