Monday, December 08, 2008

Gathering the Tree

Today; tree day! It was a warm and sunny day, a perfect day to head to the mountains for a Christmas tree! Gloves and a warm coat seemed enough --- but as the mountains came into view, snow could be seen at the highest points. Oh dear, I should have brought my boots! As we traversed up the mountain, we were glad for four-wheel drive as the snow appeared and got deeper and deeper. We arrived on the mountaintop on a day filled with perfect displays of light and shadow; sunshine and clouds on ridges and bowing, snow-laden trees. It was like arriving at another world.

I really did miss my boots as we started trekking through the woods in search of the perfect tree. An foot of new snow and my Nike's made a cold combination! But finding that perfect tree was important, so I followed in Brent's tracks as we hiked through our woods. A perfect tree means one that not only makes a pretty Christmas tree, but one that won't be missed in the woods. So, a tree that might grow to crowd out another, or is in a hidden hollow is what we looked for.

Others had been through the woods before us; we followed deer, elk, squirrel, and bear tracks as they wove through the woods. Each year we talk about marking a Christmas tree when we can see it without snow, but somehow we never get it done. This year was no exception. Brent carried a broom to brush off snow as we looked for a tree that wasn't too lopsided, crooked, or sparse in spots.

Eventually we found the one; the perfect tree in a spot where it wouldn't be missed. We are quite particular about trees. Those growing in prominent or sparse places in our woods are nurtured. But in far corners of the densest woods or where crowding is happening, they can be cut to allow light to come in or to give space for little trees to grow. Brent brushed off our find and it seemed straight and symmetrical. We hiked back to the cabin to get the pick-up and chainsaw, then returned to the 'perfect tree' to cut down and bring back to grace our home.

Isn't it pretty? It's safely home, soon to be graced with lights and ornaments. The adventure of getting the tree was as fun as decorating it will be. It was a good day.

15 comments:

  1. Very pretty tree! I never had a Douglas fir until I moved out to Seattle. I love the distance between branches. Easy to put the lights on and ornaments hang so beautifully!

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  2. I LOVE this post! I wish I could search for a tree with you.OOh my, it must be beautiful in the woods. I also LOVE to see your cabin. Enjoy the tree I would love to see it with all ornaments and lights :-)

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  4. Oh my goodness, my first thought is the scene from Christmas Vacation! I can't believe you actually get to go out in real snow and cut a tree - what a dream!

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  5. Now we can ALL get in the mood for Christmas! Thanks for taking us along...those of us that have RAIN this morning!

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  6. Oh my! You've brought back such happy memories of years past. The search for a REAL tree in the WOODS! The perfect tree. I miss those days and often long to do that again but it's not possible for us to do it anymore. Thank you for taking us along on your trek through your woods. I can't wait to see it all decorated in your home. ~Adrienne~

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  7. Oh this was just wonderful! It took me all the way back to my former treks through the forest. We haven't done that in years and years, though I did go trekking for tips over the weekend.

    Marvelous post, wonderful tree, hope that your feet are warm and cozy now.

    Can't wait to see it all decorated!

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  8. I can't wait to see your tree all decorated!

    Looking at your pictures brought back fond childhood memories of my dad cutting a tree for Christmas.

    Blessings,
    Wanita

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  9. Thanks for sharing your tree finding adventure. The snow... your feet... oh my! Looking forward to photos of the decorated tree too! Wishing we had snow covered anything around here.
    Nancy

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  10. What a beautiful adventure. The tree and the snow were wonderful to behold.

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  11. Oh that is a beauty you found for sure LaTeaDah!!

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  12. What a beautiful tree and all the snow is just gorgeous. . .I did smile at the chain saw. . .Terry always claims he will bring his chainsaw along to the Tree Farm for the following year.
    Thanks for showing us the lovely scenery and I can't wait to see it all decorated.

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  13. This was wonderful....I have taken many a trek with my young ones years back to find the perfect tree.....never in a spot this beautiful

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  14. Cutting the Christmas Tree is one of our family's favorite Events of the year. Sure is snowy in your neck of the woods.

    Jody

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  15. Thank you for sharing your tree adventure with us! The snow looks so lovely. I'm glad you have it and I don't though, lol!!! I look forward to seeing your tree decorated.

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