It has been too long since any blog update, and I have a backlog of material. I have lots more to post on the basement renovation, much progress to document with our aquaponic system, and of course Christmas. We had great fun this morning with minimal family stress (that came later in the day).
Cath with Her New Lazy Susan
The kids are getting better at picking out presents on their own, especially when they have me and my wallet along with them. Eva had seen this lazy susan at a farm market vendor, and decided it would be perfect for Cath. Indeed, it is beautifully painted and looks great on our dining table.
KC Getting a Good Back Scratching
Our cats, and next year our future dog, enjoy Christmas with the other members of the family, though they don't seem to care very much about the treats in their stockings. Here KC is getting a good back scratch, and below Noelle is enjoying hiding under the Christmas tree.
Noelle Under the Christmas Tree
All of our children enjoyed themselves today AND were generally civilized with no meltdowns. It has not always been thus. Will had asked for a turntable(!) which I find very amusing. The first time he saw my turntable he acted like it was technology from the dark ages. Apparently old fashioned vinyl albums are now fashionable. I am skeptical that he will sustain his interest when his iPhone is a much easier source of music, but be does recognize the superior sound quality of the turntable. The Needle Doctor came through with a good combination of turntable and powered speakers, which I will adopt if Will loses interest. Apparently he is not the only person who wanted a turntable, because more recently they have been sold out.
Will and Part of His New Audio System
Eva had a clothing intensive Christmas. All of the children ended up with new coats. She also garnered a skirt, sweater and a very cute hat knit by Cathleen.
Eva with her Hand Knit Cap
I was thrilled with my presents. I look forward to reading my Bill Wyman history of the Rolling Stones, Rolling with the Stones. I am also happy to have new exercise clothes so I don't look like I shop at Salvation Army when I go to Pilates, and most of all reading my Time Life: LIFE Library of Photography. Before the Internet and its infinite variety of blogs, Time Life published some of the definitive subject guides. Their series on cooking is legendary, and their photography series is close behind. Sadly both of these are out of print, but Cathleen tracked down the photo series for me.
Lyra sometimes adopts the role of family clown (or demon possessed). While she is the youngest, she yields ground to no one when seeking attention. Her big present from Santa this year was a real camera (a Nikon Coolpix, breaking my normal allegiance to Canon). She demonstrated a very good eye using my camera in London last spring on vacation, and I am looking forward to see how she does behind her own camera. When she chooses, she is certainly entertaining in front of the camera. Her tongue is still showing the tell-tale blue from her lollypop stocking stuffer.
Lyra Hamming it Up