Decorating the Tree

We used to go as a family and choose a tree. We were the most efficient people I know at choosing. You have to be quick in the Northwest when you are selecting a tree in the driving rain. We'd bring it home, and Ray would put it in the tree stand. Then he'd put the lights on, and we'd decorate the tree.

Things have changed. Somehow over time it became me who put on the lights. The kids still helped to decorate, but then they went off to college and most of them got married. 

I took matters into my own hands. I don't like being the only one who decorates the tree. I bought an artificial tree, and after much moaning and groaning by my family about the lack of pine scent in the house (Debra even bought me a pine scented candle), I put my foot down. I asked which of them would like to go and buy the tree and put on the lights and decorate it. (Let's just say I'm no Little Red Hen). There were no volunteers.

So here's how we do it now, and it's my favorite way ever. Ray brings in the tree from the garage and sets it up. Beth fluffs the branches (she's done it two years in a row now, and I think she's inherited that job). I get out all the ornaments, and hand them to the grandkids, who put the ornaments on the tree. Later we usually have to disperse the ornaments more evenly, but to me the tree is more beautiful than ever as I look at it with all its imperfections and think of my grandchildren helping me to decorate. I hope we keep this tradition for a long time to come.

We decorated the Saturday after Thanksgiving, when everyone was here. I've been enjoying the tree ever since.

Beth gets the high parts

Austin gets taller every year

Matthew

Madeleine

Rachel

Elizabeth

Rachel has an aversion to having her picture taken in front of the tree

Matthew, Austin, Madeleine, Elizabeth (no Rachel)

Madeleine and Elizabeth

Poetic Memories

Many years ago
I was entertained by Ray
Composing haikus

He's home from school now
I was delighted to find
A note left for me.

"Oh you winter toys
We will send you to the shop
To get your wax on."

I wrote a response
Bringing back some memories
Giving me much joy

"I wish to thank you
For delivering the toys
For their needed wax."

Uncommon Sight

This afternoon as I was travelling home, I passed a local cemetery, about two miles from my house. I drive by there on a regular basis. But today things were not as usual.

The road I usually turn on was blocked off, and I had to go the back way. No problem, I do that frequently. As I passed the blocked corner, I glanced at the grave site area - big crowd - bigger than usual. Then I did a double take. There were two hook and ladder fire trucks parked along the street, front ends facing opposite directions. The ladders were fully extended, toward each other, and there was a rope connected between them. Suspended from the rope was a very large American flag.

It was the funeral of a fireman. There were men in uniforms everywhere; young, old, and in between. Cars were parking all along the road as I passed by, and more and more people poured out of them. Then as I turned a corner, here came firetrucks with their lights flashing - no sirens. Everyone pulled over to let them pass. Their passengers were in formal uniforms, not their usual fire-fighting gear. There were twelve full sized fire engines that passed by, and several cars afterward.

It was a very tender few moments for me.

I wanted to stop and take a picture of that suspended flag - it was stunning - but it just didn't seem respectful of the situation. So just close your eyes, and imagine it. If you are accurate in your imagination, you may have to wipe away a tear or two.

Wait Till Next Year: a Memoir by Doris Kearns Goodwin

Goodwin reminisces about being a die-hard fan of the Brooklyn Dodgers and weaves her own childhood growing up in Rock Centre, Long Island, in and around that.

Her family and neighborhood came to life - I felt almost as though I were watching a movie, rather than reading. I came to love her neighbors, and what they meant to her. All those baseball fans! Dodgers, Yankees, NY Giants - all in one neighborhood together.

Although I'm about 14 years younger than Goodwin, and grew up in southern California, I was transported back to my own childhood and neighborhood. There were many similarities, especially how everyone looked out for one another, and how well we knew each other and our homes.

I loved Team of Rivals, and No Ordinary Time, both by Doris Kearns Goodwin. This book completely different, but just as enjoyable. It gave some interesting insight into how she began to love history, and writing.  Also it's a much shorter read. It hit two things I love: history, and biography.

Christmas Sing

I love Christmas music. I could listen to it all year long. I don't want Christmas decorations up until after Thanksgiving, but I start listening to Christmas music soon after Halloween.

I like it all, but my very favorite is singing Christmas music with the family. Last night we gathered as an extended family to sing Christmas songs. Most of us who are local were there, and we had a great time. We missed all the family who are far away.

My husband's family all sing, and have beautiful voices. Our children inherited that. There is no more beautiful sound in all the world to me than when the Linfords sing.

White Christmas Viewing

A couple of years ago I wrote about White Christmas here. I still try to watch it every year. This year I invited the girls to watch it with me, and everyone came yesterday. We ate popcorn and sugar cookies, and drank hot chocolate.

Austin, Matthew, Rachel, Madeleine

The kids love this movie. They call it "Christmas Whites", or sometimes "The Singing and Dancing Movie" (which is funny, because nearly every movie they watch has singing and dancing).

Truthfully, the kids didn't concentrate on the movie very long. By the time the war scenes were over, they were creating their own havoc. Luckily we've all seen the movie a million times, so it wasn't too distracting. We sang along with the songs, and discussed the women's wardrobes.

Best casual dress: Judy's black and white checked skirt, red belt and black sweater
Best dressy dress: Betty's dress at the cast party when the engagement is announced. A close second is Betty's dress when she sings, Love, You Didn't Do Right by Me.
Best "White Christmas" dress: Betty's. We all agreed we're not too fond of Judy's little cape.

Ray commandeered Debra to help him finish cleaning the garage so we could park my car in there. It was quite a project, and she missed the movie because she was helping him. I told her I'd watch it again with her if she wants. It warrants a picture or two:

Before

After

I'm sorry she missed the movie, but I'm sure happy about my garage. All in all, it was a great day!

An Irish Country Christmas by Patrick Taylor

Now here's a book I didn't want to end.  This is one of the Christmas books I randomly bought a couple of weeks ago, and it is a winner.

Think: At Home in Mitford moves to northern Ireland, and is about a rural medical practice in the mid 1960's. I really enjoyed all the characters. I have a particular fondness for books set in Ireland. I have no idea why, but I do.

I found out it is actually the third book in a series. It was well done, because I felt it was a complete book in itself. I have already requested the previous two books from the library. In case you're interested, the first book is An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor.

If you'll pardon the pun, this book was just what the doctor ordered.

Younger Next Year for Women by Chris Crowley & Henry S. Lodge, MD

Excellent book on how to have the last third of your life be the best it can be. In a nutshell: exercise, food, caring.

But don't take my word for it. Read the book. It's entertaining, informative, and best of all, motivating.