It's The End Of The Middle

   Holidays were nice. I had time to shop. A lot of time really. A great stress reducer. Awesome. Always some concern about not getting the boys enough/getting them too much/what the hell to get them??. That worked out too. Always admired the Cupps Christmas, and so we just want to follow their lead, leading with love and backing this with stuff. In a small house, it's difficult finding places to hide big things. Maria's desk in Oliver's closet. Dexter's desk tucked way under Oliver's bed (necessitating lifting the bed with a sleeping Oliver in it on Christmas eve to drag the item out) and Oliver's WiiU was fortunately easy to hide.

   And we stayed home for the first time making for a very relaxed lazy day.  Missed roommate/ neighbor/ niece Cailin! A visit by Sis, Traci and Kevin, and Ryland made for a good break in the middle of the day.
Brother Mike made it out later the next evening.

   New Years (30th/31st) we went to Santa Cruz, staying at the now expensive (but still fun at least) Beach Street Inn where we had a cool view of the beach, a kitchen and a bathroom where the boys and I could create the death scene of Spock from the second Star Trek movie. Have to say that as good as Dexter was as Kirk, Ollie as cameraman, that guy that played Spock...really aced the gig.  They only agreed to do it if we did the bit in one take, although we had to do two because they messed up the first one.

   A friendly family of seemingly ten were in the next room to us, and they had a great time, were too considerate of us for we spent 12/31 inside. I couldn't roost the family out of the room- at least we were able to wake up Maria!  Time at the arcade, in the water day and night and observing with great admiration the sea lions along the pier.

   Subsequently the rains have been somewhat heavy and it's been cold at night, and the energy bills...well, it's always good to have something to work on.  Over the break we were able to catch up with various friends and family and for this I am always grateful.  Also watched a Doctor Who Christmas episode, "Last Christmas".  Best wishes for a solid 2016 everybody!

tug of war with Ryland

kooky by catnip

Maria wanting NO part in Dexter's creative gift wrapping for his brother

Brother's reaction,  This is very inappropriate.

 

And dolphins! (maybe Orcas)

Will the kidding ever cease?

Wearing my Hero / Zero t-shirt on Christmas Day