Our first tree!

Taylor, Amanda Faye and I bought our first tree two weekends ago and had fun setting it up. My job was carrying it in, set up, water, and lighting. The girls decorated it together and Taylor placed the angel on top. We used my ornaments that I've used the last three years, though Mandy said she was afraid of what I was going to pull out of the box...some string tinsel, white fur covered styrofoam balls perhaps, or last year's popcorn string. To her surprise, she approved and said she would've bought the same ornaments given the choice. I gave the credit to my sister, Karen, because they're really all her old ones from her white house in Va, even the angel and stockings! We may have to start enhancing them with some new ornaments, as three years and four moves takes a toll on glass balls.

The tree was 7' tall before trimming the top, for proper angel height, and the base, to allow water absorption. Speaking of which, I'll give those reading my blog a hint on keeping your tree drinking water longer. I've not heard anyone else confirm this, so you've heard it first here: using hot water prevents the tree sap from hardening, thus allowing more absorption.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone! Travel safely and enjoy the season!