The Christmas Tree 2002

Date: December 18, 2002      
      First, I got my tree. Early as a matter of fact.
      Second, it's smaller than normal. I can lift it.
      Third - it was up in a stand the day I bought it (my stand) and in the house 24 hours later (storm coming). The storm has came. And went. And comes again. 18-wheelers are on their sides. Commuting 35 miles each way through this is fun.
      So that's as far as the tree went.
      The Christmas ornaments - in a fit of laziness last year I bought new ones - were in a container - another fit of neatness - and STILL in the family room behind the weight equipment - more procrastination. Lights and all. No excuses there.
      For a week the tree sat, watered and upright, trimmed with two purple balloons (don't ask) and a price tag (we do not take them off).
      Instead of tree lights, I painted the kitchen wall lemon yellow (another temper tantrum - I was SICK of this kitchen), mounted white wire shelf racks (and learned how to install wall mollys). All cans are OFF the kitchen counter which now holds candles, two big poinsettias and one tall proud and opening Amaryllis. The other one is 1" high - it is not going to bloom I fear! Oh well.
      Outside - I have about a 1/2 dozen Amaryllis bulbs growing in pots. At least. From other years.
      I get Amaryllis blooms in summer. Spectacular!
      My kitchen is now significantly neater. I have one corner left to sort out. And I gained a cupboard for pots and pans - since the canned goods are on the racks. My son can now reach them.
      Oh all right.
      I took pity on the tree - too stormy and my son not feeling chipper - and stopped waiting for him to do the lights thing.
      I put three strands of baby cool lights up. And the four garlands - two new this year.
      I found the Christmas angel - the doll I rescued in 1964 - wearing scraps of my first wedding dress. She has lost her wings and halo - I keep meaning to take her somewhere for new hair - she's about bald, too. She is OLD.
      But she is tied to the top of the tree (sparkly pipe cleaners from a hobby store make her belt.
      I also stuck up a few balls.
      It's sitting and glittering at me now.
      Lovely.
      Finish it later.
      Somewhere in the house are two Barbie dolls with moving eyes. I got them to dress for the boys for their Christmas tree angels about six years ago.
      They are still pretty naked.
      Wherever they are.
      I am downsizing the hysteria.
      Until I am back in San Diego and all my things about me.
      Ho ho ho.
      Now to get the kid to finish the tree.
      OK! So who's wrapping the presents???