The Legend of the Evergreen

One winter, when the birds were all heading for south and warmer areas, one little bird broke it's wing on the way and was left behind. Soon, frost and snow covered the forest, and she was cold and hungry. So, she askd the trees to help her and let her stay in their branches. Nowever, the trees were not always kind.

The birch tree was proud of being beautiful and haughtily replied to the bird's pleas by saying that he could not possibly help him because he had to look after the birds of the forest first. The strong oak tree was reluctant because it was afraid that the bird would have to live there until springtime and would eat up some of it's acrons. Even the willow tree that seemed to be so gentle otherwise, refused to help or even to talk to the strange little bird.



The poor bird was in much distress and tried hard to fly some more . . . but her wing was still not fit for the purpose. Seeing her struggling, the spruce tree asked her, why she seemed to be so downcast. When the bird revealed her misery, the spruce tree offered her the thickest, softest and warmest branch to stay upon. The bird was really happy to find some help.

Inspired by the kindess of the spruce tree, the strong pine tree also volunteered to protect the spruce tree and the bird from the North Wind, all through the winter. The little juniper tree also piped in to offer it's berried to the little bird to help to quench her hunger. And so, the bird lived comfortably there all winter, and flew away again at springtime, when her wing had completely healed.



The Frost King, who kept close note of the behaviour of all the trees, strictly instruced the North Wind not to touch even a single leaf of the kind spruce, pine and juniper trees, although he would be free to play havoc with all the leaves of the other trees. The North Wind especially enjoyed in plucking the shining green leaves of the willow, oak and birch trees and leaving them bare for the winter, with nothing to protect them from the snow, rain and sleet. It is because of their special kindnesses to this little bird that the leaves of the spruce, the pine and the juniper are always green and they are known as evergreen trees.

The end.



My goodness, but it has turned very cold here. I suppose that is not a surprise, as it is December after all! One expects it to be cold in December. Only 25 days until Christmas! I still have a few packages to post and my cards to write up! I better get cracking!!!

I hope that you enjoyed this little legend of the Evergreen that I have shared with you this morning. It just goes to show that kindnesses are always rewarded, no matter how big or small they are . . . sometimes the reward is just knowing that you have done something kind for another and the warm feeling that you get inside when you do so . . .

Here's a tasty little recipe that you can whip up quite easily. I bet you even have most of the ingredients your refrigerator right now! I chose to put mine in a croissant, and melt some cheese on top, but buttered toasted bread is equally as delicious!



*Western Sandwiches*
Serves 4
Printable Recipe

Tasty and very easy to make, these delicious sandwiches are great for breakfast, lunch or even a light supper! They're also very quick to put together, which is a real bonus during these busy days ahead!

1/4 pound cooked ham, or 4 slices of bacon, diced or cubed
1 green or yellow pepper, chopped (Or a combination of the two)
2 medium onion, peeled and chopped
4 large free range eggs
salt and black pepper to taste
butter
8 sliced of buttered toast
4 slices of your favourite cheese (optional)

Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add a knob of butter. ONce it is foaming add the peppers and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until all the vegetables are tender. Add the ham and heat through. If you are using bacon, add it at the same time as the vegetables and cook it thoroughly.

Beat the eggs in a small bowl with some salt and pepper. Spread out the ham and vegetables evenly in the skillet. Pour the beaten egg mixture over top and cook until the eggs are set.

Make your toast and butter it. Divide the egg mixture evenly between the toasts, making 4 sandwiches. Serve hot, with or without cheese!



Over at The English Kitchen today there's a delicious Jerusalem Artichoke and Parsnip Gratin!