The Shire is a British breed of draught horse. It is usually black, bay, or grey. It is a tall breed, and Shires have at various times held world records both for the largest horse and for the tallest horse. The Shire has a great capacity for weight-pulling; it was used for farm work, to tow barges at a time when the canal system was the principal means of goods transport, and as a cart-horse for road transport. One traditional use was for pulling brewer's drays for delivery of beer, and some are still used in this way; others are used for forestry, for riding and for commercial promotion.
The Shire breed was established in the mid-eighteenth century, although its origins are much older. A breed society was formed in 1876, and in 1878 the first stud-book was published. In the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, there were large numbers of Shires, and many were exported to the United States. With the progressive mechanization of agriculture and of transport, the need for draught horses decreased rapidly and by the 1960s numbers had fallen from a million or more to a few thousand. Numbers began to increase again from the 1970s, but the breed is still considered "at risk" by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.
Outside the United Kingdom, there are stud-books and breed associations in Australia, the United States and Canada.
The potatoes bubble in the pan and the cabbage squeaks while cooking, so of course, this classic go-along with roots all over the United Kingdom has earned its unusual name. Bubble and Squeak is a great side dish for corned beef for St. Patrick's Day or any day.
- 5 potatoes, peeled and diced
- 1/2 pound bacon, cut into small pieces
- 1 head cabbage, coarsely shredded
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Place potatoes in a soup pot and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook 5 to 7 minutes, or until tender; drain in a colander and allow potatoes to sit in the colander.
- In the same soup pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp; drain all but 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings.
- Return potatoes to the pot. Add the cabbage, water, and salt, and cook over medium-high heat 8 to 10 minutes, or until cabbage is tender.
And births this date include...
1955 – Bruce Willis, American actor
Every March 19th, National Certified Nurses Day celebrates the certified nurses who impact lives every day.
Certified nurses dedicate their entire careers to helping others and often work long, hard hours. The day honors and recognizes them and their significant achievements. Their advanced skills require continuing education, re-certification, and continued knowledge of ever-changing technology. Certified nurses balance clinical needs and patient care. Helping patients meet their healthcare goals in complex and challenging times makes a Certified Nurse’s commitment even more valuable.
A nursing career is as varied as a doctor’s. They specialize and can earn certifications in specialties and sub-specialties. Certified nurses study and take certification exams to demonstrate their competency, skill, and knowledge in a field. Board certification is available in a variety of fields including:
- Ambulatory Care Certification
- Clinical Nurse Specialist Certification
- Informatics Certification
- Medical-Surgical Certification
- Nurse Practitioner Specialty Certification
- Pediatric Nursing Certification
- Psychiatric Nursing Certification
Nurses can also obtain sub-specialty certifications. Certified nurses provide skilled experience in the medical fields where they work. They also improve the quality of the health care provided. Now, more than ever, health care needs more qualified nurses providing the care that we need.
HOW TO OBSERVE
Thank a certified nurse, and all they do. If you know someone who is striving to become a certified nurse, encourage them in their endeavors. Encourage certified nurses to attend job fairs to share their experiences and inspire others to become certified nurses. Consider taking a certification you’ve had your eye on. Learn more about the certification process. Speak to other certified nurses.
NATIONAL CERTIFIED NURSES DAY HISTORY
National Certified Nurses Day was established on March 19th in honor of Margretta (Gretta) Madden Styles (March 19, 1930 – November 20, 2005), MSN, Ph.D. Her pioneering and distinguished career inspired nurses around the country. She was recognized worldwide for her leadership and contributions to the study and practice of nursing.
