Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving



There is one day a year when food and family take center stage and that day is Thanksgiving.  Families come together across many miles to spend the day eating food prepared from recipes passed down for generations.  It is a time for grateful appreciation of being together and having the comfort of being "home".   Thanksgiving is a time for traditions. The traditions vary from family to family, from city to city, from state to state, but one thing is certain food is always center stage!

A few fun facts about Thanksgiving:

  • President Abraham Lincoln declared the last Thursday in November as a national day of thanksgiving in 1863. In 1939, President Franklin Roosevelt decided that the holiday should be celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in order to extend the holiday shopping by a week as requested by The National Retail Dry Goods Association. This caused controversy since in 1939 there happened to be five Thursdays in November. Two years later, the House of Representatives passed a resolution making the last Thursday in November a legal holiday.  The Senate amended the resolution, setting the date as the fourth Thursday and the House eventually agreed.
  • Macy's was not the first department store to sponsor a Thanksgiving Day parade. Gimbel's, a Philadelphia department store sponsored a parade in 1920. Macy's parade began four years later and has become a Thanksgiving tradition as well as the kick-off to the Christmas shopping season.
  • Domesticated turkeys, which are the ones we traditionally eat on Thanksgiving, cannot fly.  They are also slow with females being a bit faster than the males.  Wild turkeys can fly for short distances at a speed of almost 55 mph!  They also have better vision and hearing than the domestic turkeys.  Benjamin Franklin actually suggested that turkeys be our national bird instead of the bald eagle!
  • The White House has a long history of issuing pardons for turkeys. The practice may have begun when President Lincoln granted a pardon to his son Tad's pet turkey. President Obama pardoned a turkey named courage in 2009.
  • The Pilgrims adopted the Native Americans use of cranberries.  The Native Americans used cranberries in foods such as "pemmican" which was a nourishing, high protein combination of dried deer meat, crushed berries and melted fat.  They used cranberries also as a medicine to treat wounds and as a dye for fabric.  The Pilgrims named it "craneberry" because the drooping pink blooms in the spring reminded them of a crane.
  • The first Thanksgiving was a 3-day harvest feast held by the founders of the Plymouth colony in 1621.  Attending were 53 colonists and 90 Wampanoag.  They feasted mainly on venison, swan, goose, and duck. 

There are several recipes and dishes that are required eating on Thanksgiving.  It is interesting to see how the recipes and names of dishes change depending on the Mason Dixon Line! One the most popular is "dressing" or "stuffing". Southerners call it "dressing" and most Northerners call it "stuffing", although a few Pennsylvanians have "filling" with their turkey.  There is no way to know if the Pilgrims had stuffing at the original feast, but it is likely that combinations of wild game and rice were featured in some way.  Boston cookbooks include stuffing recipes that contain oysters. Mennonite women used left-over mashed potatoes, stale bread, and butter to make their "filling" to serve as a casserole with the main dish of poultry.  

In the south, the dressing is cornbread based.  Many homes serve dressing cooked by a recipe that has been in the family for years.  Some cooks know the recipe by observing their mothers and grandmothers prepare the dish.  It is often hard to find two recipes exactly the same and sometimes a recipe isn't written down.  A grandmother may tell you to use enough broth until it "looks right" or you add a "bit" of salt and "some" stalks of celery.  Perfecting the recipe make take a couple of Thanksgiving failures to get it right!  

Many cooks used what was available to make their dressing or stuffing.  The Pacific Northwest recipes have oysters, clams, and mussels.  The American West cooks developed their own recipes by blending what they liked from the North and the South. San Franciscans took advantage of left-over sourdough bread for their dish.  The recipe shared below is an updated version of a traditional stuffing recipe from San Francisco.

San Francisco Stuffing
Serves 16

1 large loaf sourdough bread cut into small cubes ( about 13 cups)
8 links chicken apple sausage
2 large white onions, chopped
5 stalks of celery, chopped
4 tablespoons of butter
6 cups peeled and diced Granny Smith apples
3 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon dried sage
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon of dried savory
1 teaspoon of dried thyme
1 teaspoon black pepper

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spread bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Transfer cooled cubes to large bowl.
Cut open sausage links remove casing and finely chop meat.  Add 1 tablespoon butter to heavy skillet, heat over medium heat and add sausage.  Saute until browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and add to bread.  In the same pan, saute onions and celery until translucent.  Add to bread mixture.  Put remaining butter in the same skillet and saute the apples until soft.  Add apples to bread mixture along with the sage, savory, thyme, pepper, and salt. Gradually add liquid until the bread has absorbed it and the bread cubes have no crunch.  Butter a 15x10x2-inch baking dish, add the stuffing, cover with foil and bake until top is golden brown and crisp, 45 minutes to 1 hour.


This stuffing is very different from most served in this area, but maybe your family would welcome a "new" tradition!

Earl's Moving Company wishes you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving!!!



Earl's Moving Company, a Christian based company, was founded in 2008 by Earl Pike. Earl's strives to make moving as easy as possible so you can enjoy your new home. Raised in Alabaster, Earl enjoys moving people home with southern hospitality. Earl's Moving is available for residential and commercial moves in Alabaster, Auburn, Calera, Chelsea, Clanton, Helena, Hoover, Montevallo, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Prattville, Trussville, Tuscaloosa, and Vestavia Hills.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Moving Home to Mountain Brook

A suburb of Birmingham, AL, Mountain Brook is located in Jefferson County and is known to be the state's most affluent place to live. Earl's Moving Company is happy to move families to the city that spans approximately 12 square miles. 

Mountain Brook, Alabama

Incorporated in 1942, the city formally called Mountain Brook City was developed in the 1920's by Robert Jemison, Jr., a successful real estate developer. Mr. Jemison's goal was to preserve the natural surroundings and environment for the enjoyment of the future residents. It was reportedly named, according to one account, after the Mountain Brook Store in Blount County. Jemison sold shares in Mountain Brook Estates to individuals, which enabled them to choose lots. He limited the types of businesses permitted to move into the community, forbidding hospitals, auto garages, veterinary services, and other businesses considered noisy. 

Many of the facilities and homes were constructed in the English Tudor style, with Italianate, French Norman Farmhouse, Georgian, and Federal Revival styles. In the 1920's, the development suffered from the economic effects of the Great Depression. As Birmingham recovered during World War II, so did Mountain Brook, incorporating in 1942.

Mountain Brook is centrally located and is home to five distinct shopping villages. Spend the day shopping speciality items at Cahaba Village, Crestline Village, English Village, Mountain Brook Village and Overton Village

Mountain Brook's own school system is recognized as one of the top systems in the state. There are four elementary schools, a junior high (grades 7-9) and a high school (grades 10-12). The purpose of Mountain Brook Schools is to provide an effective, challenging, and engaging education for every one of our students. 

This beautiful community is routinely named among the safest in the metropolitan area with over 50 sworn officers on staff. Safety is a priority with three fire stations employing over 62 personnel.

Quality recreational activities and the Athletic Complex provides fields and courts for a variety of sports. Six baseball/softball fields, three soccer fields, six tennis courts, playground, concession stand, and restroom facilities make up this complex organized by Mountain Brook Athletics. Rathmell Sports Park consists of six fields and a pavilion housing a concession area and restroom facilities. 

Share with us your favorite part of living in Mountain Brook . And, if you don't live here yet, but are thinking of moving, please call the friendly, experienced team at Earl's Moving Company for a quick, stress free quote. 

Jeremiah 29:11 ~ For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Earl's Moving Company, a Christian based company, was founded in 2008 by Earl Pike. Earl's strives to make moving as easy as possible so you can enjoy your new home. Raised in Alabaster, Earl enjoys moving people home with southern hospitality. Earl's Moving is available for residential and commercial moves in Alabaster, Auburn, Calera, Chelsea, Clanton, Helena, Hoover, Montevallo, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Prattville, Trussville, Tuscaloosa, and Vestavia Hills.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

Celebrate the 200th Bicentennial Harpersville Celebration

"Harpersville, Alabama is a great city to move to and call home." Earl's Moving Company

One perfect example of a great town to live in happens this Saturday, November 14, at 83 Town Hall Lane, citizens and visitors will gather for the 200th Bicentennial Harpersville Celebration. The festivities will begin at 8:00 am, with children's activities, arts and crafts vendors, antique car show and you will be sure to enjoy the parade that begins at 10:00. The noon hour brings recognition to our local Veterans and a Hay Bale Art Contest. Stick around for afternoon musical festivities and plenty of good food.

Harpersville, AL

If you didn't know about, or were not convinced previously, Mayor Theoangelo Perkins may be able to persuade you ~ 

"Harpersville is a great place to live, work and raise a family. This community has so much to offer. Small town charm with big city conveniences are just one of the many reasons to call Harpersville home. Highway 280 allows our businesses to prosper and grow while keeping safe with local police department coverage. Harpersville has many churches, a local school, a public library, a drive-in movie theater, and so much more.

Business is growing in Harpersville as we have just welcomed our newest corporate citizen Bama Budweiser. We have many industrial businesses, local restaurants and retail to name a few. 

Most of all, Harpersville is a wonderful place to call home because of its people which are why we are proud of our town's motto "Rich Past, Bright Future"! We invite you to come and grow with us!

Attractions that you will enjoy include Old Baker Farm where you can choose and cut your Christmas tree. The whole family will enjoy complimentary hot apple cider, candy canes and a hayride through the Christmas trees. School children come from all over to visit the pumpkin patch each year. 

Well known Morgan Creek Vineyards offer a beautiful and elegant place for weddings or other special occasions, big or small. Gorgeous vineyards and scenery offer a perfect getaway for girls day out, or celebrating an anniversary. 

Stone Hollow Farmstead provides historical tours showcasing handmade, farm fresh artisanal products using the highest quality standards. Locally and naturally grown botanicals and handcrafted specialty goat cheese. 

With over 30 years spent in perfecting the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass, Sunbelt Turf Farm is located on Highway 25. Sunbelt Turf Farm provides Harpersville and surrounding areas with "home grown" sod.

Located less than 30 miles from downtown Birmingham, Harpersville is convenient to work and colleges. Even closer is shopping, banking and an almost endless variety of restaurants. 

With all that Harpersville has to offer, Earl's Moving Company enjoys moving families, long or long distance, home to Harpersville, Alabama. If you live in Harpersville, share your favorite thing about living in this fun city with us. 

Jeremiah 29:11 ~ For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Earl's Moving Company, a Christian based company, was founded in 2008 by Earl Pike. Earl's strives to make moving as easy as possible so you can enjoy your new home. Raised in Alabaster, Earl enjoys moving people home with southern hospitality. Earl's Moving is available for residential and commercial moves in Alabaster, Auburn, Calera, Chelsea, Clanton, Helena, Hoover, Montevallo, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Prattville, Trussville, Tuscaloosa, and Vestavia Hills.

Friday, November 6, 2015

Let Earl's Moving Company Move You Home to Hoover, Alabama

The team at Earl's Moving Company enjoys living in and being a part of Hoover, Alabama and the Shelby County area. 

Hoover, AL, Shelby CountyLocated in Jefferson and Shelby Counties, along the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Hoover is the largest suburb of Birmingham. Incorporated in 1967, Hoover is named after William H. Hoover, a pharmacist turned local insurance company owner. Since the 1930's, the area was known as Green Valley and was mostly a residential community. September 8, 1980, the annexation of the Riverchase business and residential community provided a base of large office buildings and brought employers to the city.

I-459 opened, making better access to I-65, and the Riverchase Galleria, one of the largest shopping centers in the Southeast, providing a shopping-hotel-office complex. This was a dramatic catalyst, bringing new residents and businesses to the city. Other shopping centers in Hoover include Patton Creek and Village at Lee Branch. Today Hoover provides services from many city facilities including a Municipal Center, Library and a Public Safety Center, just to name a few.

Both residents and businesses enjoy Hoover because of the rolling hills, nice residential areas, schools, city services, shopping and business communities.

The Riverchase Office Park, as well as other office parks and commercial buildings throughout Hoover, house the many large corporations, bringing award winning companies. The result means a variety of many jobs to the area. 

Safety is a priority in this busy, but small town feel city. Hoover Fire Department is a full-time career department operating nine fire stations throughout the city. Very active in the community, the department provides free blood pressure checks, participates in Meals on Wheels, installs hundreds of child safety seats each year, participates in Operation Safe Place, in addition to a very active Fire Prevention program taught in all Hoover elementary schools. When the police force of the City of Hoover began using 104 Chevrolet Tahoes, the department became the largest law enforcement fleet in the nation that runs on E95, a fuel that is 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Hoover also operates its own 911 emergency call center which has eight operation positions and is staffed 24/7.

There is no shortage of schools in Hoover. It has ten elementary schools, three middle schools and two high schools including Spain Park High School and Hoover High School. The city is proud of the local college campuses of Jefferson State Community College and Faulkner University.


If you have decided to move to Hoover, Earl's Moving Company is the ideal, no stress way to relocate you and all of your belongings. 

Jeremiah 29:11 ~ For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Earl's Moving Company, a Christian based company, was founded in 2008 by Earl Pike. Earl's strives to make moving as easy as possible so you can enjoy your new home. Raised in Alabaster, Earl enjoys moving people home with southern hospitality. Earl's Moving is available for residential and commercial moves in Alabaster, Auburn, Calera, Chelsea, Clanton, Helena, Hoover, Montevallo, Mountain Brook, Pelham, Prattville, Trussville, Tuscaloosa, and Vestavia Hills.