Christmas Train time

 There was a Christmas steam engine train just today.

Yes, it was waiting for little girls and boys to board.

 They were delighted in the ride.

 A candy cane from Santa.

Ecstasy!

Grandson D thought the candy cane was an umbrella,

as he had not been introduced to this delight of Christmas.

He tried to hold it over his head, 

but it just didn't keep the rain off his head.

Soon he figured it out.

On a side note:

The sweater he is wearing is very precious to me.

Many years ago I visited New Zealand, in fact when D's mommy was in first grade.

There I met a woolcraft artist that was featured at the National Woolcraft Festival.

Her name was Errol Amberger.

We developed a friendship through the mail and she wanted to spin and knit

sweaters for my children.  She asked for their measurement and I sent them in inches.

Needless to say they didn't fit my children as she worked in meters;

 so I told her I would save them for my grandchildren.

 Each year at Christmas she would write and ask if there were any

grandchildren and I would say no not this year.

Errol passed away a few years ago and doesn't know, but I had to share with

you here.  Today was the day a grandchild wore her gorgeous sweater.

Yes, we kept it clean, I watched very carefully.

Seeing D in this sweater today brought tears to my eyes for a dear friend's memory

and her special gift.