Monday, December 8, 2014

So This Is Christmas


November 30, a warm and sunny Sunday, time for my fall yard clean.

I'm raking, I'm lopping, I'm trimming, I'm taking care of business.

Suddenly I see my new next door neighbor driving up with a Christmas tree strapped to her roof, the next thing I know she's stringing lights around it, she's decorating, her tree is up! boom!

Wait! It's not even December yet!

December 1st, I buy a tree.

December 2nd, I text the ex, GG, and ask if she would like to put the lights on my tree. I'll cook. She agrees, game on December 7th, 1:00PM.

December 3rd, I notice both Carlos and Vicky have lit up the outside of their houses.

I still have the airconditioners in my window. I text Carlos and ask if he will take them out, I'll cook. We're on, December 4th.

I text my friend Ann and ask if she will hang my garland and lights the following Monday, I'll cook. She agrees.

December 4th, I cut dime size chunk of flesh out of left hand palm. Ouch. Bandage up. It's December.

I've got black beans cooked, a pork roast with a dry rub waiting in refrigerator and 15 centerpieces to do for a party.

Home, throw roast in oven, make rice, chimichurri sauce and salad. Don't go to any trouble for me says Carlos as he staggers up my pull down attic stairs with 3 airconditioners.

Can there be too much trouble? I think not.

December 5th, work like a elf on meth.
 
December 6th, ditto.

December 7th, GG arrives, knows the drill: take 6ft. frasier fir down to 4ft, attempt to secure in old bucket I've unearthed, try to make cat proof. We decide to make outdoor chandelier out of butt end of tree. Can't be enough work.


 Serve Cuban sandwiches and rice and beans.

December 8th, Ann arrives having spent the last 4 hours decorating a clients house, for money.

I give her potato chips, a Cuban and a fruit tart to take home. Who needs money?

She hangs and lights garland and chandelier.

Boom! 8 days and 4 people later, I too am ready for the holidays. And the pork is finito.


December 9th, to be determined.


( Moral of the story: those who can, light. Those who can't cook.)
















25 comments:

  1. Way to manage! Very impressive. Now put feet up and feel festive.

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    1. They're up! At least they were, now I'm up and it's a work day.

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  2. A village filed with trees. I meant to write friends, not trees, but I could of like it. Because I was thinking about how festive your tree looks, and how much I love Christmas lights. xo

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    1. I love them too and am charmed by the idea of a village filled with lit trees...and friends.

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  3. Okay, I need to find a different set of friends! I invite them over to help decorate...they sit and drink wine and watch me. Yep...new friends! I can cook?....

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    1. You have to phrase your invitation differently!

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  4. I want to be your neighbor/friend. I can certainly decorate for food....

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  5. You definitely need to find a new maid Jane... :p I can't wait to see some pics of your chritmas lights on the patio!
    I hope your hand is feeling better ;)

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    1. Oh the hand, such a Sophie moment! When I finish the "chandelier> I will post pictures.

      Where or where has my little maid gone?

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  6. I need the whole team round army place!

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    1. What I meant to write was 'at my place'!

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    2. Well I seem to need the whole army round mine, so your slip was understandable.

      Do it sound like I was planning a maneuver?

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  7. Sounds like the perfect way to spend Christmas preparations, in good company with food. Your little tree is adorable.

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    1. Exactly. And thank you, I love the little tree. I say that every year but I mean it every year.

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  8. Your tree looks very festive and you put it in an old Dutch bucket for vegetables......... O no, you did not it yourself, you are for the cooking, not a bad change.

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    1. Ah, I never knew what language it was or what it was for! Mystery solved, thank you.

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  9. It's lovely, no doubt about it it's a lot of work though!!! Ha ha,Diana

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    1. I know! Worth it tho I'm sure everybody agrees!

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  10. An elf on meth . . . seriously, I'm still laughing! It's good to have good friends :-) Hope your hand is better ~

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  11. Love your post and your tree :-)

    Happy day Jane!

    Madelief x

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  12. It takes a good woman to properly organize ... well done!

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  13. Brilliant! Have a nice Christmas Jane.

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  14. Well you are just brilliant! Why can't we be neighbors? I adored your posts! From one Jane to another!

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