Rain/Sun ~ Picture of the Day ~ Battle of 1776 ~ Macaroni and Cheese Soup ~ National Bird Day

   

Good 37º dark cloudy foggy morning. 

Yesterday rain had been predicted, and we got a little of it Friday night, but then we had some patches of blue sky and sun!

And Dude was a happy camper....

Picture of the Day .... LOL

Interesting about the Battle of 1776....

The Hessians, German mercenaries hired by the British, were defeated at the Battle of Trenton. This battle, small in size, was significant in its impact. It might have very well saved the American Revolution.

By December 1776, the American Cause was in serious peril. The Continental Army had been badly beaten in the Battle of Long Island in August. After repeated defeats, the Army had been chased from New York and New Jersey into Pennsylvania. From the summer months, the Army's size had been reduced by 90%, mostly from desertion as defeat seemed imminent. American morale was low, indeed Washington had written his cousin, "I think that the game is pretty near up."

Enlistments were to expire on December 31, a victory was necessary to keep the Army alive. Taking advantage of the extreme inclement weather and the low regard for the Americans. Washington devised a brilliant plan.

He crossed the Delaware River, back into New Jersey. The Continental Army with 2,400 men attacked the Hessian 1,500 men garrison at Trenton. In the ensuing battle, all four Hessian colonels were killed, 22 Hessians were killed, 83 wounded, and 896 captured. The Americans lost 2 from frostbite during the march to Trenton and five wounded.

This victory encouraged the American soldiers to extend their enlistments and attracted new recruits. The Continental Army survived and the Revolution continued.

From Mr. Food

Macaroni and Cheese Soup

When the weather gets chilly, we're thinking one thing: comfort. Luckily for you, we've got something that combines the comfort of seasonal soup with, always divine, mac 'n' cheese. That's right, our Macaroni & Cheese Soup is sure to be the seasons biggest hit. When you're feeling cold and hungry, there's nothing better than doubling down on fall time comfort.

 

• 2 1/2 cups water
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 (7.25-ounce) package macaroni & cheese mix
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

 

1. In a soup pot over medium-high heat, bring water to a boil. Stir in mixed vegetables, macaroni from package (reserving cheese packet), salt, and pepper. Return to a boil and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add remaining ingredients, including reserved cheese packet. Reduce heat to low and simmer 8 to 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened and creamy, stirring occasionally.

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• If the soup sits for a while, the pasta will absorb the liquid. If that happens, an additional cup of milk and you should be good to go.
  
  

Historically this date.....

1759 – George Washington marries Martha Dandridge Custis.

1846 – The United States House of Representatives votes to stop sharing the Oregon Territory with the United Kingdom.

1933 – Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge begins in San Francisco Bay.

And births this date include...

1914 – George Reeves, American actor (d. 1959)

1917 – Jane Wyman, American actress (d. 2007)

Interesting birth name~!!!

1931 – Robert Duvall, American actor

1946 – Diane Keaton, American actress

A Santa Ana High School graduate who used to babysit my nieces and nephew.

1975 – Bradley Cooper, American actor

All I know. Nuff said. Happy Sunday. Ciao.

xo Sue Mom Bobo

Nature lovers, bird lovers, and bird watchers across the country annually recognize National Bird Day on January 5th. It’s also one of several designated holidays celebrating birds. 

Born Free USA emphasizes the importance of National Bird Day and lists it as a day to shine a spotlight on issues critical to the protection and survival of birds, both captive and wild.

According to Born Free USA, nearly 12 percent of the world’s almost 10,000 bird species are in danger of extinction.

Join over half a million avian admirers celebrate National Bird Day through a bevy of activities.

• bird-watching
• studying birds
• educating others
• other bird-related activities
• A particularly important National Bird Day activity is bird adoption.  According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution newspaper article, many bird enthusiasts celebrate by adopting birds on this day and educating future bird owners about the special issues involved with taking care of birds, including the “proper care, cleanup, noise and biting, feeding, diet and their need for daily interaction.”

There are approximately 10,000 species of birds.

HOW TO OBSERVE 

There are several ways to celebrate this day.

• Pick up a bird identification book. It will help you to learn about species in your area and identify those frequenting your bird feeders.
• Enhance the attraction of your backyard. Add feeders, shelter and more. Learn what birds in your area like to eat and watch them flock to your sanctuary.
• Donate to a bird sanctuary or aviary dedicated to improving the survival of endangered birds.
• While you’re learning about all the amazing species, visit an aviary. A botanical garden, zoo, or conservation area may offer close up viewing of some of the more exotic species you’ve never seen before.

NATIONAL BIRD DAY HISTORY

In 2002, Born Free USA in coordination with the Avian Welfare Coalition launched the first annual National Bird Day to promote avian awareness. 

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Relevant Observances:

Bird Day – May 4

Established in 1894 by Oil City, Pennsylvania school superintendent Charles Babcock.  The first holiday in the United States dedicated to the celebration of birds.  Babcock’s intention in creating this day was to advance bird conservation as a moral value.

International Migratory Bird Day
Second Saturday in May in U.S. and Canada – second Saturday in October in Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Originated by the Smithsonian Migratory Bird Center and coordinated by Environment for the Americas. A conservation initiative bringing awareness on conserving migratory birds and their habitats throughout the Western Hemisphere.  Dedicated to international conservation efforts and environmental education in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

Bird Day in the United Kingdom
Started in 1979

Coordinated by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, up to half a million bird lovers annually spend an hour counting birds on Bird Day. 

World Migratory Bird Day
Second Saturday in May

The United Nations established World Migratory Bird Day in 2006.