While visions of kitty treats danced in his head

Baby Cakes checks out the tree for proper height -- 7 feet of tree plus 1 foot of stand.

The tree came inside today, our usual DeLong Farms Nova Scotia Balsam Fir, as blogged here and here. Fortunately, they're available at a local roadside garden-supply place just up the pike. For everything you always wanted to know about Christmas trees but didn't know whom to ask, check out the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's "Identify your Christmas tree" page. It uses what botanists call a "dichotomous key":

This means that you will be given a series of two choices; using the nontechnical descriptions and accompanying illustrations, choose the one that best describes the tree you are trying to identify by clicking on it. Once you make your choice, you'll be given another set of two options. Continue choosing the option that best describes your tree. As soon as you've identified enough characteristics, you will learn what kind of tree you have. All 15 species grown commercially as Christmas trees in the United States and Canada are included in the key.

Who knew there were 15 species in the trade?

Like Santa himself, "He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work," meeping all the boughs within reach. Satisfied with his findings, he signaled approval with a swish of his tail.

While visions of kitty treats danced in his head, he paused to contemplate his next move and then headed purposefully in the direction of the kitchen.

Now on to the decorations.

Update:  Goomp weighs in with his accustomed wit and wisdom:

Thanks for the tree knowledge and the tale of Saint Kitticlaws.

Here comes Kitticlaws, Here comes Kitticlaws, Right down Kitticlaws Lane.

Gene Autry rides again. In these days of Christmas dissing, "Here Comes Santa Claus" -- not to mention "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" and "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" -- gives heart.

If your computer's up to it -- our own iMac 5 is touch and go -- try clicking here and scrolling down for a lovely sound bite or two.

Update II: A superb Carnival of the Cats #91 at Music and Cats.

Comments

[goomp]

Thanks for the tree knowledge and the tale of Saint Kitticlaws.

[Laura Lee Donoho]

My cat, Sabby has discovered your blog.

[Sissy Willis]

Cats know everything.

[srp]

Maybe he is very slyly waiting for the ornaments. Those dangling shiny balls and little bells are just too much. Here while Clover just looks the southern duo Mr. Rhett and Miss Scarlett tend to chew on the branches, even if it is an artificial tree. They take turns sleeping under the tree. Have a happy Christmas kitties.