More Christmas Makes, and the Quickest Tree Ever

The Christmas project list is now shorter by two items:

1. A baby Scalliope hat for a new little great-niece...

...whose middle name is Rose. :)

2. A necklace-and-earring set commissioned by my friend Judy for her cardiologist's Christmas gift:

"I don't care what beads you use," she said, "just make something pretty."

Tiger eye, smoky quartz, and copper. Simple and elegant and warm-looking.

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On Sunday I went to get a Christmas tree from the tree farm just outside town. First I headed to the owner's house (which is just behind that lovely white barn)...

...to pick up a saw.

"Good luck finding a tree," said the owner. "A lot of them died this year."

I headed back down the road (the owner's house is a mile past the actual tree farm), and parked near the first field, having a hazy memory of some promising trees glimpsed there last year.

Within 5 minutes, less than 30 yards from the car, I saw it:

Tall and skinny, my favourite shape - no flat spots or gaps in the branches - it seemed too good to be true. (Usually I tramp the grounds for an hour or more, comparing trees and agonising over a decision.)

So I putzed around for a few minutes, shivering and taking photos and going a bit farther down the field, thinking that this was just too easy, and wondering if there were an even more perfect tree ahead...

...until the brutally cold wind convinced me that I'd better head back and get that first tree before frostbite set in.

A few minute's work with the saw...

... then back to the owner's house to return the saw and pay for the tree.

"You found one!" she said.

"In less than five minutes," said I, grinning.

"That's good, 'cause this is a five-minute wind," she said. "Have a merry Christmas, and we'll see you next year."

The Quickest Tree Ever now graces the corner of the dining room, awaiting the lights and ribbon, the glass baubles and crochet stars....

But for now I'm enjoying it bare. :)

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P.S. Thank you all so much for your kind wishes and prayers for my dad. He has been moved to a rehab center, and has agreed that when he is released he will go into assisted living ... IN WISCONSIN! We are very excited to think of having him only 10 miles away instead of 2000.

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