Signs of Christmas

Although a huge part of my heart is longing to be home with my family and friends in Oregon who are enjoying a white Chirstmas and a bit of extra time off from school,

I also am enjoying the signs that Christmas is coming to Wellington.

The poutakawa trees are in bloom.

The road crews are out.

Kirks and Stains's windows are decorated, although I am a bit confused by the upside down tree...

I was thinking of creating Christmas cards of Trav and I hanging upside with a greeting of Holiday Wishes from Down Under.  Perhaps they were thinking along the same lines.  Except they clearly have more energy that I do this year as they actually followed through with their idea, whatever the reason behind the upside trees.

After rowing today I finally went and got myself a tree.  It wasn't as romatic of an experience as in years past.  I went to a Petrol station near Pak N Save, handed over $15, and helped myself to  a tree from the pile leaning against the wall.  But I tossed it on the car by myself and tied it down all BY MYSELF.  It was a different kind of good feeling, but just as memorable as previous years.  

Once home, I needed to cut off a bit of my tree to help it drink.  Really it is just a cheaper subsitute for the cut flower bouquets I've been treating myself to lately, but a lot harder to trim. 

For a Christmas stand I filled a paint bucket with water and gravel.

I also had my friends E and D over who kindly helped me decorate.  Dai came down too to admire it and get in the season's spirit a bit.  

Then to really celebrate life, I treated myself to a present. I paid off one of my student loans.  It was pretty small one to start with, but 7 years later I no long have to look at this screen.  

Too bad the Sallie Mae screen will be part of my life each month for many years to come.  Oh well, baby steps.