Today’s key task once all the regular chores were out of the way was to get the Christmas tree set up and decorated. This relatively simple task took around four or five hours to complete, and if I hadn’t stepped in towards the end and gone crazy hanging baubles, the job would still only be part done.
Despite our best combined efforts, the tree did not pass inspection. There was much tut-tutting regarding low hanging balls, and their irresistible lure to the fur-shedding felines, and some necessary re-alignment of baubles for an enhanced artistic effect. Anyone knowing Ginger will not be surprised to hear that only blue lights made it on to the tree. Alek managed to purloin some traditional colourful lights for his ‘Nerd Cave’ from the huge pile of fairy lights which at one point threatened to engulf the living room. I suspect we have enough lights to go at least once around the garden.
With the tree complete we set off on an unsuccessful trip to collect computer games for Alek, followed by a visit to Walgreens to pick up a prescription. Wandering aimlessly among the aisles in Walgreens I stumbled upon Sponge Bob Square Pant’s friend Patrick. I could not miss the photo opportunity, and took a quick self portrait, much to the amusement of Ginger who was queuing to collect the prescription and other early evening shoppers.
Back at home the quiet of the evening was punctuated by several bangs which we presumed were fireworks. Fireworks, I should add, are not allowed within the city limits.
A while later there was a knock on the door, and I had my first meeting with an American Policeman, I’m not sure if he picked our house a random, or if he was checking all the houses, but he enquired if we had heard or seen anything. This morning our neighbour asked if we had heard the shooting… Fireworks or firearms, I have no idea. I guess I ought to go online and check for the police report.
Ginger’s blue Christmas tree lights
So was it gunfire or fireworks?