Frosty Snowman 2008-2008

Frosty Snowman of Marion melted away Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008, after a short but brave battle against above normal temperatures. He was four days old.

Snowman was built Saturday by Tess and Ella Dorman of Marion and is survived by his creators.

Snowman, known for his jaunty beret and red scarf, was a quiet but friendly backyard presence during the heady opening days of 2008. 

He had hoped to someday laugh and play just the same as you and me, but unseasonable weather cut his life short. Instead, he swiftly melted into a small lump of dirty snow, his beret, scarf, charcoal eyes, baby carrot nose and cranberry mouth scattered about him.

But Snowman's legacy lives on. Tess Dorman has vowed to reconstitute him once fresh snow falls. Ella Dorman has kept his memory the best way she knows how -- the knock-knock joke.

Knock, knock.

Who's there?

Frosty.

Frosty who?

Shhhhhhhhhh.

Fittingly, like Frosty Snowman, the joke is misunderstood enigma.

Snowman's remains will stay in the yard until they can be run over with a lawnmower this spring. Please, no memorials.