December 2009
December was with family or in a car traveling to see family.
My brother kicks off another month.
I pretended to be short.
I asked Santa for a new camera. He failed.
Beth & I took photos ourselves for Christmas cards.
I love her expression.
We played with Shae.
I drank Yazoo Wassail.
My family.
Beth stole Shae’s baby.
She looks so old in this photo standing tall and reading words of wisdom.
The immediate Meyer Christmas was different without Holly here in person but it went down much better than I anticipated. There seems to be a hump when video chatting where the conversation is boring. Eventually we relaxed and were able to share our gifts efficiently. Next time I’ll try to move the laptop/camera to a better location.
I received a lot of great gifts from Beth’s family including a bike rack, toy helicopter (I love these!), and Wii. Beth technically received the Wii but I’m sure I’ll spend a little time with it.
I sure do miss Holly.
Games at Grandma’s
Beth & I trekked to Elliottstown (I never knew there were two t’s in Elliottstown till now.) to visit my Grandma Bierman. My parents were already there with two aunts, their spouses, and one cousin each. My uncle was also there.
I admit that I don’t look forward to visits like these because they can be very boring and full of pity. The outcome depends on so much. This particular afternoon was one of the most pleasant visits I have ever had thanks to my aunts who each brought games to play. The group was also small enough to fit around the table which I didn’t know extended to 2045’. I believe that a table that large is a good investment when you have such a large family.
I snapped a handful of photos as we played Left Center Right and a Christmas trivia game.
Lori needed help keeping left and right straight.
A Christmas toast of Marcella wine
Poor Janice lost again.
Steven rolls again.
Nooo!!!
Thanks everyone for a great time. I hope this is the beginning to a great tradition. Next time we should play Pass the Pigs.
Meyer Wrap Up
Today was very easy going. We got up when we wanted and sat around. The most we did before tonight was photograph Paul’s gun collection and make noms for tonight.
We went to mass at Green Creek which was exactly like it was last year, not bad just a little too much cute.
Afterwards we met the Meyer family for the annual Christmas Eve party. The food was excellent as always. My favorite dish was a buffalo chicken dip I got another helping of.
The gift exchange was average with a lot of stealing, superior rules I regret not a adopting last weekend (one steal per gift per round, 3 steals on last round), and average presents. Beth’s cousin Kelly received my Yazoo pint glasses and six pack of Pale Ale. I got a Pampered Chef carving set. Beth was stuck with a cinnamon candle and napkin holder. She wasn’t pleased.
I spent a much of the night with my 70-210mm E Series lens in hand shooting people across the room. I had decent light int he dining room but shots to the kitchen were dark if my flash didn’t reach. I shot just shy of 300. Everyone was very photogenic and didn’t freak out when I was pointing my camera at them for 10 seconds as I manually focused.
Tomorrow I’ll celebrate with Beth’s immediate family with a remote connection to Holly is South Dakota. I talked to her today and realized how much I miss her.
Beth & I exchanged gifts last night with my parents, siblings. I roasted pork tenderloins and red potatoes.
We gave Mom & Dad a digital photo frame, preloaded with many photos. I received the fry pan I asked for, multi-tool for cycling, candy, bread baking book, and other fun items. I gave Shae books and a stuffed Very Hungry Caterpillar.
It was a very relaxed and simple evening. Tonight I’ll celebrate Christmas at Beth’s parent’s church and then with Beth’s Dad’s family. They always have the best food which makes me happy.
Weekend
Friday
- Drive
- Lunch with Kelly, Jimmy Johns
- Decorating
- Dinner with Beth’s parents, Pizza Man
Saturday
- Decorating & Cleaning
- Babysit Shae
- More Decorating & Cleaning
- Photos
- Bierman Christmas 2009
Sunday
- Church
- Lunch with Mary Ann, Quiznos @ St. Anthony’s
- Catch up with Paul & Reggie
- Drive
I could share details about our drives, my cleaning, and the family but I have separate posts for the important points. Overall it was a good weekend to be home. It snowed 0.5” Friday night. I’m hoping for a little more snow this weekend so I can explore some portrait ideas.
A few people have felt sorry for our two day return to Nashville but I’m chalking it up as positive. If we would have started our extended Effingham stay on Friday we would have been sick of our families by Christmas!
On a related note, this will be the first year Beth & I do not have any commitments on the same day. I look forward to chilling more and running around less.
Thursday night I finally went to Yazoo Brewing Company’s taproom. I’m embarrassed I haven’t been there because I enjoy Yazoo beer and live < 25 minutes away by foot! My first visit wasn’t to sit around an enjoy a pint or three. Instead I bought a growler of their Christmasy/winter/holiday ale, Wassail. After enjoying the Christmas Ale I wanted to compare a local brew.
The beer was really great. My beer reviews don’t get anymore detailed than that. Having my own growler at home and drinking from the pint glass I bought that night felt special.
I would love to get refill before we leave again Wednesday morning but they won’t be able to get it till Wednesday night. I’ll probably get it refilled with their Pale Ale at Whole Foods Tuesday night. Here’s to many refills!
Seasons Greetings
This is what I was told by the elderly couple greeting people walking into my parent’s ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH. I believe they may have said this because the church’s Christmas season doesn’t begin till this week but in that case, what other seasons or holidays were they greeting me with? I wish I would have spoken up and asked for clarification.
For the record, I’m not offended when I receive a generic greeting in public. I recognize that everyone doesn’t participate in the holidays I do. I appreciate the thought behind the greeting and don’t get bent out of shape. You shouldn’t either.
