It's Time For The Tree!

I think just about everybody likes Christmas time; some when it’s over, and some when it rolls around. One of the usual rituals at this time of year is to go get the tree. As a young kid, I remember going with my Mom and Dad to get the Christmas tree. We would always go at night, because my dad was always working and that was the only time he could go. It was always cold and if we were lucky, it wouldn’t be snowing. We would go from one tree lot to another, always looking for just “the right tree”. Trees were available in any color, as long as you wanted green. Once the “perfect tree” had been found, we would take it home and my Dad would have to build a tree stand. Then the tree gets put up, decorated with a variety of ornaments of different shapes and sizes, etc, etc., you know the drill. Some people would even put those silver stringy hanging icicles on their tree. I hated those. They didn’t look like icicles.

Then one year my Dad pulled a fast one. We went through the usual yearly tree ritual, but instead of taking the tree home, my Dad took it to my Grandma and Grandpa’s house. My Grandpa had an auto body shop out back, and he fixed and painted cars. This year my Dad painted the tree white. Pure white, with automotive paint! Now this was way before the days of the “flocked white” trees, that you may remember. This was genius, absolute genius. When the paint on the tree was dry and ready to move, Dad brought it home and set it up.

Our home had a big picture window in the living room, right in the front of the house. My parents decorated this white tree with big red ornaments. All red, all the same size, and I got to help. Then one more brilliant idea. They put two big spotlights in the corners of the room, one on each side of the tree, to shine up on the tree. When the tree was finished, the other lights in the room were turned off. They opened the drapes, just about two thirds of the way, like a big curtain on a Broadway stage, exposing and highlighting the tree, center stage. We went outside and looked at the tree through the window. I remember, the tree was stunning. Absolutely beautiful!

Neighbors and other people driving by at night would stop in front of the house and stare at the tree for the longest time, totally amazed. I’m sure they’d never seen anything like it before. I remember lots of people even coming to the door to find out what in the world they did to that tree. It was pretty impressive. It was cool!

Now, fast forward to my era as a parent. I remember Jill and I “dragging” our kids to the tree lots, looking for the perfect tree once again, just like my folks did with me. I think it’s important to “punish” your kids a little, and pass on a time honored tradition to them. In our day, flocked trees had become quite common, however, you could still get a green tree if you looked hard enough. We did this tree thing with our kids for years and years.

Nowadays, our kids are married and on their own. I don’t know if Jill and I are not as adventuresome as we used to be, or if we’re just getting older, or maybe, we’re even getting smarter. A few years ago, we bought the ultimate tree. No, it’s not painted white with automotive paint; it’s green, and it’s quite nice looking. It doesn’t need water, it doesn’t dry out, and the needles don’t fall off. Our tree even ‘grew’ it’s own lights! We don’t like to say it’s artificial; we prefer to call it genetically engineered, or technologically advanced! It might not be as spectacular as the Beautiful White Tree with Big Red Ornaments, I remember as a kid, but it’s a lot easier to deal with. And when Jill does her decorating magic to the tree, it is a wonderful thing!

It will be interesting to see if our kids “punish” their kids and pass on that old, time honored tradition. We’ll just have to wait and see! …….I can’t believe they would even think of doing that to our grand kids! ........... Can you?
But you know what, ….they’d better! .....Hmm, I wonder,

Do they still have tree lots? Can you still get a flocked tree?

Moms and Dads out there, you ought to find out! It makes for some pretty good memories!
Just sayin’!

Black Friday......Not at The Compound

Black Friday. Retailers wait all year long for this day to come around, the biggest and busiest shopping day of the year, but nooooooooo, Not at The Compound. It’s Christmas Decoration Day, complete with Christmas Music. Christmas Music alllll day long. It just wouldn’t be right without Christmas Music, make no mistake about that, and Jill has a job to do; it’s like she’s on a mission. The Big Thanksgiving Day meal is over, and the Fat Lady has sung. Now it’s time for the leftovers and for Jill to decorate the Tree with all the fancy ornaments and such. Jill has to put up the wreaths inside on the windows, hang the garlands on the stairway and railing, deck the halls, and hang the Christmas Stockings on the fireplace mantel and so on. It seems like Jill has a lot to do, doesn't it?

My job is to put the big wreath on the front door and make sure it's centered and to put up the wreaths on the front porch lights, and deal with the other outside stuff. Jill is like a well oiled machine when it comes to the decorating. She just tackles one chore after another, just like clockwork. She's got this decorating thing down to a science. I’m afraid if I tried to help, I would just get in her way; so it’s best if I just stand back and tell her that looks perfect! I’m certain that if she needed my help she would ask for it.

Did I ever mention that Jill is a pretty good cook? Did I mention anything about the leftovers?

"Wow, Honey, It’ beautiful. It sure looks pretty, you sure did a nice job. Oh, by the way, don’t forget to hang the mistletoe! Now let’s have that Turkey Sammie! I’m starvin’. You know…..I have been working pretty hard around here!"

Thanksgiving Day at The Compound

Thanksgiving, the Harvest Festival, one of our favorite holidays, has finally arrived. The day starts off as usual…with a cup of fresh hot coffee, and the morning news. Jill gets the turkey in the oven and the final countdown to the big meal is underway. All of the side dishes are ready to cook or reheat, and I am always ready to stir.

The morning continues with the parade. Yes, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a must see, along with Bloody Mary treat treats. as we continue with preparations for the big day. The whole gang is set to arrive around 2pm, and then the Food Fest will begin.

Here is a look at the Menu for this years Wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner. I certainly hope no one goes away hungry. We wish L, A, G1, & G2. were here. Maybe next year!

Cocktails
Ginger & Anise Pear Bellini
Sauvignon Blanc
Black Label Claret Cabernet Sauvignon
Spiked Egg Nog
And of course, the Beverage of The Day - Bud Light

Appetizers
“A”s Apple & Pear Slices w/Brie Cheese
Butternut Squash Soup topped w/Savory Croutons

Salad
Mixed Greens w/Roasted Beets, Tangerine Slices, Red Onion,
Candied Pecans, & Shaved Pecorino Romano w/Poppy Seed Dressing

The Main Event
Slow Oven Roasted Turkey
w/Herbed Stuffing & Herbed Dressing
Port & Cinnamon Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry Jelly
Fresh Home Made Crescent Rolls w/ Fresh Blueberry-Cinnamon Jam

Side Dishes

Parsnip Puree
Maple Mashed Yams
Bleu Cheese Cauliflower
Butterscotch Baby Carrots
Jill’s World Famous Baked Beans
Seasoned Green Beans w/Butter & Toasted Almonds
Brussels Sprouts w/Shallots, Bacon, Garlic, & Pecorino Romano
w/A Drizzle of Balsamic Vinegar
Mashed Yukon Gold Potatoes w/Jill’s Home Made Gravy

And For Dessert
All Fresh Home Made of Course,
and served with a cup of Fresh Hot Coffee!
Dutch Apple Pie
Maple Pecan Pie
Grandma’s Lemon Pie
Grandma's Pumpkin Pie
Grandma’s Banana Cream Pie
Served w/ your choice of Fresh Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream
Grandma’s Home Made Chocolate Fudge & Divinity Samplers

As you can probably imagine Thanksgiving Dinner is an all day Event, as well it should be!
YUMMEEE!
And the best is yet to come.....I can 't wait for the Turkey Sammies!

The Cooking Marathon

It’s that time of year again, here at The Compound. The leaves have been raked up, the sprinklers have been turned off, Halloween is over, and Christmas is just around the corner. Yes, that means it’s Turkey time! Jill has been planning the menu for weeks now, and she’s finally nailed it down. The specialty foods and ingredients have all been picked up, the shopping is done, the centerpiece is finished, the sterling has been polished, and the table has been set.

Now it’s time for the cooking marathon to begin, not to mention the taste tests and samplers! Maybe she’ll even let me help stir! I’ll bet it’s going to be good!

The USSSA

The United States Snow Shoveling Association (USSSA) has received approval from the committee and is pleased to announce that The Compound will be this years Venue for all of the Competitive Snow Shoveling Events, as well as the workout and training site.

Tryouts for this years team are expected to be fun, exciting and entertaining, but can sometimes be long and grueling. This years Snow Shoveling Team will not be announced until later in the season, but certainly before the Competitive Events are scheduled to begin.

If you are interested in trying out for this years team, or would simply like to train and workout with the coaches and current team members, and learn the proper techniques and secrets to effective, world class snow shoveling, you may sign up at any time. However, it is best to sign up just before an expected storm, as it can be challenging to train without any snow.

Once you become a workout and training partner, you will be notified of the training dates and schedule. Workout/training partners must supply their own cold weather gear. Snow shovels will be provided by The USSSA, as they wear out quickly during the training sessions. Please be advised, this is the kind of extensive training that will build character and personal values that can last a lifetime.

Oftentimes, the workouts are followed by a bowl of Hot Chili and a cup of Fresh Home Made Hot Cocoa, also provided by The USSSA.

The USSSA will be applying for acceptance into the 2014 Winter Olympic Games.
Snow Shoveling is not a Professional Sport….yet, ....But we have people working on it!

The USSSA is not sponsored by, nor affiliated with The USSA, NCAA, NBA, NHL, NFL, AFL, USU, U of U, UVU, BCS, IFA, EPA, KOA, FHA, PTA, NRA, NSA, PGA, LPGA, AAA, TSA, UTA, USDA, PLO, LGBT, ACLU, AARP nor DWTS.

The USSSA is supported entirely by donations from generous citizens, like you! If you would like to donate call 1-555-GO USSSA. Thank You!

Snowflake Convention at The Compound

We were expecting a pretty good turnout for this weeks Snowflake Convention; however, we had far more attendees than we bargained for. Once word spread through the Snowflake community that the Convention was going to be held at The Compound, the Snowflakes invited all of their friends and colleagues, resulting in Snowflakes flying in from as far away as Alaska, Canada, the pacific northwest and other surrounding states.

Commuter travel around The Compound was restricted as usual, and because of the number of attendees, parking was limited, resulting in most of the Snowflakes finding alternative ways of entering the Convention. Many Snowflakes seemed to just simply fall in from the sky!
By the time they got to The Compound they were cold and freezing, and there wasn’t nearly enough space for all of them and they were literally sitting on top of each other.

The Snowflake Convention was to begin on Sunday afternoon, but most of the Snowflakes arrived earlier than anticipated, prompting an earlier start time for the Convention. This weeks agenda will address weather patterns, including el nino, la nina, and climate change. Al Roker is scheduled to be the Keynote Speaker at this weeks event. Time permitting, discussions will include Winter Sports and Recreation and it’s growing popularity.

The Snowflake Convention is scheduled to last until Wednesday. Clean-up is expected to take several days.

Autumn Leaf Roundup - The Results

As expected, “The Annual Autumn Leaf Roundup Competition” was a huge success. The weather was threatening, but as usual, the skies above “The Compound” cleared, temperatures were above normal, the winds were mild, and the event went forward as scheduled without a hitch.

We were surprised and overwhelmed by the number of contestants that signed up to participate and compete for the honor of “Best Leafer in the Land”. Both of the competitors received high marks for originality in style and technique, not to mention, the sheer volume of leaves collected, along with their speed and creative abilities to tie up a leaf bag. The contest was very close and the expansive grounds were cleaned up to near perfection, just in time for the impending cold, snowy winter weather. The judges ultimately declared a tie for First Place in the competition. Well done.

Prizes, Cash and Trophies were awarded to the Winning Contestants during a brief ceremony shortly after the event.
As promised, the event was followed by a delicious Chuck Wagon Style lunch consisting of Slow, Roasted over the Campfire, Pulled Pork Sammies served with Gary’s Smokey Barbeque Sauce, Fresh Home Made Coleslaw with Jill’s Tangy Dressing, Chips and Sauce King Flavors. For a finishing touch, Ice Cream with Home Made Chocolate Syrup was served to all of the participants and spectators. It was quite a crowd pleaser.

It was a perfect day....We couldn't beleaf it.

The Annual Kickoff to the Winter Season followed at dusk with a light dusting of snow.

The Annual Autumn Leaf Roundup

Just a reminder…. The Annual Autumn Leaf Roundup Competition and Kickoff to the Winter Season will take place today, Saturday, November 20, 2010. The event will of course, take place at The Compound, and because, after all, it is a roundup, it will be followed by a chuck wagon style lunch.

Rakes and leaf bags will be provided for each of the contestants. Leafers, as they are known in the sport, should provide their own protective gear, ie, jackets, boots, goggles, gloves, etc. Brown jersey gloves are recommended. Although very stylish, mittens are discouraged. Rugged outerwear or anything denim is suggested and encouraged for their own protection. Contestants should arrive early to select the best, most leafy areas which will yield the best results. Mother Nature has been kind and we’ve had a good crop of leaves this year, and there should be plenty for everyone.

Leafers may compete alone or in teams of two. Leafers will be judged, not only on volume and the number of bags collected, but on overall style, form and technique. Leafers that compete in the wind will be awarded extra points, as this adds a higher degree of difficulty. While jumping in big piles of leaves is fun for the competitors, it only slows down the process and will not be part of the judging. This is an old fashioned competition, and while effective, Leaf Blowers will not be allowed. Those that participate in the annual event will automatically become members of The American Leaf Club. The ALC sponsors events such as this in nearly every state in the nation.

Cash and prizes will be awarded to the Winning Contestants. Remember, this is only a friendly competition, and while it may be tempting, wagering will not be permitted.

One final note. Leafers will be required to count their own number of leaves collected to determine the winner of today’s event, as the judges are still counting leaves from last years roundup.

This is truly an American sport that is timeless and fun for all ages. With a little practice, anyone can do it. Lots of food and fun for all those who participate. Hope to see you all there.