The History Of The New Year

New Year’s Eve is just days away and the countdown until 2018 has begun. Parties and events are planned and people are excited to celebrate the start of a new year. For some people, the end of one year and the start of a new year is important and represents a transition. New year resolutions are made and people use this time to improve themselves and their life. New Year’s Eve is celebrated in many ways around the world. New Years has been celebrated for thousands and thousands of years. Today, most New Year’s celebrations begin on December 31 and continue into the early hours of January 1. Common traditions include special themed parties, eating certain New Year’s foods, watching firework displays, and counting down until the clock strikes midnight. While these are common ways people celebrate, it isn’t always the case. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company has some insight into how our New Year traditions began.

Ancient New Year’s Celebration

New Year celebrations go back 4,000 years ago to ancient Babylon. These festivities may go back even further, but the earliest recorded celebrations were recorded in Babylon. For the Babylonians, the first new moon that follows the vernal equinox – which is a day in late March where there is an equal amount of sunlight and darkness – was the beginning of a new year. They marked that occasion with a large religious festival called Akitu, which is derived from the Sumerian word for barley, which was cut in the spring. This particular festival lasted 11 days and involved a different ritual each day.

The New Year

The early Roman calendar was 304 days in length and consisted of only 10 months. With this calendar, the new year began at the vernal equinox which took place in late March. It was created by Romulus, the founder of Rome, in the eighth century. Numa Pompilius, a later king, is credited with adding the extra 2 months which were known as Januarius and Februarius. As time went on, the calendar had fallen out of sync with the sun, and in 46 B.C. the emperor Julius Caesar decided to solve this issue by consulting with the most prominent astronomers and mathematicians at that time. They had come up with a new solution that was known as the Julian calendar. This calendar closely resembles the more modern Gregorian calendar that we use today. Along with the new calendar, Caesar also marked January 1 as the first day of the year to honor the month’s namesake Janus, which is the Roman God of beginnings. The Romans celebrated the new year by offering sacrifices to Janus, exchanging gifts with one another, decorating their homes with laurel branches and attending lavish parties.

New Year Traditions

Fast forward to today and new year celebrations look much different. In many countries, New Year’s celebrations begin on the evening of December 31 and continue into the early hours of January 1. It is very common for people to have extravagant meals and snacks that are thought to bring good luck in the coming year. In many different parts of the world, traditional New Year’s dishes feature legumes that resemble coins, which will bring them financial success in the coming year. In some cultures, pigs represent progress and prosperity, so it is common for pork to appear on the New Year’s menu. Ring-shaped cakes and pastries are often served in the Netherlands, Mexico and Greece as a sign that the year has come full circle. In Sweden and Norway, they usually service rice pudding with an almond hidden inside. Whoever finds the almond can expect 12 months of good fortune.

Happy New Year From A B Pest Control & Insulation

Everyone at A B Pest Control & Insulation wants to wish you a safe and happy New Year. We hope 2018 will be filled with happiness, good health, and success. If you are going out to celebrate, have fun and be safe! Don’t forget to kick off your new year with a pest free home. From pest control to lawn maintenance, your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company takes care of it all.

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

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Countdown To Christmas To Do List

The countdown for Christmas has officially begun and we are less than a week away. For some people, they can’t contain their excitement. For others, they still have a lengthy list of things to do and haven’t even started their Christmas shopping. If Christmas has snuck up on you, don’t worry, A B Pest Control & Insulation is here to help. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company has created a list of things to do leading up to Christmas day.

5 Days – 1 Week Before

Deep Clean Your House – you’ll enjoy your Christmas decorations even more when your house has been cleaned from top to bottom. Clean floors and an organized kitchen, it doesn’t get much better than that. One important task to take care of is cleaning out and organizing your fridge. You’ll need to toss old leftovers to make room for the ingredients and big dishes that will be piling up as Christmas nears.

Make Sure You Have Batteries – if you haven’t stocked up on all kinds of batteries while out Christmas shopping, now is the time! You’ll want to make sure you have batteries for toys, electronics and anything else that requires batteries that will be opened on Christmas morning. There’s nothing worse than opening a present and not being able to start it up right away.

3 Days Before

Shop For Fresh Ingredients – 3 days before is the earliest you will want to buy any fresh fruits, veggies, or herbs you may need for your holiday cooking. 3 days before will help you avoid the last-minute rush and will give you more time to prep and cook.

Set The Table – decorating the table for Christmas is a way to let your creativity run wild! Go ahead and set the table a few days ahead of time. You can even make Christmas dinner easier by putting a sticky note on each platter that states what dish you plan to serve in it. This also helps when other people are helping you serve or set the table. They won’t have to ask you multiple time what goes where.

2 Days Before

Begin Cooking – you may have started to prep food a day or two before this, but 2 days before is the time you want to start prepping the main courses. This will help ease your stress when it comes to cooking the day of.

Buy Fresh Flowers – whether you are hosting a party or a small family get together, fresh flowers make a great addition. When buying fresh flowers for an event, they should always be purchased 2 days before. This gives the blooms time to open and they will be lush and fragrant.

The Day Before

Check Rechargeable Batteries – make sure that the batteries on your camera or video recorder are charged and ready to go. You won’t want to miss any of the reactions when opening presents or the memories of Christmas day.

Finish Any Last-Minute Gift Wrapping – Now is the time to make sure all of the presents are correctly wrapped and labeled. You’ll also want to assemble any toys or gifts that will be surprises from Santa.

Finish Cooking and Create a Plan For Christmas – Decide when you will be eating and then create a game plan for cooking that day. This way everything will be ready at the same time.

Sit Back & Relax – It is Christmas Eve after all! You will want to spend time with your family and loved ones.

Happy Holidays! 

A B Pest Control & Insulation hopes you have a very Merry Christmas! We hope these tips help alleviate some of your holiday stress. Don’t forget, bugs and pests don’t take time off just because it’s the holidays. If you have an ongoing pest problem, give your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company a call! 

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Pest Control Company

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Delicious Christmas Cookie Recipes

‘Tis the season for lots of baking and delicious food. Holiday baking is a staple in many households and it’s a great way to spend time with your family. While we love to bake, and we love the cookies even more, A B Pest Control & Insulation knows that pests love the cookies and those crumbs as much as we do. Make sure your home stays pest free this holiday season by calling your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company. To get into the holiday spirit, here are two of our favorite cookie recipes from delish.com. These are sure to be a crowd favorite!

Santa’s Trash Cookies because even Santa has a naughty side – from Delish

Total Time: 25 minutes

Cook: 8 minutes

Level: Easy

Yield: 28 cookies

Ingredients

¾ cup unsalted butter – room temperature

½ cup sugar

½ cup brown sugar

1 large egg

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 ¼ cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

¼ teaspoon kosher salt

1/3 cup crushed potato chips

1/3 cup crushed pretzels

1/3 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

3 tablespoons red and green sprinkles

Flaky sea salt for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. Cream together the butter and sugars until light and fluffy. This normally takes about 3 to 4 minutes.
3. Mix in the egg and vanilla.
4. In another large bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until smooth. The dough will be thick.
5. Gently stir in chips, pretzels, chocolate chips, and sprinkles.
6. Make tablespoon size balls of dough. Slightly press them down onto the cookie sheet and sprinkle with sea salt.
7. Bake until edges are just starting to get golden. This usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes.
8. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 2 to 3 minutes and then transfer the cookies to a cooling rack to completely cool.

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Gingerbread Cookies – master this classic recipe and make gingerbread men worthy of Santa himself – recipe from Delish

Total time: 2 hours 25 minutes

Prep: 15 minutes

Cook: 10 minutes

Level: Easy

Yield: 3-4 dozen

Ingredients

¾ cup butter – softened

¾ cup brown sugar

1 large egg – room temperature

2/3 cup molasses

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

½ teaspoon ground cloves

½ teaspoon salt

Vanilla icing for decorating

Sprinkles for decorating

Directions:

1. In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter and brown sugar until it’s nice and fluffy. Add the molasses and egg and beat until it’s well mixed.
2. Add flour, vanilla, spices, baking soda, and salt, and mix on low until the dough comes together. (it’s important to not overmix).
3. Divide the dough in half and press down on each piece to create two discs. Wrap each in plastic wrap. Chill until firm, about 2 to 3 hours.
4. Preheat over to 350 degrees. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper. Place one disc of dough on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper. Roll out the dough to 1/8-inch thickness. If the dough softens quickly, freeze the full sheet of dough.
5. Cut out gingerbread shapes and transfer to baking sheets. Repeat with remaining disc of dough.
6. Bake until firm, this takes about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the size of your cookie cutter. Cool completely on baking sheets.
7. Decorate with white icing and decorate as desired.

Keep Your Home Pest-Free This Holiday Season 

These are just two of our favorite holiday cookie recipes from delish.com. If you’re baking this holiday season, be sure to thoroughly clean up afterward and keep all ingredients and baked goods properly sealed and covered. Doing so will help prevent bugs and pests from invading your kitchen. If you have a pest problem, give A B Pest Control & Insulation a call! Your pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks can help keep your holiday season pest free. 

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

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www.abpest.net

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The History of the Christmas Tree

There's no doubt that a freshly cut Christmas tree brings the Christmas spirit into your home. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company knows that there is so much more to this tree and the meaning behind it. Whether you put up a fake tree or a real tree, the meaning is the same. A B Pest Control & Insulation has put together some information about the history of the Christmas tree and some other fun holiday traditions.

History of the Christmas Tree 

The history of the Christmas tree may come as a shock to many. This well-known symbol of Christmas is displayed in homes in the United States, Europe, and in many other countries around the world. There isn’t really any evidence that the modern Christmas tree originated in paganism. The Romans did, however, decorate their houses with green evergreen fir trees and branches. They also decorated with lights and exchanged gifts. Late in the Middle Ages, the Germans and Scandinavians decorated their homes both inside and outside with evergreen trees to show their hope for the forthcoming spring. The modern-day Christmas tree that many have come to know and love has evolved from these early traditions.

The history of the Christmas tree in the United States dates back to the time of George Washington and his defeat of the German Hessians in 1776. The war was during the Christmas season, which for the Germans was a time for celebration, including decorated trees, food, and songs. Because they were distracted by the celebration of the season, Washington was able to sneak in with his troops and defeat them. After the war in 1776, many Germans stayed in the United States, shared their traditions and introduced the Christmas tree.

As time went on, the United States realized the need for a Christmas tree market. The first Christmas tree supplier was Mark Carr from the Catskill Mountains in New York. He grew fir and spruce trees in abundance, chopped them down, and transported them to New York City where he sold them. He continued the business until the year 1898.

In the early years, many Americans considered the tree an oddity that should not be displayed at Christmas because it was a symbol of paganism. The New England “Puritans” acknowledged Christmas to be sacred, so their governor William Bradford worked to put an end to the “heathen tradition” of decorated trees. He even tried to penalize any such display. By the early 20th century, Christmas trees were everywhere! They were decorated with homemade ornaments and brightly-colored popcorn. The Christmas tree is now a staple in many American homes.

Other Christmas Traditions

The Advent Calendar

This is a fun and festive tradition that makes the countdown to Christmas bearable for many kids. There are many versions you can buy, or you can even create your own. The tradition of the advent calendar dates back to the early 19^th century when families would make a chalk line on their front door and use it to count down the days in December until Christmas Eve.

Personalized Ornaments

Personalized ornaments are a way to add more meaning to your Christmas tree. They can commemorate a milestone or a special moment. You can buy one that fits your memory or there are companies that let you design your own. The first Christmas ornaments in the 1800s were made from different types of fruits and nuts. As the tradition of decorative Christmas trees spread across the country, ornaments became more unique and special. The manufacturing and sale of Christmas ornaments is one of the biggest markets worldwide.

Christmas Stockings

Hanging Christmas stockings is a festive and fun way to decorate your mantel and show off each family members unique style. You can reuse the stockings from year to year. You have to make sure you behave, you don’t want coal in your stocking on Christmas morning.

Have A Pest-Free Holiday

If your pest infestation goes beyond your Christmas tree, it is best to call a professional pest control company at the Lake of the Ozarks. From bed bugs to spiders, A B Pest Control & Insulation can make sure your home is pest free for the holidays. To schedule an appointment with a professional Lake of the Ozarks exterminator, contact us at 573-964-1100.

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

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Holiday Events at The Lake of The Ozarks

December is officially here and that means the holiday season is about to be in full swing. A B Pest Control & Insulation knows that are many fun activities around the Lake of the Ozarks that will help get you and your family into the holiday spirit. Your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company has all the details you need so you don’t miss out on any of these fun events.

Candyland 

Local residents can stop at Candyland located in Stonecrest Mall and select a candy cane from the Christmas tree. Those candy canes contain a list of wants/needs for a child from either Osage Upper Elementary, Osage Beach Elementary, Leland Mills Elementary, Eldon South Elementary, or Eldon Upper Elementary. The individual can then purchase those gifts for that child and return them to either the YMCA or to the Candyland headquarters where they will be wrapped and delivered. This event is organized by the Lake Ozark Rotary Club.

Osage Holiday Bazaar

December 2, 2017

9:00 am - 3:00 pm 

Osage High School

636 Highway 42

Osage Beach, MO, 65065

Please join us at the 37th Annual Osage Holiday Bazaar! It is one of the Lake Area's biggest Craft Shows! Over 100 Local Artists and Vendors!

Christmas Village & Ice Skating

November 23 – December 24

The Ice at Old Kinderhook

678 Old Kinderhook Dr.

Camdenton, Missouri, 65020

Every weekend (Fri. - Sun) from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve will feature the following fun activities and much more. Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, Gingerbread House Decorating, Tree Lighting and Tree Trimming Gatherings, Santa & Mrs. Clause, Elf Storytelling, S'mores around the fire pit, Spa Features, Fun games for the family, great food and great company and Ice Skating with a special guest!

Christmas on Main Street

  

November 24 – December 17

Main Street Music Hall

5845 Osage Beach Parkway

Osage Beach, Missouri, 65065

Happy Holidays from the Main Street Music Hall! Enjoy your favorite songs with a night of laughter, as Gabby Gumm and our talented cast gives you that warm fuzzy feeling you use to get when you were just a child. 

Christmas on Main Street is guaranteed to entertain every kid, from one to ninety-two with an evening of clean family fun, as well as celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. Santa and the Grinch will be available for photos, and kids may even be able to join the cast on stage for their favorite holiday music.

Purchase tickets soon as Christmas on Main Street sells out quickly. For show times and tickets call 573-348-9500, or access the online ticketing system at http://www.lakemusichall.com/tickets.asp

Deck the Docks Holiday Light Cruise

November 24 – December 30

5:30 pm – 8:00 pm

Celebration Cruises

5085 Davis Drive

Osage Beach, Missouri, 65065

7th Annual DECK THE DOCKS Festival of Lights to benefit Dogwood Animal Shelter!

Starting November 24th, the beautiful Celebration Yacht will embark on a cruise each Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday to tour sparkly docks and lakefront homes decorated for the holidays! Tickets are $25 each.

All Passengers must book reservations in advance. Tickets may be reserved through Celebration Cruises by calling 573-480-3212 or on the website at www.cruiselakeoftheozarks.com.

Camdenton Christmas on the Square

December 2, 2017

9:30 am – 1:30 pm

Camdenton Square

Camdenton, Missouri, 65020

Activities will begin with the Running of Elves 5K at 9:30 AM. At 10:30 AM, festivities will kick-off with games, ornament making, chocolate snowmen, prize drawings, craft tables, music, cookie decorating, petting zoo, hot dogs, hot chocolate, cookies, and more! In addition, attendees can register for ham drawings provided by Camden County elected officials. All activities (with the except of the Running of Elves 5K) are free, including the hot dogs and hot chocolate.

Santa will arrive at 11:30 AM with the Hawthorn and Oak Ridge Choir performing at Noon.

People are encouraged to bring canned goods that will then be turned in to the LAMB House food pantry as part of the Can-Do Challenge. A Can-Do trophy will be given to those bringing in the most canned goods-categories include Churches, Businesses and Clubs/Organizations. This event is sponsored by the Camdenton Area Chamber of Commerce. 

Christmas for Kids

December 9, 2017

5:30 pm – Cocktail Party

6:300 pm – Dinner

The Lodge of Four Seasons – Granada Room

315 Four Seasons Drive

Lake Ozark, Missouri, 65049

A Benefit Sponsored by the Christmas for Kids Committee, Kiwanis Club of Ozark Coast and Lake Area Businesses. All proceeds Benefit Underprivileged Children in the Lake Area, LOSA, Wonderland Camp, Hope House, Big Bro./Big Sis., Lake Reg. Pediatrics, YMCA, Share the Harvest Food Pantry & Kid’s Harbor.

Doors will open at 5:30pm for cocktail hour and dinner will be served at 6:30pm.

Sit-down meal served (three-course meal).

Drink stations located in different areas of the room for less wait.

One of the best silent and live auctions at the Lake will be returning.

Djay Johnny Marsi with Elite Lighting & Sound will be there to entertain you until midnight.

In following the Christmas for Kids tradition, each person is asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy with a value of $20, or a $20 cash donation upon entry.

If purchasing a table of 10 is not an option for you, we will offer single tickets to be purchased in advance for $70 per person. This includes entrance into the event at 5:30pm, sit down dinner, auction item purchase opportunities, and evening entertainment.

RSVP your table today! Without you, Christmas for over 1,600 lake area children will not be possible! Must be 21 to enter.

Lake Ozark Christmas Parade

December 09, 2017

Bagnell Dam Strip

Bagnell Dam Blvd.

Lake Ozark, Missouri, 65049

Celebrate the season with at the 33rd Annual Christmas Parade along the Historic Bagnell Dam Strip. This year's theme is, "A Musically Magical Christmas".

The Lake Ozark "Christmas Magic" Parade will line up at 242 starting at the HH & Bagnell Dam Blvd. intersection, and will turn right to proceed down Bagnell Dam Boulevard to the Dam. The Parade will be lead by the Maine Corp League Honor Guard with the Grand Marshall and all parade participants following them.

Immediately following the parade, Santa will greet kids and families for a bonfire at the top of the Bagnell Dam Strip at Two Bit Town! There will be treats for the kids, hot chocolate, coffee and refreshments, Christmas music and caroling and also the Parade Float winners will be announced!

Happy Holidays from A B Pest Control & Insulation

Happy Holidays from your Lake of the Ozarks pest control company. If you need to protect your home from pests this holiday season, give A B Pest Control & Insulation a call. From keeping your home warm all season to protecting your home from pests, we can take care of it all! 

Lake of the Ozarks
Pest Control Company

Visit Our Website:
www.abpest.net

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