Bill Bates
@batescentral.com
K-12 Technology educator and tireless ‘have you tried turning it off and on again?’ advocate
Day 17: With the vitriol and vileness flying around, I thought today’s ornament might help me center myself. It seems fitting that Josh Groban is singing a Christmas song in my office. 🙂
Wishing you peace, love, and space to breathe wherever you are. 🕊️🎄✨
#25DaysOfOrnaments #SeasonOfReflection
Wishing you peace, love, and space to breathe wherever you are. 🕊️🎄✨
#25DaysOfOrnaments #SeasonOfReflection
December 18, 2025 at 12:40 AM
Day 17: With the vitriol and vileness flying around, I thought today’s ornament might help me center myself. It seems fitting that Josh Groban is singing a Christmas song in my office. 🙂
Wishing you peace, love, and space to breathe wherever you are. 🕊️🎄✨
#25DaysOfOrnaments #SeasonOfReflection
Wishing you peace, love, and space to breathe wherever you are. 🕊️🎄✨
#25DaysOfOrnaments #SeasonOfReflection
Day 16: We don’t visit the National Archives every year, but when we do, I always appreciate the stop. Seeing the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights in person never gets old. 📜🏛️🎄
#25DaysOfOrnaments #HistoryOnTheTree
#25DaysOfOrnaments #HistoryOnTheTree
December 17, 2025 at 5:10 AM
Day 16: We don’t visit the National Archives every year, but when we do, I always appreciate the stop. Seeing the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights in person never gets old. 📜🏛️🎄
#25DaysOfOrnaments #HistoryOnTheTree
#25DaysOfOrnaments #HistoryOnTheTree
Day 15: Monticello has earned a place on our tree and in my heart. Such a beautiful location and an amazing home. Jefferson loved books, gadgets, and homemade inventions. The house is full of gadgets and little surprises. My kind of house! 🎄📚🏛️
#25DaysOfOrnaments #Monticello #HistoryOnTheTree
#25DaysOfOrnaments #Monticello #HistoryOnTheTree
December 16, 2025 at 12:42 AM
Day 15: Monticello has earned a place on our tree and in my heart. Such a beautiful location and an amazing home. Jefferson loved books, gadgets, and homemade inventions. The house is full of gadgets and little surprises. My kind of house! 🎄📚🏛️
#25DaysOfOrnaments #Monticello #HistoryOnTheTree
#25DaysOfOrnaments #Monticello #HistoryOnTheTree
Day 14: In 2017, took a cross-country road trip. The four of us, 26 states, and about 11,000 miles. We visited Yellowstone National Park. It is one of our favorite places, and this ornament makes me think of the great time we had together. 🌲🚐
#25DaysOfOrnaments #Yellowstone #FamilyRoadTrip
#25DaysOfOrnaments #Yellowstone #FamilyRoadTrip
December 15, 2025 at 4:55 AM
Day 14: In 2017, took a cross-country road trip. The four of us, 26 states, and about 11,000 miles. We visited Yellowstone National Park. It is one of our favorite places, and this ornament makes me think of the great time we had together. 🌲🚐
#25DaysOfOrnaments #Yellowstone #FamilyRoadTrip
#25DaysOfOrnaments #Yellowstone #FamilyRoadTrip
Day 13: Christmas needs a captain
Christmas.
The final frontier.
These are the voyages of our holiday tree.
Its ongoing mission: to explore strange new ornaments,
to seek out old memories and familiar favorites,
to boldly hang what brings us joy. ✨🖖
#25DaysOfOrnaments #StarTrek #HolidayTraditions
Christmas.
The final frontier.
These are the voyages of our holiday tree.
Its ongoing mission: to explore strange new ornaments,
to seek out old memories and familiar favorites,
to boldly hang what brings us joy. ✨🖖
#25DaysOfOrnaments #StarTrek #HolidayTraditions
December 14, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Day 13: Christmas needs a captain
Christmas.
The final frontier.
These are the voyages of our holiday tree.
Its ongoing mission: to explore strange new ornaments,
to seek out old memories and familiar favorites,
to boldly hang what brings us joy. ✨🖖
#25DaysOfOrnaments #StarTrek #HolidayTraditions
Christmas.
The final frontier.
These are the voyages of our holiday tree.
Its ongoing mission: to explore strange new ornaments,
to seek out old memories and familiar favorites,
to boldly hang what brings us joy. ✨🖖
#25DaysOfOrnaments #StarTrek #HolidayTraditions
It was ugly sweater day at Pinewood today. I gave a little extra. Jenn got me the socks! 😁🎅🏻🎄
December 13, 2025 at 3:41 AM
It was ugly sweater day at Pinewood today. I gave a little extra. Jenn got me the socks! 😁🎅🏻🎄
Day 12: We’re at the midpoint of our journey, and it felt right to go with a Christmas favorite. I don’t remember his story, but we hang Frosty on our tree every year because he makes us happy. Hopefully, he brightens your day too as you scroll. ☃️🎄
#25DaysOfOrnaments #HolidayJoy #ChristmasMagic
#25DaysOfOrnaments #HolidayJoy #ChristmasMagic
December 13, 2025 at 2:38 AM
Day 12: We’re at the midpoint of our journey, and it felt right to go with a Christmas favorite. I don’t remember his story, but we hang Frosty on our tree every year because he makes us happy. Hopefully, he brightens your day too as you scroll. ☃️🎄
#25DaysOfOrnaments #HolidayJoy #ChristmasMagic
#25DaysOfOrnaments #HolidayJoy #ChristmasMagic
Day 11: I’ve chaperoned many DC and Virginia trips, and Michie Tavern is always a favorite stop. Built in the late 1700s, it’s full of charm, warmth, and truly incredible fried chicken! Every visit brings comfort, history, and great memories. 🍗❤️
#25DaysOfOrnaments #MichieTavern
#25DaysOfOrnaments #MichieTavern
December 12, 2025 at 12:56 AM
Day 11: I’ve chaperoned many DC and Virginia trips, and Michie Tavern is always a favorite stop. Built in the late 1700s, it’s full of charm, warmth, and truly incredible fried chicken! Every visit brings comfort, history, and great memories. 🍗❤️
#25DaysOfOrnaments #MichieTavern
#25DaysOfOrnaments #MichieTavern
Day 10: I love the classics just as much as our unique ones. I have always loved this Santa ornament. Something about it feels so simple and joyful. Here is a haiku in its honor.
Santa swings with cheer,
Dangling treats and tiny dreams,
Magic on a string.
#25DaysOfOrnaments #SantaMagic #HolidayJoy
Santa swings with cheer,
Dangling treats and tiny dreams,
Magic on a string.
#25DaysOfOrnaments #SantaMagic #HolidayJoy
December 11, 2025 at 3:43 AM
Day 10: I love the classics just as much as our unique ones. I have always loved this Santa ornament. Something about it feels so simple and joyful. Here is a haiku in its honor.
Santa swings with cheer,
Dangling treats and tiny dreams,
Magic on a string.
#25DaysOfOrnaments #SantaMagic #HolidayJoy
Santa swings with cheer,
Dangling treats and tiny dreams,
Magic on a string.
#25DaysOfOrnaments #SantaMagic #HolidayJoy
Day 9: I’ve been playing D&D since I was 11 and loved sharing it with my boys. One monster they love to hate is the mimic. It looks harmless until it very much is not. After years of tormenting their party, it was only right that one found a place on our tree. 🎲🎄
#25DaysOfOrnaments #DnD #Memories
#25DaysOfOrnaments #DnD #Memories
December 10, 2025 at 3:48 AM
Day 9: I’ve been playing D&D since I was 11 and loved sharing it with my boys. One monster they love to hate is the mimic. It looks harmless until it very much is not. After years of tormenting their party, it was only right that one found a place on our tree. 🎲🎄
#25DaysOfOrnaments #DnD #Memories
#25DaysOfOrnaments #DnD #Memories
Day 8: Back in 2019, before COVID, we hosted one of the strangest assemblies I have ever seen at Pinewood: The Misty and the Sandman Steampunk Hypnosis Experience. A good friend later turned their stickers into this ornament, preserved forever on our tree. 🎄
#25DaysOfOrnaments #SteampunkChristmas
#25DaysOfOrnaments #SteampunkChristmas
December 9, 2025 at 5:43 AM
Day 8: Back in 2019, before COVID, we hosted one of the strangest assemblies I have ever seen at Pinewood: The Misty and the Sandman Steampunk Hypnosis Experience. A good friend later turned their stickers into this ornament, preserved forever on our tree. 🎄
#25DaysOfOrnaments #SteampunkChristmas
#25DaysOfOrnaments #SteampunkChristmas
Day 7
My Aunt Judy made this ornament for me when I was a kid. She passed a long time ago, but I still think about her often. Every year it has a place on our tree, and every year I see her. It holds memories, love, and reminds us of those who still live in our hearts. 💕🎄
#25DaysOfOrnaments #Family
My Aunt Judy made this ornament for me when I was a kid. She passed a long time ago, but I still think about her often. Every year it has a place on our tree, and every year I see her. It holds memories, love, and reminds us of those who still live in our hearts. 💕🎄
#25DaysOfOrnaments #Family
December 7, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Day 7
My Aunt Judy made this ornament for me when I was a kid. She passed a long time ago, but I still think about her often. Every year it has a place on our tree, and every year I see her. It holds memories, love, and reminds us of those who still live in our hearts. 💕🎄
#25DaysOfOrnaments #Family
My Aunt Judy made this ornament for me when I was a kid. She passed a long time ago, but I still think about her often. Every year it has a place on our tree, and every year I see her. It holds memories, love, and reminds us of those who still live in our hearts. 💕🎄
#25DaysOfOrnaments #Family
Day 6: This past summer, Jenn and I visited Sandals Jamaica South Coast. We love cats, so this ornament came home with us as a reminder of that trip. After the recent hurricane, our thoughts are with the people of Jamaica as they recover. 🇯🇲🐾
#25DaysOfOrnaments #Jamaica #Grateful
#25DaysOfOrnaments #Jamaica #Grateful
December 7, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Day 6: This past summer, Jenn and I visited Sandals Jamaica South Coast. We love cats, so this ornament came home with us as a reminder of that trip. After the recent hurricane, our thoughts are with the people of Jamaica as they recover. 🇯🇲🐾
#25DaysOfOrnaments #Jamaica #Grateful
#25DaysOfOrnaments #Jamaica #Grateful
Day 5: “I am NOT a merry man”
A little bat’leth spirit for the season! Lieutenant Commander Worf is in all his Klingon glory. Few characters embody honor and loyalty the way Worf does. Seeing him on our tree always makes me smile. 🎄🖖⚔️
#25DaysOfOrnaments #StarTrek #KlingonHolidays
A little bat’leth spirit for the season! Lieutenant Commander Worf is in all his Klingon glory. Few characters embody honor and loyalty the way Worf does. Seeing him on our tree always makes me smile. 🎄🖖⚔️
#25DaysOfOrnaments #StarTrek #KlingonHolidays
December 6, 2025 at 2:08 AM
Day 5: “I am NOT a merry man”
A little bat’leth spirit for the season! Lieutenant Commander Worf is in all his Klingon glory. Few characters embody honor and loyalty the way Worf does. Seeing him on our tree always makes me smile. 🎄🖖⚔️
#25DaysOfOrnaments #StarTrek #KlingonHolidays
A little bat’leth spirit for the season! Lieutenant Commander Worf is in all his Klingon glory. Few characters embody honor and loyalty the way Worf does. Seeing him on our tree always makes me smile. 🎄🖖⚔️
#25DaysOfOrnaments #StarTrek #KlingonHolidays
Day 4: Jenn’s sister once spent time in South Africa helping with their new constitution. She brought us this basket ornament, and we’ve treasured it ever since. We’re proud of all she’s done, and I’m proud to call her sister. 💕🌍🎄 #25DaysOfOrnaments
December 5, 2025 at 5:09 AM
Day 4: Jenn’s sister once spent time in South Africa helping with their new constitution. She brought us this basket ornament, and we’ve treasured it ever since. We’re proud of all she’s done, and I’m proud to call her sister. 💕🌍🎄 #25DaysOfOrnaments
Day 3: In 2003 we bought our current house. With two little boys, we needed more room than our small condo. It was meant to be a five year house, but twenty two years later it is still home. A wonderful neighborhood filled with great people, memories, and moments we treasure. 💕🏡✨
#25DaysOfOrnaments
#25DaysOfOrnaments
December 4, 2025 at 4:09 AM
Day 3: In 2003 we bought our current house. With two little boys, we needed more room than our small condo. It was meant to be a five year house, but twenty two years later it is still home. A wonderful neighborhood filled with great people, memories, and moments we treasure. 💕🏡✨
#25DaysOfOrnaments
#25DaysOfOrnaments
Day 2: The NSEA Protector!
The best Star Trek movie that was not actually a Star Trek movie. I was so excited to find this ornament! More like this to come! Jenn’s favorite. 🤣🚀✨
“By Grabthar’s Hammer, by the Suns of Warvan, you shall be avenged!”
#25DaysOfOrnaments #GalaxyQuest #SciFiHolidays
The best Star Trek movie that was not actually a Star Trek movie. I was so excited to find this ornament! More like this to come! Jenn’s favorite. 🤣🚀✨
“By Grabthar’s Hammer, by the Suns of Warvan, you shall be avenged!”
#25DaysOfOrnaments #GalaxyQuest #SciFiHolidays
December 3, 2025 at 1:34 AM
Day 2: The NSEA Protector!
The best Star Trek movie that was not actually a Star Trek movie. I was so excited to find this ornament! More like this to come! Jenn’s favorite. 🤣🚀✨
“By Grabthar’s Hammer, by the Suns of Warvan, you shall be avenged!”
#25DaysOfOrnaments #GalaxyQuest #SciFiHolidays
The best Star Trek movie that was not actually a Star Trek movie. I was so excited to find this ornament! More like this to come! Jenn’s favorite. 🤣🚀✨
“By Grabthar’s Hammer, by the Suns of Warvan, you shall be avenged!”
#25DaysOfOrnaments #GalaxyQuest #SciFiHolidays
Back for 2025!
Day 1: Starting with a new ornament! I picked up The General’s Prayer during our 8th grade trip to Mount Vernon in September. As a GW super fan, this one makes me happy and reminds me of the season ahead, filled with love, reflection, and respect for all. 🎄✨
#25DaysOfOrnaments
Day 1: Starting with a new ornament! I picked up The General’s Prayer during our 8th grade trip to Mount Vernon in September. As a GW super fan, this one makes me happy and reminds me of the season ahead, filled with love, reflection, and respect for all. 🎄✨
#25DaysOfOrnaments
December 2, 2025 at 4:07 AM
Back for 2025!
Day 1: Starting with a new ornament! I picked up The General’s Prayer during our 8th grade trip to Mount Vernon in September. As a GW super fan, this one makes me happy and reminds me of the season ahead, filled with love, reflection, and respect for all. 🎄✨
#25DaysOfOrnaments
Day 1: Starting with a new ornament! I picked up The General’s Prayer during our 8th grade trip to Mount Vernon in September. As a GW super fan, this one makes me happy and reminds me of the season ahead, filled with love, reflection, and respect for all. 🎄✨
#25DaysOfOrnaments
I was quite happy with the results!!!
November 3, 2025 at 3:41 PM
I was quite happy with the results!!!
I haven’t made calzone is a long while. I decided to make a homemade meatball and a ham and cheese. I used to make my sauce from scratch, now I use a jar but enhance it. It cooks for a couple of hours. I make the meatballs.
November 3, 2025 at 3:41 PM
I haven’t made calzone is a long while. I decided to make a homemade meatball and a ham and cheese. I used to make my sauce from scratch, now I use a jar but enhance it. It cooks for a couple of hours. I make the meatballs.
The final results of today’s rib extravaganza! The cherry BBQ sauce my friend made was delicious! 🙂
September 8, 2025 at 4:47 AM
The final results of today’s rib extravaganza! The cherry BBQ sauce my friend made was delicious! 🙂
September 7, 2025 at 7:52 PM
Three racks of ribs rubbed and ready to slow cook until I sauce them later. A friend makes her own cherry BBQ sauce, yes with real cherries. I am excited for it!!! #ribs #NFLSunday
September 7, 2025 at 6:43 PM
Three racks of ribs rubbed and ready to slow cook until I sauce them later. A friend makes her own cherry BBQ sauce, yes with real cherries. I am excited for it!!! #ribs #NFLSunday
The same people attacking California’s Prop 50 saying it is attack on democracy are the same people cheering Texas and other red states who are election tampering. Should we have Prop 50, absolutely not, but sadly, we can’t afford not to.
September 7, 2025 at 6:41 PM
The same people attacking California’s Prop 50 saying it is attack on democracy are the same people cheering Texas and other red states who are election tampering. Should we have Prop 50, absolutely not, but sadly, we can’t afford not to.
Have a great weekend, everyone!!!! 😁 #tradition
September 6, 2025 at 9:35 PM
Have a great weekend, everyone!!!! 😁 #tradition