more tree

Well, it photographs better at night. The fluffy white bird is my mother's favorite, and a close second of mine. I'm inordinately fond of the snowflakes. There are at least 200 of them, and they were quite the chore.





Please note the Sherlockian birdie, friend and confidante to the Scottish snail.

the tree is up

Finally. The tree is bought, watered, recut, standed (stood?) and decorated. And it only took . . . well, let's draw a veil over the time frame, shall we?

Since everyone loves Christmas trees, and since I haven't done anything else blogworthy all week, here's the compete Christmas tree saga of 2006:

The before and after (apologies for the after; the Christmas tree never does photograph well, since so much of the drama depends on the twinkly lights in darkness.)




The tree skirt (this is for Sharon, who expressed curiosity.)



Lucie's very favorite ornament



My very favorite ornament



Other favorite bits




The infamous snail

you lookin' at me, bub?

You know, dogs don't have attitude. I encountered one today about the size of a small lion. He (s/he) looked at me with a goofy expression of welcome and rolled onto his back, waving his large and galumphant feet in the air. It was cute. It was charming. How come when my cat does it, she has an air of mocking disdain? "You wanna piece of this?" she seems to say. And it's not a bad translation from Cat, either: just try to rub her stomach and see how fast those needle-sharp claws have you pinned.



I finally put the fresh batteries in the camera as I came down a hill this evening. The Sangre de Cristo mountains are named for this time of day, although vivid red is rare and usually requires more snow. The photos are intended to make homesick those who are from this area (come home, kiddos!) and to encourage the rest of you to visit.

Don't worry. The cat only bites me.

back momentarily

It's been a bit of a long week, already. Too many jobs, I think. My sleep schedule is nuts, and my eating habits are even less attractive. The camera batteries died (already), but I have new, rechargeable ones, so expect the photoblogging to recommence tomorrow.

out late

I just got home from Borders, where I spent a remarkably pleasant evening. My legs are sore again--yesterday I was barely able to move them, which may have had to do with the minor traffic accident. I discovered today (now that the ice has melted off) that the car's grille is also smushed. Total cost of repairs? $1200 and change. Fortunately, it will be someone else's change. I never thought I would enjoy not owning my car so much.



For Marie, I have included a shot of the Gillian-and-Johnny poster duo. I like them very much, although I am considering adding to my collection of old-timey musician paraphernalia.



What do you think? Ain't it great? And it isn't just pulled off the web, either; I saw this clock today and sneaked the photo.