Other than its proximity to the airport, our hotel is most distinguished by this cleverly painted bull that greets visitors.

This morning we left for the airport at 3:15AM and the temperature was 8°F. If not for the anticipation of a tropical Costa Rican adventure, I do not know that we could have mustered the will to depart at such an hour into such conditions. We flew first to Philadelphia, pictured here at sunrise, then to Charlotte, NC and finally onto San Jose where we arrived by late afternoon. We rented a stick-shift 4×4 SUV equiped with a GPS navigator (the very best money we spent). For all its beauty, the roads of Costa Rica are not for the faint hearted and the universal lack of road signage a real impediment to going it on you own. Our first night was spent in Alejuela, close to the airport where we recovered from the day long journey.

A last look at winter before the family heads for a warmer climate. We leave the house at 3AM for a 5:30AM flight to Costa Rica. We will not have access to the internet so the blog will not be updated until we return. Wishing all our friends and family a joyous holiday season and happy New Year.

As of 5PM, the snow fall since Friday totals 17 inches (as measured with a yardstick on the deck). Neither parent could be coerced into driving anywhere today resulting in an epedemic of cabin fever. Kyle offered to pay his brother $5 if he would stand outside without his shirt on for one and a half minutes after being doused with a glass of cold water. Despite a powerful imagination, I am unable to understand what would inspire such a pay for entertainment stunt. Maya happily manned the timer and I tried to get close enough for a photo. Nicolai endured the water torture so well that Kyle decided to up the ante by kicking snow on him rationalizing that this was just another form of water. Nico survived and attempted to charge an additional $5 for the snow treatment. In the end the original deal was honored and everyone seemed satisfied except Jeanine who thought the whole thing was ridiculous and chastised me for permitting such insanity.

Since we will be in Costa Rica for Christmas, the kids cooked up a batch of Zeppole Balls, a Calabria holiday food tradition. These honey covered, sprinkle encrusted, fried pieces of dough probably have a more universally accepted name but it is unlikely we will ever call them anything else.

Kyle has been driving for some time, but today was his first in the snow. He adjusted his speed accordingly and did a fine job. The roads in Concord remain treacherous as the snow continues to come down throughout the day. Kyle, Chloe, and two of her girl friends took the train into Boston to visit the Museum of Natural History.

Today we woke up to about ten inches of snow as had been predicted. Everyone teased me when I purchased a snowblower with tank treads and fitted it with a cabin, but on days like today, I just smile as I carve through the snow.

 
I have fashioned something of a photo studio into a corner of my workshop. It is cramped for sure but having my lights set up permanently is a major luxury and will save me a lot of time in the future.

Jeanine needed a headshot for a marketing brochure for her business. Finally an opportunity to photograph the face I know and love best. She was a reasonably cooperative subject but a lousy tipper.

 In no time the tree is looking fit for the season. A very nice end to a productive weekend. Jeanine took a food preparation safety class followed by the state’s SafeServe exam yesterday. I sectioned off a portion of my wood shop to create a not too shabby photography studio.

Nico and Izze got the tree lights to work while Nala looks on. I wonder what a dog thinks about Christmas tree lights.

This evening we were joined by Izze (I am now spelling it correctly), Chloe, and her mother Rhonda for a nice lasagna dinner. The kids decorated the Christmas tree and we enjoyed the first fire of the season. Jeanine permitted me exactly one photo so that our food would be served hot. It was a long exposure and a few of us moved a little.