monarch way

This was quite the experience. Here, you drive to the mountains (till you get to the gate because the road is closed for winter), put on snow shoes, walk at least 500 feet from the road, and cut down a tree.

1. We went to far up the mountain.
2. We trekked through three feet of snow.
3. It’s cold.

So, when the other person say “here’s one!” then you just respond, “Sounds great!” and deal with that tree.

This one was the right height and width. It was growing under a tree that was about to fall down. We had no idea it was so sparse until we brought it in the house.

It is the Charlie Brown tree. But, I got to have the experience. As fun as it was dragging a shovel and chainsaw through three feet of snow, and picking a tree, the result just can’t compare to a faux tree and not having to snowshoe. After Christmas, when the trees go on sale, I am buying a new fake one.

This most exciting thing about decorating for Christmas this year was the railing. After four years, I finally got to hang garland from a stair railing. I am not sure if I’ll use the pinecones in the garland next year. But I do love the bells and gingerbread colored ribbon.

I did try the shower curtain rod hack and it worked great! It was so much better than dealing with the Command hooks. I hate the texture of these walls and those hooks do not work on them at all.