Christmas: Black-Eyed Susan style!

15 bolts of satin ribbon: $450

30 boxes of fresh greens for outdoor urns: $1,800

1 tube of heavy-duty hand lotion to soothe hands scratched from endless tree primping: $13

1 scary New York Yankees ornament that had to be worked into an otherwise beautiful tree: $9.95

1 early Christmas present--a warm and very stylish scarf from Paris: undisclosed amount of Euros

Dinner on the run (that's Diet Coke, in case you're wondering): $15

60+ work hours in 4 1/2 days spent with my best sister and friend: Priceless.

'tis the season

This year I have two friend "clients" for whom I did Christmas set-ups. I'm almost finished, except for a little accessorizing at both places, and now I'm faced with the piles of Rubbermaid bins stacked in my own dining room.

Part of me has been energized by the creativity of setting up Christmas for other people, and the other part--unfortunately the dominate, aching back, and very tired part of me tonight--perishes the thought of having to primp more garland and trees with my pricked and sore fingertips.

Hooray for Charlotte and Emily's imminent arrival, because when it comes to Rubbermaid bins, it's always best to have a buddy or two in your back pocket.

relax to the max!

After thoroughly enjoying Michelle's and Jill's detailed accounts of Christmas Day, I'm anxious to post my own. Tomorrow. Or maybe the next day.

For now, suffice it to say that we're logging some serious relaxation hours at the Wood house--and loving every minute of it.

glad tidings of comfort and joy

After church yesterday I had a three hour nap!