Monday, December 07, 2015

I need a rainbow

I started this post yesterday with the title "O Tannenbaum." If you're guessing that things went south, you would be correct. Actually, things went northwest....

Yesterday Rick's mom came out for Brian's birthday breakfast, then we launched a successful tree-hunting expedition. Our neighbors who have let us cut trees on their lot for free went south this winter, so we visited another neighbor's lot – with very reasonable prices, fortunately. It always takes awhile when you have four different Goldilocks all searching for "just right," but we finally settled on a full, 15' Noble fir. It has two tops but no matter; my beautiful glass spire tree topper was destroyed in 2013's disastrous Christmas tree crash, and I haven't found a satisfactory replacement. Collectively holding our breath worked; the clouds held their rain but for a few drops here and there. That, combined with a stiff wind earlier, meant the tree was dry enough to bring inside and decorate together as planned.
My new porcelain Breyer ornament from the Christmas party the night before

Then, although the weather was still holding and I was desperate to get on Lance one last time before this,
Brian required motivation and guidance to catch up on some school subjects and violin practice. Thus began a long, slow slog of an evening. Bedtime came and went, and the grind continued. Finally, I announced that I was heading to the barn to feed the hungry, waiting herd. I was still in the garage donning chore coat and boots when Brian came tearing out yelling, "Mom! Mom! The tree fell!"
"Shatterproof" isn't, necessarily. :-(
After we removed the wet area rug, mopped up the water, righted and secured the tree with guy-lines, rescued what ornaments were intact or repairable (that new horse ornament broke a leg), swept and vacuumed shards of glass from hardwood and carpet and couch, I fell into bed around midnight – physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. Feeling as bleak as the weather had become, my thoughts and emotions lashed about like the wind and rain outside and kept me up for a good while longer.

Good thing I emptied the rain gauge of last week's three inches yesterday before this started; it's collected more than two inches already.
This morning's view from Lance's paddock

As my mother says, life is a battle and a march. I know I am here to learn perseverance, to "endure till the end." I need to face these lessons with determination instead of quailing – just like I want my son to do with his responsibilities. Funny how we both struggle in our spheres with the same challenge!

That's it for now from . . .

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh no... what a mess and how disheartening. I'm so sorry!

Fiona said...

There is always a reason things happen...relax, take a deep breath and know you are in our prayers!

Mama Pea said...

Oh, no! That's what I said out loud when I came to the part of your blog telling of the tree falling. Such a shame as I'm sure you lost so many lovely ornaments. The picture of the tree (before the disaster) was absolutely beautiful, if that's any consolation at all.

We've had a LOT of grayness (there is no sun!) and moisture so far this winter, too, but not as much as you. I know we shouldn't let it, but the gray, wet weather does tend to drag one down.

So sorry to hear you're still having to battle with your teenager. There are times when one wishes kids could be divorced siting irreconcilable differences or incompatibility!

Debbie said...

Ok, take a deep breath, count to 10 and hang in there.
It is disheartening that the tree fell and ornaments were lost. I'm sure that the tree is still beautiful!
The teenage years are tough, for the younger type and their parents. One day the light bulb will go on and things click. It's all perspective and seeing things from the other person's shoes. And I know it's not easy.
Hugs coming your way.

Michelle said...

Thanks, Ruth. The mess was a big straw on a heavily loaded camel. :-/

Michelle said...

Thank-you, Fiona; prayers are always appreciated!

Michelle said...

I don't usually feel that the grayness gets me down, but not having time alone and time on my horse certainly does. It is hard to be the only introvert in the family.

Michelle said...

I was ready to haul the tree back outside last night, Debbie. (The teenager, too.)

thecrazysheeplady said...

Wishing for you some beauty and peace among the slog...

Michelle said...

Thanks, Sara. It's easier to find on the back of my horse, but for now I'll have to look elsewhere.

Susan said...

It's time to build a roof over the outdoor ring, Michelle!

Theresa said...

If I could send you a rainbow I would. Of course you might just have to settle for the rain huh?
You just reminded me of why we no longer do an indoor tree. I do take those special and delicate ornaments and attach them well to a garland on our fireplace mantel when the mood strikes...
So sorry Michelle not a great start to the holiday season but here's to wonderful finish! :-)

Unknown said...

So, so sorry your beautiful tree fell over. I know that was disheartening! So, we face some stumbles and challenges, yet we can always step back to see the big picture, that really - all is well.

Michelle said...

Sing with me: "Somewhere over the rainbow..."

A :-) said...

Well crap. :-S I'm so sorry - I've had a tree fall and it's a nightmare to clean up. And you guys are getting the lion's share of precipitation as far as I can tell. Is there an indoor arena where you could ride Lance once in awhile? Or can you at least take a walk down the road with him? Hang in, my friend.

C-ingspots said...

So sorry Michelle...I know how those ornaments are attached to fond memories. :( It is a beautifully decorated tree even so. I always find it amusing that God sends lessons our way that we're in need of mastering; which is exactly why I no longer pray for patience. Ha!

Mary Ann said...

Praying for you, Michelle. The tree was beautiful, but you will make it beautiful again!

Michelle said...

I'm looking for a tabletop display "tree" on which to hang the collectible Danbury Mint bulldog ornaments a friend has given me over the years. So far all their damage has been repairable, but I'm no longer willing to risk them on a Christmas tree....

Michelle said...

I'm not so good at seeing the big picture, but I am pretty good at keeping on keeping on. ;-)

Michelle said...

There is widespread flooding in the area; thankful to live up on a hill! There ARE indoor arenas around, but with Brian's current curriculum and attitude, I don't have the time and flexibility to utilize them. This, too, shall pass...eventually....

Michelle said...

Maybe amusing in hindsight.... We haven't gotten the tree redecorated yet; the table is still covered with ornaments.

Michelle said...

Thanks, Mary Ann; I knew you've had MUCH heavier burdens than me!