Saturday, December 13, 2014

This time of year

The sky was fairytale blue this morning with wispy clouds drifting off to the east.  I could smell woodsmoke from the neighbor's fireplace when I stepped out to feed the chickens. It was chilly last night leaving a layer of ice as thin as an onion skin on the birdbath.

Our great nephew Jordan's mom had to work today so he arrived early and had breakfast with us.
When the day warmed some, we headed out with an ax. We were on an annual Christmas mission. Each year since he's been old enough to walk, we've cut a small Charlie Brown Christmas tree from behind the barn and decorated it for him at his house.

On the walk down, he and Jilda sang Christmas carols at the top of their lungs. I wouldn't call it melodic, but I can say it was the most interesting version of Deck the Halls that I've ever heard.

The only rule for the Charlie Brown Christmas tree is that it has to be his choice.  Today's tree was actually a good one.

When I cut the small pine down, he insisted on dragging it home himself. He's growing so fast.

This evening, Jilda worked on her Christmas cards for a while. For the last twenty-five years she sketches them with pencil and then paints the cards with watercolor. Each year is a different design.  Some of our old friends have framed artwork with nothing but her cards they've received through the years.

Jilda made an Irish Fruitcake today and slipped it in the oven this evening. Dinner was hard to enjoy because of the aroma drifting from the stove. It was difficult not to sick my head into the oven and eat it while it baked.

But it was worth the wait.

I love this time of year. It's a sensual feast. The sights, sounds, smells and tastes can be so exquisite.



8 comments:

  1. You guys are good kin and role models for young Jordan. Love the tradition of his tree. i smile because back when the kids were little I would wait until the All the good trees were sold and then took the boys to get one. Then I could haggle with the tree man because what was left were Charlie Browns. The boys never complained they probably knew about a budget.

    Anyway this brought back memories. Thanks.

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  2. What a great way to celebrate the holiday. Take care.

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  3. Christmas time is my favorite holiday and keeping traditions is big in our family too. I agree with the sounds and smells of this time of year.

    Jordan choose the perfect Charlie Brown tree. I would love to see it decorated. Wow, he sure is growing fast.

    JB

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  4. I wish that we were all as simple and as sweat a Jordan
    It would be nice to know what Jilda makes her fruit cake with.

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  5. What wonderful traditions! I don't think I have ever eaten fruitcake. Jordan is a handsome young man. What a blessing for you.

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  6. I love this time of year but I don't love fruit cake yuck..........

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  7. The senses are definitely a large part of the Christmas festivities and always a pleasant sensation for us all! Tis the season, after all!

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  8. Jordan is a joy. I love it when he visits.

    Love,
    Janie

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