IT COMES BUT ONCE A YEAR



 

 One turkey down, the mysteries of the traditional "green bean casserole" revealed, we now move into
the next phase. Can't help but think how lucky those early pilgrims were having Campbells around to
make that mushroom soup....... but I digress.

 Friday being a rest day the Saturday morning looms with boxes everywhere with all the Christmas
decorations to go through, lights to check, and where it will all go this year? Having made the move
from Phoenix daughter Sally took the 9 foot tree, associated lights and baubles as up here we are
somewhat limited on space. We have two other trees with all their bits and bobs so now time to see
what's worth keeping, what we have here, and what can be junked or sold at a spring yard sale.



 


 Lights are gone through and tested and as always despite all working last year when they were
carefully put away there is the standard 50% failure rate, but never mind they seem to get cheaper
every year. 8 sets find their way to the dumpster and the rest are ready for stapling in position. No this
is not going to be a Chevy Chase extravaganser but we do have a "little competition" in the town.

 Friday was Brenda's birthday so she decided she wanted a couple of those outside ornaments so a
trip to the local Walmart was priority one for an angel and some sort of deer with a motorized head.
Thereafter a trip to the Hollywood for birthday libations.



 

The Birthday girl in fine form at Pool


 Saturday morning and both trees are up and suitably decorated and some other things are placed in
the Lodge Room downstairs which will be my main project after Brenda has finished with the tree.
The 2 new outside monsters need bases to stand on up on the balcony or it will all end in tears with
smashed bits as they get blown around in the high winds. A few visits to the hardware store and the
new decorations are firmly attached to their bases and screwed onto the balcony as per Madam's
instructions.




 

Upstairs




Downstairs in the Lodge Room

 We have a seemingly endless number of Wreaths collected over the years and two are placed
inside the building with two more outside and this years new boy gets the new lights and giant 
colored red and gold (shatterproof....Ho,ho, ho) balls along with the huge red bow.



 

A Wreath



Another Wreath






One more for good measure




A Coloroado Santa in thick coat


 Downstairs a few idiot touches to the "dead animals" with Christmas hats and other trimmings
including snowmen and mini stockings. Mustn't forget the mantlepieces so yet more of the old curtain
hooks and up go the stockings and now we are getting the vibes of the overall effect.



 





 
Harley gets dressed up


  

Bambi joins in too


 Sunday and now time for all that outside lighting and with stapler and staples at the ready let battle
commence. By 4 in the afternoon all lights are up and the balcony poles have their twirly lights
ascending the poles. Fires in fireplaces and time for the big "Reveal"..... roll on the drums please
Russ!



 

How many more ?






I'm running out of time


 

LIGHTS ON!


  It works, my work here is done and now Brenda prays for snow and a lovely crisp night to take some
photos...... she gets her wish. A quick trip to the Indian reservation and with a little dance around the 
tree ....... the fire starts to burn blue (granny's old wives tale) and the snow begins to fall.




 

Silent Night



"I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas........"




Tony & Brenda with a few Elves and Santa