This picture is from a few years ago, but there's the idea.....

I like putting all the multi-colored little lights on the tree, around door and window frames, etc. But I always put one or two clear-bulb strands waay in wrapped around the trunk because with all my ornaments, I want things well lit with lots of depth (especially on the gorgeous 8-ft wild-grown Noble we have this year)....

What was looney tonight was channelling my Mom's Stubborness in that intricate wrap up the trunk until I was on the top step of a 5-step ladder being sure our dove tree-topper would be well-lit---and realizing that with the new knee, I was terrified of going DOWN!....

But being IN the tree this way was pure sustenance after a week of being nearly paralyzed by images of bloodied babies.....

Not to worry. D was near to help me down and carols were playing. But Mom was definitely there, too...Blessings on us all.....