Memories are dim as to exactly when Virg gave this gorgeous hand knit sweater to Stan. Virg was operating his woolen goods company at the time and consequently everyone was gradually gaining a fine collection of winter wool wear. (See photo at right -- ski caps, contracted to the 1988 Calgary Winter Games, with the trademarked Olympic logo boldly knit into the pattern, were under the Christmas tree one year.) We still hang out our custom-made monogrammed chimney stockings.
The wool sweater gift came so many Christmases ago that Stan could still comfortably wear a size Large. Then each year Stan began to look more and more like an XXL Department Store Santa and the sweater got quietly folded away into The Drawer to Ignore.
Now, due to Stan's recent resizing, the sweater has shaken off the mothballs and last night joyfully attended a Christmas party, elicting a short, polite inquiry as well as some wry comments about Stan's distinctive vintage wear.
Ja, they were just jealous of the finery. We just take a lesson from Rudolph. (... the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names.) Do you know what Santa would have to pay for an all-wool handmade sweater at an Aspen ski shoppe today?
The wool sweater gift came so many Christmases ago that Stan could still comfortably wear a size Large. Then each year Stan began to look more and more like an XXL Department Store Santa and the sweater got quietly folded away into The Drawer to Ignore.
Now, due to Stan's recent resizing, the sweater has shaken off the mothballs and last night joyfully attended a Christmas party, elicting a short, polite inquiry as well as some wry comments about Stan's distinctive vintage wear.
Ja, they were just jealous of the finery. We just take a lesson from Rudolph. (... the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names.) Do you know what Santa would have to pay for an all-wool handmade sweater at an Aspen ski shoppe today?
