Only Four.

Ducks. On our Big Tank. (Which is no longer “big”—due to the severe drought we’ve been having for years in North Central Texas.) Y’all remember when we had SIXTY ducks? (See Duck...Duck...on December 17, 2011). Well, this morning, I walked with My Sweet Hubby (MSH) and Teddy Buddy Boo Bear. To our gate and back. One mile round trip. As we got close to the Big Tank, four ducks flew away. It was a wonderful sight to see. But, at the same time, sad. Because I have a feeling the other 56 ducks have found a tank with more water at which to rest their weary wings—as they fly South for the Winter. Perhaps I’ll be able to report, soon, that we had more ducks come a'callin'.

This year was TLC’s husband’s family’s turn for Thanksgiving. Since our sons live far away and we opted not to go to Houston (we’d just been a few weeks ago for two grandkids’ school programs), we had lunch in Ft. Worth with dear, dear friends. It was marvelous! And I drove! Yep. Moi. I did a darn good job, too. Thank you very much.

Yesterday I did something I’ve never, ever done before. In all of my 59 years of life. I put up our Christmas tree EARLY. For me, that is. (No standing ovations are necessary...your applause is enough. Truly.) I normally go through this dreaded process (Keepin' it real and being bluntly honest.) on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. It is an ordeal. Y'all know this. You really do. Once it's up? Magical JOY. Until then? Oh, Lordy. 

(Let me explain further: We've had this particular tree for fourteen Christmases. About five years ago, MSH started begging me to buy a new one. It takes him a minimum of two hours, each year, to find all the little lights that aren't working. Causing lots of other little lights not to work. My point to him is this: Yes. We could buy a new tree. For a minimum of $300 (If we got the same size or bigger and I found a good sale.). And we could have the very same problem. Every year. Lights that don't want to cooperate. I do try to help him. I only seem to frustrate him even more. I've found Christmas music does seem to soothe his soul.)

If you’ll recall, last year I put a tree up quite late. Life had been hectic and I'd been unable to get decorating into my crazy schedule. In honor of the Sandy Hook victims (See Perspective on December 22, 2012), I'd found a smaller tree. I lovingly placed 26 ornaments on it. Going back to this makes me get tears in my eyes. It becomes overwhelming. To let yourself go to The Pain. A second Christmas, for all of the victims’ families and friends, without their Angels. Horrid. Senseless. Heartbreaking. I doubt any of us will ever, ever forget this tragedy. We shouldn’t. Never. May God bless those who lost their loved ones. May God bless us all. (I plan to always keep this little tree. In fact, I plan to give it to LL someday. For her room. I'll tell her the story. I'm confident she'll treasure it's significance.)

Let's get happier. Here’s a picture of our Christmas Tree 2013:

Yes, Ms. Darlin' Piggy Gal, it's going to be extremely interesting to see how Little Leighton (LL) handles this challenge. I’m thinkin' I’m going to be saying:

“No No, LL, let’s don’t touch that. No No, LL, let’s don’t play with that! NO NO, LL! LL, let’s not make Grammy say ‘No No’ anymore, okay?”

Distraction. Lots o’ distraction. My Plan.

Bring it on, December...we’re ready for you and happy you're almost here!!!