The Annual Tree Excursion

If you've been reading here for some years, you'll know that we always go cut our Christmas tree at a ranch about twenty miles away managed by a friend of ours. When we cut it depends on when we have the time and the weather cooperates.

This year, that day was Sunday. It was a beautiful day, about 55 degrees with that crazy-strong New Mexico sun.

Which is why I was of course wearing my crazy New Mexico sun hat.

This year we went in the same way and parked in the same spot, but we decided to go a little bit to the right of the track to get down into the draw. As soon as we started walking that way, I saw a tree.

Looks like a Christmas tree to me.

It was pretty funny that this perfect tree was right there these past few years when we've been hiking around looking for one. I mean, it was literally about thirty feet from the van.

I'm standing next to the tree here, and there's Adventure Van, patiently waiting to take us home.

Of course, the purpose of the tree expedition is not just to get the tree, so we didn't just cut it down and go home. A tree expedition that lasts for five minutes isn't much of an expedition at all. We had to go down to the dirt tank to play.

All the rain we got in the summer and fall filled it up nicely.

After spending some time chunking rocks into the water and running around the hills surrounding the tank, we walked back to the tree and cut it down.

A. had some help this year from one boy who wanted to be sure he was the one sawing when the tree fell, so he could yell "Timber!"

Then home to prop the tree in the metal bucket with rocks, bear it into the house, and decorate it.

Ta da!

I moved the nativity scene under the tree. This prompted the children to inform me that the little star that came with the set wasn't necessary anymore, since the scene was now under the big star on the tree.

No star to be seen.

The star is now with the Three Kings on the bookcase. They will be allowed to join the celebration on Epiphany (January 6).

This year's tree is one of the best we've found since moving here. And the adventure of getting it is always the best part.

Snapshots: For the Woodchuck Man

To my everlasting shame, I did not do my traditional Woodchuck Man* song last year on A.'s birthday. I seem to recall my brain just being fried and not being able to come up with anything.

I'm not doing much better this year, as I only have one verse. But at least I have something! Progress!

Here we go . . .

Who can dig the garden

With a shovel all by hand?

Who can grow a giant pumpkin on his very own land?

The woodchuck man

The woodchuck man can

The woodchuck man can 

'cause he uses what he has and makes it work for him. 

And, since this is supposed to be a snapshots post . . .

The FFA kids were making centerpieces for their Christmas fundraiser dinner this week. It was right outside my office, and it smelled really good with all the greenery around.

In the hallway by the main office. Everyone feels the stress this time of year, I guess.

Poppy stayed home sick one day I had to work. She was very unhappy about this, so I gave her a job: sorting my earrings.

Poppy had a spa day for her stuffed dog and decided they needed "spa cuisine." (That Fancy Nancy book has made quite an impression.) So she made yogurt with strawberry jam, bananas, and pink and purple sparkly sugar.

There you have it! My life, snapshotted. And happiest of birthdays to A.

* The last one was in 2022. It links to all the previous ones.