It was another memorable McCall Xmas for the Mooney/Haga/Wonderlich clan. We were all at the cabin for Christmas Eve and Day. This marked the 37th consecutive year we have celebrated the holiday in McCall. In the beginning it was quite a challenge to get all the presents, food, and gear to Pilgrim Cove. Some things do not change, it took four pretty full vehicles to manage the moving complexities including two dogs.
Each year we go to the forest and cut the tree for the cabin. This year we hiked through the snow and found a tree that was deemed at risk. Trees that are growing in clusters are crowding each other out and you can count on them not being perfectly symmetrical. This year the tree was short and very round in the middle. The tree easily qualified as Charlie Brown appropriate. It was determined it had to be placed on a box to best capitalize on its unusual shape. Carefully decorated with all of the gifts arranged underneath we were ready for the important day. Early the next morning Margie woke me up with a very calm, “the tree fell over-Ooma needs help.”
Indeed the tree took a header and we lucked out and got to redecorate it once it was stabilized and anchored to the wall.
Another tradition includes home made cinnamon rolls after the presents are opened. Megan and Ooma collaborated and the rolls met the very high standards expected. No Xmas is complete without getting to Brundage to make some turns with the family. It was a beautiful day on the mountain with the liftee’s donning very season appropriate costumes. I thank my lucky stars to still be skiing with the kids on Christmas Day.
Megan and Katie are very good skiers and we have spent a lot of time in search of powder in the trees. Early season does bring in to play some hidden “snow snake” that can alter your intended course. Generally you can miss the tree but on this day Megan caught and edge and skied directly into the tree in the picture. When Hank and I skied by all we could see was her bright yellow coat and goggles. Megan was straddling the tree with her skis on and under several feet of snow. “Are you ok, I yelled tentatively. Her laugh told the story, no damage to anything but the ego. It took a while for her to unbury herself and shinny up the tree to finally escape.
George of the Jungle was a classic if forgettable full length feature that we watched in 1997. The animated version aired first in 1967. A story of a young boy lost in the jungle after a plane crash and raised by a wise Ape—named Ape. The song is memorable, like can’t get it out of your head words and lyrics. We have often sung it on the ski hill and you can guess why we broke into song with Meg. George, George, George of the jungle…….”watch out for that tree.”
I love the grandchildren, they say what is on their minds. Clio is seven and out of the blue, told me, “I hope you live to be as old as Grandpa Bob.” We lost Bob a few years ago and he was 97. Lucky 🍀 Boompa. Enjoy every day.
May your New Year bring you health, happiness and prosperity. Mike