The day after Thanksgiving is the day we start decorating for Christmas. This year I put my planning skills to work to obtain a Christmas tree cutting permit for this much sought after day. (Check out the U.S. Forest Service website for information on tree cutting in your local area. Information for the Colorado Front Range is usually available in October each year.) It takes about an hour and a half to get to the cutting area from our house. Then we get to take a nature hike. We look at rocks and of course trees. This year we were blessed with a beautiful day and mild temperatures. It was a great day for a walk in the woods.
Wild trees within the parameters we can cut are not as full as farm trees that have been topped and shaped, but our tradition allows us to get out of the house for some exercise and to help the forest service cull trees. Salt is particular about finding trees in overcrowded spots, even though this makes it difficult to find one that is symetrical. One just has to adjust one's expectations about the density of the branches and look hard for one that is reasonably even.
This year we got lucky and found one quickly. We tied the tree to the truck, attached the permit to its trunk and cleared the ranger checkpoint. We found out last year that the rangers aren't always there on weekdays and spent an hour driving around looking for them before giving up.
We were back home by early afternoon. I made the homemade hydrating fluid, while Salt cut off the excess and made a wreath. So we are decorating the house this weekend. Time to start the holiday music.
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