Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!!!

Today's the day

To say

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!!!

Two days ago I stopped into the Springfield Museums in Springfield, MA.  I was on my way to the George Walter Vincent Smith Museum for a presentation, so I walked past the statues of Dr. Seuss & his friends.  The Lorax greets visitors as they walk onto the museum complex.

The Lorax

Theodor Seuss Geisel was born on March 2, 1904 in Springfield, MA.  He grew up in Springfield & later wrote so many books for children using the name Dr. Seuss.  Seuss was his mother's maiden name.  The sculptor Lark Grey Dimond- Cates, Theodor Seuss Geisel's step- daughter, designed these large detailed bronze statues.  The Cat in the Hat, Thing 1 & Thing 2 & Horton the Elephant are just a few.

Horton & more Dr. Seuss Friends!

While writing his stories he used his native Springfield, MA for inspiration.  No, Ted Geisel did not live on Mulberry Street.  His dad was Superintendent of Parks in Springfield & Forest Park is located in the city.  Often the phrase "If I ran the zoo..." would be voiced by Springfield residents.  You will recognize the title of another great story of his- If I Ran the Zoo.  Indian Motorcycles were manufactured in the city, so they have a place in his stories, too.

Green Eggs and Ham is my favorite Dr. Seuss story!  What's your fave story???

Enjoy!

        

Dr. Seuss Day!

It's March 2!

Happy Birthday to You,

Dr. Seuss!!!

So many times I've walked past the large bronze statues of Dr. Seuss & his friends on the grounds of the Springfield Museums in Springfield, MA.  They are a beautiful sight in the middle of this complex of museums.  Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the whimsical world of Horton the Elephant, Thing 1 & Thing 2, along with Sam- I- Am whenever they visit!  The detailed bronze statues were designed by the sculptor Lark Grey Dimond- Cates
(Theodor Seuss Geisel's step- daughter).

Dr. Seuss Sculptures
at the Springfield Museums 

The creator of these childhood favorites, Theodor Seuss Geisel, was born in Springfield, MA on March 2, 1904.  Seuss was his mother's maiden name.  This author wrote so many wonderful stories for children (of all ages) using the name Dr. Seuss!

The inspiration for his stories came from the city where he grew up- Springfield!  Theodor grew up in the Forest Park area of the city.  His dad was the Superintendent of Parks in Springfield.  A zoo was located inside the beautiful city park known to all as Forest Park.  Today many people who live outside the Springfield, MA area also recognize the name, Forest Park.  The Festival of Lights are enjoyed here every winter.

Growing up Theodor often heard the phrase, "If I ran the zoo..."  That phrase was the inspiration for the book, If I Ran the Zoo.  He did not live on Mulberry Street in Springfield, but the street is located not far from the Springfield Museums.  The Smith Museum opened in 1896 and is a fave of mine.  There are so many more stories about this storyteller from my area.

My fave Dr. Seuss story is Green Eggs and Ham!

What is your fave?  :)

Enjoy!

 

Happy B'day Dr. Seuss Week!

Dr. Seuss with "The Cat in the Hat"
(in warmer weather)

Theodor Seuss Geisel!  Does that name sound familiar?  How about Dr. Seuss?  You've read at least 1  or 2 of his books, right?

He was born on March 2, 1904 in Springfield, MA and wrote so many wonderful stories for children (of all ages).  The name Seuss was his mother's maiden name.  His mom's parents had a bakery located in Springfield.    

I've shared here on my blog that Dr. Seuss' inspiration for his stories came from growing up in the city of Springfield, MA!  The motorcycles in And to Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street are red- the color of Indian Motorcycles that were invented & manufactured in Springfield.

History is interesting!  Learn a little more about Dr. Seuss by reading this interesting short biography.

Below are photos (taken in warmer weather) of some bronze sculptures that were created by his step daughter, Lark Grey Dimond-Cates.  These statues are located on the grounds of the Springfield Museums in Springfield, MA.  When you walk onto the grounds you are greeted by:

"The Lorax"

As you walk farther into the well manicured area, so many whimsical "friends" beckon for your attention.  This is a great place for children of all ages!

                     

"Horton"

"Green Eggs and Ham"

If you've never had the opportunity to stop in, do so!  The Memorial Garden & the Springfield Museums are a treasure in Springfield, MA!

My fave Dr. Seuss book will always be Green Eggs and Ham!  What is yours?

Enjoy!

Happy 109th Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

March brings whimsical thoughts!  Thinking about Dr. Seuss writing his rhymes and also thoughts of leprechauns on March 17.

Dr. Seuss + Friend!

On Tuesday afternoon as I was leaving the grounds of the Springfield Museums, a young child ran through the snow to the Lorax who greets visitors as they enter/leave the museum complex.  She gave him a hug!  Now, that's a sweet compliment to Theodor Seuss Geisel.  Her parents & I smiled as we watched.
 

The Lorax 

Ted as his friends called him was born on March 2, 1904.  His birthday is celebrated every year at the Springfield Museums!  Seuss was his mother's maiden name.  Dr. Seuss' books written for children of all ages are fantastic!  The people and the places in his stories are all part of Springfield's rich history.  At this time of year we remember our fave story that he wrote.  For more info about Theodor Seuss Geisel, click on this link.

Last year I took photos of the bronze statues located in the Memorial Sculpture Garden at the museum complex.  The beautiful statues were designed by Dr. Seuss' step-daughter, Lark Grey Dimond-Cates, who is a sculptor. 

I like many Dr. Seuss stories, but my all time fave is Green Eggs and Ham!

"Green Eggs and Ham"

What is your fave Dr. Seuss story?

Enjoy!

                

Spanish Rice

Oh, this past week our household has been a whirlwind of volunteer activities!  Spring is always a very busy happy time at the 5 museum complex - the Springfield Museums - where I give tours to groups of students who are visiting on School Field Trips.  History and Art are fascinating!  The Springfield Museums is a beautiful complex with large life size bronze statues of Dr. Seuss and of Horton on the green.  Yes, Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss) was born in Springfield, MA and his work is honored with these sculptures and with many more.

This past weekend our Town Green here in Longmeadow was filled with talented crafters and artists, food and local history.  Visitors enjoyed themselves while chatting with friends.  Long Meddowe Days is in May and my hubby was on the planning committee.  

Dinners have been quick, easy and nutritious.  With all of the bustle on the home front, I was so pleased one night to locate 2 Cups of the "leftover" Rice, served two days earlier, in my fridge.  It was the beginning of Spanish Rice.  Was that ever a time saver after a non-stop day! 

Spanish Rice

Ingredients:
1 lb. Ground Beef, browned
1 can (15 oz.) Tomato Sauce
1 can (15 - 20 oz.) Tomatoes - whole or pieces, drained
1 Green Pepper - cut into strips, optional
2 Cups cooked Rice

1/4 tsp. Oregano
1/4 tsp. Basil
1 Tablespoon chopped Parsley

Method:

1. Brown 1 lb. Ground Beef.
2. While browning Beef, combine Tomato Sauce, Tomatoes and cut Green Pepper in large pot and simmer.
3. Add browned Beef and stir.
4. Add in cooked Rice, Oregano, Basil and Parsley.  Stir well and simmer 30 minutes.
5. Stir occasionally while simmering.

This quick and easy meal simmered while we watched the 6:30 PM news.  After dinner was finished there was "some" remaining Spanish Rice that was placed in a small bowl.  It made a great lunch for my hubby the next day.

Do you use leftover Rice in another meal?

Enjoy!
Yummy!