Christmas in Florida

Some of you in the Northeast received a photo from me, last week, of the beautiful South Florida weather outside our window, this time of year. Of course, the intent was to stir envy in each of you, who awoke that morning to 5 degree weather and inches upon inches of snow. Well, that backfired on me pretty quickly, as each of you acknowledged that in the spirit of the "Season," it is I who stands in envy of the "Winter Wonderland" that you'll enjoy this Holiday.

Being a "Jersey Guy", I do miss the cold weather for a few days, around Christmas. Amanda, of course, was born and raised in South Florida, so she does not share my sentiment. That's a good thing, though, because Amanda fills our home with the "Spirit of the Holidays."

She starts listening to Holiday Music - exclusively - the moment the local radio station switches to its 24 hour format. (This year, it was before Thanksgiving!) She, also, makes sure we've got plenty of holiday decor in our home. Right down to the plates, the glasses and the dish towels we use.

Plus, we've got lights on the patio, up the stairwell from the front door, on the tree and outside the house. I like to think we do a pretty good job with that, for the benefit of our neighbors, as well. (Heck, last year, I rearranged one of my neighbor's sets of lights, while she was out, because I didn't think she did a good enough job.)

So, although, I may miss out on a few days of cold Christmas-y weather, I do not miss out on the spirit of the Holiday. Hope the spirit is with you, this year, as well. If you're reading this message, then you know Amanda & I are wishing for you and your family our very best this Holiday and always. (Thanks for taking the time to check in. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've to go and run off to my 1:20 PM tee time...)

Thanksgiving 2008: New Jersey!

So, when you walk in my parent's home - My Home New Jersey - you know, immediately, what Season it is.

Given Amanda's love for animals, it was a "1st Priority" to try to feed the deer that spend time in my folk's backyard.

It didn't take long to realize that they preferred chopped pumpkin. (Fortunately for Amanda, Mom had 14 pumpkins displayed around the house, ready for chopping.)

Now, as common as the deer wandering through their yard is, it is very unusual to find any Buck. To find 6 Buck, at one time! - as we did - was crazy! This video was one of the more entertaining "fight" scenes we observed.

Nephew, Colin, was doing his best to get a good view.

Colin was only one of the highlights of time spent with our nephews. Aiden & I spent some serious quality time together. The least of which, was a race car game I invented that gave us time, together. (Surprisingly, he won!)

Next, I gave Aiden my camera to play with - and, I gotta tell ya...he captured some good shots.

The Turkey:

"Pops":

Aunt Amanda:

A Self-Portrait:

His Uncle Kevin & Aunt Amanda:

Then, I took over, because it was time to carve the Turkey.

As expected, Dad did a fine job.

Before I sat down...at what's become "my seat"...I had to take a picture...

That's, "Thanksgiving."

Then, there's my boy, my nephew, behaving just like his Uncle.

But, then there's Mr. Colin. Snugglin' up to his Aunt Amanda. (You could not tear him away.)

However, the next night...Mr. Colin really started to mess with Aunt Amanda.

He found the "ZERBERT!!!"

But, you really get the fun of it, when you catch this video:

Now, given all the fun trying to feed the deer...let's not underestimate Amanda's ability to be the "Deer Whisperer."

It didn't take long. She did it. My Dad did it - several years ago, with apple slices. But, Amanda, seriously, persevered. She stood out in the cold to gain their trust. Next thing you know...they're snacking on pumpkin, straight from her hand.

As great as that was, I get a big kick out of being a part of the "norm" in Sparta, NJ.

Included in that, is Mom's attention to the Boys, on a regular basis.

It's a Happy Thanksgiving, 2008.