In which Santa brings us some December Sunshine for our photo shoot

This is the third year in a row we've taken shots at Santa Jim.

Monica is the official photographer for the North Pole (and Haiku Farm)

In 2012, we needed pictures of Santa to promote the newly-published Endurance 101 book for holiday sales.

We didn't even have a real copy of the book yet, so Santa and Jingles had to read a mockup of the book for the pictures...but we did get a completely unexpected sunny day for the shoot.

If you need a copy of the book to put under the tree this year, order fast, and
ask for Priority Shipping--the elves do their best to get books
out the door on the same day that you order them!

In 2013, the Antler Humiliation Festival started to attract more people who wanted some pretty photos with Santa.  And again, against all predictions, blue skies in December.  Amazing.

I always try to get at least one picture of Monica performing
Photographer Yoga poses

This year we had a BIG crowd gathered in the empty pasture next to the stallion pen, dressed in finery and smiling at the camera under -- you guessed it -- sunshine and blue sky. 

I think Santa has some weather magic.  Hmmm.

People, horses, dogs...and antlers too

This year we also had an extra-special prop for Santa:

A bright red 1923 Model-T touring car!

The Model T was restored by Fish Creek Farm owner Dick Borton, who carefully eased his pretty red prize out of the "T-House" and up onto the knoll to take advantage of the beautiful light.

Santa Jim with Patty and her parents, plus Rudy the dog

And then, the picture-taking started:

There were so many dogs hanging around waiting for a turn to talk to Santa that we were able to wrangle a bunch of them into a single photo.

At least twenty dogs got pictures taken with Santa, but not
everybody would sit together for a single photo.
We were lucky to get eight dogs to hold still!

 And since there were so many good-looking dogs available, plus a talented photographer, Patty was able to get some website photos for her brand-new business!

The new pictures haven't been added to the website yet, but
Critter Calls Mobile Vet is up and running now!
If you are local and need a small animal vet, Dr. Patty is the best.

Of course, we had to get a group photo of all the Usual Suspects.

Jeff held the camera so Monica could join us in the picture

Some folks might prepare for the season by spending a bunch of time and money at the mall, but to me, hanging with my friends in a pasture on a sunny winter day is the best celebration of all.

It. Is. So. Good!