Weather ~ Picture of the Day ~ Panama Canal History ~ Loaded Layered Hash Browns ~ National Beer Lover's Day

  

Good 54º super smokey depressing morning. My mountain not visible!

 

Yesterday we topped at 98º.

 

 

Picture of the Day.... wow! 

 

 

 

 

Interesting about the Panama Canal...

The idea of the Panama canal dates back to 1513, when Vasco Núñez de Balboa first crossed the isthmus. The narrow land bridge between North and South America houses the Panama Canal, a water passage between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The earliest European colonists recognized this potential, and several proposals for a canal were made.

Connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans is a waterway with a canal that cuts across the Isthmus of Panama. Using a series of locks, ships can use this man-made canal as a passageway for maritime trade. It is 51 miles in length.

In 1881 France began construction of the canal but stopped because of engineering challenges and a high worker mortality rate due to the damp, warm climate. Over 22,000 fatalities occurred during the French effort to build the canal due to disease, particularly yellow fever and malaria.

Additionally, a corruption affair broke out in the French Third Republic in 1892, that linked to the French company’s failed building attempt to construct the canal. Close to half a billion ‘francs’ were lost, plus it was disclosed that members of the French government had taken bribes to keep quiet about the Panama Canal Company’s financial troubles in what is regarded as the largest monetary corruption scandal of the 19th century.

Subsequently, in 1903 the United States assumed responsibility and completed it. On August 15, 1914 the Panama Canal was opened for use.

During World War II, the canal proved a vital part of the U.S. military strategy, allowing ships to transfer easily between the Atlantic and Pacific. Politically, the Canal remained a territory of the United States until 1977, when the Torrijos–Carter Treaties began the process of transferring territorial control of the Panama Canal Zone to Panama, a process completed on 31 December 1999.

The Panama Canal continues to be a viable commercial venture and a vital link in world shipping, and continues to be periodically updated and maintained. The Panama Canal expansion project started construction in 2007 and began commercial operation on 26 June 2016. The new locks allow transit of larger Post-Panamax and New Panamax ships, which have a greater cargo capacity than the original locks could accommodate.

 

Here is a page of 10 interesting pictures of the canal...

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/100-years-panama-canal-10-photos

 

 

 

 

From Mr. Food

 

Our Loaded Layered Hash Browns have everything you could possibly want packed into each bite. Don't be surprised at how fast this breakfast favorite disappears.

Hash browns are already a staple at the breakfast table but this version kicks it up several notches! What makes it "loaded" hash browns? Well, layers of crispy hash browns are accompanied by lots of cheddar cheese, rich bacon, flavorful scallions, and just the right amount of salt and pepper to bring it all together.

• 1 (30-ounce) bag frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced (with 1 tablespoon reserved for garnish)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup bacon bits, divided

 

1. In a large bowl, combine potatoes, scallions, salt, and pepper
2. In a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons oil until hot. Spread 3 cups of potato mixture evenly over bottom of skillet; press down with a spatula.
3. Top with 1-1/2 cups cheese and 2 tablespoons bacon bits. Spread remaining potatoes on top; press down with the spatula.
4. Cook 12 to 15 minutes, or until potatoes are well browned and crisp. Loosen edge of potatoes with the spatula. Place a large plate upside down over skillet; carefully turn skillet upside down over plate to remove potatoes.
5. In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Slide potatoes from the plate into skillet so the uncooked side is down. Cook 10 to 15 minutes, or until potatoes are well browned and tender

1. Slide onto serving plate. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese, reserved 1 tablespoon scallions, and remaining 2 tablespoons bacon bits. Cut into wedges and serve.

** Serve with a side of sour cream -- wow!

 

 

Historically this date.....

1942 – Holocaust: 8,700 Jews of Kolomyia (western Ukraine) sent by German Gestapo to death camp in Belzec.

 

1945 – Japanese forces on Wake Island, which they had held since December of 1941, surrender to U.S. Marines.

 

1970 – Bill Shoemaker sets record for most lifetime wins as a jockey (passing Johnny Longden).

 

And births this date include...

1860 – Grandma Moses, American painter (d. 1961)

 

 

 

 

 

 

1908 – Michael DeBakey, American cardiac surgeon

(d. 2008)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interesting his initials were his profession!

 

1923 – Peter Lawford, British-born American actor (d. 1984)

 

1936 – Buddy Holly, American singer (The Crickets) (d. 1959)

 

1937 – John Phillip Law, American actor (d. 2008)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

His initials are the same as the "rocket place" in Pasadena, Jet Propulsion Lab!

1954 – Corbin Bernsen, American actor

 

 

 

 

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

xo Sue Mom Bobo

 

On September 7th, National Beer Lover’s Day celebrates the grains, hops and brewing methods across many eras.

Beer and the process of brewing beer may predate known history. As varied as the methods, grains, and flavors, beer continues to change and evolve.

Virginia colonists brewed beer. William Penn included a place for brewing beer within the Pennsylvania colony. It can still be visited at Pennsbury Manor today. The first President of the United States recorded a recipe for brewing beer in his notes. Samuel Adams holds a place in both beer and tea history in this country. There were a few beer lovers and patriots among the nation’s founders.

The United States also derives its rich brewing history from beer-loving German immigrants during the mid-1800s. Some of those immigrants families’ names are as familiar today as they were a hundred years ago.

While some names have faded into the past, smaller batch brewers continue to experiment with old and new recipes. The crafting of beer carries deep traditions, often requiring years of training and experience in the trade. Depending on the brewery, the path to brewmaster may take years to develop the skill and expertise. Eventually, a brewmaster gains the knowledge necessary to produce a quality beer every time. One particular requirement is a passion for the craft.

The brewer will master lagers, ales, malts, and stouts. They may even specialize. However, their ability to ferment the perfect beer under each condition and bring out the flavor of the grain and yeast will be key. Managing temperature and timing for an IPA or studying grains all go into their education. Each process varies, and a brewmaster knows this.

Weather/Smoke ~ Picture of the Day ~ State of Maine Facts ~ Herb Roasted Bundt Pan Chicken ~ Labor Day

 

Good 52º no smoke, scattered clouds morning.

 

Yesterday the smoke finally left by late afternoon and we topped at 100º. 

 

 

Picture of the Day ..... oops!

 

 

Interesting about the state of Maine...

Maine is the only state in the United States whose name has one syllable.

 

The White Mountain National Forest covers nearly 800,000 acres, the forest covers a landscape ranging from hardwood forests to the largest alpine area east of the Rocky Mountains

 

Approximately 40 millions pounds (nearly 90 percent) of the nation’s lobster supply is caught off the coast of Maine.

 

Maine produces 99% of all the blueberries in the country making it the single largest producer of blueberries in the United States.

 

In 1641 America’s first chartered city was York.

 

Acadia National Park is the second most visited national park in the United States.

 

Togus was the first Veteran’s Hospital in the United States. The facility was founded in 1866.

 

90% of the country’s toothpick supply is produced in Maine.

 

Former President George Bush has a summer home in Kennebunkport.

The chickadee is the official state bird.

Maine lies farther northeast than any other state.

 

Maine lobsters have won international fame for their flavor and contribution to the culinary world.

 

 

Eastport is the only United States owned principality that has been under rule by a foreign government. It was held from 1814 to 1818 by British troops under King George following the conclusion of the War of 1812.

 

 

 

 

From Mr. Food

 

You don't need a fancy rotisserie to make the best roasted chicken - all you need is a Bundt pan! Our Herb Roasted Bundt Pan Chicken is so moist and flavorful, you'll wonder why you've never tried roasting your chicken like this before. (We just love how the chicken picks up the flavors from the herbs and wine in the pan!)

 

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (4-pound) whole chicken
• 1 onion, cut into quarters
• 3 carrots, cut into 1-1/2-inch chunks
• 4 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup white wine

 

 

1. Preheat oven to 350º. 
    
2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub inside and outside of chicken with mixture.
    
3. Slide tail end of chicken over hollow tube of a Bundt pan and place on baking sheet. Place onion, carrots, and thyme around chicken. Pour broth and wine into pan.
    

1. Bake 75 to 90 minutes or until no longer pink and juices run clear. Remove chicken from Bundt pan and serve.

 

 

 

Historically this date....

1492 – Christopher Columbus sails from La Gomera in the Canary Islands, his final port of call before crossing the Atlantic for the first time.

1522 – The Victoria, the only surviving ship of Ferdinand Magellan's expedition, returns to Sanlúcar de Barrameda in Spain, becoming the first ship to circumnavigate the world.

1949 – A former sharpshooter in World War II, Howard Unruh kills 13 neighbors in Camden, New Jersey, with a souvenir Luger to become the first U.S. single-episode mass murderer.

1972 – Munich Massacre: 9 Israel athletes taken hostage at the Munich Olympic Gamesby the Palestinian "Black September" terrorist group died (as did a German policeman) at the hands of the kidnappers during a failed rescue attempt. 2 other Israeli athletes are slain in the initial attack the previous day.

1997 – Funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales takes place in London. Over a million people lined the streets and 2.5 billion watched around the world on television.

 

And births this date include....

1937 – Jo Anne Worley, American actress

 

 

 

1944 – Swoosie Kurtz, American actress

..named after an aircraft by her father!

1947 – Jane Curtin, American actress

 

 

 

 

 

1958 – Jeff Foxworthy, American comedian

 

 

 

1983 – Pippa Middleton, Sister of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

 

 

 

All I know. Nuff said. Have a good Monday Labor Day. Ciao.

xo Sue Mom Bobo

Labor Day on first Monday of every September recognizes the men and women who labor to build this country. Through a time-honored tradition with roots in the coordinated efforts of the labor movement of the 1800s, we salute the American workforce.

Since the founding of the United States, the country has relied on its workforce for its infrastructure. From its streets and buildings to its transportation and security, the nation runs on labor. The labor of what we create, build and harvest fuels our education and inspires our dreams. 

This National Day also signals the official end of summer. Those who work hard, need time to play, too. With the school year starting and summer winding down, the long weekend beckons. They use the extra day earned to spend with families and catch some R&R. Some will explore cities while others will seek outdoor adventure. No matter where it’s spent, it’s well earned. 

HOW TO OBSERVE 

Many families spend Labor Day weekend on vacation. They pack the campgrounds full or explore tourist towns for one last hurrah! As you celebrate this day, consider and appreciate your hard work and how it has added to the well-being and prosperity of our country. 

HISTORY OF LABOR DAY

On September 5, 1882, Labor Day first honored workers in New York City. The observance later moved to the first Monday in September in 1884. However, the observance wasn’t officially recognized by any government entity until 1885 when a municipal ordinance was passed. Interestingly, Oregon recognized the day in 1887 before New York state’s bill passed. As more states recognized the observance, its popularity grew. Then, in 1894, Congress declared the day to be a national observance.