Well, it was a Christmas. Since I didn't get to go home to my birth parents (I'll see them next week), I spent it with the next best thing, an aunt and uncle and my cousin. On Sunday, Jo (the Cuz) and I met her parents to view the Egyptology exhibit at the Portland Art Museum. It was rather good for something about dead people. Although she did point out things she wanted for Christmas, I reminded her that a felony will keep me from getting licensed someday and she won't be able to move into my poolhouse because if I were lucky enough to have a poolhouse, I would be the one living in it. After we left the museum, I felt the need to take a picture. We're going to have to work on her modeling poses and my focu
sing abilities. (she's the pink blob you see). Apparently my work isn't headed to an art gallery near you anytime soon.After leaving P-town, we enjoyed something (can't remember what, but I'm guessing it was food related) and then we sat down to open presents. This came as a bit of a surprise to me as we'
ve always opened them Christmas morning, but hey, I'm breezy and it's fun. Now Nicky, is the Christmas cat, so this is her special time. To commemmorate it, we did portraits. If you'll notice, Jo has a beatific look on her face and Nicky's scowl, is well.....we'll just call them the yin and yang of Christmas.Then, Uncle Bruce read us a short excerpt from a Nicholas Sparks book. Oddly enough it didn't make me cry like it usually does. (I hold him personally responsible for the rising rates of depression in the US.)
Of course we had the traditional family portrait time. It was not as adventurous as is usual in my family, but nevertheless took a few attempts to
perfect and finally it came the time for Jo to pass out (insert Ted & Scott joke here).....the presents. One of the high points of this Christmas, was the apparent theme of smelling good. There was all sorts of colognes and perfumes and bodywashes for all to sniff and swoon over. I didn't think we smelled bad before, but perhaps I missed some memo (it often happens).My family likes to give practical gifts. Although no underwear was gifted, we did have a share of practical gifts.
Jo with scissors
Jo with clock
Jo stunned with the amazing brilliance and the lack of practical use of her gift from me.
We also learned that this may be the most effective way of getting a good family picture.
After opening all the gifts, Nicky enjoyed the luxury of hanging out with the three wisemen. You'll notice that the one on the left is a devout Muslim with a lousy sense of direction (after all he's praying towards Alaska, otherwise known as the second great land of Mohammed).
The next day after a relaxing morning that included hot tubbing, we ate Christmas dinner (complete with recipe from the North Dakota Library Association cookbook). I assure you it was more interesting than it appears (there was also more food than appears).
All in all it was a very good Christmas. Hope yours was as well.
