The Santa Claus Adventures Continue

My snowy white, curly beard has continued to grow and is close to becoming the envy of any department store Santa Claus. As the beard grows, so does the hair on my head so the full, jolly look continues. I need to get it trimmed today just so I look a little more groomed but I have to say, 1) I am enjoying not shaving every morning, 2) I am enjoying the look, and 3) I am enjoying the "There goes Santa" comments that abound.

I have noticed that I generally keep a pleasant face and smile a lot. I am also very aware of my surroundings and notice what is going on around me. With the new "Santa Look" I have noticed that a lot of people are looking at me and smiling back. Continued proof that if you Believe, Santa Claus does exist! The image fits in well with my nurturing self!

In a previous post, I mentioned that while peering through the plastic window of Santa's house in downtown Evanston, he noticed me peering and waved. Made my heart swell.

Last night we (Gregory, Alaksh, Roger, and D.J.) took our annual, traditional visit to see the lights at Lincoln Park Zoo, known as ZOO LIGHTS. There are over 5,000,000 Italian Lights lining the walks, trees, bushes, buildings.

Many of the lights are choreographed to music. The colors are astounding. The sheer number of twinkling lights amazes. The hot chocolate and cookies in the Member's Lounge is a nice touch.

As we passed Santa's house at the zoo (amazing how many houses away from the North Pole Santa has) I stopped at the front of the line and waited patiently off to the side as Santa finished up with a little girl's Christmas requests.

When finished, he looked up and gave me the biggest, warmest smile yet. He said my beard looked great and told me I had "good eyes." We wished each other a Merry Christmas. I wonder what the children thought?

More heart swelling.