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Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Weather ~ Picture of the Day ~ Brown Thrasher ~ Anytime Fried Rice ~ Edda Gahm ~ National Eat Outside Day

 


Good 44º cloudy/smokey morning. 
 
Yesterday we were smokey until early afternoon when the winds came up and blew all the smoke away....

We topped at 91º. 
 
 
Picture of the Day ... funny business name!
 

 
 
Interesting about the Brown Thrasher bird....
 

 
The brown thrasher can grow up to a foot long with the bulk of that length coming from its tail. It was originally selected to be Georgia's state bird in 1935, but it wasn't designated by the state's legislature until 1970.

The brown thrasher is a bird in the family Mimidae, which also includes the New World catbirds and mockingbirds. The brown thrasher is abundant throughout the eastern and central United States and southern and central Canada, and it is the only thrasher to live primarily east of the Rockies and central Texas. It is the state bird of Georgia.

As a member of the genus Toxostoma, the bird is relatively large-sized among the other thrashers. It has brown upper parts with a white under part with dark streaks. Because of this, it is often confused with the smaller wood thrush (Hylocichla mustelina), among other species. The brown thrasher is noted for having over 1000 song types, and the largest song repertoire of birds. However, each note is usually repeated in two or three phrases.

 

The brown thrasher is an omnivore, with its diet ranging from insects to fruits and nuts. The usual nesting areas are shrubs, small trees, or at times on ground level. Brown thrashers are generally inconspicuous but territorial birds, especially when defending their nests, and will attack species as large as humans.

 

 Disease and exposure to cold weather are among contributing factors for the limits of the lifespan. However, the longest lived thrasher in the wild is 12 years, and relatively the same for ones in captivity.

The brown thrasher resides in various habitats. It prefers to live in woodland edges, thickets and dense brush, often searching for food in dry leaves on the ground. It can also inhabit areas that are agricultural and near suburban areas, but is less likely to live near housing than other bird species. The brown thrasher often vies for habitat and potential nesting grounds with other birds, which is usually initiated by the males.

 

The brown thrasher is a strong, but partial migrant, as the bird is a year-round resident in the southern portion of its range. The breeding range includes the United States and Canada east of the Rocky Mountains, but has been occasionally spotted West of the Rockies.

 

The male brown thrasher may have the largest song repertoire of any North American bird, which has been documented as at least over 1,100. Some sources state that each individual has up to 3,000 song phrases, while others put the number beyond 3,000. The males' singing voice usually contains more of a melodic tone than that of the related grey catbird. Its song are coherent phrases that are iterated no more than three times, but has been done for minutes at a time. By the fall, the male sings with smoother sub-songs. During the winter, the males may also sing in short spurts during altercations with neighboring males.

 


 To hear the thrasher sing, go here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9s0zFq82HM

 

 

 

 
From Mr. Food


 

You don't have to be serving up a complete Chinese dinner to serve fried rice. And with no egg and minimal oil, Anytime Fried Rice is a 1-2-3 throw-together that's quick and ready to go in no time at all. This fried rice without egg is a dinner winner!

 

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 cups cold cooked white rice, rinsed
  • 1 (10-ounce) package frozen peas, thawed
  • 3 scallions, sliced
  • 1/3 cup light soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

 

 

  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add rice and stir-fry 10 minutes.
     
  2. Add peas and scallions and continue to stir-fry 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients; mix well.
     
  3. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until thoroughly mixed and heated through.

 

***Using moist, cold rice helps to give your Anytime Fried Rice that authentic crisp fried rice texture and flavor. This is a great way to get rid of leftover rice!

***This is a recipe for fried rice without egg, but if you prefer you can always add a scrambled egg to the finished dish (as pictured).
 
 
Special friend's birthday today... Edda Gahm is celebrating her 83rd! HAPPY BIRTHDAY EDDA!!! xo
 
 
 
Historically this date.....


2006 – Stolen on August 22, 2004, Edvard Munch's famous painting The Scream is recovered in a raid by Norwegian police.
 





And births this date include....
1903 – Arthur Godfrey, American radio and television host (d. 1983)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0N0LaCpJclbMfj9bYL1cmp95eDMQJvNp5OztEGMY-FLlIw_L9BhIgKS0StN5ek87jOUtbhsuIS0GQyMNkYdzoS9bXBmXFvG59pBSS4xOIrsTyXQp9L1_ZoFqBN7N511nGPOlFWwAh_Zgr/s1600/arthurgodfreyMA29060187-0020.jpg
 


1924 – Buddy Hackett, American actor and comedian (d. 2003)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4z5l6zT0mUoRlqa4lRAkh24b_0vy5xImroOa_ExGMRNUhRdarTNGBwQL1ploaxjpQMWfkE8RkqnU5ZjJfA631x9U5GBomr686UWNHbrkC5ak7sd-o9dA6TVsSj5-updjTgJsIOQ-DeZpJ/s1600/buddyMA29060187-0021.jpghttps://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6_TLHRzrz2CFUWwZo45wdCVOxUaBCFNFQR8b4lWbeiuYTQmUZMxxL7UO9cZSr5dIqz6-D835pJkGsGoJIM6OW4piOW7hk_iPWBjiryJO9QXzKQTlR5XS60JvXcYit0UmMpmfqbVoKfQM5/s1600/buddy2MA29060187-0022.jpg


1928 – James Coburn, American actor (d. 2002)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi642Pd18WuAaLW_pWprWKTFCuZtAATz23mTXTxrHGqj5jpZTRBqPd8nYxiGPZMG_AQ0MJLv8ZlUHI1m3I6HiGcpDa0TgJ2gjJrNsfAEuqYw98Kxr0pEDgsa_lZrdXOyXZYA63Q_fUxFOrb/s1600/jamesMA29060187-0023.jpghttps://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9jVn5Kjq2295bbej2H2tMQJVEBisNLrcRIxnZIVZvMRl3kR8kfLLY2V00Gal1OfhU0C8eTyv_KuVJqQY4Nd4BOjgF4GA_8u7A6ZtYCuVWqhHhyphenhyphenPpfVOqDWDjJuQxxxMaYuu-w2EdoyU6E/s1600/james2MA29060187-0024.jpg




1945 – Itzhak Perlman, Israeli violinist
............ amazing talent!
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhW_miumOnPDFUS1z6u3esK8B2-kfc0FNGWy6DVzilYMRFZpCCLkK4hATwIcYph6sjGhUuGcEpcPv8f56xY4QWdgMtJ4qguFfv7fSn6kWfjP5mLuSKPmqMPv7sB15WWnRgdlNOTkQRZn4/s1600/itzhakMA29060187-0025.jpg


1949 – Richard Gere, American actor
    .... too weird for my taste! But of course... his middle name is Tiffany!!! Read about his personal life and activism ... interesting!
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjruvI6jN_WuBC2DADhXR8LdveAnzuDiX-Grp3Y_7z6ghbsnGXsY8VDq0bttsyOZq37Vhuf4HGjAjpkawVVub4QR_0-7_GGcHGL_QLaFYcjKy108eWZdyMbai_KLUtUrrrG6K9W5W2HIz6x/s1600/15_richard_gereMA29060187-0026.jpghttps://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NF9jDB_MjKS9IOIT7_d9hYr2M5OHP8GohzLLRO_zu6Me6yYYN-uzOnlDfy9PV4SJRsBQgH4zZbhpmoHA6Z9POVfXF50wA0JSWHPpA4VgOEPXt5KkBLW49Cm0WaimG74C_KGC6GT05JpB/s1600/gereMA29060187-0027.jpg
 
 
 
All I know. Nuff said. Have a good Tuesday. Ciao.
xo Sue Mom Bobo 

 

Friends, fresh air, and good food are the focus of National Eat Outside Day every year on August 31. Whether at home, a park, a favorite restaurant or food truck, or the beach, food just tastes better when we eat it under the open sky.

Many foods lend themselves to eating outdoors but sometimes it’s as simple as taking your prepared plate out to the balcony, porch, or patio. Also known as al fresco dining, many restaurants offer patio seating so their patrons can enjoy their meals while taking in the city, beach, countryside or just people watch. Even more temperate climates offer seasonal outdoor dining.

Eat Outside Day encourages you to taste the sunshine (or the moonlight) while eating your meal. It’s like a mini stay-cation where you get to recharge while enjoying a delicious feast outdoors.

HOW TO OBSERVE National Eat Outside Day

National Eat Outside Day offers limitless possibilities to celebrate! Try these ideas:

  • Host an outdoor brunch or just take your bacon and eggs outside to enjoy.
  • Take your sack lunch outside to eat during your break.
  • Pack a picnic basket and head to the park.
  • Visit your favorite restaurant and sit on the patio this time.
  • Invite friends over for a BBQ.
  • Take a dinner river cruise.
  • Pack some sandwiches and trail mix and go for a hike.
  • Stay up late, pop some popcorn, make cheese and crackers or grab the leftovers. Spread a blanket under the stars and look for constellations while snacking.
  • Organize an outdoor potluck.
  • Host your book club outdoors with all your favorite foods and beverages.
  • Go camping. You’re nearly guaranteed to eat outdoors when you’re in the Great Outdoors.
  • Take a cue from your garden. Wash off those ripening vegetables and fruits with a spritz from the hose and savor your bounty.
Eat Outside FAQ

Q. What does “al fresco” mean?
A. It means “in the air” and typically is used to reference outdoor dining.

Q. Is outdoor dining a new fad?
A. Not really. Humans have been eating outdoors for centuries. Sometimes out of necessity (caves, huts, teepees, covered wagons don’t always have a lot of space for indoor eating).

Q. What are some of the best foods to eat outdoors?
A. Just about anything can be eaten outdoors depending on the setting. However, some foods are better than others when it comes to portability and convenience. Sandwiches, finger foods, fresh fruits and vegetables all fit the picnic profile. When we’re cooking at home, nearly anything can be on the menu – including soup.

You can do this as long as you are not in the middle of a hurricane of an area with wildfires and super smokey air!

Monday, August 30, 2021

Weather/Smoke ~ Picture of the Day ~ Facts About Kentucky ~ Turkey Stuffed Peppers ~ National Beach Day

 


 

Good 51º cloudy morning. 
 
Yesterday we stayed smokey again. We topped at 101º.
 
 
Picture of the Day...timing
 

 
Interesting about Kentucky


 
The Kentucky Derby is the oldest continuously held horse race in the country. It is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville on the first Saturday in May.
 


The old official state tree was the Kentucky coffee tree (Gymnocladus dioicus.) The tulip tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) is the current official state tree. The change was made in 1976.
 
Cheeseburgers were first served in 1934 at Kaolin’s restaurant in Louisville.
 
Chevrolet Corvettes are manufactured in Bowling Green.
 
Mammoth Cave is the world’s longest cave and was first promoted in 1816, making it the second oldest tourist attraction in the United States. Niagara Falls, New York is first.
 

The first Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant owned and operated by Colonel Sanders is located in Corbin.
 


Kentucky is the state where both Abraham Lincoln, President of the Union, and Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederacy, were born. They were born less than one hundred miles and one year apart.
 
Thunder Over Louisville is the opening ceremony for the Kentucky Derby Festival and is the world’s largest fireworks display.
 
The song “Happy Birthday to You” was the creation of two Louisville sisters in 1893.
 
Bluegrass is not really blue–its green–but in the spring bluegrass produces bluish purple buds that when seen in large fields give a blue cast to the grass. Today Kentucky is known as the Bluegrass State.
 
The public saw an electric light for the first time in Louisville. Thomas Edison introduced his incandescent light bulb to crowds at the Southern Exposition in 1883.
 

More than $6 billion worth of gold is held in the underground vaults of Fort Knox. This is the largest amount of gold stored anywhere in the world.
 

 

 

From Mr. Food


 

Our Turkey Stuffed Peppers are lower in fat, but with the same bold flavors of the original. Our baked stuffed peppers recipe adds some zesty salsa for a bit of zing! A perfect dinner to help maintain a healthier lifestyle, but don't worry--no one will be able to tell the difference!

 

  • 3/4 pound ground turkey breast
  • 1 cup salsa
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 red or yellow bell peppers, halved, seeded
  • 1/2 cup no-salt-added tomato sauce
  • 2 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese
  1. Preheat oven to 350º. Coat a medium skillet with cooking spray.
     
  2. Meanwhile, in prepared skillet over medium heat, cook turkey until no longer pink, stirring occasionally. Stir in salsa, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
     
  3. Stuff turkey-salsa mixture into pepper halves. Arrange in a 9-inch-square baking dish and spoon 2 tablespoons tomato sauce over each. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Add 1/4 cup water to baking dish and cover.
     
  4. Bake 45 to 50 minutes, or until heated through.

 


 
Historically this date.....
1963 – The Hotline between the leaders of the U.S.A. and the Soviet Union goes into operation.

 
 
1974 – A powerful bomb explodes at the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries headquarters in MarunouchiTokyo,Japan. 8 are killed, 378 are injured. Eight left-wing activists are arrested on May 19, 1975 by Japanese authorities.


 
1984 – STS-41-D: The Space Shuttle Discovery takes off on its maiden voyage.

 
2003 – While being towed across the Barents Sea, the de-commissioned Russian submarine K-159 sinks, taking 9 of her crew and 800 kg of spent nuclear fuel with her.
 
 
Births this date include....
 
1896 – Raymond Massey, Canadian actor (d. 1983)
 
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1898 – Shirley Booth, American actress (d. 1992)
 
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD3T1RcnTSF_KpJGS5POMll6a4eBWg46M9u-IV_OrGRCh4CubT_yQ4lKQlBvY2fhCMkZwBqJ1cmCiD9GjI0QhrRlnuTIahOMuty00tm34F-uv4-D3wRhe8MHdGA9IjIsTdRpo9PFiyxRM8/s1600/shirleyMA29060130-0005.jpg
 
1906 – Joan Blondell, American actress (d. 1979)
 
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG0qpACWRp9O9ZgLM5f8YHxzjpzBpBw-2WJ954MOfeVBO7h2NUKdKLCxclfdMjOI8qyDv29gerZQ1tvE6UhG7bHMcs3ZMfMt8gCfSLZextSSFLQdT8xv8R_Asl-40u9DLHivvPebZ7hsZp/s1600/joan1MA29060130-0006.jpg
 
1908 – Fred MacMurray, American actor (d. 1991)
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGRM0nldQUu7EiUyqjwcN8Tx0-sLBb5S7qhR7RtcTUxLNimJb8hKbfid1b38KWM7ebQtJBMjVN2tWPHnvZfHjFxNR3CRzeRvitohswwqM4_WtBlrC_3pjeph88tNoUv3b0bBbMwuihU6hu/s1600/fred1MA29060130-0007.jpghttps://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxd1Smw0bsq35AF7_B75ZX5e2yo8X1Np_6EarjAC22WZ8CJ8zQFpHwsmoEiB3K4flr86D9BF0URNFvXGr1Q0fv6R6Gp0KDKcFJDITk9D5qWS-TDlNkVWVAb_bFgfFHifZKzQuQ3qnvqKoy/s1600/fred2MA29060130-0008.jpg
 

1939 – Elizabeth Ashley, American actress
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5Y2NXpP3zrpKPT0MwiGMH-6nDOoq_nc901uQ1jnqFvYH1u9Ey1AsBhThZ1WClskI1uQFJHIjhNUdb4bCx86pi-ycOFh1SyJGcLWkyxygK5vBiFSXktICf8XG9bnR005yRBOdR1UG-2Pm/s1600/liz1MA29060130-0009.jpghttps://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt4xTorhBZh4012yfV6qLMV5bjA_DQvI0pBrsv5apaOVMwJuUZ-qbtq0PHPYRDfm_XCcTGZLh8H7sbfpjVxjLDUx6Bx8R1_OyDIdFiV3hQxKZfi5AJPreOHgz4RmxQy31X0_Tqav08tqZL/s1600/11th+Annual+Broadway+Barks+6zVOgR5iPdnlMA29060130-0010.jpg
 


1972 – Cameron Diaz, American actress
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJMnsVPFvAfPu1bMGbidB-jZVLX3mIMpPOV9AgVR2zvFcvdAwLmW7tpxpARDOSGkmUq41PuocBc-35u3HhlQyvF_3PGHtPxjdzVorHtAyl6-Ia4U1ma1wylqeJTfeIwdqSepA-IPP_o7mx/s1600/cameron1MA29060130-0011.jpghttps://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEverzakT4eN1ZEl7_kMCh4-kBt3maAahK-NfkJmZbEh2cC_8SPx6XEzMbOFSxLEX4eRmT4X0rp9nhE1nvZ87_muhCqP2y5J2RhWD5Wmj6KbPfbBFzP8cJUSCQUT9Q94dIYTjQcHCg-wls/s1600/cameronMA29060130-0012.jpg
 
 
 
All I know. Nuff said. Have a good Monday. Ciao.
xo Sue Mom Bobo

 
National Beach Day on August 30th celebrates all the sandy beaches across the nation. It also provides an opportunity to help keep those relaxing places clean, so we can continue to enjoy them long into the future.
Whether we spend time on beaches oceanside, at a lake or river, they provide recreation all summer long. Swimming, water sports, and sunbathing are just a few of the relaxing things that come to mind. We also enjoy playing Frisbee, volleyball and long walks. Floating along in the surf on a hot summer day with friends creates summer memories we remember for years to come.
Sometimes, just packing a few icy beverages and a good book is enough to make a beach day perfect. However, we are responsible for caring for the beach, too. Not only should we pack out what we pack in, but it’s necessary to follow the beach rules, also. Safety and fun go hand in hand.

HOW TO OBSERVE

When it comes to swimming at the beach, the American Red Cross provides excellent tips.
1. Swim with a lifeguard present and only in designated areas.
2. Go with a buddy. Never swim alone.
3. Watch for currents, moving water, and riptides. These occur in oceans, lakes, and rivers.
4. Swim within your depth. Don’t swim longer than you are physically capable of doing.
5. Take swimming lessons.
6. Learn CPR.
Organize a group to clean up your favorite beach. Since it’s near the end of the season, your beach will appreciate it. Find out what the facility needs. Take up donations for supplies to keep the beach even cleaner next year. Donate garbage and recycling cans for your beach. Attend a seminar on water pollution and how to prevent it.
Share pictures of your favorite beach while enjoying the last days of summer!
 

NATIONAL BEACH DAY HISTORY

In 1929, the Knights of Columbus out of Milwaukee, Wisconsin launched a National Beach Day as part of their convention plans. However, it never took root.
Then in 2014, Colleen Paige, pet and family lifestyle expert, created National Beach Day to celebrate beaches and the importance of keeping them clean.