Twas the Night 2023

'Twas the night before Christmas, I'm here in Aruba
Composing this verse so as to include ya

On this One Happy Island, I came with hopes to explore
To see what I can see and hopefully much more

Take today for example, this Christmas eve's day
I read my book in a hammock, strung next to the bay

I ate arepas for breakfast, for lunch a coconut smoothie
Aruba's quite pricy which makes me feel kind of bougie

I took a long walk, no actually 'twas two
The first one for function, the second just something to do

I walked down the beach, as the sun set 'neath the sea
I saw sandman upon sandman which filled me with glee

I went geocaching, I went for a swim
After I finish this poem, I hop in the pool again

I'm only here for a minute, just a minor side quest
Since this'll be my only post, I better cover the rest

Yesterday I hoofed it to a vast aloe farm
With an attached cute museum filled with history and charm

I took my requisite jump pic, but the lighting didn't agree
That's okay though cause Aruba's just a tier three

But what I've enjoyed most is simply the relaxing
Though not like life at home is really all that taxing

I'm making time for book reading and 2 milkshakes a day
I'm keeping a trip journal which helps keep loneliness at bay

So instead of recounting the whole trip right here
Go read it there so I can get back to the holiday cheer

For that's what this post's for, to wish you all of the best
And because I can't not do it (as you already guessed)

So with sand 'tween my toes and sweat dripping down my drawers
I wish Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you and yours

(Sorry for that last line, the sweaty drawers part
But the best wishes I mean with all of my heart)

Sunday December 24 2023File under: holidays, poetry

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Recycled Plastic Christmas Ornaments

Early in the pandemic, with all of our juggling gigs evaporated, I was struggling for projects to fill my time. Through my YouTube meanderings, I stumbled on the concept of melting down plastic and reshaping it for useful purposes.  The videos either weren't overly specific or required tools I didn't want to invest in, so I ended up learning a lot through trial and error.  Della loved the project as it got me out of her hair while she worked on her coloring book and I loved the project for its hands-on recycling nature.  The project proved furtherly useful as a much needed diversion through 2021 and beyond.

This year, however, I wanted to do something more than experiment; I wanted to make something useful. I came up with the idea of making these Christmas tree ornaments and my mission was born. Through lots of trial and error, some help from a friend with a fancy machine, and a little digging through other people's trash, I'm very pleased with the results.

First, a little about the process:
  • I worked with a friend that has a CNC (computer guided router thingy) to carve the design out of a block of aluminum. We went through a couple iterations to figure out depth, angles, etc.
  • I harvested lots of #2 (HDPE) plastic recyclables like milk jugs, laundry detergent containers, contact solution bottles, 5-gallon paint buckets, etc.
  • I cut the plastic down to shreds, extra small* for the foreground color and less small* for the background color.
  • I loaded the plastic into the mold and the mold into the toaster over set to 380°, first just the foreground plastic, carefully arranged, for ~15 minutes and then piled on the background plastic for another ~20 minutes or so.
  • Once everything is nice and melty, I sandwich the mold halves together and crank them down in the vice and clamps.
  • Then it's simply trimming off the ooze out, drilling a hole, and tying the string and it's ready for delivery.

A few observations on the process:
  • Air bubbles on the surface can be minimized with cutting the initial layer super small and making sure it is melted before adding more plastic.
  • Try as I might, I couldn't get the exact coloration that I wanted. Perhaps with more finely ground plastic, I could manage the color bleed a little, but overall, I liked the little bit of variation.
  • Don't underfill the mold or else you won't have anything to pry the ornament out against :-/
  • Different #2 plastics melt to different states of ooziness and stickiness. This surprised me, as I assumed all #2 would be the same.
  • The mold, being a big hunk of metal, takes a long time to warm up (esp. if it's been left in a cold cold garage) but also a long time to cool down meaning I was only able to crank out about 4 of these per day.
  • Even after dialing in my technique, I was still only had ~85% success rate, either due to bubbles, non-desirable color bleed, insufficient melting, etc. I've got a whole pile of "factory" seconds.

I'm really pleased with the final product as well as the process. I'm grateful to be able to pass them out this holiday season as a way to connect with friends with the implied inclusion of Della. If I wasn't able to get one to you and you want one, e-mail me; I'd love for you to have one. And if you have any questions about recycling #2 HDPE plastic, let me know about those too!

Tuesday December 19 2023File under: holidays, misc

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Twas the Night 2022

'Tis the night before Christmas and lay down to rest
I've earned a good sleep from my day in Budapest.

I'm spending the week on a Danube boat cruise
We're seeing the sights and getting great views.

We launched in Vienna then headed downstream
The mist and the fog make it feel like a dream.

Hungary's currently our home, docked right in downtown
My main activity has been walking around.

Yesterday I walked for miles upon miles
At the end of the day, the castle brought me most smiles

But today I set goals, for this Christmas eve's day
So I set out early (after the breakfast buffet)

First stop was some disc golf, the course meh or not even
But I sank some good putts and then I was leaving

Next was a park full of communist statues
I took selfie upon selfie to keep me amused

The day'd been quite fun, exploring places brand new
But I had a more somber goal that I wanted to do

Della and I were here, back in twenty sixteen
And I wanted to visit some of the places we'd been

Della's still so deep within me, esp on days like today
I try to find ways to feel closer whenever there's a way

Then after the day I had had, I needed a break
So it was back to the ship for tea and some cake

The shipboard dinner was quite the affair
I had duck, soup, and as much dessert as I dared

The group that I eat with, we all came on our own
We have much fun together, better than being all alone

After dinner I head back for just one more wander
A evening in Budapest isn't something to squander

But my feet have informed me 12 miles is enough
So I head back to the boat to take care of some stuff

Writing this poem is a task and a half
I'll share 'bout my day and try to give you a laugh

This yearly tradition is routine that I need
So you're doing me a favor by giving it a read

Now I'll wind down this rhyme like I always do
By sending Christmas wishes to all of you

May your holidays be full of all you desire
Like hopefully you got that hippest air fryer

Merry Christmas, dear friends, I say with all of my might
And a Happy New Year to you and to all a good night
Saturday December 24 2022File under: holidays, poetry

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Twas the Night 2021

Twas the night before Christmas and homemade music filled the air
The words were in Spanish, but I didn't care.

Tambourines were shaking, people were clapping
Elena had a textured bottle on which she was tapping

These people who are singing I just met today
They are in-laws of Horge, a friend from back in the day

They've invited me in to share in their big feast
There was shrimp, ham, and cheese, 8 types at least

I needed the nourishment, cause the day'd been a long trial
My flight back from Africa to Spain had been delayed quite a while

A day spent stranded in airports left me tired and beat
But I perked right up when I saw the plates of meat

A toddler runs rampant, the house is full of great spirit
The impromptu singing's so loud I'm sure the neighbors hear it

The joy in this family is so plainly clear
It's the perfect expression at this time of year

And I find myself thinking, about Della of course
And that familial joy of which she was the source

I won't lay it all out, all my thoughts good and blue
If you want that kind of stuff, check out last year's haiku

So now I lay myself down for some much needed rest
In a guest room far away feeling both sadness and blessed

The sadness, that's clear, I'm sure it'll always be there
The blessing are this evening that I was lucky to share

I hope your blessings feel bigger and you have no cause for sorrow
So you can fully enjoy the big holiday tomorrow

So as I drift off to sleep, here on the Spanish coast
I wish a Happy New Year to all and Merry Christmas to most
Saturday December 25 2021File under: holidays, poetry

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Twas The Night 2020

Twas the night before Christmas
In my cabin made of stone
It's my first Christmas in a decade
That I'm all alone

I'm avoiding it mostly
I'm hardly in any condition
For a day made for family
And observing old traditions

Instead I think back
To ten past years' yuletides
The memories flow over me
As I sit by the fireside.

There were the yules of adventure
Often in far off places
New foods, new experiences
Left smiles on our faces.

In Dubai we saw excess
In all shapes and forms
In Borneo we saw monkeys
And got drenched in jungle storms

The Jamaican Christmas music
Was loud bumping reggae
In Vegas, Christmas dinner
Was a fully loaded buffet

In those years we were traveling
We felt wild and free
We had time to ourselves
Which is how it should be

But the years here at home
They also had there perks
We had many years
When we had to "work"

We'd housesit for others
And look after their pets
For Della snuggling puppies
Was as good as it gets

Shared meals with our families
Was another delight
But after ham, pie, and oysters
We'd call it a night

"The animals need us"
So we'd say our goodbyes
Back to our own space
Where it was just her and I

As these thoughts of past Christmases
Swirl around in my head
I see very plainly
A clear common thread

While each year was different
Della was always there
Having my partner right beside me
Was all that I cared

The years of Christmas memories
Are almost too much to handle
So I blink away tears
And light a her candle

I send thanks and love
Where e'er she may be
The candle blinks back
As if she agrees

This Christmas is hard
To even write out this verse
Without so much support
It might be even worse

Though I'm alone in my cabin
I still feel quite blessed
I know I'm not alone
Through the love you've expressed

I want to echo that love
Right back your way
And ask a small favor
On this Christmas Day

Hold your loved ones so tight
On this special eve
More love in this world
Is the best gift I could receive

A very merry Christmas
I hope yours will be
Now please excuse me
While I cry myself to sleep

Thursday December 24 2020File under: holidays

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My Circus Valentine 2020 Act

The My Circus Valentine show at the Bellingham Circus Guild is one of the not-to-be-missed events of the year. I've had the privilege being part of the show the last bunch of years and I always like to share what Della and I came up with for an act. This year, we decided on Star Wars* as our theme (only partially as an excuse to buy $1000 worth of fancy juggling clubs).

The act turned out great, if a little high difficultly level. The moment when the lights go down, the beat kicks up, and the clubs start to blink really brought the energy out of the crowd. This video, captured by the David and his awesome team at Access Bellingham, was during the first official run of the show and we dropped our hardest trick (back-to-backs). But hopefully it gives you an idea of the act. If nothing else, at least it is captured here for posterity*.


And here are a few pictures for fun. The photo booth run by Jeff Lefferts produces some of Della's and my favorite photos of the year.

Wednesday March 18 2020File under: juggling, holidays

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Twas the Night Before Christmas 2019



Twas the night before Christmas
With the air thick and moist
The jungle all around us
Sings with its enchanting voice

The chirps of the bugs
The calls of the birds
The howls of the monkeys
Form these foreign words

Four kinds of primates
Or was it five?
That we saw today
On our boat ride

Macaques and proboscis
A few I forget
But watching the orangutans
Was really the hit

So human-like and graceful
They swing tree to tree
The babies and their mamas
Were the most fun to see

Now we're anchored in the magroves
With the jungle close at hand
Three nights on this houseboat
Is our Christmas plan

We'll look for more monkeys
See what Borneo has to share
We'll night hike to tarantualas
If we might dare

It's a different Chrsitmas
Than at home it is true
We trade cold for hot weather
A ham for fish stew

But even without trimmings
Carols, gifts, and bells
We have each other
And time to oursevles

For us, that's just right
Plus it gives me a reason
To write my "Night Before" poem
To chronicle our season

Now the candle's burning low
And tomorrow's an early start
So I'll pass along this wish
From the bottom of my heart

May your Christmas be
As joyous as mine is
Full of love, fun, and smiles
And perhaps some bad rhyme-es

These "Night Before Christmas" posts have become some of my favorite over the years. If you're interested, check back to poems of the past via the archive.

Monday December 30 2019File under: holidays, poetry

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Ghostbusters Halloween Circus Act

It's been since Something Wonderful back in 2016 and 2017 since Della and I have been part of a larger group juggling act. They are always a ton of fun but lots of work getting schedules together and everyone on the same page artistically. For this year's Beastly Frightful Unspeakably Spooky Circus of Doom, Della and I teamed up with Eric and Britt to do a Ghostbusters act. It turned out amazing. Della logs it as our best act ever*. There was enough skill, goofiness, cultural reference, and fun to really get the crowd jazzed.

And as is my wont, I present the video of the act, again courtesy of the ever amazing David and his team at Access Bellingham. Enjoy!


And because a Circus Guild show isn't the same without photo booth photos, have a look at these gems*:

Tuesday November 5 2019File under: juggling, holidays

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Twas the Night Before Christmas 2018

Twas the night before Christmas
At the house on the lake
It's gone from raucous to quiet
Now I'm barely awake

It's been a full day
Filled with of all sorts of good
Good food and good people
Just like a holiday should

We played in the pool
We pet the horse and the goat
We ate grilled oysters with butter
But I don't try to gloat

Homemade duck pate
Smoked salmon that Sam caught
Dates stuffed with cream cheese
And a spaghetti filled pot

It felt like a whirlwind
But of the best kind
Now that everyone's gone
We begin to unwind

It's just me and Della
For where now we call home
Next month we'll be elsewhere
As we tend to roam

It's a big part of our life
Bouncing from place to place
Different housesitting and travel
Rarely in our home base

This year is a rarity
That we're here and not there
So we were happy to host
This Christmas affair

Next year who can say
Where I'll be writing this post
Maybe an island in Thailand
Or in a van on the coast

But next year is next year
And this ode's about now
But since it's getting quite long
I think it's time to say ciao

Thanks for reading my rhyme
(The tenth that I've done!?!)
I hope that your Christmas is merry
Full of food, folks, and fun

My last words for the night
Before I click send
Is Merry Christmas to you all
My family and friends
Tuesday December 25 2018File under: holidays, poetry

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Twas the Night Before Christmas 2017

Twas the night before Christmas
Reggae beats drift on by
So it goes in Jamaica
For my sweetie and I

We've come down to visit
This Caribbean island nation
For escape and adventure
To have a nice little vacation

And so far, it's worked!
A week in and we're thrilled
We done a few things
But mostly we've chilled

Last night was Grand Market
A sight to behold
We found our way to the right town
Or so we were told

Music was blaring
Up and down every street
With stands of all kinds
Especially jerk meat

The place was packed full
Of revelers and glee
Della and I were the only
White faces to see

But that makes it authentic
Not what most tourists get
Following our noses
Hasn't failed us yet

With the reggae still ringing
through us to the core
We spent X-mas eve day
Exploring some more

After fresh smoothies of star fruit
Picked right from the tree
We cram ourselves in a mini-bus
Which flies at speeds unsafely

We arrive at a place where
the sea meets a cascade
I proceed to re-enact
A blog post from last decade

Next we walked into Ocho Rios
A little too touristy for us
After a quick dinner and crunkies
We were back on a bus

Now we're settled at "home"
A quaint little AirBnB
Outside the reggae drifts by
Inside its just Della and me

We won't do anything special
Maybe watch a movie or read
But we'll be totally at peace
Because we have all we need

Adventure, warm weather
Time to ourselves
Santa couldn't make us happier
With all of his elves

Now I sit back and reread
My Twas posts from the past
I get quite a kick
From the pile that's amassed ('07, '08, '09, '11, '12, '13, '14, '15)

For while I'm kind of a grinch
About most yule themed things
These silly little poems
Much joy to me brings

I hope you have a your own reasons
For joy this fine night
May the upcoming year
Bring you much love and delight

Now I'll end it right here
With this last seasonal cliche
Merry Christmas to you
On this joyous day
Sunday December 24 2017File under: holidays, poetry

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