Weather ~ Lunch with Dale Yellin and Bill & Jeannie Patterson ~ Picture of the Day ~ Arizona's Cactus Wren ~ Fresh Chunky Salsa ~ National Peanut Butter Cookie Day

 

Good 55º dark cloudy drizzling rain morning. 

 

Yesterday I met up with Dale Yellin (LASD ret) and Bill (LASD ret) and Jeannie Patterson for lunch at Taprock. We looked forward to sitting on the deck overlooking the Rogue River, but it was a cold cloudy rainy day.

 

 Interesting, even though it was raining like crazy, people went out on the river boats!!!

Picture of the Day ... funny business name! 

 

 

Interesting about the Cactus Wren.....

 

The cactus wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) is a species of wren endemic to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern and central Mexico. It is the state bird of Arizona, and the largest wren in the United States. Its plumage is brown, with black and white spots as markings. It has a distinctive white eyebrow that sweeps to the nape of the neck. The chest is white, whereas the underparts are cinnamon-buff colored. Both sexes appear similar. The tail, as well as flight feathers, are barred in black and white. Their song is a loud raspy chirrup; akin in the description of some ornithologists to the sound of a car engine that will not start. It is well-adapted to its native desert environment, and the birds can meet their water needs from their diet which consists chiefly of insects, but also of some plant matter. The cactus wren is a poor flier and generally forages for food on the ground. Ornithologists generally recognize seven subspecies, with the exact taxonomy under dispute.

Its common name derives from their frequenting desert cactus plants such as the saguaro and cholla, building nests, roosting, and seeking protection from predators among them. Its bulky and globular nests are constructed of plant material and lined with feathers. They do not migrate; instead, they establish and defend the territories around their nests where they live all year-round. It lives in pairs, or as family groups from late spring through winter. Pairing among cactus wrens is monogamous; in each breeding season, the males chiefly build nests, the females incubate eggs, and both parents feed the young.

 

Cactus wrens have learned to coexist with humans effectively, using human materials and structures for nesting, and even learning to take insects from vehicle radiator grilles. The population still numbers in the millions, leading the International Union for Conservation of Nature to consider the cactus wren a species of least concern.

 

If you want to read more, go here....

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

 

 

From Mr. Food

 

Jarred salsa is good in a pinch, but if you have just a bit of time, there's nothing like a homemade Fresh Chunky Salsa. Everyone knows fresh salsa is great with chips, but it also makes a great topping for hamburgers, hot dogs, or just about anything else. Make it for your next get-together and watch them make it disappear!

• 3 tomatoes, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Dash hot pepper sauce

 

1. In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well.
    
2. Serve or cover and chill until ready to serve.

 

***Serve with tortilla chips or use as a topping for chicken or fish for that fresh and tangy punch!

 

 

 

Historically this date....

1942 – Holocaust: Anne Frank receives a diary for her thirteenth birthday.

1994 – Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman are murdered outside her home in Los Angeles, California. O.J. Simpson is later acquitted of the killings, but is held liable in wrongful death civil suit.

 

And births this date include....

1924 – George H. W. Bush, 41st President of the United States (d.2018)

 

 

1928 – Vic Damone, American singer (d.2018)

Lots of wives!

 

 

1929 – Anne Frank, German-born Dutch Jewish diarist and Holocaust victim (d. 1945)

 

1930 – Jim Nabors, American actor (d.2017)

Personal life interesting. Closeted for YEARS!!!

 

 

 

 

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

xo Sue Mom Bobo

 

Baking up some goodness on June 12th each year, National Peanut Butter Cookie Day celebrates the only cookie holiday in June. The day allows cookie lovers and peanut butter lovers to step away from the pies and cakes to indulge in a little peanut butter and cookie therapy.

Alabama’s American agricultural extension educator, George Washington Carver, promoted the peanut extensively. Well-known for his promotions, Carver compiled 105 peanut recipes from various cookbooks, agricultural bulletins, and other sources. In 1916, he created a Research Bulletin called How to Grow the Peanut and 105 Ways of Preparing it for Human Consumption. The bulletin included three recipes calling for crushed or chopped peanuts as one of its ingredients. However, peanut butter cookies were not one of them.

It was in the early 1920s began to be listed as an ingredient in cookies.

That may be because the peanut butter we know and love today didn’t become commercially available until the 1920s. In 1922, Joseph Rosefieldkept the peanut oil from separating from the solids through this process. He patented the process of homogenization and sold it to a company that began making a peanut butter called Peter Pan.

No one knows why we press crisscrossed fork marks into our peanut butter cookies before baking. However, homemade peanut butter cookies would just not be the same without the bit of decoration.

HOW TO OBSERVE 

The best way to celebrate this cookie holiday is with some homemade peanut butter cookies, a glass of milk, and a friend. We even have a recipe for you to try. You can also visit your favorite baker and give them a shout out. Let them know how much you appreciate their mad cookie baking skills!

Chunky Peanut Butter Cookie

Weather ~ Picture of the Day ~ Mason Canning Jars ~ Lemon-Capers Fish Fillets ~ National Corn on the Cob Day

 

Good 50º dark cloudy morning. 

Rain predicted for today and warming into the 60ºs.

 

Yesterday we started super gloomy with rain possible... then the pretty clouds came in.... We topped at 76º.

 

 

Picture of the Day

 

 

 

 

Interesting about canning jars....

 

There are few everyday objects more iconic than the Mason jar. Today they are used for everything from home canning to home decor. They're also popular at weddings, where they serve as drinkware, 

vases, and lanterns. But - where did they come from, and why do we call them mason jars?

Here’s a pint-sized history, which answers both questions: John Landis Mason, a Philadelphia tinsmith created the seemingly simple glass jars in the mid-19th century, named the jars after himself, and patented the design in 1858. Sadly, despite the popularity of the jars today, Mr. Mason did not attain wealth with his invention, as he sold the patent before the design really took off.

There are two features of his jar which continue to make it popular. For one, it was the first time bleached glass was used, allowing canners to see what was inside. (At the time, this was thought to be important in determining if canned food was safe to eat.) The second feature was the way his jar sealed. It had a lid with a rubber ring on the underside, which created a vacuum seal (far more crucial than visibility for safe canning), and an outer, reusable band with screw threads. The lids could only be used to seal once, but the jars and bands could be reused many times. Prior to the Mason jar, people had to seal jars with wax in order to (hopefully) preserve the food inside.

They are also known as Ball, or Ball Mason jars; the Ball Corporation is a glass manufacturer whose name is often stamped on the jars.

 

In the United States, standard-size Mason jars are made of soda-lime glass and come in two shapes: regular mouth, 2+3⁄8 in (60 mm) inner and 2+3⁄4 inches outer diameter, and wide mouth, 3 incges inner and 3+3⁄8 inches outer diameter, versions. They are produced in a variety of volumes, including cup (half-pint), pint, quart, and half-gallon.

 

 

If you want to read more, go here:

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

 

 

From Mr. Food

Did you know fish is the ultimate fast food? We're not talking about the stuff you get at a drive thru. These sunny-tasting fish fillets cooks up in just 8 minutes! You read that right. Our Lemon-Capers Fish Fillets combine lemon juice and the tangy flavor of capers to add just the right amount of "wow" to this easy dinner recipe!

 

• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot
• 1 tablespoon capers
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
• 4 (6-ounce) white-fleshed fish fillets (like cod or haddock)
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives

 

1. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, oil, shallot, capers, 1/8 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper; set aside.
2. Coat a grill pan or skillet with cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat. Sprinkle fish with remaining 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
3. Place fish in pan and cook about 4 minutes per side or until it flakes easily with a fork. Spoon lemon juice mixture over fish, sprinkle with chives, and serve.

 

***For a change of pace, we used fresh shallots in the sauce. If you’re not familiar with them, think of shallots as a cross between garlic and onion. If you don’t have any, no problem; a chopped onion will do the trick. 

 

 

Historically this date......

1776 – The Continental Congress appoints Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston to the Committee of Five to draft a declaration of independence.

1944 – USS Missouri (BB-63) the last battleship built by the United States Navy and future site of the signing of the Japanese Instrument of Surrender, is commissioned.

 

I was born the day the "surrender" with Japan was signed aboard. My Brian served as a Marine in the Gulf War aboard the Missouri!

 

1955 – Eighty-three are killed and at least 100 are injured after an Austin-Healey and a Mercedes-Benz collide at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the deadliest ever accident in motorsports.

1962 – Frank Morris, John Anglin and Clarence Anglin allegedly become the only prisoners to escape from the prison on Alcatraz Island.

1970 – After being appointed on May 15, Anna Mae Hays and Elizabeth P. Hoisington officially receive their ranks as U.S. Army Generals, becoming the first females to do so.

 

And births this date include....

1933 – Gene Wilder, American actor (d. 2016)

 

 

 

 

 

1936 – Chad Everett, American actor (d.2012)

 

1945 – Adrienne Barbeau, American actress

.....I delivered a package to her back in the '70's, when I worked for UPS. She was a real beauty in person, even with no makeup!

 

1956 – Joe Montana. American football player

 

 

 

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

xo Sue Mom Bobo

 

June 11 of each year is the day to celebrate National Corn on the Cob Day.  Fresh corn on the cob is a summertime treat that people from all corners of the United States look forward to as we start the picnic season.

Corn on the cob is also known in different regions as pole corn, cornstick, sweet pole, butter-pop or long maize.   It is a sweet corn that is picked when the kernels are still tender when it’s in its milk stage.

Boiling, steaming, roasting or grilling are the most common ways of preparing corn on the cob.   If it is grilled or oven roasted, the corn is usually left in its husk during the cooking process.

Proper dinner etiquette for eating corn says it is appropriate to hold the cob at each end with your fingers.

** If you cook corn too long in boiling water it gets mushy, even if you cook it a short time! I always bring the water to a rolling boil, set the pot aside, add in some vinegar (about 1/4 cup) and add the corn and let it sit until hot and serve it. The vinegar doesn't add any taste but it keeps the corn crunchy.

Weather ~ Picture of the Day ~ Bikini Invention ~ Chinese Spring Rolls ~ National Iced Tea Day

 

Good 45º dark cloudy morning. 

 

Yesterday rain was predicted and we did get some pouring rain and lightening and thunder. More rain is predicted from now through the weekend. 

 

 

Picture of the Day... owls are masters of hide and seek...

 

 

Interesting about the bikini invention...

 

Louis Réard (1897 – September 16 1984)) was a French automobile engineer and clothing designer.
In 1946 he unveiled a two-piece swimsuit at the Piscine Molitor, a popular swimming pool in Paris.

 

Piscine Molitor (French pronunciation: ​[pisin molitɔʁ]; is a swimming pool and hotel complex located in Porte Molitor, 16th arrondissement of Paris, Île-de-France, Paris, France. The complex was built in 1929 and inaugurated by Olympic swimmers Aileen Riggin, Matthew Gauntlett and Johnny Weissmuller. The pool is known for its Art Deco designs and the popular introduction of the bikini.

 

The pool was classified as a French monument historique on 27 March 1990, after having fallen into disuse and closing in 1989. The swimming pool complex was rebuilt from scratch in the style of the previous historic design. The new complex includes two pools and a four star hotel. It opened in May 2014.

 

Parisian showgirl Micheline Bernardini modeled the new fashion, which Réard dubbed the “bikini”. Made out of a scant 30 inches of fabric, Réard promoted his creation as “smaller than the world’s smallest bathing suit.” He named the swimsuit after the Bikini Atoll, where the first public test of a nuclear bomb had just taken place only four days earlier that week. Over the next 12 years, a total of 23 nuclear devices were detonated on Bikini Atoll by the United States government.

 

 

 

 

From Mr. Food

 

If you love ordering spring rolls from Chinese restaurants, then this is the recipe for you! Our spring rolls are easy to make and taste amazing. They're filled with a flavorful veggie mixture and fried until golden and crispy. They make a great appetizer or can be served right alongside some fried rice and your favorite takeout main dish!

 

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 6 cups shredded Chinese cabbage
• 2 cups fresh bean sprouts
• 1 large carrot, shredded
• 3 scallions (green onions), chopped
• 12 spring roll or egg roll wrappers
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• Oil for frying

 

1. In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic powder; mix well.
    
2. In a large bowl, combine cabbage, bean sprouts, carrot, and scallions; mix well. Pour soy sauce mixture over cabbage mixture; toss to coat well and let stand 10 minutes. Place cabbage mixture in a colander and squeeze to drain well.
    
3. Spoon about 1/4 cup cabbage mixture evenly onto center of each egg roll wrapper. Lightly brush edges of egg roll wrapper with beaten egg. Fold one corner of each egg roll wrapper up over cabbage mixture then fold both sides over, envelope fashion; roll up tightly.
    
4. Heat about 1-1/2 inches oil in a deep medium saucepan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Add spring rolls in batches and fry 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden. Drain on a paper towel-lined platter. Serve immediately, but be sure to use caution -- the filling will be hot.

 

• To serve these like they do in Chinese restaurants, don't forget the dipping sauce! A couple of our favorite dipping sauces are duck sauce and spicy mustard.
   
• Did You Know?: In China, spring rolls are traditionally eaten during the Chinese New Year as a way to welcome in the spring. They're also said to represent wealth (because of their golden color). Spring rolls can vary in size, filling, and cooking method (some are fried, while others are steamed), from region to region. In the U.S., spring rolls and egg rolls are pretty similar, with the main difference being the filling. While both contain veggies, egg rolls typically include some kind of meat, chicken, or fish too. 

 

 

Historically this date.....

1925 – Inaugural service for the United Church of Canada, a union of Presbyterian, Methodist, and Congregationalist churches, held in the Toronto Arena.

 .... I used to attend a Presbyterian church, Mom and Dad were married in a Methodist church, and Jerry and I at a Congregational church!

1991 – The kidnapping of Jaycee Lee Dugard

 

 

 

And births this date include...

1889 – Sessue Hayakawa, Japanese actor (d. 1973)

    Ah yes, he was in Bridge on the River Kwai.

   

1921 – Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Greek-English husband of Elizabeth II  (d.2021)

   

 

1922 – Judy Garland, American actress and singer (d. 1969)

  

 

1982 – Tara Lipinski, American figure skater

 

 

 

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

xo Sue Mom Bobo

 

 

National Iced Tea Day on June 10th each year celebrates one of summer’s favorite drinks. Whether you prefer sweetened or unsweetened, with or without lemon, many love and enjoy iced tea by the glass full all summer long.

Creating your custom iced tea is as easy as adding a hint of flavor. Whether you add a squeeze of lemon or the juice of raspberries, lime, passion fruit, strawberry, or cherry, make your iced tea your way.

An alternative to carbonated soft drinks and quite popular in the United States, iced tea makes up about 85% of all tea consumed.  Restaurants, convenience stores, vending machines, grocery stores and self-serve soda fountains make finding iced tea easy and convenient.

Recipes for iced tea have been found dating back to the 1870s. The Buckeye Cookbook, published in 1876, and Housekeeping in Old Virginia, published in 1877, both contain iced tea recipes.  It is believed, however, that iced tea started to appear in the United States in the 1860s and became widespread in the 1870s. During that time, hotels offered iced tea on their menus and railroad stations offered the beverage as well. In 1904, the beverage was introduced at the World’s Fair in St. Louise causing its popularity to explode. 

HOW TO OBSERVE

Brew and enjoy a glass of iced tea. With so many ways to brew iced tea, it’s become more convenient than ever, too. Create your favorite flavors by adding mint, lemon or fruit. Enjoy a drink during lunch at your favorite restaurant.