Been a bit remiss about posting, but there’s been a lot going on. In addition to the usual Christmas rush of shopping and social events, my mother-in-law has been in the hospital this week, so there’s been precious little time to write.
We did get our Christmas tree up last week. The Pacific Northwest, while lacking the snow which adorns much of the country this season, is rich in evergreens, thanks to our warm, wet winter climate. We cut–as our annual tradition–a fresh Noble fir, about 8 feet tall. The Noble is a magnificent tree–firm branches and sturdy needles which are very resistant to dropping (last year we left the tree up for nearly 8 weeks, and had but a dustpan or two of needles on the floor). The branches are typically open, allowing lots of space for decorations, and the needles not too sharp. The smell of a fresh tree is extraordinary.
My wife finds ways to put more ornaments on the tree than is humanly possible–many of them Christopher Radko blown glass which she has been collecting for years. My role is to be the lumberjack, cart the beast into the house, string the lights, and place a few ornaments high on the tree where my height is useful–then rapidly move out of the way while the artist takes over. The lumberjack then reclines to observe the masterpiece take shape while drinking egg nog–not a bad gig, actually.
Anyway, I hope to get a post or two up the next few weeks, as time permits.
My best to all my readers, enjoy your Christmas and holiday time, and God bless.
6 comments so far ↓
Bruce Small // Dec 15, 2005 at 2:32 pm
My goodness that is a lovely Christmas tree. Good job.
Kim // Dec 15, 2005 at 3:12 pm
That tree is absolutely stunning. I have a ton of ornaments but mine winds up looking like a Goodwill leftover. Then again, mine aren’t all Radko… : )
Merry Christmas!!!
Robert // Dec 16, 2005 at 10:36 am
Merry Christmas - your tree is amazing. You have no idea what kind of ideas you’re planting in my wife’s mind!
Don’t know if you’ve seen this essay by William Stuntz yet(on doing your duty as a Christian), but it seems like something you’d be interested in reading:
http://www.intervarsity.org/gfm/resource_item.php?id=4261
Moof // Dec 18, 2005 at 10:12 pm
Sorry to hear about your mother-in-law. I hope she’s home, and feeling better.
Your tree is absolutely gorgeous! My compliments to the artist!
If you’re shy on snow, give a holler - we’ll be glad to fax you some from the frozen wastes of Maine! ;-)
Have a peaceful Christmas!
.
HeyJules // Dec 19, 2005 at 9:28 am
Wow, that tree IS stunning! I miss the days of getting a fresh tree but Missouri just doesn’t seem to have a great selection anymore so we finally broke down and got a fake. I hate it, but not as much as picking up all those needles every day!
I’ll keep your mother in law in my prayers. I’ve only been reading your blog for a short time, but I’m sure you’ll be added to my “regular’s” list in 2006. I’ve really enjoyed what I’ve read while I’ve been lurking around.
Best wishes and Merry Christmas to your family.
Rundy // Dec 19, 2005 at 9:46 am
Robert -
I enjoyed the link you provided. It was a more thoughtful reflection on pain than many people articulate.