The cameras are out. It’s that time of the year. Open a present. Get your photo taken. “Hold up those socks, Joe. And smile. Aunt Tilda needs to know how much you like your gift.” Right. You know the routine. Put on deer antlers and get your photo taken. Take your photo with Grandma. She loves it. But where’s Grandpa. “How come Grandpa always has to go to the bathroom when photos are being taken Mom? He told me that photos give him gas.” And maybe it’s true. He looks like he’s got gas.
Peggy and I are visiting with our son Tony, his wife Cammie, and our grandkids Connor, Chris and Cooper on a pre-Christmas visit. We took a trip over to Bush Gardens yesterday. I took photos of the Chimp family for Christmas. I had my usual challenge getting anyone to smile.
Then there is all the stuff about table manners at Christmas. Everyone is expected to be on their best behavior. And what are the odds of that happening? I dropped over to visit with the Gorilla family to check it out.
NEXT POST: Maybe I’ll be back at Busch Garden in Florida, or on the Malecon in Puerto Vallarta, or hiking down the Pacific Crest Trail. You never know. I sure don’t. 🙂
Wandering through Time and Place 
Happy Christmas Curt & Peggy! Hope your family smiles more and has reasonable table manners… 😀
Yes on both counts, AC! 🙂 The best to you and your family this season, as well! Curt and Peggy.
These are great, Curt. I smiled all the way through, especially since some of the poses reminded me of my chimp friend in Liberia. The one with its hand in the chip bag is hilarious. Only yesterday I stood in front of the chip section in the grocery and thought, “No. If I do, I’ll eat the whole bag. Those things are addictive.”
Thanks, Linda. The expressions are close to ‘precious.’ You can’t help but wonder what they are thinking. I think you’ve mentioned ‘your’ chimp, but tell me more! –Curt
Here’s her story. There’s a photo of the two of us, and, as lagniappe, a photo of my dad with a village chief. It’s such a great story it might be worth a re-post.
What a wonderful story, Linda. Zero was a delight, a great companyon, and in ways, reminds me of the relationship I had with Do-Your-Part, the dog that adopted me.
I, too, wish I had more photos of my two years in Liberia, but I am very glad for what I had… and tupperwear for storage. 🙂 –Curt
Happy Christmas. Love the pics. Hope your family can muster better smiles.
Our family is doing great, Peggy, most of the time— Although the young ones have gotten in a few good tantrums. 🙂 Mainly it has been smiles, however. Happy Christmas to you and your family as well. Thanks. –Curt
They are so human like, Curt. I wonder if, when they are looking at all the visitors, they think we are in a zoo?
Laughing, Gerard. It’s quite possible. –Curt
Each with their own personality! Enjoy your Christmas visit!!
Thanks, G. Old Santa and his reindeer are quite perky. We’ve been having a great time with our families in Florida and North Carolina. –Curt
How fun to be at Busch Gardens watching the monkeys and gorillas! There’s something about these fantastic creatures that reminds me of us — and it’s not just the physical. They really seem kin to us in many ways! Best wishes for happy holidays and a wonderful trip with family.
The faces and the poses speak volumes! 🙂 It’s hard not to anthropomorphize. And a very happy holiday to you and Bert. –Curt
Happy Christmas Curt.
And to you and your family, Arati. –Curt
Chimps and Christmas share many things … 5 letters, for starters … 6, if you include the ‘s’ twice. These ones are particularly photogenic, Curt, or perhaps you have the knack of waiting for the perfect moment …
I snapped and they cooperated, Dave. Much better than many of the two legged and four legged animals I photograph. (grin) Hope you had a good Christmas. And here’s to a happy 2019! –Curt
Many thanks, Curt, same to you and best wishes for the new year!