One week to Christmas, and we ventured out with Jane to a local place, planning to buy a tree. When we were little, we understood Santa Claus brought the tree. None of this putting the Christmas tree up in advance! My parents bought a tree, hid it until we were asleep on Christmas Eve, then set it up and decorated it, and put all the presents under it on that single night!
As a result, we like to buy a tree on December 23 or 24, when they are on deep discount, and set it up on Christmas Eve. But this year, we are feeling festive and wanted to get going. Hence our trip today.
Well, a 5′ tree was $75, which was more expensive than the bigger (and very beautiful) trees at Whole Foods! I had actually decided to spring for a Whole Foods tree on Thursday, but they were sold out. So, our day started with a fizzle. We hopped right back into Jane’s truck, and left treeless.
The new gray cat has been eating voraciously. He is as sweet a cat as I have ever met. For some reason, a name hasn’t stuck to him yet, but he has been introduced to Jane and Marianne and is quite outgoing. He is staying in the cage until he is fixed, but he has had a lot of attention (and food) today.
The other cats are not very pleased, but Roscoe is still oblivious to the presence of another Maltese cat at the farm.
Cora and Rosie are staying away from the interloper 
Roscoe sleeps peacefully
The weather has become more seasonal and frosty. It is very frustrating that the stream has been dry and silenced for more than three weeks. Connie is awaiting two new pumps to replace the one that has been troublesome. Talk about a First World Problem!
Dry streambed 
Mr and Mrs Cardinal in the afternoon light
The pastures are grazed right down and not growing, which is wonderful, since all the horses need to lose a little bit of weight. It also tends to make them very ready to come in for dinner.
Bart 
Oisin 
Stone making a face and showing his broken front teeth
We have been enjoying warm fires in the evening, contributing to the festive feelings.
The evening sky was beautiful and means we will have nice weather tomorrow.
Stay safe, stay well. Peace.
How about Patience, for the new guy? Then call him, Paddy. Roscoe’s picture gave me a good chuckle. All’s well at Bronze Fox Farm, warm and cozy, the good side of winter.