There are so many things I could say about the past year.  But for tonight, I wish to look ahead, not on the past.  I'll leave that for another time.  Perhaps when we can turn the page on our calendar and mark that new year.  It was a gorgeous last day of autumn.  Sunny.  Warm.  It has looked like winter for weeks.  A walk was due and taken.  At sunset, I stood outdoors and watched the sun go down, so early here as it drops behind the hills.  This is the night that all others are based on. The return of the light.  My candles are lit.  

The past few weeks have been all about fancy ribbon, glitter, shiny balls and lots and lots of poinsettias, wreaths and trees. It is easy to lose the spirit of the season when everyday brings a new decorating goal. Depending on the year, and when Thanksgiving falls in November, we have a very concentrated 2-3 weeks. Saturday we packed up the shop and loaded it into the truck. What is leftover gets stored for next year. I keep a roll or two of red ribbon around for last minute stragglers but otherwise, it is my turn. Clippers in hand, I got to work. I filled my outside planters with greens and hung wreaths. When Chris returned from the warehouse, we got down to the heavy work. One at a time our potted evergreens got loaded onto the hand truck and hauled up onto the deck. Every one was lit, this year with a combination of white and colored lights. All through the winter, we'll light them when it snows. It isn't only the holiday season that's coming up.