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.

I spent the day organizing my workshop and photographing dozens of items to be sold on Craig’s List. It is nice to convert unused items into cash, but it is even more satisfying when I think of it in terms of the recycling benefit. Most items I sold today were priced between $5 and $20 dollars which doesn’t even cover my time for creating the adds but ensures that these items will get put to good use by someone. This miter saw was the one big ticket item and I sold it for two thirds of the original price after more than ten years of use. Not bad.

 
A very beautiful couple I think.

After the play Chloe and Kyle let me photograph them. I have cleared some space in my workshop to fashion something of a photo studio.

This evening Nicolai participated in a performance of The Greatest Christmas Pageant Ever. The production was staged by his his church youth group. Nico demonstrated a real aptitude for acting, no doubt a trait he inherited from his mother. A full set of photos can be found by following this link.

 A simple photo of my favorite daughter.

Maya created these confectionary masterpieces for an upcoming cookie exchange. Unless they are hidden until then, it is unlikely that any will remain for the swap.

If you carefully examine this image which could otherwise be an abstract painting you will discover something edible.

Nicolai’s project for French class nears completion. Makes me want to jump on a plane destined for Paris.

Maya and her teammates won their U10 Girls Indoor Soccer League championship this evening. Little Warrior was the name given to Maya by her coach at the end of the season.

In addition to the tree lighting, there is a parade with Santa Claus, Frosty the Snowman, and the Grinch. I ran into many friends as I ran around trying to keep up with the girls who moved through the crowds with the predicatbiity of a butterfly.

Since 1853 the residents of Concord have gathered in the center of town to celebrate the Christmas season. In 1915 an evergreen tree was planted which now stands at least 100 feet tall and is decorated with white lights each year. This evening I took Maya and her friends and Nico and his friends to the annual tree lighting ceremony. It was bitterly cold but spirits were high and local merchants put out the hot chocolate and cookies which sustained the crowds.

This evening, Kyle is taking Chloe to see the Boston Ballet perform the Nutcracker. Chloe recently celebrated her sweet sixteen birthday and this was Kyle’s gift to her. I dropped them off at the Alewife “T” station and they will make the journey downtown by themselves.