thin in it's branches

Ever since I put up the little scraggly Christmas tree, the dogs have been acting weird. The kids usually pick out the tree and have it cut down, but this year the act caused a commotion and the sibling rivalry got out of hand, two of the three are not talking to each other now and the house remained tree free. Yesterday, I took it upon myself to pick up a tree from a local grower. I picked a precut one since it's demise was already assured and I felt less guilty taking it home. I am not the one to pick trees, I feel sorry for the ones that surely no one in their right mind would choose. So of course, I picked a little winner- when the lady showed me the price tag, I said- "C'mon, I'm taking your Charlie Brown tree...", so- when we got to the price register she told the gal there to knock off nine bucks.

As I drove home through the back roads of the country, in 4-wheel drive High- the sun glistening off the iced road grasses and snow dusted fields, I felt like a million bucks. The tree was going to a place that the children might marvel at it's tannenbaumish quality- yes, it is small in demeanor, thin in it's branches- but just like good Ol' Charlie Brown, I could see it's potential. Why, with tinsel and bright lights, ornaments of past children's masterpieces and that big old shiny gold star at the top, it could be the best tree ever!

(The star bends the top over, the tinsel looks like jewelry on an old drag queen, and the ornaments? Two were put on and the tree actually quivered. Maybe this little old evergreen just needs a little more love...we're waiting to see if it stiffens up a bit before adding more decor.)

And the dogs? They sit on the stairs opposite the tree and gaze upon it with interest, I think they're secretly placing bets with one another on it's sure demise of tumbling over if just the right pup in the household should grasp it's tender branches in her little puppy mouth and give it a bit of a shake. (I've placed the tree on a table top, Miss Etta would have to jump up about three feet to get to it...although a leap from the stairs might do it too.)
With all the house lights off and only the tiny little colored lights twinkling, and if you squint...hard, it is a beautiful tree.

But those dogs keep staring at it like it's going down...the stake out started last night and continues on, the big dog tempting the little one- I swear, just look at the pics, there is evil in his eyes.

Oh Christmas tree, poor Christmas tree-

How spindly are your branches...
Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree...
The canines are entrance-ed!
The father dog is whispering to

His offspring saying, "I'll bet you...

just one good tug will bring it down,

And there'll be Christmas on the ground!

Oh Christmas Tree, Poor Christmas tree-

You fill my heart with mischief."

A little Christmas spirit to brighten up your day...