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.
i hope you get all the sparkle and glitter and Christmas music and twinkly lights you need and more for the rest of winter and darkness!
your tree is a beautiful start. so are the apple cider and naps and other breaks and seeing cute monty.
going to put up a wreath at the front door this morning in advance of more snow (one-to-three or three-to-five inches, depending on who you listen to … i’m hoping for five). also wrap some presents to be mailed on monday, and enjoy my favorite bean salad (my mother’s recipe, made yesterday by my sister). and knit. all while ignoring another stack of papers that needs to be sorted and filed or shredded (trying to save that stuff for weekdays).
happy, safe, warm weekend to you, don and everyone else.
kathy
Good! A wreath makes it official!
Enjoy the wreath and your knitting and, hopefully, 5 inches of snow.
Thanks, Kathy.
Stay safe.
Yes, it is hard to feel cheery with all of the awfulness going on around us but we can’t let them win so we must do our best to spread kindness and cheer and laughter and peace.
I have an Advent jigsaw puzzle that has 24 boxes with little puzzles that will all link up to make one large puzzle. The pictures are vintage Christmas greetings – so colorful and cute. Doing this makes me smile each morning.
Love your tree!
The puzzle sounds wonderful, Ellen.
Thanks so much!
Stay safe.
Your tree is lovely…looks perfect there. I can already see the twinkling lights on it.
“I never thought I would have to spend my senior years fighting to save our country, but here we are”…perfectly sums up my feelings as well. It is hard to maintain hope, when we are assaulted daily by the behavior of the current administration. I fear not so much for us, but for my kids, and what their future holds for them. But..,we must hope, and continue to ‘save our country’.
Rest up today….and light up your tree tomorrow. That’s our plan as well…I need more twinkle lights! Enjoy your day! ;)
It is very hard to maintain hope, but I still have it. Some days, though, it’s in short supply.
Thanks, Donnamae.
Stay safe.
Good Morning Claudia!
Ditto to all of the above. I have been struggling to “find” Christmas this year… but I learned a loooong time ago that if I want Christmas, I have to make it happen… there isn’t someone else in my life doing it! I get to decorate and spread some cheer. I draw an annual Christmas card every year… it has become a memoir of it’s own kind… it takes me a long time and is always late going out, but my friends and family don’t mind as long as there is one! It is very detailed pen and ink and watercolor ( like medieval illuminations) and features events in my personal life from the past year (and my boys when they were young were the star focus)… I always love the process once I have gotten under way… the work is very soothing and keeps my mind off the external chaos. And the trees with the lights are an essential deeply appreciated part…. mine are up, but I also take a couple of days before I put ornaments on. I Love the trees just as they are at first and then with just the lights and then when the decorations are on I love that more than ever! Playing X-mas music helps too… and making minis. But really, the card takes most of my time and attention. I really get it about trying to find the magic…. sometimes it is elusive…. but it is always there for the finding!
Enjoy your tree and the lights and whatever brings you comfort in these dark days. :)
So glad you have the drawing/card Betsy. It sounds like a very soothing project.
Thanks so much.
Stay safe.
I hear you on the Christmas season and things not being perfect. This has been far from — out of control, not what I wanted or expected. And it seems heavier because of the world/domestic situation. Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest? So, we need a little Christmas, right this very minute!
And you aced it with your tree. It’s perfectly shaped and I can’t wait to see it with lights and your lovely ornaments. I’m glad you found it quickly and celebrated with a donut! Now, rest up, because you’ve got some decorating to do!
Yes, a lot of decorating.
How are you doing after the pacemaker surgery, Jeanie? I’ve been thinking of you.
Stay safe.
It’s been a bit of a tough go, but no tougher than anyone, I suppose. The incision site still hurts and my arm (dominant hand) is in a sling to prevent me from racing up or behind me. Normally I would just say, “OK,” and watch old movies, Brit mysteries and read books. But it’s “the busy season.” Not being able to drive, lift, or move fully, having to ask for rides or help lifting is humbling. Maybe we should all be humbled. But I do feel a bit out of control. I used to be one of those people who had their shopping done by early November. Where did she go?
And to top it off, Lizzie hasn’t been well, requiring a late night visit to the animal ER at MSU and another vet visit two days later. I have such a good Rick and good friends who carted her for me. It will pass, all will be good, and I continually remind myself that I am not being deported, I have a home, heat, food, medical insurance and good docs. So, get over it! Thanks for asking!
You’ve been through a lot and having it happen during the holidays is doubly hard. It’s okay to complain and be frustrated.
xo
Your tree is beautiful; can’t wait to see it after it has been decorated.
I completely agree with your comments about Christmas. My heart goes out to all
the kind and decent people in the world living through this hellish nightmare especially the Ukrainians and people of colour in the U.S.
I am so worried for my children and adult grandchildren. ♥️
I know. We don’t have children, but we have nieces and nephews and godchildren. What lies ahead for them?
Thanks so much, Lea.
Stay safe.
Your tree is beautiful just as it is so it will really be gorgeous when you decorate it. Enjoy the process. It’s got a lovely shape. I’m not an American but I really feel for the majority of Americans and what they have had to endure. Hopefully a solution is in sight. Enjoy your weekend. That cider donut myst have tasted good. Hugs, Elaine
It was really good.
Thanks so much, Elaine.
Stay safe.
I’m dreaming right along with you that the right thing will be done. Enjoy the peace and solitude of your darling cottage during these tough times.
I will do my best, Cathy. You, too!
Stay safe.
I can’t wait to see your beautiful tree all decorated. I know what you mean about the current administration. Every day I think it can’t get worse, and then it does. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas season.
Thank you, Leslie! The same to you.
Stay safe.
Your tree is beautiful, I can’t wait to see it decorated. I remember how beautiful your tress have been in the past since I am a long time reader/follower.
I, too, am so bewildered and angry at what is happening in our country . I want to believe and I want to be hopeful . I will stand up to bigots and inequality,
I will end with this quote:
What is Christmas ? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace. Agnes M. Pahro
Take Care and a Hello to Don,
Kaye
Thank you for that quote, Kaye.
Truly beautiful!
Stay safe.
dear Claudia/Don — what a beautiful tree –looks perfect even w/o light or ornaments When our gson was born we discovered that he was allergic to “real” trees so for the past 22 yrs we have used “pretend” trees — when I was growing up, we had cedar Christmas trees b/c they grew all over in the area of Ky where we lived — easily accessable and free!!!! we mostly made ornaments from paper. you all did good choosing this one. sure hope we can thaw out soon but this awful cold is to last thru mid to end of month. stay safe/healthy
It’s incredibily cold this morning, Linda!
Thanks so much.
Stay safe.