We left our little cottage in the morning – it was so cold out there! – and headed to our favorite nursery. We were the only customers looking for a tree – perhaps because it was early and darned cold. The nursery also has a bakery so we had to treat ourselves to their warm, freshly-made apple cider donuts. It was the polite thing to do.
Oh, they were good!
Our living room ceilings are low, so we always walk directly to the end of the lot where the shorter trees are. We found our tree almost immediately, but did the obligatory walk around all the trees in that area just to make sure we had the right one.
It’s a bit wider at the bottom than we’re used to. We really love it. We keep getting whiffs of pine tree scent as we walk by.
Isn’t she pretty?
But, for some reason, yesterday was the day where we finally crashed after the storm and the shoveling and all the errand running. Don made some lunch and afterwards, both of us took long naps. I’m still feeling it today. We had already decided to let the tree settle today, then add the lights on Sunday, and the ornaments on Monday, so it’s a rest up day.
I can’t wait until the lights are added! I love turning them on first thing in the morning.
I had a realization the other day. We had been looking forward to the first snowfall, picturing fat, fluffy flakes falling all day long. In reality, it was messy, with depressing gray skies and not a whole lot of magic. We were disappointed because what we had imagined wasn’t the reality. I realized that I have been counting so much on the holidays being perfect and magical because I desperately need that as a sort of “protection” against all the horrendous sh*t happening in this country. I’ve been counting on that. Before we hit the bleakness of January, I need a lot of sparkle and glitter and Christmas music and twinkly lights. I need my own “Christmas Blinders” to block out everything that fills me with rage and makes my heart ache.
I suspect I am no different than most people. I’m sickened on a daily basis by what is happening, and though I try not to talk about here, it is real. It is disgusting. It is abhorrent. I never thought I would have to spend my senior years fighting to save our country, but here we are.
So, I’m going to do my best to make each day of this month magical. And I pray that he and his vile administration are removed from office. Preferably by Christmas. That would be the best gift ever.
A girl can dream.
Stay safe.
Happy Saturday.
