Artificial tree or real tree - that is the question

Every year at about this time, I always struggle with the idea of getting a tree for the holidays. Do I get a fake one, or a real one???

Growing up, every year we got a real tree. I loved going with my family to the tree lot, picking out a 9 foot Douglas fir, bringing it home, and then we decorated. Pretty much all in one day/night.

These days its tough to choose what is best for the environment - do I purchase an artificial & manufactured tree or a real tree grown and cut for this specific purchase?

I do hear there is an alternative - getting a potted tree. But I haven't seen that option locally yet.

My decision was purely financial & rule abiding this year -  a small artificial tree that I can reuse & I lived in an apartment that doesn't allow real trees.

I'm sure this internal debate will continue when I buy a house - of course by then, hopefully the potted trees will be more available. :)

Happy Holidays!!

Valley of Fire, Nevada - 2008

In the early summer of 2008, I again journeyed to Nevada and found the very cool state park: Valley of Fire. 

It is Nevada's oldest and largest state park - formed in 1935. The terrain was incredible - almost other worldly as I hiked and drove among the rock formations, which colors varied greatly as I explored. There also was not a lot of people present that day, which enriched the otherworldly feeling. And petroglyphs - a lot of them!!

I remember being really impressed with the visitor's center, and all of the history accounted for in the displays.  The link I have above is to the Nevada State Park Valley of Fire website - it has all kinds of information about how the park got its name, the animals, and history of the peoples who lived and passed through the area. If you are interested in visiting, I highly encourage you to check it out!

My last Nevada park post will be coming soon - Red Rock Canyon State Park. I have to say, with all of the really cool scenic areas near Las Vegas, don't spend all of your time on the strip if you are visiting!!

Not sure if you can read the sign - it says "atlatl rock". Unfortunately I can't remember what it means - guess you'll just have to visit! :)

The differences in the rock colors is amazing! Deep reds to this yellow gold!

  

I love the deep red of the rocks juxtaposed with the green of the plants - absolutely beautiful!

See the little figures in the middle of the picture?

The petroglyphs were amazing. There was a path with steps that would take you up for a closer look - not too many steps though! The glyphs are partially protected by a plastic "screen" - you can see the edge of it at the bottom of the picture. Though it looks like "Ike" was able to carve his name in part of the rock - stupid humans...why do we always wreck stuff?

 Shots I just couldn't help to pull over a take!