A Compound Life

BWAH.......What's that chicken doin' crossing my road?  Hmm.....

"Pink Tissues"...Really?!?

I’m not the kind of guy that gets overly excited about a box of Kleenex.  But a while back, Jill bought several boxes of tissue at the supermarket to have on hand and to put in the bathrooms and in a couple of other ‘select’ locations around the house.  One of the boxes, however, caught my eye.  It wasn’t just a regular rectangular box of tissue, the kind we all grew up with; it was one of the new ‘designer’ boxes that are supposed to look nice and perhaps add a ‘little class’ to one’s décor.

The box of tissue that I really liked was a square box of Kleenex that had a chess game design of a black and tan chessboard and had chess men on all four sides.  It was a handsome box, a manly-man kind of box that anyone would be proud to own and display in any prominent location in their home for all to see and enjoy; almost like a piece of fine art!

"Kleenex Decor"

For a box of Kleenex, it actually looked quite nice, and it really did fit in with our décor. We put the box of Kleenex at the game table in the corner of the family room, which surprisingly has a chess board with all the king’s men set up and is ready to play a game at any time. 

Several weeks later Jill went back to the super and bought more of the ‘chess game’ boxes of Kleenex.  Now there’s also one of the boxes of Kleenex at the ‘Command Center’ and one on the nightstand by my side of the Big Bed, and they've been there for a long time.

These were the coolest looking Kleenex boxes that I had ever seen and we would use them, and when empty, just throw the box away, …um … I mean ‘recycle’ them with little or no regard to the fact that someday the boxes would no longer be available; or with little or no regard to the "genious's" who would come to design  future boxes of Kleenex.

 

Well, one day Jill went to the super to get some more cool boxes of Kleenex and the inevitable and the unthinkable happened. She couldn’t find the Kleenex boxes with the chess men design.   Why would any Kleenex box designer in their right mind divert from such a classic and handsome design and move on to some stupid, ugly ‘art deco’ patterns and  designs with lame pastel colors that wouldn’t look good in a bathroom , or even in a hospital room for that matter?  We needed some Kleenex so Jill bought a couple of the ‘ugly’ boxes of tissues along with the other supplies and brought them home.

The Kleenex box at the Command Center was empty and it needed to be replaced.  I got one of the new 'ugly' boxes and looked at it; then I looked at my empty chess men box of Kleenex – then it hit me – a stroke of brilliance.  Sort of an Ah-Ha moment for me …I carefully opened the side flaps of the chess men box, then I opened the 'ugly' box in the same way and simply removed the whole stack of new tissues and inserted them into the chess men box.  Perfect.  It worked like a charm.

 

Then, I carefully sealed up the side flaps with a small piece of invisible scotch tape and -voila!- it appeared to be a brand new chess men box of Kleenex, and no one would ever be the wiser!

Well, this Kleenex tissue replacement ritual has been going on for a couple of years now. Everything has been just fine with this whole thing until recently.  Jill went shopping and she knew that we'd eventually need more tissues, and well, on this particular trip to the super, Jill just grabbed a couple of “pink” designer boxes of replacement Kleenex to have on hand.

 

I guess Kleenex tissues come in different colors and the ‘buyer’ should be on the lookout to make sure that the tissues are ‘white’, regardless of box color or box design.  When the time came again to refill my manly-man box of Kleenex tissue at the Command Center, I grabbed one of the pink boxes from the pantry. I opened the box and believe it or not, I found pink tissues in the pink box.  Wow, how pretty!?

 

Needless to say I wasn’t really thrilled about this.  I showed Jill and explained, “Now dear, if you look carefully at the box of Kleenex and 'actually read what color the tissues are' you may have noticed that it says "pink tissues" right on the box..”   “Sweet!”, I exclaimed.  I couldn’t have been more excited.

Pretty in Pink, isn't it!

I said to Jill, “Pink tissues, eh?  You really expect me to use pink tissues in my manly-man box of Kleenex at the Command Center?  Really?  What if somebody sees me?  What would they think? I can’t believe it!  Now, can you imagine….ME using pink tissues?  Really?   How embarrassing!  Pink Tissues! - Really?" 

"Well, I don’t even know who you are anymore!"

Not wanting to be wasteful and just throw out the 'pretty little things', I inserted them into my manly-man box of Kleenex and forced myself to use up all the pink tissues, being cautious not to let anyone see me.  It wasn’t easy for me, but I struggled through it.

Now I think Jill is a little more careful and is very aware of the ‘replacement tissues’ that she buys at the super, but I really think she bought the “pink tissues” on purpose! 

Just sayin’!

P.S. Just days ago, our daughter L discovered this phenomenon of tissue replacement, and I believe her perception of "reality" here at The Compound  has been shattered.  I think she may be a little concerned by my strange, but brilliant behavior, if not totally disturbed and haunted by this forever!

Come to think of it, it does give a whole new meaning to the term "tissue replacement", doesn't it?

One last note - These handsome "objet d'art" designer Kleenex boxes have been the target of many a would-be-thief. Not sayin' who, but we did recently have two guests from the San Diego area!  ...Hmm

Happy Father's Day!

I've always wanted a little red sports car and this is what I got?    BWAH!?!

If It's Not One Thing, It's Another!

We’ve had so many late season snow storms this year at The Compound that we thought spring would never get here.   I think I saw a partly cloudy sky during one or two days a few weeks ago, but that was it.  That must have been “Spring.” Now it’s all about the rain.

The weather man’s forecast; I hate the weather man, (except for you, Al Roker) the forecast sounds like a broken record; more snow in the mountains above the elevation of 6,350 feet or whatever, and rain in the valley.  The benches will most likely see a mix of moisture, more rain than snow but maybe a little snow, - blah-blah-blah!  Shit, the damn weather man is never right when it comes to predicting the stupid weather, but this go ‘round he can’t seem to miss. 

Hell, at least he ought to make up something, mix it up a little and make me guess again.  At least that was something to look forward to.

Now it just rains and rains and rains some more.   At least it’s not snowing here…….yet.  I don’t know what Mother Nature is up to, but we haven’t seen the sun for so damn long, I’ve forgotten what it looks like.  As of today, we have officially broken the all-time record for the wettest spring on record here at The Compound.  Big wow…

Green is the overwhelmingly prominent color of the moment here right now and the grass is so damn long, the yard people (by people I mean K), can’t get a mow in edgewise. In fact, it’s been so wet here; even the rocks are starting to turn green.  Hmm…I wonder what that means?

I hate to complain, ‘cause when I do, Jill always comes back with the – “we need the water story,” and “be glad the sprinklers haven’t been turned on yet,” etc. etc. etc.

Now, that all of the trees have their leaves on full display, and they’re so big from all of the rain, I’m just waiting for one last big monster snow storm to dump a foot and a half of wet heavy snow and totally destroy the trees.  I really hate that.

If you think about it, all this wet weather at The Compound gives a whole new meaning to the term “Going Green!”

“Hey, up there…anybody - A little sunshine would sure be nice!!!”

I’ll bet the next thing I hear from that damn weatherman’s forecast is to expect sunny skies and hotter than normal temperatures for the next six months.   He’ll probably be back to normal and .....wrong again!

Wait a minute - I think I saw a shadow!   Is that Sunshine?  Could it be?  Really?    Wow, Unbelievable!   
Oh – forever the optimist I am!    ...I think?!

Memorial Day At The Compound!

Memorial Day at The Compound started off right as rain.  Actually, as a matter of fact, it really was raining; but in an attempt to not let that 'dampen' our spirit of celebration, I persisted and mixed up a couple of tasty Treat-Treats for me and Jill and continued making preparations for the big event.

I can’t remember for sure, but I believe Memorial Day is supposed to have something to do with memories…or remembering something, or someone.  I think it’s usually on a Monday for some reason.  I’m sure it will come to me sooner or later, but I’ll keep trying to remember on my own before I have to call and ask somebody.  (Just try to picture me sitting here on my little ol' bar stool thinking...Hmmm...perhaps adding a little Jeopardy theme music may help me out here.  Is Alex Trebek here? …Anybody?)

I think it has something to do with potato salad, deviled eggs, and grilling or BBQ.  I think maybe you’re even supposed to fly the flag on this day…especially on this day.  Hmmm…I’m thinking, I’m wondering, I’m still thinking, I’m thinking some more…Hmmm…Wait – I think I’ve got it!  It’s all starting to come back to me…  Yep…I’ve got it!

Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May.  Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. Service Members who died while in the military service.  It was first enacted by an organization of Union veterans, the Grand Army of the Republic, to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War.  It was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

Memorial Day also marks the official start and Kick-Off to Summer Festival at The Compound, which is also observed nationwide, by everyone, everywhere.

Begun as a ritual of remembrance (there’s that remembering thing I was talking about) and reconciliation after the Civil War, by the early 20^th century, Memorial Day was an occasion for more general expressions of memory, (more memory stuff again) as ordinary people visited the grave sites of their deceased relatives, whether they had served in the military or not. 

It has also become an increasingly popular long weekend event, devoted to family get-togethers, backyard barbecues, (see - there’s that BBQ thing) fireworks, trips and vacations, etc. etc.  I think they even have a really big car race somewhere!

Traditionally, many people observe Memorial Day by visiting local cemeteries and memorials.  A national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m.  Another tradition is to fly the flag of the United States at half-staff from dawn ‘til noon local time.  I think they have a big celebration in Washington D.C. too!

Also, because Memorial Day is generally associated with the start of the summer season, it’s common tradition to inaugurate the outdoor cooking season on Memorial Day with a big ol' barbecue party.

Well, I think that’s what Memorial Day is supposed to be about…or something like that!

Anyway, we’ll celebrate Memorial Day here at The Compound, - our way - just like we always do, no matter how they celebrate it anywhere else!  But this year, it's extra special here at The Compound 'cause we're having a Big Ol' Birthday Celebration too!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY 'A'!   …just sayin’

Ya’ll have a good ol' time at your very own BBQ parties.

Big Weekend At The Compound!

It’s been quite a spell since we’ve had an overnight guest here at The Compound that was so young, but G-3 was scheduled to arrive early on Thursday morning.  This was the weekend that we’d been warned…I mean told about.  The time had come, and GG, (Grandpa Gary) and GJ, (Grandma Jill) were called into action. 

R and A “needed” a little R and R…a few days off and just wanting to get away from it all, (getting away from it all…I don’t get it), but anyway…Our weekend began early on Thursday morning right on time with Mom and Dad dropping off G-3 along with all of her “stuff.”   It’s all very important and necessary for the proper care and well-being for someone this young and this important, we’re told.  After an hour or so of review with R and A and getting things set up, (by the way, it took three of us about 15 minutes to set up just the play pen), and organizing the “stuff” that we needed to have here at The Compound,  in order to be the proper and thorough care givers for G-3, and we figured we were finally ready for the big weekend. 

Unfortunately, the Guest Cottage had already been booked for the long Memorial Day weekend here for the big “Annual Kick-Off to Summer Festival.”  Although, certainly a major disappointment for G-3 not getting to stay in the famed Guest Cottage, she was offered a luxurious private suite in the guest wing inside the Main House.

Just as R and A were about ready to leave for the airport for their much anticipated get-a-way; R turns to A and asks, “Did you give ‘em the list?”  “No…I almost forget, but here it is!” A responded.  “It’s all there.  It’s pretty self-explanatory.  Everything you need to know should be on the List.  If you have any questions you can give us a call, we’ll have our communication devices with us all the time”, she said as they walked out the front door. “Gotta go, or we’ll miss our flight!” R exclaimed as they both scurried away. 

Jill and I came back in the house and tried to figure out what to do next - while all the time knowing that we would have to get into a new routine fast; one that would keep GJ pretty busy.  G-3 settled in quickly with ne’er a whine or a whimper.  After all, she was at The Compound … how bad could it be?!

I stayed at home for a few hours that morning to help get G-3 reacquainted with the surroundings here and to help out with any issues that may arise with her, you know – like being in a new place so early in the day, and to make sure that everything was going to be O.K.  I had to go to “work”, (after all, it was a Thursday for Pete’s sake), and take care of a few things and run some errands and do some other chores that demanded my attention and needed to be taken care of.

It's A Tea Party!

I’d been gone for several hours and when I returned home, I walked into the house and things seemed to be just fine.  …I sort of thought that when I returned home I would have to step up and help solve some problems regarding G-3 and any potential issues with her Mom and Dad being out of town; but G-3 was playing quietly and contently on the floor with various toys that GJ had put out for her.

But I also noticed something a little weird, almost immediately.  It was as if no one had missed me, or perhaps even knew that I’d been gone for a while.  Don’t get me wrong, I was thrilled that everything was O.K. when I got back home; but it’s as if nobody needed me, not even Jill. It was as if I was no longer the center of attention…Then it hit me - There was a new kid in town.  G-3 was the “new” center of attraction, and she was grabbing the spotlight!

There were no snacks or samplers for me to nibble on when I got home.  I went to get something cold and refreshing from the refrigerator and I realized that the fridge had been cleaned out, and, “reorganized” - to make room for all the “food and things” that G-3 would “need” during her stay here. Then I quickly noticed that my treats had been moved to the wayside...Shit! 

Oh well…I’ll probably get over all of this, ...eventually!

Anyway, I said to Jill, “We’d better take a look at their “List” and see if we’ve forgotten how to do this kid thing.  Maybe we’ll need to take a crash course on child care and development, or maybe we can just wing-it.”  I proceeded to review the list.  It was a fairly thorough list, for relative newcomers to the parenting game, to throw together in such a hurry.  It had the all-important timelines and schedule of events that were to naturally occur, in any given 24 hour day. 

The List started off with the 6:00am wake-up call and the subsequent feeding to get her to go back to sleep, followed by the actual acceptable wake-up time of between 8 and 9; then breakfast at 9:30, then get her dressed, play a little, then a snack at 11:15, then a little more play.  And finally, the mid-day Break for GJ, Nap Time right at noon.

The schedule indicated that Naps should last for 1 to 1.5 hours, then to be followed immediately by lunch, not just any lunch, but a healthy lunch mind you.  Then after lunch, a little more playtime. GJ improvised and kept her busy with a variety of interactive toys, GJ’s special dishes and other treasures from the kitchen drawer, stuffed animals, books and the like.  Then another snack, (man, I think I’ve been missing out on this snack-all-day-long thing for quite some time.  I’ll discuss that issue with The Committee later.) Anyway, the list goes on with yet another nap,  another wake-up, one more snack, some more play, and then a healthy dinner at dinner time.  After dinner, the always important and must have bath-time was to take place.  After the bath we get to watch a Mickey Mouse video, and finally…Bedtime!  (Disclaimer: Surveillance equipment was of course, in place to keep tabs on the toddler, just in case she became unruly during the night!)

Although they were not listed specifically or called for in the timeline or even in the schedule, we soon realized that Diaper changes were necessary and quickly became mandatory chores and occurred at various times throughout the day, with or without warning.

There was also another List outlining healthy food options for each of the multiple feeding sessions and snacks, (I don’t remember ever getting healthy food choices as a kid...Hmm) along with suggested reading lists, cartoon and movie suggestions, etc.  There was also a third List, a list with all the necessary emergency “Contact Info”, you know, doctors, insurance, baby sitters, etc. etc., just in case.

At first glance, their List(s) seemed to be carefully thought through and complete with every possible issue being addressed in one way or another. 

But Not So Fast…my young apprentices - upon further review by The Committee, the List(s) provided by R and A were found to be missing some very important and key details, and needed to be revised and updated for the complete and proper care of G-3 here at The Compound. 

Oh, their List would’ve been just fine for someone who may be easily satisfied with a simple, “No Frills” kind of lifestyle, but here at The Compound, we want everybody to have fun and Live-A-Little, no matter how old they are!

The shortcomings on their List(s), or perhaps, just mere oversights by the new parents – as listed here, may or may not be in order of importance, but are as follows: 

1 - Hugs and snuggles for GG and GJ – after waking up in the morning, before naps, after naps, before bedtime, and pretty much any other time of the day that we can get one.

2 – The popular “Peek-A-Boo” and “Hide and Seek” games with GJ.

3 - Driving down to the gate in the Golf Cart with GG to fetch the morning paper, as well as subsequent rides up and down the lane during the designated play times.

"The Big Bridge"

4 - The Stair-Climber exercise routine, where G-3 instructs GG in the finer points of how to properly go - up and down the staircase, really fast …again and again and again!

5 - Walks in the backyard with GJ to look at the pretty trees, and to learn about nature here at The Compound, and maybe even see some birds!

6 - Tea Time (snack time) at the little white table and chairs in the “Grotto”.

7 - Taking a stroll through the “Grotto” with GJ to study and learn about all the pretty rocks and walk across the “Big Bridge”.  (I can just hear GJ say, "Don't worry dear, we'll cross that "bridge" when we get there!")

8 - Music lessons.  We began with the piano.  The recorder will be next.

9 - The “How To” lessons, learning how to dress up in GJ’s pretty jewelry.

10. – The Art and Design Workshop - learning Coloring Books Skills with GJ.

11 - Every hour – on the hour…to watch and listen for the Cuckoo Clock to say …cuckoo, cuckoo, etc. Not to mention hearing the Grandfather Clock chime in the entry hall. That’s pretty exciting for all of us!

12 - And Last, but not least, “A Big ‘Ol Pillow Fight” with GJ just before bedtime.  Every kid needs to have a pillow fight at sleepovers, and they need to learn how sooner or later!

The Pillow Fight is probably the most exciting event of the day for G-3, next to the Golf Cart rides with GG, of course!

One of the things I’ve learned over the weekend here with G-3, and after telling her lots and lots of stories, is that if I talk long enough, I can put just about anybody to sleep!  (It must be a gift - I didn’t know I had!)

We tried and tried to get R and A to extend their exciting “get-a-way” vacation and enjoy their time away for a few more days.  But I think they were missing G-3 a little too much and returned home anyway, and our weekend with G-3 ended way too soon!  

I guess we’ll just have to wait ‘til next time.  But, you guys had better go again soon!

That goes for L and A, too!   We're ready any time...just sayin'!

A Royal Celebration...At The Compound!

Officials are pleased to announce that The Compound has been selected as one of the Premiere venues for various “state side” celebrations honoring the Royal Wedding of Prince William of Wales and Catherine Middleton.  (Prince William Arthur Philip Louis, to be precise).  The married couple, Prince William and Princess Catherine are also known officially as The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge.

It’s only logical that The Compound was selected for this much anticipated event; as you may remember, we DO have the Royal Bell believed to have once belonged to the British Monarchy years and years ago.  You know, the one the Queen Mum used to ring when she demanded Tea and Crumpets!  Yes, THAT Bell!

A large crowd of "Royal Watchers" is likely to attend today's  special event.  Everyone is expected to dress appropriately for the occasion.  For the ladies a nice dress and a fancy hat, (tiaras are optional).  For the gentlemen a morning suit and a top hat are required.  White gloves add a nice touch of class as well.

The Celebration and Festivities here at The Compound are expected to start early and continue well into the evening.  The staff has prepared lots of food and other treats "Fit For A King" with a surprisingly, and overwhelmingly “English” theme.  

Appetizers will be served to all of the guests early in the afternoon.  A variety of Tea Sandwich Samplers will be offered along with a cup of BCBC Soup.  A pineapple and blackberry fruit medley will also be available.

A "Spot of Tea and Crumpets" will be served to tide us over late in the afternoon.

Later in the evening, Pub Style Fare will be offered to the 'surviving' guests.  A few of the British favorites, including Beef Wellington, Bangers and Mash, along with a Waldorf Salad and a Veggie Tray will be served.  I'm sure the guests will also be enjoying a 'Pint' or two!  The evening will conclude with a 'Champagne Toast' to the Royal Couple and will be the highlight of the daylong Celebration!

Also, there have been rumors floating about that the Royal Couple may be making a surprise visit to the Compound during their extended honeymoon.  Officials cannot confirm nor deny such rumors, and they're reluctant to speculate on the matter.

However, officials here at The Compound have said that someone with a “British” accent called recently and booked the Guest Cottage for an entire week, early in May.   Hmmm?!

Oh…by the way, The Royal Bell will be on display for the entire day of celebration here at The Compound, and a lucky few will actually have the “honor” of ringing the Bell!
 

Wow…that will be really exciting!

Pip pip - Cheerio'!

P.S.  Happy B-Day to G-1

Straight Lines, Buddy! ...Straight Lines!

Spring has sprung, the grass is ris, and ‘tis the season, ...for mowing, that is!  It certainly is that time of year again. 

It’s been a very long winter and now that the lawn mowing season is here, it’s time to get the lawnmower, the edger, and the trimmer out of the shed along with the other tools, and dust them off, gas 'em up and get 'em ready to go.

Yard Care Basics

Officials are pleased to announce that The Yard Care Seminar will take place at The Compound,  this Thursday and Friday.  The following week, yard care should be, and will be, weather permitting, in full swing here at The Compound. 

Pushing a lawnmower around the yard, some will say, is much like riding a bicycle; you never really forget how.

I think it never hurts, and it’s probably a good idea to have a refresher course every once in a while, a little yard care seminar for all of our yard care personnel.  I don’t want to give the impression that I’m overly particular, but I do like things done just so.  I don’t really care how the yard work is done, as long as it’s done my way!

A little bit of history… I always did the mowing when our kids were young, (I could have been a yard care professional, ...but I think Brando said it best, "I could have been a contender" – "I could have been somebody", well, that’s another story), but anyway, the kids all helped in the yard, and had specific tasks or jobs that they were in charge of.  There comes a time when the kids actually want to mow the lawn; it makes them feel big and important.  It's kind of like a rite of passage, a time honored tradition, the passing of the torch, handed down from father to son, or from father to daughter, and finally, from father to youngest son.  

But you don’t just hand over the reins for this all important task of lawn mowing without a little training.   My “Lawn Mowing Training” to be exact.  Just think, if my kids had to go through this kind of training just to mow the lawn, can you imagine how they ever got through my “Driver Training” to get their drivers licenses?  You know, watching is just watching and one can learn from watching, but the real learning comes from experience.   

When teaching someone the fine art of mowing, you’ve got to start with the basics.  General maintenance issues like, how to check the oil and fill the tank with gas. Then they need to learn about the control levers, etc., and learn how to set the proper mowing levels for the mower.  Then they must learn how to start the lawnmower and let it warm up properly, and then how to adjust the throttle, etc.  Finally, they must learn how to empty the bag properly, etc., etc., etc.   Obviously, there is a lot to learn about mowing and it can take years to master the art.

Now that the basics have been covered, it’s time to learn some technique.  Yes, Technique. There is a right way and a wrong way to mow the grass. Knowing where to start mowing and why, and which direction to mow in is very important.  You need to know how much to overlap each pass of the lawnmower, not too much and not too little, and you certainly don’t want to leave a small strip of grass by not overlapping at all.  The dreaded “Mohawk” is not at all acceptable for proper lawn care.

But the most important rule to learn and perfect is straight lines. Yes, straight lines.  You can’t just mow in a random pattern, back and forth, all willy-nilly like.  Circles don’t work out either. Straight lines, while seemingly easy and very basic, are the hardest and can be the most difficult skill to master; especially on long expansive stretches of lawn.  A crooked line stands out like a sore thumb, or maybe even an ugly red-headed step-child.  If and only where necessary, lines may follow the gentle curve of the lane, or the contour of the land, but must still remain uniform in appearance.  All other mowing lines and patterns must be straight.

When training each one of our kids, I would let them push the lawnmower all by themselves, and I would stand on the sidelines and watch them struggle with the line thing.  Trying to give some help and guidance, I would yell out a few words of encouragement …overlap just a little more or keep trying to go straight, you’ll get it!

 

Oftentimes, I would stand at the other end of the yard and put my foot at the edge where the lawnmower wheel should be when they reach the end of that particular lawnmower pass and yell out …Aim for My Toe.  Just Aim for My Toe!  Aim that wheel right for my toe!  That seemed to be a real help for them!  Something to aim for!  (Maybe they were really aiming for me, and secretly trying to mow me down!)

The secret to a well-cared for yard is straight lines that appear to mysteriously travel through any obstacle, such as a large planting area, clumps of oak brush, or various trees and tree circles that dot the landscape, and have the lines magically line up on the other side of the obstacle.  It just looks way more nicerer.  

For an added touch of brilliance, (and if you want to look like a real pro), you can do the double-mow, the criss-cross mow.  You mow the yard a second time at a 90 degree angle.  It may seem like lawn mowing overkill, but when done properly, the look is without equal!

More Yard Care Thingies

…So back to the refresher course/seminar we have every spring here at The Compound.  Along with the latest yard care updates, equipment and maintenance issues, and in addition to a few professional tips on pruning, raking, trimming, edging, sweeping, and using the blower; the overwhelming message and theme of the seminar is to remember…Straight lines!  

  

On a rare occasion, you may even hear me yell out from a distance …Aim for My Toe, Buddy!  
Old habits die hard! I suppose… 

But you can always count on hearing those all-important words of encouragement throughout the season…Straight lines, Buddy …Straight Lines!

I don’t do a lot of the mowing around here lately, but I like to think I’m still in charge.  And that brings up another important point.  When, if ever, does the student become the master?

I guess it depends on who you ask!

Hmmm…just sayin’

WOW! ...I am SO Lucky!

Lovely...Isn't It!

Wow, I can’t believe it.  Honestly, I cannot believe it. More snow …yes MORE SNOW!  I must be the luckiest guy in the world.  I love snow.  I can’t get enough snow.  It's like I'm living a dream!  If I were a betting kind of guy, I would bet that I am getting more than my fair share of snow.  But how can I complain?  Did I mention that I love snow?

I love to play in the snow.  I love to work in the snow!  I love to plow the driveway, it is so much fun!  I love to shovel the snow.  I love to shovel the porch and the steps in front.  I love to shovel the long and meandering sidewalks that surround the house.  It is so refreshing and stimulating; if not downright exhilarating.  It makes me feel good.  I wish I could do it all the time! 

Snow is probably my most favorite thing in the whole wide world, (next to good grubbin’, of course!)  
Did I mention that I love snow? 

As much as I like and enjoy all of the snow here, snow has become sort of a fun game to play.  I really like to go out and guess which mound of snow my truck is buried under. I love to discover how much snow the trees can bear before their huge limbs and branches are snapped like twigs.  That is really cool to see when that happens.  I love to see how much snow can pile up on the satellite dish before the satellite signal is completely obliterated resulting in the dreaded loss of all TV and entertainment reception.

You know, it’s supposed to be spring here at The Compound, and I think spring is highly overrated anyway, but lucky for me; it keeps snowing and I love it!  Every morning when I get up I hope that it will snow, and keep snowing all day.  Every night when I go to bed, I hope that it will snow all night long.  Well, it seems as though I’m getting my wish.  It has been snowing pretty much all day and all night for four days now. FOUR DAYS!  Unbelievable; I am so lucky.  It makes me wonder how much longer my luck and good fortune will last.  I can only hope.  Without hope, what is there?  Well, I guess I’ll see what today brings.

Maybe I should go to Vegas and put it all on Lucky 7!  Well, maybe not.  I’ve heard that Vegas is pretty far away from The Compound. 

If I went away, how would I know if it’s still snowing?  I guess I’ll just stay and hope for MORE SNOW!   …just sayin’

All's Well That Ends Well!

Given the fact that Sunday’s late season and untimely snowfall may have delayed or postponed some of the scheduled weekend events here, the Committee, along with the talented and quick thinking staff at The Compound, switched gears and jumped into action, made a few phone calls and were able to juggle some of the events that had been tentatively scheduled, but were on hold for one reason or another.

Sunday’s surprise storm and heavy snowfall made it possible to reschedule and host The World Cup Competition, even with such short notice.

The World Cup of Snow Shoveling, the final competition of the regular winter season, which is sponsored by The United States Snow Shoveling Association, (USSSA) was held at The Compound on Sunday afternoon.  Fortunately and without much notice, all of the competitors were in town and showed up and competed for the top prize. 

Well Done, Competitors!

The near record snowfall was extremely wet, heavy and plentiful and allowed for some excellent shoveling contests with vast amounts of snow being removed in world class time.

The USSSA Officials commented that all who showed up to compete were true Champions in every sense of the word, and all competitors received high marks for skill, style and technique, and the competition was very exciting for spectators and passersby to watch.  Some of the competitors were kind enough to allow paparazzi to get a few photos!

Officials reviewed play by play video to help determine the winners of the contest.  Awards were handed out shortly after the competition in a brief Awards Ceremony.  The competitors, while pleased with the results, said it has been a long and grueling season and they are ready to take a break!

After the Awards Ceremony, light snacks and beverages were served to both contestants at the Bar.