Greens, oddities and giddiness...

 Every year, sometime in November, my sweet friend Brenda shows up with a trunkload of greenery. She gets to work decorating the metal arbor that leads to our front door for winter. She also fills the planter by the end of the path and the old iron clawfoot bathtub at the end of the driveway. She does things a bit differently every year, depending on what goodies she finds in the woods. Sometimes, there are birch logs tucked into the arrangements; other times, dried flowers or unique sticks. But it is always beautiful. This year, the day was so warm that we had the windows open, and it didn't feel very wintery, but that will soon change. It was fun to see Brenda work her magic. The Owlet stood at the window and gleefully announced, "She makin' a beautiful Christmas tree!" 

Chris had cut a lot of pine boughs for the base filler, but more was needed. Brenda headed out to the woods to haul some. The goats were excited to see her and raced around joyously. While she was out cutting, she found a treasure. A "witches broom." 

There is a plant disease that causes abnormal clusters of branches to grow from a single point on a tree. It can be caused by insects, microorganisms, fungi, bacteria, or viruses. This unusual and unique growth is known as "Witches' Broom." Brenda found this big one in our woods. It's the size of a bushel basket. She kindly cut it and brought it home for me. I'm still trying to figure out what to do with it, but I will find a place for it somewhere. It's fabulous. 

It was a happy day because Brenda was here making things pretty, but there was more. Much more! I was giddy because we welcomed a new baby to our family yesterday. My niece and her husband are the proud new parents of a perfectly fabulous baby girl. She was much-wanted and is already well loved by our entire tribe. She is three years and three days younger than the Owlet. She is a precious cousin, future friend, and new wee branch on our growing family tree. 

Winter greens, witches broom, and a new baby. Who could ask for more?