December Activities

Around the house

We have a pyracantha bush which had a bumper crop of berries this year. Suddenly we noticed that the robins (and other birds) had taken a liking to the berries. Shortly thereafter, the top was nearly stripped, and a couple of days later only a few near the bottom that were awkward to get to were left.

In early December we went up to our friends, Dick's and MaryKay's house near Rocky Point. They live next to the Winema National Forest, and we took our permit (which MK got for us) and tramped around the woods looking for a suitable Christmas tree. After admiring (at least the tops) of a number of trees, some as tall as 25 feet, we finally found a wonderful tree that was just the right height. I cut it down, and then Dick and Dick carried it down to the house, where we subsequently wrapped it and put it in our van for the trip home.

On the 11th of December, I reached a milestone (oops, almost said millstone!), having achieved the ripe old age of two-thirds of a century. In honor of this, and because I'm always posting all these pictures of everyone else, I give you a panoramic view of the subject himself. OK, OK, I promise to never do that again.

Trip south

The second weekend of December we went to California to see friends. We spent a couple of days in Monterey, and some in Benicia. I went by the Naval Postgraduate School to see colleagues. I stopped by the plaza to see if the brick myself and others had bought for a colleague had been installed. It had, and honors Distinguished Professor Frank D. Faulkner, who passed away last year. He was instrumental in my going to the NPS, and was a wonderful friend and mentor. My children bought a brick for me, and it is nearby.

When we went back to Benicia before heading back to Oregon, Ian and Fiona demonstrated their new abilities. Not as good as their Great-Uncle David, but working up to it.

Holiday madness

Oh yes, we did the tree set up in the house (all nine feet of it), and decorated. Hailey, Stephen, and Tanna arrived Christmas Eve (along with Rabia and Wicket, the granddogs). On Christmas day we had some snow, and some sun. It was a good day for a little hot tub time.

The day after Christmas, Mark and Darla arrived from Eugene, and Evan, Laura, Ian, and Fiona arrived from Benicia. We had a bountiful day after Christmas dinner. The presents couldn't wait too much longer. Here's Ian with his first, along with Fiona concentrating on hers, while Mark and Darla enjoy the moment. Grammy and Fiona take a short break to check out some new books. A bit later, Fiona and Ian are interested in Evan's new book. Then Laura checks out things. Without a doubt, the one present that garnered the most interest was the scavenger hunt that Stephen was required to engage in; here he has deciphered the first two clues (with help from Ian and Fiona) to find the first installment. Here he is close to finding the last clue, and at last, the final booty. A little later, Ian and Fiona are showing off two more books. Finally, Ian and Fiona get to the final presents. Here's Ian on his new play table (Grandad has a bit more work to do on it before delivery). Fiona was happy with her new red barn made by her Grandad (that's me).

After Christmas play

The day after the day after Christmas came with snow, not much, but enough for Fiona to tromp around on the deck. Later the younger folks (not Grammy or Grandad - but we watched) went to skate in Ashland. Here Ian and his Aunts Tanna and Hailey take a turn on the ice, while Fiona and Mark do likewise. Holding on securely, Mark (almost hidden), Tanna, Evan, and Hailey make a circuit, and later Tanna and Hailey make a solo trip. Afterward, it's time for Hailey, Stephen, and Tanna to head home, so here is a final shot of the entire crew entire crew (well, except for me).

After the rest of us had some lunch, one contingent went after-Christmas shopping, while the rest of us did something useful and went to the ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum. They have many interesting hands-on exhibits. I got this picture of Ian, Einstein, and Fiona. Fiona enjoyed the sand painting. Mark, Darla, Ian, and Fiona built an arch out of foam blocks, illustrating the concept of a "keystone". Outside Ian and Fiona climbed climbed and crawled around a bear and her cub. Back home, Ian, Fiona, and their dad relax in the hot tub.

On the 28th, we went up toward Mt. Ashland to do some sledding and sliding. Only got a few pictures. Here's one of unquestioned poor quality of Evan and Ian. This one of Laura and Fiona is considerably improved. Then there are a couple of in-between shots of Evan and Laura one, and Evan and Laura two.

It was a great Christmas holiday season. We look forward to the new year.