I started the week off with a wee little cold. It wasn't bad, so I went to the eye doctor, where I found out the procedure I had last month didn't work, so surgery looms. I also went to pick out a Christmas tree. The nicest man helped me at the farm stand, and we had a friendly chat. He ended our visit with a "God Bless you" that was so heartfelt it has stayed with me all week.
A local group of volunteers decorates our town with wreaths and wonderful, whimsical gnomes. One appeared on the little traffic island in front of our house, and it makes me smile every time I see it.
Tuesday and Wednesday were cold and rainy, and my pretty tree got soaked sitting in the back of my truck. Meanwhile, my cold turned into a not-so-wee sinus infection. All the dogs and cats must be pretty before Santa comes, so I soldiered through, but my energy level was low. Wednesday, I felt particularly awful. Rachel said, "Evans is working late, so I will stay after work. I'll do your chores and put your tree up." I said, "You can't do ALL the things!" She said, "I can if you hold the Owlet!" And she did. She took care of all the animals, got the chainsaw out, cut the bottom off the tree, and tidied up the lower limbs. The tree was drenched, and she shook the stuffing out of it until it was nearly dry. She hauled it into the house and wrestled it into the stand. Then she put the lights up while the Owlet, a big box of tissues, and I snuggled up on the sofa and cheered her on. Seeing the twinkling lights boosted my morale considerably.
One of our favorite friends came with her two beautiful dogs and gave us sad news on Friday. One of her dogs has had heart problems all her life, but things have gotten quite serious recently. Tears were shed, and extra care was given as we groomed. We also learned an especially dear friend suffered an accident and was severely injured. More tears.
Today (Saturday), I had the day free to putter, and that is what I did. Still feeling crummy, I moved slowly but managed to do a lot of the holiday decorating.
The Owlet came by for a bit while her mama ran some errands. I gave her a tall pewter bell with a wooden handle that a grooming customer gifted me for Christmas many years ago. I wonder if she knew then that it would become a treasured item in our family. Rachel used to play with it when she was little, and today the Owlet gave it a ringing workout.
She was also delighted by my mother's vintage jack-in-the-box. It now has a new generation to love it. Later the baby and I had a snuggle, and she fell asleep on my chest. I had a peaceful time looking at the tree and holding my own little angel.
I had plans to meet with friends for a happily anticipated supper out tonight but had to cancel, so I didn't share my cooties. But I cooked a small roast from a heritage breed pig my neighbor raised, along with pan-browned potatoes. The house was warm and quiet and smelled deliciously of garlic, herbs, and pork. We've had a peaceful evening, and I am sure I will feel better tomorrow. The new week will begin with its own highs and lows. Hopefully, more of the former and fewer of the latter.
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