XC Headquarters Calendar of Events

09/03/10 Friday Sept 3 through Sunday Sept 5, 2010 Giant Labor Day Weekend Sale, Roller Ski Clinic & C.A.T. Ski Clinic - (Photo) Friday Sept 3 through Sunday Sept 5, 2010 Giant Labor Day Weekend Sale, Roller Ski Clinic & C.A.T. Ski Clinic Cross Country Ski Headquarters closes out all of last years discontinued skis, boots, poles, jackets, shells, fleece sweaters, insulated parkas and much much more. Clothing Brand names include Hot Chillys, North Face, Columbia, Mountain Hardwear, Sporthill, Louis Garneau, Pearl Izumi, Woolrich, Red Ledge, Under Armour, Gordini, Smartwool, Polarmax, Brooks, Swix, Ice Wear, Mental, Turtle Fur, AuClair, Kombi and much more! Fantastic prices on Classic, Skating and Backcountry Skis by Madshus, Fischer, Karhu, Salomon, Alpina and Atomic. Classic Boots by Salomon and Alpina. Skating boots by Salomon, Fischer and Alpina. Backcountry boots by Alpina and Rossignol, Classic and Skating poles by Swix, Exel, Masters and One Way. Here are some examples: 50% off Columbia 09-10 Adult and Kids Parkas! Super Sale Prices on North Face, Under Armour & Hot Chillys too! Sale prices on Snowshoes, Skis, Ski Boots & much more. 20% off Sporthill pants, tops & jackets - great for Nordic Ski Walking, Hiking, Biking, Running, Walking and CAT Skiing. Super low prices on all X-C Ski packages! All last years Madshus Skating & Classic Skis are on sale at 50% of list. 30% to 50% off on last years Fischer, Rossignol and Atomic Skating Skis! Great deals on New 2010 - 2011 stock also! The president and inventor of the C.A.T. (Classic All Terrain) Skis, Dale Niggeman, will be at Cross Country Ski Headquarters on Sunday Sept 5, 2010 for a combined C.A.T. Ski Clinic, Core Strength Clinic and Roller Ski Clinic! The cost for combined clinics is only $20! The combined clinics start at 11AM. You must have your own roller skis to participate in the Roller Ski Clinic. If you just want to do the CAT Ski Clinic, it starts at 1pm and costs $15. There will be loaner CAT Skis available. Just email: skibones@aol.com to sign up. Note: Do not forget your RUNNING SHOES, ski boots, and poles so you can learn the latest and greatest drills on core conditioning and strengthening ski specific muscles. (We can supply equipment but please call to confirm that we have your size. Cat Skis will be supplied if you don't have them.) 09/06/10 September 6 - November 5, 2010 Open By Appointment or When the Sign is Out Sale! - (Photo) September 6 - November 5, 2010 Open By Appointment or When the Sign is Out Sale! If you happen to pass the Cross Country Ski Headquarters in September or October and you see a sandwich sign in front of the store that says OPEN - SALE. Please stop in. This is the time of year that we are getting ready for winter and if we are there we are OPEN! You will find great deals on Last years closeouts and all the new stock as well. Be sure to try out the newest way to X-C Ski on the all terrain C.A.T. Skis. Free demos available any time we are there! If you do not see the sign just call 800 832 2663 and we will set a time to meet you there. 11/06/10 November 6, 2010 Saturday - Wednesday November 24 Largest Selection Pre-Season Sale on New Skiwear & Skis Plus Nordic Ski Walking & Cat Ski Demo - (Photo) November 6, 2010 Saturday - Wednesday November 24 Cross Country Ski Headquarters opens the 2010 - 2011 season with the Largest Selection of the year and Pre-Season Sale on new skiwear, skis and ski equipment. Hours 9 to 6 Fri & Sat and 10 to 5:00 Sun through Thurs. Come see us for fantastic prices and selection on all the new Cross Country and Winter Outerwear, Technical Wear, X-C Packages, X-C Skis, X-C Boots and Poles for 09-10 Season. You will find fantastic savings on Rep samples and closeouts from Fischer (skating & classical skis), Madshus (skating & classical skis), Rossignol (skating and nowax skis), Karhu (no wax skis), Salomon (skis & boots) Alpina (skis & boots), Swix (poles, clothing & wax) and Hot Chillys (base layer & mid layer), Bjorn Daehlie (ourer wear) All these samples and closeouts are brand new and at least 40% OFF! Check out the Day Lodge for deeply discounted close-out prices on last seasons carry over X-C jackets & X-C ski pants, X-C skis, rep samples, boots, base layer, snowboard jackets and pants, downhill jackets and pants and much, much more. Be sure to try out the newest way to X-C Ski on the all terrain C.A.T. Skis. Free demos available throughout the length of the pre Season Sale! Also, there will be Nordic Ski Walking Poles for you to try out and we will be glad to help you get started, all at no charge! 11/26/10 Nov. 26 - Nov 29 Friday through Monday Thanksgiving Weekend Extravaganza Sale - (Photo) Nov. 26 - Nov 29, 2010 Friday through Monday - Thanksgiving Weekend Extravaganza Sale In Store Fashion Show throughout the weekend. Fantastic prices and selection on all the new Cross Country and Winter Outerwear, Technical Wear, X-C Packages, X-C Skis, X-C Boots and Poles for 10-11 Season. Plus deeply discounted prices on Rep samples and closeouts from Fischer (skating & classical skis), Madshus (skating & classical skis), Rossignol (skating and nowax skis), Karhu (no wax skis), Salomon (skis & boots) Alpina (skis & boots), Swix (poles, clothing & wax) and Hot Chillys (base layer & mid layer), Bjorn Daehlie (outer wear) All these samples and closeouts are brand new and at least 40% OFF! Check out the Day Lodge for deeply discounted close-out prices on last seasons carry over X-C jackets & X-C ski pants, X-C skis, rep samples, boots, base layer, snowboard jackets and pants, downhill jackets and pants and much, much more. We start making snow the middle of November so be sure to bring your skis! If it is too warm to ski, try out The All Terrain Cat Skis or Nordic Walking with our special Nordic Ski Walking poles all at no charge! Bob's Beanbomb will be served on the house throughout this Sale! 11/27/10 Nov 27, 2010 - Saturday Blizzard Trail Opens - (Photo) Nov 27, 2010 - Saturday - Blizzard Trail Opens If temperatures are cold enough to make snow in mid November we will open at least part of the Blizzard Trail on Saturday November 28. Even though the loop is quite short there are 2 small hills and it is really a lot of fun for young and old! For X-C Ski Racers this is a fine opportunity for early season on snow training. This is also a great opportunity to demo some of those great skis that are sure to be still on sale at pre season package prices! 12/04/10 December 4, 2010 - March 12, 2011 Headlight Night Skiing for $5 - (Photo) December 4, 2010 - March 12, 2011 Headlight Night Skiing for $5 every night (snow permitting) from December 4, 2010 - March 12, 2011. We will have available for rent LED headlamps for your Night Skiing Enjoyment! Be sure to pick up Headlamps before 6PM Friday and Saturday and before 5PM Sunday through Thursday because the Store and Day Lodge will usually not be open in the evening. That means you will be skiing on your own! Then bring back between 10 Am and noon the following day. The cost to rent is $5 per Headlamp per night. 12/04/10 December 4, 2010 Saturday 4Pm to 6 PM Toko Wax Clinic with Nick Baic - (Photo) December 4, 2010 Saturday 4Pm to 6 PM Toko Wax Clinic The Midwest's Toko Wax Tech Nick Biac will review the basics of race waxing for both skate and classic. Nick is also the coach of the Michigan Junior Olympic Team and has the ability to explain Nordic waxing in simple but effective terms. No charge. Please let us know you are coming by emailing: skibones@aol.com 12/11/10 December 11, 2010 Saturday. 10 AM to Noon & 1 to 3 PM Kip Brady Skate Skiing Clinic - (Photo) Kip Brady Skate Skiing Clinic - December 11, 2010 Saturday 2 Sessions: 10 AM to Noon and 1 PM to 3 PM. Ski fast, even up hills. Learn from Kip Brady, world class tri-athlete and fantastic skate ski instructor. Please reserve your spot, email your name and session preference to skibones@aol.com There is a $5 fee per session to cover Kip's travel expenses. The clinic is open to all skiers and ski racers. Kip will also be available for private lessons after the afternoon clinic and on Sunday through the early afternoon. 12/11/10 December 11, 2010 Saturday 4 PM to 8 PM Swix Wax Clinic and Team Get Together and Carbonlite Demo Center Opening - (Photo) December 11, 2010 Saturday 1 PM to 8 PM - Swix Wax Clinic and Team Get Together and Carbonlite Demo Center Opening 1PM Carbonlite Demo Center Opening. Cross Country Ski Headquarters has been selected by Fischer Skis US to be the Michigan Demo Center for the new Carbonlite Skating Hole skis and Carbonlite Skating boots. Now you get the chance to ski on the same models that won more 2010 Olympic medals than any other skis or boots. 4PM Hands-on Racing Wax Clinic for classic and skating. Sponsored by Mike Wagner, United States Guru of Swix Waxes. Ask as many questions as you want! The clinic is free, but please let us know you will be coming. Ph 800 832 2663 or email skibones@aol.com 6PM After the Wax Clinic the 2004, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010 Michigan Cup Champions (also the 2010 Brumbaugh Cup Champions), Cross Country Ski Headquarters Michigan Cup Team, will have a buffet dinner, introduce new recruits and review last seasons glorious highlights! The team experts will be reporting on many racing topics including: good books on skiing, food and liquids on race day, how to improve your balance, how to get over the hills better, how much clothing and what type and planned winter team training sessions. Even if you are just thinking about participating in one race, you are strongly encouraged to join and enjoy a great evening! This team has a lot of fun and team members are very willing to help fellow skiers. We welcome new team members! To find out more, join us at Team night or call or email Devan Thielfoldt 248-740-8825 email: dthielfoldt@omniurce.com or email Bob Frye at skibones@aol.com 12/18/10 Dec 18, 2010 - Saturday. 4 PM Learn to Ski Free - (Photo) Learn to Ski Free Dec 18, 2010 Saturday. 4 PM For kids and adults. This is an introductory class to introduce anyone with an interest in outdoor winter recreation to the basics of Cross Country Skiing or Cross Country Skate Skiing. Sign in at the rental desk at 3:45. This class is free and lasts approx 1 hour. There is a nominal rental charge for those without equipment. Conditions permitting. 12/25/10 Saturday, Christmas Day December 25, 2010 Merry Christmas! - (Photo) Merry Christmas! Saturday, December 25, 2010 - Christmas Day. Cross Country Ski Headquarters Store is closed. Parking lot and trails are open during daylight hours, on the house. 01/01/11 January 1, 2011 - Saturday 4 PM Learn to Ski Free - (Photo) Learn to Ski Free January 1, 2011 - Saturday 4 PM For kids and adults. This is an introductory class to introduce anyone with an interest in outdoor winter recreation to the basics of Cross Country Skiing or Cross Country Skate Skiing. Sign in at the rental desk at 3:45. This class is free and lasts approx 1 hour. There is a nominal rental charge for those without equipment. Conditions permitting. 01/03/11 January 3 - 29, 2011 McDonald's Discover Michigan Skiing Month - (Photo) McDonald's Discover Michigan Skiing Month - January 3 - 29, 2011 Cross Country Ski headquarters has teamed up with Michigan McDonald’s restaurants to offer an exciting and very affordable introduction to the sport of Cross Country Skiing. The program is designed to introduce a healthy outdoor winter activity to anyone with an interest in outdoor winter recreation. The program includes a 1 hour group lesson, ski rental equipment and a XC SKI HQ facilities pass for the day. The price for this Discover Michigan Skiing program is $20 for adults and children 6 years old and older. The lesson normally covers basic maneuvering on skis, including classic technique, turning, controlling speed going downhill, and getting up from a fall. At the end of the program participants receive a $20-off coupon valid at participating Michigan Ski Industries Association ski shops. Please pre-register by calling 800-832-2663. 01/08/11 January 8, 2011 Saturday 10 AM to 3:30 PM Winter Trails Day 2011 - (Photo) Winter Trails Day January 8, 2011 Saturday 10 AM to 3:30 PM Location: Cross Country Ski Headquarters, 9435 N Cut Rd (County Rd 100 - Higgins Lake), Roscommon MI 48653 Entering its 16th year, the event offers children and adults NEW to snowshoeing and cross country skiing the chance to try snowshoeing and cross country skiing for FREE, and to discover the great fitness and social benefits with these easy-to-learn winter sports. Start at 10 AM, Check in for all who have a confirmed pre-registration. Then free outfitting in snowshoes, boots, skis and poles for children and adults NEW snowshoeing and cross country skiing. 10:30: X-C Ski & Snowshoe clinic, with skiers in boots, skis and poles and snowshoers in snowshoes. Learn how to get the skis and snow shoes on, how to hold the poles and how to start cross country skiing and snowshoeing. Also includes learning how to fall down and how to get up! 11:10: Go on a tour to Trappers Cabin for Hot Dogs, bonfire and Hot Cocoa. All at no charge! After a rest at the Cabin skiers & snowshoers will be able to choose to go on their own and explore more trails or be guided back to Cross Country Ski Headquarters. Noon - 3 PM: Skiers return from their tours and return snowshoes, boots, skis & poles. They are invited to relax in front of the Fireplace in the Stone Turtle Day Lodge. 3 PM Draw registrants names from hat for prizes. Prizes/Drawings: Courtesy of Atomic, Fischer, Rossignol, Salomon, Karhu and Alpina X-C Ski Companies & Yukon Charlies, Atlas and Tubbs Snowshoe Company. We ran completely out of equipment last year so we have to insist upon pre-registering! We have a limited number of skis and snowshoes. Pre register by emailing your name, address, age, shoe size, and choice of X-C Skiing or Snowshoeing to: skibones@aol.com We will respond to your registration and we will confirm your reservation for participation and equipment (based on availability of equipment) with a return email confirmation. 01/09/11 January 9, 2011 Sunday, 1 PM Winter Adventure Trail Day - (Photo) January 9, 2011 Sunday, 1 PM, Winter Adventure Trail Day Sponsored by the Great Lakes Winter Trails Council This year's theme: Have Fun Get Healthy! Free introductory lesson and junior rentals with an emphasis on getting kids and adults children NEW to Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing outside in the winter snow for some of the best fun to be had in any season! One adult must accompany every group of 3 kids. Free X-C or Snowshoe 3 hour rental for kids 6 to 16 and 1/2 off 3 hr rental for accompanying adults. Start at 1 PM, Check in for all who have a confirmed pre-registration. Pre register by emailing your name, address, age, shoe size, and choice of X-C Skiing or Snowshoeing to: skibones@aol.com We will respond to your registration and we will confirm your reservation for participation and equipment (based on availability of equipment) with a return email confirmation. 01/15/11 Jan 15, 2011 Saturday 4 PM Learn to Ski Free - (Photo) Jan 15, 2011 Saturday 4 PM For kids and adults. This is an introductory class to introduce anyone with an interest in outdoor winter recreation to the basics of Cross Country Skiing or Cross Country Skate Skiing. Sign in at the rental desk at 3:45. This class is free and lasts approx 1 hour. There is a nominal rental charge for those without equipment. Conditions permitting. 01/15/11 January 15 & 16 Saturday & Sunday - Noon Till 3Pm Get your Fill at the Grill - (Photo) January 15 & 16, 2011 Saturday & Sunday Noon to 3PM Get your Fill at the Grill Grill Cook Garrett Gabalis will make a special appearance on the Stone Turtle Day Lodge Sun Deck to Fire Grill your choice of Turkey Burger, Seafood, or Lean Beef Burgers. Choose your entree and Garrett will grill it to perfection. 01/17/11 January 17 - 21, 2011 Silver Streak Week Silver Streak Week - (Photo) January 17 - 21, 2010 Monday - Friday X-C and Snowshoe Silver Streak Week. Skiers 60 and up a free facility pass and a free trial of any skis or snowshoes in the demo program during Silver Streak Week, Seasoned outdoors people, 60 and older get their X-C SKI HQ Day Pass, coffee or hot cocoa on the house and free skiing on some of the greatest skis & boots or snowshoes from our demo program at no charge. 01/22/11 January 22 & 23, 2011 Saturday and Sunday Noon to 3PM Chicken - Artichoke Florentine Pasta - (Photo) January 22 & 23, 2011 Saturday and Sunday Noon to 3PM - Chicken-Artichoke Florentine Pasta The Stone Turtle Day Lodge will remind you of that great ski holiday you took in the Italian Alps some time ago. This season we are only serving one course so it will probably not be a 3 hour lunch. The aroma of the kitchen and flavor of this very special entree will make think twice about having to back to Italy! 01/22/11 January 22, 2011, Saturday 4PM Learn to Ski Free - (Photo) January 22, 2011, Saturday 4PM For kids and adults. This is an introductory class to introduce anyone with an interest in outdoor winter recreation to the basics of Cross Country Skiing or Cross Country Skate Skiing. Sign in at the rental desk at 3:45. This class is free and lasts approx 1 hour. There is a nominal rental charge for those without equipment. Conditions permitting. 01/29/11 January 29 & 30, 2011 Saturday Noon to 3PM Get your Fill at the Grill - (Photo) January 29 & 30, 2011 Saturday & Sunday Noon to 3PM Get your Fill at the Grill Grill Cook Garrett Gabalis will make a special appearance on the Stone Turtle Day Lodge Sun Deck to Fire Grill your choice of Turkey Burger, Seafood, or Lean Beef Burgers. Choose your entree and Garrett will grill it to perfection. 01/29/11 January 29, 2011, Saturday 4PM Learn to Ski Free - (Photo) January 29, 2011, Saturday 4PM For kids and adults. This is an introductory class to introduce anyone with an interest in outdoor winter recreation to the basics of Cross Country Skiing or Cross Country Skate Skiing. Sign in at the rental desk at 3:45. This class is free and lasts approx 1 hour. There is a nominal rental charge for those without equipment. Conditions permitting. 02/05/11 Feb 5 2011, Saturday 4 PM Learn to Ski Free - (Photo) Feb 5, 2011, Saturday 4 PM - Learn to Ski Free For kids and adults. This is an introductory class to introduce anyone with an interest in outdoor winter recreation to the basics of Cross Country Skiing or Cross Country Skate Skiing. Sign in at the rental desk at 3:45. This class is free and lasts approx 1 hour. There is a nominal rental charge for those without equipment. Conditions permitting. 02/05/11 Feb 5 & 6, 2011, Saturday & Sunday Noon to 3 PM Flatbread Lunch Special - (Photo) Feb 5 & 6, 2011, Saturday & Sunday Noon to 3 PM Flatbread Lunch Special Treat your heart to the Flatbread Grilled Chicken and Pesto Sandwich. Enjoy diced grilled chicken breast, chopped spinach and special pesto in a flatbread sandwich. Paini grilled. A culinary triumph. Serving from Noon to 3PM. 02/12/11 February 12 & 13, 2011 Saturday and Sunday Noon to 3PM Chicken - Artichoke Florentine Pasta - (Photo) February 12 & 13, 2011 Saturday and Sunday Noon to 3PM - Chicken-Artichoke Florentine Pasta The Stone Turtle Day Lodge will remind you of that great ski holiday you took in the Italian Alps some time ago. This season we are only serving one course so it will probably not be a 3 hour lunch. The aroma of the kitchen and flavor of this very special entree will make think twice about having to back to Italy! 02/12/11 Feb 12, 2011 Saturday 4 PM Learn to Ski Free - (Photo) Feb 12, 2011 Saturday 4 PM - Learn to Ski Free For kids and adults. This is an introductory class to introduce anyone with an interest in outdoor winter recreation to the basics of Cross Country Skiing or Cross Country Skate Skiing. Sign in at the rental desk at 3:45. This class is free and lasts approx 1 hour. There is a nominal rental charge for those without equipment. Conditions permitting. 02/19/11 February 19 & 20, 2010 Saturday Noon to 3PM Get your Fill at the Grill - (Photo) February 19 & 20, 2010 Saturday Noon to 3PM Get your Fill at the Grill Grill Cook Garrett Gabalis will make a special appearance on the Stone Turtle Day Lodge Sun Deck to Fire Grill your choice of Turkey Burger, Seafood, or Lean Beef Burgers. Choose your entree and Garrett will grill it to perfection. 02/19/11 February 19, 2011 Saturday 4 PM Learn to Ski Free - (Photo) February 19, 2011 Saturday 4 PM - Learn to Ski Free For kids and adults. This is an introductory class to introduce anyone with an interest in outdoor winter recreation to the basics of Cross Country Skiing or Cross Country Skate Skiing. Sign in at the rental desk at 3:45. This class is free and lasts approx 1 hour. There is a nominal rental charge for those without equipment. Conditions permitting. 02/26/11 February 26, 2011 - Saturday Noon to 3PM Barbeque Pulled Pork Lunch. - (Photo) February 26, 2011 - Saturday 4 PM Barbeque Pulled Pork Lunch. Feast on some of the best barbequed pulled pork East of the Mississippi River. Served on a fresh baked sourdough roll with a big pickel spear and Veggies. All for just $5! 02/26/11 February 26, 2011 - Saturday 4 PM Learn to Ski Free - (Photo) February 26, 2011 - Saturday 4 PM Learn to Ski Free For kids and adults. This is an introductory class to introduce anyone with an interest in outdoor winter recreation to the basics of Cross Country Skiing or Cross Country Skate Skiing. Sign in at the rental desk at 3:45. This class is free and lasts approx 1 hour. There is a nominal rental charge for those without equipment. Conditions permitting. 02/27/11 February 27, 2011 - Sunday 10AM 19th Annual Junior Muffin Races - (Photo) February 27, 2011 - Sunday 10 AM - 19th Annual Junior Muffin Races 8K Duathalon Classic / Freestyle Cross Country Ski Headquarters will sponsor a Junior Girls & Boys 8K Duathalon race. Skiers will classic ski the first 1/2 of the race then ski freestyle the 2nd 1/2 of the race. Registration begins at 10:00 AM Sunday. The start will be as close to 11 AM as registration allows. This is a Michigan Cup Junior Race. Medals will be awarded to the top 3 finishers in the girls and boys races. After the 8 km Senior Muffin Division Duathalon races there will be 3 Junior Muffin freestyle races: Ages 6 years and under, 7 to 9 and 10 to 12. There will be no entry fee for these 12 and under racers and all racers will be awarded a medal! There is a $10 entry fee for the Senior Racers (13 and older) and it includes a Pig Roast Lunch. The Pig Roast is $5 for anyone else who might be hungry too. All racers and family members who partake in the Pig Roast will also receive a complimentary 1 day XC SKI HQ facilities pass. 03/05/11 March 5 & 6, 2011, Saturday & Sunday Noon to 3 PM Flatbread Lunch Special - (Photo) Feb 5 & 6, 2011, Saturday & Sunday Noon to 3 PM Flatbread Lunch Special Treat your heart to the Flatbread Grilled Chicken and Pesto Sandwich. Enjoy diced grilled chicken breast, chopped spinach and special pesto in a flatbread sandwich. Paini grilled. A culinary triumph. Serving from Noon to 3PM. 03/05/11 March 5, 2011 - Saturday 4 PM Learn to Ski Free - (Photo) March 5, 2011 - Saturday 4 PM - Learn to Ski Free For kids and adults. This is an introductory class to introduce anyone with an interest in outdoor winter recreation to the basics of Cross Country Skiing or Cross Country Skate Skiing. Sign in at the rental desk at 3:45. This class is free and lasts approx 1 hour. There is a nominal rental charge for those without equipment. Conditions permitting. 03/12/11 Saturday, March 12, 2011 Michigan Cup Relays at Cross Country Ski Headquarters - (Photo) March 12, 2011 - Saturday 9AM - Michigan Cup Relays at Cross Country Ski Headquarters. Registration Starts at 9 AM. Relays start at 10:30 AM. A Michigan Cup Relay Race involving 3 skiers per team: 2 legs freestyle, one leg classic; approx 8 km per leg for freestyle and classic. Entry Fee: $20 per racer. All entrees score Team Points. If you do not have a team we will try to match you up. Includes refreshments (some teams bring special refreshments), Giant Subs, Grilled Hot Dogs and fresh baked Chocolate Chip and Oatmeal Raisin cookies for dessert! Last year this race was canceled due to the early thaw. 56 Teams participated in 2009! There will a lot of pent up demand for this race! 03/19/11 March 19, 2011 Saturday Noon to 3PM Get your Fill at the Grill - (Photo) March 19, 2011 Saturday Noon to 3PM - Get your Fill at the Grill Grill Cook Garrett Gabalis will make a special appearance on the Stone Turtle Day Lodge Sun Deck to Fire Grill your choice of Turkey Burger, Seafood, or Lean Beef Burgers. Choose your entree and Garrett will grill it to perfection.