magnifying glass

I missed getting the magnifying glass and I'm now in year four. I didn't know to follow the footsteps. Is there a way that I can get it now or do I have to try in a different game thank you I really like this game and don't really want to start over LOL

Even though I have the "A Winter Mystery" quest active, I can't get the Shadow Guy event to happen after shaking the bush in the park. I've tried in all seasons, at a bunch of different times. I had Krobus as a roommate when I first tried to shake the bush, so I tried again after kicking him...