christmas tree expedition

 it was such a busy day today! we were up at 7 and out of the house at 7:45 (with korrina! no small feat! she worked last night until midnight, and has the same schedule tonight . . she normally likes to have her sleep in the morning) to drive to connecticut for the christmas tree.

 i've been bugging chanda about setting up the manger scene. this is a soft fir branch she found for the project.

 we were out early in order to get back in time for a dance rehearsal for chanda at nyla with her modern dance teacher . . 

 after walking around for awhile, we finally agreed on one . . chanda first had been wanting a concolor fir, but i think the one we chose is a douglas fir.

 

 they had a big fire this year which was so wonderfully warming . . we ate our sandwiches and gingerbread cookies around it, and drank hot (hot!) chocolate.

 i think this is nick . .

and this is bud. they stand around and look cute. not a bad job, though i would find it difficult to keep warm. of course, they've got a lot of fur and meat on their bones . .

 searching for more cookies . . 

at the studio . . she has to decide on a costume and her teacher brought this one in to try . . 

 on our way back from the studio we passed our local pharmacy's christmas windows . . 

 putting the branch to use . . 

 hopefully, the cats will leave this bird alone!

 meanwhile, i was making quiches in the kitchen for tonight's solstice party and for tomorrow's holiday brunch with friends.

 at the party . . 

 a quiet celebration of the winter solstice . . 

playing a card game . .

in the deep and dark wood's heart

where moans the north wind cold,

you will find a sun-filled cave

when you walk a spiral road.

shimmering stars will sing above

to the crystals that glitter below,

while you draw your light from a flame so bright

bringing warmth to the sparkling snow.

adventsong,

by eugene schwartz