Just in time for Christmas

Well, we made it home today, just in time for Christmas. Air travel in some parts of the coutry had me a little worried, but we had a direct flight. It was very windy in Portland, which made for a bumpy landing. We're all unpacked now, and waiting for Santa to come. Florida was great (it was good to wear shorts and feel the warm sun again), but it's good to be home.

Last day in Florida

Kids are in shackles - we're free!

Ready for takeoff

Harbor Cam

If you want to see what the Portland waterfront looks like at this moment, check out this web cam, which is on the corner of Franklin and Commercial in Portland's Old Port. It updates every few seconds and rotates its view every minute. The right-most view is of the street right in front of where Chris works.

Patriots take care of the Steelers

The Patriots took care of business on Sunday and it was a great game to watch in person. Close first half, blowout second half. When Randy Moss dropped the lateral there was a collective groan followed by successively louder cheering as the play developed. Some great defensive stands really got the crowd going. Of course, the tailgate was perhaps the most memorable part as we devoured some of the best ribs I've ever had in a parking lot full of rabid fans burning Steelers hats. See for yourself.

The tailgate has begun!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

After Monday's snowstorm, it's gotten cold. This is good, because it makes the snow last longer and look nicer. But, it's gotten me thinking about where we'll be in 11 days. So, here's a comparison of the weather in Gorham, ME vs Orlando, FL. Check out the dew points and sunset times.


A far cry from December 2006, when the kids rode their bikes with no jackets on Christmas Day. Last June, while we were sweltering in a heat wave, I did the same comparison:

'Tis the Season

We are in full Christmas mode in the Chapin household. This year, for the first time, we decided to go with an artificial tree. Since we will be on vacation in Florida from 12/18-12/24, we didn't think the hassle of a live tree was worth the amount of time we would be able to enjoy it. Honestly, if you stick a Douglas Fir Yankee Candle in the room you can't tell the difference unless you're about 1 foot away.

And, to try and impart the joy we are all feeling at this time of year, here's a little something to share our spirit with you (I'll remove my tongue from my cheek now).

Snow Day

The kids have their first snow day of the year today so I'm playing hookey with them. Sledding, build a fort, some video games... I don't know what the kids are doing but that's my plan.