This little fellow came
with the house. He was here when we took possession of the place on
that bright sunny November morning in 2005. He has stood watch over
the approach to the front door ever since. In winter he wears a hat
of snow, in summer his paint fades and blisters still more. At times
he has guarded more than that. Keys were left under his feet and the
person who was to retrieve the key was told that “our little friend
has the keys.” When I leave this house for the last time, I will
leave it under his watchful eye. Like those ancient household Slavic gods (the Domovoy), you can't easily part a gnome from
his house.
