Lots of folks – not the least my mom and my brother Dave – clamoring for a picture of the patio with the 4′ metallic blue Christmas tree I got for $17 at Big Lots. Here’s a picture of the patio taken from the tiki bar…

From another angle:

For $17 bucks you get a tree that shimmers in the afternoon sun and it lights up OK at night, too. And you – yes you! – can have your own for the same price, choice of colors white, green, pink, and blue. I’ll soon be sending a picture of the white one we have on our dining room table with our nativity set; makes it look like Mary’s welcoming the baby Jesus into the world in Switzerland.

Doesn’t it make you feel all Christmasey?