It seems like we just can't get a break lately. Poor Dennis was practicing with his walker yesterday and his leg gave out on him and he fell. I was right behind him with the wheelchair, but he missed it. He wasn't injured, but he couldn't get up and I couldn't lift him. I called the local fire department for a "lift assist" and three great guys came right over and picked him up and put him back in his wheelchair. Honestly, don't get sick, don't get old.
Our Christmas tree this year is a lot smaller than we usually have. It is about 4.5 feet tall and I have it on a table in the living room. I am using a collection of Waterford crystal ornaments, which while lovely, don't really show up all that well on the tree. I used a lot of gold ribbon and decorative gold floral picks to reflect the light. 
If the observer spends a moment to inspect things a bit closer, there are so many lovely things to discover, Do you see the crystal angel? 
This little crystal acorn is one of my favorites.
On the dining table, I have three more Waterford crystal trees. Red, clear, and green. When the sunlight hits them they are spectacular.
The dining room buffet looks complicated, but it is mainly just one lighted and pre-decorated garland from Balsam Hill.
This year is different for sure, but I am enjoying the simplicity. Especially the fact that putting it all away won't be such a chore!
9 Responses
Glad Dennis wasn’t hurt when he fell. So sorry you are both going through this. Your house looks beautiful! My sister has a collection of Waterford angels. Anything by Waterford is beautiful.
Didn’t know what to think when I first read your headline! Luckily, he didn’t hurt himself. I had some interactions with the fire department when my mom was staying with us— they were GREAT people. Your house looks amazing— I honestly don’t see how you can get anything done, but I’m sure it lifts both of your spirits— I especially love the tree tablerunner under the glass trees— it is perfect! Xox
My brother, who is very able bodied, could not safely manage to get my SIL/his wife in the house after leg surgery. The front steps made it impossible. Firemen came and helped. Very good thing to remember.
Firemen were at our house twice in 2023. I called when smoke detectors were going off, would not stop, and we did not know why. We had just replaced all the batteries and also replaced the expired detectors. There was a faulty/new detector setting off the whole system. They found and I had a replacement on hand. They also came to check my gas fireplace one night when I was worried about the pilot light.
I am glad you did simple decorations. As I mentioned yesterday, we have simplified greatly. A trick I discovered, a smaller tree on a table, in front of a window, looks like a full tree from the outside and looks fabulous on the inside too. My 5’ tree on my window seat goes to the ceiling.
I added something this year that really pleases me. I have a lit ceramic tree from the 1960’s or 1970’s. My grandmother who had a kiln in her basement made it. I think she made a lot of them. The old wiring was questionable. I found a woman in my town who makes them. She rewired my old one for $6.75 including parts. And I bought two new ones from her so I now have a grouping of three on the dresser in my entryway. One is large and white, my grandmother made one similar that one of my aunts now has. The other is a darker green than my original. She recognized the mold and paint color of my original. She has the same mold and said it is her next to oldest mold. She has 1,000’s of molds.
Grandma’s tree
Atlantic #104
1966-1967
Vickie
The fact that your house is so beautifully decorated amongst everything else is such a testament to what an amazing person you are! So glad Dennis wasn’t injured. I would make a tongue in cheek comment about hunky firemen, but I don’t know you well enough.😉😆❤️🙏(Too many Hallmark movies)
Oh my! Dennis – close shave. Lovely firemen though.
Your decorations look lovely and Waterford crystal is indeed a great collection to have.
I am so very happy that Dennis made it home to enjoy Thanksgiving and am keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers for his continued speedy recovery. I must admit to you though, that I worry for your health. I know you are aware how overwhelming and tiring (physically and mentally) being a primary caregiver can be. Please make sure to get your rest also!! (What can I say…once a nurse, always a nurse!)
Everything looks beautiful! 🌟 Your ‘simplified’ decorations are probably more than most of us do on a regular Christmas! I had been wondering whether you’d put up the Radko collection this year. Glad the fall didn’t injure either of you. As the saying goes…getting old isn’t for sissies!
Thank goodness for “lift assist” and home health folks. Our house was had an open door through all of my husbands health issues. We just got used to having our new friends in and out of the house, and they were truly reassuring and helpful as you will find. It takes a village for both young and aging to get through those periods of time. Looks like Dennis is recovering well. You have set the Christmas narrative in your home and it looks lovely Nicole, My husband commented endlessly about how helpful it was to have my needlework and quilts around the house to looks special as we limped on in to a different life setting. I’m glad you could accomplish what you have done with the new normal, and it will probably get better over time.
I didn’t even know about ‘lift assist’ calls. I recently read about it in the newspaper. A good thing to know. Poor Dennis. he must feel so sore. Falling is painful. When the home PT/OT comes in they will have great advice.
I’m so glad he’s home. I bet Archie is glad too. Take care of yourself, too. Nap when Dennis and Archie nap. You need the rest, too!