A Tour of Garlandsburg - Part 2

Our tour continues . . .

    Oh, watch out for the puppy! I am so sorry, folks! Cinnamon! Don’t you know you’re not supposed to jump on tourists? They might not come back. Here, I’ll take her inside. Mr. Hansan probably doesn’t even know she’s out. Come on, Cinnamon, I think you’ve caused enough trouble. Does anyone else want to go into the cobbler shop? If you’re looking for special shoes, he can make them for you. Or sharpen your skates, or waterproof your boots. I don’t know what the village would do without Mr. Hansan.

   Move out of the way, please. These brothers are always taking care of their sister since she was injured. They’ll pull her everywhere. I’m guessing they are headed to the bookstore because Danielle loves to read.

    Is your mouth watering with that savory smell? Surely my stomach isn’t the only one that’s growling. Let’s stop in at the Grind Central Cafe and get a cup of their stew, a slice of hot bread, and something hot to drink. I’m sure they’ll have plenty of food for everyone. I’ve never known them to run out of anything before. Come inside. This is the coldest day so far! And that wind isn’t helping any. Oh, it feels so nice in here!

  

  That was so delicious! I’m ready to keep going now.

 This is Ron’s Music Shop. He specializes in all things music. You can see some of his special music boxes on display in the window. You want to buy one? Go right ahead. I don’t think Ron is there, but his wife can help you.

    Good afternoon, Holly, Nicholas. Fine day for a sleigh ride. Merry Christmas to you too! That was Reverend Goodman’s brother Nicholas, and Holly. She used to be a Stone, but they got married on Christmas evening right here at our lovely church last year. It was perfectly enchanting!

    There’s Ron and a few friends who have come out to play for the skaters. Just watch those skaters. Drew is really good. Yes, he’s the one closest to the fence with the striped shirt. He won first place in a skating race on a large pond last year. I wouldn’t be surprised if he enters more skating races after December is over.

    Yes, this is the village park. It’s usually crowded with people. Sometimes tourists, or even the locals–especially the children–enjoy meeting friends here.

 Oh, dear. That clock is terribly wrong! I must step inside the Clockwork and let Mr. Getty know. He keeps out town clocks in order, and it looks like that one needs some help. He also mends all the watches, and yes, he does sell new ones. I put a watch on my Christmas list this year since mine was just some cheap thing and not working very well. I hope I can get a watch from here this year.

    Merry Christmas, Dr. Ketchum! Oh, wait, sir! Postman Owen is trying to get your attention. I think he might have something for you.

   Let’s keep moving now. Do watch out for the sledders. This is the favorite place to sled for most of the children. Sure, we have time for you all to take a spin down the hill if you want. I’m sure someone will lend us their sled. Thank you! There go Little Me and Sissy with their dog Ruff to pull them. It doesn’t look like Ruff is eager to pull them down the hill. I wonder if he would rather pull them up it.

    This house is the pride and joy of Garlandsburg! It is the home of Rufus and Betsy Garland. The entire Garland family lives in this fine mansion every December, including the mayor and his family.

    We must walk through the woods just a bit as the coast turns, but it’s not too far. It’ll give us a chance to work up an appetite again.

    Hello Mrs. Stone! It looks like you are returning to the Bakery with packages. Are you preparing for Christmas? Yes, we will most certainly come in! Our mouths are watering for a taste of those delicious cinnamon buns we have been smelling! I hope there are some still warm! Good evening, Peter! Merry Christmas to you too. Peter is Mr. and Mrs. Stone’s son. Let’s go inside now. Hello Mrs. Johnson. Out getting some delightful goodies for supper? Joel is growing up so quickly. Have a good evening!

   Didn’t I tell you those cinnamon buns were worth the few minutes wait to get them hot out of the oven? Yes, the Stone family does a thriving business here in Garlandsburg every year. Well, Merry Christmas, Reverend, Mrs. Goodman! Hello, Clara. You must have gotten a new shoe on Coffee. Yes, this will be my last tour for today. Are you taking gifts to the church for the Christmas Eve service? Oh, yes, I’ll be there! Merry Christmas!

   The snow isn’t as deep up here. I think the wind off the coast has blown it farther inland. 

Oh, look, someone is decorating a tree for Miss Ann at the Needlework and Quilts. Are any of you quilters or sewers? Perhaps you’d like to stop later and look around. There are some masterpieces in that little shop. She also makes rugs, as you can see on the porch railing. Those things last forever! I have one from when I first started giving tours here, and it still looks like it did when I got it.

    Careful on the hill. It’s a little steep in places and the curves are a might narrow. Here we are at the Lodge. Hello, Andrew. And yes, hello to you too, Sugar. Are you going to hitch Sugar up to your sled, Andrew? Oh, that does sound like fun. I wish we had time to join you, but we must keep going before it gets dark. We often take a stop at the lodge during tours, but since we just warmed up at the bakery, we need to keep going.

    We’ve now reached the Brixton Road, named after Hank Brixton. He was a good friend of Sam and Rufus, and, after Sam moved away, he has helped plan the new design for the village a few times. This road will also take you to the next town. It looks like it’s a well traveled road today.

    Darkness is settling around us, but we’ve made it to the other end of town, to the lighthouse. There’s Lucas and Grandpa Uriah Donavan with Torch. They are still watching for Adam’s ship to arrive. I hope it makes it in time for Christmas. Let’s go inside. The keeper is always willing to show visitors his light. He’ll even let you go out on top if you want. And don’t worry, the steps are inside on this lighthouse.

   And here we are, back outside. Darkness has settled around. Brrr, that wind is cold! Look! It’s started to snow! We can wait at the Lodge or the Bakery for the stage to come by and pick us up. Or for those who like walking in the dark through the falling snow, we can ask Mr. Stanhope to be your guide. He loves dressing like a man from Old England and would be more than happy to escort you back to the hotel.

    I hope we’ll see you at church for the Christmas Eve service! And enjoy the rest of your stay in our wonderful little village of Garlandsburg. Merry Christmas!

I hope you enjoyed your tour of Garlandsburg. Do you have a Christmas village that you set up? Would you like to visit a place like Garlandsburg?

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A Tour of Garlandsburg - Part 1

Every year I set up our Christmas village. It runs the entire width of the living room on top of built in bookshelves and expands to the top of another shelf, and then finishes in my parents' room on the desk. I hope you enjoy your tour this year!

 

Garlandsburg 2018

    Welcome everyone! I’m so glad you could join me for this tour of Garlandsburg. I hope you all have warm coats on because this wintery air is biting and cold. I’ve heard rumors that it might snow again this evening. But come inside the lighthouse. Crystal has hot drinks and freshly baked cookies before we really begin the tour.
    Does everyone have something to eat and drink? Good. Thank you so much, Crystal. I know we don’t usually start out at the lighthouse, but it works best this year.
    Before we head outside, I want to give you a bit of Garlandsburg’s history. It was founded many years ago by two brothers, Rufus and Sam Garland. Their dream was to create a village with the look and feeling of an old New England village from long ago. It was incredible how well they succeeded even in their first attempt. There’s an essence, a charm, about this village that will leave you with the sense of stepping back in time. A feeling that you too have lived when motor cars were a thing of the future, where cell phones and the internet were beyond comprehension, and where folks cared for one another and helped their neighbors.
    There are two important things you should know about Garlandsburg if you’ve never been here before–and I see some new faces. One is that Garlandsburg is never the same two years in a row, and it is only opened during the month of December with maybe a few days before. That’s right. As soon as January comes around, the villagers return to their normal homes and jobs in the 21st century, and Rufus Garland sets to work with his contractors and architects. (Sam has moved away to a warmer climate and no longer joins in the planning.) All or most the hills are leveled or changed, the streams are channeled into new water courses, trees are planted, and then the buildings, bridges and such are carefully settled. Just after Thanksgiving each year word is sent out to all the villagers and they come flocking back, eager to explore the town’s new layout, find out where their shop or house is located, and settle into life in Garlandsburg for another Christmas season.

    Is everyone ready to begin now? Fasten your coats, pull on your gloves, cover your ears with your hat or scarf, and let’s go.

    Here we are at the top of the bluff. This lighthouse is an important part of Garlandsburg. Not only does it warn the ships out at sea, but it is a beacon to a very special ship which always comes home at Christmas time. Crystal’s husband, Adam, is captain of that ship. There is Grandpa Donovan. He’s not really everyone’s grandfather, but the villagers all call him so, and the tourists picked it up. He and Candle are no doubt watching for the ship. I wonder where Lucas and his grandfather, Uriah, are. What was that, Crystal? Oh, they’ve gone to watch from the other lighthouse for a while. Yes, we have two lighthouses. We’ll see the other soon.
    Now we should move on. That wind is bitter up here, and I don’t think Grandpa Donovan would approve of anyone climbing to the top of the lighthouse in this weather! What are those two children doing outside without coats on? They are Crystal’s niece and nephew. You two had better get inside with your flag before you catch a cold. Yes, take your dog, Matches, inside too. He’s a cute little thing.
    Did you all notice that everyone at the lighthouse, from Grandpa Donovan to the dogs, have names that have to do with light? Of course, you haven’t met Torch yet. He’s most likely with Lucas.
    Careful down the hill everyone. Need a hand there? Easy now. There we go.

    Here we are at Barnacle Bill’s Boat House. Watch out! Brandon and Brian are having a lively game of snowballs. Sure, you can join in the fun. If you get cold, come warm up over here. Bill is working on his boat and has a good fire going. We’ll visit with him a few minutes.

    Since there is a sheer drop-off from the top of the cliff, we have to go the round about way. Quiet! There, look up at the top of the hill. Do you see the deer? I’ve seen three up there before, but I don’t see the buck today. Perhaps he’s in the woods.
    Below the hill, but not in the valley yet, sits the village church. Listen! That’s Mayor Garland and his family singing. Don’t they have lovely voices? They could be practicing for the Christmas Eve service, or maybe they are just out caroling. That was a beautiful song, Garland Family. You want us to join you? Well, I think we have time for one song before we must be on our way. And here comes Edwin Ketchum with a delivery of poinsettias. He’s the doctor’s son. Perhaps he’ll sing too. I know he has a splendid bass voice.



   Thank you so much for that lovely singing everyone! Good bye, Garland family! Careful now folks, this road is rather steep. Maybe we should wait until those two little daredevils are out of the way. I’m not sure exactly who they are, but I’m guessing they are likely Nathaniel and Joy. Not many children, besides those two, would think of chasing the stage down this road. I don’t think they are going to beat Chocolate Swirl with Mr. Stathem at the reins. When we catch the stage back, you will probably get a chocolate stick from the driver. He loves to hand them out to his passengers. That’s why the children insisted the horse be named Chocolate Swirl.

    As you can see, our Grand Hotel sits back from the road here. Do you all have rooms already? It gets booked until the end of the year. Often reservations are made the year before just to ensure a place to stay in Garlandsburg. Oh, yes, you can stay outside of the town and just come in during the day, but some folks want the full experience.

 

  Does anyone want to stop at Tattered Covers Rare Books? Yes? I thought there would be a few people. But perhaps you could come back after the tour? Yes, they will be open later. Oh, good evening, Mr. Paige. Are you coming to get a new book? Yes, I think there are a few readers in this tour, so don’t take all the good books!

    Let’s cross the stream on the larger bridge. Good evening, Travis. Excuse us, please. Merry Christmas to you too! That was Adam’s brother. Oh, dear, Landon Moore seems to be having trouble with his fishing pole. I wonder if something caught it. Hopefully his uncle can help him. Yes, back on the footbridge Mr. Shields and Willie are fishing. I wonder if they’ve caught anything yet. It seems like a cold time to be fishing, but then I’m not much of a fisherman.

    I don’t know about you, but I’m growing a bit cold. Let’s warm up by the fire at the Carriage House. Oh, this feels good! What was that? Of course you can go ring the bell in the gazebo! It’s a tradition for visitors to ring the bell when they come.

Come back tomorrow for the rest of the tour . . .

Join the rest of the fun by clicking on the image and finding the rest of the blog posts being shared today!

 

Tour Garlandsburg - Part 3

    Oh, look, here is a little sledding hill. This is for those not brave enough for the large one. May we borrow your sled? Thank you.

(Our photographer seems to have mislaid the photo of the cobbler's shop.)    Now we’ve come to shop row. Our cobbler is still fairly new to the town, but no one would dream of doing without him now. Why, who would sharpen all the skates or waterproof the boots if Mr. Hansan wasn’t around? Ah, that’s a sweet sight. Do you see those brothers pulling their sister?

The cafe. Oh, dear! Those poor visitors!

    Do you smell that? I’m sure the Grind Central Cafe is doing a fine business. Are you all ready for something hot to drink? Then let’s go in and get something. They have hot chocolate, coffee, and I think I smell hot apple cider!

Mayor Garland and family coloring before the quilt shop.

    Are your toes thawed out now? That’s good, because we still have a ways to go before our tour is ended. But come, let’s go next door and visit Needlework & Quilts. Miss Ann always has some lovely sewing project going on, and you ladies may have a hard time not spending all your money. Aren’t these rugs on the porch cozy?

    Let’s pause here a minute before moving on and listen to Mayor Garland and his family sing. They all have such lovely voices and they do like to sing. That was just wonderful, Mayor Garland. We were just enjoying the song. Oh, I like just about all Christmas carols, but perhaps some of my guests would like to request a song.

The Lodge. See the snowman?

    Ah, here we are at the lodge. Hello, Andrew. I heard you and Sugar have been out pulling sleds today. And what a charming snowman! Did you and your siblings built it? My snowmen never look that good. Yes, we would like to make a quick call on your mother before heading on our way again.

The path coming from the woods.

    Now we must travel through the woods a little ways, but don’t worry, there is a path. Yes, Garlandsburg used to end at the Lodge, but there have always been a few houses farther along the coast, and Rufus Garland was able to purchase the land, and now Garlandsburg has grown. And as you can see by the trampled snow, this path gets used quite frequently.
    Oh, look, up ahead are some other folks. It seems like they might be visitors to Garlandsburg too. Perhaps they are going to catch the stage. Yes, we do have a stage line. I’m sure we’ll see it coming along shortly.

Here comes Mr. Stathem on the stage!

    All right everyone, the stage is coming, so move over by the fence please. Mr. Stathem is a careful driver, but sometimes Chocolate Swirl can get a little frisky. Oh, yes, the kids just love the horse’s name! You see, Mr. Stathem always carries chocolate sticks with him to give to his passengers, and when he got this new horse, the children all agreed that Chocolate Swirl was the perfect name.

The beloved bookstore

    Here we are at Tattered Covers Rare Books. There are a few folks in Garlandsburg who seem to always be here at the bookstore. Yes, here is Mr. Page. How are you today, sir? Did you find a new book? That’s good. Have a Merry Christmas and I’ll see you tonight at the church.
    If you look in the window you’ll see Mrs. Eppingham and Whitney Shields. Whitney is Andrew’s youngest sister and a regular bookworm, and so is Danielle Moore. Yes, she is the sister of Lucas, the one we saw trying to fish. Now, I know some of you would like to go inside and browse, but if we are to finish the tour before it gets too late, we must continue on. But I promise you can come back and wait for the stage here in the bookstore.

Brickston Road and the poultry stand

    To our left is the Brickston road, named in honor of Hank Brickston, who, after Sam Garland moved away, came and helped Rufus for several years in designing the village. The road leads to the next town.
    If you are hungry, you can stop and pick up some fish or poultry for your supper. No one is interested? Well, maybe later.

Barnacle Bill's twins.

    Let us go down the hill now to Barnacle Bill’s Boat House. He’s probably working on a boat, even if it is Christmas Eve. Watch out! Brandon and Brian are having a jolly game of snowballs. Sure, you can throw a few at them if you want. But they might return them!

    Come, across the bridge to the other lighthouse. Excuse us, Travis. Have you been out fishing? I’m sure Crystal will enjoy cooking those. Merry Christmas! Travis is Adam’s brother and lives at the other lighthouse, though he often comes across town to help out at this one or to go fishing, as the cliffs aren’t quite so steep.

The second lighthouse

    We’ll go in and see the other light. I don’t know the keeper that well, but he seems to enjoy taking people up to the top of his light. Don’t worry, there aren’t outside steps like the first lighthouse.


    Well, here we are. Back outside and it’s getting darker and colder. Yes, I think we should button our coats. Suppose we go back to the bookstore and wait for the stage to return. It may be a little while, but you’ll be back before the Christmas Eve service.
    I do hope you all have enjoyed your tour of our fine town. Perhaps you’ll come again next year. Merry Christmas!

Tour Garlandsburg - Part 2

The Big sledding hill

    Here we are, back down from the cliff. We are behind the carriage house now and you can see the other big hill. You won’t believe how much fun that sledding hill can be, unless you try it. You want to? All right, let’s go. I’m sure whoever is sledding will let us have a spin or two. Do the rest of you want to wait for us at the Carriage house?

    Whew! That was fun, but it sure is hard work climbing up that hill again. Some people have suggested a sky lift, but Rufus Garland won’t hear of it. I suppose he is right, for we wouldn’t have seen those deer if we had a sky lift, I’m sure.

Village Square with Skating Pond

The Garlands' House

    But come, here’s the town skating pond. It’s quite busy right now. I’ve heard the best time to really enjoy the pond is first thing in the morning. This is the village park, as you may have guessed. It is very popular. Don’t forget to ring the bell in the gazebo. It’s a village tradition for visitors to ring it when they pass by.

    We’ll pause here just a moment until Little Me and Sissy go by on their homemade dog sled. It doesn’t look like Ruff is sure he wants to pull them both. There he goes. Now be careful you don’t step on any snow-angels.

    This is the town’s pride and joy: the home of Rufus and Betsy Garland. You can see their granddaughter, Hannah, in the window. It sure looks warm and cozy in there.

Ron's Music Shop

    Ah, listen. Ron is playing his violin and it looks like a few other musicians and a singer have joined him. Let’s step inside Ron’s Music Shop. I want to show you some of his music boxes.

Nicholas & Holly

    Oh, do you smell that sweet, surgary, slightly spicy smell? That must be coming from the bakery! We’ll take a shortcut and tramp up this hill to the road. Good day, Postman Owen. You have something for me? Why, thank you, it looks like a Christmas card. Don’t get run over. Here comes Nicholas Goodman and Holly Stone. They are getting married Christmas night and everyone is excited about it. Their story is very sweet. You see, Nicholas came down to visit his brother, the Reverend Goodman, last year, and he met Holly; she’s the eldest daughter of Baker Stone. They make such a lovely couple.

Hearthstone Bakery

    Oh, let’s go inside the Hearthstone Bakery. My mouth is just watering for a taste of his famous cinnamon buns! They must be hot out of the oven by the smell! Don’t run into Peter. He’s Holly’s younger brother, and he’s usually helping his father. It looks like Mrs. Johnson and Joel are buying a few things for supper.

    Now that we are all warm and have had a delicious snack, let’s continue on our way. You didn’t spend all your money, did you? Good, we have more places to stop.

Hotel

    The hotel is right next door. I hope you all have reservations for tonight. You do? Good, because if you didn’t, I’m afraid you would find yourself without a place to sleep tonight. Garlandsburg is always very crowded in December.
    Oh, here come Reverend Goodman, his wife and daughter. Their horse’s name is Coffee. It looks like they’re out to deliver some packages.

Clockwork Shop

    Here is the Clockwork Shop. Merry Christmas, Dr. Ketchum. Is your watch fixed now? Yes, Mr. Getty does a wonderful job, and it’s always good to have a watch that works. I would think it would be especially important for a doctor. Good bye. Oh, good day, Mrs. Stone. We saw Holly and Nicholas out for a drive not so long ago. Yes, Nicholas’s new horse is quite beautiful. Her name is Nellie? What a lovely name. Yes, it was good to see you too, Mrs. Stone. Merry Christmas! Now before we move on, be sure you all set your watch by the clock here. It’s always accurate. Did anyone want to go in and buy a watch? Or a clock perhaps?

The church (picture taken before Johnny came outside)

    That is a big snowdrift, but I think we can slip between it and the fence if we go single file. Hello, Krista. Are you watching Johnny for his mother this afternoon? I’m sure she appreciates it.
    As you can see, we’ve reached the village church. It may not look like much, but it will be packed this evening, with it being Christmas Eve and all.
    I can see Edwin Ketchum coming to deliver the rest of his poinsettias. So many! They are going to make the church look so lovely. You all will just have to come back tonight and see it.

Tour Garlandsburg - Part 1

    Welcome to Garlandsburg, folks. I’m so glad you could come. It’s such a perfect day to take a tour, I know you’ll all enjoy it. The snow is crisp and cold, the air has a nip to it and the sky is clear. I’m going to tantalize your nose with the smell of Christmas baking, get your blood flowing by a our travels, and leave you wishing you had more money to spend in the shops of our little town.

    Before we begin, I’d like to tell you just a little about this village and what makes it so special.

    Garlandsburg was founded many years ago by Rufus and Sam Garland. It was their dream to build a Christmas village that would hold onto the past as much as possible. They succeeded so well in their endeavors that Garlandsburg has become a well known destination for those seeking a slower paced holiday experience; a place where the charm of Christmas lingers everywhere. But I’m sure you’ll catch that charm and the essence of wonder and joy as we take our tour.

    One other thing you should know is that Garlandsburg is never the same each year and once the month of December is over, the village is closed and the folks of the town go back to their regular jobs and their own houses. It is during this time that Rufus Garland begins to plan. (Sam has since moved away and is no longer a part of the planning of the town.) The village is often completely redesigned, the streams are channeled into new beds, the hills are leveled or build up, and sometimes even the coastline is altered. Once the groundwork is done, all the shops and houses are settled into their new locations. The word is sent out right after Thanksgiving to all the inhabitants of Garlandsburg that it is ready for occupancy, and nothing beats the flurry and hurry as the shop keepers, their families, and friends and neighbors converge on the newly finished village. All are eager to see where they will be living for the month and who will be beside them. Most families live above their shops here in town and, even if they are smaller quarters than most families normally enjoy, no one minds.

    “It’s just all a part of Garlandsburg,” Mrs. Stone told me. “None of us could imagine Christmas time without the cramped quarters, the closeness we feel as a family.”

    The village is only open until December 31st, so I’m glad you arrived when you did. Though, there aren’t many visitors after Christmas. I suppose they’re all too busy with family or else too exhausted to think of traveling.

    Now, let’s get started. I know you are anxious to experience this special New England town.

The Carriage House

    To begin our trip–we’ll leave the warmth of the Carriage House fire behind us and start off across the bridge to the lighthouse. Oh, Landon Moore seems to have so many problems with his fishing. I do hope his uncle can teach him a few things, as he always seems to be in trouble.

    Excuse us, Mr. Thomas. Are you going up to the lighthouse too? How nice. Yes, I do think we might travel a bit faster, so thank you for letting us go ahead.

Lighthouse and Path

    Be careful on this path everyone, it’s right on the edge of the cliff and there are rocks below. Please hold on to the children’s hands. Oh, look, you can see Grandfather Uriah Donovan and his grandson Lucas at the top of the trail. They are no doubt watching for Adam’s ship. (Adam is Lucas’s father and his ship is due any day.) And here comes Torch to great us! Don’t worry, he’s a very friendly dog. A bit more frisky than his mother, Candle, but still nice.

    Down, Torch. Don’t jump on us. We came to see the lighthouse. That’s a good dog.

    Here we are at the top. Beautiful view, isn’t it? Catch your breath now, and we’ll say hello to Grandpa Donovan. No, he’s not everyone’s grandpa, but he’s the oldest man in the town and has been called grandpa for as long as I have known him.

    Come on, Crystal, Lucas’s mother is inside, and I’m sure she’ll be happy for some visitors. Perhaps we can even get Grandfather Uriah to let us climb to the top of the tower. Does anyone want to?

Lower Bridge and Upper Footbridge

    Now we must keep going. We’ll go down the back way. It’s a bit tricky at times, but we’ll be careful and go slowly. Watch these steps. That’s right. We’ll cross the stream on the foot bridge where Mr. Shields and Willie are fishing. Oh, hang on to your pole, Willie! It looks like you caught a fish!

Garlandsburg - The Lodge

The Lodge

    Stepping out of the warm lodge onto the porch, Mrs. Shields glanced about. “Andrew,” she called to her son, “have you seen your father and Willie?”
    Looking over the back of his pony, Andrew nodded. “They went fishing some time ago. Want me to ride Sugar and go find them?”
    With a shake of her head, Mrs. Shields pulled her shawl about her shoulders and replied, “They’ll be home by supper time. By the way,” she called over her shoulder just before she stepped inside, “I’m afraid you’ll either have to get your snowman to come sweep the kitchen after supper or bring the broom in. We can’t have a dirty floor for Christmas Day.”
    Andrew grinned and led his pony to the shed. “I wish that snowman could sweep the floor.” He chuckled at the thought. “Wouldn’t that be a funny sight, Sugar? Poor Mr. Snowman would melt if he stepped into Mom’s kitchen. I’m sure she and the girls are still busy baking.” As he talked, he rubbed his pony down and fed him. “You did so well pulling those sleds, Sugar,” Andrew went on, talking to the pony. “Maybe next year I’ll get a real sleigh you can pull. Wouldn’t the kids all like that?”
    As though she understood, Sugar nickered and nudged Andrew’s shoulder.
    With a final pat, Andrew left the shed and trudged across the yard through the snow. Standing beside the snowman he and his brothers had made, he gazed out across the valley where most of Garlandsburg lay. The hill on the other side rose in the gathering dusk, and the light from the lighthouse shone brightly. “I wonder if Mr. Donovan’s ship will come in for Christmas?” he thought. “It sure would make an exciting day if it did, what with the wedding in the evening and it being Christmas Day and all.”
    A door shut behind him, and Andrew turned to see his sister, Ashley, hurrying down the steps. “Andrew, Mama said we are to go to the bookstore and get Whitney. She’s been gone all afternoon and it’s going to be dark very soon.” The girl had pulled on her mittens as she spoke.
    “Is Jeanette coming too?”
    Ashley shook her head. “No, she said she’d stay and help Mama, and Willie’s with Papa. If John wasn’t working, he could go with us. But he is.”
    “If I had a sleigh built, Sugar could take us,” Andrew said, looking over at his pony. “We could fit the three of us in a small sleigh.”
    “Well, maybe we can catch a ride in the stage, if it’s not too full,” Ashley suggested. “I love riding with Mr. Stathem, he tells such wonderful stories.” Then she added, “If we can get Whitney away from the books before the stage leaves.”
    Andrew laughed. Their youngest sister was never happier than when she had a book in her hand. “Let’s hurry then. I’m getting hungry and can’t wait till supper.”
    “And the Christmas Eve service,” Ashley added.

Stay tuned for another visit to Garlandsburg

In the Lighthouse

 Since some of you enjoy these short snippets of stories taking place in my winter village of Garlandsburg, I thought I'd post one I had written but never posted. I wanted to take you on another tour of the village, but I haven't had the time to write it. There were also other ideas floating in my mind for this December, but as you may have noticed, I haven't exactly spent much time on this blog. Sorry. My last Christmas story is still unfinished. Perhaps I can finish it before the New Year. But I will leave you with this short story.

In the Lighthouse

    “Mama,” little Lucas tugged at his mother’s skirt. “I want to go watch for Papa.”
    Turning from counter to table with a bowl of batter in her hands, Crystal nearly tripped on her little son. “Lucas,” she sighed, “I jest took ya nearly to the top o’ the lighthouse not thirty minutes ago and there was no ship to be seen.”
    “But, Mama,” persisted the little boy sampling a raisin, “the ship might be there now.”
    “Aye, that it might, but most likely it won’t come in ‘till tomorrow at the earliest. Now do, Sonny, run along and play. I can’t take any more trips away from this kitchen. Perhaps Uncle Trevor will take ya out.”
    Sadly Lucas shook his head. “He’s gone.”
    “Then,” she coaxed with a smile, “yer Grandfather might be willing ta take ya oot inta the snow.” The Irish lilt of Crystal’s tongue had never been fully erased.
    Lucas opened his eyes wide with an eager, excited look. “Can I really go out to play?”
    “Tis Christmas Eve day, o’ course ye can go if yer Grandfather is willin’ ta take ya. The snow won’t dirty yer clothes like the mud o’ last Easter.”
    Lucas grinned and, after opening his mouth for his mother to pop in a plump raisin, he trotted off to find Grandfather Uriah.

    Willing to please his young grandson, as well as longing for a sight of his son’s ship on the horizon, Grandfather Uriah agreed to Lucus’s request to go out. The air was cold and the snow crunched under the feet of the two watchers. Nearing the cliffside, they paused.
    “Put me on your shoulders, please Grandpa,” Lucus begged, lifting his arms. “I’m too little to see anything down here.
    Grandfather grinned and soon had the little lad settled on his shoulders. “Can you see now, Sonny?” he asked.
    “I can see most to the other side of the ocean, I think, but I don’t see Papa’s ship.”
    “Well, it might not come in just yet,” Grandfather replied half wishing that his eldest son had not chosen the life of a sailor.
    All was quiet save for the muffled crashing of the water on the cliffs below. Faintly the jingle of sleigh bells in town came to them over the still evening air. The sun was beginning to set.
    “Come, Lucus, you can help me light the lamps so that your papa can see them the first thing.”
    “Oh, yes!” the little boy exclaimed eagerly as he was set down in the snow. “We will light them for Papa tonight, Grandpa.” Gleefully, the fourth generation of Donavans to serve in the Garlandsburg lighthouse set off on his sturdy legs to light the lamps for his Papa. “This will bring him home for Christmas,” Lucas explained as he toiled up and up the winding staircase after his grandfather. “If little candles in windows are for travelers then the big light is for ships to come home for Christmas.” Lucus smiled. He felt sure his papa would come home.

I hope you enjoyed it.

Merry Christmas!

Garlandsburg - Needleworks & Quilts

This will be the last of the Garlandsburg stories for this year. I hope to have new ones written for your enjoyment, next December.
Come back tomorrow for the last part of "Home For Christmas."

Garlandsbrug

“Yes, Mrs. Stone, the quilt is ready. Let me go get it.” Miss Ann, owner of “Needleworks & Quilts” hurried to the back room. In a moment she returned.
“Oh, Ann,” Mrs. Stone exclaimed as she saw the fine, neat stitches in elaborate patterns over the quilt. “It is just beautiful! I have never seen such tiny stitches. Holly will just love this.” Gently she fingered the edge of the quilt. The different shades of greens with splashes of red and white here and there made the quilt a festive masterpiece. She knew her oldest daughter, who would be married Christmas night, would treasure this for years to come.

Her thoughts were interrupted. “It wouldn’t have looked so nice if you hadn’t done such a fine job of piecing it.”
Mrs. Stone laughed. “That was the hard part. I was so glad when Nicholas took Holly off to spend three weeks in New York with his family. Otherwise, I never could have gotten it finished.”
Miss Ann nodded. “With names like Nicholas and Holly, it is no wonder they chose Christmas day to get married. Are his folks in town yet?”
“Yes, they’re here. They were all at the pond when I went by. I would have had them stay with us, but you know how crowded it is at the bakery with five children. They are staying at the Grand Hotel, and since that is right next door, no one minded. As for the wedding day,” Mrs. Stone continued, eager to impart news, “what with Holly’s birthday coming the day after Christmas and Nicholas having his yesterday, I really don’t know that any other day would have suited either one. Of course I did mention that it might be more work, but Holly wants things simple. It hasn’t been any extra work at all. But I really must be going, Ann. I still have some work to do for dinner. Peter will be around with his cart to bring your order, and I’ll have him bring the quilt home. I don’t know if I could carry it and these other things. I won’t have to worry about Holly and Nicholas seeing it.”
“Where are they?” questioned Miss Ann as she carefully wrapped brown paper around the quilt and tied it with string.
“Oh, they went on a sleigh ride to the lighthouse. I’m sure they’ll only get back in time for supper and the Christmas Eve service. You know how much Crystal enjoys company. Poor dear, with Aaron gone this time of year, too.”
“They say his ship is due tomorrow,” put in the young woman.
“Is it now! I hadn’t heard. Well, that would make a real nice Christmas for all.” Mrs. Stone retied her bonnet, drew her gloves on and gathered her packages. “You aren’t going to spend Christmas alone, are you?”
“Oh no, I’ll be at the Manse.”
“Well, Merry Christmas, if I don’t get to talk to you tonight.”
“And to you.”
Mrs. Stone hurried out into the sparkling Christmas Eve snow.

Garlandsburg - Hearthstone Bakery

The air around the Hearthstone Bakery was filled with tantalizing smells of freshly baked breads, cakes, pies and other delectable, mouth-watering and enticing goods. Peter, the oldest son of Baker Stone, hoisted yet another sack of flour onto his broad shoulder and carried it out to the waiting cart. There were deliveries to be made before dark. After setting the sack in the cart, he paused to call “Merry Christmas!” to the approaching sleigh carrying the Reverend Goodman, his wife and daughter. Then, turning back to the warm bakery, Peter re-entered the shop.

“Here you are, Mrs. Johnston,” Mr. Stone was saying. “And Joel, are you going to carry this loaf of bread home?”

Young Joel nodded as he carefully held the large loaf handed to him.
“Thank you, Mr. Stone. Have a merry Christmas, oh, I almost forgot, your horse is ready whenever you want him.”
Mr. Stone thanked her, and she and Joel turned to leave.

“The cart is loaded, Father,” Peter announced straightening his baker’s hat and dusting his hands on his apron. Most lads his age would have scorned to wear an apron in the kitchen, much less be seen in one, but not Peter. It didn’t matter what others thought of him as long as he was doing his best to please his father.
Mr. Stone opened the oven door, and the spicy smell of cinnamon buns wafted across the kitchen and into the shop.
“Ah, now that is what I call a pleasant Christmas aroma!”
Peter turned. It was the postman with his hands full of mail.
“I’ll make a trade with you, Mr. Stone,” Postman Owen chuckled. “These letters for a hot bun.”
Peter grinned. It was a holiday tradition for his father and the postman to exchange freshly baked goods for the mail.
As the baker was taking one of the hot buns from the pan, he turned to his son. “Peter, run over to the carriage house and fetch Sugar. You should start on the deliveries a bit early so as to get home for supper.”
Peter nodded, taking off his hat and apron and dashing upstairs for his coat, scarf and cap. Coming into the shop once more, he suddenly paused and thrust his hand into his coat pocket.
“Pastry!” he exclaimed pulling out the family cat. “My coat is not the place to have your kittens.”
Mr. Stone laughed. “I don’t know what we’ll do with kittens. You wouldn’t be wanting one, Owen, would you?”
Postman Owen grinned. “If one was named Cinnamon Bun, I might.”
Peter joined in the laugh as he gently placed the cat on a burlap bag near the oven.
“Any thing else to add to my deliveries, Father?”
When the baker, already busy rolling out a pie crust, shook his head, Peter and the postman headed out into the frosty, Christmas Eve afternoon.
“So long, Peter,” Postman Owen called. “See you at the Christmas Eve service.”
Waving gayly, Peter headed down the cobblestone road to the carriage house.

Garlandsburg - Lighthouse & Cliff

I really was going to post this last evening, but I didn't. Sorry. Here it is now.


Clear on the other side of village, on the cliff overlooking the Atlantic ocean, stood the Garlandsburg lighthouse. For years it had stood there, its light warning of the rocky cliff below as well as welcoming home to the harbor those who had sailed the vast and seemingly endless waters. Now it stood proud and tall, festooned with its Christmas garlands, wreaths and ribbons. All seemed joyous, yet old Grandpa Donovan, as he was called by everyone, walked about sober and quiet. Grandpa Donovan had been the lighthouse keeper before most of the villagers had been around. Now that he was so old, most of the responsibility of the light fell on his son, Uriah, who along with his great-grandson, Lucas, kept the light burning.

Growing restless, Grandpa Donovan donned his yellow rain hat and coat and stepped out into the world of white. Candle, his dog followed. Towards the cliff the old man made his way, eyes gazing out to sea. Would the ship come for Christmas? When he reached the edge of the cliff, he began to carefully make his way down to what was left of an old pier at the bottom.


Here the spray from the waves dashing against the rocks fell in showers. “It’s a good thing I persuaded Crystal not to put my slicker away. You need one too, don’t you, Candle, old girl.” Grandpa Donovan stroked the head of his favorite companion. “I know, I know,” the old man went on talking to the dog. “You wonder why I’m down here. Well, sometimes a body can see a ship coming in when one is down on level with the waves.” A deep sigh came from him as he gazed at the empty expanse before him. “But, not today, Candle, not today.” Slowly the old man turned and with tired steps, made his way back up the cliff.

There he again paused and looked out over the waters. Would that ship come? Would Adam get home for Christmas? As he stood there, his mind drifted back many years ago to another ship which had also been due on Christmas.


The Magi, had been his brother Douglas’s ship. Douglas had loved the sea from a child and when he was taken aboard a vessel nearly ready to sail, Douglas begged to go along. Grandpa Donovan smiled in remembrance. His brother had gone on that ship and after that had been at sea more than on land. Douglas’s ship had been due to arrive no later than Christmas Day. However, Christmas came and went and no sign of the missing vessel. It wasn’t until two months later that it did finally come in battered and worn from the violent storms. The crew were exhausted, and Douglas, well, Douglas never fully recovered from the terrible strain and had died at sea only three months later.

A whine from Candle roused Grandpa Donovan. “All right girl, we’ll go back inside where it is warmer, and smell the Christmas Eve dinner.”