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| 2014: The Little Green Sportswagon |
I also like waiting til late December because it means January - perhaps even part of February - will be a little festival of lights here every night. It really helps my, well, "spirit" would be the right word I think, to see those multicolored gems glowing in the house when I am out in the barns at night. And I love catching the scent of balsam when I come inside.
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| Coming in from the barn |
Last year and the year before, I didn't put up a tree. Partly because the cats were kittens in 2016, and partly because there was so much mayhem here with construction projects in December 2017. On Christmas Eve last year I did put up a swag of lights between the workshop and barn, and even that little bit of cheer was very enjoyable in the weeks that followed.
But this year, I decided weeks ago that I want to put up a tree. I really really want to. Even if the cats try to climb it. Even if the cats DO climb it. I budgeted for a tree, and decided that instead of taking a chance and waiting til Christmas Eve, I'd get the tree in time for Winter Solstice, which is today.
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| This is a bittersweet twig and a fern. But it could be holly berries and a balsam branch :) |
Phase Two of Winter Tree complete! The tree is on the porch!
Phase One is "make room for a tree on the porch."
I'll be doing Phase One today.
Then comes Phase Three: adding the tiny lights.
At 5:23 PM, the moment of Solstice in my neck of the woods, I will light the tree. And breathe a sigh of happiness that the wheel of the seasons has turned once again and days will now be growing longer.
What a joyous thought!
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How lovely! I decorate the ficus tree with lights, in fact it's on now, at breakfast, because of the solstice. It will keep up my spirits. Can't do a live tree, very dangerous for me just when it smells lovely, life serious allergy. So I'll enjoy yours. Be sure to post pix!
ReplyDeleteAnd Happy Solstice!
Happy Solstice to you, Liz :)
DeleteNow that the tree is there, the first and third phases are bound to happen. :) Very much looking forward to longer daylight hours around here.
ReplyDeleteI almost waited to rearrange the porch and get the tree today, but it's been pouring rain constantly since last night - SO glad I didn't postpone Phase 2!
DeleteOh yes, such a good choice, I think. I love the lights and yes, the scent. I won't have one this year, newly married but living apart from my husband because my sister needs some care after surgery, but I have promised myself that I will greet the next solstice with a tree, or maybe even two of them!
ReplyDeletePlease share my tree, Gail! I will post more pictures :)
DeleteAnd I hope your sister is doing well. It must be lovely for her to have your company and care!
Alas no real trees allowed here in the apartment building so it's artificial for us. I love the scent of a real tree though, so too bad computers don't have smell-o-vision!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry you can't have a live tree. The aroma is really wonderful! nice to wake up to, even if I am waking up at 1 AM and 3 AM...
DeleteThat sounds like a wonderful way to celebrate solstice. One of these years we'll get a real tree again. I miss the smell. Happy Solstice!
ReplyDeleteI've never regretted getting one :)
DeleteLovely traditions. Lovely tree! This time of year we all need a little cheer.
ReplyDeleteYes, it seems as though just as most people seem to be putting Christmas back in the box, my real Winter is just getting started.
DeleteHappy Tree!
ReplyDeleteFull branches, very nice. If there was a balsam house plant, I think it would be the most popular.
Wouldn't that be nice! I wonder if there is a container-able plant that has the balsam aroma?
DeleteI love this post. That is all.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue :)
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