Christmas Zoo

If you haven't gotten our Christmas Card, don't fret. Not one else has gotten it either - yet. They are coming off the Costco printing press any day now, and will soon be on it's way, wow!

Getting 2 dogs, 3 cats and a wife into the same picture is not the easiest thing to do - especially when the wife is about to head out shopping...

Last year, we had the camera hooked up to the PC and took some 100+ photos in order to get "a few" decent ones.

This year, due to "Canon issues" (software no longer supporting remote shooting), we had our neighbor over as a "trigger finger". John is not slow, but he is nowhere as fast as a PC running at full speed. Hence, the "photo samples" to pick from were not as plentiful this year. On the flip side, I don't think we've seen John laugh as hard in a long time, and as a result the camera moved around a bit. A benefit not given when using a tripod :-). Taking these few photos was a real adventure, not the least for wife who escaped with only a few (cat) scrathes this time.

Honorable mention here is for sure Canon's support. A gentleman spend well over three hours on a call with me Friday(?) evening (un-installing, cleaning/rebuilding registry, etc). Just that simple call likely cost Canon more than what we paid for the camera back in 2002, but the fact that support IS there when one needs it - and very dedicated support that is - has guaranteed that Canon will have me as a return customer even for the next camera. I never got your name, or more likely forgot it, but I know you were heading out for a whiskey after you were "done" with me. If you are reading this, Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Apart from that, Christmas has been great (as every year). It is a truly magical holiday, regardless where you happen to be. A holiday with food, family and friends. Thanks to EVERYONE for wonderful company, food, drinks, and chats. Especially a huge thanks to Magnolia for making a Swedish "jul" buffet as close as anyone can get to "mama's"! Many years since I had one like that last time (and you are not even born/raised in Sweden - amazing).

And the of course to John and Jan for making us part of your family. We would not be here if it wasn't for you guys!

And when typing this, our mailman Steve stopped by to drop off some cards and a package. He is truly a great guy. Always happy (even in today's pouring rain), comes to the door to greet the dogs and hand deliver packages, and never in such a rush that we cannot take a few moments and reflect over life and living. USPS at its very best, truly!

(for more photos, look at the 2nd posting "Christmas Zoo - more pictures")

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of you; Family, Friends, and Strangers!!!!