Please meet Hidcote, a Limited Edition Vermont Teddy bear.   She's very unusual because she is made of a gorgeous lavender-color tipped mohair and has the number 122/200 on her right paw.   I've never seen another one like her, although I suppose there are 199 others.  She's a good thirteen inches tall, and only weighs 10 ounces.   She was made about 26 years ago, and she is in excellent condition.

I bought Hidcote at a second-hand store while passing through a town in Northern New Jersey.  Apparently the woman who owned her was downsizing her collection, and frankly, she was quite irresistible.  She wears a little lace collar, and at the time I bought her she had a little lace apron on, too.    I think she took part in a wedding at one point in her life.

Hidcote was named for Hidcote English lavender.  She told me when she found out it's a plant with tall purplish-blue spikes and a strong fragrance, it kind of reminded her of herself!   She's rather tall for a Teddy bear and she carries her self very proudly, and she smells good, too.  Many years ago she was able to visit Hidcote Manor, the National Trust property in the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire, England.   She was so very excited to be there!   The house has a rich history.   It was built in the 17th century on the grounds of an earlier priory.   But the most exciting part of her day was exploring the gardens!   She saw the most beautiful, colorful flowers!   Of course, the lavender borders were her favorite.  It was like a dream come true.  She hid among the buds there, and between the bees buzzing and breathing in that heady aroma, she promptly fell asleep.   She was awoken a while later by a gardener walking down the gravel path nearby.    He said her saw her napping and didn't want to disturb her, but now that she was refreshed, would she like to have a cup of tea in the cafe with him?   So while he pointed out the different varieties of flowers, they took a leisurely walk to the cafe, and over scones spread with blood orange marmalade, they discussed lavender, the red borders, and raising bees.   That's where her love of plants and gardening began, and it continues to today.   She'd like to start a beehive one day and make lavender honey, but for right now, she has a garden to grow.