The 2005 version of our Fennel Christmas tree.

Alas, this ten foot tall Blue Spruce Christmas tree of mine is a dangerous beauty, indeed. The other day (on Christmas Eve, no less), I was trying to swap out lights on the uppermost tree boughs when I took a tumble for the worst. I fell off of the ladder and landed headfirst, approximately nine feet from the floor. Although I landed on carpeting, I sustained a nasty concussion and slipped disc in my back, from which I am still recovering as I write. For four days, I had suffered headaches the equivalent of migraines since the accident occurred on Christmas Eve; however, they have since subsided along with my acute nausea and dizziness. I performed the epitome of stupidity, here, by failing to have someone nearby in case I did fall. Talk about "ringing in the New Year" (with ringing in my ears, I fear)! Live and learn. I thought I would mention the concussion experience in case I seem "loopier" than usual these days. Thankfully, the CAT scan and X-rays did NOT reveal any serious head injuries (e.g., cranial hemotoma, brain fluid leakage, skull fracture). I just seem to have more Yuletide spirit than usual (acting somewhat punch drunk) until I fully recuperate from the concussion and ensuing painful back injury. Be extremely careful when you decorate or have to reach high places indoors and out. It is also a good idea to have someone nearby to rescue you from a potential accident, especially when you are using a step ladder. In any event, I had a ball decorating this grand tree. I know ... where's the tree? I enjoy going overboard with decorations, especially during the glorious holiday season. It's all in a day's work, I suppose; the things we go through to beautify our home in order to give glory to the Lord during the holidays.