Getting the Christmas Tree

Heading out to the back forty to find a suitable Christmas tree.

The sawyer has found a nice one.

The sawyer taking a break.

Timberrrr!!!

Hauling it back.  It's good for kids to get outdoor exercise during the winter.  They stay healthy and sleep well.

Even I took a turn pulling.

Once we got near the sheepyard I cut another spruce and tossed it in for the sheep.

Mmmmm....Christmas trees are delicious.  Sheep won't touch conifers during the summer, but they develop a taste for them during winter.

The logging superintendent watches intently.

My five ewes, Silja, Frida, Sigrid, Helga and Enni.  My teenage rams, Einar and Arni face off in the upper right corner of the picture.

Winter started out full-bore in November, with heavy snow and unusually cold temperatures, but then El Nino kicked in in December.  The snow stopped and began melting.  We may have a mild winter after all. 

Inside the hayshed.

Riding the snow horse.

Natural trees have character.  The heavily-pruned, perfectly-shaped plantation trees are hard to tell from the fake ones.

Little sister has become quite a climber.  We have to keep an eye on her.

Time to put on the decorations.

Marja-mummu lends a hand.

Joulupuu on rakennettu....