Campfire : By Gnome Only

We spent a solid two months (if not more) putting in a flagstone patio where we could enjoy our backyard. The showpiece of the patio has been the fire pit. And my pit I mean, a metal bowl that sits on legs that came from Target--it's the best we can do living in the 'burbs.

This summer particularly we have really cranked up the neighborly gatherings around the fire pit. In the early spring we were having two per weekend! I mean, the weather was gorgeous and perfect for a fire, so why not?

Previously, two campfires had been instigated by the gnomes. Our neighbors moved one of our gnomes (yeah I said gnomes, we have about five total) from his perch along our rock wall down to the stairs in front of our patio door. With the pooch's potty schedule it didn't take us long to see the gnome blocking the way for the dog. And the gnome had a note:

Dear M&J, Sometimes at night I get a little chilly. A fire every now and again would be greatly appreciated. Take tonight for example. After such a warm day, I'll probably get cold. Oh, and if you do build me a fire, don't forget the s'mores and neighbors. Sincerely, Your Yard Gnome.

Yes, I was impressed by our gnome's penmanship, grammar, and manners (Sincerely?). We laughed heartily and, as directed, built a fire and invited the neighbors. And there were plenty of s'mores - as always.

Another instance, the gnome appeared within a box of scrap wood. Again, there was a note:

M&J, I, too, am a lumberjack. To better facilitate neighborhood fire gatherings, I toiled long and hard in the heat to provide you with this wood. Please accept this gift as a sign of gratitude for the pleasure of attending the frequent gatherings. As always, invite your neighbors!! With deepest regards, Oscar

PS If you don't want the wood, you can return it to the forest.

What another classic story! We laughed and built a fire.

Well, I couldn't let the neighbors have all the fun. We found these marshmallows the size an adult fist at Hy-Vee. After finding these, we knew had our idea. We would send over the gnomes with a giant marshmallow on a stick with a note saying, "You're invited to a campfire. See you at the usual place and time." We sent out two gnomes to two neighbors that are "in" on the gnome funny business.

Here's our fist gnome-vite, a close-up and in action, on the door stoop:

Here's our second gnome-vite:

We were afraid that the invites wouldn't be seen on the front stoop, so we kept doing laps around the neighborhood with the dog. Turns out they were eye-catching enough and surprised both neighbors. (Most peeps use their garage door only to go in and out - hence our worry.)

Both neighbors came to our fire with big grins on their faces. However, they only brought the roasting sticks. They both are holding onto the gnomes and have said they will send them back in a clever manner. I'm quite looking forward to what they come up with. So, until the gnomies make it back home you'll be meeting some other gnomes in our troop.

Be good. Do good.