Good 42º pouring rain morning.
And the gloom continues.....
Turkey having fun standing up on the downed tree....
Happy Friday the 13th! 
Considering the full moon was yesterday and today it's 98%... it's crazy out there!!!
Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day in Western superstition. It occurs when the 13th day of the month in the Gregorian calendar falls on a Friday, which happens at least once every year but can occur up to three times in the same year – for example, in 2015, the 13th fell on a Friday in February, March, and November. 2017 through 2020 will all have two Friday the 13ths, and the years 2021 and 2022 will have just one occurrence each.
A Friday the 13th occurs during any month that begins on a Sunday.
The superstition surrounding this day may have arisen in the Middle Ages, "originating from the story of Jesus' last supper and crucifixion" in which there were 13 individuals present in the Upper Room on the 13th of Nisan Maundy Thursday, the night before his death on Good Friday. While there is evidence of both Friday and the number 13 being considered unlucky, there is no record of the two items being referred to as especially unlucky in conjunction before the 19th century.
According to the Stress Management Center and Phobia Institute in Asheville, North Carolina, an estimated 17 to 21 million people in the United States are affected by a fear of this day, making it the most feared day and date in history. Some people are so paralyzed by fear that they avoid their normal routines in doing business, taking flights or even getting out of bed. "It's been estimated that [US]$800 or $900 million is lost in business on this day". Despite this, representatives for both Delta Air Linesand Continental Airlines (the latter now merged into United Airlines) have stated that their airlines do not suffer from any noticeable drop in travel on those Fridays.
BBQ Beef Casserole
2 lbs ground beef
1/4 t. salt
1/2 medium onion, chopped
1 18oz jar barbecue sauce
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 8oz can Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
Place oven rack in lower third of oven, heat to 350º.
In skillet cook beef, add salt, cook over medium heat 3 minutes. Add onion and cook 3-5 minutes longer, until onion has softened and beef is thoroughly cooked, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat and add barbecue sauce, stir until well combined. Spoon beef mixture into ungreased 2 quart baking dish. Stir in 2 cups shredded cheese.
Unroll crescent rolls. Place sheet of dough over beef mixture to cover, tucking in sides of dough. Place baking dish on sheet pan or cookie sheet.
Bake on lower oven rack 30-35 minutes or until top is golden brown. Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Historically this date......
1636 – The Massachusetts Bay Colony organizes three militia regiments to defend the colony against the Pequot Indians. This organization is recognized today as the founding of the United States National Guard.
2000 – The "Texas 7" escape from the John Connally Unit near Kenedy, Texas and go on a robbery spree, during which police officer Aubrey Hawkins is shot and killed.
2003 – Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is captured near his home town of Tikrit(see Operation Red Dawn).
And births this date include....
1818 – Mary Todd Lincoln, First Lady of the United States (d. 1882)
1910 – Van Heflin, American actor (d. 1971)
1925 – Dick Van Dyke, American actor and comedian
Interesting.... he's 94. He got married the first time in 1948 and after 38 years got divorced. Then he married again in 2012 at age 87!
1929 – Christopher Plummer, Canadian actor
1945 – Herman Cain, American businessman, radio host, and politician
All I know. Nuff said. Happy TGIF (er maybe). Ciao.
xo Sue Mom Bobo
December 13th commemorates the birth of the National Guard.
A component of the United States Army, the National Guard is primarily composed of citizen soldiers who hold down full-time, civilian jobs, attend school or as is often the case, both. At the same time, they are available to provide support and protection for the states’ civilians or to be called for military operations for the country.
Each U.S. state, District of Columbia, Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the territories of Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands maintain both an Army National Guard and an Air National Guard.
National Guard Mission
National Guard Soldiers serve both community and country. Our versatility enables us to respond to domestic emergencies, overseas combat missions, counter-drug efforts, reconstruction missions and more. The Guard always responds with speed, strength and efficiency, helping to defend American freedom and ideals.
From before the start of the American Revolution to Hurricane Katrina and beyond, the National Guard has provided support and protection for its citizens.
HOW TO OBSERVE
While not recognized as a Federal Holiday, National Guard members across the country celebrate the birth of the oldest military organization in the United States with galas, balls and birthday parties.
NATIONAL GUARD BIRTHDAY HISTORY
On December 13 of 1636, a direct declaration by the Massachusetts General Court established an official militia for the first time in the American Colonies. The resolution required all able-bodied men from age 16 to 60 to join. While less-organized militia existed, this legal document brought them together under a formal establishment. We know this organization today as the National Guard.
The Massachusetts Bay Colony established three regiments designated East, South, and North. Older than the United States itself, the National Guard maintains these roots in Massachusetts. The regiments include the 101st Engineer Battalion (formerly East Regiment), the 101st Field Artillery (South Regiment), and the 181st Infantry and the 182nd Infantry Regiment (North Regiment).
After the United States was formed, and the country grew, each state established its own militia. However, the term National Guard was not the official name until 1933. While some states used the term National Guard before this time, individual state militia had various titles. Two examples include the Mississippi State Guard and the Indiana Legion.
After World War II, the newly established United States Air Force established the Air National Guard.
Today, approximately 350,000 men and women serve in the National Guard and the Air National Guard, 39% of the Army’s operational force.
** My Jerry was a Marine but also served with California National Guard after we were married. He operated a 155 self-propelled howitzer....
In the Marines he had been a tanker....
