Jumpin' At The Woodside

Turkey, parades, grandparents and football... Thanksgiving has many traditions and depending on your family it may include cranberry jelly that jiggles on a platter in the shape of a can, fresh cranberry sauce or perhaps brandied cranberries. Regardless of your Thanksgiving menu, the holiday evokes memories and traditions as we gather together with family and friends celebrating life’s bounty from the past year. We all know the story of the Pilgrims and who hasn’t drawn a turkey by tracing his or her own hand on a piece of paper. I recall one Thanksgiving after I had my tonsils removed. I had no turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, or any of the home-style staples of comfort food we’ve come to know and love. I ate Jello that year while curled up on the couch watching the football games. Football has always been a big part of the holiday for me. From watching the NFL games to going to my annual hometown high school rivalry game that celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. Attending th...

We finally had some visitors to the bird feeder this morning. These aren't the best photos, but in the photo above there's a woodpecker in the feeder and a smaller bird perched on the shed. In the photo below a small bird picks up a breakfast snack. It seemed as if the birds only discovered the feeder this morning, and once they did there was a flurry of activity around the feeder. It has quieted down now, perhaps they got their fill.

I was treated to an amazing sunset this afternoon as I left work. I don't think this photo from my cell phone does it justice. It was actually rather warm here today, but still I longed for a Winter Lager similar to Ol' Lazy Acres pictured below from last night. I didn't have time to stop at the store, so a Rolling Rock will have to do. But hardly the same now is it?

I hung our Poppa Gar original bird feeder late yesterday afternoon. I have yet to see any visitors even though we have a good share of winter birds like blue jays and cardinals. Guess they just need some time to discover it. I figured the front of the shed was a good place to hang it since at that height it can be seen from the back porch and all our back windows.

Some may say it's too early, but it's already been below freezing here on one occasion which is all it takes to break out the Sam Adams Winter Lager . Although, I still think it's too early for the Sam Adams Holiday variety pack and the Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale. One sip of the Winter Lager and I swear if I close my eyes I can see twinkling Christmas lights - or that may have been Lago whacking me upside the head :~) Oh well, Salut' -- It may be cold outside (in the evening), but I've got my Winter Lager to keep me warm!

Not sure if this will be a re-curring feature or not, but with the latest post of the Halloween iTunes Mix, I thought it might be cool to share some new and old tracks that are currently in my iTunes playlist. Of course some of these will be seasonal selections as well. Autumn in New York - Frank Sinatra Not much needs to be said for this one. It's Francis Albert crooning a fall classic that will put you in the middle of Central Park as the leaves gently tumble to the ground. Big Ol' Game - Joss Stone This is a brand new track released as part of a benefit CD to fight hunger & poverty. Joss is a fav on the ol' jukebox and this tune shows why. How does such a young British woman sound so soulful? Don't know, but sounds great. Cool Struttin' - Sonny Clark This is a newly re-mastered jazz bop classic recorded in 1958. For you Miles fans, in on this session was the famous rhythm section of Paul Chambers and Philly Joe Jones. Eh Hee - Dave Matthews This track actuall...