Good 52ยบ 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.
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.
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.
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....
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
- 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.
- 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
1947 – Arnold Schwarzenegger, Austrian-American bodybuilder, actor, and politician, 38th Governor of California
...........if you don't use it, you lose it!
.........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.
