Incahoots

You may not be aware of the extremes that we Incahootians will go to provide you with the freshest and most timely products for your holiday festivities. For example, just this past Sunday Alena with her husband Robin, Janet, her sister Thea, daughter Miranda, and I, trekked to the wild Oregon countryside on our annual mistletoe hunt.

Most years, we just wander around until we find a climbable tree, stomp our way through the underbrush, find some way to get into the tree, ascend to a dizzying height, and clip away at the decorative parasites. They are then gently tossed from the “harvester” down to the “catcher” who generally gets a facefull of mistletoe, moss, an occasional branch, and perhaps a small tree dwelling rodent.
This year, remembering many trees that were just too hard to get into, we decided to try attaching monofilament (fishing line) to an arrow and shooting the arrow over a branch. We would then tie a rope to the monofilament and pull the rope over the branch. Then we (meaning Thea) could climb the rope to a bountiful harvest. Well as luck would have it, the first tree we happened upon was easy to climb and yielded an abundance of mistletoe.

We could have just called it a day and gone to sit by the fire, but no, we had to try out our new system. Presently, we found a suitable tree and Robin prepared the arrow and monofilament. He then proceeded to test the arrow by lightly shooting it across a field. Away flew the arrow, snap went the monofilament, and it was a surprise to all just how far that arrow flew. Across the field, uphill and into the brush it went. After a fruitless and arrowless search we returned to the tree. Robin got out his lighter bow, another arrow, and attached the monofilament. I must say that Robin is quite a good shot and if Miranda hadn’t been standing on the monofilament, he would have gotten the line in the tree in no time.

Eventually we did succeed in getting the line in the tree, but it wasn’t strong enough to pull the rope over the branch.  It did make for an interesting illusion on the way up though. So as the sun began to set and the chill settled in, we decided to go make some hot chocolate and sit by the fire.

Here’s hoping your holiday season is filled with adventure.
And yes, we do have mistletoe.
Peace,
Brian

The holiday selection from Republic of Tea has a couple of new items this year. In addition to returning favorites Dream by the Fire, Comfort and Joy, and Tea of Good Tidings, you’ll find Holiday Spiced Plum – a harmonious balance of bright green tea, rich plums and a touch of warming spices.

This tea is also paired (or should I say trioed?) with Dream by the Fire and Comfort and Joy in a collection of cute stackable tins – perfect for gift giving or stuffing in a tea lover’s stocking.

And for the chocolate lover, may we suggest the new Cuppa Chocolate Teas? An assortment of zero calorie, low caffeine, chocolate herb teas.

On display now are 2 new pieces from artist Susan Lordi.

Dance of Life and Song of Joy are joyous angels that feature intricately carved designs. Dance of Life is done with a birds and wings motif and the details on Song of Joy are a celestial theme. Each of these angels comes with a sturdy base and stake that allows them to soar above their surroundings. Display them on their own or use them to embellish your Willow Tree Nativity scene. These are exclusively available in limited quantities.