its a mad mission

Growing up in New England, we were always excited if it snowed before Christmas. This year we’ve seen a few dustings already. I went out to CT last week just after a storm, and got to enjoy picturesque snow-capped countryside. There is a reason that the movie “Christmas in Connecticut” was made.

The picture below has a long story behind it. At least 50 years long. You see, that is no ordinary Santa Claus we found at the shopping mall. Nope, this Santa has been getting ready in the basement of our house for at least 50 years (my dad remembers it from when he was a child) for what our neighborhood calls the “Spring Glen Santa.” Santa would collect the presents parents had secretly dropped off, leave our house, go through a path in the woods, and come out at a bus shelter that is central to the neighborhood, and at which everyone would gather one December Saturday every year. I remember as a child waiting with great anticipation to see him appear and give me a present, having no clue he had just been getting ready in Grandma and Grandpa’s basement (they lived in our house at that time–my parents bought it from them in 1990). Santa is 80 years old this year and still going strong, though he rides down on the back of a tractor instead of hiking.

In other news, my uncle sent me these two pics, which I think make for a funny juxtaposition. I call it, “Hypocrisy.” A brief explanation of the second shot: I had fallen asleep at the table, and Uncle Paul (it was entirely his idea, I’m sure), decided to plant some props.

Deb gets up close and personal with a fellow commuter…as if she has a choice.

Visit Deb’s blog here.

Night-time in the conference room.

How lovely are your branches. Our tree this year is only branches. Bill, Adam and I scoured the local park and found these gems to twine together (I’m not sure they were convinced this idea was going to work, but they went along with it anyways). My only problem with our modern tree is it’s lack of scent–I’m going to find a pine candle to remedy that.
Best of all, it snowed last night–the holidays are here. Merry Christmas!