Less Smoke ~ Temporary Blue Sky ~ Canyonville Fire ~ Weather Predictions ~ Picture of the Day ~ Steve Irwin's Death ~ Stuffed Zucchini ~ Schwans Order ~ National Avocado Day

 

Good 48º not as smokey, I can see my mountain, morning!

 

 

We actually could see some blue sky yesterday morning....

 

 

We got breezy and by noon the heavy smoke had moved back in. Goodbye mountain!

 

 

As of yesterday morning the fire in Canyonville has grown to 12,336 acres and the estimated cost is now at $5.1 million dollars! It's 15% contained. The firefighters are working hard and they have "made progress in several key areas by establishing control lines". 1358 personnel are working to extinguish the fire.

 

 

 

Obviously the weather predictions have changed since Monday ...

 

 

 

Picture of the Day... Shared by Wilsonite Del (Easton) Graves...  LOL

 

 

 

 

 

Interesting about Steve Irwin's death...

 

 

The television personality and conservationist, who became world-famous for his daring stunts with dangerous animals, died aged 44 in 2006 while filming a documentary on the Great Barrier Reef in far north Queensland.

Pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming an underwater documentary film titled Ocean's Deadliest. Irwin's death is believed to be the only fatality from a stingray captured on video. All copies of the footage were destroyed at the behest of Irwin's family.

Justin Lyons was the cameraman at the time and shot video of the death.

In his first public comments, Mr Lyons told Australia's Channel Ten he and Irwin had left their main boat in an inflatable to find something to film when they came across a "massive" eight-foot wide stingray in chest-high water.

The final shot was to be the stingray swimming away from Irwin. Instead, it struck out, apparently believing Irwin's shadow was a tiger shark, one of its predators.

"I panned with the camera as the stingray swam away and I didn't know it had caused any damage. It was only when I panned the camera back that I saw Steve standing in a huge pool of blood that I realized something had gone wrong."

He said reports that a barb had stuck in Irwin's chest and he pulled it out were wrong.

"It's a jagged barb and it went through his chest like a hot knife through butter," he said.

"He had a two-inch-wide injury over his heart with blood and fluid coming out of it and we had to get him back to the boat as fast as we can," Mr Lyons added.

"I was saying to him things like 'think of your kids Steve, hang on, hang on, hang on', and he calmly looked up at me and said 'I'm dying' and that was the last thing he said."

Stingrays have several sharp and venomous barbs on their tails that they use to defend themselves when they feel threatened, though experts at the time stressed that stingrays were not usually vicious and rarely attacked and killed humans.

Irwin has had a wildlife reserve, a road, a turtle, a snail and an anti-whaling ship named after him since his death.

 

 

From Mr. Food....

Can't figure out how to get the gang to eat their veggies? Let 'em get a taste of this Stuffed Zucchini recipe and you'll never have a problem again! Our stuffed zucchini are loaded with cheesy and flavorful goodness!

• 3 medium-sized zucchini, sliced in half lengthwise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 (4-ounce) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained and chopped
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 plum tomatoes, diced
• 1/4 cup Italian-flavored bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese

 

1. Preheat oven to 375 º. With a spoon, scoop meat out of zucchini halves; set aside shells and chop zucchini meat finely.
    
2. In a medium-sized skillet, heat oil over medium heat and saute chopped zucchini, mushrooms, onion, and tomatoes 6 to 8 minutes, or until tender. Stir in bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
    
3. Stuff zucchini shells evenly with vegetable mixture and place in a 9- x 13-inch baking dish that has been coated with cooking spray.
    
4. Cover tightly with aluminum foil and bake 35 minutes. Remove foil and top evenly with mozzarella cheese.
    
5. Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until zucchini are tender and cheese is golden.

 

 

Historically this date.......

1498 – On his third voyage to the Western Hemisphere, Christopher Columbus becomes the first European to discover the island of Trinidad.

 

1790 – The first U.S. patent is issued, to inventor Samuel Hopkins for a potash process.

 

1941 – Holocaust: under instructions from Adolf Hitler, Nazi official Hermann Göring, orders SS General Reinhard Heydrich to "submit to me as soon as possible a general plan of the administrative material and financial measures necessary for carrying out the desired final solution of the Jewish question."

 

 

1964 – Ranger program: Ranger 7 sends back the first close-up photographs of the moon, with images 1,000 times clearer than anything ever seen from earth-bound telescopes.

 

 

2007 – Operation Banner, the presence of the British Army in Northern Ireland, and the longest-running British Army operation ever, comes to an end.

 

2012 – Michael Phelps breaks the record set in 1964 by Larisa Latynina for the most medals won at the Olympics.

 

 

And births this date include....

1929 – Don Murray, American actor

 

1932 – Ted Cassidy, American actor (d. 1979)

 

1939 – France Nuyen, French actress

 

1965 – J. K. Rowling, British writer

 

 

 

My Schwans order arrived yesterday...

Cod Filets

 

Marinated Salmon Filets

 

Diced Potatoes O'Brien

 

 

Blueberries

 

 

Normandy Blend Vegetables

 

 

 

All I know. Nuff said. Happy Hump Day. Ciao.

xo Sue Mom Bobo

Ripe for the picking, add this delicious super fruit to your menu to join in National Avocado Day on July 31!

Guacamole is grand, but don’t settle for just the chips and dip on this food holiday.  Clear the table for everything from the appetizer and main dish all the way to dessert.  On National Avocado Day, this tree grown fruit has them all covered!

Avocados have become more than a staple food in the American diet; they have proven to be a key ingredient in recipes for both inside the body and on the body! According to the Hass Avocado Board, as of 2015, avocado consumption in the United States doubled since 2005 and quadrupled since 2000. In fact, a whopping 4.25 billion avocados were sold in the U.S. in 2015. That’s four point two five billion of this amazingly beautiful food.

Super Food

There are many reasons to celebrate National Avocado Day. Targeting insulin resistance with heart-healthy fats and fighting Alzheimer’s with its Omega 3 fatty acids, the avocado also prevents and repairs damage due to its source of Vitamins C, E and K.

One of the secret weapons in an avocado is the high oleic acid content. This moisturizing fatty acid helps keep skin soft and hydrated but also supports regeneration of damaged skin cells reducing redness and irritation. Eat more of this superfruit or cook with avocado oil if you have this type of skin issue.

Beauty

Ancient Aztecs used the avocado to beautify their skin topically with masks, and in the early 20th century the cosmetic industry discovered the benefits of its oil in creams, lotions, facial cleansers and other products that required a smooth application. The practice continues today.

Avocados have found their way into every meal of the day and even into dessert.  The creamy texture replaces calorie-laden oils with healthful fats so we can indulge without the guilt.  What better way to celebrate National Avocado Day than to indulge a little?

HOW TO OBSERVE

Enjoy an avocado and try a new recipe.

Avocado Cupcakes from Will Cook for Smiles
Avocado Brownies from Jody Duits on Buzzfeed

*** Growing up we had an avocado tree in the backyard. It was HUGE! Daddy had grafted about 4 different varieties of avocados onto the tree. Basically it had Hass and Fuerte. I don't remember the others, but we had avocados year round! And.... you didn't lay under the tree because those little beauties would sometimes fall off the tree!

Smoke ~ Sunset ~ Picture of the Day ~ Crows ~ Vegetable Couscous ~ Current Fire Size/Containment ~ National Cheesecake Day

 

Good 52º smokey morning.

 

In the morning yesterday it wasn't quite as smokey, I could see my mountain! 

 

Then after 3 hours it was hidden behind the smoke again!

 

The smoke made the sky red for sunset.... 

 

Picture of the Day ... perfect timing....

 

 

 

Interesting about crows.....

 

A group of crows is called a “murder.” Historically, there are a number of explanations for this term. One of them comes from an old tale about a flock of crows gathering together to decide the fate of another crow.

Another explanation comes from the crows viewed as a precursor of death. It's a well-known fact crows are scavengers and like to gather around dead bodies, moreover, they usually visit the battlefields and cemeteries, where the humans are only expected to be dead. Somehow they feel it and arrive to such places earlier, which made them a widespread sign of death.

But the term “murder of crows” mostly reflects a time when groupings of many animals had colorful and poetic names. Other fun examples of “group” names include: an ostentation of peacocks, a parliament of owls, a knot of frogs, and a skulk of foxes.

Crows are members of the Corvidae family, which also includes ravens, magpies, and blue jays. Loud, rambunctious, and very intelligent, crows are most often associated with a long history of fear and loathing. They are considered pests by farmers trying to protect their crops and seedlings. Many people fear them simply because of their black feathers, which are often associating them with death. But research demonstrated in A Murder of Crows proves crows are actually very social and caring creatures, and also among the smartest animals on the planet.

Where do crows live?
Crows live all over the world, except for Antarctica.

What do they eat?
Crows are predators and scavengers, which means that they will eat practically anything. Their diet consists of various road-kill, insects, frogs, snakes, mice, corn, human fast food, even eggs and nestlings of other birds. An adult crow needs about 11 ounces of food daily.

How many species are there?
There are about 40 or so species in the Corvus genus. These range from pigeon-sized birds to ravens, which can be as much as 24-27 inches long.

Crows are very social and have a tight-knit family. They roost in huge numbers (in the thousands) to protect themselves from enemies like red-tailed hawks, horned-owls, and raccoons. Crows also use at least 250 different calls. The distress call brings other crows to their aid, as crows will defend unrelated crows. Crows mate for life.

 

Crows are susceptible to West Nile virus, and their deaths are used as early indicators of potential human disease in an area. West Nile Virus has killed 45% of American crows since 1999, though they’re still listed as Least Concern species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

 

Despite being roughly the same size as their parents, baby American crows have bright blue eyes. The eye color changes to brown as the crow matures over the summer.

 

I love seeing the crows here. They like the cracked corn I throw out for the birds.

 

Here are the crow's sound effects....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpTsnpsJJ2k

 

 

From Mr. Food....

Ready to change up your sides? Our Vegetable Couscous recipe is a Moroccan-favorite and it's so versatile, it'll never get old!  Not only can you switch it up with your favorite veggies, but you can eat it hot, or cold! Now that's definitely a side dish to put on the menu!

 

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (15-ounce) package frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 1 cup chopped tomato
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill weed
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (10-ounce) package couscous

 

1. In a soup pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil until hot. Add onion and cook 5 to 6 minutes or until golden. Stir in chicken broth, mixed vegetables, tomato, dill weed, garlic powder, and salt; bring to a boil. Boil 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, then stir in couscous.
2. Cover and remove from heat; let stand 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and serve.

 

***This can be served hot or cold? And to hearty it up, feel free to add some chunks of cooked chicken or shrimp. What an easy way to get dinner on the table in minutes.

 

 

 

Historically this date.......

1866 – New Orleans, Louisiana's Democratic government orders police to raid an integrated Republican Party meeting, killing 40 people and injuring 150.

1945 – World War II: Japanese submarine I-58 sinks the USS Indianapolis, killing 883 seamen.

       RIP ..... God Bless you all.

1971 – Apollo program: Apollo 15 Mission – David Scott and James Irwin on the Apollo Lunar Module module Falcon land on the Moon with the first Lunar Rover.

1975 – Jimmy Hoffa disappears from the parking lot of the Machus Red Fox restaurant in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit, at about 2:30 p.m. He is never seen or heard from again, and will be declared legally dead on this date in 1982.

1990 – George Steinbrenner is forced by Commissioner Fay Vincent to resign as principal partner of New York Yankees for hiring Howie Spira to "get dirt" on Dave Winfield.

2003 – In Mexico, the last 'old style' Volkswagen Beetle rolls off the assembly line.

 

And births this date include...

1863 – Henry Ford, American businessman, founded the Ford Motor Company (d. 1947)

1933 – Edd Byrnes, American actor

 

 

1941 – Paul Anka, Canadian singer-songwriter and actor

 

 

1947 – Arnold Schwarzenegger, Austrian-American bodybuilder, actor, and politician, 38th Governor of California

 

...........if you don't use it, you lose it!

 

 

 

1954 – Ken Olin, American actor

 .........ewwwww.................... whoppen? Ya think he ever looks in the mirror??

 

 

1956 – Delta Burke, American actress

.............OMGOSH!

 

 

1963 – Lisa Kudrow, American actress, writer, and producer

 

1974 – Hilary Swank, American actress

 

 

As of last evening the Canyonville fire had grown to 11,600 acres, and 10% contained. Over 1000 firefighters are working on that blaze. 

 

 

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

xo Sue Mom Bobo

National Cheesecake Day on July 30th offers a slice of one of America’s favorite desserts. Order up a slice of cheesecake with your favorite topping. Get it delivered or make it at home.

This smooth dessert hits the spot when dessert time rolls around. While most cakes have a crumb, cheesecake’s texture is nothing like cake. Indeed, its creamy, thick pudding-like character comes from the soft cheese used as the main ingredient.  Depending on the recipe, either cream cheese or cottage cheese is used. When the cheese is mixed with sugar, eggs, and other ingredients, the batter is added to a crust.

One of the most common crusts used with cheesecake is a graham cracker crust. Other options include a cookie crust, pastry or sponge cake. Some cheesecakes are crustless. Depending on the recipe, cheesecakes may be prepared baked or unbaked.

When faced with choosing a cheesecake flavor, don’t panic. While the options may seem overwhelming, bakers solved this problem. They offer a variety of flavors in one cake. So, take one home and try each one. Since cheesecakes do come in a wide variety, consider your tastes. If you prefer summer fruits and berries, cheesecakes have you covered. Tropical options hit the spot, too. For coffee lovers, bakers provide a rich selection. And don’t forget delicious chocolate and nutty flavors. Each cheesecake may be served with fresh fruit, a sauce, whipped cream or plain. 

History of the Cheesecake

It is possible that an ancient form of cheesecake may have been a popular dish in ancient Greece.  It has been found that the earliest attested mention of a cheesecake is by Greek physician Aegimus, who wrote a book on the art of making cheesecakes.

We may be able to credit the ancient Greeks with creating this delicious dessert. The oldest written recipe for cheesecake has been traced back to Greek physician Athenaeus. 

James Kraft developed a form of pasteurized cream cheese in 1912.  In 1928, Kraft acquired the Philadelphia trademark and marketed pasteurized Philadelphia Cream Cheese. Today, cheesecake makers use this brand more than any other. 

Styles of Cheesecakes:

• New York-style cheesecake
• Pennsylvania Dutch-style cheesecake
• Philadelphia-style
• Farmer cheese cheesecake
• Country-style cheesecake
• Lactose-free cheesecake
• Cheesecake Kludys
• Chicago Style cheesecake
• Savory cheesecake

HOW TO OBSERVE

Whether you make one at home or pick one up at a bakery, savor the creamy taste of cheesecake! We even have a  New York Cheesecake recipe for you to try.