Gnorm has been relaxing!

Gnorm has been kicking back and taking life easy to give us humans a chance to have some fun. Oh, don't fret, Gnorm is usually with us in his backpack but much of our activities he's already participated in. Our last trip to the Parks we had a guest with us who has never met Gnorm. Josie, made it possible for Gnorm to enjoy a front row seat as we floated around in "The Land."

Gnorm was also treated to Florida style "snow!" The only problem was that Gnorm has experience with real snow at his home up north so we couldn't coax him out of his warm knapsack for a photo op!

Another couple of memories for Gnorm!

A picture is worth a thousand words!

If you don't know what Gnorm is "drooling" over it's a "Main Street" Magic Kingdom Bakery Cinnamon Cake that Angela, Bill, Darlene, Buzz, Pat and I (and wishfully, Gnorm) have come to favor, on more than a few occasions! Heading to the Bakery just after the Magic Kingdom opens has become a ritual of sorts for us!

 Gnorm also got to "Meet and Greet" the "Sorcerer's Apprentice" one evening while at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Gnorm was "speechless!"

Mickey was a little taken back when I handed Gnorm to him but after joking about using Gnorm as a "football" Mickey had a few giggles over our traveling companion! Come to think of it a couple of Disney Bag Checkers had a few laughs when they peered down into Gnorm's napsack only to see Gnorm looking back at him! Ah, such is the life of a humble Gnome!

Gnorm is getting a "taste" of Christmas!

Gnorm got a "taste" of decorations at "The Beach Club Resort" as he checked out the Gingerbread Merry-go-round. From there we headed over to "The Yacht Club Resort" to see the winter Village display. The "town" has something for everyone. As you look at it you cannot help but think back to your youth and visualize yourselve in one or more of the tiny scenes.

Gnorm is still having a difficult time getting used to the "out of season" weather he's come to experience here in Florida. But, he's a real trooper and willing to "suffer" through it!

Till next time!

A Day at the Links!

Gnorm finally had a chance to stretch his legs! We headed out for a round of Mini Golf at Disney's Winter Summerland Golf. Once again our intrepid traveler became the "Celeb DuJour!" The Mini Golf Cast Members made Gnorm feel right at home. With greetings over, we trudged through the "snow/sand" into the Winter course. Gnorm was awe struck by the great campers that fit him to a "tee!" (Pardon the pun!)

Fighting off the ever present cute Anoles (FL tiny lizards), Gnorm was thrilled to meet Santa's Elves and see how they play tricks on Santa (that's Santa under the sand)! Gnorm thought the course was great. He got wet by two "larger than life" fish (at least from his point of view) as we crossed over a bridge on the course. Gnorm had some great laughs as we tried in vain to hide our goof-ups as we made our way through the 18 holes.
Now that Gnorm knows we cannot play mini golf all that well, we took him to "Chick-Fil-A" for an "Icedream" cup... to bribe him not to tell anyone about how badly we played mini golf!

Ahoy Mate, "Captain Hook" has nothing on Gnorm!

Gnorm's not really much of a sea-going type, but he sure had to make the rounds of "Cap'n Hooks" vessel.

Our intrepid "Land Lubber" didn't know the difference between fore and aft or port and starbord but that never hindered him from his "Captain's" duties!

Boldly our stalwart leader "manned the gunnels" for a brief "come-about" on the open seas of Fort Wilderness. While scouring the vast "ocean" Gnorm took the opportunity to brave the maruaders of the deep. Gnorm "tracked down" the elusive "hump back" armadillo!

This silent scavenger out ran our trusty craft (of cardboard and duct tape*) leaving Gnorm and his crew searching for a new chase. Our novice sailor, while traversing the "ocean" failed to notice one rather inquisitive reptile with an insatiable appetite along side his vessel.

As in the days of "Wooden Ships and Iron Men," Gnorm daringly charged the beast to face the "Jaw of Death!" 

We had just about all we could take of Gnorm's antics and "rescued" him from his dire predicament! (And passers-by were beginning to think we were nuts!) ... we stuffed Gnorm into his sack and biked double time out of Fort Wilderness!

Gnorm's whining and sniveling as we headed home was all we could take. To ease his "pain" we told him he's really not a Disney Character and would do well to enjoy what he know's best...

so we let him "smell the flowers" to bring him back to reality!

*FYI - Cap'n Hooks ship was made by a camper for Halloween. The ship was "sailed" from  the builders campsite to the corner of the 100 section for all to see. (I'd like to have all the rolls of duct tape they used to make this boat!!)

Gnorm gets out for a bike ride!

We packed Gnorm up and headed to the West Orange Bike Trail. Gnorm needed to "hydrate" for the ride! His first time at a bubbler was an exercise in futility!
Once again he is a hit with the group and seems to fit right in with everyone! You'd think he was the "center" of attraction!

Half way through our ride, Gnorm couldn't resist another Photo-op...

After the ride we settled in for a scrumptious meal at the Winter Garden Pizza Shop... Once again, Gnorm had to take his place on "center table."

Gnorms rides with us really well. He's quiet and doesn't really fuss very much. He doesn't weight very much either. Our ten mile ride was made tougher by the wind, which as you can see, we all got kinda blown around quite abit.

Then, as a treat Buzz, Darlene, Pat and I headed for "Manny's" for a late lunch a couple days later. Gnorm had to stand clear of the sizzling spatter from the incredibly hot plates but that didn't matter, he simply forged ahead!

Gnorm is fitting right in to the routine... do a little activity... then eat!

Gnorm tries it all!

Gnorm is spending a great deal of time in his new knapsack lately. We spent a few hours at one of the Disney Parks with Gnorm and all he got to see was the Parking Lot Tram and the grand Christmas Tree at the entrance of Disney's Hollywood Studios. Gnorm got to listen to a couple of singers at American Idol and walked  around EPOCT with about a couple of million other guests! It was the last weekend for the "Food and Wine Festival." He enjoyed getting out for the afternoon but he thought it was too short a stroll!

Fear not Gnorm is getting ready for some serious "sight seeing!" Stay tuned!

Gnorm in a "Small World!"

Gnorm acted his "size" today! Entering the "Statin Island" style ferry boat heading for the Magic Kingdon, Gnorm had a chance to see the handy work of all the "little people" (kids) on the pavement.

His visit to the Magic Kingdom was a chance for him to see what its like to "Celebrate" and feel special. His ride on "Tomorrowland's Transit Authority" was a feast for his eyes as we silently passed above all the guests below. Friends, Buzz and Darlene enjoyed Gnorm's company as we explored the futuristic tram in the sky.

We treated Gnorm to another "pint sized" attraction where he felt quite at home... "It's a Small World!"

We nearly lost him over the side of the boat due to his rabid enthusiasm. He had an outstanding day and could have stayed much longer but standing in the sun for the afternoon parade did us in so we thought it was time for us to leave the place where everyone can be a kid once again!

Gnorm goes on a bike ride!

Gnorm is driving us nuts! Being here is a lot different than our trip out west. He thinks he's going everywhere with us! (Well he is going nearly everywhere with us!) While loading our bikes on the back of the HHR, I forgot that the door was open and when I went to secure the bikes on the rack this is what I saw...

OK, I gave in and Gnorm joined us for our bike ride to Fort Wilderness. Gnorm behaved himself but he continues to "steal" the show!

We get on the boat for our trip to The Wave for lunch and he just had to see what all the whistles were all about...

Gnorm survives the boat ride and couldn't deal with not being in the picture at The Wave...

And so it was for Gnorm's first bicycle ride. He fit right in and was the talk of the town.

Gnorm is welcomed in Florida!

The closer we got to Florida the "antsier" Gnorm became. He knew things were somewhat different. We left home in 50' temps and we took him to the FL Visitor Center in mid 80' temps.

Humidity is much higher than Gnorm was used to so we treated him to a "taste" of FL...

We also told him his accomodations would be a little different than he's been used to!

Gnorm was really taken back when we introduced him to a "Gnorm size" palm tree!

Gnorm has no idea what's in store for him while here in central FL. We freshened up his "attire"
(repainted him) and headed out for the day with Gnorm under my arm.

Gnorm lost it when we treated him to an Hawaiian BBQ Sandwich at the "Earl of Sandwich." He got into the "sticker" thing early on!

...then, Vicki gave him a treat at Ghirardelli's Chocolates!

He was right in his element when we introduced him to a few friends... (and a few for Angela!)

He thought they were all so cute and cuddly... until we brought him nose to nose with Mr. T. Rex!

Then, we thought we'd take Gnorm to "new heights!"

...but, Gnorm thought he'd save this ride for another day!

Yahoooooooo!!

Gnorm is hitting the road again!

Gnorm has become a large part of our travels. Debbie has reluctantly agreed to part with Gnorm for a while longer. He literally "jumped for joy" when we informed him that he will join us as we head south for some time in the sun. Gnorm has been in charge of "manning" our entry stairs since we returned from our trip west. He actually needed some "down time." He was beginning to get a tad "full of himself" as his popularity grew thanks to everyone who got to meet him. We should also mention that, thanks to all of you who followed his Blog, his head was beginning to get just a bit too large for his knapsack!

So, we're going to put up with his popularity and forge on with him as we work and play in our southern home away from home. We hope you'll follow along with Gnorm as we introduce him to more fun and exciting people and places.

Gnorm's "ransom demands"

So, I see Gnorm "hit" the computer while we were sleeping! So now the "gig" is up, we'll let him have his fun... but here's the deal!

OK Debbie, if you want Gnorm returned, here are the "demands;"

First, Gnorm gets his "position" elevated to someplace special. A place with dignity and in with all the beautiful flowers (not those tall bushes).

Second, Gnorm gets a new "wardrobe" (painting) annually.
Third, if he wants to go on another trip with us, you must gladly hand him over!
We'll wait to hear from you if you accept our terms!

If you want to see Gnorm again, you'll agree to our terms!

Dave and Pat

I thoughht i wood write my own blogg

Hi to everyone who has been follloowing mmy blogs. Dave and Pat arre sleeping so i jummped on the compooter to tell you some stufff. KKeep in mind I have this book stuckk in my left hand so typping is diffiiicultt for me.

They surprizzed me by stopping at Amissh country on the way home. I really like it here. I have made some new frends and the smells are reallly neet here! I feel like a king looking over his land. I got to get up close and frienndly with big cows. They did not pay any atttention to me. They smelle funny, and all they do is eat, poop and make milk. They do not make a very good pet.

They took me to a place where I got to eat this think called a "hot dog." I thgouht I was going to eat someones pet dog that was on fire. Once they explned what it was I wasa OK and it tasted verry good.
Then they stik me in this hole and take my pictur. I think I am in a pear. There was a lot of people walking around. There was lots of buses and cars we had to walk around.

But then they took me into this place where I meet a really nice lady called, Deb who made all this yummy fudgge. They even let me watcch her cut the "loafers" into slicess. But best of all, I got to stand on the marble table in front of some super tasting fudgge.

I wanted to fall right down on that sweet gobb of fudgge in front of me.

She was a lot of fun and very friendly to me.

Oh my goshh, the next place they took me to was just the opposite. They put me nose to nose with this pony named, Derby.

I put some foood in his bowl and he would shake it with his nose for more. Derby was funny and very hungry.

Today was a really fun day, and I get to write in my own bloggg.

We are going home in the morning and I am looking forward to getting back to my old spot in Debbie's garden. I have travvled mor than 6,000 miles, been on the top of some pretty bigg holes in the ground, almost sweaated my paint off in a place called Las Vegas, been "gnome" handled by several young showgirls, surprised a security guard at a dam, tried my luck at a slot machine and met a lot of really nice people. I even got left in the dessert! (By my own doing.)
And to top it off, my last night here in PA, I get roughed up by a pint sized dog named, "Haley."

I want to thank all of you for followwing my blog. Now I gues I will just have to return to my duties in my own yard... watching after all the snails, bugs and birsd.

Hey, this tyyping thing is easier than i thought!

So long,

Gnorm

Gnorm goes to the Grand Ole Opry!

Gnorm wasn't about to miss out on this once in a lifetime experience. We couldn't get out of the camper without him nearly jumping out of his knapsack! Well, we figured he's been very well behaved lately so, we gave in and took Gnorm along. While passing one of the stores in the Opry Mills Mall, Gnorm was surprised to see that he had a "following." We let him meet some of his "fans!"

Gnorm wasn't going to settle for just "listening" from his sack. No, he had to be up and where the action is!

Gnorm did pretty good for most of the show but he became a bit agitated trying to see the performers between the people in front of us. However, he managed to listen intently as the show progressed for as long as he could and ultimately gave in and decided he was better off "resting" in his sack. (Yeah, that's Gnorm's hat in the photo at the right.)

In all, our last night turned out very well for all of us. It is a fitting end to our long journey together. Gnorm was unusually quiet as we headed back to our home away from home. It's as if Gnorm knows his time with his "captors" is nearing an end. But, we've still got a few more days to have more fun with Gnorm!

Gnorm samples Nashville

After two days and nights in his knapsack, Gnorm got to visit downtown Nashville. We introduced him to our friends, Bob and Sally Tufts. Bob and Sally acted as our "tour guides" as we headed for the "old part of town."

The short two blocks of bars and music more than made up for his hours in his "sack!" Gnorm delighted in frolicking with one of the horses in the "Wild Horse" Saloon. He was so excited he almost knocked over this horse trying to get in the pictures with her!

Of course, you might say this horse is somewhat better looking than most horses!

For some reason, Gnorm had to have his picture taken with this guy! We don't know what the attraction is with this particular guy. There were many of these "guys" dressed in different outfits in front of the local bars up and down the street. Gnorm must've thought this guy is some kind of celebrity.

In one touching moment, Gnorm became quite interested in the Charlie

Daniels Museum, especially the "Patriotic"

display.

Gnorm had a great time visiting the "well preserved" bars and sampling some of the local musical talent the town has to offer.

For his last stop, Gnorm headed into one of the typical tourist stores and knowing he has a young follower at home, he just couldn't resist this photo op! This one's for you Ian!