Last Night

Boy, when it pours it rains. No blog entries for weeks and then, boom a ton all at once. I'm just worn and have been doing some thinking, so assume this must be why. So two pieces of information to report on.

First, when I got home last night, I was surprised to find I had a good mail day. My mail isn't that exciting and is sometimes non-existent (at least I don't get tons of junk mail). But last night, what was waiting on my steps to my apartment? Three great Netflix movies (the sight of the red envelopes still lifts my spirits). I finally broke down and got Little Miss Sunshine. Too many people said I would love it. But I guess I really should see it. I also got Ma Vie En Rose (netflix thinks I would love the film), and The Aviator (as I had enjoyed the Hoax that is based on Howard).

But in addition, I got: no bills, no junk mail, a hand written note from my local Yoga studio (dad got me, as requested, several sessions there - they seem like a nice little family and I am still hopeful this will be the magic pill and solve all my problems. Ok, I'm realistic, maybe not all, but am hoping my body will start feeling better. Especially now in the winter, I find I can't sneeze or cough as it kills my lower back - it's in pretty bad shape).

And the best part was not one but two personal letters from friends and family. And the kicker, they both sent pictures. Which of course, I share with you now. The first one is from an old college friend, Emilia and is of her beautiful daugher Griet. Isn't that a gorgeous sweater? Thankfully it's still a little big. I had pretty much knit it this summer, but took, oh, I don't know, 5 months to get around to sewing it up and sending it off. I was a bit worried that the opportunity would have been missed, but it was part of her rockin' New Year's Eve attire.

The second is from my cousin's in CT. We had gone camping this summer and Catherine sent some shots from the trip. We had a great time and it was nice to be reminded of the care-free summer days spent swimming and biking and hiking now that winter is on us. Don't Tyler and I look so cool? We were trying to be all laid back - plus were a bit worn out.

So all in all a good mail day. But I didn't get much time to enjoy it as I had to quickly switch gears and, yes, Richard and I ended up parting ways last night. It took awhile to get all the ornaments down. I really had a hard time getting the ones up on the top. The star I couldn't even get down, had to dismantle the tree first to get to it. I hacked away at the branches and tied them up. Maneuvered the tree down the stairs and to the curb. And then cleaning up all the needles. There were tons. And he was doing so well. I guess his time had come after all. I spent an hour cleaning up the porch and stairs and am afraid my apartment is strewn with needles as it was too late to vacuum and the boys keep tracking them all over the place. The living room looks really weird. Imagine a rectangle. At one of the short ends is a bookcase of yarn. On the opposite side is the couch and table in the corner. And in between. Nothingness. A huge expanse of void. Not quite sure what to do, but figure vacuuming comes first.

I miss Richard, and did catch a glimpse of them picking him up this morning. He was a great tree and will be one to be remembered for years to come.