We went to RS Tobacco Tree Farm today at the recommendation of Tommy, who'd gone there last week w/his mom, to cut down our Christmas tree. He drove, did quite well, and Lauren cut it down completely on her own (beyond my holding it as she did). We returned home, cut it down to fit, and she and Jen decorated it. It's weird to imagine that this will end in time, perhaps as early as next year, maybe a few after depending on how things play out for college and our own circumstances. The clocks just keep ticking and sometimes I fear they're attached to a bomb. Covid will see us in quarantine for yet another holiday but I think we'll have to make some zoom calls and perhaps coordinate just having a meal together with the extended family. It's bittersweet because, honestly, I kinda hate the whole 'tree cutting' thing. It just gets annoying because the myth of a 'perfect tree' is just that, and in reality, they're all perfectly imperfect. Like people, when you think about it. I guess I can get a bit Scrooge-y about it, and Tommy's comments don't help, but I'm simple enough that a Charlie Brown tree or a wreath or a few candles and a pine-scented bathroom spray will get me by quite nicely for the 3.5 week period they're warranted. We took Scottie with us, and he was his typical frantic self, but reasonably behaved. Jen was, as always, so easy going and fun. Tommy got his hair cut and I got them take-out. We picked up the tab for the car behind us, and waved as they flashed brights in gratitude. There were two people in the car that's all we know, and I hope it planted a seed of positively in their evening. I have lofty ambitions, ideals and intentions but seldom really do take time, effort or funds and put my money where my mouth is. I would like to keep this in mind and start doing something, anything, other than complaining, which solves nothing. I'm starting to underhand why people in their later years volunteer more. That might be on the horizion depending on the pandemic, job, kids, and such. The hours always feel so limited. We did gather and watch "President in Waiting" about VP's and it was very interesting. I few people I'd looked on with distain in the past suddenly seem more human now. Tomorrow finds me back on the weekday routine.
