Weather ~ Picture of the Day ~ Sears & Roebuck ~ Miracle Pasta ~National Milk Chocolate Day

 

Good 61º scattered clouds morning. 

 

Yesterday the rain started, just drizzling, but at least it was raining on and off!!

We topped at 76º.

 

 

Picture of the Day .... perfect timing

 

 

 

 

Interesting about Sears and Roebuck.....

 

 In 1886, Richard W. Sears founded the "R.W. Sears Watch Company" in Minneapolis to sell watches by mail order. He relocated his business to Chicago in 1887 and partnered with Alvah C. Roebuck, a watchmaker from Indiana to establish a successful mail-order catalog for their watch company. In 1893, they renamed the company to Sears, Roebuck, and Co. and began to diversify the product lines offered in their catalogs, then began opening retail locations in 1925, the first in Chicago, Illinois.

 

Through the 1980s, Sears was the largest retailer in the United States. ^{In 2005 the company was bought by the management of the American big box chain Kmart, which formed Sears Holdings on completion of the merger. Sears grew into one of the nation’s largest corporations, redefining} 

^{the American shopping experience in the process.}

 

 In 2018, it was the 31st-largest. After several years of declining sales, Sears's parent company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on October 15, 2018. It announced on January 16, 2019, that it had won its bankruptcy auction, and that a reduced number of 425 stores would remain open, including 223 Sears stores.

 

This is the Sears that is permanently closed in Grants Pass Oregon...

 

 

 

 

 

^

The Willis Tower (formerly known as and commonly referred to as the Sears Tower) is a 108-story, 1,450-foot skyscraper in Chicago. The tower has 108 stories as counted by standard methods, though the building's owners count the main roof as 109 and the mechanical penthouse roof as 110. At completion in 1974, it surpassed the World Trade Center in New York City to become the tallest building in the world, a title that it held for nearly 25 years; it was also the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere for 41 years, until the new One World Trade Center surpassed it in 2013.

 

If you would like to read a whole lot more about Sears, go here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sears

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Warren_Sears

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alvah_Curtis_Roebuck

 

 

 

From Mr. Food

 

What makes this dish such a miracle? The fact that it couldn't be any easier to make, that's what! If you can boil water, then you can make Miracle Pasta, and that's no exaggeration! All you need is 20 minutes, and you've got a delicious dinner ready to go!

 

• 12 ounces linguine pasta, uncooked, broken in half
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
• 4 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• Grated Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

 

1. In a soup pot, place linguine, tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle with oregano, crushed red pepper, and salt. Drizzle top with oil and cover.
2. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, reduce heat to low, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring every 2 to 3 minutes, or until liquid is almost gone. Stir in basil and serve garnished with Parmesan cheese.

 

 

 

Historically this date....

1945 – A U.S. Army B-25 bomber crashes into the 79th    floor of the Empire State Building killing 14 and injuring 26.

1965 – Vietnam War: U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson announces his order to increase the number of United States troops in South Vietnam from 75,000 to 125,000.

 

2002 – Nine coal miners trapped in the flooded Quecreek Mine in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, are rescued after 77 hours underground.

And births this date include...

1901 – Rudy Vallee, American entertainer (d. 1986)

 

1929 – Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, First Lady of the United States (d. 1994)

 

1948 – Sally Struthers, American actress

 

 

 

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

xo Sue Mom Bobo

On July 28th dive into the ever-popular National Milk Chocolate Day. When it comes to chocolate, this sweet easily pleases.

On average, we recognize three chocolate holidays a month. Interestingly, July celebrates chocolate as often as February.

Solid chocolate, when combined with either powdered, liquid or condensed milk, is known as milk chocolate. While candy bar makers use milk chocolate to make their most popular candy bars, the treat isn’t the healthiest of the chocolates. Dark chocolate takes home the honors for nutrition. With added sugar and fat, milk chocolate packs on the calories. Add to that, milk chocolate’s popularity in baked goods, and the calorie count keeps going up. Don’t forget, we add it to specialty coffee drinks and other beverages, too.

In fact, we’ve been adding milk to chocolate beverages since the mid-17th century. But, in 1875 Daniel Peter invented milk chocolate by mixing a powdered milk developed by Henri Nestlé with the liquor. It’s been milk chocolate bliss ever since.

Since the days are heating up, melt that chocolate down. Drizzle it on some ice cream or mix it into some popcorn. Nobody said this holiday would be difficult.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Enjoy your favorite milk chocolate. Create a special treat with one of these recipes:

• Milk Chocolate Popcorn
• Chocolate Candy Bar Cake
• Milk Chocolate Pecan Pie

 

NATIONAL MILK CHOCOLATE DAY HISTORY

According to our research, the National Confectioners Association created National Milk Chocolate Day.

Weather ~ Picture (s) of the Day ~ Interesting About New Jersey ~ Hawaiian Meatballs ~ National New Jersey Day

 

Good 65º dark cloudy morning. 

About 3am we had thunder. Then it poured rain for about 2 minutes. 

 

Yesterday we topped at 103º.

 

 

Picture of the Day....

 

If you google them, there are lots around the country!

 

We also have a similar one here in Oregon in Grants Pass...

 

 

Interesting about New Jersey

 

New Jersey is one of the 50 states of the United States of America. It is in the northeastern section of the country along the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. It is a geographically small state, shaped like a letter [S], and bordered on the west by Pennsylvania and Delaware across the Delaware River, on the north by New York, on the northeast by the Hudson River and New York City, on the east and southeast by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the southwest by Delaware Bay.

 

The capital of New Jersey is Trenton and the largest city is Newark. Trenton briefly served as the capital of the United States in 1784. 

Trenton dates back at least to June 3, 1719, when mention was made of a constable being appointed for Trenton while the area was still part of Hunterdon County. Boundaries were recorded for Trenton Township as of March 2, 1720. A courthouse and jail were constructed in Trenton around 1720, and the Freeholders of Hunterdon County met annually in Trenton. Trenton became New Jersey's capital as of November 25, 1790.

^{It briefly served as the capital of the United States in 1784.}

 

Though New Jersey is better known for bordering the large cities of New York City and Philadelphia. The state nickname is "The Garden State". 

 

New Jersey is the fourth smallest state, but has the eleventh highest number of people. It therefore has the highest population density (number of people for the amount of land) in the United States. New Jersey is also well known for its beaches, industries, swamps, and pine forests.

 

During the American Revolutionary War, the city was the site of the Battle of Trenton, George Washington's first military victory. On December 25–26, 1776, Washington and his army, after crossing the icy Delaware River to Trenton, defeated the Hessian troops garrisoned there. The second battle of Trenton, Battle of the Assunpink Creek, was fought here on January 2, 1777. After the war, the Congress of the Confederation met for two months at the French Arms Tavern from November 1, 1784, to December 24, 1784. While the city was preferred by New England and other northern states as a permanent capital for the new country, the southern states ultimately prevailed in their choice of a location south of the Mason–Dixon line. On April 21, 1789, the city hosted a reception for George Washington on his journey to New York City for his first inauguration.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city had a total area of 8.21 square miles, including 7.58 square miles of land and 0.63 square miles of water (7.62%).

 

Several bridges across the Delaware River connect Trenton to Morrisville, Pennsylvania, all of which are operated by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission. 

 

The Trenton–Morrisville Toll Bridge, originally constructed in 1952, stretches 1,324 feet, carrying U.S. Route 1. 

The Lower Trenton Bridge, bearing the legend "Trenton Makes The World Takes Bridge", is a 1,022-foot  span that was constructed in 1928 on the site of a bridge that dates back to 1804.

The Calhoun Street Bridge, dating back to 1884, is 1,274 feet.

 

 

From Mr. Food

 

This fun spin on the classic meatball recipes that you know and love is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. You see, the pineapple and the bell pepper mix together to make the best Hawaiian Meatballs that you've ever tasted!

 

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely crushed butter-flavored crackers
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 (8-ounce) can pineapple chunks in syrup, with syrup reserved
• 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks

 

1. Preheat oven to 350º. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine beef, onion, crackers, egg, water, onion powder, salt, and black pepper; mix well. Form mixture into 1-inch balls and place on baking sheet.
3. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until no longer pink in center.
4. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, cornstarch, vinegar, soy sauce, and reserved pineapple juice. Cook until mixture starts to thicken. Add pineapple and bell pepper and continue to cook 5 to 7 minutes, or until thickened and heated through.
5. Place meatballs in a large bowl. Pour sauce over and toss until evenly coated.

 

 

 

Historically this date.....

1789 – The first U.S. federal government agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs, is established (it will be later renamed Department of State).

1940 – The animated short A Wild Hare is released, introducing the character of Bugs Bunny.

 

1953 – The Korean War ends when the United States, the People's Republic of China, and North Korea sign an armistice agreement. Syngman Rhee, President of South Korea, refuses to sign but pledges to observe the armistice.

 

1964 – Vietnam War: 5,000 more American military advisers are sent to South Vietnam bringing the total number of United States forces in Vietnam to 21,000

 

1981 – 6 year old Adam Walsh, son of John Walsh is kidnapped in Hollywood, Florida and is found murdered two weeks later.

 

1987 – RMS Titanic, Inc. begins the first expedited salvage of wreckage of the RMS Titanic.

 

1996 – Centennial Olympic Park bombing: in Atlanta, United States, a pipe bomb explodes at Centennial Olympic Park during the 1996 Summer Olympics. One woman (Alice Hawthorne) is killed, and a cameraman suffers a heart attack fleeing the scene. 111 are injured.

 

2007 – Phoenix News Helicopter Collision: news helicopters from Phoenix, Arizona television stations KNXV and KTVK collide over Steele Indian School Park in central Phoenix while covering a police chase

 

And births this date include.....

1931 – Jerry Van Dyke, American actor (d.2018)

 
       Jerry            Dick

 

1948 – Peggy Fleming, American figure skater

 

 

 

 

 

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

xo Sue Mom Bobo

 

On July 27th, National New Jersey Day recognizes the third state to join the Union. Find out what’s unique and captivating about the Garden State!

Early History

When Giovanni Da Verrazzano first explored the shores of the Atlantic coast, he explored lands that included New Jersey. Da Verrazzano discovered diverse communities of people who were later called the Delaware Indians.

In 1160, the Dutch founded New Jersey’s first European settlement, but in 1664 the British took control. At this time, the land was divided into half and named New Jersey after the Isle of Jersey in the English Channel.

Revolution

Leading up the American Revolution, the colony as a whole was equally divided in its loyalties to the crown. Colonists who remained undecided were just as likely to support the rebel cause as they were to support the king. The same applied to colonists in New Jersey.

Due to New Jersey’s central location among the thirteen colonies, more battles during the Revolutionary War took place here than any other state.

While the state was the third to enter the union, New Jersey signed the Bill of Rights before any other state.

Industry and Innovation

During and after the war, New Jersey industry grew. Rapidly, innovation and technology took place in New Jersey. One well-known innovator found a home in Menlo Park. There, Thomas Edison nourished his ingenuity.

While industry and innovation grew, so did the state’s population. Today New Jersey’s population density thrives at the highest of any state in the United States.

While it may be an industrial powerhouse, its nickname the Garden State is precise. New Jersey supplies the world with cranberries, blueberries, and tomatoes.

New Jersey Flavor

While we thank New Jersey for a few delicious foods we can enjoy anywhere, the state produces a large number of dishes travel is a must.

During the summer months, enjoy the fresh blueberries from New Jersey. At the turn of the 20th century, the intuitive Elizabeth White helped domesticate the wild blueberries found along the Eastern seaboard. Today, blueberry production in New Jersey is a global business.

Pork roll is to New Jersey as carrots are to Bugs Bunny. The cured, smoked pork product creates debates between residents of the state. Trenton loves their pork roll so much, in fact, they hold an annual Pork Roll Festival. However, pork roll does exist west of the Delaware River.

Now, for most of these other dishes, come visit or pay for postage. Folks from New Jersey have a different idea about what a sloppy joe is. Tomato. To-mah-to. This one sounds delicious. Their version places slices of pastrami or corned beef (or both), coleslaw, Russian dressing, and swiss cheese layered between three slices of rye bread.

Also, New Jerseyan’s make their pizza pie on the flip side. That is to say – they like their sauce on top. Its called tomato pie with seasoning crushed tomatoes on top of the other ingredients. Crust on the bottom, of course.

Lastly, saltwater taffy, sandy beaches, and long boardwalks of Atlantic City all go together. Both saltwater taffy and America’s boardwalks got their start there.