Sweet Surprises, Silliness and Tradition

Now, ahem. Henry. Oh, our Henry is quite the pill. Our youngest member of the family is a real character. At just one and a half years old, he is the reason that our biggest tree is not yet in place. Just ask each of the smaller trees why! They will be glad to tell you. I set Mr. Claus down the other day and Henry Fonda Higgins Ford Fred Mertz C.... (Yes, I do go a bit overboard with pet names. Just ask our Lucy Eleanor Moderatz McGillicuddy Ricardo McFadden C....) decided to give the poor old man what for. For what was this what for? I have no idea. Perhaps Henry was upset about his gift last year. He wanted to make sure the jolly old elf knew exactly what he wanted THIS year! Around here, it just is not Christmas unless the Zink family says so! This wonderful old barn overlooks a section of a local highway on land owned by Dr. Zink, a retired dentist. The barn holds sweet sheep and a llama and, during the holidays, this sign. The family has been doing this for years and, although Dr. Zink is unable to do it anymore, his family continues the tradition. Several newspaper articles have been written about this tradition and how sad the area folks would be NOT to have it. I love it and am so grateful to the Zink family for this treat every year. Merry Christmas Zinks!

Dear Andi sent me the sweetest package this week. I was so surprised and just tickled with the treasures inside! I don't seem to have a picture of the cutest blown glass mittens, all in blue and white, but I will show them when I post all the pictures of the house. Isn't this just wonderful? I had nothing quite like it in my Royal collection so I am thrilled! Bok Tower was a special place for us when we lived in Florida so I love this art postcard. And this calendar...now how did our Andi know I love New York City? Hmm...? Mary Englebreit is another favorite of mine. Do you think that our Andi knows me well? These soaps smell as sweet as they look. As I was placing them in a dish, Kipper decided to taste one. He took a quick lick and looked at me as if to say, "Thanks but no thanks Mom!" I guess he thought that anything that smelled so good had to be tasty... Thank you dear Andi! I can not express what is in my heart in words. You made my week!

Love and Hugs, Susie Q