December 29, 2010: A Frozen Potomac

The Potomac has been freezing at night lately.  On the other side of the bridge it's frozen more solidly, but here, just off of the Mall, it's only been freezing at night.  The result is pretty cool, and the water this time of year is about as clear as you'll see it, so I thought it made an interesting picture.

December 19, 2010: A Shaved Mutt

The dog got his Christmas early, part of which was traumatic for the poor boy--a very close shave, a new bed, and a festive green sweater to keep him warm now that he's nearly bald.

December 17, 2010: Of Nativity Scenes and a Fat Man in a Red Suit

The kids took part in a pretty well-done Nativity play at the church Christmas party tonight.  Bubba didn't like sitting on Santa's lap much, so Santa invited ME to sit on his lap with the baby.  Evidence of that spectacle is, unfortunately, held hostage for the time being on the missus' misbehaving phone.  I'll add it here when I get it.

December 16, 2010: The Office Holiday Party

No crazy hi-jinks from me at the office party.  This is me heading for the door.  Good food and good peeps, but the egg nog cheesecake did me in, and I wanted to get home to see my little sis, who arrived earlier in the day for a very short visit.  How do you like the Santa in training look with the candy cane tie?  Very festive, isn't it?

December 12, 2010: A Festive Metro Station

In the picture, it looks a bit like a giant fish tank, but it's actually the station manager's post at the Metro stop near my office. A particularly jolly manager decorated it her little office with lights and even put ribbons, bows, and wreaths on the railings. One morning, she even had Christmas music blaring. I haven't heard it since. I wonder if a scrooge complained about everybody enjoying a holiday he or she doesn't like.

December 11, 2010: The Climber

We have a new climbing pro in our house. The little guy has been climbing onto anything he can. Stairs, tables, chairs, stools, the possibilities for fun, and stitches, are endless.

December 10, 2010: There's a Sleeping Kid in There Somewhere

My 4 year old daughter has been sleeping under her covers, as in all the way under. I guess she's not claustrophobic, eh? I wouldn't be able to stand it.

December 9, 2010: Light at the End of the Tunnel?

Unfortunately, no. It's my primary means of transportation for a while unless I finally get a stronger battery for the motorcycle--a battery that doesn't mind cold.

December 8, 2010: At Least Metro Isn't Crowded At Night

I worked a bit late tonight, and had to take Metro again, because I left the bike at home to suffer in the cold without me on it.  I snapped this with my phone on my way to the platform.

December 7, 2010: A Cold December Night

I gave up on the motorcycle the past couple of days. It's just too cold, and I'm not adequately equipped yet. As with everything, there's just too much additional gear involved. If the forecast predicts temps above 40, however, I'll hope to ride. The first items on the gear list are a stronger battery for cold starts and some better gloves.

December 4, 2010: Christmas Lights at the Mormon Temple

We went with some friends to the Washington, DC Mormon temple so the kids could see the lights.  Skeeter was more interested in his bottle than the lights, but at least he didn't turn into an ankle biting popsicle. 
He looks a lot more innocent bundled in his stroller than he did earlier in the day sitting on the dog's head.  We're lucky to have the world's most tolerant dog.  Captain Hook received his first torture at the hands of our first boy when we let the kid name him.  (If you're taking notes, don't let a 3 year old name dog, or you too might end up with a dog with a ridiculous name like "Captain Hook.")  Few days have passed since then when the boy didn't torture the dog in some way.  Unfortunately for Captain, he has another boy to contend with now, a one year old who has taken to treating the dog like a much more fun and interactive version of one of his teddy bears.

Yes, I park my bike in the master bedroom.

December 3, 2010: From the My Wife is Crazy File...

She invited 17 kids to come watch The Polar Express in their pajamas, complete with a hot chocolate bar.  I thought she was nuts to want to do that, but the kids had fun, they weren't nearly as obnoxious as I thought they'd be, and they had a great time. OK, fine, I'll admit it--the kids were actually incredibly well behaved considering the fact that there were 17 of them hopped up on sugar.

December 1, 2010: A Kid and Her Dog; A Kid and Her Ornaments

We woke up to a raging rain storm this morning, but our basement was spared the flooding it suffered last spring. We got lucky--I haven't cleaned out the stairwell where the drain was clogged with leaves in floods past. The kids must have grabbed my phone and snapped this one of my little girl and the mangy dog. We decorated our tree that night.