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Winter Solstice 2025

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In the beginning there was eggnog.

Then there was fire.

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Firefighting. Sir, this is not a restroom.

Music with Gina

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Linus plays the fiddle

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Music with Allan

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In the end there is scrounging.

2025 was a big iteration with over 100 guests who arrived in three waves. Lots of music in two shifts. An excellent way to turn the sun…together.

Leiden’s First Christmas

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Leiden says FAYA.

Since we will be in Germany for xmas, we had an early gathering with O.

Look how cute that baby is.

Ancient Mangs of Yore

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RHINE turns 60

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We have sent an emissary beyond the event horizon. What is over there? Can light escape? Can you bring your own booze?

More importantly in this particular instance, what do you bring to a surprise party with a critical mass of Claggetts?

Why a big box of bad behavior of course! That did make things really fun lickety-split like. The Liberal was the most requested beverage of the night…until we ran out of bourbon.

Romey surprised the bartender with a kilt made by an Italian designer. She is a McGraw.

So much love.

We even corrupted the young people with first martini’s. Careful AJ, it is a slippery slope to 60!

And yes there was both music.

And philosophy of mind late into the wee hours. We’re pretty sure we chose to do that. But maybe not.

It is nice to be an honorary Claggett, even if it takes a little bar tending and a big box of bad behavior.

32 Years of Felst

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For me, the highlight of year 32 was this cover of ziggy stardust by moosehut.

32 years. Dang. I will admit that oopstock iterations are starting to run together. Sadly, Romey couldn’t come because Leiden was due any second. In fact, two days after I returned from NH, Leiden was born.

My direct puddle hopper was delayed on the tarmac before taking off (for no real reason). But at least the instruments fit. First on, both flights with a few seconds to stow. Arrival time was 2am, but Rhine was ready with Negroni fixings.

Ah yes, and there were the uncharacteristic shorts kindly loaned from Zay. I forgot to pack shorts. Given the temperatures, that was a major mistake.

There were two warholian projects underway this year in parallel…silk screening and screen tests. Very cool. Maybe inspired by the wedding?? Or maybe just a coincidence.

There was also a stump. We disagree with the “kill the fiddler” sentiments for all the reasons. I mean, exactly how long can a little brother aggravate you?

Meanwhile the stage was set and the fascist clock’s batteries were checked.

Music ran from noon to 10pm before shuttling over to the campfire.


Some salsa for you.


Abba in shorts!

Eventually it got dark.


Hendrix.


And then it was the next day. Another day of uncharacteristic shorts.

All hail the inner chijuana…is that how you spell it?

Lazing

And a visit to the pond before an evening of electric fun featuring lots of Floyd.

We surrender!

How to do St Patrick’s Day

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Zooming in. Zooming in.

Birthday 59 in Bed

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What?! 59?!!! WTF?! How did that even happen?  We were up early…for some definitions of “we.”

Maybelline is now 2.

Fresh squeezed orange juice and espresso in bed.  Luxury at home.

This wrapping material looks familiar.

It is hard to surprise someone with cinnamon rolls in the morning, because the delicious aroma pervades the house.

Party Animal Welcomes in 2025

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We may have had a sedate NYE to ring in 2025, but others did not. They are too wild for us.

Romey says, “cheers mom!”

Xmas 2024

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It was very early, but the Christmooses were playing a game of chess. There was prep to be done (dressing the beast) during which blueberry muffins were whipped up.  Moonie had the best idea.

When everyone had gathered, it was present unwrapping time.  Pretty hilarious that the presents had been wrapped for less than 24 hours.

Of course there was a huge Lego set (as has become the tradition). This year it was the Eiffel Tower.

The Legos took well over four days of real effort to build.

Kilt by the tree.

Around 2, the roast was done to perfection with help from the new bluetooth thermometer. Excellent tech.

And it was time to carve the roast beast.

Odessa and Iulie joined us for dinner and stayed for movie night. All of the kids in one place! Very nice indeed.

Josie Home from Berlin

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Break out the beer cheese! And celebrate the most important December birthday in style.

Waiting very patiently at Dulles.

Meanwhile back at home.

And there she is in the kitchen prepping for the party being illegally filmed.

How did my child get to be 30?! Dang. Hopefully, the next generation will save us. Sorry about the mess.

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