There is the friendly neighbor cat, who feels right at home…even waits by the door to come in (though she is never invited.)

There is a mushroom house occupied by two cheerful gnomes.

Nearby you will find a rabbit, a deer, a few ducks, and other statuary.

The most recent addition we noticed on our last visit was a little door in a previously unoccupied hole in the walnut tree.  This attracted a great deal of attention and speculation about the occupants, although they did not appear at home when we knocked (many times).

The wildlife varies but is always entertaining. This large green beetle appeared out of the blue a few weeks back, the only one we have ever seen. It must have been lost or taking a rest stop on the way to somewhere else.

One of our favorite bedtime stories is The Tomten by Astrid Lindgren (also author of Pippi Longstocking.) The little old gnome checks in on each of the animals on the farm, and talks to them in Tomten language, a quiet little language animals can understand. It is very reassuring and helps her go to sleep.

Around December every year we put up an advent calendar. This year in addition to the paper ones, we used the knitted cap and mitten one I had lost last year. It is big enough for a little present in each sock or hat.

On the first or second day, a Tomten appeared next to the mitten of the day. Lucy was very happy to see him, and quickly decided that he was the one responsible for the little gift in each mitten or cap that arrived with a new day.

When Christmas was over and his hard advent work was done, and most of the gnomes  and elves around the house went back into boxes with the Christmas decorations, the Tomten stayed out. (Here he is seen enjoying a tea party with some other small household residents.)

He has become the Tomten for our house, protecting the animals and people within. He has even become the postmaster for any tiny letters or parcels which may arrive.

He is a busy, hardworking little Tomten. His hat is starting to come off from being played with, and having sweaters put on him. We are trying our best to treat him gently.

He has moved into a little wooden cottage, and there is a new friend gnome girl recently arrived to keep him company.

Hopefully he will be happy in his new quarters and protect our home for many moons to come.