(post-logged 12/26) Saturday - Christmas
I rolled over at 7am - suprized to no sound in the house. No kids....no screaming, stamping, and discipline sounds. Just whispering. Got partially dressed in my PJs and socks, made my way upstairs from the basement guest suite, snagged a cup of coffee on my way into the livingroom - kids were not downstairs yet. Then all of a sudden...the rape n pillage of the presents. This went on for a painful 2 hours of spoiled-child-like drama. My theory is that no child will ever be happy - if ever spoiled by the lack of discipline. But it was their day - I hope they remember how "happy" they were at that moment many years later when they find themselves in the same footsteps as their parents...tired and , overjoyed by fatigue.
The day rolled along with a series of relatives coming and going - gifts opened and photos taken, stories told. Much food, passed, cooked, more cooked, eaten, a blur of washing dishes, coffee, eggnog, drama, ...
I presented my pumpkin soup for lunch, my parents brought a bunch of shrimp...more gifts...the Game Cube absorbed all the children's attention all afternoon while I spent cooking a turkey (that we brined" all night), homeade stuffing, green beans with bacon, homemade gravy, glazed ham, rolls, potatoes, fresh cranberry sauce, on and on....lastly with coffee, cookies, more eggnog, fruitcake and then Gas-X and Rollaids, more Game Cube, and then time to go...
After cooking and cleaning for a day and a half, I decided that I was not gonna attempt to offer to cleanup, so it was time to go - said farewells, my parents and I still had to drive caravan style another 1.5 hours to their lake house - and help them unpack and take care of chores (they only go there every month or so).
After all the unpacking, water drainage, re-stocking, re-heating, et al...we finally changed into some comfy clothes...sat in the living room with a beer re-capping the drama of the day, watched "The Sound of Music" and fell asleep in the day chairs - we were exhausted.
I rolled over at 7am - suprized to no sound in the house. No kids....no screaming, stamping, and discipline sounds. Just whispering. Got partially dressed in my PJs and socks, made my way upstairs from the basement guest suite, snagged a cup of coffee on my way into the livingroom - kids were not downstairs yet. Then all of a sudden...the rape n pillage of the presents. This went on for a painful 2 hours of spoiled-child-like drama. My theory is that no child will ever be happy - if ever spoiled by the lack of discipline. But it was their day - I hope they remember how "happy" they were at that moment many years later when they find themselves in the same footsteps as their parents...tired and , overjoyed by fatigue.
The day rolled along with a series of relatives coming and going - gifts opened and photos taken, stories told. Much food, passed, cooked, more cooked, eaten, a blur of washing dishes, coffee, eggnog, drama, ...
I presented my pumpkin soup for lunch, my parents brought a bunch of shrimp...more gifts...the Game Cube absorbed all the children's attention all afternoon while I spent cooking a turkey (that we brined" all night), homeade stuffing, green beans with bacon, homemade gravy, glazed ham, rolls, potatoes, fresh cranberry sauce, on and on....lastly with coffee, cookies, more eggnog, fruitcake and then Gas-X and Rollaids, more Game Cube, and then time to go...
After cooking and cleaning for a day and a half, I decided that I was not gonna attempt to offer to cleanup, so it was time to go - said farewells, my parents and I still had to drive caravan style another 1.5 hours to their lake house - and help them unpack and take care of chores (they only go there every month or so).
After all the unpacking, water drainage, re-stocking, re-heating, et al...we finally changed into some comfy clothes...sat in the living room with a beer re-capping the drama of the day, watched "The Sound of Music" and fell asleep in the day chairs - we were exhausted.
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(post-logged 12/26) Friday
Woke up early and drove down caravan style with my parents to my brother's house down south. He has such a beautiful house - very southern city mansionesque - old...neuveau rich to renovate-old-skool-rich. It's a great place to have a huge family holiday gathering. The house itself is very formal...and informal...like my brother and his wife & family.
We were greeted with much chaos, yet warm smiles and panic of all-the-things-that-had-to-be-done-before-guests-arrive (we were the guests). I set into "I'll help with whatevva ya need to, I'm a multitasking man" so the afternoon went by pretty quick with a quick lunch followed by more preparations, plans and cleanup. Much of that afternoon was a blur with activity.
That late afternoon, we attended a xmess pagent at their lovely gothic church - was a crowded event with lots of kids all hopped up on candy and delusions of santa and the gifts they will receive. Following, we drove as a unit (never knew all 5 adults and 3 children [6, 5 yo, 8 mo] could fit into a minivan) for 45 minutes to see a 10 minute xmess light display, then to drive 45 minutes back with a very upset screaming 8 month old giving all of us a reason to want to break into the spiked eggnog upon arrival.
The host family was too busy putting kids to bed and breast feeding, disciplining, wrapping presents to make dinner - so dinner needed to be made (my parents were hungry and it was a few hours past dinnertime). I made the oyster stew that was the tradition - was very good. Everyone was happy. Cleaned up dinner, and then went to help host family wrap gifts until midnight, replete with all the fake santa gestures...eaten cookies, hoof prints, oats & carrots for the reindeer, et al. Spent the last part of the evening "brining" a turkey to cook the next day - it's a really involved process (recipe to follow at a later date). All were exhausted...it was going to be a long next day (kids get up at 5:30am to rape the presents).
Woke up early and drove down caravan style with my parents to my brother's house down south. He has such a beautiful house - very southern city mansionesque - old...neuveau rich to renovate-old-skool-rich. It's a great place to have a huge family holiday gathering. The house itself is very formal...and informal...like my brother and his wife & family.
We were greeted with much chaos, yet warm smiles and panic of all-the-things-that-had-to-be-done-before-guests-arrive (we were the guests). I set into "I'll help with whatevva ya need to, I'm a multitasking man" so the afternoon went by pretty quick with a quick lunch followed by more preparations, plans and cleanup. Much of that afternoon was a blur with activity.
That late afternoon, we attended a xmess pagent at their lovely gothic church - was a crowded event with lots of kids all hopped up on candy and delusions of santa and the gifts they will receive. Following, we drove as a unit (never knew all 5 adults and 3 children [6, 5 yo, 8 mo] could fit into a minivan) for 45 minutes to see a 10 minute xmess light display, then to drive 45 minutes back with a very upset screaming 8 month old giving all of us a reason to want to break into the spiked eggnog upon arrival.
The host family was too busy putting kids to bed and breast feeding, disciplining, wrapping presents to make dinner - so dinner needed to be made (my parents were hungry and it was a few hours past dinnertime). I made the oyster stew that was the tradition - was very good. Everyone was happy. Cleaned up dinner, and then went to help host family wrap gifts until midnight, replete with all the fake santa gestures...eaten cookies, hoof prints, oats & carrots for the reindeer, et al. Spent the last part of the evening "brining" a turkey to cook the next day - it's a really involved process (recipe to follow at a later date). All were exhausted...it was going to be a long next day (kids get up at 5:30am to rape the presents).
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Hums "It's a holly, jolly xmess..." as I finish my packing and what not before I leave tomorrow morning early to join my family for xmess. Kinda looking forward to it. Albeit a long ass drive to and from - will be well worth it to see the entire family, share a few laughs, presents, cook, eat, be merry - lemme revise that...some of that listed earlier..but 90% of the time will be all attention to the children (afterall, it is their holiday).
Today was an odd one, went to work - was busy as hell, then found out they were closing the office early (for xmess..aww) - but it was raining like hell - strangest weather. Thunder and lightning, heavy downpours, just dangerous to drive around in. So I wasn't sure what to do...all my xmess shopping was complete, no real errands to run - didn't want to go home, because I was waiting for the rain to slow down before I take a bike ride. So I headed over to Vienna - sorta slummed around in the boutiques and bike store, even went to a few gourmet stores (gee imagine that). Was nice having an unpurposefull lazy aimless afternoon - before a hyper-attention-family-intensified-a-go-go all weekend.
Went to the Community Center, geared up - was still drizzling - and starting to get really cold - and dark - and now really windy. Suited up, was a little annoyed that it had been raining, but hey...was glad it was not snow or sleet, I'd not be biking at all. Set out...then got about 10 miles out when the wind started to get really bad, and the temp dropped. The rain didn't help. By this time - I was starting to get really wet and miserable. Fuck that, turned around - biked back. Rain had stopped. Was happy it did. Dissappointed that it wasn't a long ride - I will not be biking for a day or so over xmess (will bring bike, but may not have time).
Came home, packed, organized then joined my parents to open a few presents (we celebrate out here before we head out - so we don't drag all the presents to and from). We had a really pleasant evening. Started with Gluwine (sweet german warm wine concoction - from the Nuremberg area), chili, and stocking unwraping, then all gifts. All the presents were all received well - and appreciated. This will continue tomorrow, and the next day.
Welp, I hope everyone has a safe, happy and memorable Holiday! (I will be back in town on the 26th).
Today was an odd one, went to work - was busy as hell, then found out they were closing the office early (for xmess..aww) - but it was raining like hell - strangest weather. Thunder and lightning, heavy downpours, just dangerous to drive around in. So I wasn't sure what to do...all my xmess shopping was complete, no real errands to run - didn't want to go home, because I was waiting for the rain to slow down before I take a bike ride. So I headed over to Vienna - sorta slummed around in the boutiques and bike store, even went to a few gourmet stores (gee imagine that). Was nice having an unpurposefull lazy aimless afternoon - before a hyper-attention-family-intensified-a-go-go all weekend.
Went to the Community Center, geared up - was still drizzling - and starting to get really cold - and dark - and now really windy. Suited up, was a little annoyed that it had been raining, but hey...was glad it was not snow or sleet, I'd not be biking at all. Set out...then got about 10 miles out when the wind started to get really bad, and the temp dropped. The rain didn't help. By this time - I was starting to get really wet and miserable. Fuck that, turned around - biked back. Rain had stopped. Was happy it did. Dissappointed that it wasn't a long ride - I will not be biking for a day or so over xmess (will bring bike, but may not have time).
Came home, packed, organized then joined my parents to open a few presents (we celebrate out here before we head out - so we don't drag all the presents to and from). We had a really pleasant evening. Started with Gluwine (sweet german warm wine concoction - from the Nuremberg area), chili, and stocking unwraping, then all gifts. All the presents were all received well - and appreciated. This will continue tomorrow, and the next day.
Welp, I hope everyone has a safe, happy and memorable Holiday! (I will be back in town on the 26th).
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What a strange day. Work was normal, with the exception of the dramatically pathetic holiday party we had. It wasn't too painful to participate - just interesting to see how unspirited and unappreciative the family of this family owned business is. No details for obvious reasons, just miraculous that they even had a holiday party for the staff. An email was sent out to everyone two weeks ago (it's a small company, word of mouth may have sufficed), but an itinarary was sent to when, where, gift exchange, et al.
Somehow, both ABBA and his son had zero idea...or chose to conveniently not acknowlege that there even was a holiday party - on the day before and the day of...sheesh. Not one of the family key members expressed not wanting to go, ABBA didn't even show up (prolly too embarrrassed to show face anyways) - but sheesh, face time shows loyalty to the people who work for you. Asshole.
Anyhow, it was an "ok" time politely mingling with the same people I "mingle" with all day, not much to say to each other - as an office, there are no social skills or desire to socially interract, (with the exception of a few) because they all hate each other, and what little sense of office morale has been crapped on by ABBA. Yea, merry farkin xmess. Ha. I tried to have a fun time, played some pool (this was at a dingy, smokey suburban strip mall bar with pool tables that you rent by the hour), nursed a few selzer waters - we had a gift exchange.
I left with the last few (no one stayed long - maybe an hour or so) - then drove to Vienna to go on a bike ride. Changed clothes at the community center, and peddled into the suprizingly warm winter night (was in the low 50s). A mere 28 miler - I didn't get on the bike path until 7:30pm - got home around 9:30, at dinner - I need to begin packing for my xmess travels. That about wraps it up.
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Winter Solstice - the longest day of the year, and the first day of Winter (well, heck - I knew that, sheesh been very cold and icy for weeks). THe best part of the day is realizing that for every new day, it will begin to get lighter earlier (yay!). Xmess is almost here - I'm almost all done with preparing for my trip to my Brother's place and my parent's lake house for a few days over the holidays. Leaving on Friday morning, will be back late sunday afternoon. Just need to pack the car, gas the car - and do alot of driving, then eating, gift unwrapping, more eating, maybe a bike ride, more driving....Hopefuly the weather will be cooperative.
Today was a dreadfully busy day at work - but the kinda work that made the day just sail by. Finished up late - packed up in my warmest bike garb....then went out on a 32 miler. I was nice and toasty, cept for my fingertips...and my toes at the end of the ride. Had to stop every 20-30 minutes to warm my hands - it was only 32 degrees (0 degrees Celcius) - felt great though. Saw 12 deer tonight, unsure why there were so many.
Tomorrow afternoon is my office xmess party (oh joy). I will dutifully show face to be there for my staff - but obviously not for the clown(s) who run the place. Unsure what kinda painful experience this will be. I have a feeling that only a few will actually show/stay for it. Kinda sad/pathetic.
Today was a dreadfully busy day at work - but the kinda work that made the day just sail by. Finished up late - packed up in my warmest bike garb....then went out on a 32 miler. I was nice and toasty, cept for my fingertips...and my toes at the end of the ride. Had to stop every 20-30 minutes to warm my hands - it was only 32 degrees (0 degrees Celcius) - felt great though. Saw 12 deer tonight, unsure why there were so many.
Tomorrow afternoon is my office xmess party (oh joy). I will dutifully show face to be there for my staff - but obviously not for the clown(s) who run the place. Unsure what kinda painful experience this will be. I have a feeling that only a few will actually show/stay for it. Kinda sad/pathetic.
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I could not beleive how cold it was this morning - well, sorta knew it was. I left this morning, to warm up my car - it was 9 degrees F (-13 degrees celcius), with a minus twelve degree F windchill (-25 degrees celcius). The doors of my car were frozen shut - was glad I opened them last night. Took me a while to warm up the car, finally got to work.
Work was a wild mess of frantic energy - much too much going on the week before the holidays. Had a meeting downtown, it was almost too cold to walk the block we walked. The wind was the worst, gusts of up to 60mph (96 Kph). Back at the office, I flirted with the idea of going on a bike ride, I went to weather.com - says 22 degrees "and feels like 5 degrees" because of the windchill.....I resigned myself to that idea. I'd be frozen before I pulled my bike out of the car. Screw that. I'm crazy, but not stupid. Drove home instead - the dreaded rush hour. Yes, I left work at 5:30pm - got home at 7pm...whopping 17 miles in an hour and a half (12.75mph grrr!). Gotta fuckin love Northern Virginia rush hour traffic.
Had dinner, did a few logistical domestic things - watched a little tv (rarely do anymore) - bloggin and stuff. Tomorrow is projected to not be as frozen, high of 40 degrees - will do a bike ride. As I said, I'm crazy, not stupid.
Work was a wild mess of frantic energy - much too much going on the week before the holidays. Had a meeting downtown, it was almost too cold to walk the block we walked. The wind was the worst, gusts of up to 60mph (96 Kph). Back at the office, I flirted with the idea of going on a bike ride, I went to weather.com - says 22 degrees "and feels like 5 degrees" because of the windchill.....I resigned myself to that idea. I'd be frozen before I pulled my bike out of the car. Screw that. I'm crazy, but not stupid. Drove home instead - the dreaded rush hour. Yes, I left work at 5:30pm - got home at 7pm...whopping 17 miles in an hour and a half (12.75mph grrr!). Gotta fuckin love Northern Virginia rush hour traffic.
Had dinner, did a few logistical domestic things - watched a little tv (rarely do anymore) - bloggin and stuff. Tomorrow is projected to not be as frozen, high of 40 degrees - will do a bike ride. As I said, I'm crazy, not stupid.
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Last night, the weatherman was predicting some brutal winter weather coming through today and tonight - she was not kidding. This morning I got up a little early to get ahead on the day before all winter breaks loose.
I had a few errands to do and a bike ride to get in before 3pm. So got my haircut, drove to Vienna put on my hard core winter biking layered ensemble - biked to Hamilton (near Peonean Springs), 25 miles out, and 25 back...a little more than 50 miles total. I was completely overdressed. The temperature did not drop like it said it was, in fact - it got warmer. My full leg bike tights were completely soaked with leg sweat - like a sponge underneath my windproof/waterproof tight covers. But I had a great time - it was beautiful with dramatic winter clouds. Suprizing number of people out for such a brutal xmess holiday day.
Finished up, then headed to Target to get a last minute gift (I guess everyone in the eastern hemisphere had the same idea) - it was PACKED. More than that, it took me 25 minutes to find a parking space. WHen I finally left Target, I looked up at the sky - dark purple with the strangest cloud pattern....it started to thunder and lightning, the temperature dropped into the 30s. Very odd. Get in my car, drive home - started raining, then sleeting, then snowing. I'm glad I got home when I did.
Fixed dinner including my infamous stuffed mushrooms (recipe now posted/debut on my cookblog) - such a labor of love but, incredibly tasty. After dinner, spent a good hour and a half cleaning, tuning, lubing my bike. Wrapped my last gift and just preparing for the work/holiday week. Settles in with some sunday night anxiety....Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.....
I had a few errands to do and a bike ride to get in before 3pm. So got my haircut, drove to Vienna put on my hard core winter biking layered ensemble - biked to Hamilton (near Peonean Springs), 25 miles out, and 25 back...a little more than 50 miles total. I was completely overdressed. The temperature did not drop like it said it was, in fact - it got warmer. My full leg bike tights were completely soaked with leg sweat - like a sponge underneath my windproof/waterproof tight covers. But I had a great time - it was beautiful with dramatic winter clouds. Suprizing number of people out for such a brutal xmess holiday day.
Finished up, then headed to Target to get a last minute gift (I guess everyone in the eastern hemisphere had the same idea) - it was PACKED. More than that, it took me 25 minutes to find a parking space. WHen I finally left Target, I looked up at the sky - dark purple with the strangest cloud pattern....it started to thunder and lightning, the temperature dropped into the 30s. Very odd. Get in my car, drive home - started raining, then sleeting, then snowing. I'm glad I got home when I did.
Fixed dinner including my infamous stuffed mushrooms (recipe now posted/debut on my cookblog) - such a labor of love but, incredibly tasty. After dinner, spent a good hour and a half cleaning, tuning, lubing my bike. Wrapped my last gift and just preparing for the work/holiday week. Settles in with some sunday night anxiety....Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.....
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(Under development, I'm bashful)