They don't like the cold. Poor Tim here is suffering after a visit from Jack Frost. It's time to bring them inside and put them in the fire. They'll be happier there.
Actually, since the oven's on anyway, I could use that to warm them up. As long as they don't eat my dinner while they're in there.
Welcome to Dume Towers, surrounded by frosty swamp at the moment. The Rarely-Glimpsed Scaly Swamp Thing is even rarer these days, although it's best not to spend too much time outside because it'll be hungry. I haven't seen a salesman in months.
No sign of Santa again this year. I performed all the invocations, burned the right body parts in the right amounts, hung the Sacred Stockings over the fireplace, but nothing. The other red guy turned up again but he's no use. He just goes on and on about trading my soul for something. I explained, once more, that I never enter into any business deals with anyone who has a tail. Perhaps I'm picky, but there it is.
Perhaps I'm supposed to take the feet out of the stockings? I'll try that next year.
Or maybe Santa called in on the Scaly Swamp Thing first. That would be unfortunate.
Well, no matter. It's nearly time for the New Year celebrations, and I'll be having a guest for dinner. Better go and get the oven warmed up.
