Hallmark!
Today is Arbor Day which has been celebrated since 1872. A journalist named J. Sterling Morton created the day to encourage people to plant trees and to raise awareness about the importance of forests and plants. The first Arbor Day took place in the state of Nebraska and local newspapers estimated that one million trees were planted that day.
Today Arbor Day is a worldwide celebration. People traditionally celebrate by planting trees or donating money to preserve forests. Many schools typically plan a variety of Arbor Day activities like essay contests, art projects and field trips to local parks to get kids engaged in this important campaign.
To celebrate today, plant a tree in your yard or wish your family and friends a Happy Arbor Day!
If you cannot see the bright side, polish the dull side
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
The creation of a thousands of forests is in one acorn.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
I’ve mentioned how much I love the oak tree in my yard before and am very thankful that someone planted it long ago. It provides lovely shade in the summertime and provides lots of acorns for the critters to eat. They raked up hundreds of them from the ground when they did the yard clean up last week. They never seem to stop falling and I hear them pinging off my metal roof in the sunroom and on the carport.
Trees also clean our air through a process called photosynthesis, leaves pull carbon dioxide and water and use the energy of the sun to convert this chemical into oxygen that is released by the trees.They are truly a necessity in our lives.
Lots of trees were removed a few years ago in our neighborhood because their roots were causing problems with the sewer system. I keep hoping they will replace some of them in a safer place.
Many forests have been cut down for land development or farming. But we need those forests very much. There has to be a balance on our earth.
I always cook up something new to eat on Fridays and on the menu today is:
Easy Pea and Spinach Carbonara
Makes 4 servings
1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 small close garlic, minced
8 Tbsp.grated Parmesan cheese, divided
3 Tbsp. chopped parsley
3 egg yolks
1 egg
1/2 ground pepper
1, 9 oz. pkg. linguine
8 cups baby spinach
1 cup peas, fresh or frozen
Bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Meanwhile heat oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add breadcrumbs and garlic; cook stirring frequently, until toasted. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in 2 Tbsp. parmesan and parsley. Set a side.
Whisk the remaining 6 Tbsp. parmesan, egg yolks, egg, and pepper in a medium bowl.
Cook pasta in boiling water. Add the spinach and peas and cook until pasta is tender. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water. Drain and place in a large bowl.
Slowly whisk the reserved cooking water into the egg mixture. Add the mixture to the pasta tossing with tongs to combine. Serve topped with reserved breadcrumb mixture.
This would also be delicious with the addition of some sautéed shrimp or scallops. It’s a easy and delicious recipe.
Even though I do try to avoid pasta these days. I figure once in a while won’t hurt. I don’t have it every day. It’s even better if I use whole grain pasta.
It’s to be a rainy day today so I’ll be staying in side and finishing up some housework. There is lots I didn’t get done earlier in the week. It looks like it will be raining until the middle of next week, but then we’ll see some sunshine! My house should be in pretty good shape by then.
I hope you all have a FANTASTIC Friday!
COUNTING MY BLESSINGS
Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.
Warren Buffet
Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for. There is truly is always something to be thankful for.
11,254 For the oak tree in my yard that gives lots of shade
11,255. for forests that clean the air we breathe
11,256. for a rainy day to catch up on the housework
2 comments:
Trees are so important as they clean the air we breath.
I so love walking in a forest! In my hometown, the Ponderosa pine trees were my favorite place in which to play.
We don't have any such forests nearby, but I cherish those trees. that stand on and around our home. It was expensive having to have several taken down, but necessary to ensure our home's integrity.
Your recipe sounds delicious!
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