In 1999, we had Farelli over for Christmas in our flat at Aldershot. We had a Christmas tree and, because it was rather low in height and broad in beam, we called it Tubby. We stopped calling our trees Tubby at some stage but I feel we should restart this tradition. And given our tree for 2023 arrived today, I have named it Tubby 24.
Though, the photo will have to wait until tomorrow because the guy who delivered it left strict instructions about how Tubby 24 should rest in the house for a day before removing its netting. It needs to acclimatize. It’s presently standing up in the tiled area by the front/back door, where there’s little chance of a photograph.
And talking about the guy who delivered Tubby 24; he was a rather jolly chap, all dressed, appropriately, in red. He was one of those terribly attractive Swedish men of the ruddy type. It was probably a good idea that Mirinda wasn’t here. Or Amanda, given how much she likes the colour red. Anyway, he was not only attractive, he also had an excellent command of English.
The time for delivery had been pegged at between 8am and 10am and he arrived at 9am. He was with me for about half an hour because he had to trim a bit off the end of Tubby before handing it over. This opens up the xylem and phloem tissues, which allows the tree to suck up the water in the holder. Sort of like the human, vascular system but with suction. Once chopped down, the end of the tree gradually seals itself, presumably to retain what water is already there.
He also gave me the thin slice he’d removed. I think it would make a handy coaster. Maybe I could burn 2023 on it. Or just use permanent marker. Or just stick it in the fireplace once the chimney people have cleared it for operation.
The chimney situation came as a bit of a surprise. It seems you have to have your chimney and fireplace checked every two years in Sweden. Ours hasn’t been checked for a very long time. The chimney people are coming next week to, hopefully, clear it for usage.
In the meanwhilst, the house is kept warm using the blow heater on the wall. Not that it was particularly cold today. Following the delights of -16° yesterday, we were up at the sweltering -2° region today. In fact, when we went for our post lunch walk, I had to unzip my coat and remove my beanie halfway round the woods.
Even so, while the temperature is rising, which will lead to slush, our street still looks lovely.
Tomorrow’s forecast is set to rise above zero, something I’m not looking forward to. Mind you, there’s supposed to be snow as well. We shall see.
