8-15-08 And who might you be?

Thursday night I decided to turn in early after working all day to clean up the mess I had made in the kitchen. Imagine my surprise when I woke up the next morning to find not only were there strange people in the house but they had a baby with them. Now I know why Mrs. S wanted me to clean up so thoroughly. It is not well known but aside from our love of travel and demolition skills, gnomes also make excellent babysitters. In fact, the story of Mary Poppins was loosely based on a gnome named Berry Hobbins from the southern coast of Gnomistan. Readers, I present to you Landon, the nephew of Mr. & Mrs. S.

With a baby in the house, I immediately placed all demolition activities on hold. I briefly considered enlisting Landon's help with the project but Mr. S reminded me of the strict child labor laws here in the States.

I was amazed at how smart and well-behaved Landon acted. The other children I have seen on my travels have seemed rude and immature while Landon was a model of sophistication. Could it be I was mistaken about children from this country? Alas, the answer to the riddle was revealed to me...Landon has had the benefit a Gnomish presence guiding him through his development. A handsome fellow countryman named Gomer, who bears a striking resemblance to myself, has been by his side for most of his young life. Now I know why Landon is such a delightful—and cuddly—child! A gnome has helped to mold his sunny disposition.