White Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;

        As was the case for our humble abode.   For Christmas Eve we had gone out to Applebee's to celebrate M&M's birthday, and then come home to watch 'The Polar Express', which has become a sort of tradition in our family.  The movie does a great job in describing the point where a young child who believes in Santa is now starting to have their doubts.  We've all experienced this feeling of realization and the film explored that which we can all relate to.  

      

        Another interesting thing about the film brought by my Dad was the "Animated Zombies Effect."  Apparently he was listening to his ScienceFriday Podcast and they were discussing how difficult it is in animation to get the eyes right.  By right, they meant that the eyes looked real.  One of the primary examples they used of animators not quite getting it right was 'Polar Express.'  So when I should of been admiring the Christmas spirit shown by the valiant protagonists, I was instead thinking about them all being zombies.  Thanks Dad.

ZOOOMMMBBBBBBBIIIIIIIIEEEEEESSSSSS!!!!!!!

        To switch to another topic, let's talk about the weather.  We in the south have the bad fortune (or good, depending on your view on inclement weather) of being at the crossroads of warm air rising from the Gulf of Mexico and storms from the West.  This crossroads usually ensures that we stay snow-free until the middle of January. However, through some Christmas miracle, we managed to have our own White Christmas.    With heavy snowflakes falling around 11:00 PM Christmas Eve, our entire neighborhood was covered in a white blanket, creating a wonderful effect on the next morning.

       Christmas morning came bright and early (6:30 AM, too bright and early in my opinion) and soon the wrapping paper carnage ensued.  Within minutes the once cheerful scene of the tree with neatly-wrapped gifts underneath was transformed into a devastated battlefield filled with the twisted sounds of delight of children.

        All in all we had an excellent haul this year, with plenty of entertainment to last us to next year's Christmas.  Especially the guitar ME received, which has gotten the whole family hooked.  My dad has vowed to learn a chord every week.  I too have resolved to learn to play the guitar.  It may take ME a little longer than us because the guitar is about as big as she is!  But she has taken an interest in music and should definitely enjoy the gift.

A Visit To The Gaylord Opryland Hotel

This Monday our family and M&M (our cousin) paid a visit to the Gaylord Opryland Hotel to see the Christmas decorations before they were taken down.  For those who have forgotten, last May a major flood hit Nashville and one of the major places that took a heavy hit was the Opryland Hotel...

Flood waters fill the hotel.

... so it was great to go back there and see it all spruced back up.

                      When we got there it took us about 20 minutes to find the entrance because so much of the complex was fenced in for rebuilding.  

  Starting at the Delta Concourse, we made our way around the hotel looking at all the many decorations.  The hotel has this feel about it, like it's its own small village.  There are dozens of small stores, fancy restaurants, bars, and plenty of places for entertainment.  And the whole village thing is surrounded by the hotel rooms, with their balconies looking out over the plaza.

                     

                      

    An enormous Christmas tree made-up of Poinsettia plants

Our cousin, M&M.

One of the best decorations in the hotel are the lights that hang from the glass ceiling. 

Also within this hotel of many wonders are small trails that intertwine with the main path, and which let you see several pretty waterfalls and small grottoes.

Here are some more pictures of the many decorations in the hotel.

A sample of the real flora that helps create the outside effect.

One the many fountains.

We also saw some of what we thought to be Chihuly glass work.  Turned out not to be Chihuly, but instead another artist (Hroch) whose work oddly resembles the aforementioned master's art.

At the center of one of the wings of the large hotel is a water fountain with a bright neon light show.

It was great to see the hotel back in full swing.  The decorations were breath-taking as usual and it still has its grandeur and elegance.