I love the photos, Dennett, especially that gorgeous Lily.

Tree-no-tree.

I'm on the fence on this issue.

On the one hand, I long for those days when the whole family would troop out to pick and cut a tree, then find a suitable pot to set it in and begin the process of decorating. This was a family event, involving my parents, me and our assorted cats and dogs. I was a kid and it was fun.

On the other hand, now that it's just Bruce and I and cats, the lustre has sort of gone from the whole Christmas thing. With Covid and flu, there will be no family/friends get-togethers, so no Dickensian type Christmas for us.

Our neighbours have variously put out lights and some decorations.

We used to put lights in our small tree at the front, but with bird cams and birdbath, we do not have enough space for an extra plug, so I settled for the front door feature, a large pot with birch branches, cuttings from our Cedar hedge, a few fake poinsettias and a large red bow. I also caved for a green globe thing, battery operated, to hang on the shepherds hook near the front path. It produces pulsing light after dark.

So far, inside, I have a bizarre Santa head in the front window and am currently searching for lights to put in the window. I also have some winter type fake flowers in pots.

As far as a tree goes- this will definitely not happen because of the presence of the new kitty. Shadow is an adventuresome and jumpy sort of cat. I do not plan on having anything dangley to tempt her.