Day 341 -- The Start of the Tree

Working at the Christmas spirit -- got the tree up. Lights go on tomorrow and then we'll see how that survives. Ornaments would be nice, but we'll see.  Some of the shopping is done and I have 3 small items left to get this week so that the parcels can get out on time -- I believe the postal date for parcels is 3 days from now.  So -- I will need to do the shopping, wrapping and packaging post haste. <smile>

The day has been cool with a strong wind adding to the coldness of it all.  We had rain overnight that cleared away by morning. We expect more rain later in the week with temps below freezing until then. Some sun is expected, too. So, it does begin to feel more like winter and less like fall as we move forward.  It may be perfect weather for baking <smile>.  It would be nice to make a few decorated cookies and maybe a gingerbread cake. The trick is to fit this all in with the work schedule. That is always a challenge for those in academia -- students, staff and faculty.  Things get very crazed in December as the term ends and plans for the January term are put in order.  Taking a break for a holiday is well timed, but the pressures we seem to have to pull together something spectacular can be challenging and can turn the fun into just another job. So -- I'm trying to keep things low key and enjoyable.

Several songs came to mind for today, but one stood out as just different enough to share here. It is a fun up-tempo tune about enjoying the decor with the company of the season. Enjoy!

Two-step 'round the Christmas Tree -- Suzy Bogguss