It did not take long for Elfie to get his wish.  New Year’s Day started out with a covering of ice.  It was slick outside and even the ducks had a hard time getting around.  Soon, large flakes of snow started to fall.  I guess Elfie was feeling pretty hungry as he thought the snow looked like the ground had been covered in frosted flakes.  We decided it was best to get something to eat before heading out into the snow.
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Between the weight of the ice and snow, several branches had fallen.  Elfie was more than happy to jump in and help me with clean up.  After clearing the roadway, we decided we better check fences to make sure there would be no cow escapes.  

Elfie climbed a tree to look as far west and as far east as his eyes could see.  No limbs down on the fence, so we decided it was as good of time as any to play in the snow.  Elfie and Dottie Jewel had a grand time playing hide and seek in the white fluff that covered the farm. Fortunately, elves wear brightly colored clothing so they are highly visible, especially in snow which is a constant at the North Pole.  Despite their vibrant colored outfits, I had trouble keeping track of the two darting in and out of snow piles. 

​I had to call Farm Dogs on Guard to help me keep an eye on these two as they played.  Farm Dogs on Guard sent Zak over right away.  He did an excellent job making sure the two elves were safe from hawks, foxes and other critters who might find an elf a delightful treat on a wintery day.  

​While we were out, Elfie checked out another housing unit that might be suitable for him to stay over the summer.  Dottie Jewel thought it was nice and he would have a good view of the cows, but now that she had traveled from Joplin, she wanted to travel some more.  She liked meeting new elves, new people, new animals, and seeing new places. Traveling sounded good to her. We decided to head back to the house to have a family discussion. 

​Before heading inside Dottie Jewel and I gathered eggs and Elfie held the gate for us as we headed inside.  While Elfie and Dottie Jewel snacked on three Kit Kat bars, a cup of hot chocolate, fourteen raisins, two butter cookies and a mound of fresh coconut, we had a family talk.  Elfie had proven himself to be somewhat responsible. We agreed he had some things to work on, but what better way to see the world than traveling with his cousin.  Who knows what adventures lay ahead for the two?  We thought about taking a dart and throwing it at a map, but Elfie was not strong enough to throw the dart any farther than a couple inches.  Then Dottie Jewel suggested that they contact family and friends.  That way they will have someone to help watch over them.  We all agreed this sounded like the perfect solution.  

​Not long after our big talk, Elfie and Dottie Jewel were helping me water the house plants.  They had so much fun climbing around the plants.  They pretended like they were lost in a giant forest and wondered what magical creatures they might meet.  It was then that it dawned on me where Elfie and Dottie Jewel should head for adventure, education, and vacation.  Both elves were so excited they did a summersault.  Well, truthfully, Elfie tripped over a plant leaf and fell, but it looked a lot like a summersault.  

​To say Elfie was excited about Christmas, well, that would be an understatement.  It was impossible to settle him.  Up and down the Christmas tree, running from window to window in search of any sightings of Santa and his reindeer.  I did get him to sit down with me for a few minutes as I read him a story.  Elfie loves stories and reading; he helped me turn the pages as we read about Frosty the Snowman.  Elfie said he hoped we would have snow for Christmas as he loves to play in the snow. 

By now it was getting pretty late.  I finally decided to just let Elfie stay up after all; it was Christmas.  Living on a farm meant I had chores to do in the morning, Christmas or not, so I headed off to get some shut eye.  It seemed like I had barely fallen asleep when I heard voices in the living room.  I opened one eye as if that would help me to hear better.  Elfie’s laughter traveled down the hallway like sunshine riding a rainbow.  I could tell by his voice that Santa was here.  I closed my eye and drifted back to sleep.  

​Come morning, I expected to find Elfie asleep under the Christmas tree, but as I approached, I could hear the happy chitter chatter of two voices.  Elfie’s eyes lit up as he sprung to his feet to introduce me to his cousin from Joplin, Dottie Jewel.  It seems she had caught a ride with Santa so she could spend time with her favorite big cousin, Elfie.  Both were as giddy as could be because they had not seen each other in a while.  Elfie could not wait to show off his box of Chocolate- covered cherries that Santa brought for him.  He could not think of anything better and was even excited to share with Dottie Jewel and the rest of us.  I applauded Elfie for his generosity as we all know sweets are an Elves joy of all joys—that and making toys, but sweets are a way to an elf’s heart.  ​

​The days between Christmas and New Year were filled with fun and games.  Elfie enjoyed showing his cousin around the farm and introducing her to all the animals.  With the excitement of having Dottie Jewel to hang out with, Elfie asked if he could have a New Year’s party and invite some friends to meet his cousin.  I decided why not, how many friends could Elfie have and what trouble could they really get into?  Well, now I have learned not to ask myself such silly questions.  Apparently, Elfie is like some sort of influencer having made friends with everybody and anybody under the sun.  I peeked my head in a couple times just to make sure everything was going okay.  

​Long about midnight, I heard some sort of crash! Best I can tell by the pictures his friends posted on their social media pages, Elfie drank a little too much maraschino cherry juice, climbed onto the windchime attached to the ceiling fan and well, —let’s just say things didn’t go all that well.  Elfie has now ditched any plans to become a professional bull rider.  

​Needless to say, Elfie, Dottie Jewel and their friends had a fun time ringing in the new year dancing around the Christmas tree, banging on pots and pans and cheering “HAPPY NEW YEAR” into the starlit sky as a coyote or two joined in on the chorus. 
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To be continued…