Good 38º dark cloudy morning.
Well, did you survive the full moon and Friday the 13th?
The rain has poured on and off for a few days. So far in this storm we have gotten 2". More on the way...
Picture of the Day ... 😊
Interesting about Gray Squirrel nests...
Gray squirrels are tree-dwelling members of the rodent family of mammals. Both Eastern and Western gray squirrels build nests for sleeping. Adults may rotate between as many as three nests, depending on the population density where they live. These nests are usually occupied either by a single adult squirrel or by a mother and her young. Eastern gray squirrels breed twice a year, in the summer and winter, while Western gray squirrels have a single summer breeding season.
Squirrels live in forests throughout the United States and Canada, preferring stands of hardwood trees with a moderately dense understory of vegetation. These trees provide gray squirrels with acorns, hickory nuts and beechnuts, which make up the bulk of their diet. Western gray squirrels also inhabit conifer forests, where they feed on pinecones. Both subspecies maintain home ranges of between one and eight acres that often overlap with the home ranges of other gray squirrels.
Both male and female gray squirrels of all ages participate in building dens. They typically build leaf nests in the summer by weaving together small branches they’ve gnawed off of trees. These nests are lined with grass, moss, leaves and pine needles. If the nest is disturbed by predators or becomes infested with fleas or mites, the squirrel moves on to a different location and builds a new nest. Adult squirrels typically can build a nest in one day.
A favored site for a squirrel is a tree crotch about 30 to 45 feet above ground level. Squirrels may also nest in attics or exterior walls of buildings, where a drey (nest) may be regarded as a fire hazard, as some squirrels have a habit of gnawing on electrical cables. At other times, squirrels may inhabit a permanent tree den in the hollow of a trunk or large branch.
5 Ingredient Beef Enchilada Casserole
8 flour tortillas (8")
1 pound ground beef
1 10oz can Old El Paso mild red enchilada sauce
1 16oz jar black bean and corn salsa
2 cups shredded Mexican four-cheese blend
Heat oven to 350º. Spray 13x9 (3qt) baking dish with cooking spray.
Fold tortillas in half and place folded-side-down in dish. Set aside.
In non stick skillet cook ground beef over med-high heat stirring until no longer pink. Drain. Transfer to large bowl. Add 1/4 cup enchilada sauce, black bean/corn salsa, and 1 cup shredded cheese. Stir to combine.
Divide mixture evenly among tortillas, wrap tortillas around filling and place seam side down.
Top with remaining enchilada sauce and remaining cup of cheese. Spray sheet of foil large enough to cover baking dish with cooking spray. Cover baking dish with foil, sprayed side down.
Bake 40-45 minutes until hot and bubbly.
***
- Bean salsa, corn salsa or a mix of both make these easy enchiladas special, but any salsa will do in a pinch.
- Shredded lettuce, guacamole, salsa and sour cream all make great garnishes for this easy baked dinner
Special anniversary today, high school pal Annalee (Carlin) and her hubby Led Fortini are celebrating 51 years. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY KIDS!!
Historically this date...
1819 – Alabama becomes the 22nd U.S. state.
1903 – The Wright brothers make their first attempt to fly with the Wright Flyer at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina.
1963 – Baldwin Hills Reservoir wall bursts, killing five people and damaging hundreds of homes in Los Angeles.
1972 – Apollo program: Eugene Cernan is the last person to walk on the moon, after he and Harrison Schmitt complete the third and final Extra-vehicular activity (EVA) of theApollo 17 mission. This is the last manned mission to the moon of the 20th century.
And births this date include....
1503 – Nostradamus, French astrologer (d. 1566)
1946 – Patty Duke, American actress (d.2016)
Four husbands under her belt!
All I know. Nuff said. Happy Saturday. Ciao.
xo Sue Mom Bobo
National Bouillabaisse Day on December 14th gives seafood lovers everywhere a reason to celebrate. This flavorful fish stew hits the spot on cold winter’s day, too.
The French are known for many great recipes. Their food inspires travel to France for a taste of the authentic. Bouillabaisse tops the list of must-have cuisine while visiting France. The tasty stew originates in the port city of Marseille and is traditionally made using the bony rockfish, saffron, fennel seed, and orange zest.
In the culinary world, strong opinions bounce around about the proper ingredients for an authentic bouillabaisse. From the fish (typically red rascasse, sea robin, and European conger) to the wine (red or white), it is hotly debated. They even argue about the soup’s origins. Did a Greek goddess create the stew? Or does the credit belong to coastal fishermen who threw the ingredients together from unsold bony rockfish?
Regardless, cooks use a variety of fresh fish as their first step to a delicious bouillabaisse. It’s especially important if you can’t get to the south of France to order it made for you.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Travel to France to enjoy the authentic taste of bouillabaisse. No time? Visit a French restaurant near you or even try making it yourself. Explore a variety of recipes for bouillabaisse. For inspiration, watch Julia Child while she prepares her Bouillabaisse A La Marseillaise. Invite friends to join you.
We’ve also provided this Bouillabaisse Recipe for you to try. Add a baguette and watch a French movie for additional flair.
