Another gnome home takes up residence in Henry County

Kenny Greer, of Salem, is at it again.

Della Appel, of Mt. Pleasant, had a tree cut down in her back yard. It was a pretty flowering cherry tree, and Della hated to lose it. When she had it cut, there was a rather tall stump left. Something nice had to be done with that stump, more than just a chainsaw wood carving. Having read where Kenny Greer had made a Gnome Home where a tree stump used to be in his yard, she gave Kenny a call.

Kenny knew his ears had been itching for some reason that day. When he got the call from Della, his mind went into warp speed. But first he would have to take a look at the stump.

He traveled the few miles from Salem to Mt. Pleasant and found Della?s house. He knocked on the door, and Della answered. From the moment he saw Della, he knew he was going to enjoy this project. Della is the type of person Kenny remembers from his youth- friendly, neighborly, and offers homemade cookies as a normal part of greeting.

Kenny went to Della?s backyard, munching cookies, and viewed the stump. Cherry is a hard, aromatic wood, and preserves well. It would be perfect for one of his creations.

He was amazed at the size of Della?s yard. It is huge, and landscaped beautifully, with various pieces of yard art, trees, shrubs, and flowers of every kind and description, including a magnificent garden full of ripe tomatoes, gourds, and raspberries. Yes, Della was a flashback to the past.

He took some measurements, then returned to his shop in Salem. It took Kenny a couple of days, but he fabricated a cedar-shingled roof, an upstairs door with a patio, an attic window, two side widows with flower boxes, and the front door, complete with a cute little porcelain knob. Ivy was already growing on the stump, and Kenny was careful to leave the ivy in place, making an ivy covered doll house of sorts.

He knocked on Della?s door and had her come out to inspect his creation. Della was amazed and overjoyed at what Kenny, a true artist, had designed. It was perfect. She quickly called her friends to come over and see the new addition to her already park-like backyard.

But Kenny wasn?t done. With his own Gnome Home in Salem, he and Sharon have a couple hundred miniature gnomes. He brought one to Della?s and placed it in front of the door of the stump. He knocked on Della?s door. ?Your stump has a visitor,? he announced proudly.

Sure enough, a gnome had taken up residence in Della?s stump. Della had her own Gnome Home. She can see it from her chair at the kitchen table, from her patio when she is resting from working in her garden, and even from her driveway when she pulls her car up to the garage. Della can?t wait to have a coffee gathering on the patio with her neighbors. She is the envy of all her friends.

But now came the hard part. Kenny and Della had never discussed a price for his work. Della cautiously asked Kenny what his bill would be.

With a twinkle in his eye, looking like one of his gnomes, Kenny asked what church Della attended. Della told him. Kenny said, ?Oh, just make a donation to your church in my name.?

You can?t beat that with a stick!

Have a good story? Call or text Swarm in Mt. Pleasant at 319-217-0526, email him at curtswarm@yahoo.com, or visit his website at www.empty-nest-words-photos-and-frames.com. Curt also reads his stories at www.lostlakeradio.com.