Two happy skiers

It’s Winter Rendezvous ski week in Stowe, Vt., and these two acrylic penguins on candy cane skis would have loved it on Mt. Mansfield today. In the morning the middle of the mountain was wrapped in clouds. On top, the sun was shining on a pure white world of snow covered trees and rocks. The trails were as smooth as silk.

The ornaments are identical. I got the one on the right on a side trip to Williamsburg, Va., and the other almost two years later on a trip to Stowe. It was the first time I bought an identical ornament unintentionally. As the collection has grown, that has happened more frequently.

Clear plastic penguin on candy cane striped skis and block of ice

Acquired: April 3, 2004, The Christmas Mouse, Williamsburg, Va.

Number: 246

Price: $7

Size: 3.75 inches tall

Clear plastic penguin on candy cane striped skis and block of ice

Acquired: Feb. 3, 2006, The Christmas Loft, Stowe, Vt.

Number: 286

Price: $5.99

Size: 3.75 inches tall