Gossamer Tapestry

Reflections on conservation, butterflies, and ecology in the nation's heartland

Sunday, January 04, 2009

Holiday Recap


First things first. Happy birthday, Chilmark Girl!


We took the tree down this afternoon. For me, that’s always meant that the holiday season is officially over. It was a nice season this year. I was more on top of things than I often am. The shopping and wrapping got done with time to spare. I was able to do my share of the baking without feeling rushed (this didn’t allow me to avoid a slightly overdone Sally Lunn bread, however).


Arrgh! Overdone

Christmas was a lot of fun. We did Christmas Eve at Dad’s. The homemade Camembert and homemade Gouda made an appearance. The Camembert was too ripe (and very runny). The Gouda was still too hard and crumbly- though later I had it out much longer before serving it and it both sliced and tasted better. It would be wonderful if all I need to do is let it come closer to room temperature before serving it in order to get a better cheese.



Homage to our grandmother. Photo- David Kinney.

Christmas dinner was at Chilmark Girl’s place. We had rack of lamb (not the most traditional, but when it’s that awesome, who cares). I provided the tangerine sorbet that was part of a recently revived tradition (from my grandmother) of starting the meal with fruit compote. My nephew got Rock Band II as a gift. We spent much of the afternoon playing. That’s my Dad on vocals doing Eye of the Tiger. So wrong on so many levels.


The fun continued after Christmas. Leon and I visited Will and Fritz in New Hampshire. It’s always great to see them. They are wonderful people and very gracious hosts. Who else would come out to greet us wearing red light-up reindeer noses? My niece arrived just before I returned to Chicago.

What will 2009 hold? I hope it will hold more of what 2008 did (at least if we don’t include the economy). There are already travel plans: I’ll be in Florida in about 4 weeks, doing my usual grand tour (the Keys, Naples and then up to Gainesville). I’m back in New England in June, and off for a jaunt to Malaysia in November. Expect to hear more about butterflies and tiger beetles. Happy 2009 to all.

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9 Comments:

At 21:57, Blogger SAPhotographs (Joan) said...

It sound like you had a wonderful time Doug and I wish you a wonderful 2009. Gong by your plans, I hope to see some great pictures from you. :)

 
At 00:26, Blogger TR Ryan said...

What a great holiday recap! Now, get off your celebratory duff and get out there and bring home the beetles. It's been too long since we've had a tiger beetle visit and damn if I didn't see a one in the Amazon!

Word Verification: Codgisom -- is that reproductive fluid from a cold water fish? This is a biology blog is it not!

 
At 07:20, Blogger Doug Taron said...

Joan- Thanks, and I hope that you have a wonderful 2009 as well. I plan to have my camera with me for all of my trips.

T.R.- I've been disappointed at not seeing tiger beetles in the tropics, as well. In Malaysia, someone I will be traveling with knows a spot near the conference where there is a large population of a very beautiful species, so I remain hopeful.

 
At 09:20, Blogger robin andrea said...

Love that pic of your dad singing. That's the true beauty of holiday gatherings. Happy 2009 to you.

 
At 15:39, Blogger Celeste said...

I can't get past the thought of your Dad singing Eye of the Tiger!!! :)

 
At 17:46, Blogger Lemuel said...

Happy new year!

 
At 21:11, Blogger Ur-spo said...

24 days ......

 
At 08:16, Blogger Fresh Kiki said...

Thanks for the birthday wishes! Skiing in Utah was great-I guess I can handle the big 5-0! The pic of Dad singing is so fun to see on your blog- what a fun day that was!
To a great 09!

 
At 17:54, Blogger Kathie Brown said...

Happy Birthday to Chilmark Girl! Happy New Year to you. Your father singing is a hoot, especially when you told us what he is singing! Love the teacup photo.

 

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