A Nudge in the Right Direction

   Since it was a dreary, rainy day, I decided it was the perfect day to attempt that Christmas decorating that I have been neglecting.  Somebody has to do it and I guess that somebody is me.  So, I tried to get the lights working on the tree.  For being a "prelit" tree, it sure has a ton of unlit bulbs. To add to the frustration of finding so many burnt bulbs, the replacement bulbs were also nonworking.  The packet was still sealed but only three out of thirty bulbs were good.  Silly of me to expect those to work.  Mr. PJ helped tremendously by just being the sweet old dog his is.  When he noticed me getting ready to toss the whole tree out the back door, he gently nudged me as if to say "I will let you pet me to make things all better."  I did....it did and I was ready to accept fate and let the tree be semi-lit.  A half lit tree is better than no tree, right?

  Next I wrangled the never-ending strands of garland from the upstairs closet.  Garland is one of those things that looks so beautiful once it is in place but can really fight with you while you are trying to hang it.  Mine is currently decorating the floor of the living room.  The rain is at fault there.  My tall step ladder was out in the greenhouse and I was not going to run there to retrieve it.  Instead of hanging garland, I stood on a chair to reach the top cabinet where the Christmas dishes were stored.  At least now, the china cabinet looks festive!

  Mark has promised to take me shopping in the morning to do the entirety of our gift purchasing.  Yep.  One trip shopping is the way to go and I plan to start that journey at the lumber yard!  They open at 6am and have some of the most useful gifts around.  Lumber yards and building supply stores are some of the most overlooked markets for Christmas gifts and not just for men!  I buy tools for myself and my daughter!  Darling Daughter Elizabeth is just as happy receiving a new saw or drill as I am!  Once the shopping is complete (hopefully before noon), the decorating will commence in full force. I plan on knocking that out by midweek so I can get onto my favorite part of the holidays.  Baking!  

  Yesterday, I could have foregone the entire holidays and hibernated the next month away with nary a care.  Things changed.  This morning, I was prompted to adopt a new attitude.  Mr. PJ has a way of pushing me into a better mood.  He is enjoying all of the hustle and bustle of the decorating so I should do the same.  Each box, bag and mound (of garland) intrigues him.  Watching him explore has made me smile.  We will do ok, PJ.  Happiness is an old dog helping with decorating the house for the holidays.