I set out to visit The North Pole today. A fine bright clear sharp unseasonably cold Saturday, well before the madness sets in, that's when I like to Christmas shop. On my way in to town I stopped by the farm. I'm not completely sure why. I had an excuse. My partner leaves today, to be gone for the whole next week. So, I've decided to let Raspberry run without her halter. I dislike the halter. It's ill fitting. And, I dislike collars in general. So there was that. But really, I'm not sure why I stopped. I have to go back this afternoon, in any case, to put Ras up.

The farmer was working with his tractor and his sons in the barn. I marveled. That's why I went. I went to marvel. It's my main job there. Then he finished and we chatted. We caught up on some important farm business, such as confirming the steers really were sent to freezer camp. I pointed out that I've been filling a feeding trough in the sun with a hay bale every few days. He thought that made sense and went up to throw one down, so I could put out another.

Toting bales, that was the other reason I was there. I love to tote bales on that farm. It's another of my main jobs there. The farmer came down and watched me trying to hack off the baling twine with a pitiful pair of scissors. I said, "Bah, ya got a knife on ya?" And he did. Of Course he did. He asked if I carry a knife and I said that I rely on my children, who are always well armed.

He looked at me. He said, "Would you like for me to adopt you?" I said, "Yes." And I meant it with all my true heart. He said, "Well, I have 8 of the last Old Timer Schley knives that were ever made. There won't ever be any more like them. I'll give you one." And then he disappeared. I thought he was kidding. I thought about following him to the farm house. Then I felt awkward and embarrassed. Then I decided to go check on the pigs.

Walking back up to the barn, I could see the farmer coming through from the other side. He had a small box which he opened. He took out a beautiful well balanced knife with a slender and remarkably strong blade. It winked in the sun, in his hand. I looked at my boots. He said, "I have two criteria for giving these away. One, you have to be family. Two, you have to be responsible enough not to lose it." And then he handed it to me. And, feeling like a pitiful fool, I said, "Thank you. I am touched." And I was trying not to burst into tears. And his eyes were shining, when I got the courage to meet them.

Driving away, I thought how the best gifts always come spontaneously, generously, and with so much love you can really really really feel it there, without ego or obligation. It was a nice way to begin this season.