I'll have to say that this has been a somewhat depressing Christmas having to celebrate virtually, but I guess I should be thankful that at least we can see each other via Zoom. Getting a group photo proved a bit challenging, however, when Brian's cat tried to get in on the picture (cats always like to be the center of attention).
But the cat finally moved out of the way, so I could get a shot of Amber. Here's hoping that the virus is gone by next December so this doesn't turn out to be the photo for next year's Christmas card.
Speaking of photos, after weeks of culling through boxes and boxes of old photos, I finally got them organized, scanned, and printed into photo books for Brian and Courtney.
The books represent a snapshot of their lives from birth to college. I think they turned out really well, plus they are easier to look through than a jumble of photos thrown in a box.
Courtney didn't come into town, so we opened presents via Zoom. Bruce took Courtney's presents to Chicago a couple weeks ago and let her open one while he was there (some wireless earbuds). But she had to save the rest until Christmas Eve. Along with a bunch of art supplies, she got a hammock and a mini-waffle maker. The hammock I can see, because she can string it between 2 trees over by Lake Michigan. But personally, I would have gone for a toaster and a box of frozen Eggo waffles rather than a waffle maker, but Courtney is more industrious than I am.
Bruce got a wireless device that connects his headphones to the TV. He said it's so he won't disturb me when I'm asleep and he's watching a basketball game, but truthfully, when my head hits the pillow, you could drop a bomb off and I wouldn't hear it. Bruce also got some new gloves and a Colorado hiking book. I know he's itching to jump in the car and try out those hiking trails.
I also got some new paints from Courtney and some black watercolor paper. Black might sound like a strange color, but a while back I got some glittery watercolor paint that really shows up well on black. I'm looking forward to trying it.
But, of course, Christmas wouldn't be complete if Santa didn't bring me a new robot. Guess I know what I'll be playing with this week!
