Footprints in the Snow!

Winter snow has come to the forest and deep enough to get lost! Good thing gnomes have pointed red hats! Gnomes move at a strong, fast speed. What I thought were only mice tunnels under the snow, could be a gnome hat “snow plow”  cutting a little tunnel under the snow. To disguise their footprints, they’ll make up snow shoes that leave a bird-like footprint. Some use raccoon or squirrel shoes. You can’t tell the difference. Look around your yard or near the tree line for these little footprints. At 6” tall, the footprints are close together. Follow them and see where they lead. You might have little neighbors.

With very keen sense of smell and direction, gnomes do not get lost in deep snow. They will always share their food supply with the other, smaller animals in the forest. Got those mushrooms in just in time! The forest is snowy white and very quiet now. Beautiful to look at though! All is well.

"Gnome with the Wind"

Our forest gnomes got hit with a big wind storm last week. Local news report winds of  60 - 70 mph! Trees are down, branches falling and pine cones flying like canon balls. Not a good time for a gnome to be out and about in the forest! With their homes at the base of big trees, they likely felt some movement and heard the creaking of the trees. Luckily, no big trees were uprooted this time. The gnomes have great indoor wood and pottery workshops. No need to be outside. They’re likely making some furniture and helping me with our bird houses that I sell. Lots of clean up now but everyone is just fine. Talk of snow coming. Footprints in the snow. Another story. All is well.

Trolls vs. Gnomes

From what I’ve read, these two do not get along at all. Trolls are larger, dirty, naughty and enjoy playing ugly cruel tricks on gnomes. These two do not live in the same forest locations for long. The trolls are just bad looking and bad neighbors. They’re always looking to harm a gnome just for fun. If you think you have friendly gnomes around, don’t bring a little troll statue home as bad things can happen. Although trolls are a lot larger in size, the gnomes are a lot smarter. Gnomes are seldom caught, but if that does happen, our smart little fellows always escape to live another day. Maybe a little worse for wear, but always a winner. All is well.

Mushrooms Everywhere!

With daylight savings now in effect, coupled with Fall rain and cooler temperatures, the mushrooms are popping up all over the forest. Big and small, tall and short. A real treat for the gnome dinner table. Somehow they know the good ones from the bad. In the morning, I’ll see a few picked and stacked up, but will be gone the next day. Maybe they dry the mushrooms to use in a stew or eat them whole. Or, perhaps they make a strong tea instead of beer! Oh, they enjoy the beer! Some roof repairs are needed using fallen pine cones as roof tiles. Beautiful fall colors now in the forest and the trails. Firewood gathering continues. You can almost smell the smoke from the gnomes' chimneys. All is well

Garden vs. Woodland Gnomes

There is a difference you know. Like a country boy vs. a city slicker. The woodland gnomes typically wear a blue jacket, brown belt and pants. The garden gnomes wear red with the same brown belt. Garden gnomes seem to be more somber and tell big stories. Sometimes the two visit each other’s homes. The garden gnomes think they’re smarter, but the woodland gnomes are very skilled in everything. These are booth good gnomes to have.  Of note, they both like a lot of beer, but do not drown like the snails, fortunately. Put out the beer!

Recommended reading: For those who want a perfect gnome reference source, a book called “Gnomes” by Wil Nuygen, published 1977 by Harry N. Abrams. Excellent! My reference.

Gnome's Age

We already know gnomes live to about 350 years old or more. They get married around age 100 and start a family, although with fewer offspring than before. They keep track of their age by the father planting an acorn on the day of their birth. As the oak tree grows, gnomes mark it with different symbols and moss. A story is being told as the tree grows. Next time you see a broad leaf maple in the woods, look carefully at the bark, up about 20 to 30 feet. The tree is marked yearly as the gnomes grow. One must be very careful to never cut down an “age tree.” Things may not go well after that! Acorns are a big favorite of the gnomes and are best roasted!

All is well in the forest here. As the warm, dry weather comes to a end, it’s time to gather the nuts and berries. All are happy. No recent cat visitors.

Moving In, Newcomers

New gnome homes bring new gnome visitors and homeowners. It turns out the elder clan member is our Whimsical Woods, Ole An Sven, has shown our new forest homes to visiting clans and they’ve agreed to move in. A lively bunch with great humor and woodland talent! You can tell by the pictures. Word will spread and others will follow. If you provide an attractive gnome home in your garden or woods, good things will happen. No U-Hauls expected! They’re called G-Hauls. :-) Best put out a little more beer for the crew. The snails will have to share.

More to come. No pun intended.