The tree!! and so many ornaments...

 Ah, the tree. 

The Leaning Tower of Tree-sa. 

The one with the floppy branches that don't hold much (thanks to the drought). 

It's up, and it's as pretty as it can be--which, to be honest, is pretty good. I couldn't use all of our ornaments, because the branches are tender little things that can't hold much weight. The tree is sappy, but still, needles are dropping, too. Again, the drought conditions. But I'm pleased with it. 

When G got home, we immediately went to work. First, we went in search of an extension cord. I could swear we had one packed in the deco boxes, but nope. So, G found one (which necessitated going out in the cold to the shed and rummaging in his tool box-- I asked, "why are your tools so far away from the place where you'll need them the most?"-- yeah, it's gotta be guy logic). Then, we had to move the tree-- stand and water and all-- because the cord would not reach. The charm of an older home: electrical plugs are few and far between. No matter, got that done. G and Holly did the lights (she's a good helper), and then we had dinner. 

Next: bath time. G picked up the errant branches and some of the worst of the needle-fall while Holly took a quick bath. Then she and I hung what we could on the tree-- so many ornaments dropped, but the floor is carpeted (yeah, can't wait for tree clean up...sigh), and we finally got most of them on the branches. We left the heaviest ones in the boxes for another year. No matter-- we got the ones with the years on them onto the tree. 

Every year since we married, we've gotten a dated ornament. Some years they were extravagant (the crystal one from 1989!), and others were more modest (plastic, but the date was on it)-- depending on our finances each time. Putting those ornaments on reminds me of what was going on in our lives at the time. Those had to go on the tree, and of course, this year's as well-- I had G put that one up pretty high where there are a few sturdier branches. Thirty-eight years of dated ornaments. There's others that are fun and special, and there are glass balls as well-- they reflect the light, and they also reflect the times we didn't have much else to put on the tree-- so, they fill space nicely. Even those have memories attached. 

Some people like to do themed trees, or just lights, or what have you. Maybe ours looks like a yard sale, but I love it. Our hobbies, our interests, our years together are all on display for a couple of short weeks. I'll add tinsel and the tree skirt, and Santa will put the candy canes on it on Christmas eve. 

The best part? We didn't fuss or argue about the lights (I like 'em tucked in), and Holly got to help decorate for real this year. She's tall enough! 

And when I got up this morning, the tree was leaning over quite a bit. So, G and I stood it back up, he tightened the tree stand screws again, and we actually laughed over the averted disaster. That's marriage for ya. 

I hope your day sparkles! Hold onto your loved ones- they are a gift we can't afford to lose.

C



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