Good 42º POURING rain morning.
Yesterday was typical of this time of year, cloudy and gloomy.
By 11am we zoomed up to 45º! Yeah, out of the 30ºs!
I took the trash down to the road and got a couple raindrops. When I came back I looked at the Grants Pass cam and it had been raining there already.....
Dude and Bruiser were out keeping and eye on the gate, just in case someone came in it!
Picture of the Day....
Interesting about credit cards.........
Diners Club, which was created partially through a merger with Dine and Sign, produced the first "general purpose" charge card and required the entire bill to be paid with each statement. The idea of customers paying different merchants using the same card was conceived in 1950 by Ralph Schneider and Frank McNamara, founders of Diners Club. It is now held that Diners Club was the first independent credit card company in the world.
A few years later other companies followed Diners Club. Carte Blanche followed; and, in 1958 American Express created a worldwide credit card network (these companies initially used charge cards that later acquired credit card features).
Bank of America launched the BankAmericard in Fresno, California, which would become the first successful recognizable modern credit card. This card succeeded where others failed. BankAmericard was able to convince large numbers of merchants to accept its card. It was eventually licensed to other banks around the United States and then around the world.
How about some Crispy Cheesy Cheddar Bites for a snack........
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, slightly packed
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter, softened
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup crispy rice cereal
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Preheat oven to 375º. Coat 2 rimmed baking sheets with cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients; mix with a wooden spoon until thoroughly mixed. Form mixture into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheets. Flatten slightly using the palm of your hand or the bottom of a drinking glass.
- Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden around the edges. Serve warm or at room temperature. Store in an air tight container for up to a couple of weeks.
Historically this date.........
1818 – The first performance of "Silent Night" takes place in the church of St. Nikolaus in Oberndorf, Austria.
1826 – The Eggnog Riot at the United States Military Academy begins that night, wrapping up the following morning.
1851 – Library of Congress burns.
1865 – The Ku Klux Klan is formed.
1943 – World War II: U.S. General Dwight D. Eisenhower becomes the Supreme Allied Commander.
1968 – Apollo Program: The crew of Apollo 8 enters into orbit around the Moon, becoming the first humans to do so. They performed 10 lunar orbits and broadcast live TV pictures that became the famous Christmas Eve Broadcast, one of the most watched programs in history.
2000 – The Texas 7 hold up a sports store in Irving, Texas. Police officer Aubrey Hawkins is murdered during the robbery.
And births this date include...
1809 – Kit Carson, American frontiersman (d. 1868)
....boy, he looks like a cranky old man!
1905 – Howard Hughes, American film producer and inventor (d. 1976)
1922 – Ava Gardner, American actress (d. 1990)
1923 – George Patton IV, American general (d. 2004)
1971 – Ricky Martin, Puerto Rican singer
1974 – Ryan Seacrest, American television host
All I know. Nuff said. Happy Christmas Eve. Ciao.
xo Sue Mom Bobo
Christmas Eve occurs annually on December 24th. The anticipation of Christmas is often cause for celebration. Stockings are hung. Last minute gifts are wrapped. Dishes are prepared for the big day. Cookies are left for Santa. Churches open their doors for solemn services.
It is also the day Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas or Santa Claus take off on his journey delivering gifts around the world.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Some people open presents on this day rather than Christmas. Leave out some milk and cookies for Santa.
HISTORY
Hearkening back to 16th century when Christian traditions were first influenced by winter solstice celebrations, decorating and preparing for Christmas Day took place the evening before. This included putting up the tree, decorating with mistletoe and holly, bringing in the Yule log and making dishes for the Christmas meal.
Jewish traditions have historically influenced Christian practices. One such practice is that the church day traditionally begins in the evening. Christian churches have celebrated Christmas Eve in part because it is believed that Jesus was born at midnight. Many churches today hold Christmas Eve services or Midnight Masses. They may also hold candlelight vigils, Nativity productions or sing carols.
And.............. it's also.....
National Eggnog Day is observed once a year on the day before Christmas. Also known as egg milk punch, eggnog is a very popular drink throughout the United States during the holidays.
Eggnog is a sweetened dairy-based beverage that is traditionally made with milk and cream, sugar, whipped eggs and spices. When served at parties and holiday get-togethers, liquor is often added to the eggnog such as brandy, rum, whiskey, bourbon, vodka or a combination of liquors. The filled glass is typically garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg or pumpkin spice.
Eggnog may be added as a flavoring to food or drinks such as coffee, tea, breads, pies, cakes or puddings.
The origin of the eggnog drink is debated. It is the belief of some that the drink was originally developed in East Anglia, England, while others believe it originated as a medieval European beverage made with hot milk.
