Behold The MOTI, For They Bring Great Tidings of Great Joy

Okay kids, what have you been up to while my back was turned? Imagine my surprise when my neighbor Pete showed up last night toting a floral arrangement so large I could barely see him around it.

An unexpected floral arrangement nearly as yuge as my Christmas tree!

Apparently it was delivered next door during the only time we were gone yesterday – a 20 minute run just to get out of the house to the library for curbside (only) pick up and drop off – I guess there’s a pandemic or something going around so you aren’t allowed in the building that we the people paid for. Either that or our Ring Doorbell, which is actually a “Ring-when-it-feels-like-it-Doorbell” wasn’t feeling up to it yesterday.  Anyway, Pete showed up after dinner with this giant tower of flowers accompanied by a card that much to my surprise revealed this unexpected pleasure was from…

You Guys! I like to think of the MOTI as descendants of the MAGI whereas you are indeed “wise” and do wander afar. But as I was saying, it was yuge and when I removed it from it’s cellophane protector it grew even yuger…

…and better! Filled with two of my most favorite flowers (yes, I know, there are no coincidences) 3 types of hydrangeas and peonies – colossal deep crimson peonies – where do they get such things this time of year?

All surrounded by seed pods, cedar boughs, and lovely, soft hanging green amaranthus that drapes gracefully unto the coffee table thusly:

Oh, and a pheasant feather!!

I probably should have put my vacuum away before my photo shoot

I probably should have put my vacuum away before the photo shoot

Honestly, have you ever laid eyes on a Christmas arrangement more beautiful? More gracefully designed and artfully arranged? It honestly takes my breath away and not simply because of its beauty.

I am humbled by your thoughtfulness and quite simply overwhelmed.

In a year that has proved itself quite tough from so many different angles your gift reminds me of all the good things I have to be grateful for this Christmas. And it prods me to take the time to thank God for all he’s given me: family, friends and the ability to use my platform to keep a wonderful group of otherwise scattered band of patriots and comrades connected on a daily basis in order that we might all stay a little saner. And along the way we battle through whatever challenges are laid in our path.

I am so grateful to call you all my friends, my cohorts… my MOTI (h/t Janice the Elder). I sincerely thank you from the bottom of my heart.

And now I must run to take Raj to PT where, I am told, he is progressing quite remarkably well – they did not add “for his age” but I feel they might have meant to.