Larry, Holly, Rachel and I were very sad to hear about Mr. Claus' passing. I grew up next door to the Claus' and they were wonderful neighbors. I too got invited out to the Claus farm one winter day dressed in my Sunday's best, However I fell in to the animal _______ pit! I think one of those naughty kids at the farm that day suggested I step into it. Needless to say Mr. Claus never let me live that down! I think I was 5 years old at the time. Mr. Claus was always gardening and I had to weed along the fence that separated our two yards. He often made the time pass more quickly as he would talk to me over the fence, sharing stories and joking. One morning I was cooking in the kitchen and my frying pan ingredients caught fire. I ran out into the yard yelling fire !fire!. Mr. Claus leapt over the fence like a super hero, ran into the house and grabbed that frying pan and took in out of the house. I am sure my mom was happy that I didn't burn the house down that day. I have so many fond memories, summer time eating popcorn and watching home movies in their backyard. Many Christmas Eve's spent in their family room with the roaring fire. Somehow it just made Christmas special and magical. Who doesn't want to be with a Claus at Christmas. In 1991 my then 6 week old daughter Holly, my husband Larry and I moved to Del Mar California, San Diego County. My husband was starting a new job. All the Claus' were welcoming. It made such a big difference in my life. I was a new Mom in a new place far from where I had made my home in Massachusetts. Mr. and Mrs. Claus were my second set of parents and we referred to them as Holly's California grandparents. We shared almost all the holidays with them enjoying the company of Cindy and George as well. When we moved into our new permeant home Mr. Claus was working right along side my husband Larry putting together Holly's new play structure. We had three wonderful years in San Diego before moving back to Massachusetts. The Claus' were always sharing what to do and see in California. They were the best tour guides. They were generous in so many ways to my whole family. One day out on the golf course with Mr. Claus I just couldn't hit the ball . He said "just throw the ball" now that's my kinda golf game. After we moved we visited Mr. Claus in his second home with our second daughter Rachel Irene . Although named after her great grandmother I secretly often thought of Irene Claus, a woman I admired in so many ways. Another great person to associate with my daughter. Many years have passed and Mr Claus and I always caught up through our holiday cards. It is truly the end of an era. I can honestly say I am better person for having known Mr. Claus. He will be missed.