Dave's Handiwork

While I was inside decorating the tree, Dave was outside doing this.  Picture taken from the sidewalk.

This picture was taken from the driveway.  I love it!

Here's a close-up.  I expecially like this picture, because my tree shows through the window.

Tree Pictures

Poor Dave.  I normally do the bottom tier, but I was busy feeding cats and washing cat food dishes.

Nosy Merlin wanted to help, but unfortunately he wasn't very useful to the purpose.

You know it's Christmas in Texas, when you're trimming the tree in shorts.

Finally done! Looking at it today with non-cranky eyes, I love it.  My ornaments have never been more evenly placed. :)

Bah!

Our house is cozy and festive. The tree is up, and we finally get to use the new ornaments and decorations we bought from shopping after Christmas sales. Today should have been a great day, but I'm sorry to have to admit I did not have an enjoyable day of decorating.
First of all, I only had about four hours of sleep, after spending the night in a state of worry (that's another story). Normally, it doesn't matter how late I stay up, because I don't work outside the home. I actually prefer the peace and quiet of the night hours. But, anyway, Sundays are the only days I get up early, and I was already tired when we started.
The next (and biggest) cause of my crankiness began when I decided to try something new. My big tree rotates. I've never used this feature, because I never before, had enough ornaments to fill up such a big tree, front and back. Thanks to the previously mentioned after Christmas sales, that was no longer a problem. I started the tree rotating, thinking it the best way to evenly distribute all my new pretties. Big mistake! The tree turns slowly, but faster than I needed it to. I need time to place an ornament, examine its surroundings, then position just the right way to show it off to its greatest advantage. I did not have time to do this before the area was gone from sight. So I would have to stand, holding said ornament until the tree rotated back around, but by then I'd forgotten where I wanted to hang it. Needless to say, it took me all afternoon, and part of the evening to finish trimming my tree, I only THOUGHT I was tired before.
Poor Dave didn't fare much better. I have to stop here, and explain that after Christmas last year, I was so psyched.  I had bought some new ornaments, and had so enjoyed having new things to display, that I was already planning the next year's decor, hence the the many references to the after Christmas sales. During one excursion to Hobby Lobby, we bought nine large shatterproof, bright red Christmas balls. These, we decided (ok, I guess I decided), would look super cute hanging from the plant hooks surrounding our front porch. They totally do, but when I recall the hours of decorating hell Dave went through, trying tie all that fishing line with his huge fingers, I have to ask myself, "Was it worth it?"
Hopefully, tomorrow, when I see the results of all our work with fresh, non-exhausted, not frustrated, and non OCD (without the C) eyes, the answer will be "Yes!!"

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks thanks I give you thanks for all you've done
I am so blessed my soul is at rest
Oh lord I give you thanks

An Almost Disaster

It's Thanksgiving time again!  Dave and I have been getting things ready for our dinner guests on Thursday.  On Monday, we finished the last of our grocery shopping with a trip to Paris Tx Pecan Company, so that Tuesday, we could begin the cooking with my pecan pies, and the cornbread for his dressing.  He got the crust all ready for me (I don't make crust), while I was doing some last minute cleaning.  It looks like tomorrow will be warm enough for us to eat our dinner outside on the back porch. I had such a good day planned. Anyway, Dave had finished the crust, and turned the oven on to preheat.  It didn't work!  Can you believe it?  Two days before Thanksgiving and the OVEN WON'T WORK!!
Dave located the owner's manual, and while he was busy doing all the things on the trouble-shooting list, I was...well, I have to admit, I was panicking a little.  After trying all the suggestions in the book, Dave called the 800 number, while I mentally got to work on plan B.  Dave could cook the turkey outside.  It takes longer, but it can be done.  I could make my pecan pies and corn casserole in the toaster oven, and I could call my sister, Norma, and get her to make the dressing.  The only thing I didn't have a plan for was the rolls.  Sure, anybody can heat up a pan of rolls and bring them over, but it's just not the same as hot from the oven rolls.  We decided we could use the toaster oven for them as well.  We could cook six at a time, work the toaster oven to death, and maybe have a nice dinner...BY MIDNIGHT!
Well, I'm happy to say that disaster has been avoided.  I was so afraid we'd have trouble finding someone on such short notice, but the repair man did come out, and our oven is once again in working order.  All he had to do was replace the igniter, and we're all set. What a close call.  Our original Thankgiving plans are back on, and I'm once again, planning to have a great day! 

(Not) Knitting With Morty..

Hello Again

Not much to write. I just wanted to touch base and let my readers know  I'm  still here. I've been a little out of sorts lately, and I don't like to write when I'm feeling like that.  I hope everyone had a happy Halloween. I have never been a big celebrator of this holiday, but this year was different. Carving pumpkins made it memorable and fun. Now I look forward to Thanksgiving, a holiday I've always loved. Wishing everyone a good night, and hopefully a great tomorrow. :-)