optimistic
New growth was showing on the tree, so we bought a bag of potting soil from Big R and Lisa transplanted the tree to a larger pot. The poor little tree was badly root-bound in its small pot. Lisa tried to loosen the roots a bit without tearing them.
We have now put the tree outside, where it will start getting direct winter sunshine. Later this year, when summer heat approaches, we'll have to shelter it some. Our last attempt to raise one of these trees ended up with the tree dying in the heat of summer. Fernley isn't really the best place to try and grow a spruce tree; however, there are some evergreens around town including the north side of Fernley House, so we know they can live here if they can get enough water.