New Year's Eve Day ~ Rain ~ Picture of the Day ~ Leaning Tower of Pisa ~ Southwestern Chicken Packets ~ New Year's Eve ~ National Champagne Day

 

Good 40º cloudy foggy last day of 2020 morning.....

 

 

Yesterday rain was predicted and it started just after 1pm and it POURED the rest of the day!!!!  

 

We topped at 41º. 

 

Picture of the Day

 

 

 

 

Interesting

 

 

The Leaning Tower of Pisa  or simply the Tower of Pisa is the campanile, or freestanding bell tower, of the cathedral of the Italian city of Pisa, known worldwide for its nearly four-degree lean, the result of an unstable foundation. The tower is situated behind the Pisa Cathedral and is the third-oldest structure in the city's Cathedral Square (Piazza del Duomo), after the cathedral and the Pisa Baptistry.

The height of the tower is 183.27 feet from the ground on the low side and 185.93 feet on the high side. The width of the walls at the base is 8 ft 0.06 in. Its weight is estimated at 16,000 short tons. The tower has 296 or 294 steps; the seventh floor has two fewer steps on the north-facing staircase.

 

The tower began to lean during construction in the 12th century, due to soft ground which could not properly support the structure's weight, and it worsened through the completion of construction in the 14th century. By 1990, the tilt had reached 5​¹⁄₂ degrees. The structure was stabilized by remedial work between 1993 and 2001, which reduced the tilt to 3.97 degrees.

 

The tower was closed to the public on 7 January 1990, after more than two decades of stabilisation studies and spurred by the abrupt collapse of the Civic Tower of Pavia in 1989. The bells were removed to relieve some weight, and cables were cinched around the third level and anchored several hundred meters away. Apartments and houses in the path of a potential fall of the tower were vacated for safety. The selected method for preventing the collapse of the tower was to slightly reduce its tilt to a safer angle by soil removal 1,342 cubic feet from underneath the raised end. The tower's tilt was reduced by 17.7 inches, returning to its 1838 position. After a decade of corrective reconstruction and stabilization efforts, the tower was reopened to the public on 15 December 2001, and was declared stable for at least another 300 years. In total, 77 short tons of soil were removed.

After a phase (1990–2001) of structural strengthening, the tower has been undergoing gradual surface restoration to repair visible damage, mostly corrosion and blackening. These are particularly pronounced due to the tower's age and its exposure to wind and rain. In May 2008, engineers announced that the tower had been stabilized such that it had stopped moving for the first time in its history. They stated that it would be stable for at least 200 years.

 

 

From Mr. Food

 

If you're a fan of big taste, then you're gonna go wild over our Southwestern Chicken Packets! We cook our chicken inside tin foil to lock in the flavors of the spices and get that ooey-gooey cheese melted just right. Plus, it makes cleaning-up easy!

 

• 4 boneless, skinless, chicken breast halves (about 1-1/2 pounds)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced sun-dried tomatoes in oil, not drained
• 1/2 cup diced green chilies, drained
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 cup shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided

 

1. Preheat grill to medium-high. Cut 4 (12-inch) squares of aluminum foil.
2. Evenly sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper and place each piece in center of a foil square. Evenly spoon sun-dried tomatoes, chilies, and corn over each chicken breast. Sprinkle cumin and chili powder evenly over vegetables. Wrap foil securely, leaving room for steam to circulate, and seal edges tightly.
3. Place packets on grill, close grill cover, and cook 8 to 10 minutes, or until chicken is no longer pink in center.
4. Open packets carefully, as steam may be released. Sprinkle with cheese and continue to cook 1 to 2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

 

 

***Make 'em in the oven! - Bake chicken packets at 350 º for 15 -20 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink in center. 

 

 

 

 

Historically this date....

1862 – American Civil War: Abraham Lincoln signs an act that admits West Virginia to the Union, thus dividing Virginia in two.

1879 – Thomas Edison demonstrates incandescent lighting to the public for the first time, in Menlo Park, NJ.

1907 – The first New Year's Eve celebration is held in Times Square (then known as Longacre Square) in New York City, New York.

1909 – Manhattan Bridge opens.

1960 – The farthing coin ceases to be legal tender in the United Kingdom.

................OMG, I first thought this said "farting" coin!

1983 – The AT&T Bell System is broken up by the United States Government.

1999 – Boris Yeltsin, the first president of Russia, resigns as President of Russia, leaving Prime MinisterVladimir Putin as the acting President.

 

And births this date include...

1920 – Rex Allen, American actor, singer, and songwriter (d. 1999)

1930 – Jaime Escalante, American teacher (d. 2010)

 

1943 – John Denver, American singer and songwriter (d. 1997)

 

1943 – Sir Ben Kingsley, English actor

 

 

1947 – Tim Matheson, American actor

1958 – Bebe Neuwirth, American actress

 

1959 – Val Kilmer, American actor

 

 

 

 

1965 – Nicholas Sparks, American author

1974 – Tony Kanaan, Brazilian racing driver

 

 

All I know. Nuff said. Have a good last day of the year. Ciao.

xo Sue Mom Bobo

Every year on December 31st, people around the world celebrate New Year’s Eve, the last day of the year. It’s a day to say “goodbye” to the old and “hello” to the new.

Also known as Old Year’s Day or Saint Sylvester’s Day, New Year’s Eve is one of the most exciting holidays of the year. In some countries, such as the Philippines and Latvia, New Year’s Eve is a public holiday. In Japan, it’s a government holiday. In other countries, many businesses let their employees off of work early so that they can partake in the many festivities.

There are many reasons this day is one of the biggest nights of the year. Not just because it’s a time of big parties and celebrations all around the world. New Year’s Eve can be a significant turning point in your life. It’s a time to reflect on the past year and all of the lessons you have learned. It can be a time you decide to start making better choices. If you have had a rough year, New Year’s Eve offers a feeling of relief. You can be thankful that the year is finally over

New Year’s is also a time to forgive past mistakes and form new habits. Many people make New Year’s resolutions. Although, only 8% of people actually accomplish them. Instead of making resolutions that you’re not going to keep anyway, it’s better to set three or four goals. Breaking down goals into actionable steps, and reviewing your progress daily helps to keep them. It’s also a good idea to find a friend or mentor that can hold you accountable.

HOW TO OBSERVE

As we count down the last hours and seconds of the old year, it is an excellent time to look back at the year and reminisce with friends and family.  

Many cities throughout the world go all-out to celebrate this exciting night. Fireworks, concerts, countdowns, and ball drops are usually among the many festivities. Some of the best cities to celebrate include New York City, Sydney, Bangkok, Dubai, Cape Town, London, and Las Vegas.

In Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries, it is a tradition to eat 12 grapes during the countdown to midnight, symbolizing hopes for the new year. Around the world, eating anything in the form of a circle or ring symbolizes coming full circle and is considered good luck.

As a Christian observance, it is traditional to hold an evening Mass the night before a Holy Day. New Year’s Day in the Roman Catholic Church honors the Virgin Mary. In some countries, St. Sylvester, Pope of the Catholic Church from 314 to 335, is celebrated on New Year’s Eve.

Other ways to participate:

• Host a party to ring in the New Year
• Set some achievable goals
• If you can’t be at a celebration, watch one live on television
• Have a game night with your family and see who lasts until midnight
• Go for a midnight run
• Attend a concert that goes past midnight
• Go ice-skating at a nearby park or indoor rink
• Kiss your spouse or significant other at midnight
• Enjoy a quiet evening at home journaling
• Think about what you can do to make next year the best one of your life

 

NEW YEAR’S EVE HISTORY

The first New Year’s celebrations were thought to be held in ancient Mesopotamia. Because of the calendar at the time, these celebrations took place in March. Ringing in the New Year consisted of an 11-day festival. When the calendar switched from the lunar year to the solar year, the New Year began in January. This occurred in 46. B.C., when an astronomer convinced Julius Caesar to follow the solar year. It seems that since way back then, the coming New Year has been cause for celebration. Through the years, many New Year’s traditions have formed. Some of which include fireworks, parties, and singing “Auld Lang Syne.”

 

Today is also...

 

National Champagne Day recognizes the wine that puts the pop in every New Year’s Eve celebration. 

Genuine champagne only comes from France’s Champagne region. French law protects where and how it is made. With some exceptions, only Champagne made according to set specifications and within the French region may label their wines using the term “Champagne.” Other foods and beverages fall under this type of protection in France and other parts of the world.

Champagne, France, is located northeast of Paris and provides ideal temperature and soil to produce the grapes required for Champagne. French law allows only eight varieties of grapes for the production of Champagne in the Champagne region. Primarily, the three grapes used to create Champagne are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. 

Unlike other wines, Champagne ferments in the bottle allowing the vintner to trap the CO2 in the bottle. The bubbles give Champagne its effervescence.  

While Champagne can be spendy, if you are looking for a little pop on New Year’s Eve, other varieties of sparkling wine are available from Italy, California, and even the South of France. They offer a sparkle that won’t put a fizzle in your pocketbook. Then again, some New Years mean an opportunity for splurging and celebrating no matter the expense.

Full Moon ~ Frozen Pastures ~ Picture of the Day ~ Woodrow Wilson's Sheep ~ Baked Shrimp Dip ~ Dan Cermak ~ Gabe Ramirez ~ Bacon Day

 

Good 30º dark cloudy morning. 

 

Still a full moon! Be careful out there!!

 

 

Yesterday started at 22º and with everything frozen it looked like it snowed! 

 

We topped at 51º. 

 

 

 

Picture of the Day.... this is how Dude is with Bruiser!!! :o)

 

 

 

 

Interesting about White House sheep.....

 

 

President Woodrow Wilson had a way with animals. Not only was he the last president to be towed by horse-drawn carriage to his inauguration, he also kept sheep on the White House lawn.

For several years, beginning in the spring of 1918, a flock of sheep grazed on the White House Lawn. After America entered World War I, the sheep helped to save manpower by keeping the grass trimmed, as well as money on the cost of mowing. It is not known exactly who came up with the idea, but Dr. Cary T. Grayson, a close acquaintance, purchased a few sheep on Wilson’s behalf from a farm; 12 sheep and four lambs in all. Over three summers, that number would grow to 48.

The idyllic appearance of sheep grazing on the lawn was part of the appeal of the project. Eventually, the flock had to be sheared, and two pounds of wool was given to each state. With governors acting as auctioneers, the wool was sold to the highest bidders, and the proceeds of over $50,000  were donated to the Red Cross War Fund.

In 2018, the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum received an unusual donation; wool from the White House sheep. JP Brunschwyler, a West Virginia engineer, was one of the people who had bid on the wool (as part of a group). He put it in a safe deposit box, where it remained for one hundred years. Visitors to the museum can now view a tactile piece of evidence which proves that sheep once grazed on the White House lawn.

 

 

From Mr. Food

Want to be the hit of the party circuit? Then you must try our easy Baked Shrimp Dip. Made from bite-sized frozen salad shrimp and lots of convenient items from the market dairy case, this hot-out-of-the-oven creamy spread will disappear in a flash.

 

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/2 pound frozen salad shrimp, thawed
• 1/2 cup sliced scallion (green onion)

 

1. Preheat oven to 350º. Coat a 1-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
    
2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and hot sauce; mix until well combined. Stir in shrimp and scallions; mix well.
    
3. Spoon mixture into prepared baking dish. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until golden on top and heated through.

 

 

***Serve this baked dip with fresh-cut vegetables and crispy crackers.

 

 

Special birthdays today.... Dan Cermak, Ace Hardware in Rogue River, is celebrating today........ HAPPY BIRTHDAY BIG D!!

 

Also celebrating today is Gabe Ramirez (LASD ret)... HAPPY BIRTHDAY GABE!!

 

 

 

Historically this date.....

1862 – The USS Monitor sinks off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.

1903 – A fire at the Iroquois Theater in Chicago, Illinois kills 600.

..... the deadliest single building fire in US history!

1924 – Edwin Hubble announces the existence of other galaxies.

 

 

And births this date include...

1920 – Jack Lord, American actor (d. 1998)

 

  

 

 

1934 – Russ Tamblyn, American actor, dancer, and singer

(West Side Story)

 

 

 

1935 – Sandy Koufax, American baseball player

 

1942 – Michael Nesmith, American singer and musician (The Monkees)

 

1945 – Davy Jones, English singer (The Monkees) (d.2012)

Interesting that they were both born on the same day!

 

 

 

 

All I know. Nuff said. Have a good Wednesday. Ciao.

xo Sue Mom Bobo

 

On December 30th each year, bacon lovers celebrate one of nature’s favored gifts on Bacon Day!

Everything is better with bacon. Someone said that once. And our research shows very little to dispute this assertion.

In the United States and Canada, bacon is made from the pork belly. Elsewhere in the world, the side and back cuts of pork are used. The meat is cured in either a salt brine or in a salt pack. It is then either dried, boiled, or smoked.

Bacon is a very popular food in the USA.  You can find many items also flavored or scented with bacon, including popcorn, soap, candles, air fresheners, and much more. While these uses are options, we suggest cooking with bacon.

It’s not just for breakfast anymore, either. Bacon improves everything from beverages to dessert. Some cocktails such as the Bloody Mary and Caesar add bacon to the olives, pickles, and other assorted ingredients. Bacon improves the flavor of many appetizers, sandwiches, and soups. Incorporate bacon into salads as a topping or mix it into the dressing. When it comes to dessert, bacon pairs well with maple frosting or maple ice cream. Thanks to the salty, smoky flavor of bacon, it compliments sweet quite well. The possibilities are endless.

NATIONAL BACON DAY HISTORY

Danya “D” Goodman and Meff “Human Cannonball” Leonard founded Bacon Day in 1997 as the one great day to bond everyone together.