Oh come on, Mom. You’ve already taken a million photos of me!
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.
Like father like son, they always say.And then there was Grandpa, doing everything he could to avoid having his photo taken— including glaring at the camera. Check out the father/son pose.And here’s dad, giving me the look.A black and white family portrait. At least I had persuaded both father and son to look toward the camera at the same time. A small miracle in itself.And finally, maybe, just barely: a 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.
I’m not sure. Maybe stuffing yourself is a sign of good manners, like you really like the food.What are you supposed to do when your plate is crammed high?And what if someone adds chips? “Where’s the salsa?”Always worth another handful. “These darn things are addictive.” How many times have you heard that as an excuse for eating more.But back to the lettuce. Even Mom, the absolute guardian of good manners, seems to be spilling food down her front.But finally, I find some real Christmas spirit. Sharing. “Here, son. Look what I brought you. More lettuce. Merry Christmas.”
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. 🙂
Wanderer, writer, photographer and activist. I've now settled in Southern Oregon. 1.8 million acres of national forest are out the backdoor and the beautiful Applegate River is out the front door. I like travel, reading, history and wild places. I am married to the lovely, funny, bright 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
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
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
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.
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
The Bush Devil Ate Sam is an important record and a serious story, yet told easily, and with delightful humor. This is one of the most satisfying books I have ever read, because it entertained me thoroughly AND made me feel better informed. —Hilary Custance Green: British Author... Click on the image to learn more about my book, the Bush Devil Ate Sam, and find out where it can be ordered.
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19 thoughts on “Oh No… Not Another Christmas Photo”
Animalcouriers
Happy Christmas Curt & Peggy! Hope your family smiles more and has reasonable table manners… 😀
Curt Mekemson
Yes on both counts, AC! 🙂 The best to you and your family this season, as well! Curt and Peggy.
shoreacres
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.”
Curt Mekemson
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
shoreacres
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.
Curt Mekemson
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
leggypeggy
Happy Christmas. Love the pics. Hope your family can muster better smiles.
Curt Mekemson
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
gerard oosterman
They are so human like, Curt. I wonder if, when they are looking at all the visitors, they think we are in a zoo?
Curt Mekemson
Laughing, Gerard. It’s quite possible. –Curt
GP Cox
Each with their own personality! Enjoy your Christmas visit!!
Curt Mekemson
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
Oh, the Places We See
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.
Curt Mekemson
The faces and the poses speak volumes! 🙂 It’s hard not to anthropomorphize. And a very happy holiday to you and Bert. –Curt
Arati
Happy Christmas Curt.
Curt Mekemson
And to you and your family, Arati. –Curt
Dave Kingsbury
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 …
Curt Mekemson
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
Dave Kingsbury
Many thanks, Curt, same to you and best wishes for the new year!