Maybe I'm easily amused.
Or maybe I'm in desperate need of being amused. Especially given the train wreck that is our current political climate. A wreck we cannot look away from despite the calming lull of apathy, for fear that apathy could kill any hope of survival. So it isn't too tall a leap to think I just might like something bright and shiny (and nontoxic) to divert my thoughts.
An escape, so to speak. From troubled waters.
One that came, the other day, in the form of planes, trains, and automobiles. Oh, and a row boat added in for good measure.
It started with a social media post, made on a Boston based page that had somehow made it into my newsfeed. And the post showed up right when I was trying to decide whether to shut off the news, or throw the remote through the screen. Serendipity.
You all know I'm originally from Boston, so I'm very familiar with Boston University, the Charles River, Cambridge, and the BU bridge. So I was intrigued that the first of the facts listed was that the BU bridge is the only place in the world where you could fly in a plane, over cars, over a train, over a row boat. That'll capture your attention.
That and maybe the irony of the momentary diversion from a train wreck involving an actual train.
But is it true? Or have you got a bridge you'd like to sell me?
Yeah, it's the bridge for sale thing. Sort of.
Turns out (thanks again, google) that the BU bridge is actually one of three where you can row under planes, trains, and automobiles, if you're inclined to do that sort of thing. For me, I think it's probably safer to exercising my imagination in the kitchen below a ceiling rather than exercising my arm muscles below tons and tons of steel.
Oh, in case you're wondering, the other two bridges are in Oregon and Portugal. Most likely not for sale though, if anyone offers.
Now yes, I know that fascinating facts . . . well, even if they don't turn out to be wholly true . . . don't do anything to change our political climate. But it can be a fun escape.
Handcuffs and police plane optional.
Caramel Apple Gingerbread
©www.BakingInATornado.com
1 cup apple juice
1 stick butter, softened
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup brown sugar
2/3 cup molasses
1/4 cup caramel syrup
2 eggs
2 3/4 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 1/4 tsp ginger
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp salt
1/ cup caramel baking bits
OPT: sprinkle with powdered sugar and/or top with whipped cream and/or caramel syrup for serving
Directions:
*Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease and flour an 8 X 11 baking dish.
*Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease and flour an 8 X 11 baking dish.
*Core, peel, and chop the apple into small pieces.
*In the microwave, heat the apple juice until hot, about 1 1/2 minutes.
*Beat the butter, sugar, brown sugar, molasses, and caramel syrup. Beat in the eggs.
*Add the flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, cloves, and salt, and mix well.
Next, mix in the hot juice, and keep mixing until completely incorporated then the chopped apple and caramel baking bits.
*Spread evenly into the baking dish and bake for 30 - 35 minutes, until the center springs back to the touch.
*Allow to cool before topping and/or slicing.
I may have another bridge for you. The Manhattan Bridge in New York City, and, I have been on the train that goes on this bridge (the Q subway line) a number of times in my life. I may have gone under the bridge by boat (Circle Line tour around Manhattan I took when I was young) and possibly have been in a car but I'm not 100% sure. Technically maybe not because I think car traffic is on the same level as the subway train (which, obviously, is above ground at this point going between Manhattan and Brooklyn) and not a separate span like the BU Bridge. Nevertheless a fun fact. Yum!
ReplyDeleteYes, it was actually fun looking into it. I was kinda disappointed though, that it wasn't the only one.
DeleteThis made the image of my stuck in water struggling to not drown, while being handcuffed to something, do not know why this thought came to mind I am just a little strange I guess
ReplyDeleteYou've got a good imagination.
DeleteThere's a bridge in NOLA which has a train trestle down the middle. So you could fly over or row under, but the cars and the train would be on the same level with each other, so it probably doesn't quite count.
ReplyDeleteNope, almost but not quite.
DeleteIt seems you can sell most Americans most anything, including the Broooklyn Bridge, and they will buy it, except the truth. Donna
ReplyDeleteAnd we both know so many of the lies currently circulating can be traced back to one con man.
DeleteIndeed
ReplyDeletePolitics right now are so off the rails that I doubt in my lifetime now they will stabilize things. Over fifty percent of Voters now register as Independent and I'm one of them...so I think it is telling that half the Country now feel the Two dominant Parties are no longer serving our needs... I need an escape from it all too...we all do...Dawn the Bohemian
ReplyDeleteI'm an Independent now too, having been let down and infuriated by the Democratic party back in 2016. But no matter what I am registered as, I'm a never (again) trumper and will vote for the Democratic candidate no matter who that may be.
DeleteYes I voted Blue no matter who too since choices are nonexistent and the other major Party is hijacked by Extremist factions that are destroying Democracy and have no support for the rule of law...fear mongering by their leaders has made most followers justify violence and hatred... Dawn the Bohemian
DeleteI won't be rowing any boats anytime soon since I don't like being on the water...like at all. I'll stay safely on land, thank you very much. lol
ReplyDeleteWe're opposites, I love the water!
Delete