Tree and Wine

Running errands in the evening, Liz and I also picked out a Christmas tree. I honestly can’t remember if I ever have done the tree thing before. We had a plastic one when I was growing up; I think I may have gotten an actual tree in the last serious relationship I was in… but MAN, that was so long ago things are pretty hazy. Suffice it to say, it’s been a while.

And so, of course, I take pictures to mark the occasion. After stocking up on plastic for the windows at Home Depot, and all sorts of apartment-warming-up supplies… we hit the garden section to look over their trees.

A little bit of twine later, and we’re zipping back to Liz’s place.

We put the tree in some water and let it rest some. Inside, Liz starts up some mulled wine: another thing I’ve never really done. She’s got a tin of Mulled Spices? Mulling Spices? Something. It smells great (lots of cloves and cinnamon, and the cloves remind me strongly of clove cigarettes), and it’s quite strong.

From what I saw of the process, it’s a reduction of the wine while steeping the spices. We each (me, Liz and Lisa) had a nice mugful with a cinnamon stick, and it was quite delicious. I got into a fun conversation with Lisa about writing, teaching and poetry… and it definitely felt like December had arrived.