Update

They finally came and got the leaves. Sort of a big vacuum cleaner with the truck as the bag.


We brought Mr. Ugly in to keep him from freezing and now he's sprouting big spikes. The tallest is about 3 feet long.


The big tree isn't up yet, but we put the little one up with Mary Ann's straw ornaments and the bamboo nativity beneath. The nativity had just returned from its annual appearance at the Creches and Carols exhibit. The straw ornaments are a wonderful example of something beautiful made out of humble material. Thank you, Mary Ann!