Sunday, November 26, 2017

Sunday Afternoon Already

I title this post  with some melancholy because Thanksgiving weekend is one of my favorite weekends of the year. It's usually so relaxing and fairly low key before the crazies start. Crazy kids waiting for Christmas, holiday functions, trying to get all the pre-holiday chores done, short days... I was thinking how much I am looking forward to this time of year when I retire in a few years.Then I should have a little more time and maybe I can extend my long weekend relaxed mode a bit longer.
Of course it's good to have something to look forward to.
So I am writing this on  generator power as our power is gone from a tree that has been blown down. It's cold and windy today.
I wanted to share one more tag over at Tag Tuesday before the current music theme disappears. And I also wanted to join in over at Moo Mania with their latest stencil theme before that one wraps up also.


Earlier today we went to the Christmas tree farm near us to cut our holiday tree. We're not putting it up quite yet, but figured we would have it when our daughter next comes home since she wants to help decorate. I think it was also good to go early since the next couple of weekends it will be crowded.  I like visiting the farm even though with the wind today it was a chilly hunt for the right tree.
 We had to walk to the far back of the farm to find a tree. I think it's going to take these trees a few more years before they can be cut.
I love walking through the old fields.  I think I would love to live on a farm. I don't think I'd want to actively be a farmer though. But I would love to turn an old barn into an art studio and have beautiful fields to view while I create.
It's good to dream.



 In the far back the trees were a little more to size.
 And we found a good one.  We had to drag it back out once we cut it, which is a haul. I feel empowered though because I managed to pull it about a 1/3 of the walk, and I could have gone further. Walking those dogs has helped me build up some upper body strength I guess. :)
 The tree then went through the tree wrapped that puts string around it so it's easier to move.
And look at this solar panel the farm put up since last year. It's nice to see it. 
That's all for me today. I want to go finish my latest book listen "Mr. Dicken and His Carol" by Samantha Silva.  It's a light and clever story about how Charles Dicken was inspired to write his most famous book (A Christmas Carol).  Last week I finished a highly recommended book about a teenage boy in Italy during World War Two, "Under the Scarlet Sky".  That book was one I didn't want to put down, and knowing it was a true story made it even more intense. I must say it is one of those books I keep thinking about, even now. 
Enjoy whatever is left of your weekend and happy new week!

13 comments:

Dortesjs said...

beautiful and very lovely photos also ;O))

Valerie-Jael said...

Your tag is wonderful, and I love the quote from Hugo, thanks so much for joining us again at TT! Glad you have enjoyed your weekend. IT's nice to have some relaxing time. I know how much I used to look forward to such long weekends when I was still teaching! Glad you found a nice Christmas tree, and that you were able to haul it back, well done. Love those red berries! Have a nice evening, hugs, Valerie

Joan said...

What a beautiful tag - love the musical instruments and the coloring of each one and the tag itself!!!
Looks like you picked out a perfectly shaped Christmas tree!

CJ Kennedy said...

Great tag and quote. Today was a beautiful day to get your tree. Looks like you got a big one, too. I love the pictures with the berries especially the bittersweet. I like your daydream of having a barn for a studio. I wouldn't want all the work that goes with being a farmer either. the next few weeks will fly by and then you'll be on the Christmas break.

Meggymay said...

It is a lovey quote for your wonderful music tag, great images as well.
It looks like you picked out a lovely tree, it must have been quite a distance for you to pull it along. Christmas will soon be here, good for you to get prepared in advance.
Yvonne xx

froebelsternchen said...

This tag is a wowser Erika! I am really happy that you linked it to Moo Mania & More! Thank you!#
Wow-- that christmas tree farm looks super! And you got a really beautiful tree!
Walking dogs make the arms and upper body stronger for sure - lol!
Wonderful photos !
Dream on ... a heart without dreams is like a bird without feathers.
Happy new week my friend!
We had some sun here but the wind made it soo cool - the dogs and I were happy to return at home again after a short walk today ...brrrrr.
oxo Susi

Darla said...

Nice tag and nice that it fit two challenges. I really enjoyed looking at the dark moody skies in your out in nature photos.

Let's Art Journal said...

Fabulous tag! The quote is perfect and I love the stencil background you created 😁. I so enjoyed visiting the Christmas tree farm with you - amazing! Walking through the fields was fun and the tree you chose is just perfect 😁. So pleased you had a relaxing weekend and wishing you a happy new week! J 😊

Bleubeard and Elizabeth said...

That's a fantastic tag, Erika. I loved that you combined two challenges in one. It's a real beauty, too.

Loved seeing the tree farm. I cut a tree once, and hauled it home from a friend's farm. No wrapping at their place, but it was FREE, so I can't complain. I really enjoyed seeing all the photos of the tree farm, too. I think it was a great place to get your tree. And it's beautiful, too. Happy Monday, because I know it won't be long (about three weeks) till you have a few days off for the holidays.

Anonymous said...

Pretty tree. Sorry you lost your power. Hope you had a big fire in the fireplace to keep you feeling cozy. xox

Jeanie said...

Both books you mention sound really good, Erika, the kinds I would like. My trees are fake because I put them up so early and leave them long but Rick is a real tree guy and no changing that. I'm glad, because if I had my choices, I'd probably do that too. The shape of your tree is gorgeous! What kind of pine is it? Or fir? I can't wait to see it decorated!

I also love the photos (beautiful territory) and your tag. Post makes me both smile and a little melancholy, too, because I know the holiday is both over and has begun.

Rosie said...

A wonderful tag, Erika. Your photos are fantastic

Thank you so much for joining us at MOO MANIA & MORE

Divers and Sundry said...

I've never been to a Christmas tree farm, but that's a wonderful setting for time outside. Beautiful tree!