As a family, we're against yard art. It was highly unusual,
therefore, to have been in the peculiar predicament of staring down a garden statue at a mass retailer. The tiny guy
and his friends begged to come home. They were a wild mob, those garden gnomes standing on the shelf. After my
brief pause to reflect on the hazards of bringing home a naughty Tomten, the little iron man hopped into the shopping cart.
There was no denying that Nordic Haus had a gnome.
We found suitable, well concealed, housing for "The Gnome" within the confines of our
semi-suburbean back yard. Gnomes, being rather demanding creatures, need love and attention and, apparently, names.
"The Gnome" eyed us with his piercing gaze until we surrendered. It took literally four times longer to name the gnome
than it had taken to agree on names for our four children. At the conclusion of six ambiguous weeks, "The Gnome" had
a name. Alaska.
Since adopting Alaska into our family, he's insisted on spending time with us on vacation.
Being highly photogenic, he'll be making an appearance in the VanderZwaag Christmas card this year. One of our friends
wants to take him wine tasting, and another family suggested he join the fun at a local pizzaria. He's sure to enjoy
visiting with your family, too... just don't forget to forward a photo of his exploits and return Alaska to his hiding
place at the end of your stay!