1-11-09 – Final Christmas Wrap-Up

Mrs. S tells me that I must finish up with my Christmas posts before it's MLK Day. In my defense, in Gnomistan we celebrate both regular western Christmas and Eastern Orthodox Christmas during an on-going mid-winter festival. Naturally, we put off gift-giving to the end in order to take advantage of the monster after (western) Christmas clearance sales. My point is that I'm really not that far behind!

Now to the pictures. This first album includes shots from our trip to New York City on Christmas Day. Be sure to check out the pictures from the Rockettes' performance at Radio City Hall. The ladies with the looong pretty legs were spectacular.




See the full album here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31094302@N03/sets/72157612448636162

The second album is from our celebrations with Mrs. S's family in Western Pennsylvania. The highlight of this album is the adorable Master Landon, nephew of Mrs. S. I must admit, I am quite jealous that my cousin Gomer gets to live with Landon's family year-round. Master Landon was a lean, mean, present-opening machine.







See the full album here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/31094302@N03/sets/72157612406841241/

9-13-08 Gomer, reporting in

This weekend was Landon's first birthday and Mr. and Mrs. S were driving up to his house for the celebration. Why was I not asked to join them you might ask? Well, I got into a bit of hot water with the S's over my unapproved kitchen design changes. I'm sorry, but in this day and age I think there SHOULD be a gnome-sized cappuccino machine at floor level. Mr. S wasn't too happy about tripping over it in the morning and made me stay home this weekend to undo my changes. I asked Gomer, my gnome cousin to report in as a guest writer. Enjoy.

“Hello, Nittany! Thank you ever so much for allowing me to write this report. I only hope I can live up to the quality reporting that your loyal fan base expects. You would surprised at how much Landon has grown! I know it has only been a month since you have seen him but, my, how he has changed. He's now walking very well and can speak several new words! Granted many of them sound the same the same but to the keen ears of the gnome, they all are very distinct. I, myself, was asked to help stand watch over Landon's gift table. I was joined by another gnome who looks very similar to your friend Steely-eye. He didn't say much, and I never got his name, but he was an amazing guard gnome. He never moved a muscle and he kept his eyes on the gifts at all time. He reminded me of the guards outside Gnomingham palace in Gnomistan. Anyway, here are a few photos of the celebration.”

8-16-08 Steely-Eyed Gnomanski

To thank Mr. and Mrs. S for their hospitality this weekend, Mrs. S's brother and sister-in-law presented them with a new addition to the family. Steely-Eyed Gnomanski is yet another cousin of mine from the homeland. “Steely-eyed” (which is his actual name, I have seen his drivers license) hails from the steel belt of central Gnomanistan. The region is known for the convergence of Gnomistan's three main rivers and its fanatical devotion to the local sports teams. Welcome, S.E.! I look forward to getting to know another of my fellow countrymen.

8-16-08 The gang goes to the zoo

Mrs. S's brother and sister-in-law had never been to the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. before, so we decided to take a field trip. For Landon, this was the first time he had ever seen exotic wild animals outside of a Dr. Seuss book. I, myself, was very excited about this trip as I had heard that the zoo had recently been given a pair for endangered Gnomistani screaming prairie dogs as a goodwill gift. These animals are very rare and truly a delight to see. It is said that if they scream at just the right pitch, you will think you hear angels singing in heaven...just before you tiny eardrums burst.

Alas, it was not to be. When we arrived at the zoo, there was a sign saying that gnomes were banned due to a recent incident with a gnome and a badger. Undeterred, I hid myself in Landon's stroller and we headed inside. I decided that I would be the designated camera gnome for the day in order to not attract too much attention to myself. So I don't get to see the Gnomistani screaming prairie dogs but here are some of the pictures I snapped.

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.