I slipslid home through the snow tonight, climbed up the steps Tom Morrison had blessedly cleared, and opened the latest missive from Babs Young:
I will not be getting any holiday cards out for this holiday season, so this will have to serve as my wish for a very Happy New Year to each of you. This wonderful Santa or Old Man Winter was created by my friend Joanne Robben who summers up here and spends the rest of the year in Peachtree City, Georgia. This old guy won second place at a doll making conference in Canada last year. He is pretty special and has a nice home on our mantle year around.
Often when I am out and about on my rounds people tell me how much they love the beautiful images Babs sends to Torch Lake Views. Me too. Happy New Year, Babs!
Every week photographer Babs Young captures moments in northern Michigan, and every week she sends one to Torch Lake Views just for you. You can find more of her photos at the Babs Young Photo Archives and on her Blue Heaven Flickr photostream.
Torch Lake Views 
Cindy Lou
January 4, 2010
What an adorable Santa-man! He makes me smile 🙂
Gerry
January 4, 2010
‘morning Cincy Lou! He makes me smile, too.
p.j. grath
January 4, 2010
It’s nice to see Santa pictured on the mantel in and surrounded by warm, colorful tones. Thanks, Babs and Gerry!
Gerry
January 4, 2010
Thanks, PJ. I liked the rich colors, too – dressed the place up a treat.
Anna Surface
January 4, 2010
OH! I love that Old Man Winter doll! I used to love the various hand-crafted Father Christmas dolls. That is a mighty nice lantern he’s carrying too. What a beautiful and colorful mantel display.
Gerry
January 4, 2010
Thank you, Anna! Babs has an eye for all that is well-crafted.
flandrumhill
January 6, 2010
What a beautiful photo of a beautiful doll! I love his snowshoes (they look like mine)! Even the apples look real. No wonder it won a prize in Canada where we are well acquainted with the ways and wiles of Old Man Winter.
Gerry
January 6, 2010
I think that’s an excellent point! And the snowshoes are one of my favorite details, too.