Fresh as a Baby Pinecone Bud

When I was undecorating Kendrick the Christmas Tree this weekend I noticed all these little greenish yellow bits on his branches. At first I thought they might be mantis or mantis larvae or some such, maybe because I am always thinking of NieNie the amazing lady I do not know (she is home now, but please keep sending positivity her way), but they weren't. Upon closer inspection of their intricacies, I realized they were baby pinecones or baby pinecone bud thingies! I have undecorated fresh trees in my childhood and never noticed these amazing ittie bitties.

Awestruck, I insisted my husband come have a look. He humored me, but was decidedly less impressed. So, I grabbed my camera and, as grateful as I am to have a camera at all, snapped away wishing I had a more professional camera with a crazy lens that could capture all the little details up close, no blurring.

Blurry Baby Pinecone Buds




Then I held them in my hand...

and marveled at how after being
chopped down,
brought to a store,
set outside in the cold without water waiting to be bought,
wrapped in plastic netting,
tied to the roof of a car,
driven to my house,
shoved into a tree stand,
decorated,
and put on display for two weeks
(though I did talk to him & we watered him several times a day)
Kendrick the Christmas Tree was still fresh and fragrant, and producing new life.

Talk about resilience and miracles of nature.

I would like to be like Kendrick the Christmas Tree when I grow up.

Undecorating

Yesterday I "undecorated" the house. Down came the garland. Into a scrapbook went the holiday cards. Off the tree and into storage went the ornaments, lights, and tree topper. Onto the front porch went an "au naturale" Kendrick the Christmas Tree.

Undecorated - A story in pictures

Giggles, Blocks, and Pushing Vehicles

Our friends, Keith and Alison, were the first of our friends to have a baby. Eighteen months ago Alexander came into the world. Mr. B&B and I adore him because he is adorable.

Me holding Alexander on the day of his birth


Yesterday we went over to bring the Munchkin his Christmas gift, visit with all, and play to Alexander's heart's content.

First he opened his present.


Then he played with it.


Then he showed me his "schoo' bus"


He pushed his car while Mama and I talked and Papa and Mr. B&B talked.


Peek-a-Boo with the car.


Snacking on cheese.


Building Towers with Mr. B&B






Giving Love to Mr. B&B...


and the Doggy...


and the Silly Monkey.


Picking a book to read.


Being pushed around on his Radio Flyer Fire Truck by yours truly.


I taught him "Ready, Set, Go!" and "Stop" today. Mr. B&B pushed him around in his car for awhile and the two of them played basketball and soccer. Having sufficiently tuckered out Alexander and ourselves we departed, but not without a bag of delicious vegan treats homemade by Alison.

Thanks for a great day, Alison, Keith and Alexander!