Countdown to Christmas

This year again we bundled up for the colder weather and headed off to Rona's 'Big Box' store to find a tree. Click on any picture to enlarge.

I don't know if it was  the chilly north wind or a stroke of pure luck that helped Wendy to immediately decide and find 'the perfect tree'.

'The Perfect Tree' doesn't look too impressive leaning against a pillar.

Rona doesn't undo the trees for display so, other than the height and weight and maybe the trunk diameter at the stump, there is nothing to indicate and judge the shape or ultimate appearance. For $19.99 it 's a grab-bag but we've had excellent trees for the past couple of years so hopefully this year the tree will be just as nice.  Having it all tied up makes it a snap to slide into my Buick Rendezvous for the trip home.

Loblaws was our next stop and they always have nice Christmas stuff. Below, Wendy admires the phony trees and they certainly do look real these days...  but not only is this one $250, you have to find a place to store it for the rest of the year and our storage is, how would I say, already occupied. 

Anyway, we already have a tree in the car, so let's get home and set it up.

I chainsawed one inch off the stump end as per the instructions. This is like cutting a flower stem to allow better water uptake. Hint: Bring it in the house with the stand already attached. It's easier to get the stand positioned and do up the adjusting screws outside with the tree lying down.  As Wendy unwrapped the string that confined it for travel, the branches literally burst out to its final shape.

I could tell before she was finished it was going to be a good one.

Looks pretty good don't you think? I wish you could smell this Balsam Fir.

.

.

.