Our First Yule Tree

The Decision

After much discussion about the environmental impact of different kinds of trees and how to handle the cats and a tree, we finally decided to go with a fresh cut tree. We knew we needed something large and stable enough to handle either of our jungle cats going for a climb. We also knew we wanted to go with a tree that was as environmentally friendly as possible. We ruled out an artificial tree for two very important reasons: 1) the cats eat them despite the fact that they cannot digest them and 2) that’s a lot of plastic for an all natural woman like me to have to handle.

The Tree

One day, Robert was stopping by Whole Foods on his way home and gave me a call to see what I needed from the grocery. I replied, “milk and a Christmas tree.” He purchased a Fraser Fir, which smells heavenly, and a stand that would stabilize it well for possible cat climbers. Also, the tag on the tree said that the farm where it is from plants two new trees for each tree that is cut down. The tag mentioned more about the origins of the tree and the farm, but, sadly, I cannot find it right now. I will add to the post if I find it, but there is a blog post about trees from Whole Foods that can give you more information.

 

The Snafu

A few days later, I was very concerned that the tree wouldn’t soak up the water it needed if we didn’t cut off the bottom part of the trunk as advised on the tag. I took the ornaments down, bought a saw (and led lights), clipped the lowest boughs, and sawed off the very bottom. I sat it back in its stand and stabilized it with the screw thingys and was very proud of my initiative…until I looked at the tree. It was very, very crooked. Fortunately, Robert came home from work early that day and straightened out the…ahem…situation. That evening, we decorated the tree together, complete with lights and beaded garland. It was a fun tradition to start and the tree looked beautiful.

Our Cozy Fire and Mantel Decor

The Holiday

For our first Christmas together, we stayed home and had a nice quiet holiday. It snowed almost all day. There was no accumulation, but it was beautiful to watch. We built a beautiful fire and opened our gifts in front of it. Benny even scored big with his holiday gift…perhaps too big.

The bone that was bigger than Benny.

Benny enjoying his bone by the fire.

Building Our Little Nest

    Another project that Robert and I undertook during our Honeymoon was picking out, purchasing, and putting together a new bedroom suite. We feel so adult to have all matching furniture in our bedroom. It’s a beautiful mahogany set that we found at World Market. These pictures were taken shortly after the honeymoon. We’ve since found a matching nightstand for Robert, and I’ve put up different curtains. However, these pictures give a general idea of what it looks like (especially in early autumn when there was lots of sunshine). Robert, darling husband that he is, actually put all of the furniture together himself. We are so grateful to the many people that contributed to our nest in the form of wedding presents. I am glad we have such blessed beginnings to our marriage.

Where's Benny?

Thanksgiving

Yes, it's a little late, but I wanted to post about our first Thanksgiving together. We stayed home and my youngest sister came to visit. Robert worked so hard to make us a wonderfully delicious turkey (seriously, it was that good). He also made yummy mashed potatoes and stuffing. I made green beans and that pretty salad. We had all kinds of fun watching Finding Nemo and playing Uno and Scattergories. Shannon was a super helper-she washed all of the dishes!!! Sorry folks, we have dibs on her for all Thanksgivings henceforth. As you can see, we used our new dishes. These are our everyday dishes. Unfortunately, we only have enough of our formal ware for tea and biscuits. As you know, Thanksgiving calls for a more filling feast. :)

Nesting on the Honeymoon

 During our Honeymoon, we acquired a dining room table and chairs and a couch for the living room that belonged to Robert's grandparents. They are true treasures for us, because they hold so many positive memories and transformed our apartment into a home.
Instead of "Where's Waldo," let's play "Where Are Those Pets?!?" If you look closely at the living room pictures, you can find Benny in two and Albert in one.

The Bacchus Stone: Your Barry McGee Family Newsletter

Our Wedding

This blog is designed to keep you updated with our latest news and to stay in contact with family and friends. Why is it called "Bacchus Stone?" Well, bacchus stone is another name for the gemstone, amethyst. Robert has had Bacchus in a screen name or email address for as long as I've known him, and I have a particular affinity for the amethyst as a stone. Interesting, those coincidences, eh? Do you have any significant coincidences in your life?
Robert and I met in high school, thirteen years ago. We dated when we were sixteen, and nineteen, twenty-five...and we finally married each other this September. It was one of the happiest days of our lives.
Now that we are married, I guess it is only natural that we begin to think of children and a family and a house. This blog is the place to follow us into our new journey of marriage.
We have a cairn terrier, Benny, and two tabby cats, Albert and Jak. They are likely to be featured often on this post, because they are part of our home and family and certainly contribute their share...of what, you'll soon discover.

Benny's contribution to "Binder Organization Day"

Albert prefers the royal luxury of purple chiffon to just laying on the floor.

Jak is nestled inside his carrier.