Weather/Fog/Geese ~ St. Patrick's Day 2 Years Ago ~ Irish Laney ~ Picture of the Day ~ "Luck of the Irish" Cake ~ St. Patrick's Day ~ National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day

  

Good 37º morning. 

 

Yesterday it was frozen and so cold and we got super foggy.

The fog finally left and we topped at 70º with sunshine and clear blue skies. 

 

 

The geese on top of my barn.....

 

 

and on the roadways in Grants Pass.....

 

 

Two years ago today I met with pals for lunch at Taprock. Here we are...

 L-R ... Jeannie, Dee (unfortunately she passed away and is so missed), me, Karen, Herm, Dale, and Bill.

 

The surname of LANEY (my family name) was an Irish surname meaning 'the son of Dubslaine' (the son of Slaney) which was derived from the Gaelic de Slaine. It is one of the few Irish place-names, meaning, one who came from Slane in County Meath. Local names usually denoted where a man held his land, and indicated where he actually lived. 

 

Picture of the Day

 

 

 

 

From Mr. Food

 

Need a St. Paddy's Day dessert recipe worth its weight in gold? Well we've got you covered with a moist cake, topped with a smooth frosting that we've spiked with Irish cream! Plus, the nuts top it off with just enough crunch to make it St.Paddy's Day perfect. Be careful though! Our "Luck of the Irish" Cake will have all the leprechauns trying to steal a slice. But...we could think of worse things, so this easy dessert recipe is totally worth it!

 

• 1 (15.25-ounce) package white cake mix
• 2 (4-serving-size) packages instant pistachio pudding and pie filling
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 4 eggs
•  
• Irish Cream Frosting
• 1 cup (1/2 pint) heavy cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup Irish cream liqueur (optional)
• 1 (4-serving-size) package instant pistachio pudding and pie filling
• 1/4 cup chopped pistachio nuts (optional)

 

1. Preheat oven to 350º. Coat a 9- x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl with an electric mixer, beat cake mix, 2 packages pudding mix, 1/2 cup milk, the oil, and water until smooth. Beat in eggs until well combined then pour into baking dish.
3. Bake 35 to 38 minutes or until a wooden toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool completely.
4. To make the frosting, in a medium bowl with an electric mixer, beat heavy cream, 1/4 cup milk, the liqueur, if desired, and 1 package pudding mix, until thickened. Frost cake then garnish with chopped pistachio nuts, if desired. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

****Add a drop of green food color to the frosting to liven up your Erin Go Bragh!!! (Translated... Ireland Forever)

 

 

 

 

Historically this date.....

1963 – Mount Agung erupted on Bali killing 11,000.

 

1969 – Golda Meir becomes the first female Prime Minister of Israel.

 

1985 – Serial killer Richard Ramirez, aka the "Night Stalker", commits the first two murders in his Los Angeles, California murder spree.

 

2008 – Governor of New York Eliot Spitzer resigns after a scandal involving a high-end prostitute. Lieutenant Governor David Paterson becomes New York State governor

 

And births this date include...

1919 – Nat King Cole, American singer (d. 1965)

 

 

1930 – James Irwin, American astronaut (d. 1991)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1936 – Ken Mattingly, American astronaut

 

 

 

 

1938 – Rudolf Nureyev, Russian-born dancer and choreographer (d. 1993)

 

 

 

1951 – Kurt Russell, American actor

 

1955 – Gary Sinise, American actor

 

 

 

1964 – Rob Lowe, American actor

 

 

 

 

All I know. Nuff said. Have a good Saint Paddy's Day. Ciao.

xo Sue Mom Bobo

St. Patrick’s Day kicks off a worldwide celebration that is also known as the Feast of St. Patrick. On March 17th, many will wear green in honor of the Irish and decorate with shamrocks. In fact, the wearing of the green is a tradition that dates back to a story written about St. Patrick in 1726.  St. Patrick ( c.  AD 385–461) was known to use the shamrock to illustrate the Holy Trinity and to have worn green clothing. They’ll revel in the Irish heritage and eat traditional Irish fare, too.

In the United States, St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated since before the country was formed. While the holiday has been a bit more of a rowdy one, with green beer, parades, and talk of leprechauns, in Ireland, it the day is more of a solemn event. It wasn’t until broadcasts of the events in the United States were aired in Ireland some of the Yankee ways spread across the pond. One tradition that is an Irish-American tradition not common to Ireland is corned beef and cabbage.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Remember to wear green. Read up about St. Patrick’s Day and cook up an Irish feast!

SAINT PATRICK’S DAY HISTORY

The Feast of St. Patrick started in the early 17 century. The day marks the death of St. Patrick and was chosen as an official Christian feast day and is observed by the Catholic Church. The day is also a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and the British Overseas Territory of Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora around the world, especially in Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.

 

And..... today is also......

 

On March 17th National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day coincides with St. Patrick’s Day in the United States.

To “corn” something is simply to preserve it in a salty brine (the term corn refers to the coarse grains of salt used for curing).

Corned beef is a salt-cured beef product. In the traditional Irish Corned Beef and Cabbage recipes, salt pork or bacon joint was used instead of corned beef.  Sometime in the mid-1800s when the Irish immigrated to America, they found that Jewish corned beef was very similar in texture to bacon joint (pork). As a result, corned beef was used as a replacement for the bacon when preparing corned beef and cabbage meals. Soon after, Irish-Americans began having Corned Beef and Cabbage on St. Patrick’s Day.

Corned beef and cabbage remains a popular food in many areas of the United States.

In Ireland today, the serving of corned beef is geared toward tourist consumption.  Most Irish in Ireland do not identify it as native cuisine.

• In the United States, corned beef is often purchased ready to eat in delicatessens.
• Smoking corned beef and adding spice mixes produces a smoked meat such as pastrami.
• Corned beef can be found sold in minced forms and cans.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with one of the traditional dishes in the United States. Many restaurants across the U.S. will be serving it but you can make it yourself, too. https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/16310/corned-beef-and-cabbage-i/

NATIONAL CORNED BEEF AND CABBAGE DAY HISTORY

While the original creator of this food holiday is lost to history, corned beef and cabbage has long been associated with the St. Patrick’s Day celebration.

Weather ~ Deer/Geese ~ Picture of the Day ~ 10k Race ~ Coconut Bread Pudding ~ Nancy Perry ~ Bowling Champ Tucker ~ National Artichoke Hearts Day

  

Good 30º frozen morning. We had some rain on and off yesterday and topped at 62º.

 

Yesterday early there were 7 deer out in my front yard. I tried getting pictures, but difficult from inside..... here are a few

 

 

and then the geese showed up......

 

 

 

Picture of the Day...

 

 

 

Interesting about a 10k race...

 

 

One kilometer converts to .62 miles. Therefore, a 10K race is the equivalent of 6.2 miles. The kilometer is the primary measurement unit for expressing large distances throughout most of the world, though the United States still uses the mile as its standard. The popularity of 10K races lies in the fact that, for most adults, the 10K distance is long enough to represent a challenge but short enough to remain accessible for an untrained runner. For a real-world comparison, you would have to run a football field (including the end zone) 91.14 times to complete a 10K.

 

As one of the shortest common road distances, many 10K races attract high levels of public participation. Among the largest 10K races, the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta, United States had over 55,000 participants in 2011 while the Vancouver Sun Run and Bolder Boulder both had close to 50,000 runners. The popularity of 10K races lies in the fact that, for most adults, the 10K distance is long enough to represent a challenge but short enough to remain accessible for an untrained runner.

 

Most popular 10K races are an annual fixture in a city or area and typically incorporate an element of charity running, where participants raise funds for a cause, based upon their completion of the course. Members of the public may take part in the races as a competition or simply for pleasure as a fun run. Some races also allow wheelchair racers to enter. Traditional New Year's Day races are often held over 10K, including the San Silvestre Vallecana in Spain.

 

The accessibility of the distance, and road running in general, has meant that local governments and health charities often form partnerships with races as a way of promoting physical fitness among the general public. Medical organisations, fitness groups, drinks manufacturers and sportswear companies are typical commercial sponsors of 10K events.

 

 

From Mr. Food

 

You'll have the whole gang going "coconutty" for more of this Coconut Bread Pudding. As you can imagine, there's a whole lot of coconut flavor in this bread pudding recipe, and it's simply delicious!

 

• 2 (13.5-ounce) cans coconut milk
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 (16-ounce) day-old French bread loaf, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 cup sweetened flaked coconut

 

1. Coat a 2-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk coconut milk, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add bread cubes and coconut, stirring gently just until bread is moistened. Pour mixture into a baking dish, then cover and chill 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 350º. Bake 45 to 50 minutes, or until set in center. Serve warm.

 

***It's easy to make this Coconut Bread Pudding look holiday-special; just serve it with an array of colorful, fresh fruit!

 

 

Today would have been my Dad's birthday. He was born on this date in 1901. He passed away in 1991.

                ^ Mom and Dad on their 50th wedding anniversary in 1976.

  Daddy being Irish and missing being born on St. Pat's Day by 1 day! Dang!

 

 

Special birthday today... my pal Nancy Perry is celebrating. HAPPY BIRTHDAY NANCY!! xo

^with her Dave

 

 

Historically this date......

1916 – The 7th and 10th US cavalry regiments under John J. Pershing crossed the US-Mexico border to join the hunt for Pancho Villa.

 

1945 – World War II: The Battle of Iwo Jima ended, but small pockets of Japanese resistance persisted.

 

1958 – The Ford Motor Company produced its 50 millionth automobile, the Thunderbird, averaging almost a million cars a year since the company's founding.

 

1968 – General Motors produced its 100 millionth automobile, the Oldsmobile Toronado.

 

 

 

And births this date include....

1751 – James Madison, 4th President of the United States (d. 1836)

 

 

1912 – Pat Nixon, First Lady of the United States (d. 1993)

 

1926 – Jerry Lewis, American comedian (d.2017)

 

1990's .. 2003 ..... 2011:

 

 

 

1949 – Erik Estrada, American actor

 

 

Over this last weekend my grandson, Tucker Pendleton, and his Grants Pass bowling team were in a contest up in Keiser, Oregon (about 3 1/2 hours north of here) and he and his team won!!! Congratulations Tucker!!!

 

 

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

xo Sue Mom Bobo

On March 16th, National Artichoke Hearts Day offers a tasty option to add flavor to any dish. 

According to the California Artichoke Advisory Board, artichokes are a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, and magnesium. The antioxidants in artichokes are very good for your liver and help promote healthy skin.  Artichokes are also high in fiber, calcium, and protein while low in calories. These reasons, plus being fat-free and cholesterol-free, make artichokes a healthy and delicious food to celebrate!

• The total antioxidant capacity of an artichoke flower head is one of the highest reported for vegetables.
• The fleshy base of the artichoke is perhaps the most enjoyably edible part of this oddly-shaped vegetable. 
  
• California is known as the artichoke capital of the world. They supply nearly 100% of North American fresh artichokes.

While artichokes may be a little difficult to prepare, you can find artichoke hearts packed in vinegar, oil, or marinade. Don’t let the artichoke heart fool you. They’re more versatile than they seem. Eat them as a snack or add them to dips or sauces. They also make excellent toppings on pizzas and flatbread. Toss them into the skillet for a savory sauté or infuse them into a broth. Artichoke hearts just might turn into a healthy addition to your cooking routine!

HOW TO OBSERVE 

• Pick up some fresh artichokes or canned artichoke hearts to make your favorite recipes.
• Test out a few new recipes with friends and family. Be sure to save and share your best ones.
• We offer a few techniques for you to try with your artichoke hearts, too.
  • Roast artichoke hearts with your potatoes and carrots. Season them lightly with olive oil and salt and pepper.
  • Try grilling fresh artichoke hearts for a smoky addition to your meal.
  • Create an artichoke salad or an artichoke dressing.
  • Make an artichoke heart and grilled cheese sandwich with smoked provolone.
  • Warm up with this Lemony Artichoke Soup.
  • Another hearty recipe is this Artichoke Hearts Gratin.
  • Make a variety of dips and sauces, too.

Weather ~ Picture of the Day ~ Shampoo History ~ Creamy Chicken and Rice ~ National Kansas Day

  

Good 47º cloudy morning. We had rain in the night. 

 

Yesterday we stayed cloudy and topped at 62º.

 

 

Picture of the Day...mom and her babies being protected by a good guy....

 

 

 

Interesting about shampoo

 

 

Shampoo is a solution and hair care product that is used to remove dirt, oil, skin particles and dandruff from hair. These pollutants build up in hair over time and need to be removed to maintain personal hygiene and well groomed hair. It is necessary to remove these particles from hair without stripping the scalp of sebum which is a natural oil.

 

Shampoo can be traced as far back as India as it was used by ancient tribes in that time. The English word shampoo is derived from the Hindi word ch?mpo. Its usage dates as far back as 1762. The word ch?mpo refers to the action of massaging the head with hair oil. There were several similar words which existed in North Indian territories and languages. This practise was adopted by Britain through Sake Dean Mahomed, a Bengali entrepreneur. He introduced shampoo and the action of massaging the hair in a vapour bath while working in London. He and his wife later opened a steam vapor and medicated bath. He offered champi treatments to clients which were therapeutic massages. He later became a ‘Shampoo Surgeon’ to William IV and George IV.

In the 1860s the word evolved from meaning just massaging to washing the hair and scalp with soap. Before then regular soap was used to wash hair but because of the thick film of residue left behind, and its properties of leaving hair dry, unhealthy looking and irritated it was rarely practiced.

Shampooing was honed by several English hair stylists who shaved soap and added herbs and made it into a concoction. The herbs were added to give hair fragrance and shine. Kasey Herbert is one of the first known inventors of shampoo. He is also attributed with its origin. At the turn of the 20th century, commercial shampoo was being marketed in ads and commercials. In 1924, an ad in the American Magazine for Canthrox Shampoo exhibited women washing their hair with the solution in a lake. Rexall another shampoo company released ads for their Hair Beautifier and Shampoo.

Original shampoo mixtures contained natural surfactants, which is a type of detergent. Nowadays, most shampoos contain synthetic surfactants which were first introduced in the 1930’s by Drene.

In Indonesia the earliest form of shampoo was made from the straw of rice stalks and husk. They were burned till they turned to ash and mixed with water. They were not very popular as they often left hair very dry. Coconut oil was then introduced as a moisturizer.

In India, several herbs and extracts were used as a shampoo. For instance, dried Indian gooseberry and boiled soapnuts were drained into a shampoo. They were known to make hair shiny, soft and manageable.

Sake Dean Mahomed used the term champo  but never actually washed hair. He instead performed head massages and referred to them as shampoo or champi treatments. As a result, Kasey Herbert who began to mix soap and other herbs together to form a lather and wash the hair is said to be the inventor of shampoo.

 

 

From Mr. Food

 

For those days when there's a lot to do and little time to do it, recipes like this Creamy Chicken and Rice are great. Your slow cooker does all the work, while you go about doing whatever it is you need to do. Come dinnertime your house will smell darn good and you'll have something tasty to eat!

 

• 1 (6-ounce) package long-grain and wild rice mix
• 10 chicken drumsticks (about 2 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cups water
• 1 (10-3/4-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

 

1. Remove seasoning mix packet from rice package; sprinkle chicken with 1-1/2 teaspoons seasoning mix.
2. In a large skillet over medium high heat, heat oil; add chicken and cook 7 minutes or until browned, turning occasionally.
3. In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine rice, remaining seasoning mix, water, cream of chicken soup, wine, salt, and pepper; top with chicken.
4. Cover and cook on LOW setting 3-1/2 hours, or until rice is tender and chicken is no longer pink. Serve chicken over rice.

 

 

 

Historically this date.....

The Ides of March (Latin: Idus Martii or Idus Martiae) is a day on the Roman calendar that corresponds to March 15. It was marked by several religious observances, and became notorious as the date of the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE.

1916 – President Woodrow Wilson sends 4,800 United States troops over the U.S.-Mexico border to pursue Pancho Villa.

1985 – The first Internet domain name is registered (symbolics.com).

2011 – Beginning of the Syrian civil war.

 

And births this date include....

1767 – Andrew Jackson, 7th President of the United States (d. 1845)

 

1941 – Mike Love, American musician (The Beach Boys)

 

1970 – Derek Parra, American speed skater

 

1975 – Eva Longoria, American actress

 

 

 

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

xo Sue Mom Bobo

On March 15th, National Kansas Day recognizes The Sunflower State. Magnificent herds of bison, elk, mule deer, and antelope roamed the vast open plains populated by Cherokee, Osage, Pawnee, and many other tribes. The region became a part of the United States with the Louisiana Purchase in 1803.

Generations of travelers came to Kansas as the country expanded. From the Corps of Discover in 1804 to the Pony Express, all the roads in Kansas seemed to point westward.

Railroads brought rapid settlement to the territory and with it the divisive decision for citizens regarding statehood. Would Kansas be free or slave? The debates turned so vicious, the territory earned the name “Bleeding Kansas” before entering the union on January 29, 1861, as the 34th state and free.

With the railroads, ranching, livestock, and agriculture grew. The verdant, fertile soil of the Kansas farmland made the state the Breadbasket of the World.

Frank L. Baum even depicted farm life for one young girl named Dorothy in his books about a place called Oz. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz took the world by storm, especially when Hollywood put Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, Frank Morgan, Margaret Hamilton, and Billie Burke in the cast. There was indeed no place like home, no place like Kansas.

One of the most critical decisions in Civil Rights history took place in Topeka, Kansas. The appeal of Brown vs. the Board of Education was brought before the Supreme Court of the United States in 1954. What had started with groups of parents and teachers in all-black schools in communities across the country had finally culminated in a final decision. Separate but equal violated the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.