HEY ROE THROW ME A SMOOCH

Happy Friday Guys and Dolls:

Making my quick stop here on a hot, humid Friday in Florida to wish you all a great day and for a good weekend. If you want to celebrate some holidays this weekend here we go with the Joey Z’s list:

NATIONAL LASAGNA DAY – I was going to make this a short trip today but what the hell let me throw my two cents in on these holidays. I like macaroni but lasagna is not one of my favorites, to me it’s heavy and I’m not a fan of ricotta cheese. Give me macaroni and Marinara sauce and I’m in heaven and throw in some meatballs too.

NATIONAL LIPSTICK DAY – Ok Dolls put on your favorite shade, that sexy dress and have your Guy kiss that lipstick off all night.

FATHER-IN-LAW DAY – I’m going to see if I’m remembered on this holiday. Just joking Elli and Sam.

NATIONAL CHEESECAKE DAY – Go ahead Speakies enjoy that big slice of cheesecake on Sunday. What will you choose Cherry, Chocolate, Chocolate Chip or just plain? Whatever your choice have a slice for Joey Z. Have a great weekend, enjoy and be careful out there.

BURGER HERE, GRAB YOUR BURGER HERE

Happy Thursday Guys and Dolls:

First of all I would like to wish all my Guys and Dolls celebrating their birthdays or anniversaries today a very happy one. We are talking burgers today for it is "NATIONAL HAMBURGER DAY." The term hamburger originally derives from Hamburg, Germany. Burg means fortified settlement or refuge. Hamburger can also refer to someone or something from Hamburg. So there you have a little word association regarding hamburger. Now it’s time to talk hamburger, cheeseburger, patty melt anything that looks and tastes like a burger. My first association with burgers would have to been at a cookout and I’m sure that applies to everyone out there. Nothing like a burger from a grill, a toasted bun, a slab of raw onion and a slice of a good old Jersey beef steak tomato, man that is my idea of eating.

We all remember those quick fast food burger joints but I remember one before I even had a McDonald’s. There was this place on Princeton Ave. near Circle Bowling Alley called Pix. Twenty-five cent cheeseburgers, fifteen cent burgers and dime fries. I grabbed a bite there many times walking home from high school, ah the good old days. I’m sure everyone has their favorite burger joints, back home mine were Rossi’s Bar and Grill and Ernie’s Tavern. Burgers and beer can’t touch it. Down here in Central Florida you have mostly chain restaurants, like Friday’s, Applebee’s etc. who all offer the same cuisine and burger variety. Roe and I like Five Guys, good cheeseburgers and plenty of fries. In St. Cloud, Florida there is this local diner called Rodeo Diner they make a great patty melt, good fresh tasting fries and onion rings to die for. Roe and I see to have a shrinking appetite so we share the burger and fries and fight for the onion rings. Let me know of your favorite burger haunts and what you like on yours. Every time I put on the tube I always check for the shows featuring burgers, dogs or pizza my basic food group. Enjoy a burger today.

I have to say Happy Birthday to the “WIFFLE BAT”, born in 1957. Mack from Mack’s Truck of Wisdom and I played many a game of wiffle ball back in our days not together but we had love for plastic bat. Wiffle ball will live forever in my heart and memory. I want to say thanks to Mack for allowing me to use a picture of a Rossi Burger for my post today. Everybody grab a burger and bat and have fun. See you all soon.

LOVE ME BUT DON'T PUT A LEASH ON ME

Good Wednesday Morning Speakies:

Hope you all had a pleasant Tuesday. I was at the Drs. getting the old ticker checked; a few weekends ago I was getting a little dizzy and spent the weekend in the hospital. I was a little low on a certain mineral in my blood so the necessity of a follow-up exam was ordered. I’m sure Roe can tell you I’m dizzy all the time to her.

Today we celebrate “TAKE YOUR HOUSEPLANTS FOR A WALK”, I don’t think so, I take care of them in different ways. My little guys and dolls always get watered, fertilized and spoken to with love. My favorite garden flower is considered a weed but these guys grow like crazy providing a great ground cover and a nice potted flower to me. The name is Purslane or science wise Portulaca pilosa a Florida native that loves hot weather and tolerates drought. I have a special little garden in front of the house named after my granddaughter and the flowers always remind me of her as I pass by.

We have a dessert holiday and a liquid holiday to celebrate also. “NATIONAL SCOTCH DAY” and “CRÈME BRULEE DAY.” I’m not a scotch drinker, I’ve tried it a few times but to me it tastes like iodine. So for you scotch fans enjoy a drink tonight at home or your favorite watering hole. As far as Crème Brulee goes I ate it for dessert on a cruise Roe and I took. It was good but not one of my favorites to order again, I’ll take a nice flan or a dish of ice cream.

Let’s say Happy “B” Day to two pro baseball players today. Joseph Tinker, Chicago Cubbies shortstop many years ago. Because of his great fielding thus was born that great double play saying "Tinker to Evers to Chance." He ended his career in Florida, managing, scouting and real estate. He ran the Orlando Gulls in the Florida State League and a stadium here is named after him Tinker Field. The other player was Leo Durocher better known as the “LIP” and I’ll leave it like that. Have a great day.

HOT FUDGE FOR ALL

Good Monday Morning Guys and Dolls:

Hoping your weekend was a pleasant one and also a “cool” one. I thought we would dive right in today with who was born, died and stuff that happened on this date of July 25. It will be August soon and those little ones will be going back to school sooner than you think, so get ready to store this knowledge I bring you in that grey matter.

GEE THANKS MOMMY; BORN TODAY:

Walter Brennan – the original Grandpa McCoy.
Estelle Getty – wise cracking Sofia on the Golden Girls.
Adnan Khashoggi – a billionaire arms dealer, never heard of him and who cares.
Walter Payton – Chicago Bears great running back.
Louise Brown – world 1st test tube baby born in 1978.

WENT UP OR DOWN TODAY:

Engelbert Dollfuss – Austrian chancellor assassinated by the Nazis in 1934.
Vincente Minnelli – movie director.

STUFF TODAY:

1814 – Battle of Niagara Falls, Yanks beat the Brits. Brits have to go over in a barrel to get back home.
1860 – 1st intercollegiate billiard match (Harvard vs. Yale).
1916 – Explosion at Lake Erie and Cleveland Waterworks – kids everywhere put on swim trunks and had fun.
1944 – 1st jet fighter used in combat during WWII (Messerschmitt 262).
1946 – 1st bikini is shown at Paris fashion show.
1956 – Italian liner Andrea Doria sinks after colliding with the Stockholm.
1961 – Yankee Roger Maris smacks homers 37, 38, 39 & 40 in a double header.
1968 – H. Wroblewski discovers asteroid #1993; way to go Polak.
1990 – Roseanne Barr blows National Anthem at the San Diego Padres game.

On the food side it is “NATIONAL HOT FUDGE SUNDAE DAY.” Now is I were going to have a sundae that would be my choice with vanilla ice cream but you can have it any way you like. Have a great day and evening, chat with you soon.

WEEKEND WISHES ALL

HAPPY FRIDAY GUYS AND DOLLS:

JUST MAKING A QUICK STOP TO SAY HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND, ENJOY AND FOR EVERYONE OUT THERE TRY TO KEEP "COOL." SEE YOU NEXT WEEK.

WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE SNAKES

Good Afternoon Speakies:

Here is a true story from Joey Z; I’ll call it “JOEY Z VS. THE SNAKE.” Now we have a lot of snakes where I work mostly Black Racers and a variety of smaller ones all non-poisonous. Approximately two months ago I left my desk to put some clothes in my car. It was a nice sunny day and a little on the cool side feeling good to be outside I took my time going to the front door. As I opened the door I noticed a snake move back on the other side of the glass. This snake did not have the usual round head and it also had diamonds on its body, said to myself “this is no racer” as I made a fast dash through the door into the lobby like a cartoon character. The snake was captured and turned loose in another area I was told or it could have ended up as a belt. The snake itself was a four foot Eastern Diamondback Rattle Snake. The picture you see was taken by one of our biologists.

Joey Z’s advice “WATCH WHEN YOU WALK, KEEP THOSE EYEBALLS TURNING.”

PSSSST SNEAK ME A PICKLE

Good Morning Speakies:

Hope everyone is coping with the heat; the temps down here in Florida are in the mid 90’s with that heavy humidity. Rain chances are coming back for the weekend but it does not seem to make the temperatures any cooler. We have a special food day today it is “JUNK FOOD DAY.” Now I know I can hear some of you say, I don’t eat junk food, don’t fib old Joey Z we all love junk food, so I thought I would make a list of my favorites, some may not seem like junk food but I enjoy them once in a while. So get your pencils out and write down your favorites and send me some responses, if you can read you can send. Let’s go:

Potato Chips – my original downfall favorite junk food, lately my chip choice has been original Wise Potato Chips, I like their clean greasy flavor and taste. For certain other chips I’ve lost my taste for them.

A new junk food has arrived for Joey Z – Cheetos Crunchy snacks that delicious junk food that turns your fingers orange.

Sardines – I know that they are not really junk food but I eat them once in a great while and to me they are a treat.

Asian Pub Mix and Spicy Mix – Just get me a container both go in shaken and enjoyed every time I walk by.

Pickles – Roe cannot stand the smell of vinegar so I have to sneak my desire for pickles, my favorite are the Polish spears. If you are Polish you love pickles.

Stick Pretzels – I’m talking the miniature ones covered in salt which I’m not supposed to have too much of, but what the hell I love them to snack on at work.

Nachos and Salsa – We have that at work occasionally, homemade salsa with those dip cup nachos one cannot go wrong with that as a snack. Well I probably could name more but I’ll be waiting for your snack favorites. Have a great day and enjoy your favorites today.

I'M TAKING A NAP, BUT SAVE ME MY COOKIE

Happy Hump Day Guys and Dolls:

The heat is everywhere it seems, I read in the news today that the temps in old Trenton, NJ might reach the 100 degree mark in the next few days. Stay indoors and drink plenty of fluids is my advice. It will be in the 90’s down here in sunny Florida until September so we are used to it. With all this talk of heat here is a great holiday to observe today, “NAP DAY.” Love taking naps and when I retire the naps will come every day. It is so refreshing to close your eyes with your feet up and drift off to La La Land. The only thing that upsets me is when the phone rings and it’s somebody on the other line with a sales pitch or something else that is stupid. There should be a nap time zone, no calling between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

We also celebrate “NATIONAL LOLLIPOP DAY.” I was never a big fan of lollipops, but I guess if I did enjoy one kind it would be a Tootsie Roll Pop, I would never eat the Tootsie candy inside I’ve always hated taffy style candy. So if you are a lollipop lover get out there and suck one today.

Today is also “FORTUNE COOKIE DAY.” Those little cookies that come with Chinese takeout and contain that little paper with our fortune for the day along with the winning lottery numbers you must play. I have to admit I like the taste of those cookies and I know my grandkids like them too, they took mine the last time we were over and had Chinese.

Here’s a true story from the local news last night. A young man was arrested and charged with theft and animal cruelty. This bozo went to the local lake downtown and stole a swan and brought it back to his yard. The local police followed a trail of feathers that led them right to the bird napper. Can we say dumb butt? Have a great day, see you all soon.

SHAKEN NOT STIRRED

Good Morning Guys and Dolls:

Yesterday found JoeyZ at the doctor’s office all day long for his annual physical and grilling and after that this kid was not in a fun mood to write. Now it is Tuesday and I will pen some words of knowledge to stick in your grey matter. Today is an unusual holiday “STICK OUT YOUR TONGUE DAY.” Can you imagine everyone walking around sticking out their tongues at complete strangers, hey I’m going to do that at work today and see what kind of reactions I receive. Have some fun try it you may be completely surprised or get slugged in the face.

Today is also “DAIQUIRI DAY”, that great summer drink or for some an anytime drink. Now a little history lesson about the daiquiri from Professor JoeyZ. The daiquiri was supposedly invented around 1900 in the Venus Bar in Santiago, Cuba. The drink was served in a tall glass packed with cracked ice, sugar was poured over the ice and the juice of one or two limes was squeezed over the sugar and rum completed the mixture. It was first stirred with a long spoon but later a shaker was used. In 1909, Admiral Lucius W. Johnson tried the drink, liked it and introduced it to the Army and Navy Club in Washington, DC. The daiquiri grew in popularity and was also the one of the favorite drinks of Ernest Hemingway.

The drink became more popular during the war years of the 1940’s, due to the shortage of whiskey, vodka and other liquor brands. President FDR had a Good Neighbor Policy with Cuba and the rum flowed free to US soil thus the good old daiquiri grew even more popular and still is today. So tonight after work hit your favorite watering hole and have a daiquiri or make one at home and enjoy it on the porch or patio and dream of a island get-a-way. Have a great day.

COWS AND SHARKS OH MY SAYS THE DORK

Happy Friday Speakies:

Welcome to the work day we all love “FRIDAY.” There is a batch of holidays to celebrate this weekend so let’s see what’s on the list:

BE A DORK DAY - Everyone is that sometimes in their lives for me it's everyday.

GUMMI WORM DAY – I like any kind of gummi candy even the sour kind.

SHARK AWARENESS DAY – Come to Florida you best be aware of the sharks when you enter the surf. At least 1 or 2 bitten each week. There were reports of a Great White spotted off the East coast last week.

COW APPRECIATION DAY – Have to love those cows, milk, cheese, butter and great TV commercials.

PARKING METERS MADE THE SCENE DAY IN 1935 – They are worse than slot machines; 20 minute limit for a quarter, off with their heads I say.

Have a great weekend Guys and Dolls, see you next week, I may not write everyday but I’ll be here. Be careful out there.

BOOZE AND BERRIES = CLEAR MINDS

Happy Thursday Speakies:

Hoping you all had a pleasant Wednesday evening and are enjoying the start of a brand new day. For you drinking Speakies today we celebrate “GRAND MARNIER DAY.” Grand Marnier is a liqueur created in 1880 by Alexandre Marnier-Lapostolle. It is made from a blend of cognacs and distilled essence of bitter orange. Grand Marnier is 40% alcohol 80 Proof in US. It is produced in several varieties, most of which can be consumed "neat" can be used in mixed drinks and desserts. It costs a pretty penny also. So if you are a big fan of Grand Marnier get out to your favorite liquor store or bar and have some tonight. Splash a little bit of that orange tasting stuff on some French vanilla ice cream and have a special treat.

If you like fruit it is also “PICK BLUEBERRIES DAY.” I never picked blueberries or other fruit on a farm but as a youth I raided quite a few cherry trees, grape vines, pear trees and my share of apples. I used to like eating those grapes the neighbors grew for wine. Forbidden fruit always tasted better to me and the rest of my merry men that accompanied me on my raids. For an interesting fact at a 2007 symposium on berry health benefits, reports showed consumption of blueberries and other berry fruits may alleviate the cognitive decline occurring in Alzheimer’s disease and other aging conditions.

I would like to take this time to wish “HAPPY BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES” to all my Guys and Dolls celebrating theirs today. Have a great day and I’ll see you tomorrow.

GRUNTLED, FRIES AND ICE CREAM

Happy Hump Day Guys and Dolls:

Be happy my Speakies for it be “GRUNTLED WORKERS DAY”, so spread good cheer and joy at work today. Enjoy a great lunch and conversation with your fellow gruntled employees. It is far better to celebrate this holiday than “DISGRUNTLED WORKERS DAY.” Believe me there are lots of strange birds hanging out there in the work place and personally I’m staying away.

Now for food, two favorites I believe for everyone:

NATIONAL FRENCH FRIES DAY – I love fries, the best ones I ever had were made by Granny Orlowski yes my dear old grandmother. I know I’ve mentioned this meal before she made one hell of a salmon cake meal which included her one and only fries. She had this old silver colored pot and filled it with oil or Crisco I’m not sure which one. She would cut large potatoes into 4 long strips and put them in the hot oil to cook on the stove. Don’t ask me how she did it but those fries came out perfect on the outside and tender on the inside, put on some salt and ketchup and I was in heaven eating them. On the boardwalk in Seaside Heights, NJ there was this French Fries stand that had those babies served in a big cone shaped cup covered in salt, they were so good. I guess I’m just a French Fries junky, I love them all steak fries, crinkle cuts, seasoned fries and even tater tots but all my fries have to be big and thick. You can have those shoe string fries they are not my cup of fries.

Now for something on the cool side “ICE CREAM DAY.” I had some regular ice cream on Saturday night the first time in almost a year. My ice cream cravings come in time periods could be months or even years. I had butter pecan over the weekend, love the taste but hate the nuts. I would have to say chocolate is my favorite and French vanilla running second the rest of the flavors follow any kind is good. Well so much for today, wishing you a great day and a pleasant evening.

TO ROSEMARY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

ROE

WITH WISHES AND LOVE

FOR

MANY MORE TO COME

I'M BACK

Hello Speakies:

Thought I’d stop by and say hello, nothing major to report on today. Today is “CHEER UP THE LONELY DAY”, so if you know someone lonely or in the hospital or a nursing home, stop by and pay a visit. The smile on their face and the joy in their hearts will give you a feeling like nothing in the world.

Today is also “CONVENIENCE STORE DAY.” The first 7-11 Store was started in 1927 in Dallas, Texas when an employee of the Southland Ice Company, Joe C. Thompson, started selling milk, eggs and bread from an ice house. I still miss the old WaWa store back in Trenton, great coffee and terrific hoagies made to order.

As far as food goes we also celebrate “NATIONAL BLUEBERRY MUFFIN DAY.” My favorite kind of muffin, big, moist and filled with tons of blueberries. Add a nice cup of coffee and that will start my day off fine.

JoeyZ has a household hint for you today; ever get tar on your car? Rub some mayo on the tar, wait for about 10 minutes and rub it off gently with a soft cloth. Have a great day.

WEEKEND WISHES ALL; TAKING A BREAK TIME

Happy Friday Guys and Dolls:

Making my fast stop to wish you all a great weekend, have fun whatever you do and remember our three food holidays this weekend.

NATIONAL MILK CHOCOLATE WITH ALMONDS DAY

SUGAR COOKIE DAY

PINA COLADA DAY

Now here is what you do, grab a Pina Colada, have a sugar cookie with it and later enjoy a Hershey’s Almond Bar.

I’ve decided to take a little break from writing a post every day, my brain is getting a little tired and I want to come up with some new ideas, if you have any suggestions send me a comment. I’ll be back time to time with a post or two. Have a great weekend and enjoy and as always thanks for reading my blog.

Always,

JoeyZ

HAVE SOME MACARONI, AN ICE CREAM CONE AND TAKE A WALK

Good Morning Guys and Dolls:

Another Thursday is here and one more day closer to the weekend. I can’t believe we are in July already time is just flying by. For all you Dads out there today is “FATHER AND DAUGHTER TAKE A WALK TOGETHER DAY.” So after dinner tonight take that little girl or big girl by the hand and stroll along together for a while, talk and make that bond between you closer. Just a suggestion from JoeyZ.

We have some foods to honor today:

NATIONAL STRAWBERRY SUNDAE DAY – I’d rather have a cherry or chocolate sundae, but if a strawberry sundae is your favorite, today is the day to have one.

CHOCOLATE DAY – Anything chocolate goes. It’s one of my favorite ice cream flavors, love chocolate cake, chocolate candy, chocolate milk and fudgesicles. So enjoy your chocolate cravings today without any guilt.

ICE CREAM CONE DAY – What a perfect match an ice cream cone filled with chocolate ice cream inside for me or for you.

MACARONI DAY – A day of honor for all Italians to celebrate and eat. Some people call it pasta, some spaghetti but from where I lived most Italians called it macaroni no matter what size or shape. My favorites are Angel Hair, Penne, Ziti, Regular #9 Spaghetti and my number one is Farfalle. Give me a bowl of Farfalle with spicy Marinara sauce mix in some shrimp or meatballs topped with grated Romano-Pecorino cheese and I’m in heaven. Got to have a glass of good Italian Red Table wine to wash it down.

Well there you go Speakies some great food holidays for today, so enjoy them today. Tomorrow is Friday and I’ll see you in the a.m.

THE BIRD'S THE WORD

Happy Hump Day Speakies:

Hump Day sure comes fast when you have a four day work week, that’s alright by me. Today is “NATIONAL FRIED CHICKEN DAY.” It’s an easy holiday to celebrate just have some yummy fried chicken. Fried chicken has become an American staple, served in several types of restaurants from fast food to casual dining establishments. Down in the South it is a popular choice for Sunday dinner just as macaroni would be for Italian families up North. Now I haven’t eaten fried chicken in years. Roe and I enjoy the roasted whole chickens that you can purchase at Sam’s Club or Fresh Market they can give us 2 meals and we really enjoy the taste and freshness. So tonight fry up a batch of chicken, maybe wings or pick-up that famous bucket for dinner.

FAMOUS PEOPLE BORN TODAY:

Sebastian Cabot – That well groomed Mr. French from Family Affair.

Bill Haley – Rock Around the Clock man.
Merv Griffin – Talk show host and casino owner.
Janet Leigh – That Psycho Movie lady in the shower.
Gene Chandler – Duke, Duke, Duke of Earl.
Burt Ward – Boy Wonder from Batman
Sylvester Stallone – Yo Rocky and Rambo guy.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL MY GUYS AND DOLLS CELEBRATING THEIRS TODAY. ALL OF YOU READERS HAVE A GREAT DAY.

I'M FROM JERSEY, I GET NO RESPECT

Welcome Back Speakies:

Welcome back from a long holiday weekend and I hope all of you had enough fun, family, food and drink. I told you all last week July had some great food holidays and the first part of the month had some of my favorites. First of all in this first week of July we celebrate “BE NICE TO JERSEY WEEK.” When you meet people from all over the US, they ask you “where are you from?” I’m from New York or New Hampshire but us guys always answer “I’m from Jersey”, we don’t put the New in front of Jersey. All we ask this week is give the people from Jersey their respect. Thank you all.

Now for food, let us begin with the first week in July:

NATIONAL ANISETTE DAY – Love those Italian cookies made with anisette but also like the liqueur drink with the coffee beans inside the glass.

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE WAFER DAY – I like chocolate wafers; they are light and very favorable with coffee in the morning or with a glass of milk at night. Remember the little ones they all love wafer cookies. Hint, Hint buy some.

EAT BEANS DAY – Love those beans in chili, Roe makes a great pot of chili but right now it’s a little too warm for chili down here. Now is the time for baked beans, lima beans or whatever your favorites are.

BARBECUED SPARERIBS DAY – Roe and I love the same, Baby Back Ribs, small, tender and falling off the bone, messy with that sauce but oh so good to eat. We enjoy the ribs at Longhorn Steakhouse; they make a good rack of ribs. There are some good local places around also, but I’m not a fan of brisket or pulled pork nor do I want to bite into ribs that are tough and pretend I’m a Troglodyte. So I’ll take Baby Backs anytime.

CAESAR SALAD – My true favorite salad of all times. There was a restaurant in Morrisville, PA called Villa Sorrento that made the most delicious table side Caesar salad from scratch. I can still see the garlic being crushed, the Romaine lettuce going in, the raw egg being cracked and mixed in, all the seasoning, the anchovies being thrown in and finally topped with that great cheese. It was a meal in its self. I the place is now called Michael’s and according to their website they still make the tableside salad so if you are from the area stop in and try it out.

Well with all this food talking I’m starting to get hungry so I think I’ll stop and wish you all a pleasant day and a wonderful evening.