THE SUMMER WIND

Happy Last Hump Day in August Speakies:

Well it’s August 31, 2011 and the summer is almost over, except in this state where the summer heat won’t go away until October. The end of August was always a sad time for me when I was little, summer was almost over, school was just around the corner and my play time would soon be cut short. If that did not make a kid sad nothing would. Here’s a little quick poem just made up by Joey Z:

THE END OF AUGUST IS HERE
ALL THE KIDS FEAR SCHOOL IS NEAR
I’M NOT SHEDDING ANY TEARS
I’M GOING TO GET ANOTHER BEER

This post will be short today, so sit back Guys and Dolls and reflect what memories you have of this summer and remember tomorrow is September and with it comes the fall and new adventures. Have a last great day.

THE LAST DAY OF AUGUST IS SUMMER'S END

SPEAKIES: BEFORE MY REGULAR POST COMES ON, THE LAST DAY OF AUGUST ALWAYS REMINDED ME OF THE LAST DAY OF SUMMER. SO ENJOY 2 TUNES I PICKED OUT FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE.

WAIT I WAS GOING TO MAKE SOME EXPRESSO

Hello Speakies, It’s Tuesday, Tuesday:

Better than Tuesday, it’s “FRANKENSTEIN DAY” and to even make the day better it’s “TOASTED MARSHMALLOW DAY.” What a great combo fire and Frankie smoke is good, fire warm, fire good. Frankenstein the movie had some great lines, the old ones and even that great movie by Mel Brooks called “Young Frankenstein.” As you can see as you opened my blog today was a tribute to that movie, playing is Gene Wilder and Peter Boyle doing that old favorite, “Putting on the Ritz.” Well if you are a fan favorite of those old Frankenstein horror movies I hope you can catch one on the tube or rent one and enjoy.

Toasting marshmallows over a fire was never my thing, if you like camping etc. have a good time doing that stuff. My idea of camping is a nice resort with pool, bar, hammock and maid service. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy the great outdoors when I’m fishing and smell the salt air and feel that first bite and then the fight begins as you have that fish hooked and ready to bring in. I’ll take that over roasting marshmallows over a fire any day. That’s Joey Z and that’s what the Speakeasy is all about, speak your mind, your comments are always welcomed.

Back to monsters, we’ve had Frankenstein, Dracula, Wolfman, all kinds of vampires but my favorites are the Zombies. Zombies never got a lot of respect until recently. You shoot them and they still keep coming, you have to get that gun up close and blow those heads off to make a real stop. The best Zombie movie ever is the 1968 film “NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD” by all means. It is in black and white with a nobody cast and when it came out in that year I bet many a movie goer S _ _T their pants. It was one movie that really frightened Roe.

So much for today, but when you retire tonight don’t forget to check under your bed.

THINKING OF MY NORTHERN GUYS AND DOLL

MY HOPES THAT YOU FAIRED WELL WITH IRENE, BUT MOST OF ALL THAT NO HARM CAME TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES. MATERIAL THINGS CAN BE REPLACED BUT NOT LIVES. MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU, GOOD LUCK AND BE CAREFUL.

MAKE MINE SHAKEN NOT STIRRED

Happy Monday Morning Guys and Dolls:

Weekends are getting shorter and the work week longer it seems to me. I hope you all had a great weekend, grabbed your coffee this morning and ready to start a new Monday with Joey Z. I would like send out Happy Birthday and Anniversary wishes to all my Guys and Dolls celebrating theirs today. Let’s say Happy “B” Day to some famous people today.

1809 – Oliver Wendell Holmes – Physician and author.
1897 – Charles Boyer – Great French actor.
1915 – Ingrid Bergman – Actress “Play It Again Sam”, starred in Casablanca.
1920 – Charlie “Bird” Parker – Famous Jazzman.
1938 – Peter Jennings – New anchor ABC TV.
1958 – Michael Jackson – That Thriller guy.
On this day in history, we lost Brigham Young, Lowell Thomas, Ingrid Bergman and Lee Marvin.

Today we also celebrate:

LESS SALT DAY – Everyone tells you now a days, use less salt better for your health. I try to watch my salt intake by using more pepper, but one thing I will not give up is putting salt on my tomato slices. Salt and tomatoes need each other like hotdogs and mustard.

WHISKEY SOUR DAY – A whiskey sour is a famous drink containing whiskey or bourbon, lemon juice and sugar. It is shaken and served either straight up or over ice; the garnish is a maraschino cherry. When I was little the whiskey sour was a favorite drink at the open bars at weddings. I remember my Mom downing a few. When Roe and I were dating several times we went with my friend Steve, his girlfriend Angie and Steve’s mom to a German Social Club called the Arbeiter’s Club. They had a social on the first Saturday of every month that included an open bar with fountains of Whiskey Sours and Manhattans on the Rocks. Steve and I took advantage of those fountains. The social included a family style served dinner from salad to dessert all for cost of $10 a person. We had loads of fun on those Saturday nights eating, drinking and dancing. Those were golden days.

Well enjoy you day Speakies, see you soon.

FAIR WEATHER AND HOPING FOR THE BEST

TO ALL MY SPEAKIES ALONG THE EAST COAST, MAY YOU BE SPARED ANY DANGER FROM THE ONCOMING STORM. BE PREPARED AND TAKE CARE.

PUTTING ON THE RITZ, EATING A POPSICLE ON A STICK

Happy Friday Speakies:

A quick stop to say hello and wishes for a great coming weekend. We have some fun things to celebrate today and this weekend so here we go with Joey Z’s list:

NATIONAL DOG DAY – By now most of my readers know how I feel about animals especially dogs. So on this holiday maybe give your dog that extra special attention and treat. For those thinking about having a pet dog, check out the Humane Society first, I’m sure you will find a dog who will touch your heart. You will give him a good home and he or she will be your best friend as long as they live.

TOILET PAPER DAY – All I can say is make mine 2-ply. The oldest use of toilet paper was in China. A Mr. Joseph Gayetty is credited with being the inventor of modern available toilet paper sold in the US. It was introduced in 1857. His medicated paper was sold in packages of flat sheets, watermarked with the inventor’s name.

CHERRY POPSICLE DAY – Popsicle’s every kids treat and I sure do remember them from my younger days. The twin popsicles, you could eat the whole thing or break them in half and share with a friend. I always had to break mine in half and save the other for late. Cherry was good, but my favorites were root beer and vanilla. Then came the ice popsicles in the tube one had to squeeze and eat. The flavors available today are more than we had as kids.

BOW TIE DAY – The forgotten tie, but rejoice bow tie for today is your day to shine. There will be men wearing formal wear today and of course the bow tie will be king. I remember wearing bow ties as a kid in school and later when I worked in a men’s shop. So for all those men who wear bow ties on a regular basis, Joey Z honors you this day.

Have a great weekend Guys and Dolls and be careful out there.

A PENNY SAVED MEANT A LOT

GOOD MORNING GUYS AND DOLLS:

A little fact of history for your grey matter today. To conserve copper during World War II, the US produced zinc-coated steel pennies. The copper saved was enough to meet the combined needs of 2 cruisers, 2 destroyers, 1,243 B-17's, 120 field guns, 120 howitzers or enough for 1.25 million ammunition shells.

KISS AND HAVE A SPLIT TOGETHER

Good Thursday Morning Speakies:

Today we celebrate “KISS AND MAKE UP DAY.” All I can say for that is if you and your Doll had a fight or a misunderstanding, do the right thing. Tell her you are sorry, you love her and give her a kiss. It’s as easy as that unless you really pulled a boner and then it’s big time apology due, groveling maybe required.

For those who love ice cream today it’s your turn to go crazy. Yes Guys and Dolls for it is ‘BANANA SPLIT DAY.” Now for a little history lesson on the banana split, in its classic form served in a long dish called a boat. The banana is cut in half lengthwise and laid in the dish (reason for calling it a split). It is then made up with scoops of vanilla, chocolate and strawberry ice cream. Pineapple topping is poured over the vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup over the chocolate and of course strawberry topping over the strawberry ice cream. Then throw on crushed nuts, whipped cream and those lovely maraschino cherries. David Strickler an apprentice pharmacist in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, who enjoyed inventing different variations of sundaes, came up this idea in 1904. It originally cost 10 cents and became so popular by word of mouth. Latrobe celebrated the 100th anniversary of the banana split in 2004 and National Ice Cream Retailers Association certified the city as its birthplace. To tell you Speakies the truth I have never been a fan of the banana split too much ice cream and all that other stuff. However, I am a fan of that other famous Latrobe, PA product, ROLLING ROCK BEER. I use to buy them in Trenton in the small bottles that were just enough to drink for me beer wise.

So much for Thursdays Guys and Doll, as always have a great day and remember tomorrow is Friday. Thanks for stopping by.

?????????? AND STRANGE

Happy Hump Day Guys and Dolls:

Well half the work week is about over and I hope your day is starting off right. With those kiddies back in school filling their little minds with knowledge each day means it could be trouble for you parents. Suppose they come home and ask you “what came first, the chicken or the egg?” Still a mystery to me too. So Joey Z has decided to get into an occasional “Mystery Question Day” here on my blog. So if you are ready remember this question and answer.

WHY DO GEESE FLY IN A “V” FORMATION? – Scientists have determined the v-shaped formation serves two important purposes. Number one it conserves their energy. Each bird flies slightly above the bird in front of him, resulting in a reduction of wind resistance. The geese take turns being in front and falling back when they get tired. In this way the geese can fly for a longer period of time until they must stop to rest.

The second purpose is that is easy to keep track of every bird in the group. Flying in that formation controls the communication between the birds. That’s the reason fighter pilots do the same. Well I hope you enjoy the first “Mystery Question.” More to come I promise.

Today is also “STRANGE MUSIC DAY.” Let me tell you most of today’s music is strange. Now don’t go blasting me, I have my favorite music to listen to and you have yours. To listen to music on the radio bores the living hell out of me, they play the same songs over and over, that’s the reason people buy CD’s. or have Sirius Radio installed. Well enough for today, have a great one Speakies.

SINGING IN THE RAIN

Good Tuesday Morning Speakies:

Well the kids down started school yesterday and before you Guys and Dolls know it you will be helping with homework. Let’s do a little history today on birthdays, those going upwards, those going downwards and stuff that occurred today:

HEY MOMMA I’M COMING OUT:

1754 – Louis XVI, King of France he later met the guillotine.
1785 – Oliver Hazard Perry – US Naval hero.
1912 – Gene Kelly – actor/dancer “Just Singing in the Rain.”
1934 – Barbara Eden – That “I Dream of Jeannie” doll.
1934 – Christian “Sonny” Jurgensen – Quarterback for the Eagles and Redskins.
1949 – Shelley Long – That crazy Diane from Cheers and Frazier.
1951 – Queen Noor of Jordan.

THEY WENT UP OR DOWN:

1819 – Oliver Hazard Perry – He died on his birthday.
1926 – Rudolph Valentino whose real name is Rodolpho Alfonzo Rafaello Pietro Filiberto Guglieimi Di Valentina D’Antonguolla – Silent film actor.
1962 – Hoot Gibson – Silent screen cowboy actor.

STUFF:

1833 – Britain abolishes slavery in colonies.
1889 – 1st ship to shore radio broadcast received in US.
1914 – Japan declares war on Germany in WWI. In WWII they worked against US.
1960 – World’s largest frog 3.3kg caught.
1968 – Ringo quits the Beatles on the temporary side.

Well that’s about the most interesting things I found or as it is said “not for nothin.” Let’s face it Speakies Tuesdays are usually boring. Have a great day.

BE AN ANGEL AND A FAIRY TODAY

Good Monday Morning Speakies:

Trusting your weekend was great and fun filled and that we are ready to begin another week, yeah right. The kids down here are back to school and the roads are more congested with all those yellow buses stopping everywhere to load and unload the little ones.

Now a day’s people believe in aliens, vampires, ghosts, goblins, angels (I’ll have something to say about angels later) and zombies. We are forgetting one of our favorite believe-in characters the “TOOTH FAIRY.” The tooth fairy is a legendary fairy who gives children money or a gift in exchange for a baby tooth that has fallen out or as my dad did a little punch to help it fall. Children would then place the tooth under their pillow at night. It is said that the fairy would take the tooth and replace it with money after the child fell asleep. In early Europe tradition was to bury the tooth and that tradition is still alive in Ireland and Great Britain. It is even common for people to leave trails of “fairy dust” on the floor of the child’s room. That’s a pretty neat idea. Roe had a great idea something like that and I’ll tell you about it in another post.

Now for those angels I spoke about, today is “BE AN ANGEL DAY.” I guess for the little ones it can mean just don’t be a devil today or any day for Mom and Dad. To me all little kids are angels it’s the bad influence from home or outside that ruins them. For the rest of us it can mean be an angel to those in need, maybe a visit to a lonely person, a phone call to cheer a friend or just a kind act in general will do. Try it, I’m sure your heart will get that special feeling and maybe your Guardian Angel will shine a little brighter in back of you.

Well enough for today, have a great one and a wonderful evening. See you soon.

HOLY COW BATMAN

Happy Friday Guys and Dolls:

Well the weekend is only a few work hours away Speakies so get ready to relax. I hope you all will have a pleasant weekend, enjoy your time but as always be careful out there. Let’s see what we can toast today and over the weekend and maybe make our time a little more fun. Today is:

POTATO DAY – How do you like your potatoes? I love potatoes, French fried, mashed, baked, fried with onions and peppers, you cook it and it will have my name of it.

ROOT BEER FLOAT DAY – The old soda fountain treat from those good old days long ago is a beverage that consists of one or more scoops of ice cream in either a soft drink or in a mixture of flavored syrup and carbonated water. One has to use a quality vanilla ice cream and good root beer soda, like A&W for me to drink and enjoy one.

LEMONADE DAY – One of the best lemonades I ever had came from that Italian stand in the middle of the boardwalk at Seaside Heights, NJ. I don’t know what is was about it, maybe the salt air but the food and the drinks were great. Down here Publix grocery stores carries their own lemonade which is very good, but the more you drink the more you want.

Well Speakies that is it for today, again have a great weekend.

WEEDS AND POEMS

HAPPY THURSDAY SPEAKIES:

Tired of weeds, tired of spending money, Joey Z is here to save the day. No muss, no fuss and it won’t even cost you a nickel. Yes Guys and Dolls another Green Tip from the master and let him ask you this question, are weeds taking over a pathway or growing between crevices in a driveway or walkway where you live? Put the kettle on. Pour boiling water on the weeds to kill them without chemicals. Be careful not to spill hot water on yourself or desirable plants nearby. Give it a try hope it works.

Some holidays today to celebrate but for the first I would consider it more of a helping hand:

HOMELESS ANIMAL DAY – I see that commercial on TV playing with that background song of “Heart of an Angel” and see those dogs and cats that look so sad that they break your heart. All Joey Z can say is if you can afford to have an animal and have the time to properly take care of them then adopt one. They make the best pets ever and I can honestly say that with all my heart, we had Luee to us the best dog ever.

BAD POETRY DAY – All I can say is that there is probably plenty of that out there. I remember the old coffee houses and the poetry that was read inside. Now for an original bad poem from Joey Z himself written just for this occasion.

“My thumb was white,

My thumb is now red,

I hit it with a hammer

Now it will turn black and blue.”

And if you are celebrating a birthday or an anniversary today celebrate it with an ice cream pie. Because today is "ICE CREAM PIE DAY" of course. Have a great day Speakies and take care.

HOUSEHOLD HINTS FROM JOEY Z AND HERE'S TO YOU DAVY

Hi Speakies:

Once in awhile Joey Z provides some real information to ease your chores or make your life a little simpler. Here is one regarding painting:

FOR EASY CLEANUP WHEN PAINTING INTERIOR WALLS, SLIP A PLASTIC KITCHEN TRASH BAG OVER YOUR PAINT TRAY. NOW POUR THE PAINT INTO THE PLASTIC COVERED TRAY. WHEN FINISHED PAINTING, POUR EXCESS PAINT BACK IN THE PAINT CAN. ALLOW THE PAINT REMAINING ON THE BAG TO DRY. WHEN DRY, REMOVE THE BAG AND TURN IT INSIDE OUT. USE THE BAG FOR TRASH AS USUAL. THE MAIN THING IS NO WASHING THE PAINT TRAY. I'M FOR THAT, PLUS I HATE PAINTING ANYWAY.

We have a special "Happy Birthday" going out today to the hero of many of us Baby Boomers and don't tell me you did not go to the movies or watch the Wonderful World of Disney to see him. Happy B-Day to the one and only Davy Crockett. David "Davy" Crockett was born on August 17, 1786 and was a celebrated American folk hero, frontiersman, soldier and politician. He was well known as the "King of the Wild Frontier." He died at the Battle of the Alamo in Texas on March 6, 1836. Some questions have arised that he was captured by the Mexican troops and held hostage. There was an historical show regarding him and the Alamo on the History Channel and if you see it listed watch it, very interesting. Have a great day and a wonderful evening and be careful out there.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NINA

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NINA:

THIS IS DEDICATED TO MY FAVORITE LITTLE DOLL, MY GRANDDAUGHTER CELEBRATING HER 8TH BIRTHDAY TODAY. NINA, MAY YOU HAVE THE BEST DAY EVER FILLED WITH FUN,LOVE AND LAUGHTER.

GRANDMA ROE AND POP-POP WISH YOU MANY MORE BIRTHDAYS FILLED WITH THE SAME. WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH. HAVE A GREAT DAY SWEETHEART.

THANK YOU JEFF AND SAM

JEFF: THANK YOU FOR THAT GREAT SHRIMP SCAMPI DINNER AND THAT HOMEMADE PIZZA TO GET US HOME WITH. WE HAD A GREAT TIME THANKS TO YOU, SAM, NINA AND IAN. LOVE YOU ALL

DAD AND MOM.

PRZYJACIEL AND PIES TODAY

Good Monday Morning Speakies:

Hoping you all had a great weekend, Roe and I visited my son and his family on Sunday. Our granddaughter is celebrating her birthday this week so we paid a visit to spend the day with them. Grandma Roe took her out shopping; one of the bonding threads of all women at any age. Well next Monday school starts down here so the morning commute to work will be a little more crowded. I have never seen so many yellow school buses in my life and their main base is a few miles from our house, it’s like a sea of yellow when they are all parked there. I hope the idiots of the roads down here pay attention starting next week, well at least I’ll say a prayer. Some holidays today to raise our glasses high:

BEST FRIENDS DAY – I would like to say hello to a very good friend of mine Joey G. wish I could see him more. Call your friends up and wish them well on this day.

NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY – Who in their right mind would not like this holiday, I would like it more if I could take a nap this afternoon that is relaxing to me. No matter what, enjoy a relaxing moment when you can today if only for a few hours or minutes.

A couple desserts get holidays today, “NATIONAL ANGEL FOOD CAKE” and “LEMON MERINGUE PIE.” Let’s talk Angel Food Cake first. It is a type of sponge cake that became popular in the U.S. in the late 19th century. It is named because of its airy lightness that was said to be the “food of the angels.” Personally to Joey Z it never has been one of my favorites to me no taste and it’s like eating a real sponge. So Sorry!

Now for Lemon Meringue Pie all I can say is that I like it, good tart taste with a little hint of sweetness goes great with milk. That’s my pie review for today. Hope you all have a great day and a wonderful evening.

WATCH THE SKIES, KEEP WATCHING THE SKIES

Hi Speakies:

How about a treat this weekend, one of the best reliable meteor showers, the Perseid meteor shower will reach its peak activity in the overnight hours of Friday and Saturday. The best time to catch the light show (weather permitting) is during the predawn hours, especially on this Saturday morning. While looking skywards you might be able to catch a glimpse of the space station flying over. A double whammy how about that!

"KLAATU BARADA NIKTO"

WEEKEND WISHES ALL

Happy Friday Speakies:

Well the last day of the work week for most of us is here and I hope it’s a fast one for everybody. Just as a reminder there are a few good holidays to celebrate this weekend. One of the first is “DAUGHTER’S DAY”, there you go Dads get out there and celebrate the day with your little or big doll. I know my granddaughter is having a birthday party with her friends and I know my son and daughter-in-law will make her day a special one. Here are a few more to raise your glasses to:

VINYL RECORD DAY – Had a nice collection in my younger days, still have a few left.

BASEBALL FANS DAY – A Phillies fan forever win or lose.

TRAIL MIX DAY – For me it has to be the Pub Mix with those hot crackers mixed in.

SENIOR CITIZEN’S DAY – I’m there so I’ll be celebrating this one.

NATIONAL CREAMSICLE DAY – Loved those as a kid the ones on a stick.

Have a great weekend Guys and Dolls and see you next week.

HAVE A PEACHY TIME IN THE SAND

Happy Thursday Guys and Dolls:

Here we are and it’s already August 11 where is the time going? To give our thirst buds a little relief from all this heat and hot weather, today we celebrate “KOOL-AID DAY.” That little happy faced pitcher that I would like to drop out of a multi-storied building and see if it’s still smiling on the way down. Just kidding I drank Kool-Aid as a kid and cherry was my favorite flavor. Now for a little Kool-Aid background to fill that grey stuff in your head. Kool-Aid was invented by Edwin Perkins in Nebraska. His experiments all took place in Mom’s kitchen. Kool-Aid’s predecessor was a liquid concentrate called Fruit Smack. To reduce shipping costs, Perkins discovered a way to remove the liquid from Fruit Smack leaving only the powder and thus Kool-Aid was born. The seven original flavors were Red, Grape, Lemon-Lime, Orange, Raspberry, Strawberry and Root Beer. I’m afraid Root Beer never really took off and was eventually off the list of flavors.

We also celebrate “HAVE FUN IN THE SAND DAY.” Lately there have been some issues in the news concerning playing in the sand. I guess its okay to build sand castles or some other dumb looking stuff but the main concern is being buried in the sand. Recently Myrtle Beach, SC has banned this type of sand fun. People are being buried for fun and the next thing you don’t see them anymore. A story was on the local news last week about this guy who was buried and pulled to safety. Keep an eye on those little ones but have a great time also at the beach.

It is also “NATIONAL PEACH MONTH.” Here is my gripe, I live in Florida and the world’s best peaches are claimed to be from Georgia. I’ve had Jersey peaches and they are great but you can’t get Jersey stuff down here, so what does one do? Look for a Georgia Peach, can’t find them in stores all they have are some hard looking tasteless peaches from who knows where. Sure you can drive down the highways and see those signs “GEORGIA PEACHES” but try to pull over on the side of the road here and you are pitting your life against the A-holes of the road. For me one day I will find a clear road ahead and a giant peach stand with my name on it. Till then I’ll dream of peaches or open a can. Have a great day Speakies.

DOLLS, DOGS AND S'MORES DOESN'T GET BETTER

Happy Hump Day Speakies:

Its August the 10th already time is sure flying by and I believe some school districts start classes next week. You Northern kids are lucky to go back in September at least you get about two more weeks of vacation. On this second week of August is celebrated “NATIONAL BARGAIN HUNTING WEEK.” The only place I can find any bargains is the Dollar Tree Store, where everything is one buck. You can pick up some good stuff like wet wipes, aluminum baking pans, toothpaste and a bunch of other goodies. I would like to try my luck at yard sales maybe when I retire and find one of those treasures you see on Antiques Road Show. Just dream Joey Z, just dream on. Let’s see what other honors we can pay today:

LAZY DAY – I’m always for this kind of holiday, I guess my best days will come when I retire. For today Joey Z says, “be lazy, don’t do a thing if you can help it” and post a sign at work declaring it “LAZY DAY, DON’T BOTHER ME.”

S’MORES DAY – That traditional nighttime campfire treat consisting of a roasted marshmallow and a layer of chocolate sandwiched between two pieces of graham crackers. I’m not a big fan of camping, roasting marshmallows etc., but if you are enjoy the s’mores today.

GIRLS NIGHT OUT – Okay Dolls this is your night to celebrate and have a good time, no matter if it’s a night at the casino, nightclub or your favorite restaurant and pub. Like Joey Z always says, “BE CAREFUL OUT THERE.”

SPOIL YOUR DOG DAY – Dogs should always be spoiled there is too much abuse in this country to our pets in general. Every day down here you read some stupid bozo is beating or starving a dog. I would like to stick their asses in caged pen and give them a bowl of water and a piece of bread every three days. I have to tell you Roe and I really spoiled our dog Luee but to us he was family, just one great dog, I could go on forever. This is a true story Luee loved lunch meat and every time I opened the refrigerator door and started to open the lunch meat wrapper zoom Luee would be there looking into my eyes O PLEASE, O PLEASE, how could you not give him a piece of turkey or ham. One day I made a sandwich and put it on the kitchen table, upon returning I found the empty paper plate on the floor and Luee in the other room resting with that look of a full balance meal snatched from his master. So if you have a dog, make this day special for him or her. See you soon Guys and Dolls.

THE PICTURE YOU SEE IS OF LUEE AND MY GRANDDAUGHTER WHEN SHE WAS LITTLE. I GUESS LUEE DID NOT MIND BEING DOLLED UP.

IN HEAVEN THERE IS NO BEER BUT THERE'S APPLES HERE

Happy Tuesday Speakies:

Hope you all had a great Monday, Joey Z was at the doctors again getting another yearly part of my body checked over but I’m back today and writing. Weather is still hot down here and for that fact I guess every state is feeling the heat one way or the other. Let’s look at some holidays for the week and for today.

In this second week of August is celebrated “NATIONAL APPLE WEEK.” I like apples my favorite was always the delicious variety either red or golden. Once in a while if I was in the mood a tart apple Granny Smith was my choice. Fuji and McIntosh are another of my favorites. Remember the history of the apple, it all started in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve and that forbidden fruit. Another great saying to leave this holiday we celebrate today is, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

BOOK LOVERS DAY – I like to write and I wrote a book back in 2009 and if you would love a copy the information is on my blog main page on purchasing one. Roe tells me I should read a good book however if there are no pictures forget it. Sorry I’m not a reader at heart.

DANCE A POLKA – Now Polkas can wear you out on a dance floor and with my breathing condition I would pass out in a minute. Roe and I did a few polkas together and I danced with my daughter-in-law at her and my son’s wedding last October to that great tune “In Heaven There Is No Beer.” I remember attending plenty of family weddings at the church hall when I was a youth and that floor was stomping with that Polka sound. My dad would only dance the Polka but he did dance a slow dance with Roe at our wedding after many a plea. So tonight put some Polka music on, rattle the floors and shake the walls and have the cops come over and tell them “It’s Polka Time Stash.”

NATIONAL UNDERWEAR DAY – Today go ahead and break out that sexy T-Back or those hugger briefs and celebrate or if not let it all hang out. But those not in the mood put on those same boxer shorts or granny panties and have a good time too.

It is also “RICE PUDDING DAY.” One of my favorites along with chocolate and tapioca. So grab a pudding today and enjoy it. Have a great day and I’ll see you soon.

HAPPY FRIDAY SPEAKIES

Happy Friday Guys and Dolls:

Making a stop by to wish you all a great Friday and a wonderful weekend as usual. I goofed Green Pepper Day is today instead of yesterday oh well it gets two celebrations on this blog site. Today we have “WORK LIKE A DOG DAY”, not on a Friday baby if I can help it. This weekend we raise our mugs to:

NATIONAL KIDS DAY – Like I always say, Kids Day is Every Day.

WIGGLE YOUR TOES DAY – I’ll do that the first thing in the morning.

NATIONAL FRESH BREATH DAY – Either go see a good dentist, use a powerful mouthwash or get one of those sprays but just take care of your breath.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT – This event is meant to increase awareness about local police programs in your community, such as drug prevention, town watch and other anti-crime efforts.

Get out there and have a great weekend and Joey Z will spot you next week.

ARE YOUR MELONS RIPE

Hello Speakies:

Just wanted to pass along a little tidbit I received from my cousin Tom concerning watermelons.

Is Your Watermelon Ripe? - Here is What to Do:

PUT A BLADE OF STRAW ACROSS IT THE SHORT WAY

IF IT IS RIPE AND READY THE STRAW WILL TURN THE LONG WAY.

TOM SAYS IT WORKS EVERY TIME.

PEPPERS AND SANDWICHES; DOESN'T GET BETTER

Good Thursday Morning Guys and Dolls:

Hope you all had a pleasant Wednesday evening and the morning is going your way so far. School will be starting in a few weeks down here so let Joey Z fill your brains with a few facts that you can pass on to the little ones.

Happy “B” Day to the following:

1901 – Louis Armstrong – Hello Dolly.
1921 – Maurice “Rocket” Richard – Montreal Canadian hockey great.
1934 – Dallas Green – Baseball manager of the Phillies and Yankees.
1939 – Frankie Ford – Singer “OOWEE OOWEE Baby Let Me Take You on a Sea Cruise.”
1944 – Richard Belzer – Comedian.
1955 – Billy Bob Thornton – Actor “Sling Blade.”

Stuff Today:

1693 – Dom Perignon invents champagne; I had it once on New Year’s Eve only cost $60 a bottle then.
1753 – George Washington becomes a master mason, starts planning and hiding all that treasure.
1892 – Lizzie Borden arrested for murder.
1964 – Civil rights workers Michael Schwerner, Andrew Goodman and James Chaney found dead in Mississippi.
1988 – Congress votes $20,000 to each Japanese-American interned in WWII.

Now let’s talk food. Today is “GREEN PEPPER DAY.” Green peppers those lovely tasty peppers that go with onions on a cheese steak sandwich or on a good old Italian hot dog. We also have eggs and peppers and of course the original stuffed pepper. I love them all. Now even though we are honoring green peppers one cannot forget the yellow and red bell peppers too.

August is also “SANDWICH MONTH.” John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich is perhaps best known for the claim that he invented the modern concept of the sandwich. I use to eat more sandwiches when I was younger but it seems my stomach has turned to soup lover lately for lunch or one of Roe’s left over dinners packed up especially for me. Don’t get me wrong a good burger, dog, hoagie, French Dip or a patty melt are still to my liking and I don’t hesitate to eat one if I’m in the mood. Now here are some of my favorite sandwiches and who knows when I might fix one again:

Bologna on Rye or Italian bread with spicy mustard, with a pickle.
BLT – was always a favorite.

Tuna with tomato and lettuce on a nice round hard roll.

Egg salad on a hard roll.

A Cheese Pork Roll with mustard on a bun the Trenton, NJ favorite that will never die.

Nice ham sandwich on Italian bread sometimes with mayo and at times with mustard depending if I put a slice of tomato on it. Oh well I’m getting hungry better get my mind off food and bid you all a great day.

WATERMELON MAN, HE'S THE WATERMELON MAN

Happy Hump Day Guys and Dolls:

If you like watermelon today is your day, “NATIONAL WATERMELON DAY”, that great summer dessert at picnics or on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Biting into that sweet watery fruit and spitting out those seeds as far as you can. Now give me my watermelon diced with no seeds in a bowl, that’s my idea of eating it. I’m always hesitant purchasing any kinds of melon whether its watermelons, cantaloupes or honeydews. I always choose the ones that are not quite ready to eat but lately my skills have improved somewhat.

For those who have sisters it is “SISTERS DAY.” Go ahead call your SIS, talk for hours, go visit or even better go to lunch or dinner. As the good Lord said “Love Thy Brother”, Joey Z says “Love Thy Sister Too.”

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS DAY – Now there is a nerve racking job, one slip could be disaster. I admire you guys so Joey Z says “after work have a drink.”

NATIONAL WAFFLE DAY – I haven’t had waffles in years. I remember liking my waffles nice and soft not hard or crispy. Cover those babies with butter and maple syrup and you have yourself a breakfast. When the Z was small I remember the waffle man coming around South Trenton at night, you could get hot waffles with powder sugar, plain or with a brick of ice cream, that was a real treat for us kids in those days.

Well today brings us to the down side of the work week, enjoy your day, don’t work too hard and be careful out there.

JOEY Z IS A NAPPING

Good Tuesday Morning Guys and Dolls:

Welcome to Tuesday and a few more holidays to celebrate. First of all Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary to my Guys and Dolls celebrating theirs today. Let’s say Happy Birthday to:

Carroll O’Connor – Good old Archie Bunker, rest in peace Carroll.
Peter O’Toole – Great actor in Lawrence of Arabia.
Bertalan Farkas – First Hungarian astronaut, where are you now Bert?

Here are a few more monthly holidays to celebrate in August:

NATIONAL PARKS MONTH – Last year while visiting St. Augustine, FL with Roe and our good friends Joey G and Kim, I purchased a Senior Pass for a lifetime fee of $10 at Fort Matanzas. This pass admits you plus three other adults (who need not be seniors). It’s a good deal if you are also traveling with grandchildren, because children under 16 have free admissions. This pass is for any state park in the US and a great deal at that.

NATIONAL NAPPING MONTH – One of my favorite holidays, I love taking an afternoon nap when I’m not working. Just to sit in my favorite chair, feet up, no worries, closing my eyes and drifting into that afternoon delight. What makes it even better is a nice rain. So if you are home today take advantage of this great holiday.

It is also “DINOSAURS DAY”, I guess the only ones you can see are in a museum or watch a horror movie on TV. If you are in the Central Florida area and a dinosaur fan head to Tampa on I-4 West there is a place called Dinosaur World located in Plant City, Florida. They have a website so check it out.

ICE CREAM SANDWICH DAY – Loved ice cream sandwiches as a kid, the only part I wasn’t crazy about was getting that chocolate stuck on my fingers. Have a wonderful day.

ANNIE GET MY GUN THERE ARE BOZO'S OUT THERE

Speakies:

Get me my machine gun, rocket launcher and oil slick machine. Going to work this morning on my usual stretch of a 2 lane road and going up a hill, Joey Z was passed by a red truck doing about 90mph. This nimyo wearing his cowboy hat was followed by a white SUV tailgating him driven by a suit type person. Now mind you I’m doing the speed limit of 55mph in a construction zone. What the hell is wrong with these drivers? If you are going to be late for work get your ass up earlier or if you need your six-pack of beer and your wife’s smokes get them the night before. PLEASE FLORIDA DRIVERS WISE UP YOU PISS ME OFF.

WELCOME WEERDE SPEAKIE

Hello Speakies:

Just wanted to stop by and wish a new Speakie visitor hello and thanks for visiting Joey Z’s Speakeasy. I’m always curious from what country the newbie is from. My latest visitor is from Weerde which is a village in Flemish Brabant, Belgium. It is a part of the municipality of Zemst. A train station is located in this village, connecting the two largest cities of the country, Brussels and Antwerp.

Once again “WELCOME WEERDE SPEAKIE.”

TIS MUST BE AN IRISH CATFISH

Good Monday Morning Speakies:

That work day we dislike the most is here Monday, Nasty Monday. Don’t fret for this month I will bring you great holidays to raise your glasses to, birthdays and events to celebrate. First of all I hope you all had a great weekend and shared a lot of happiness with the ones you love. Let’s see what we can celebrate today:

August is “NATIONAL CATFISH MONTH” – I never ate catfish till I moved down South my favorite filet of fish was always flounder. Fried farm raised catfish is very tasty and light. Most of the times it is served with fries, hush puppies and slaw. Give it a try and you may have a favorite new fish dish. And don’t forget to order sweet tea to drink.

It is also “NATIONAL SMILE WEEK”, now isn’t a smile better than a frown. Ralph Waldo Emerson came close with his words, “For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” I know I get angry and frown and I think most of us do, so pay heed to those words and change your ways around.

PLAY BALL DAY – Celebrate by playing your favorite game of ball whether it be baseball, bowling, basketball, tennis, golf or whatever else includes a ball enjoy it today.

GIRLFRIENDS DAY – That old saying “You Go Girlfriend” lives for real today.

RESPECT YOUR PARENTS DAY – I know my parents did a lot for me and taught me the difference between good and bad and I will always be grateful to them for that. Young ones listen up, love your parents, listen to their words of wisdom they have been around and have seen the ways of the world. Enjoy them for time is short.

As far as food goes it’s Raspberry Crème Pie Day – I will have to pass on that pie. Have a great day and a wonderful evening.