Christmas tree

Four years ago (or was it 5?) we planted 5 tiny Nordman fir trees in the field behind the cottage with a view to providing family members with Christmas trees some time in the future.  They have had a hard life, as soil conditions are thin and dry, and don't enjoy being driven over by our kindly neighbour's tractor each year when he comes to flail our hedge. 

Four now survive, and this week we decided that one was large enough to be our festive tree in the house.  Trying to dig it up with roots intact was not the work of a moment, as it had a sizeable tap-root, but eventually it was in a pot.

Fortunately we had a couple of strong men available to carry the earth-filled pot up to the house, where sundry skilled decorators set to work with our box of decorations, many going back 30 years to when the said decorators made them at playgroup.  The adult decorators were assisted by younger grandson, aged 2, so continuity is assured.

Time will tell whether the tree can be successfully re-planted to grow on.  In the meantime, a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.