Tree Top

We're surrounded by big, stunning trees.
After seeing a photo of the property we'd just purchased, my Ohio SIL commented that they were "majestic."
That's the beauty of living in the PNW Coastal Mountain Range- they really are incredible acts of nature.
But then so too is what can become of them.
It is absolutely a mystery as to why this happened to such a young and seemingly healthy and strong tree, but during the recent windstorm, the very top of one of our backyard firs just snapped off.
I'm especially thankful it just plopped down onto the ground, as opposed to the roof or deck.
It was like outdoors just said 'Hey, take this xmas tree right now. Here ya go."

Before

Except we don't so much do real trees inside any more.
And it was rather early yet for seasonal decor.
Our buddy, Bert, gifted us a perfectly sized, pink and sparkly fake thing years ago.
Which oddly enough, has far outlasted his second marriage.
I love it and just about every year it stays up from November to April, changing out the trimmings according to monthly holidays.
But I figured to make the most of this real life offering
benevolently bestowed upon us
by putting it up next to the chicken coop.

After

Not sure how it began, likely being inspired by on-line sites and forums, but every year the lights and decorations increase on their living quarters.
Crazy thing about that tree top, though-
It was bloody heavy!
What a fool I was thinking I'd just tug it over to that part of the yard and prop it.
Ha! Bah!
So sweet CAM de-limbed a significant amount and threw those over and around the arbor.
And there's still a healthy pile of leftovers at the fire pit waiting to become a big blaze of danger.
Then I dragged the lights down from the loft and cursed and spit as I put but 3 measly strings up in the cold and wet.
How those nutjobs who do up their entire houses, roofs and yards is beyond me, but more power to 'em.

A week later the big bulbs across the fence decided to crap out