When oh when....

The redecorating continues. Our living room is in a shambles. So far though our friend has remudded the cracks, twice...sanded everything to within an inch of it's life, and now primed the wood work. ETA on having the living room completed is next weekend. We kind of had to relay to him that he had to concentrate on one room at a time even though it might be easier for him to so each step in each room at the same time. That way was taking way too long and this being a small apartment meant we did not have even one room, other than the bedroom, to be in when he was working. So, he's concentrating on the living room and then moving on. I really didn't anticipate that this would be taking this long. I though he would slap some fresh paint up and be done. Ah well...

Found out today that while Alexander and I are in Sweden, my sister/landlord is putting in (drum roll please!) laminate wood floors in the kitchen, hallways and bathroom. AND we're getting a new toilet installed! Whooo hoo!! This is real progress here, folks. This place hasn't had a good sprucing in a very long time and it's going to be nice to have a place that we don't have to be ashamed to have someone over! Can't wait!

One little Christmas tree...

Every day I drive through Simmons Island Park. It's not actually an island since it's attached to solid land but it is a park and a lovely one at that. It's located about one block from where I live and it's a great way to either ease into the day on my way to work or wind down on the way home. I love this park.

This morning I was driving through on my way to work and I saw what may be the simplest, sweetest celebration of Christmas I've ever seen. Amidst all the tall trees, there is one small leafless tree. It's being tied down on each side so it doesn't get knocked over by the stormy winter weather. I see this little one every day. Today I noticed that someone had taken the time to hang colorful Christmas ornaments all over it. Just that one little tree, in the middle of the dark wintry park. Blue, red and green shiny balls on it's barren branches. I couldn't help but smile.

I have no idea who did this. It's not as though this tree is in or even near anyone's yard or garden. It's just there, in the park, where the drive curves up from the beach. Whoever did it, I thank them! It really made my day to think of someone so filled with the Christmas spirit they just had to go out and decorate a random tree for all to see.