our balsams

Bundled against the cold, a hearty group set forth...

to cut the first balsams of the season.

The sun shone, the sky was blue and 

there was much tromping about.

Our wee seedlings are coming along nicely,

and the sturdy old growth provide habitat for all sorts of critters.

The fresh snow showed tracks...

plenty of small rodents, coyotes, fox and deer.

There was some debate...maybe moose?

We're still not sure.

The trick is finding something in
between the seedlings and old growth.
The measuring pole is painted in one foot increments,
and is used to discern the real height of the trees
(as opposed to the perceived height, which can cause
surprise when the tree is actually unloaded at home!)

One of these trees is going to Brooklyn,

the other is already in Somerville.

And as per tradition, two monster trees are loaded in the pick up

 for delivery to Wooster School later this afternoon.

And so, the holiday season is officially launched.