Mr. Claus 2023

They arrived in Santa Fe and parked the Volvo on the street next to the small park by the church. They got out and looked to Leroy.
“Split into two groups and we’ll walk around the church. Keep your eyes open for a Bubba. There can’t be many in old town Santa Fe,” said Leroy.
Ten minutes later they met back at the Volvo.
“All clear?” asked Leroy.
“There are lots of characters but no Bubbas,” said Mrs. Claus.
“Nonetheless let’s keep an eye out,” said Leroy.
“I look the most like a homeless guy with the beard and all,” said Mr. Claus and headed toward the fountain.
“I’m going with you,” said Otto.
They walked toward the fountain and Leroy split away from the group to be able to better see anyone who might be especially interested in their activities.

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Across the street at an upscale wine store Gretchen was tasting their recommendations for the holiday season and keeping an eye on the fountain. She smiled as Santa and an elf approached the doll in the fountain. She chose a snowman this time in keeping with the theme, but she never understood the appeal of making a creature out of snow only to make it look human. It would have been so much more fun to build a snow beast or snow devil.
Her internal musings were interrupted by the hostess from the store, “So do you like the reds?”
“They are wonderful after living a place where a luxury beverage is a cold bottle of beer,” said Gretchen.
“We ship if you are interested,” said the hostess.
“Oh, I am interested. How about a dessert wine?” asked Gretchen to keep things going.
“I have just the thing.”
Gretchen smiled and looked across the street just in time to see a nisse- and not an elf- in flip-flops hopping up on the side of the fountain with the doll.