Fog/Rain ~ Picture of the Day ~ Acorn Street, Boston ~ Tuna Noodle Casserole ~ Commissioner Reagan's House ~ Daddy & Momma Geese and Babies ~ National Pet Parents Day

Good 46º cloudy morning. 

Yesterday started off super foggy. It finally lifted, but the gloom stayed and early afternoon we got some rain. 

Picture of the Day ....

Interesting about a street in Boston...

The street featured is Acorn Street, Beacon Hill, Boston, Massachusetts. It is a tiny one-block-long street located in the Beacon Hill area, an historic district of Boston retaining much of its original architecture dating from the early to mid-1800s.

The street is said to be the most photographed street in Boston and one of the most photographed streets in the U.S.. Its few homes, originally used to house the coachmen employed by families in the nearby Mt. Vernon and Chestnut St mansions, have assessed values that range from $2 million to upwards of $6 million. The street attracts so many visitors that it occasionally looks less like a part of a colonial village and more like a carnival attraction.

It is one of the last places in the U.S. to still have actual cobblestones as paving material. Real cobblestones are rounded but irregularly shaped stones, "cobs”, taken from the earth and used as they are naturally formed. The settlers extracted these and put them to use by creating cobblestone streets, which today are very rare and are considered to be historic treasures.

Acorn Street is one of the very few streets with its original cobs in place. Other streets are described as cobblestone, but it is more likely that these streets are paved with "setts"—quarried granite worked on to form more even surfaces. Cobblestones are not level and stick up out of the ground in uneven arrangements, much to the dismay of the horses and humans who have had to traverse them.

From the Slow Roasted Italian... here's a good one, if you haven't made this in awhile! 

TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE

If you're looking for the most delicious Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe, you've found it. Now that more people are eating from their pantry, you might be wondering what the best way to use canned tuna is. You've guessed it, it's this delicious pantry casserole recipe.

• (12-ounce) package extra broad egg noodles
• 2 cups frozen peas (or your favorite vegetables)
• 2 (10.75 ounce) cans Campbell's Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (or 1 can mushroom, one can celery)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cup sharp shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 (10 ounce) cans tuna, drained
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Cook noodles according to package directions (only cook noodles to al dente, they still have a bite to them) as they will cook in the oven if using frozen peas add them during the last 2 minutes.
3. Meanwhile: In a large bowl combine soup, milk, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, onion, garlic, and pepper. Mix well. Add warm pasta, peas, and tuna, stir until combined.
4. Spread into a 9x13 baking dish. Sprinkle the top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
5. Mix the cracker crumbs with butter in a bowl and sprinkle over the casserole.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

Donna's notes....

 

1. If using canned peas, drain them and add to the bowl at the same time as the pasta.
2. Be sure to only cook the noodles to al dente as they will continue cooking in the oven.
3. You can use any pasta you like. Noodles are classic but this recipe is great with elbows, shells, cavatappi, and penne too. I imagine every pasta would work in this recipe.

Historically this date....

1944 – Georgios Papandreou becomes head of the Greek government-in-exile based in Egypt.

1962 – NASA's Ranger 4 spacecraft crashes into the Moon.

1981 – Dr. Michael R. Harrison of the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center performs the world's first human open fetal surgery.

1986 – A nuclear reactor accident occurs at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Soviet Union (now Ukraine), creating the world's worst nuclear disaster.

And births this date include...

1900 – Charles Richter, American geophysicist (d. 1985)

1933 – Carol Burnett, American comedian

Carol lived with her mother in Hollywood on Cherokee Avenue in a brownstone between Hollywood Boulevard and Yucca. My grandmother and aunt lived a block over on Whitley Avenue. Didn't know Carol (she wasn't famous yet) but probably had walked past her apartment building a bunch of times.

1938 – Duane Eddy, American musician

1942 – Bobby Rydell, American singer

 I watch Blue Bloods on TV a lot and the home that is used for the Commissioner is a beauty. Recently it showed the street sign by the house, so I looked up the street on Google and taaa daaaa... there is the house! It's on Harbor View Terrace in Brooklyn at the corner of 82nd Street.

To be clear, the interior of the house (where the meal scenes occur, for example) is actually a CBS set. However, fans will be happy to know that the exterior is a real house.

The house is situated in a cozy neighborhood near the water. Despite the fact that CBS uses its image for Blue Bloods, the estate is actually privately owned by a group of Catholics from the Middle East called the Maronites. Thus, this is not a place that is open to the public; anyone who wants to get a glimpse of it in real life will have to be respectful and cautious.

The beautiful residence isn't just for looks—it's inhabited by a bishop, according to the publication. The homestead has belonged to the Diocese of Saint Maron-USA since 1978. There's no word on whether the owner is a fan of Blue Bloods.

With its picturesque landscaping, numerous windows, and stately chimney, Frank's abode is certainly stunning—but it's not the only impressive property on the block. The newspaper adds that the area is filled with 100 year-old mansions, modest Victorian spaces, and even a gingerbread house that—almost—looks cute enough to eat.

Yesterday I saw this mom and dad goose and their three goslings, one of them under mom between her feet, on my driveway. 

Here are some interesting facts about Canadian Geese and some great pictures:

https://forum.americanexpedition.us/canada-goose-information-facts-photos-and-artwork

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

xo Sue Mom Bobo

On the last Sunday in April, National Pet Parents Day recognizes the pet parents who go the extra mile to care for their fur babies. 

There is a very special connection, a unique bond, between a pet and its owner.  This unique relationship, which can often last for many years, is often a vital part of the ‘pet parents’ life. Their loved pets are considered to be a member of the family. 

Some pet parents are new to the experience. Others are repeat performers. No matter how many pets or how often they engage in the relationship, it’s a special one every time. 

The observance was created to honor all dedicated pet parents across the nation with a special day of their own. 

HOW TO OBSERVE

There are several ways to celebrate this day.

• Give yourself some extra cuddle time with your pets.
• Take a photo with your pet.
• Check out the best ways to save on pet care while still giving your pet the best health possible.

NATIONAL PET PARENTS DAY HISTORY

Founded by Veterinary Pet Insurance(VPI) in 2007, National Pet Parents Day was created from inspiration in seeing the majority of their policyholders consider their pets as part of their family.

Gloom ~ Geese ~ Rain ~ Picture of the Day ~ Beluga Caviar ~ Fully Loaded Extreme Cheesy Potato Casserole ~ Vince Governatori ~ National Hug A Plumber Day

Good 52º dark foggy morning. 

Yesterday started out dark and gloomy....

...and out in my pasture were three noisy geese! They honked and honked!!!

Then the rain started..... it rained for about 10 minutes then stopped. A few hours later it rained again for 5 or 10 minutes. Not even enough to measure! Dang. 

Picture of the Day... ha ha ha.... (shared by my pal Karen 'Sugar Bear')

Interesting about Beluga Caviar....

Beluga caviar is caviar consisting of the roe (or eggs) of the beluga sturgeon. The fish is found primarily in the Caspian Sea, the world's largest salt-water lake, which is bordered by Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan. Beluga caviar is the most exclusive and expensive type of caviar, with market prices ranging from $3,200 to $4,500/lb. In 2005, the United States made it illegal to import beluga caviar and beluga sturgeon into the country, because of the animal's endangered status. However, caviar from beluga hybrid species are still for sale in the country.

The beluga sturgeon is currently considered to be critically endangered, causing the United States Fish and Wildlife Service to ban in 2005 the importation of beluga caviar which originated in the Caspian Sea and Black Sea basin. In 2006, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) suspended all trade made with the traditional caviar-producing regions of the Caspian and Black Seas (Beluga, Ossetra and Sevruga), (Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, China, Iran, Kazakhstan, Romania, Russia, Serbia and Montenegro, Turkmenistan, and Ukraine) due to the producing countries' failure to apply international regulations and recommendations. Caviar from Iran is exempted from the ban. Iran is considered by CITES to practice effective conservation and policing of its fisheries. In January 2007, this ban was partly lifted, allowing the sale of 96 tons of caviar, 15 percent below the official 2005 level. CITES maintained the 2007 quotas for 2008, drawing criticism for doing little to protect the declining sturgeon population.

The beluga sturgeon can take up to 20 years to reach maturity. The fish harvested for caviar are often nearly 900 kg (2,000 lb). The eggs themselves are the largest of the commonly used roes, and range in color from dark gray (almost black) to light gray, with the lighter colors coming from older fish, and being the most valued.

From the Slow Roasted Italian...

 

Cheesy potato bake kicked up about 12 notches. 3 cheeses, sour cream and bacon come together in this Fully Loaded Extreme Cheesy Potato Casserole to tantalize your taste buds. Rich, creamy and packed with ooey gooey cheese this simple recipe is a keeper!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pound thick cut bacon, cooked and chopped
• 2 pound red potatoes, washed and diced
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded mild cheddar cheese
• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Colby jack cheese
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 scallion, chopped

1. Preheat oven 400°.
2. In a large mixing bowl combine sour cream, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salt and pepper.   Stir until well combined.  Add potatoes and ¾ of chopped bacon.  Mix until well combined. 
3. Pour into a greased (6"x10") baking dish.  Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 60-75 minutes, until potatoes are fork tender.  Remove from oven.  Stir.  Sprinkle Colby Jack cheese over top and bake 15 minutes uncovered.
4. Sprinkle casserole with reserved bacon and scallions.
5. Serve and enjoy!

Special birthday today, Vince Governatori (LASD ret.). HAPPY BIRTHDAY VINCE!

Sorry it's not so clear. I copied it from the LASD annual from 1981!

Historically this date....

1901 – New York becomes the first U.S. state to require automobile license plates.

1939 – DC Comics publishes its second major superhero in Detective Comics #27; he is Batman, one of the most popular comic book superheroes of all time.

1945 – The Nazi occupation army surrenders and leaves Northern Italy after a general partisan insurrection by the Italian resistance movement; the puppet fascist regime

dissolves and Benito Mussolini tries to escape. This day is taken as symbolic of the Liberation of Italy.

1960 – The U.S. Navy submarine USS Triton completes the first submerged circumnavigation of the globe.

1965 – Teenage sniper Michael Andrew Clark kills three and wounds six others shooting from a hilltop along Highway 101 just south of Santa Maria, California.

2011 – At least 300 people killed in deadliest tornado outbreak in the Southern United States since the 1974 Super Outbreak.

And births this date include....

 1940 - Al Pacino, American actor
     Rode hard? Put away wet? Ewwww......

1964 – Hank Azaria, American actor, director, comedian

1969 – Renée Zellweger, American actress

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

xo Sue Mom Bobo

National Hug A Plumber Day on April 25th recognizes those who come to our rescue when pipes leak or drains are clogged. 

Plumbers have kept the water flowing since ancient Rome. Whether it is a minor leak to a major clog, a plumber will have the right tool for the job. They also help us to install the right types of pipes and plumbing when building a house or new business. They’re the water specialists – designing plumbing systems that work when we need it. Thanks to plumbers, we have hot water on demand. Showers come with a variety of options and kitchens provide the ultimate in convenience. 

Consider how plumbers improve our lives and health in the modern world. Their contributions could be inventions the human race would have a difficult time living without. Given a choice between using only a flush toilet or a smartphone for the rest of your life, which would you choose?

 

Clouds ~ Honey Lemon Chicken Remark ~ Picture of the Day ~ Boston Redskins ~ Lemony Asparagus and Radish Salad ~ Picture on the News ~ National Arbor Day

Good 52º dark cloudy morning. 

Yesterdays clouds again were pretty ....

I got a note from high school pal, Steve Geon, and he said he made the Honey Lemon Chicken I posted on April 17th. He said it was a "hit"!! Easy recipe. Yummy.

Picture of the Day .... LOL. (Shared by my NY friend Vivia)

Interesting.... another major league football team name...

This franchise was first based in Boston. George Preston Marshall and three others acquired an NFL franchise in 1932 and named it the "Boston Braves" after the city’s existing baseball team, which back then was a common practice. At the end of the first year and with losses upward of $46,000, Marshall was left as the sole owner.

The following year Marshall hired as his head coach Lone Star Dietz, a Native-American, as well as many other Native-American players. The Native-American players disliked the name Braves so Marshall abandoned the name in favor of "Boston Redskins." On opening day 1933, the entire team lined up for the team photo in war paint, feathers and some even in full headdress.

In 1936 as the team was on its way to its first Eastern crown, Marshall raised ticket prices on game day from 50 cents to 75 without advance notice. This upset both the public as well as the media and although the team was winning, the crowds boycotted the games and picketed in protest outside.

This angered Marshall. Set to host the NFL Championship Game, he instead moved it to New York City, where his “home” Redskins lost 21-6 to the Packers marking the first NFL championship held on neutral ground.

Marshall owned a chain of laundries in the Washington, D.C. area and the following year because of the problems he encountered in Boston, he moved the club to his hometown and retained its nickname.

In 1958, Texas oilman Clint Murchison. Jr. struck a deal to purchase the Redskins. When Marshall changed several last-minute details in the contract, Murchison balked and cancelled. Murchison would later become the first owner of the Cowboys; and yes, his intention was to move the club to Dallas.

The Redskins have won five NFL titles, which includes three Super Bowls.

From Mr. Food

Our Lemony Asparagus and Radish Salad is the perfect way to excite your taste buds and bring a springtime-smile to everyone around the dinner table. Who doesn't love fresh and crisp spring veggies tossed in a homemade lemon vinaigrette? The simple flavor combinations found in this easy vegetable recipe are downright refreshing, and we know you'll agree!

 

• 1 bunch (about 15 stalks) fresh asparagus, ends trimmed
• 10 radishes, thinly sliced
• 2 scallions, sliced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

1. In a large skillet over high heat, bring 1 inch of water to boil. Add asparagus and blanch 3 to 4 minutes or until crisp tender. Place asparagus in ice bath 5 minutes, then drain well. Cut into 2-inch pieces and place in medium bowl.  Add radishes, scallions, and lemon zest; set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice and sugar until sugar dissolves. Add oil and salt; mix well. Pour lemon juice mixture over vegetables; toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes or until chilled.

 

Historically this date

1967 – Cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov dies in Soyuz 1 when its parachute fails to open. He is the first human to die during a space mission.

1970 – The first Chinese satellite, Dong Fang Hong I, is launched. (Oh my, that sounds funny!!)

1980 – Eight U.S. servicemen die in Operation Eagle Claw as they attempt to end the Iran hostage crisis.

2005 – Snuppy, the world's first cloned dog, is born in South Korea.

And births this date include....

1934 – Shirley MacLaine, American actor and author

1936 – Jill Ireland, British actress (d. 1990)

For the second time this week, Jack Church has put one of my pictures on the news! 

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

xo Sue Mom Bobo

Each year in April, National Arbor Day encourages us to celebrate and plant trees. The observance takes place each year on the last Friday in April.  

Trees provide vital protection for the Earth’s topsoil from erosion, oxygen, and homes for wildlife. They also are a renewable resource that provides a variety of materials for building, fuel, and office supplies.

Trees beautify our environment, provide shade on a sunny day, and improve our quality of life. The day celebrates all these things and aims for American generations to enjoy all the benefits trees have to offer.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Celebrate the day by planting a tree today. You can also spend time caring for trees in your area.  Join an event near you or organize one in your community. Consider the trees you plant, too. While you may look for fast-growing trees so that you may enjoy the tree during your life-time, planting a slower growing tree is an investment in the future. Generations to come will enjoy the shade and beauty of the tree long after we’re gone. And leaving something as precious as a tree behind is quite the investment.

NATIONAL ARBOR DAY HISTORY

On April 10, 1872, journalist and newspaper editor J.Sterling Morton established Arbor Day in the state of Nebraska with hopes that it would spread across the country. This first celebration challenged the people of Nebraska to plant as many trees as they possibly could. Since the pioneers missed the trees and forests of the east, they answer the challenge by planting more than 1 million trees that very first year. 

To learn more about the history of National Arbor Day, visit the website at www.nationalarbordayfoundation.com.