Another California Earthquake ~ Picture of the Day ~ Cubic Houses ~ Easy Swedish Meatballs & Gravy on Egg Noodles ~ Karen Tomes ~ National Fried Chicken Day

 

Good 49º clear sunny morning. We topped yesterday at 96º. 

 

 

Yesterday evening another quake hit California. Just as I was texting goodnight to Kristen she texted back they just had an earthquake that kept rolling rolling and rolling! Originating in the same area at the first one, this one hit just after 8pm and was a 7.1 magnitude. Felt as far away as Sacramento and Las Vegas...

https://www.aol.com/article/news/2019/07/06/latest-s-california-quake-causes-damage-injuries/23764308/

 

 

 

 

Picture of the Day....

 

 

 

Interesting about Cubic Houses....

 

One of the icons of Rotterdam are the cubic houses. 40 conventional houses were tilted 45 degrees to become the first cube-shaped houses in Holland. The cubes are prominently located in the center of Rotterdam. Structurally, the cubes sit tilted on a hexagonal pole. They are made up of concrete floors, concrete pillars and wooden framing. Inside, the houses are divided into three levels accessed via a narrow staircase. The lower level is a triangular area used as the living room. The middle level houses the sleeping and bathing area, and the highest level is a spare area used either as a second bedroom or another living area.

 

 

 

Easy Swedish Meatballs and Gravy on Egg Noodles

 

 

1½ pound lean ground beef

1 pkg (6oz) Stove Top stuffing mix for pork

2 eggs, beaten

1 small onion, finely chopped

1¼ cups water

1 jar (12oz) beef gravy

½ cup sour cream

 

Heat oven to 400º. Mix meat, stuffing, eggs, onions, and water until just blended. Shape into 32 meatballs, about 1" in diameter. Place on foil lined 13x9 pan sprayed with cooking spray. Bake 20 minutes, until done. (160º)

 

Mix gravy and sour cream in large saucepan. Add meatballs to even coat. Cook on low for 5 minutes until heated through, stirring occasionally.

 

Spoon each serving of the meatballs over 1/2 cup of hot cooked egg noodles. Serve with cooked fresh green beans or asparagus.

 

 

 

Birthday today being celebrated is the bride of Larry Tomes (LASD ret.), Karen. HAPPY BIRTHDAY KAREN!! xo

 

 

 

Historically this date.......

1785 – The dollar is unanimously chosen as the monetary unit for the United States.

1854 – In Jackson, Michigan, the first convention of the United States Republican Party is held.

1994 – Storm King Mountain, Glenwood Springs, Colorado: South Canyon Fire: 14 firefighters died in the fire.

2006 – The Nathula Pass between India and China, sealed during the Sino-Indian War, re-opens for trade after 44 years.

 

And births this date include....

1921 – Nancy Reagan, First Lady of the United States (d.2016)

 

1925 – Merv Griffin, American television show host (d. 2007)

 

 

1927 – Janet Leigh, American actress (d. 2004)

1946 – George W. Bush, 43rd President of the United States

 

1946 – Sylvester Stallone, American actor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

xo Sue Mom Bobo

 

In the United States, National Fried Chicken Day is observed each year on July 6th.  On this day, fried chicken lovers across the country celebrate this American favorite at a nearby restaurant, home or an outdoor picnic.

Scottish immigrants brought their tradition of deep-frying chicken in fat to the southern United States.  After its introduction to the American South, fried chicken soon became a staple. Over time, seasonings and spices were added to enrich the flavor of the chicken.

Fried chicken is a dish that consists of chicken pieces which have been floured or battered then pan-fried, deep-fried or pressure-fried. The breading adds a crisp coating to the exterior of the chicken.

Traditionally the chicken is fried in lard.  However, corn oil, peanut oil, canola oil or vegetable oil are also frequently used.

Brian Sami & Dash ~ Earthquake ~ Picture of the Day ~ Goats ~ Peanut Butter Pound Cake ~ Fireworks Shows ~ National Hawaii Day

 

Good 52º clear sunny morning. Yesterday we topped at 92º. 

 

 

Yesterday Brian, Sami, and Dash participated in the Merker/Belnap Memorial Run.

 

 

Everyone meets at the Grants Pass YMCA. 5K run, 5K walk, and 1 mile run/walk. On July 4, 2016 Darren Merker's son Ryan, his high school friend Max Belnap and Max’s father John took off in a Cessna 172F from Brookings to Josephine County and never returned. Both the boys were on the Grants Pass track team. This Memorial Run raises money for scholarships for the Grants Pass High School students in Ryan, Max, and John's names. 

 

https://www.grantspasschamber.org/events/details/merker-belnap-memorial-walk-run-2019-31458

 

 

Also yesterday just before 11am, Kristen texted me that they just had an earthquake. WOW, just the day after I posted on my blog about the San Andreas Fault!

 

From local LA news....
A preliminary-magnitude 6.4 earthquake struck Thursday morning in the Mojave Desert's Searles Valley, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

People throughout Southern California reported feeling the powerful quake, whose epicenter was located about 62 miles north-northwest of Barstow.

 

There were no immediate reports of injuries or major damage

 

The USGS downgraded the temblor's magnitude, which was originally reported as 6.6.

 

 

Picture of the Day.... OMGOSH, carrots! How weird!

 

 

 

 

Interesting about goats.........

 

Goats are fascinating creatures. Unfortunately, they are too often overlooked, probably because they are not as iconic as other domesticated animals like horses and cows, and not as exotic as the creatures usually featured in nature documentaries (crocodiles! lions! scorpions! honey badgers!). Yet the humble goat can do very impressive things, like climb up mountains via sheer cliffs that would leave all but the most expert human climbers — with all their high tech equipment.

A lesser-known talent of some goats is the ability to climb trees, even fairly tall ones, and stand on small branches that look like they can barely hold their weight. This is particularly common in Morocco, where food can be scarce and argan trees produce a fruit that is particularly appealing to goats.

 

But how can goats climb so easily? The obvious answer is that they've evolved for it these types of difficult climbs and precarious jumps, and have an innate sense of balance that clearly surpasses ours, or that of most other species. These talents probably evolved primarily to climb mountains, where large population of mountain goats can evade predators and move around quickly to find spots where food grows or where there is salt to lick. They are helped by their hoofs, which have two toes that can spread out to create a more secure footing, and two vestigial toes higher up their legs, called dewclaws, that can be used as leverage to climb up a mountain side or a tree branch.

 

 

 

Check this recipe.... I posted this 4 years ago...

Peanut Butter Pound Cake

 

 

1¼ cups butter

2 cups granulated sugar

6 eggs

½ cup creamy peanut butter

2 cups all purpose flour

¼ cup finely chopped roasted peanuts

Preheat oven to 350º.

 

Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.

 

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.

 

Blend in the peanut butter, then the flour. Pour the batter into 2 lightly greased loaf pans and place in oven.

 

After 15 minutes of baking, sprinkle the chopped nuts onto the batter to create a crunchy topping.

 

Bake a total of 50-60 minutes, or until centers test done with a toothpick or cake tester.

 

 

 

Historically this date......

1937 – Spam, the luncheon meat, is introduced into the market by the Hormel Foods Corporation.

 

1945 – World War II: Liberation of the Philippines declared.

 

1971 – Right to vote: the Twenty-sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18 years, is formally certified by President Richard Nixon.

 

1973 – Catastrophic BLEVE (Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapor Explosion) in Kingman, Arizona, following a fire that broke out as propane is being transferred from a railroad car to a storage tank, kills 11 firefighters.

 

 2012 – The Shard in London is inaugurated as the tallest building in Europe, with a height of 310 meters (1,020 ft).

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

 

 

 

And births this date include...

1928 – Katherine Helmond, American actress (d.2019)

 

 

1950 – Huey Lewis, American singer (Huey Lewis and the News)

 

 

 

I watched some of the Boston Pops 4th of July show. Not impressed. Too much talking and didn't care for the singers. Also LOVED the Boston Pops when Arthur Fiedler was conductor, not so much any more.

 

Then I watched some of the Capital 4th. There were a zillion fireworks!! There were so many that there was so much smoke in the sky you could hardly see the fireworks! 

 

 

Finally I watched the NY Macy's 4th of July fireworks. That was the best! The fireworks were set off from boats in the water and on top of the Brooklyn Bridge. Music was wonderful and the fireworks coordinated with the music!

 

 

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

xo Sue Mom Bobo

 

On July 5, National Hawaii Day recognizes the 50th state to be granted statehood.

Eight islands make up The Aloha State, the largest of which is named Hawaii. The islands of Maui, Oahu, and Kauai are the next in size followed by Molokai, Lanai, Nihau, and Kahoolawe.

Nearly 2,000 years ago, Polynesians navigated the Pacific ocean in double-hulled vessels from the west. Captain James Cook sailed to the islands in 1778 and would later meet his death on the big island.

For generations, Hawaii ruled by the hand of the Kamehameha dynasty. King Kamehameha is still honored in Hawaii today.

In 1874, a new king was elected to the throne. King Kalākaua was known as the Merrie Monarch. Kalākaua also developed a reputation as a diplomat as he set out to tour the globe in 1881. As a result, Kalakaua would become the first monarch to travel around the world. It would take the Hawaiin leader an entire year to complete the voyage.

While Hawaii is the 50th state to join the Union, it has long been a strategic military installation. Its location in the Pacific has been vital to U.S. Naval operations for decades. On December 7, 1941, the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor shocked the nation and propelled the United States into World War II.

The islands’ beauty and traditions consistently draw visitors for rest and relaxation. Hawaii’s pristine beaches, majestic volcanoes, and exotic atmosphere speak to a richly diverse heritage that is welcoming and fascinating. Dance, music, and song taught from one generation to the next keep traditions alive in a lush environment surrounded by ancient history.

 

4th of July ~ Picture of the Day ~ Rhinoceros Hornbill ~ Taco Potato Salad ~ Boston & NY Concerts & Fireworks ~ 4th of July History

 

Good 47º clear sunny morning. 

 

 

 

Picture of the Day ... real firecrackers!

 

 

 

Interesting about Hornbills....

The Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros) is a large species of forest hornbill (Bucerotidae). In captivity it can live for up to 35 years. It is found in lowland and montane, tropical and subtropical climates and in mountain rain forests up to 4000 feet in Borneo, Sumatra, Java, the Malay Peninsula, Singapore, and southern Thailand.

The Rhinoceros Hornbill is the state bird of the Malaysian state of Sarawak and the country's National Bird. Some Dayak people, especially the Ibanic groups, believe it to be the chief of worldly birds or the supreme worldly bird, and its statue is used to welcome the god of the augural birds, Sengalang Burong, to the feasts and celebrations of humankind. Contrary to some misunderstandings, the Rhinoceros Hornbill does not represent their war god, who is represented in this world by the brahminy kite. It is featured on the reverse of the 5 Malaysian ringgit bill.

The Rhinoceros Hornbill is a large Arboreal Hornbill, 31–35 inches long. The weight varies by sex, with males weighing around 87.0–104.4 oz and the females 72–82 oz. The plumage is predominately black, with white legs and vent and a white tail with a black band. The huge bill and casque are orange and red, the color coming from preen oil rubbed on from the preen gland above the tail. The eyes of the male are red with black rims, and white with red rims in the female.

The diet of the Rhinoceros Hornbill is dominated by fruit, but it will take any insect, small reptile, rodent, and smaller birds that it can catch.

 

^{The courtship and bonding of these birds are critical, as the female must trust the male to provide her with everything when she is incubating and raising chicks. These Hornbills make their nests inside tree trunks, and the female stays inside with the eggs and then with the chicks, while the male brings them food. After the eggs are laid, the mail collects mud, and the pair pack that mud, along with food and feces, to wall up the entrance to the tree cavity. They leave a very small hole just large enough for the male to feed the female, and later the chicks, and for the female to defecate through the hole. Once the chicks are fully feathered and old enough to leave the nest, the parents chip away the dry mud to let the chicks out.}

 

 

From Mr. Food...

Our Taco Potato Salad is a new take on an old-summer classic. It's got a Tex-Mex twist, with all your favorite taco tastes, like black olives and tortilla chips! The editors at the Test Kitchen loved this, and we bet your family will too! So the next time you're grillin' up burgers or hot dogs, change it up with our scrumptious potato salad recipe!

 

• 3 pounds white potatoes
• 2 cups mayonnaise
• 1 (1.25-ounce) packet taco seasoning mix
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sliced scallions
• 1 (2.25-ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
• 2 cups coarsely crushed ranch-flavored tortilla chips

 

1. Place potatoes in a large pot with enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook 20 to 25 minutes or until fork-tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise and taco seasoning; mix well.
3. Cut potatoes into ½-inch chunks and place in a large bowl. Add mayonnaise mixture and remaining ingredients to potatoes and mix until thoroughly combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve

 

 

 

Historically this date......

1776 – American Revolution: The United States Declaration of Independence is adopted by the Second Continental Congress.

 

1826 – Thomas Jefferson, third president of the United States, dies the same day as John Adams, second president of the United States, on the fiftieth anniversary of the adoption of the United States Declaration of Independence.

 

1886 – The people of France offer the Statue of Liberty to the people of the United States.

 

2009 – The Statue of Liberty's crown reopens to the public after eight years of closure due to security concerns following the September 11 attacks.

 

 

 

And births this date include....

1872 – Calvin Coolidge, American politician, 30th President of the United States (d. 1933)

 

 

1902 – George Murphy, American actor and politician (d. 1992)

 

 

 

1911 – Mitch Miller, American singer, musician, and producer (d. 2010)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1918 – Ann Landers, American columnist (d. 2002)

 

 

 

1924 – Eva Marie Saint, American actress

 

 

 

1927 – Gina Lollobrigida, Italian actress

 

 

 

1931 – Stephen Boyd, Irish actor (d. 1977)

 

 

How I will be spending my 4th of July....

Tonight at 5pm-8pm, west coast time, is the Boston Pops Concert and Fireworks Spectacular on TV. Check your channels.

 

https://bostonpopsjuly4th.org/

 

 

Tonight at 8pm, west coast time, the NY Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Show is on the TV.

 

https://cititour.com/NYC_Events/2019-Macys-4th-of-July-Fireworks/9935

Comfy in my chair with a glass of wine and all the fireworks on TV!

 

 

All I know. Nuff said. Happy 4th. Ciao.

xo Sue Mom Bobo

Each year on July 4, The United States celebrates Independence Day.

This day is a federal holiday which commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain.

Political speeches and ceremonies along with fireworks, parades, barbecues, carnivals, fairs, picnics, baseball games, class reunions and family reunions take place all across the country celebrating our independence.

Along with the fireworks, there are songs associated with the Fourth of July holiday, some of which include: our National Anthem – “The Star-Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America,” “America the Beautiful,” “My Country, Tis of Thee,” “This Land Is Your Land,”  “Stars and Stripes Forever,”  “God Bless the U.S.A.,” “Yankee Doodle” and “Dixie.”

HOW TO OBSERVE

• At noon, a “Salute to the Union” is fired, each Independence Day, by any capable military base.  This is a salute of one gun for each state in the United States. 
• In 2009, New York City hosted the largest fireworks display in the country. 
• Held since 1785, the Bristol Fourth of July Parade in Bristol, Rhode Island is the oldest continuous Independence Day celebration in the United States. 

HISTORY

• July 4, 1777 – The First Anniversary – Bristol, Rhode Island, fired thirteen gunshots in salute: once at morning and once again at evening.  Philadelphia hosted an official dinner for the Continental Congress, toasts, 13-gun salutes, speeches, prayers, music, parades, troop reviews, and fireworks.   Ships were decorated with red, white and blue bunting.
• July 4, 1778 – General George Washington gave his soldiers a double ration of rum and an artillery salute.  On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, ambassadors John Adams and Benjamin Franklin hosted a dinner for their fellow Americans in Paris, France.
• July 4, 1779 – The holiday fell on a Sunday, so the celebrations were held on Monday, July 5.
• July 4, 1781 – The Massachusetts General Court became the first state legislature to recognize July 4 as a state celebration.
• July 4, 1783 – Moravians in Salem, North Carolina held a celebration with a challenging music program assembled by Johann Friedrich Peter.  The work was titled “The Psalm of Joy”.
• July 4, 1791 – The first recorded use of the name “Independence Day” occurred.
• July 4, 1820 – The first Fourth of July celebration in Eastport Maine was held, and it remains the largest in the state.
• July 4, 1870 – The United States Congress made Independence Day an unpaid holiday for federal employees.
• July 4, 1938 – The United States Congress changed Independence Day to a paid federal holiday.