In the Forest on New Year's Eve there is great celebrating. Every year there is a drawing of names for the honor of taking the New Year Balloon, nooo, not the Goodyear Balloon, the New Year Balloon which is gaily decorated and floats above the Forest and Elf Village sprinkling fairy dust that has been especially treated with Joy, Goodwill, love, Peace and Good Health for the coming New Year. As the fireworks are being launched. Let me tell you, my source says this is quite an honor. Well, the drawing took place and the winners announced. I am told, there are some who are not taking well to the winners this year. Nope, they are contesting the drawing and want a new one to take place. Which, of course will not happen. The four that were drawn are not known for their intellectual fortitude or good directional sense. You guessed it. That lovable, but brain-dead duo, Scratch the Cat and Squeaker the Rat. To make matters more dubious the other two, partners in this great event are Spot the Dog and Stealer the Squirrel. Out of the four, Stealer the Squirrel is most likely to keep them on course. With Spot a close second. Both have great noses for finding things to eat, so the Fairies and Elves have been putting small bags of acorns and dog kibbles in strategic places through the Forest and Village to mark the course they are to take. The idea is, a clever one I must admit, Spot and Stealer will sniff out the goodies, remember the place and later when on the ground again, collect the goodies. The problem is, if they remember and don't go in circles or a wind comes up and throws off their sniffing ability. The other two, Squeaker and Scratch, well ... lets face it, as lovable as they are, they are relatively useless. Well, this is what I am told... :o) I know half of you don't believe what I tell you and the other half that do are probably as off center as I am, BUT, I have proof on this one! My source climbed a tree and got a photo (hey, don't look at me, I don't do trees anymore.) of the intrepid voyagers as the made their way near the Village and before they went out sight. So ha! Right out the developing pan, still wet! Proof! :o) They were last scene heading north and into the fireworks. Everyone is hoping they weren't shot down by one of the nearsighted Elves launching the fireworks, but they do have luck, no brains, but lots of luck and it is thought they are just a tad off course and will find their way back to the forest for the New Year Celebrating. So with that, I will wish you all A very Happy New Year filled with love, joy, good health and happiness! Be safe everyone! ...ya hear! :o) Alexis xox and big hugs Gumdrop Balloon-RNDA The Usual Suspects-Daz and RNDA