The "Laughing Lincoln" statue was dedidicated December 2, 2018 as part of Illinois' Bicentenial Celebration. This is Lincoln before the Presidency, when he was a thirty-something young man serving in the Illinois Legislature. 

When you're all bundled up with only your cold nose exposed, that's the perfect time to attend the Christkindl Market at Naper Settlement because the best part is the wonderful aroma! From cinnamon-roasted nuts to hot spiced wine to melty cheese on freshly-baked bread to -- oh, golly! Someone get me a napkin -- I'm drooling again!

Since I missed the first Party-That-Shall-Not-Be-Named, I was super-excited to go to this year's event. Jefferson Avenue, just east of my homestead, was closed off and the downtown stores were prepared with games and give-aways.