2002

Aunt Charlotte sent these groovy vegetables (among many other wonderful holiday gifts). As you can tell from the photos, Annabel has a real knack for cooking, just like her mommy, Bridget.

The campground at Henry Cowell may be closed, but that just means less of a crowd. We pack up a lunch and head out to the campgrounds followed by some great hiking. It’s mostly downhill to the river and then a long uphill hike back out. The kids held up great. Everyone made it out on their own two feet, even if just barely. It’s a great way to spend the day before the rain hits tomorrow. ...

We celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas in our house, so I suppose it shouldn’t be surprising that our kids have learned to be flexible in showing their holiday spirit. It sure was a shock when I saw the decorating job they did on themselves. They sure are having fun though. Along more traditional lines, everyone helps out decorating the tree after a quick shower. Doesn’t look too bad for a fake tree. We’ll having a few problems with the lights this year. May have to hang the menorah on the tree if it gets too dark. ...

George, Ellen, and the kids stayed with us after Thanksgiving last night. Monica got plenty of quality girl time in with her cousins, while Gabe and Zach clearly enjoyed each other’s company. I got in a great bike ride with George and we enjoyed another beautiful day in Santa Cruz.

George and Ellen are over the house for a short visit before heading over to Valri’s house for Thanksgiving dinner. We’ve got a few dishes for the meal to prepare and some relaxing to do before we go. The kids spend their time jumping on the trampoline, while George and I catch up on things out on the deck. We squeeze in a few holiday photos before we head out. You’re likely to see one of these as our holiday family photo. ...

Charlotte, Valri, and Charlie headed out to Bootjack for a visit with Gordon and Charlotte. It’s getting pretty cold out there, but they’ve certainly got that holiday spirit going. This is quite the festive truck in front of the Office Shop in Calumet. I’m not quite sure what Charlotte was thinking with this picture, but that sure is a nice pile of rocks. There’s always plenty of rocks in the U.P. ...

We originally got our cats Tasha and Daisy as part of our overall pest control program a few years ago. We had quite a bad wood rat problem, and after catching tons using traps, we wanted a better long term control mechanism. It’s also convenient that the kids always like a new pet in the family. Thankfully the weather here is so mild, they both live outside all year round. You can always count on them to show up promptly around dinner time for their food. Funny how that works. ...

Charlotte keeps telling me that she’s had enough with Char’s Natural Therapeutics as far as sales goes. But naturally there’s always just one more show or some group of people that are just dying to get a few more bath salts, oils, or eye pillows. The Bernina sees a lot of work this time of year especially with the holidays coming up.

My dad, Karen, and Max are in town for the holidays. An always popular destination is Pacific Avenue in downtown Santa Cruz for those shopping inclined. Low and behold, we run into Santa at the local sweet shop.

After a traditional Multer birthday night at for pu-pu platter at the local Chinese restaurant, we head home for presents and cake. Monica picked out a cookies and cream ice cream cake that was so good, I’m sorry we got it. The presents were a big hit as well. Charlotte made her an awesome new blanket. She also got the sheep dog stuffed animal she had been longing for, the Spiderman movie, some software for her new PC, and jewelry. Nick and Gabe got a few party favors as well. The slinky was a big hit with Gabe. ...