VA Webmaster: No need to post this letterbox as it is probably
temporary for the holidays. My Webmaster, Knights of Columbo, will
post in on my website (please) and those snowed in frustrated local
letterboxers will no doubt find it.

It's a Holiday
Placed by Scarab of the Doubtful Guests
December 13, 2002
Arlington County
Arlington, Virginia
Hand made stamp
Easy, indoors & probably temporary

Twas the nightmare before Christmas
And all through the mall
Anxious shoppers were rushing
Praying Pentagon City had it all.
I arrived by the Metro
And went straight to the top
To consult with the Wizard
And visit his shop.
Puzzling place. Puzzling Wizard.
"Which it's the number of brown tiles between our doorway you wants."
"For what, want for what?"
"Only Santy Claws and that Scarab fellow know and neither one of
them is telling me.
Go ask that Joseph at the bank around the corner.
That's the place to look if he deposited somethin' int it?"
Joseph, I discovered, was full of hang ups.
"I haven't a clue," he answered to my enquiries,
"but you remind me of that puzzling fellow I saw the other day.
He walked away from our window around the curve of the balcony
counting the small potted trees.
Did it several times like he was trying to be sure of something.
I don't know how long those trees have been there myself,
Nor how long they'll stay."
One, two, three ... Finally I sat in a long white bench with a fine
view.
Behind me immediately over my right shoulder was a mall map.
Across the wide atrium from me the glass elevator rose and fell.
Almost directly below me I gazed down the tree at Santa on his
golden chair.
"Wow, a natural Santa."
"What's an unnatural Santa, Dad?"
I pushed the bench towards that potted tree on my right,
Made like I was looking at something in my hands,
And surreptitiously reached under the faux grey moss.
"May I help you?" asked the guard suspiciously.
"OH, um, I thought I lost my keys" I said while holding the black,
dual film cannisters in one hand,
"Wait, here they are in my other pocket."
"Alright then, happy holidays to you."
"And to you." Whew.
I spent a pleasant time recording in the scroll and enjoying the
expansive view.
Then I went all the way around and all the way down to celebrate in
the food court.
Merry letterboxing to all, and to all a good hike.

Please be discreet. Please do not root around in a lot of tree's
moss if you're not sure. It is very likely I will remove this dual
black film cannister letterbox after the holidays. I will note so
here before I do. If you find this letterbox missing or damaged or
are puzzled about the clues write theDoubtfulGuests@yahoo.com.