Bill and I prepped the walls in his laundry room Saturday night so we could paint them Sunday morning; he spackled and sanded over nail holes, I sanded and painted the two shelves that hung above the washing machine and dryer.
When we woke up Sunday it was warm and clear so we decided to take a walk at Eisenhower Park before getting to work. There are several paths, I still don’t know them all, but we usually pass a certain cluster of evergreen trees as we make our way further back into the woods.
To my delight the trees were, again, decorated for the holiday. Our timing was good, we must have walked by only days after the tree trimming party. Every paper ornament was still bright and intact and the names on them, written in marker, clear enough to read. Other times, during winter, we’ve walked by this patch of evergreens to find the ornaments already fading, some fallen or ripped from the tree, scattered in the brush, or barely visible under snow covered limbs and ground. I’ve never seen the trees so fully decorated.
Green, pink, blue and red ornaments dedicated to pets and loved ones hung from the trees. Paw prints and hearts were drawn around the beloved’s name. Candy cane ribbon weaved in and out of the branches and red bows topped each tree. We spent a few minutes reading the names out loud and admiring the artist’s handiwork.
Back home, we applied the first coat of paint. Had we started earlier in the morning we probably could have finished a second coat. But, the laundry room will be there this weekend, the ornaments, ribbon and bows may not.
Categories: Home, Musings, Uncategorized
where my feet are 
Ohhhhh, wonderful. This is something done every year? Who organizes it?
🙂
Yes, the trees are decorated every year but I have no idea who does it. I tried googling to see if I could find anything about it but no luck. Nice little surprise to come across while out hiking. 🙂
You really got your priorities right, Geralyn. The trees are fabulous. What a sight! 🙂
Thanks, Sylvia. The painting will continue tomorrow. 🙂
What a wonderful surprise to stumble upon. I remember making paper ornaments…such fun. Happy painting, Geralyn!
Thanks, Jill. It’s been so warm here we couldn’t miss out on a walk in the woods. I went out for a walk this morning at 5:30am and it was close to 50! Have a great weekend.
How wonderful to see the trees! So glad that whoever organizes this is faithful to the task.
I agree, L Marie. Lucky for us to see them newly decorated.
You made the right decision!
Thanks, Kate. I think so. We’ll be painting tomorrow but will probably sneak out for another walk. Supposed to be warm here again.
Our weather is glorious too!
Geralyn I have never seen something like this before! This is so beautiful and sweet! thank you so much for telling us and posting these pictures! That is really special! yes the laundry room can wait haha
Lynn, the laundry room has been patiently waiting all week for its 2nd coat of paint! 🙂
Haha good!
Your story brought a smile to my face seeing those colorful ornaments. Such a pretty sight. You and Bill made a wise decision, It made it a “happy” day for me. Xo
Thanks, mom. ❤
Wonderful trees. Sure do wonder who is behind the effort. In downtown Boise we have a giving tree that looks a little like these, but not nearly as colorful. But the idea behind the giving tree is that each ornament has a specific item listed on it, and on the back are instructions of where to drop off the unwrapped, new item. These gifts are collected and then distributed by the Women’s and Children’s Alliance. This year I grabbed a request for Legoes. Boy, I had no idea how expensive those are! I think the gift will bring many hours of fun to some little kid and probably lots of underfoot pain from an unsuspecting adult walking across the floor in the dark. 😉
I’d like to know who decorates those trees every year too. I’ve seen those giving trees, Linda. That’s true (cost) and funny (underfoot pain) about the Legoes. I’m part of a group that brings a xmas party into a homeless shelter and have to buy games/toys for 5 kids. What the heck do young teenage girls and boys even like that I can afford? I’m going to have to search the internet.
Yes, teenagers are really difficult. It seems electronics are everything to them. But maybe you could find some of the books that are so popular these days, like the Twilight series. I’m sure the Internet will provide inspiration. 😉
Books are a good idea. Thanks!
Your photos really capture the joy children find in simple holiday decorations and the idea that they are beautiful for only the time nature allows is special in its own way.
Thanks, Fran, that’s true. They’ll be bright and shiny until the first hard rain or snow.
What a wonderful idea. I’m glad you were able to take some time to enjoy it.
An added bonus to our walk. Thanks, Carrie. Hope your book signing dates are going well. 🙂
I survived my first one last night, so so far so good. Thanks!
Lovely post, Geralyn!
Thanks, Anna!
That’s a nice idea 🙂 So far we’ve been to the cemetery with wreathes and the tree has made it into a tub and is sitting in the corner awaiting its finery. Some time this weekend, I very much hope 🙂
Hope you’re successful getting it all done, Jo. I’ve got to get busy at my house too. Not even a wreath on the door.
It’ll happen 🙂 🙂
What a neat little hiking surprise!
I was happily surprised, Mary!
I was happily surprised, Mary!
That is very cute. A cheery splash of color for a winter day.
Although it’s been so spring-like here I almost forget it’s December.
I love this post. And the conclusion is perfect.
Thanks, Cynthia. For the record, we finished painting the laundry room Saturday. 🙂
Hooray!