Weather ~ Picture of the Day ~ High Heel Shoes ~ Bacon Cornbread ~ National Kitten Day

  

Good 53º clear sunny morning. 

 

Yesterday we had white fluffy clouds and topped at 93º.

 

 

Picture of the Day ... crow getting a ride from an eagle!

 

 

 

Interesting about high heel shoes....

 

 

 

 

The origin of high heels dates back to the 10th century, when Persians wore high-heeled shoes when riding horses. The heels would help maintain balance while riding the horse and shooting arrows, as they could easily be trapped in the stirrups.

 

The invention of the high-heeled shoe as a fashion statement is attributed to Catherine de Medici in the 16th century. However, elevated shoes had been worn as early as 3500 B.C. by Egyptian nobles and butchers.

Ancient Egyptian murals depict royals and butchers wearing an early form of the platform shoe. Platform shoes were commonly used throughout Europe as an oversole that attached to a flat shoe. The high heel emerged in the 1500s as a two-part sole with a flexible upper sole and an attached heel. The shoe was first popular with both male and female riders. Catherine de Medici adopted the high-heeled shoe as a way to increase her short stature. The heel quickly spread as a fashion statement among the wealthy.

According to Klaus Carl, the authorities also attributed a specific heel length according to social rank. It was an inch and a half for the people, 1 inch for the burghers, 1½ inches for the knights, 2 inches for the nobles and 2 ½ inches for the princes. Women were not far behind and quickly became fashionable, but the design of heels for women’s shoes was thinner and sharper than men’s. It was only after the French Revolution in the 1780s that heels became more popular in women’s fashion. Subsequently, with the invention of the sewing machine and other technologies, production has increased. Advertisements such as pin-up posters during the World Wars have also helped shape the image of heels in what it is today.

 

 

From Mr. Food

 

It doesn't matter when you get a craving for our Bacon Corn Bread, this fun twist on a Southern favorite is good anytime of the year! Serve it slathered in butter during the summer, or alongside steaming chili in the winter; start your day with a bacon-y breakfast bread, or end it with the perfect dinner side. This easy corn bread recipe is going to be a yummy part of any meal, anytime!

 

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 1/2 cups yellow cornmeal
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup real bacon bits
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

 

1. Preheat oven to 400º. Coat an 8-inch square baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk sour cream, milk, egg, and butter. Add remaining ingredients and whisk until mixed. Pour batter into baking dish.
3. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool 15 minutes, then cut into squares and serve warm.

 

 

Historically this date.....

1850 – Millard Fillmore is inaugurated as the 13th President of the United States upon the death of President Zachary Taylor, 16 months into his term.

 

1913 – Death Valley, California hits 134 °F (~56.7 °C), the highest temperature recorded in the United States.

2005 – Hurricane Dennis slams into the Florida Panhandle, causing billions of dollars in damage.

And births this date include....

1839 – Adolphus Busch, German-born brewer (d. 1913)

1926 – Fred Gwynne, American actor (d. 1993)

 

1931 – Nick Adams, American actor (d. 1968)

1947 – Arlo Guthrie, American musician

 

1972 – Sofia Vergara, Colombian actress

 

1980 – Jessica Simpson, American singer

 

 

 

 

 

All I know. Nuff said. Have a good Sunday. Ciao.

xo Sue Mom Bobo

National Kitten Day on July 10th purrfectly celebrates the cuddly warmth of a kitty. The miniature furballs of energy snuggle their way into our hearts with no effort all. Within a flick of their tiny ears, we’re in love.

The day aims to remind us that while kittens are well equipped to find their way into our hearts, many don’t find homes. They’re abandoned at shelters, on the side of the road or wild and feral. Spaying and neutering our pets, including our cats, is vital to their health and keeping the stray population down.

Another goal of awareness campaigns like this one is to encourage adoptions. Instead of purchasing a kitten from a pet store, adopt from a shelter. Many kittens are born in shelters. While their ages may vary, all kittens do become cats.

Follow the shelter’s guidelines. Keep these tips in mind when adopting:

1. There’s an application process. Read through it and understand it. The guidelines are for the safety of the animals, the employees, and you.
2. Ask questions. It’s important there’s an understanding between you and the shelter. Most shelters have volunteers and paid employees. However, they work on a very tight budget. Please don’t expect any special accommodations.
3. A good shelter will place the interests of the animal first. They want the cat to have a successful placement. Some animals have anxiety while others get along with anyone and every type of animal.
4. Consider the size of your home and where you live – an apartment or house.
5. Who lives with you? That includes people and pets – does everyone get along and does anyone have allergies?
6. How much time do you have for a pet?
7. So you’ve spotted the kitten for you. Be sure to make several visits to the shelter. Play with the kitten. Spend time grooming them. See how the kitten reacts to other cats. Learn the kitten’s behavior.

Maybe Fuzzy Bear has health issues or doesn’t get along with children. Perhaps another kitten gets along better with dogs. All these factors will be considered on your application.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Play with your kitten or bring her a new toy. Share a selfie with your kitten. Visit a shelter and volunteer your time. If you are considering getting a kitten, adopt instead of purchasing one.

NATIONAL KITTEN DAY HISTORY

Colleen Paige, Pet & Family Lifestyle Expert, Author, and Animal Advocate, founded National Kitten Day to encourage adoption and celebrate the joy kittens bring to our lives.