In The Lane, Snow Is Glistening.c.In The Lane, Snow Is Glistening;
Jackson nimbly picked his way up the steep, snow-covered incline. He knew the route
well; he traveled it every morning. The wares he carried warmed his hands and their aroma filled
his nostrils. He rested the tray on the window ledge and rapped loudly on the door.
"It's Jackson," Strubby shouted, throwing open the door to the Elves' Bunkhouse. "Come
in, come in and warm yourself," he said, and he relieved Jackson of the tray.
"Hmmmm, better wake Arthur," Jackson grinned. He pulled off his mittens and stomped
the snow from his boots. "How on Earth does he sleep through all this racket?" he wondered.
Jackson looked around the room. The elves were bustling about, preparing themselves for
the new day. Many of them greeted Jackson as they snatched their donuts and pastries.
"You're late," Elfie teased, as he munched his donut.
"I know," said Jackson. "The oven was on the fritz again. Rimpy was up all night messing
with it. He finally got it working, so I guess a new one is out of the question," Jackson sighed.
Then, looking toward the stairs, he asked, "Where's Sheeny?"
"She's still up there," Strubby pointed. "None of the gals have come down yet, and they
better hurry if they want donuts!" he practically shouted up the stairs.
"Don't you eat our breakfast," came the chorus from above. "Is Jackson still here?"
Sheeny hollered.
"'Bout to leave, Ma'am," Jackson shouted back. Sheeny came scurrying down the stairs.
"I'll walk with you," she smiled coyly, and grabbed a pastry from the tray. "Shall we?"
"Leaving a little early, aren't ya?" Elfie teased Sheeny. "Letrinka won't be there for another
hour."
Sheeny rolled her eyes at Elfie, and waved goodbye. Hand in hand, she and Jackson
quickly descended toward the Shops. Sheeny smiled at Jackson, "We have some fresh sun nuts if
you care to drop by the store later."
"Mmm. . .sun nuts are so tasty, especially in this season of no sun," Jackson said, "and I
like the way they glow."
"And they help to keep you all warm inside," Sheeny added.
"Sure, I'll be over," Jackson winked. Sheeny blushed as she thought that, most certainly,
they would sup together, which of course was what she was hoping for. They arrived at Candy
Cane Lane and parted, each to their respective places of employment.
Jackson hurried toward the Bakery. Rimpy wouldn't be pleased that he had taken so long;
but it was time well spent. After all, he and Sheeny would more than likely sup this evening. He
smiled to himself, then stiffened in preparation for his encounter with Rimpy.
"I'm back," he shouted, as he opened the door wide. "Hello-o-o. . . Yoo hoo. . ." There
was no response. "That's strange," Jackson mused. He went into the cozy kitchen, which was
smelling like freshly baked cookies. "Hey, Rimpy!" he yelled. He opened the oven door and
removed several sheets of exactly ready cookies. "He must be around someplace."
About that time, Rimpy crashed through the back door, yelling, "Look what I found," The
little puppy in Rimpy's arms shivered with cold. "I heard her whimpering," Rimpy said. "Took me
awhile to find her. I'm gonna call her Sprinkle."
"Whew, saved by the puppy," Jackson thought to himself. "She's a cute one," Jackson
said, grinning at Rimpy.
"I don't know where she came from. Out of the blue, I just heard her whining."
Jackson shook his head knowingly. He would hear this story a hundred times before the
day was over.
"Oh yippers! My cookies!" groaned Rimpy.
"It's okay. I've taken care of them," Jackson said. "Can the puppy stay here?"
"Her name is Sprinkle! And, yep! She's gonna live right here -- keep us company. Hey!
Where have you been? Fraternizing with that candy girl again? Rimpy frowned.
"Yeah, and I'm sure we will sup tonight!" Jackson smiled. "C'mon, Rimpy. You were
young once."
"True, but the missus never interfered with my work. Better mind your P's and Q's or you
can just get a job at Letrinka's!"
"Aw, Rimpy!" Jackson moaned, knowing that only Santa could assign him elsewhere.
Then, he changed the subject. "Want me to take some fresh bread to the Workshop? I'm sure
Santa would appreciate it, what with Mrs. Claus down and out. And I'd like to find out how she's
feeling."
"Go ahead, but don't dally. I want you to clean up a little before you take the 'Sweets' cart
out on the Lane," Rimpy ordered. "While out that way, ask Santa if you can pay a visit to Mrs.
Claus. Give her a breakfast tea cake, and a winter rose, compliments of Rimpy's."
Once again, Jackson left the Bakery with warm baked goods. He plucked a rose from the
snow-covered garden under the kitchen window. As he began his journey toward the Workshop,
he glanced over his shoulder toward Letrinka's Nuts and Hard Candy Shop. He could see the dim
light shining from within, and he knew that Sheeny was filling the candy bins. "Later," he smiled
to himself, and he turned back toward the Workshop.
The Workshop was humming with activity. Jackson winked at Verde and Rojo, the two
reindeer assigned to the Workshop. They were harnessed and ready to pull the small sleigh load of
toys to Neenee's. Verde and Rojo dipped their heads as if to say "hello" to Jackson. "Is Santa
here?" he quizzed. Again they dipped their heads, affirming that Santa was supervising the activity
in the Workshop. Jackson passed between the huge toy soldiers that guarded the entrance to the
Workshop. The elves were very busy and didn't even notice his presence. Santa stood in the
middle of the vast room, arms flailing in all directions as he instructed the elves in their tasks.
Jackson yelled across the room, but Santa didn't hear him; so he went right up to him and
tugged on his shirt tail. "Mornin' Santa," he grinned.
"Hello Jackson," Santa bellowed, smiling broadly. "What brings you to the Workshop this
morning?"
"Fresh baked bread," said Jackson, offering the bag to Santa. "And a special cake and rose
for Mrs. Claus, compliments of Rimpy's.
Santa was delighted. "The missus is down with the flu. . .hasn't baked a thing in over a
week! Come and visit with her for a bit. She is very lonely, and kind of grumpy. She'll enjoy the
company."
Leaving Hattie in charge, Santa led the way through the Workshop and out the rear door,
which opened into the yard surrounding Santa's home. Although the address was Route 1, most
just referred to it as the Workshop (unless a specific need indicated otherwise) because that's
where Santa could almost always be found. Jackson followed Santa through the side door and up
the spiral staircase which led to the visiting parlor.
Jackson always enjoyed visiting in Santa's home. It was so warm and cozy. While anyone
could drop in at the Workshop, visits to Route 1 were by invitation only.
"Have a seat, and I'll fetch Mama," Santa pointed to a red over-stuffed chair. Jackson sank
into the chair, and gazed into the fire, which blazed eternally in the huge fireplace. Santa's pipe
rested on the table next to the chair, and his slippers were on the hearth. The plush red carpet
seemed to go on forever. For ages upon ages, children had sent their interpretations of Santa in art
form, and these pictures covered the walls. Jackson slid out of the chair, and began to study the
portraits on the wall.
Absorbed in the art work, he was startled by Mrs. Claus' warm greeting. "Jackson, you
dear!" she said. He spun about and extended his arms, to meet her oncoming hug. "Why, it's
been ages since I've seen anyone except Papa! It's so sweet of you to come."
"It's great to see you, Ma'am. You're lookin' mighty chipper," Jackson gasped, as he
struggled to pull away from Mrs. Claus' ample embrace. Taking the winter rose and offering it to
her, he bowed deeply and kissed her hand. "Compliments of Rimpy's," he grinned.
"Oh, Jackson," she blushed. "You are such a dear, really, you are!"
"Oh no, Ma'am. Rimpy sent the rose and. . .oh, I almost forgot. He sent you this tea cake,
too," Jackson smiled.
"Well, Rimpy is a dear, too," said Mrs. Claus, gracefully accepting the tea cake.
Jackson cleared his throat, "You really are looking very well. Are you feeling any better,
Ma'am?"
"Why, yes, thank you. I'm much better. In fact, I am planning to bake some cookies for
Papa. He's been fretting -- says that since I got the flu, he's lost more weight than I have. . .silly
man," she chuckled. Why, I'd love to send you some, but you do work with Rimpy, after all. You
can have all the cookies you want," she sighed.
"Oh no Ma'am! No one makes cookies like you do! Not even Rimpy, himself!"
"Well, I shall send you a package when they are ready. Now then, should I send them to
Letrinka's?" she winked.
"Oh no Ma'am," he blushed. "Just send 'em to Rimpy's." Bowing again he said, "Well, I
best be goin', Ma'am," he turned toward the staircase.
"This way, dear. I'll let you out the front door, so that you can avoid Papa. You know
him. He always has something for everyone to do," Mrs. Claus chuckled, as she led him to the
door.
Jackson circled the exterior of the Workshop and made his way down the icy hill, taking
care not to slip. "Geez," he thought to himself, remembering how Mrs. Claus had teased him.
"Everyone knows about Sheeny!" And thoughts of Sheeny warmed his heart.
Upon his return to the bakery, Jackson swept the floor of the shop and then loaded the
'Sweets' cart with delicious confections. He would spend the rest of the morning delivering
pastries to the helpers who worked in the North Pole proper. With his cart full, he left the bakery
and pushed it onto Candy Cane Lane. His first stop was at the Bell and Harness Supply.
"I'm in a bit of a hurry. Verde and Rojo will be at Neenee's any minute, and I promised to
unload for her," said Orly. Jackson nodded, as he wrapped Orly's sugar crumpet. Jackson knew
how much the Shop elves depended upon each other. Why, it takes a lot of effort and cooperation
to keep the North Pole running smoothly, especially during the Yuletide. Orly patted Jackson on
the shoulder and headed toward Neenee's, the first shop on Candy Cane Lane.
Candy Cane Lane is, perhaps, the busiest street at the North Pole. The Lane is lined with
candy cane street lights and each of the shops bears an evergreen wreath encircling the initial of its
proprietor. It is interesting to note that these letters spell NORTH POLE, a direct result of magic
dust (there will be more about this mystical powder later).
Jackson pushed the 'Sweets' cart down the Lane toward Tassy's. He began whistling softly,
and Hassel ran to greet him. "Howdy, Jackson. Got any Mallow Butter Treats this morning?"
"Now, Hassel. You know I wouldn't come around here without your personal favorite,"
Jackson grinned, delivering the gooey confection into Hassel's eager hand. "Nothin' for Tassy this
mornin'?" Jackson asked.
"Nah, she's not wanting anything. Imagine that! I just don't think I could get through the
day without my pastry," laughed Hassel. "I better get back to work, though. Business should be
good, cold as it is. Should unload lots of woolies today."
"Without a doubt," Jackson shouted over his shoulder, as he pushed his cart down the
Lane. "Two more shops," he thought, and he smiled to himself.
Meanwhile, Sheeny was working at the candy store. "Will there be anything else?" she
smiled sweetly at North Pole Phil, the Polar postman. The huge polar bear had a special affinity
for Glistening Razzle Cherries.
"Hmmm. . .well, perhaps a measure of Twinkle Berries. Yes, I guess that'll about do me,"
the bear's eyes gleamed in anticipation. "Any letters to go?"
"Not this morning," said Sheeny, handing him his parcels. He hoisted his heavy mailbag
upon his shoulder and waved to Sheeny as he left the candy store, the door slamming behind him.
Letrinka wiped her hands on her apron and went to the front room of the candy store.
"Was that the old polar bear?" she grinned.
"Yes," Sheeny laughed. "He likes his mid-morning snack!"
"Well, he has to maintain his lovely figure," Letrinka chuckled. "Besides, he really should
be sleeping. Alas, there is no rest for the weary here at the North Pole."
"Especially during this time of year," Sheeny sighed, then cocking her head she asked, "Is
that Jackson?" The faint but familiar whistle drifted into the room.
Her heart racing, Sheeny glanced at her reflection in the glass candy case, fiddled a bit with
her hair, and paused to gather herself. "Slowly," she whispered. She breathed deeply and went
out onto the Lane.
"G'mornin'," Jackson nodded, fumbling as he tipped his hat. He hoped that Sheeny wouldn't
notice how clumsy he was. Whenever she was around, Jackson felt like a klutz.
But, Sheeny didn't notice, or at least pretended not to. She smiled coyly at Jackson, "I'll
have a Blizzard Ball, please, and Letrinka wants her usual." She waited while Jackson, now more
settled, gathered her pastries. "Will you be parking in front of the Town Tree, after you finish
serving the Lane?" she already knew the answer, but was hoping to make conversation.
Jackson gazed at the stars above, "Yes, as soon as I finish with Second Street. I'll be there
all afternoon. And afterwards, um, I was sort of wondering. . . " he felt clumsy again. . . "would
you care to sup with me this evening? Um, I mean, after work, that is." There! He had finally
asked!
Sheeny blushed. She couldn't believe her ears. He had finally asked! "Well, I have to stay
a little late this evening -- preparing for the Yuletide, you know. But, if you would still care to,
after we close the Shop, I'd love to."
Jackson's heart leapt with joy, but he managed to appear calm. "That would be fine. I'll
have to clean the bakery before I leave and, oh yes, Rimpy found a little puppy, so I'll have to be
sure Sprinkle, that's her name, is settled. But I'll come for you as soon as I'm finished, and I'll wait,
if you aren't ready."
Sheeny smiled and nodded her approval. "Oh," she remembered, "Here are the sun nuts I
promised. Eat them one at a time, and they should keep you warm all afternoon."
Jackson gratefully accepted the bag, and grinned at Sheeny, "I guess I'll see you tonight,
then." He watched as Sheeny entered Letrinka's Nuts and Hard Candy Shop. Then, barely
feeling the weight of the cart, he pushed it towards Elfie's.
The Web Page will be updated every month with a new story. I hope you like these. Peggy worked VERY hard on these to ENJOY! :o)