CHRISTMAS DECORATING: Day 5

Hanging Christmas ornaments is like a travelog through 40 years of marriage, two kids, lots of travels and friendships. You can trace my home decorating phases--patriotic and nursery rhymes from the first years, sports-themed from the 70s forward--football, soccer, baseball, softball, skiing--patchwork and country bird houses, baskets, and hearts from the 80s, travel memories in the 90s--Maine, Vermont, Santa Fe, New Orleans, Charleston, Hawaii--and gifts from RvH and mementos of European travel in the 2000s.

Decorating the tree has been both a challenge and a delight with the little girls. Nothing is symetrical, or permanent. We've had laughter and tears. This tree stands 10 feet tall and will soon be LOADED with sparkles and memories...