Weather ~ Picture of the Day ~ Washington State History ~ Baked Crab Dip ~ My Dad ~ Nancy Perry ~ National Artichoke Hearts Day

  

Good 31º morning. 

 

Yesterday, again clear blue sky and no clouds. We started at 27º and topped at 79º.

 

 

Picture of the Day ...painful sunburn 😮

 

 

Interesting about Washington State.....

Washington, officially the State of Washington, is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It is often referred to as Washington state or Washington State to distinguish it from the national capital, both named for George Washington (the first U.S. president). Washington borders the Pacific Ocean to the west, Oregon to the south, Idaho to the east, and the Canadian province of British Columbia to the north. The state was formed from the western part of the Washington Territory, which was ceded by the British Empire in the Oregon Treaty of 1846. It was admitted to the Union as the 42nd state in 1889. Olympia is the state capital, and the most populous city is Seattle.

 

Washington is the 18th-largest state, with an area of 71,362 square miles, and the 13th-most populous state, with more than 7.8 million people. The majority of Washington's residents live in the Seattle metropolitan area, the center of transportation, business, and industry on Puget Sound, an inlet of the Pacific Ocean consisting of numerous islands, deep fjords and bays carved out by glaciers. The remainder of the state consists of deep temperate rain forests in the west; mountain ranges in the west, center, northeast, and far southeast; and a semi-arid basin region in the east, center, and south, given over to intensive agriculture. Washington is the second most populous state on the West Coast and in the Western United States, after California. Mount Rainier, an active stratovolcano, is the state's highest elevation at 14,411 feet, and is the most topographically prominent mountain in the contiguous U.S.

 

Washington is a leading lumber producer; its rugged surface is rich in stands of Douglas fir, hemlock, ponderosa pine, white pine, spruce, larch, and cedar. The state is the largest producer of apples, hops, pears, blueberries, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries in the U.S., and ranks high in the production of apricots, asparagus, dry edible peas, grapes, lentils, peppermint oil, and potatoes. Livestock, livestock products, and commercial fishing—particularly of salmon, halibut, and bottomfish—are also significant contributors to the state's economy. Washington ranks second only to California in wine production.

 

Manufacturing industries in Washington include aircraft, missiles, shipbuilding, and other transportation equipment, food processing, metals, and metal products, chemicals, and machinery. Washington has more than a thousand dams, including the Grand Coulee Dam, built for a variety of purposes including irrigation, electricity generation, flood control, and water storage.

 

One of the wealthiest and most socially liberal states in the country, Washington consistently ranks among the top states for highest life expectancy and employment rates. It was one of the first states (alongside Colorado) to legalize medicinal and recreational cannabis, was among the first states to introduce same-sex marriage, and was one of only four states to have provided legal abortions on request before Roe v. Wade loosened abortion laws nationwide in 1973. Washington voters also approved a 2008 referendum on the legalization of physician-assisted suicide, making it one of 10 states to have legalized the practice.

 

^{Washington was named after President George Washington by an act of the United States Congress during the creation of Washington Territory in 1853; the territory was to be named "Columbia", for the Columbia River and the Columbia District, but Kentucky representative Richard H. Stanton found the name too similar to the District of Columbia (the national capital, itself containing the city of Washington), and proposed naming the new territory after President Washington. Washington is the only U.S. state named after a president.}

 

Washington is the northwestern most state of the contiguous United States. It borders Idaho to the east, bounded mostly by the meridian running north from the confluence of the Snake River and Clearwater River (about 117°02'23" west), except for the southernmost section where the border follows the Snake River. Oregon is to the south, with the Columbia River forming the western part and the 46th parallel forming the eastern part of the Oregon–Washington border. During Washington's partition from Oregon, the original plan for the border followed the Columbia River east until the confluence with the Snake, and then would have followed the Snake River east; this was changed to keep Walla Walla's fertile farmland in Washington.

 

To the west of Washington lies the Pacific Ocean. Its northern border lies mostly along the 49th parallel, and then via marine boundaries through the Strait of Georgia, Haro Strait, and Strait of Juan de Fuca, with the Canadian province of British Columbia to the north.

 

State symbols

The state song is "Washington, My Home", the state bird is the American goldfinch, the state fruit is the apple, and the state vegetable is the Walla Walla sweet onion. The state dance, adopted in 1979, is the square dance. The state tree is the western hemlock. The state flower is the coast rhododendron. The state fish is the steelhead. The state folk song is "Roll On, Columbia, Roll On" by Woody Guthrie. The unofficial, but popularly accepted, state rock song is Louie Louie. The state grass is bluebunch wheatgrass. The state insect is the green darner dragonfly. The state gem is petrified wood. The state fossil is the Columbian mammoth. The state marine mammal is the orca. The state soil is Tokul soil. The state land mammal is the Olympic marmot. The state seal (featured in the state flag as well) was inspired by the unfinished portrait of President George Washington by Gilbert Stuart. The state sport is pickleball.

Seattle 1887....

Seattle today....

^{If you want to read a whole lot more, go here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_(state)}

 

 

From Mr. Food

 

SERVES

24

SERVING SIZE

2 tablespoons

COOK TIME

30 Min

Betty's Famous Baked Crab Dip is known all over in her little corner of the country! It's won contests, and everyone looks forward to it at holidays and church potlucks. When we found out about it, we knew we had to share it with the world! Betty's Famous Baked Crab Dip is full of yummy seasonings, and it's got a bit of zest from a secret ingredient - hot sauce! Trust us on this one, this is a 5-star winning recipe everyone will love!

 

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon seafood seasoning (we used Old Bay)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound fresh crabmeat, drained and flaked
• 1/4 cup fine, plain breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon butter, melted

 

1. Preheat oven to 350º. Coat a 1-quart baking dish with cooking spray. 
2. In a medium bowl combine mayonnaise, egg, lemon juice, hot sauce, seafood seasoning, and salt; mix well. Fold crabmeat into mixture, then spoon mixture into baking dish. In a small bowl combine bread crumbs and butter; mix well. Sprinkle on crab mixture. 
3. Bake, uncovered, 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through. Serve warm.

Today would have been my Dad's birthday. He was born on this date in 1901. He passed away in 1991. Leslie Laney... When I was about to be born the doctor said I was a boy. The name they had picked for me was Steven Leslie. Then when I showed up as a girl, they named me Susan Leslie.

                ^ 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

 

 

 

 

All I know. Nuff said. Have a good Saturday. 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 ~ Oregon History ~ Baked Overstuffed Shrimp ~ National Kansas Day

  

Good 28º frozen morning.

 

 

Yesterday we started off at 28º and dropped to 27º. The barn roof and all the pastures were covered in ice. Then the sun came out and we had clear blue sky topped at 75º.

 

 

Picture of the Day....perfectly timed. 😀

 

 

Interesting about Oregon...........

 

 

Oregon is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Oregon is a part of the Western United States, with the Columbia River delineating much of Oregon's northern boundary with Washington, while the Snake River delineates much of its eastern boundary with Idaho. The 42° north parallel delineates the southern boundary with California and Nevada. The western boundary is formed by the Pacific Ocean.

 

Oregon has been home to many indigenous nations for thousands of years. The first European traders, explorers, and settlers began exploring what is now Oregon's Pacific coast in the early to mid-16th century. As early as 1564, the Spanish began sending vessels northeast from the Philippines, riding the Kuroshio Current in a sweeping circular route across the northern part of the Pacific. In 1592, Juan de Fuca undertook detailed mapping and studies of ocean currents in the Pacific Northwest, including the Oregon coast as well as the strait now bearing his name. The Lewis and Clark Expedition traversed Oregon in the early 1800s, and the first permanent European settlements in Oregon were established by fur trappers and traders. In 1843, an autonomous government was formed in the Oregon Country, and the Oregon Territory was created in 1848. Oregon became the 33rd state of the U.S. on February 14, 1859.

 

Today, with 4.2 million people over 98,000 square miles, Oregon is the ninth largest and 27th most populous U.S. state. The capital, Salem, is the third-most populous city in Oregon, with 175,535 residents. Portland, with 652,503, ranks as the 26th among U.S. cities. The Portland metropolitan area, which includes neighboring counties in Washington, is the 25th largest metro area in the nation, with a population of 2,512,859. Oregon is also one of the most geographically diverse states in the U.S., marked by volcanoes, abundant bodies of water, dense evergreen and mixed forests, as well as high deserts and semi-arid shrublands. At 11,249 feet  Mount Hood is the state's highest point. Oregon's only national park, Crater Lake National Park, comprises the caldera surrounding Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the United States. The state is also home to the single largest organism in the world, Armillaria ostoyae, a fungus that runs beneath 2,200 acres of the Malheur National Forest.

 

Oregon's economy has historically been powered by various forms of agriculture, fishing, logging, and hydroelectric power. Oregon is the top lumber producer of the contiguous United States, with the lumber industry dominating the state's economy during the 20th century. Technology is another one of Oregon's major economic forces, beginning in the 1970s with the establishment of the Silicon Forest and the expansion of Tektronix and Intel. Sportswear company Nike, Inc., headquartered in Beaverton, is the state's largest public corporation with an annual revenue of $46.7 billion.

 

The origin of the state's name is uncertain. The earliest geographical designation "orejón" (meaning "big ear") comes from the Spanish historical chronicle Relación de la Alta y Baja California (1598), written by Rodrigo Montezuma of New Spain; here it refers to the region of the Columbia River as it was encountered by the first Spanish scouts. The "j" in the Spanish phrase "El Orejón" was eventually corrupted into a "g".

 

Another possible source is the Spanish word oregano, which refers to a plant that grows in the southern part of the region.

 

Statehood

Slavery played a major part in Oregon's history and even influenced its path to statehood. The territory's request for statehood was delayed several times, as members of Congress argued among themselves whether the territory should be admitted as a "free" or "slave" state. Eventually politicians from the South agreed to allow Oregon to enter as a "free" state, in exchange for opening slavery to the southwest United States.

 

Oregon was admitted to the Union on February 14, 1859, though no one in Oregon knew it until March 15. Founded as a refuge from disputes over slavery, Oregon had a "whites only" clause in its original state Constitution. At the outbreak of the American Civil War, regular U.S. troops were withdrawn and sent east to aid the Union. Volunteer cavalry recruited in California were sent north to Oregon to keep peace and protect the populace. The First Oregon Cavalry served until June 1865.

 

Gasoline pump law

Self service gasoline was banned in Oregon from 1951 until August 2023. Although self-serve is now allowed in Oregon, gas stations are not required to offer it and many currently do not.

New Jersey is the only state remaining where self serve gas stations are not allowed.

 

Most of Oregon has a generally mild climate, though there is significant variation given the variety of landscapes across the state. The state's western region (west of the Cascade Range) has an oceanic climate, populated by dense evergreen mixed forests. Western Oregon's climate is heavily influenced by the Pacific Ocean; the western third of Oregon is very wet in the winter, moderately to very wet during the spring and fall, and dry during the summer. The relative humidity of Western Oregon is high except during summer days, which are semi-dry to semi-humid; Eastern Oregon typically sees low humidity year-round.

 

The state's southwestern portion, particularly the Rogue Valley, has a Mediterranean climate with drier and sunnier winters and hotter summers, similar to Northern California.

 

If you want to read a whole lot more, go here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oregon

 

 

 

From Mr. Food

 

SERVES

4

COOK TIME

6 Min

You won't believe how easy it is to whip up this fancy-looking and fancy-tasting dinner recipe. Our Baked Overstuffed Shrimp recipe is a great way to treat yourself to a restaurant-style meal without spending hours in the kitchen!

 

• 1/2 pound imitation crabmeat, flaked
• 1/2 cup Italian-flavored bread crumbs
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 pound jumbo raw shrimp, peeled (size 16 to 20)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Paprika for sprinkling

 

1. Preheat oven to 375º. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. In a medium bowl, combine crabmeat, bread crumbs, celery, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, onion powder, and pepper; mix well.
3. Butterfly shrimp by cutting lengthwise along inside curve, almost completely through. Split open shrimp and devein.
4. Mound a heaping tablespoon of crabmeat mixture onto each shrimp, pressing down gently. Place on baking sheet. Drizzle with butter and sprinkle with paprika.
5. Bake 6 to 8 minutes, or until shrimp turn pink. Serve immediately.

 

***We love "stuffed" recipes like these, 'cause it's like getting to enjoy two meals in one.

 

 

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 Friday. 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.