Tag Archives: Christmas

Our Artist’s Tentative Beginnings.

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by Anura Guruge
on January 14, 2024

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This was her first desk when she was probably four or five.

We had forgotten about it, because it was in my office, covered with a sheet.

After my two Christmas books, I am FORCING myself to allocate some time to tasks other than writing. One of these tasks have been to finally, after over a decade, to reorganize my cluttered and chaotic office. I, to my amazement, have made great strides. I made a concerted (& very credible) effort to (majorly) declutter, rationalize and simplify. Succeeding. In the process I uncovered this desk — which has been under wraps for at least 10 years. WOW.

You can see the shapes she had started with … houses, Sun & stars. But, she had also written her name — in remarkably good script. Then there is also a LOT of binary. I know I taught both these kids binary, BUT I can’t remember how old they were.

This was cute. This was neat. I had to capture ‘her start’ & post it. She will hate me for doing so. SMILE.

Pixel 8 Pro (512GB) For 2024 — My Christmas Present To Myself.

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by Anura Guruge
on January 2, 2024

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Getting myself a new Google Pixel phone for Christmas has become a new, annual tradition going back 5 years.

Nobody, but nobody can deny that I use my Pixel phones a LOT — not to make calls (which I do, rarely) nor to use any APPS. It is THE CAMERA. The Pixel is my goto CAMERA thought I also happen to have two other real cameras.

I get the Pixels for the camera. I have got used to the Pixel cameras. So, that is the justification.

I did not get a Pixel 3. I used my Pixel 2, my first Pixel for 2 years. But after that it was 4, 5, 6 Pro, 7 Pro & now 8 Pro.

Transitioning from an old Pixel to a new is getting easier and easier. Now you don’t even need to use a cable. All over Wi-Fi & it does most of it automatically. Pretty slick. Took me about an hour, all told — but I had to log into quite a few APPs and set-up biometrics.

So, as of today, my daily pictures, unless stated otherwise will be from this my new Pixel 8 Pro.

Our, V. Gifted 17-Year Old Resident Artist, Will NOT Let Me Post Pictures Of The Amazing Pottery She Made For Us For Christmas!

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by Anura Guruge
on December 25, 2023

She worked till 2am Christmas Day morning getting these ready — baking them in the oven etc.

She makes us art, as presents, for Christmas, birthdays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s/Father’s Day etc. She gets more daring & better each year.

This year we each got a very realistic sculpture of a reclining figure. Very clever. Very cute.

Well this year she was ADAMANT that I can’t post any pictures of her art! Bummer.

She is a private artist. She will not show her art; not share her art or sell her art. Shame. But, she is MY daughter — & as she points out, multiple times a day, she can do whatever she wants. And she does. SMILE.

Ukraine, Cocks A Snoot At Russia, By Abandoning ‘Eastern Christmas’ (i.e., Jan. 7) In Favor Of ‘Western Christmas’ (i.e., Dec. 25).

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by Anura Guruge
on December 25, 2023

Click to ENLARGE. ‘NYT’ link.
Click to ENLARGE. From MY ‘Christmas — 175 Fun Facts’ book.

Ukraine CANCELLED Christmas in 2022.

I talked about that in my Christmas book (above).

This was BRILLIANT, absolutely brilliant. Cracked me up when I heard about it yesterday.

Very pointed & direct message — actually an insult — to Russia. ‘Putin‘ is said to attend church.

This is so good. Well done, Ukraine. We are in SOLIDARITY with YOU. Bravo!

Merry Christmas!

The FIVE (5) 2023 Advent Calendars — On Dec. 19.

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by Anura Guruge
on December 21, 2023

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The train set is coming along nicely. Heavy too. Has HEFT.

The Christmas tree. This is fiddly. Needs MORE assembly!

Ornaments from the wooden & box calendars hung up on a LED tree.

Not sure WHERE the chocolate calendar is. I suspect it is ALL GONE.

Love the train set. Wow.

She has some work to do. But, she is busy with the lights, the trees & decorations.

I will keep you posted.

Merry Christmas!

Last Time There Was NO SNOW At Christmas In Central New Hampshire Was In 2015.

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by Anura Guruge
on December 20, 2023

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Today. December 20, 2023.

Prior years going back to 2014.

I remembered that we have had a few during my 39-years in New Hampshire.

I distinctly remembered one c. 1992 when we had very little snow fall & folks were worried about their dug wells running dry come the Spring.

LUCKILY, I now have my DAILY photographic record going back 2014. I wish I had started it earlier. Very handy to just go back & look.

2015. Ahh! Can’t remember it that well — but photos rarely lie.

Christmas 2023 — Most Of The Outside Lights Are Done. Just The 4 Lasers To Add.

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by Anura Guruge
on December 8, 2023

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All her work — i.e., my 17-year old daughter who lives for Christmas. For the last 5 (or maybe 6) years she has insisted on doing all the outside lights herself. At first she wanted me there, holding the ladder. No she insists on doing it ALL herself. Very proud of it — & we are very proud of her. Amazing job.

I do the lasers & just today I got a new laser for 2023. So, I think we will have 4 lasers this year. We probably have more, but that would be overkill.

Stay tuned.

Merry Christmas!

My Christmas 2024 Look …

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by Anura Guruge
on December 8, 2023

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Yep, that is me … all me … in earnest anticipation of Christmas 2024.

Main Christmas Tree For 2023, 8′ Fresh Cut, In Place. First Of 4!

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by Anura Guruge
on December 5, 2023

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Nice tree. Daughter, as ever, picked it. Her tree. All the trees are hers, & she is going to have 2 trees in her room this (albeit, small, artificial ones).

This tree cost $85. Same as last year. Not bad.

Got it up STRAIGHT (so far) without too much hassle. Big question is whether it will remain as such for ANOTHER month.

Merry Christmas!

‘Christmas — Quizzes for Aficionados’ Book (In Color) As A YouTube Video.

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by Anura Guruge
on December 3, 2023

Click image to to play YouTube video (with music) or use EMBED below.

Not much to say other than ENJOY. The music is good too.

Merry Christmas!