Welcome to the Bistro!

Mary's blog and Sharon's chalkboard features  - April 13, 2018

And, another fine week it has been, snow and all. I had 5 inches but thankfully it  melted by noon. I spent some time in the garden yesterday and was working in shirt sleeves. The sun was warm and bright. It sure helps the soul to have sunshine. I had to strip off the layers while riding too. Z and I are in training mode so the work has ramped up. He is a phenomenal horse – kind, honest and loving. Picasso and I are certainly connected but not in the same manner as Ziezo. 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 leading me on a horsewoman journey that is beyond belief. He is a true gift and I’m thankful for the horse of a lifetime.
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The pups and I saw dozens of turtles sunning themselves at the pond on our walk. The goose “couple” is back and nesting as are the Sandhill cranes. They are prehistoric “dinosaurish” looking birds with a squawk that is nerve grinding. Niki and Pico 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. 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 U.S. with less than 2,000 registered. Dismal. The SPCA is a national leader in animal adoption. The American Humane Society was founded in 1954, the same year as the Bistro, 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 thousands of pounds of pet food for Meals on Wheels client’s pets. Let’s keep it going strong!!!

Don’t forget, how could we, that the tax man cometh next week. The first Federal Income Tax Revenue Act was in 1861 to fund the Civil War. Early taxes were based in 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 two day reprieve this year as it falls on a Sunday and Monday is Emancipation Day which is a legal holiday in Washington DC in honor of Abraham Lincoln singing the Emancipation Act on April 16, 1862. The Act freed 3,000 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 Per Se. For starters there’s Cornmeal Crusted Oysters with Chipotle Mayo. Bistro Plates include: Pistachio Crusted Halibut Accompanied with Herbed Rice, Caramelized Cauliflower and a Tomato-Caper-Butter Sauce; Veal Tenderloin Thinly Sliced, Sautéed and Served with Yukon Gold Mashers, Broccolini and Pan Sauce; Idaho Rainbow Trout Over Brown Rice, Creamed Spinach and Drizzled with Sundried Tomato Vinaigrette; Bistro Filet Broiled to your Specifications and Presented with Buttermilk Mashed and Red Wine Sauce and for our Veggie Lovers Roasted Red Peppers Filled with Grilled Eggplant, Boursin Cheese, Artichokes and Orzo Pasta. YUM!!
 
WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AT THE BISTRO
AND
WISH YOU MANY MILLION DOLLAR DAYS!!
 
XO,
Mary, Niki, Pico, Picasso and Z