Hallmark bonus

I like this ornament a lot. It’s another one of the non-Keepsake ornaments I found at a nearby Hallmark store. A snow globe, candy canes, skates, bright Christmas colors, nifty design — what more could one ask for in a tree ornament. Oh, yeah, a penguin.

Flat glass snow globe with penguin on candy cane skates

Acquired: November 4, 2011, Jill’s Hallmark, Brodheadsville, Pa.

Number: 0968

Size: 5.25 inches tall

Price: $6.95

Belly full of winter

There’s a lot you could say about this penguin in its starched green scarf with painted stripes. But hands down, the ornament’s distinguishing feature is the wintry scene on its clear, snow-filled belly. Is that a pagoda? A tall, skinny house? I just don’t know.

Hollow, snow-filled, black glittery body with pagoda-like building on front

Acquired: September 23, 2011, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth, Mich.

Number: 0959

Size: 4.5 inches tall

Price: $9.99

A dash of flash

Looks like another penguin making a snowman, but this globe flashes with a red light when it’s switched on and it comes with a built in holiday message.

Stony Creek Seasons Greetings tall, red-flashing globe with little penguin, snowman and tree

Acquired: September 23, 2011, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth, Mich.

Number: 0953

Size: 3 inches tall

Price: $8.99

Looks familiar

I knew this ornament looked familiar, but I also knew that I didn’t have a snow globe from the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago. Sure enough, here’s the same ornament from the Central Park Zoo, a gift from my good friend Anne, who has a few snow globes of her own. As I’ve said before, I don’t mind having duplicates, especially when they remind me of good friends and fun places. I wouldn’t mind having one of these from every zoo and aquarium in the world.

29 Tonight snow globe ornament, Shedd Aquarium Chicago

Acquired: September 20, 2011

Number: 0926

Size: 2.25 inches tall

Price: $9.99

Birthday surprise

My friend Anne and the Central Park Zoo have done it again. I thought my friends and I were just getting together to play bridge again yesterday, but just before we broke up for the night, it turned into a surprise belated birthday party for me. There was a cake with my name written on a chocolate card on top and a single candle. After I blew it out, I asked if they were going to relight it 59 more times. There were also gifts — a beautiful paisley shirt; chocolate flower petals in rose, jasmine and orange blossom flavors; and this penguin ornament, which also happens to be a snow globe. The baby emperors remind me of Mumble, from the movie “Happy Feet.” This is my second birthday ornament from the zoo and another excellent addition from Anne Cronin. Giving this one a number means I've had to commit to the finger puppets from Mexico as 0770 and 0771.

29 Tonight penguin snow globe ornament, Central Park Zoo New York City

Acquired: April 17, 2010

Number: 0772

Size: 2.25 inches tall