songbird's crazy world

Christmas ornaments and outdoor decorations. I've discovered I like taking photos of Christmas displays. n they're all so pretty, aren't they? but I'm not the one who has to clean up the pine needles

All this talk of Christmas ornaments reminds me of a "bad mommy" moment I had when Jen was 2 years old. we had a Christmas party at my office, and everyone was encouraged to bring their children. Becca was only 6 months old, so I decided to leave her home with her father while I took Jen to the party. She had a great time, running around the cubicles and playing with the other kids. and then "it" happened. I'd received a gift from one of our vendors, a centerpiece from the florist, evergreens decorated with a few glass ornaments. I'm Jewish, what do I know from Christmas ornaments? I didn't realize the ornaments were made of glass until Jen started playing with them, and one broke and she cut her hand. I don't know who cried more -- Jen from the pain of that cut, or me because I was a horrible mommy that day.

this is what hangs over our heads. literally.

I was a little disappointed today, I went into Manhattan for a training class, and neither the tree in Liberty Park (or whatever they are calling it now) nor the tree in front of the stock exchange were lit. the lights were in place, but not illuminated. guess it's a bit too early in the season. so here's a photo from last year, this is the tree in the park on Liberty Street, across from Ground Zero.

in addition to the usual trees, fake gifts, poinsettias, etc., this year they've added something -- glass ornaments that hang from the ceiling, each of them probably 2 feet tall. if I can take a photo later I will post it, but in the meantime, here are ornaments similar to what's hanging over my head every time I walk through the lobby: