Welcome to the Bistro!

And, another fine week it has been. Both Wings and Pistons have made the play-offs. Very exciting and who knows??? Just maybe one team will make it to the finals. Wouldn’t that be nice? What an absolutely beautiful day this is! Z and I had a great training ride then walked around outside in a very relaxed mode. It has just been over a year since he’s been “mine” and me “his.” It is a very cool relationship that keeps growing in trust and mutual respect. He is a phenomenal horse, kind and honest. Picasso and I are certainly connected but not in the same manner as Ziezo as P is my big dog-horse and Z my teacher. I am “in school” every time I’m in the saddle with Z. He is taking me on a horsewoman journey that is beyond my belief. He has been a true gift and I’m very thankful for the horse of a lifetime.   
 
Then there are the pups that I’m just in from a great walk with. Dozens of turtles were sunning themselves at the pond and the goose “couple” is back and nesting. As are the Sandhill cranes.  They are prehistoric "dinosaurish" looking creatures with a squawk that is nerve grinding. Niki and Pico, my little “Hav’s” (dog owner lingo for Havanese) were in seventh heaven with all that was going on. April is Prevention for Cruelty to Animal month. I can’t imagine someone being mean to any animal, wild or domesticated. The SPCA or Society for Prevention to Cruelty to Animals was founded 150 years ago to fight abuse and neglect of all animals. Puppy mills are a huge concern as is dog fighting. My little Pico is from a Havanese rescue organization and he still suffers from memories of the mill. He was a lucky one and didn’t “hit” a pet store. There are over 10,000 “breeders” in the US with less that 2,000 registered. Dismal. The SPCA is a national leader in animal adoption. The American Humane Society was founded in 1954 and boasts over 11 million members in the United States. They do not have shelters but work towards animal rights and protection. Both are non-profit and passionate to do whatever they can for animals. And, then we do our little bit too along with your kind donations of millions of pounds of pet food for Meals On Wheels client’s pets. Let’s keep it going strong!!!
 
Don’t forget Monday is tax day. The first Federal Income Tax Revenue Act was in 1861 and was to fund the Civil War. Early taxes were based on assessments but in 1894 changed to taxing of incomes over 4K at a 2% rate. In 1955 April 15 was declared as the day taxes are due but we get a 3 day reprieve this year due to Emancipation Day which is a legal holiday in Washington, DC in honor of Abraham Lincoln signing the Emancipation Act on April 16, 1862 which freed 3,00 slaves in the District of Columbia. The actual end of slavery was in 1865, the end of the Civil War.  
 
Greg’s got some great Chalkboard Features starting tonight including : Fried Maryland Oysters Over Mixed Greens with a Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette; Pan Roasted Florida Grouper Accompanied with Red Curry Rice, Grilled Asparagus and Red Pepper Coulis; Penne Pasta tossed with Almond Pesto, Grilled Portobello and Spinach—Veggie Friendly; A Grilled Bistro Fillet with Southern Style Succotash and Buttermilk Mashers and lastly Jumbo Seared Sea Scallops served with a Sauté of Fingerling Potatoes, Yellow Squash and Zucchini and a drizzle of Ginger Spiced Tomato Sauce. And as a drink special: THE CAN CAN : Gypsy Vodka, Canton Ginger Liquer, McClary Bros. Beet & Carrot Drinking vinegar, Cranberry Juice and a Muddled Orange. YUM!!
 
FINAL DAYS FOR VOTING: MAKE JIM BRADY’S #1 IN THE FREEPRESS TOP 10!!
 
 
VOTE NOW, VOTE EVERYDAY!!
 
www.freep.com/ROY
 
Wishing you a Million Dollar Day
and
We look forward to seeing you at the Bistro!
XXOO, Mary