A Christmas tree is the central feature of house decorations.  Many years ago we’d go to a local tree lot, carefully select the “perfect” tree, tie it to the roof of the car— home we’d go.  I did enjoy the scent of pine in the house, but decided that the labor-intensive ritual, that always left behind pine needles in the carpet could be updated by an artificial tree.  Whatever the German mythology of the original Christmas tree, gods change (fade away) so it was time for a change in our tree.

We’ve used our artificial tree for years.  Taking the pieces out of the box, I sort the branches according to size.  Then I commence the tedious process of reshaping the faux spruce branches to a facsimile of natural shape.  The branches are inserted into the metal pole/tree trunk.  The process takes several hours. Also I’ve learned to string the lights onto the branches as the tree is being assembled.

This year the tedious chore was made less onerous by a little help from some friends.  Is that bottle from Door Peninsula Winery still in the fridge?  A glass of blackberry wine is a remedy for many things.  Sure enough, upon first taste I knew that the glass of wine would guarantee a blessing for the evenings project.

Calling up the Spotify app on my phone, I went to the new music folder.  I have collected about 30 tunes that have come to me by way of recommendation by others.  The good taste of others is a lifeline.  My taste tends to the “oldies,” Motown, roots -of-rock stuff, because it is the music of my generation.  But we all need the stimulation and energy of the new, the contemporary.

While I handled artificial tree branches I listened to Glenn Stewart sing his magnificent anthem “Breathe.”  Stewart and his band work out of Nashville and is on the country side of music.  I was swept away by his songs and personality when we saw him perform live at a Louisville Pride Festival this summer.  Our youngest daughter Laurie and her partner had invited us down for a weekend visit.

Listening to Lukas Nelson sing his ballad “Forget about Georgia,” I felt the nostalgia come as the song channeled memories of past experience.  I was privileged to see Nelson recently at the Park West when my oldest daughter Joy invited me to join her to see Nelson live.  Lukas knows how to rock and is a guitar virtuoso.  The evening was easily worth the price of the ticket.

Then I listened to “Hurricane” by a singer Possessed by Paul James, who was recommended by my friend Mikey.  I know nothing about this artist but his songs move me.  Thanks to Mikey for sharing his good taste with me.

Finally I listened to several tunes by Sam Smith.  What a voice!  His rendition of “Stay With Me” causes me to feel like weeping.

So with a little help from my friends, to use a lyric line, and a glass of wine the tree construction project was completed. So thanks to Laurie, Joy, Mikey and the guys and gals at Door Peninsula Winery.