I have through various unplanned events stumbled upon a wonderful tree and put it up in my new house tonight. I'll put lights on this evening and let the kids hang other ornaments tomorrow. We've spoken of learning more about the celebration of the solstice--how appropriate to find we're "in time" as it were, with our late tree.

This house and yard are so alive, more so than anyplace else I've lived down here in Texas, that the timing feels more than just coincidence. The shower mentioned above sounds like a nice simple ceremony (also necessary after struggling with the tree!). Finally, I'm rearranging my writing space; I've moved the parts of a sort of combined table/credenza into my office that was originally designed by my father for the corner of his kitchen. I kept these pieces after his death, and only now are they finding a good place, and will, I think, contribute to a sustained energy level, from one generation to the next, through good will, love, and the spirit that lingers, if we only know to look for it. As Cluin says, it seems to be a good night for meditating on those who are absent.

I have misteltoe growing in my yard. All it needs is a fine fellow to be lured back under the hackberry tree!

Skoal
--SRS