WEEKEND WISHES GUYS AND DOLLS FROM FRANKIE AND ME

Hello Guys and Dolls:




Making my quick stop to wish you all a Great Friday and a Wonderful Weekend.  Just two notable holidays to celebrate this weekend, "FRANKENSTEIN DAY" and "EAT OUTSIDE DAY."

Let's talk about Frankie first and of course the best actor was Boris Karloff.  As a kid that movie scared to living S--T out of me along with some other horror movies I won't mention today.  It is still a classic today and many of those monster movies are shown on Turner Movie Classics.  Just go to their web site and check the monthly calendar.  I did like Young Frankenstein by Mel Brooks, it was a funny and now I consider it a classic also.  My favorite part was "PUTTIN ON THE RITZ."  There are so many funny lines that I'll have to check out Mix Pod for some to place as my blog music openers.

EAT OUTSIDE DAY -  For us Floridians this week is a very risky week to try and have a lunch outside.  The rain is a every day happening and maybe we can try for an Outside Breakfast.  For you guys up North don't delay the cold will be setting in soon so plan your Eat Outside in the near future.

Like I said I wanted to make this a short one today, so again have a great day and a wonderful weekend.

A FUBAR ON ME

SORRY SPEAKIES:

ON MY POST CONCERNING SANDWICHES MY HEADING SHOULD HAVE BEEN TUNA INSTEAD OF TUNE.  OH DUMMY ME.  I DON'T WANT THE GRAMMAR CRITICS COMING DOWN HARD ON ME.  A THOUSAND PARDONS FROM JOEY Z.

A LITTLE FOUNTAIN OF WHISKEY SOURS TODAY

Hello Guys and Dolls:


Welcome to Hump Day.  Joey Z and Roe are awaiting the delivery of our new recliner sofa.  Our old chairs and sofa are so hard to get up and out of we decided to purchase a power sofa.  Found a very good price and with Roe's bargaining talents the sofa was secured in our favor.

Here's a very important holiday today, "LESS SALT DAY."  I really learned a lesson from being in the hospital back in July about salt in-take.  When I was working I had those freezer dinners or a can of hearty soup not caring what the sodium content was.  Roe kept harping on me about it however I always fought back saying "What else am I suppose to eat."  To me making a salad or eating yogurt was not my thing.  Well Speakies I finally learned my lesson while in the hospital and really started to control sodium intake.  My weight dropped from 185 to 157 and I'm feeling better than before.  Sodium watching is not for every one but if you have a heart condition or retain fluid consider it, it may save your life.

NATIONAL VETERINARY DAY - Let's honor a great medical profession that takes care of those pets we love so much as family members.  I know our late Luee was treated always with the best of care by our veterinarian at Dr. Abby.  Abby was a school friend of both my sons and one day when I took Luee for his checkup she was there.  I never knew that she had chosen that profession but Luee loved her attention.  The day I had to put him to sleep she was there and made the whole passing much easier.  Here's to all the Vets in the world, thanks for a great job.

For the drink lovers today is "WHISKEY SOUR DAY."  I remember whiskey sours being a favorite drink back in the late 50's and throughout the 1960's era.  I know my Mom had them at weddings or at dinner affairs.  To tell you the truth when I went to New York City where the age to drink was 18, I always ordered a Whiskey Sour.  So sour drinkers, get all that stuff ready when you get home, shaker, ice and of course the sour and the whiskey.  Have a great evening.

I may not write tomorrow as I have a busy schedule.  Thanks for understanding.

A GOOD OLD PLACE IS NOW OPEN FOR LUNCH

HI GUYS AND DOLLS AND ALL YOU LOCAL CENTRAL FLORIDIANS AND VISITORS:

A GOOD ITALIAN RESTAURANT THAT ROE AND I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE TO DINE IN AND PIZZA TAKE-OUTS FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS HAS RECENTLY STARTED SERVING LUNCH.  OF COURSE TODAY ROE AND I HAD TO TRY IT.  I'M TALKING ABOUT:

LA-FORCHETTA RISTORANTE ITALIANO

321 S. JOHN YOUNG PARKWAY

KISSIMMEE, FL

407-933-4215

 

WE WERE GREETED AND SEATED BY MARIA, WHO IS A NIECE AND PARTNER.  THIS RESTAURANT HAS BEEN IN THE KISSIMMEE AREA FOR THE PAST 28 YEARS AND HAS BEEN A FAVORITE OF THE LOCALS SINCE THEN.  I ALSO WOULD LIKE TO ADD A FAVORITE OF THE HOUSTON ASTRO'S DURING SPRING TRAINING.  THEIR PICTURES ARE POSTED AS SOON AS YOU WALK IN.

 

ROE CHATTED WITH MARIA AND TOLD HER WE HAD SEEN THEIR SIGN FOR LUNCH PASSING BY ONE DAY BUT ALSO ON FACEBOOK.  ROE HAD ASKED FOR A COPY OF THE LUNCH MENU ON FACEBOOK AND WITHIN A FEW DAYS ONE APPEARED.  WE HAD TO GIVE LUNCH A TRY.  YOU CAN LOCATE THE MENU ON FACEBOOK UNDER THE RESTAURANTS NAME.

 

THE LUNCH MENU IS SMALL BUT THERE IS ENOUGH TO PLEASE THE ITALIAN IN EVERYONE.  ROE ORDERED THE LASAGNA AND FOR ME IT WAS A TOSS-UP BETWEEN THE 10 INCH PERSONAL PIZZA OR SHRIMP SCAMPI.  THE PIZZA WITH PEPPERONI WON.  WITHIN A FEW MINUTES A NICE, CRISP SALAD WAS PRESENTED TO ROE, HOWEVER SHE IS NOT A SALAD EATER IN GENERAL SO JOEY Z POLISHED THAT OFF.  IT CONSISTED OF FRESH MIXED GREENS, SWEET ONIONS AND TOMATOES TOPPED WITH A FLAVORABLE ITALIAN DRESSING.  I HAD TO LEAVE SOME TO MAKE ROOM FOR MY PIE. 

 

NOW FOR THE MAIN MEALS, ROE'S LASAGNA WAS A NICE LUNCH PORTION SERVED WITH A  TASTY SAUCE.  MY PIZZA WAS MORE LIKE A SMALL PIE THAN A 10 INCH PIZZA.  TOPPED NICELY WITH LOADS OF PEPPERONI, ALL THAT I ADDED WAS THE GARLIC AND PEPPER FLAKES.  WE HAD TO BOX HALF THE MEAL TO TAKE HOME.  TWO SLICES WERE ENOUGH FOR ME, AH LUNCH FOR ANOTHER DAY.

 

ALL IN ALL WE WERE VERY PLEASED WITH OUR MEAL AND WITH MEETING AND TALKING TO MARIA AND THE HEAD CHEF.  ROE LIKES HER PIZZA ON THE THINNER SIDE AND CRISPY, HE SAID HE WOULD MAKE IT ANYWAY SHE WANTED. 

 

PRICES FOR LUNCH RANGE FROM $5.99 TO $8.99.  THEY ALSO HAVE A DESSERT MENU.  SO FOR YOU LOCALS COME OUT FOR LUNCH AND YOU VISITORS STOP BY AND ENJOY A GOOD MEAL.  THIS RESTAURANT REMINDS ME OF THE ONES IN THE GOOD OLD "BURG."

 



CALL ME MR. FASHION OR BARNEY

Hello Guys and Dolls:




Well it is August 28 and this summer month is almost over.  I imagine the kids up North are getting ready to go back to school after Labor Day.  The kiddies down here started last week.  One of the nicest things is I don't have to face the school buses on the road in the morning hours. 

For all you dreamers out there, guess what?  Today is "DREAM DAY" yes that lovely day you could goof off and day dream to your hearts content.  Dream of vacations, being a sports hero, a pirate who saves the fair wench, of riches beyond imagine and then finally wake up to reality.  Man does that suck.  But it is Dream Day so enjoy it and who knows maybe your dreams will come true.

BOW TIE DAY - For all you Barney Fife want-to-be's this is your day and I'm also paying tribute to my man Don Knotts.  I thought Don Knotts was one of the funniest guys of early TV.  I first saw him on the Steve Allen Show were he played various roles; one being a brain surgeon and the other a demolition expert with the shakes.  To most of us he will always be remembered as Deputy Barney Fife on the Andy Griffith Show.  Who wore a bow tie?  I know I wore one in grammar school the old fashion kind with those metal clips you put under the collar and click close.  Then came at one point the "Gambler Bow-Tie or Old West style with the those flaps hanging down.  Back in the 1970's bow ties made a comeback and Joey Z wore them once more.  Break out a bow tie and wear it to work see the response you get Guys.  Remember fight those comments of how you look and say "IT'S BOW TIE DAY AND I'M WEARING ONE."

August is "WATERMELON MONTH" that good refreshing summer treat that is light, fruity and you can even spit out the pits with no one saying that's nasty.  When Roe and I get a small melon we cut it up right away and put it in a plastic container to enjoy when we want to as a snack or dessert.  If you have ever been to Epcot at Walt Disney World, in Mexico they made a watermelon drink, bits of the rink, seeds and all in a blender with chopped ice.  That was one refreshing drink which I haven't seen made in years now.  Bring it back Walt.

CHERRY TURNOVER DAY - Turnovers are great but I like apple the best.  So all you turnover freaks enjoy one with coffee, tea or milk today.

Well it has been great writing once more, may you all have a great day and peace always to you.

ME TARZAN HAVE BANANA

GOOD MORNING GUYS AND DOLLS:



Happy Monday to you all and I promise not to brag about not working.  Hope you all had a great weekend and are in a great mood to start the new week off right.  Over the weekend we missed two good holidays so I have to honor them today.

HOT DOG DAY - I love hot dogs but now have to watch all that sodium on the good stuff you put on them but everything in moderation as Roe would say wisely.  Honestly the best hot dog I ever had was a Italian hot dog at the Casino in Trenton, NJ.  Good hard Italian roll, split dogs, topped with potatoes and peppers and coated with some mustard.  The Casino has closed and gone to restaurant heaven but will always be remembered by those who dined there.  The next time I visit my son on the coast and before we go fishing we are going to a place that has great Chicago Hot Dogs, I have never had one and sodium or not I'm going to polish one off.  I could talk all day about hot dogs, give me a good chili dog with onions and mustard and I'm also in heaven.  I have to stop this dog talk and move one but enjoy some dogs tonight.

CHERRY POPSICLE DAY - I may have been a fan of cherry popsicles when I was little, but as Joey Z grew his taste buds expanded to Root Beer and Vanilla as being my favorites.  You always had to be careful splitting those twin pops in half to share with your best bud or girl at the time.  I did pretty good in that art.  So for nostalgia purposes today go out and have an ice popsicle and if cherry is your favorite you just hit a home run in popsicle park.

Now for a brief summary on today's holidays:

TARZAN DAY - How could one forget those famous words "ME TARZAN, YOU JANE."  I must have seen every Tarzan movie on a Saturday when I was a kid.  If it was pouring rain outside Tarzan came on the tube.  Just good guy wins against the bad guys all the time.  If you like Tarzan movies keep your eyes open on the Turner Movie Channel (TMC), recently they had a Tarzan marathon but I was not home to enjoy it.

BANANA DAY - Good old bananas, filled with potassium for your body and great to eat plain or in cereal like I love.  When I was working, in the morning I never ate breakfast until I got to work.  There a copy of coffee, a toaster strudel a piece of pie or cake or a donut would do.  Since coming out of the hospital, I have changed my entire diet to ensure better health to my heart.  I start off with a small glass of OJ, some cereal and black coffee.  Believe me I would love to eat donuts but after shedding 30 pounds I fee the best ever since the 70's.  Well so much for today Guys and Dolls hope you have a great one and I'll see you soon.  Enjoy the blog, read all you want and enjoy the music as well.

KEEPING UP WITH THAT NASTY ISAAC

HELLO SPEAKIES:

WELL IT HAS BEEN A RAINY DAY IN CENTRAL FLORIDA WITH SOME WIND BUT NOT TROPICAL FORCE AS YET.  AWAITING THE 5:PM UPDATE FROM THE NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER.  LAST REPORTS INDICATE THAT ISAAC IS MOVING MORE TO THE WEST.  I CHECKED OUR LOCAL NEWS ON THE NET AND THE TRUE STORM EFFECTS WILL HIT US THIS EVENING INTO EARLY MONDAY MORNING.  WE ARE EXPECTING HEAVY SHOWERS WITH THE POSSIBILITIES OF TORNADOES.

TO MY READERS ON THE GULF COAST OF FLORIDA AND ALSO OUR NEIGHBORS IN THE GULF STATES KEEP WATCHING YOUR LOCAL NEWS FOR ALL UPDATES.  THIS COULD BE A DANGEROUS STORM IN YOUR AREA.  I WISH EVERYONE THE BEST DURING THIS TIME OF DANGER, JOEY Z'S PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL.

WEATHER UPDATE LATER BUT FIRST ANOTHER COMMERCIAL GOES DOWN

HAPPY SATURDAY SPEAKIES:

GOING TO CHECK THE WEATHER SHORTLY NOT MUCH CHANGING SO FAR AS PATH WISE, THE STORM IS LOOKING LIKE IT WILL ALSO IMPACT THE GULF COAST IN ALABAMA AND MISSISSIPPI.  TO MY COUSIN TOM, HOPE IT DOES NOT COME YOUR WAY AND MY WAY ALSO.

ROE SAW A COMMERCIAL THIS MORNING THAT ACTIVIA COMMERCIAL WITH YOU KNOW WHO JUMPING OUT OF BED, DOING EXERCISES AND EATING THAT YOGURT.  GET A NEW COMMERCIAL, ONLY THE CHOSEN CAN BE THAT PERKY IN THE MORNING.

I SAW ONE LAST NIGHT TOO.  THE INFINITI CAR COMMERCIAL.  "WHERE TO YOU WANT TO GO ON OUR HONEYMOON, BORA BORA."  THE LOVELY COUPLE IS NOW SITTING IN THEIR GOLDEN CAR WHEN A COCONUT FALLS ON THE HOOD.  "NOT BORA BORA, LET'S GO THERE", POINTING TO A HIGHWAY THEY CAN TAKE A CURVE AT A 100 MPH.  LET ME ASK YOU SPEAKIES WHO TAKES A CAR TO BORA BORA? ANOTHER YUPPIE COMMERCIAL AND THE SAME GOES TO THAT COUPLE WITH THEIR CAR ON A CRUISE SHIP.  DAMN I BETTER GET STARTED WRITING COMMERCIALS AND SENDING THEM TO MADISON AVENUE HATS.

HAVE A GREAT REST OF THE WEEKEND, JOEY Z IS GOING TO CATCH A GOOD TYRONE POWER MOVIE ON TMC.

IT IS COMMERCIAL TIME ONCE AGAIN AND IT FROSTS ME

HAPPY FRIDAY SPEAKIES:



Before I get to my main complaint of the day, I want to wish you all a great Friday and a wonderful weekend to follow.  Down here in the South, college football begins shortly and that is what you hear about all week long on the local sport news.  I like college football just like everyone else but don't brow beat it to death, you are making me sick just like the constant weather news.  While I'm on this roll please do not stop me because I'm going to attack some commercials that are irking me every time they come on the tube.  Maybe that is why I try to watch educational TV rather than the local boob tube.  Here come the victims of Joey Z's "Coup de Grace."

That "BUNDLE COMMERCIAL" - Hi we are your new neighbors, pie, puppy, my wife we all bundle.  Sounds like something from the "Stepford Wives Movie."    Bundle your butts off my porch and pronto. Now here is the kicker in this commercial it repeats itself again, please no more bundles.

THAT INSURANCE COMPANY - Nice try showing the things you protect against but enough is enough.  Just tell the people your coverages and not have some nimyo finding his way out of a maze, the fiddler on the roof or the biggest hail stone in the world.

Let's get rid of Mr. Mayhem that annoying little man who wrecks chaos to those poor not fully covered insurance folk.  The guy just annoys me to no end and maybe when they end his TV reign they will find a good way to end it.  If not I'll be working on one.

Just the another night I heard at least five new commercials for some more "Reality Shows."  I'm asking you how many do you really need and how could someone watch all of those shows.  Get rid of some.  Most of them are stupid and a waste of air time.  Please send me your lists!

Beer commercials with those elegant looking gents and ladies all dolled up holding a bottle of beer and sneering down your face because you are not suave enough to drink their brew.  Well South Beachies.  I have a plan for the general man, a picnic table with an old fashion metal wash tub, filled with all kinds of my favorite cerveza's and in the company of his true friends.

For me the true reality show would be the "REAL RUNNING MAN."  I wonder how many reality lovers would watch a real killing show?  I'm guessing the majority would tune in to watch the worst murderers, rapists and child abusers suffer the real thing.  One never knows what is in the real future of TV.

I have to calm down a little so if you have any commercials that need to see me wielding my ax send me your list and I will give you full credit in the next commercial post that I do.

Guys and Dolls have a great weekend and as always, please be careful out there.

I"LL TAKE TUNA ON RYE TOAST WITH LETTUCE AND TOMATO

HAPPY THURSDAY SPEAKIES:



That's right August is "SANDWICH MONTH" and I want you to tell me your favorite kind of sandwich.  First of all what is a sandwich?  A sandwich consists of two or more slices of bread with a one or a variety of meats, cheeses or vegetables between them.  Sandwiches are a favorite lunch time meal as they are taken to work or school for a quick bite to eat.  Credit to the sandwich is given to John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, who according to legend was playing cards and threw some meat between two slices of bread so he could continue to play.  Now for some of Joey Z's favorite sandwiches when I could have most of them are:

BLT on white toast
Cheese Pork Roll on a hard roll with spicy mustard
Tuna on Rye toast with lettuce and tomato
Egg Salad on a hard roll with tomato and one piece of lettuce only
Italian sausage with peppers and onions on an Italian torpedo roll
Cheese steak served the same way
Grilled cheese and bacon
A good old WaWa hoagie "Italian Style"
One of my favorites on the night of Thanksgiving is some turkey, stuffing and gravy on a hard torpedo dinner roll, you can even throw in some cranberry sauce to top if off.

Well I've named a few of mine so I'm expecting to hear from you Guys and Dolls out there.

A Happy Birthday goes out to Gene Kelly born this date in 1912.  A fine actor and a great dancer.  I think he and Fred Astaire were the best dancers ever in film.

It is also "HUG YOUR SWEETHEART TODAY."  So grab that Guy or Doll and give them a big hug and if your sweetheart is of the same sex do the same, its love and no one can change that.

SPONGE CAKE DAY - If you like it eat it, to me it is a sponge with no flavor.  Sorry sponge cake lovers but I call them as I see it.  Have a great day and evening and be careful out there.

WATCHING BAD ISAAC

HELLO SPEAKIES:

DOWN HERE WE ARE KEEPING AN EYE OUT ON TROPICAL STORM ISAAC.  STILL NOT SURE OF THE EXACT STRIKE AREA BUT WARNINGS WILL PROBABLY BE POSTED FOR THE WESTERN AND EASTERN COASTS OF FLORIDA.  SOME MODELS ARE CALLING FOR A HIT AT THE TAMPA AREA BUT NOTHING CERTAIN YET.  I WILL KEEP POSTING AND HAVE DRAFTED A FEW IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR ENJOYMENT. 

JOEY Z'S WEATHER REPORTS WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP YOU ADVISED OF THIS STORM SYSTEM.

MAYBE IF I SPREAD MY WINGS I'LL FIND A GOOD PEACH

A Very Happy Hump Day To All:


Look Guys and Dolls the work week is half over and only two more work days to put up with.  I remember how it was honest I really do.  Let me try to put some smiles on your faces with some holidays today maybe a birthday list so let's get started:

First of all Happy Birthday to all my Guys and Dolls celebrating theirs today.  May you day be filled with loads of fun.  Now let us check on some big shots who had birthdays today:

1836 - Archibald M. Willard - No not the rat guy, he was the American artist who painted the "Spirit of 76."

1920 - Ray Bradbury - That great science fiction writer for everything on TV or the movies, Star Trek, Ray Bradbury Theater and even some of the shows on Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock.

1926 - Honor Blackman - We all know her as "Pussy Galore" from the James Bond movie "Goldfinger."  I love the female names they came up with in those Bond movies.

1939 - Carl Yastremski - Great Boston Red Sox player and Hall of Famer.

A sorry note from 1977, Sebastian Cabot better known as Mr. French from the TV show "Family Affair" passed on at age 59.  RIP.

HERE ARE THE HOLIDAYS:

BE AN ANGEL DAY -  Okay Guys and Dolls let's all put our angel wings on today and be good to our fellow man.  Remember when you hear a bell ring an angel got their wings.

TOOTH FAIRY DAY - The good old days of knocking out one of your baby teeth and putting it under your pillow only to discover it gone in the morning replaced by a shiny new coin.  The amount you received varied upon your parents status of poor, middle class or rich.  This is a tradition to keep up, I don't care what the complainers of ruining children say, Joey Z says "DO IT, DID IT HURT YOU?   HELL NO."

PEACH MONTH - How I miss good old Jersey Peaches or even those great Georgia Peaches. Down here you have to travel to Northern Floriday to find a good Georgia Peach.  Any Jersey or Georgia farmers reading my Blog, please respond where in Central Florida I can find some.

That's it for today, have a great one.

SPUMONI PLEASE AFTER THE CATFISH DINNER

Happy Tuesday Guys and Dolls:





Hey fish lovers August is 'NATIONAL CATFISH MONTH."  Catfish is eaten in a variety ways all over the world.  In Europe it is cooked like carp.  Here in the good old USA it is covered with cornmeal and fried.  You can also have it broiled, baked or blackened.  How they eat it in the Asian countries varies and I really don't want to know how.  I guess I watch too many of that Travel Station Show "Bizarre Foods", with Andrew Zimmern.

It is "POETS DAY".  if you are a fan or better yet a reader of poetry read your favorite poems.  For all you poets never give up on your writing even if it does not sell you have the gratification of being called a poet.  I wrote a book it sold copies but I'll never see a million sold.  I wrote the book because it was something I always wanted to do.  Call it a bucket list item but I was happy I did it and enjoyed writing it. 

Let's say Happy Birthday to the Oldsmobile.  It was produced for most of its existence by General Motors and was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897.  In its history it produced 35.2 million cars plus at least 14 million at its Lansing, Michigan factory.  Olds finally was phased out in 2004 just like a Star Trek phaser pistol on a Ferengi.

Ice Cream lovers and that includes Joey Z who has found a new favorite in the flavor we celebrate today "SPUMONI DAY."  Spumoni is an Italian ice cream made with layers of different colors and flavors.  The one I buy is Edy's made with Cherry, Pistaschio and Chocolate.  If you have never tried Spumoni please do it is delicious.  I'm always telling you what to eat but listen to Joey Z he usually right on target in the pickle barrel.

Roe and I are planning to catch a movie this week a senior discount of course.  Have a great day and a wonderful evening.

HAPPY MONDAY SPEAKIES, I'M NOT WORKING TODAY

Hello Speakies:




Sorry just had to rub my title in today, going on 4 weeks now without working and life has been busy.  Doing things around the house, helping Roe with her stuff, going shopping and my favorite visiting the doctors.

Today we celebrate "LEMONADE DAY."  Good old lemonade that great sweet, sour summer drink that makes you more thirsty the more you drink.  Recently I tried Crystal Light Raspberry Lemonade, what a tasty delicious drink.  If you buy the Crystal Light brand, give it a try.

This month it is "ADMIT YOU ARE HAPPY MONTH."  - Do me a favor Guys and Dolls be truly happy than admit it as loud as you can.  Personally I try to be happy but I do slip into what Roe calls a "State of Stupidness" where I allow everything to bother me.  For example last week I received some more news about my heart being out of rhythm which reallly bothered me and I became quite testy all day to Roe.  Roe made me see the light in regards to the situation after a few choice words were thrown in my face.  She said unless the doctors say you are going to die tomorrow, just live for life everyday.  Do me a favor, follow her advice and be happy each day.

Well I know Monday could be very busy for most of you, so I will let you get to work.  As always be careful and have a wonderful day.

THANKS JEFF, SAM, NINA AND IAN

HELLO SPEAKIES: 

JUST WANTED TO SEND A PERSONAL THANKS TO MY SON JEFF, HIS WIFE SAM AND MY TWO FAVORITE LITTLE ONES NINA AND IAN FOR A GREAT DAY ENJOYED BY ROE AND MYSELF.  IT WAS NINA'S BIRTHDAY AND WE SURE DID ENJOY ALL THE FESTIVITIES OF THE DAY.  IT WAS GREAT TO SEE THE PRESENTS BEING OPENED, CAKE ALL OVER THE FACES INCLUDING ME THAT MADE THE DAY COMPLETE.

THANKS TO JEFF AND SAM FOR A GREAT TRUE MEXICAN DINNER.  SPANISH RICE WITH HAME, OLIVES, LOADS OF OTHER STUFF AND SOME HOT SEASONING.  I HAD MY FIRST TASTE OF TRUE CHICKEN MOLE WHICH WAS DELICIOUS AND OF COURSE MY FAVORITE MEXICAN SHRIMP IN SAM'S MAGICAL SALSA BLEND.  WE HAD TO WASH DOWN THIS FEAST WITH A FEW BOTTLES OF MODELO BEER.

NINA WE ARE GLAD YOU HAD A GREAT BIRTHDAY AND THANKS FOR SHARING IT WITH US.

THANKS GUYS ONCE AGAIN AND ALL OUR LOVE TO YOU.

WEEKEND WISHES GUYS AND DOLLS

Good Morning Speakies:




Stopping by to wish all my Guys and Dolls a great Friday and a wonderful weekend.  As usual we can raise our glasses to a few holidays worth mentioning this weekend.

DAVY CROCKETT'S BIRTHDAY - Is celebrated today fact or fiction he was one of America's great folk lore personality.  Indian fighter, Congress representative from Tennessee and finally died at the Alamo fighting for Texas independence.  When I was a kid I saw every episode of Davy Crockett on the Wonderful World of Walt Disney back in the 1950's.  Hell I even had a coonskin cap and a toy rifle, kept me busy for hours playing.  I found that rifle for my sons when they were little buried in my parents cellar.  God knows what ever happened to it after that.

HOMELESS ANIMAL DAY - I can't speak enough on this holiday.  Many people want pets for themselves or their children.  Please go to a shelter or the Humane Society and pick out a dog or cat.  They need you as much as you need them to share a life with.  Our pup Luee came from the Humane Society, were he was declared an outdoor dog who kept running away.  When we brought him home he became our no problem indoor dog.  Luee you were the greatest.  So please if you are planning to purchase a pet check out the pounds or the Humane Society first you won't be sorry.

BAD POETRY DAY - My favorite reading of any poem was by Rodney Dangerfield in Back to School.  "DON'T GO INTO THE NIGHT."  That's all I have to say about poetry today.

SOFT ICE CREAM DAY - Or as we called it in Jersey Frozen Custard, two flavors, vanilla and chocolate.  Later came the chocolate and vanilla swirl.  If you go on any cruises they all usually have a frozen custard machine at the buffet area and it is always in a big demand.  Enough for today have a great weekend, see you soon.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY NINA

THIS POST IS DEDICATED TO MY FAVORITE LITTLE LADY.   NINA, YOU ARE GROWING UP SO FAST AND BECOMING MORE BEAUTIFUL EVERY DAY WHEN I SEE YOUR PICTURES.  I REMEMBER THE DAY YOU WERE BORN AND AS YOU STARTED GROWING UP ALL THE DAYS YOU SPENT WITH GRANDMOM AND ME MAKING US LAUGH BECAUSE OF ALL THOSE CUTE THINGS YOU DID.  I SEE YOUR FACE IN ALL THE PICTURES AT OUR HOUSE AND REMEMBER WHEN WE TOOK THEM.

WE LOVE YOU VERY MUCH AND WISH YOU A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MANY MORE TO COME.  REMEMBER ALWAYS BE GOOD AND LISTEN AND YOUR LIFE WILL ALWAYS BRING YOU HAPPINESS.

LOVE YOU,

GRANDMOM ROE AND POP-POP

A RUM TOAST TO JOEY G.

Good Morning Speakies:



I did not know if I would have a chance to write today but I'm up early so before I do the things I need to do a quick stop by to say hello.  Yesterday I had a late morning doctor appointment in Orlando, so Roe and I thought we would give Il Pescatore Restaurant another try for a different dish.  Greeted by the same happy waiter we decided to order a large sausage pizza and what we did not eat bring home.  We told the waiter to make sure the pie was crispy on the bottom and when it arrived it was perfect.  Great sauce, thin sliced sausage all we added was the dried peppers and garlic.  This pie is highly recommended.  I posted this restaurant's name and address on a prior post.  Check it out.

Today is "BEST FRIENDS DAY" so I want to say hello to my best friend who is like a brother to me Joey G. in Jersey.  Joey G. was the inspiration for my book and if you haven't purchased it or read it on line what is the hold up?  All kidding aside this day goes out to Joey G. from me.  To all my friends at the Lab I could not forget you, let me look through my magic glass and I see John A., Ana, Roula, Doreen, Rebecca, Mike, Jeff, Weldon and even Shoes who is now treating the chickens and all the rest of the Lab Rats.  Thanks for being my friend for many years.

NATIONAL RELAXATION DAY - I'm enjoying my day and hope that you can too.  Just do it, close those eyes at your desk for a minute or two and relax.

NATIONAL RUM DAY - I'm a fan of a good Rum and Coke.  The ones I drank were usually made with Bacardi's Light Rum.  A good summer drink all around to enjoy.  When Roe and I visited St. Maarten we discovered a great rum called "MA DOU DOU."  Strictly made in St. Maarten, the rum comes in a variety of flavors, we prefer the Vanilla Bean, the bottle contains a strip of the vanilla bean plant which enhances the rum with that great vanilla flavor.  This rum is made to sip for its true enjoyment but can be mixed with Coke if desired.

Well Gang, have to run so have a great day and evening and remember my post tomorrow is for someone very special to me.

WIFFLE THE DAY AWAY AND GOOD EVENING AT TEN

Happy Day Speakies:




It is sunny hot and humid morning here in Florida with more rain on its way later in the day.  I wish we could share some of it with the folks up in the corn belt on our country, but we have no control over Mother Nature.

Last week Roe and I started to watch the reruns of the old Alfred Hitchcock Presents and I really got hooked on them.  I remember watching this show back in the sixties when it came on Sunday evenings.  Today I honor Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock born this date in 1899.  He was a film director and producer and pioneered many techniques in the suspense and psycho thriller genres.  Many of this films had twisted endings and plots and always featured violence, murder and crime.  If you are a fan this suspense master you'll catch a brief glimpse of him in all his films.

Today we also celebrate one of my favorite past times as a kid growing up, yes "WIFFLE BALL."  We played it in parking lots, on the not so busy streets and even in the school yard of the Boy's Club that I belonged to.  My favorite bat was the stick style and ball of course was the one that had the holes in it.  When you pitched you could throw magic with that ball and the sound was so distinct like a high sounding whistle.  The Wiffle Ball and Bat set is still around today and who knows maybe your little ones might like to take a swing or two.

Today we also have to honor "FELIX THE CAT" that great comic, cartoon and TV star. 
Felix first starred in the comics in 1923, he later could be found on the big screen in movie theaters and finally on US television in 1953.  Happy Birthday Felix the Cat.

For us ice cream lovers today brings back the good old days of Creamsicles.  That nice smooth tasting ice cream bar found on a stick next to those fudgesicles, ice pops and other assorted frozen goodies.  So if you see them pick up a few for the family to enjoy.  Well I have to run, Wednesday's post is up in the air depending upon time and commitments.  I have a special post dedicated to a very special little lady on Thursday.  Have a great day and be careful out there.

JOHNNY DID IT. MAKE MINE MEDIUM

Good Morning Guys and Dolls:



Well we are all off to the start of a new week and as usual I hope your Monday is running nice and smooth.  Over the weekend my son Joe and his wife Elizabeth treated Roe for a belated birthday lunch, ahem Joey Z was also included.  I want to say a special thanks to Joe and Elizabeth for a nice lunch and a fun time.  We had lunch at a place Elizabeth has eaten in quite frequently called IL Pescatore Italian Restaurant.  It is located at 651 N. Primrose Drive in Orlando, FL.  A quaint restaurant and strictly New York sounding owners.  I tried pulling up their lunch menu but there seems to be a problem with their site.  Joe had the Chicken Parm a little too dry for him but good, Elizabeth had a great Tortellini dish, Roe enjoyed Gnocchi with a pink sauce and of course I had to have my Veal Parm.  We also enjoyed nice fresh salads and a tasty chicken soup for Roe.  We shared an order of Mussels Marinara as a starter.  Check out their site and if you are a local or a visitor give it a try.

Being retired the days of the week are of no longer importance.  If its too busy to go shopping on Saturday or Sunday, Roe and I have all week long to do the things we like.  This is going to be another busy week with more doctor follow-ups but I will be posting just to let you know.

We do have some holidays today, so let us pay them the usual Joey Z Tribute:

LEFT HANDERS DAY - This one is especially dedicated to my son Jeff and it looks like my Grandson Ian is also favoring being a Southpaw like his Dad.  So "HAPPY LEFT HANDERS DAY" to all you Guys and Dolls out there.  Here is a hint if you are ever visiting St. Augustine in town there is a Left Handers Shop, really neat so stop in.

BLAME SOMEONE ELSE DAY - Here is your chance today to say those great words, "I DIDN'T DO IT, IT WAS SWARTZ."  Today is the day so blame everyone in creation, sit back and laugh.

As for food, one of my favorites "FILET MIGNON DAY."  Roe and I have had some great filets at the specialty restaurants on cruise ships, so tender you could cut them with a fork.  Locally one of the finest filets Roe and I have found is at Texas Roadhouse.  We have eaten at several of their locations and have never been disappointed.  Listen Speakies it is a great day to enjoy a steak so have at it.  Have a great Monday and I'll see you soon.

I PROMISE I REALLY MEAN IT

SPEAKIES:  I WILL CHANGE THE POLKA MUSIC WHEN I RETURN FROM MY APPOINTMENTS TODAY PROMISE.

WEEKEND WISHES

HAPPY FRIDAY SPEAKIES:




Joey Z making a quick stop this morning as more doctor appointments are calling today.  Hope your Friday is off to a good start and as usual I wish you a fantastic weekend ahead.  I thought I would let you know about a few holidays you may want to celebrate this weekend. 

RAGWEED DAY - Down here in Florida there are too many things in nature that cause allergies and sinus problems to mention.  I have some good days and bad days just like the majority of the population.  To my readers who do not suffer from the Ragweed my congrats.

ASPIRIN WAS BORN THIS DATE - Aspirin the good old cure for aches and pains and those hangovers.  Me I'm a Tylenol guy.

S'MORES DAY - For those who like to mess around with all that stuff have at it today.  I was never a big marshmallow man.  For those kiddies and campers who love that stuff heaven is yours today.

On Sunday we celebrate "DAUGHTER DAY."  Hey! all you Moms and Dads and that includes you Grandparents too, celebrate a nice day with your daughter.  I know my son Jeff surely loves his little girl and celebrates that everyday with her.  I would like to wish my daughter-in-laws whom I really consider daughters more than in-laws Sam and Elizabeth the best this Sunday and let you know my love is always with you.  You have been great and words can not say enough about the way I feel and I know that goes for Roe too.

CHINESE VALENTINE'S DAY - Open a card and a firecracker goes off, just kidding to all my Chinese readers a very HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY.

SEE YOU ALL NEXT WEEK AND BE CAREFUL OUT THERE.

AND A ONE, AND A TWO AND A THREE

Happy Thursday Day Guys and Dolls:

Told you I would post if I had a chance and here I am.  The weather here has been brutal hot and humid and the air so thick you could cut it with a knife, so if you are planning a trip down be warned.
Lets check our holidays we can raise our glasses to today:

DANCE A POLKA DAY - As you can hear we do have a little Polka music playing on MixPod today.  Growing up I believe every Polish household had Bernie Kosnoski or Leon Fornal on Sunday while Mom was preparing Sunday dinner.  I know my Mom and Grandmother had that local station on every Sunday when I was growing up.  I bet my cousin Tom who is a daily reader of my blog can verify that as well.  I enjoyed Polka's when we went to weddings as a kid, I think it was the only music they played.  Weddings were something different in those days, a church hall, Polkas, open bar and family cooked meals topped the festivities.  When Roe and I were dating back in the 70's we went once a month with my good friend and his girlfriend and his mother to the Arbeiter's Club in Trenton.  They had an open bar, family style dinner, beer on the table and good old Polish and German music and get this all for the price of $10 per person.  Good memories returning again.

NATIONAL UNDERWEAR DAY - What can one say about undies so many to choose from and the colors are on the rise every day.  Boxers when you were little, than you moved to briefs at times there was bikini briefs on those nights out in search of women.  Joined the service and again it was white boxer shorts.  Now I feel comfortable in boxer briefs.  So now you know the story of Joey Z's underwear travels.

NATIONAL HAND HOLDING DAY - This should be an every day thing with the ones you love.  Walk hand in hand like you did when you met and get that feeling back.  For your little ones hold their hands every day for soon their hands will be held by others who love them.

RICE PUDDING DAY - I like rice pudding but now have to eat no sugar puddings and the rice ones in our local stores aren't bad.  I have some in the frig so I may have some later.  Have a great evening and be careful out there.

QUICK POST TODAY

HAPPY THURSDAY SPEAKIES:

JUST WANTED TO STOP BY AND SAY HELLO.  I HAVE A MEDICAL TEST TODAY AND MAY POST LATER DEPENDING HOW I FEEL.  HAVE A GREAT DAY AND CHECK BACK, THERE MAY BE A POST, THERE MAY NOT BE.

MAY THEY REST IN PEACE!

Happy Wednesday Guys and Dolls:

Sorry for not posting yesterday but Joey Z had two doctor appointments. Roe and I are doing a little decorating to one of our rooms and of course that meant a quick stop at the stores between appointments.  We did have time to squeeze in some lunch at one of our favorite small hole-in-the-wall pizza joint called "BROOKLYN PIZZA", located on Fairbanks Ave. in Winter Park, Florida.  If you live in the area or visiting stop in for a great pie.  One of my readers the Skipster has reported he and friend had an urge to hit some Trenton food stops last week.  First stop was Polonia, the Polish restaurant on Brunswick Ave., only to find it now a realty office.  Further adventure took them to DeLorenzo's Tomato Pies on Hamilton Ave. only to find the pie was sub par.  OH THE HUMANITY! once great places to eat are now going down hill.  Skip said his only hope was the newer DeLorenzo's in Hamilton.  Good Hunting Skipster!

Here is my gripe for today "GAS PRICES" up and up they go and where OPEC stops nobody knows.
OPEC an intergovernmental organization of twelve oil producing countries.  This group is made up of some of our favorite friends on this planet, lets see who they are:  Algeria, Angola and Ecuador.  Probably some of the better countries.  Now here are the best buddies we have:  Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia (that's were most of the 9/11 terrorists came from and they were friends of Georgie Boy and his family), plus the United Arab Emirates and our good friend Venezuela.  Gas prices are a game played with OPEC and all the large oil companies in the world and we pay their price, let's face it it's all in the game.
I love George Carlin a man of true insight, I suggest you go to You Tube and watch his brief video on who runs our government and if you are not wealthy you ain't part of it says George.

Religion is starting to get to me too but that's another subject for another day.  On a lighter note yesterday we celebrated "NATIONAL NIGHT OUT" from 7 to 10 pm.  Got that beat when we were kids every night was National Night Out.  Everyone in the neighborhood sat on their front porches.  We talked with neighbors, the kids rode their bikes, played hide and seek or flash light tag and we all waited for the ice cream truck to roll in.  I'm afraid those real night outs are gone unless the people put aside their hate and rage for one another.  I'm glad I lived in that time of no worries and friendship.  It's great to have those memories and to share them with a younger generation.

If you like raspberries and cream today is yours as far as a food holiday goes, I'll pass on that dish.  Well to Skip I can only say I hope the good food returns and to humanity love and friendship appears once more.  See you soon.

PSST DID YOU HEAR THAT JOEY Z IS?

Good Monday Morning Speakies:




Still no music from MixPod for you to listen to as you read.  Roe has tried everything to get it started but no dice.  The music plays on the site but not on the blog.  E-mails have been sent, awaiting answers.  Hope you all had a great weekend and are ready to start a brand new week.  It's Monday and I'm not at work, so far it feels like vacation but I'm sure reality will set in shortly that there is no more job to go to.

Let's see what holidays we can check out for today:

NATIONAL GOSSIP DAY - Okay Guys and Dolls, Joey Z will permit you on this holiday to spread a little gossip or hear some about your friends, neighbors or co-workers.  Overall I believe gossip in the end can only hurt.

NATIONAL KIDS DAY - This holiday comes up every month in some variation.  Well the little ones deserve it.  I admit we loved sharing and giving to our kids and now the grand kids as well.  Remember they are only children for a short time, so treat them with all the love you have and cherish these years of their lives with them.

FRESH BREATH DAY - We all like to be around people, but dragon breath can make you run to the hills.  How does one approach a loved one or friend with bad breath?  Do we carry a travel bag filled with tooth paste, brush and mouthwash to hand out if they have the breath of Hades?  We could be like Willy Wonka jumping   around and handing out fresh breath mints or gum.  Here friend try my new Antiseptic Blue Mint Gobstopper it will make your breath nice and fresh.  Just take care of your dental hygiene and you will be fresh.

ROOT BEER FLOAT DAY - Ah! vanilla ice cream and A&W Root Beer what a combo on a hot summer day or evening at your local ice cream haven.  What else can Joey Z say about root beer floats?

For you motorcycle fans the "ANNUAL STURGIS MOTORCYCLE RALLY" IS BEING HELD THIS WEEK, AUGUST 6 TO 12 IN SOUTH DAKOTA.
P.S. - DON'T MAKE TOO MUCH NOISE AND BUG GENERAL CUSTER.


SEE YOU SOON AND HOPE THE MUSIC DOES RETURN.

SHERLOCK HOLMES ROE

HELLO SPEAKIES:

SHERLOCK HOLMES ROE FINALLY FIGURED WHY THE MUSIC WAS NOT PLAYING ON OUR COMPUTERS.  WE OPEN GOOGLE CHROME TO WHICH MIXPOD DOES NOT RESPOND.  IT IS EASY FROM NOW ON DON'T USE GOOGLE CHROME TO LOG INTO JOEY Z, USE THE INTERNET CONNECTION.  ENJOY THE MUSIC AND HAVE A GREAT REST OF THE DAY.

STARTING TO GET MY GANDER UP

HELLO SPEAKIES:

JUST RETURNED FROM MY ALL DAY APPOINTMENTS IN ORLANDO AND THOUGHT I WOULD CHANGE MY MIXPOD PLAYLIST AROUND FOR SOME NEW MUSIC.  GUESS WHAT?  I CAN GO TO MIXPOD AND MY SONGS PLAY HOWEVER, I CAN'T EDIT THE LIST OR HEAR THE MUSIC ON MY BLOG.  SORRY FOR THIS, HEADS WILL ROLL AND CORRECTIONS WILL BE MADE.  I'M USING ROE'S LAP TOP RIGHT NOW AND CAN'T WAIT UNTIL WE HOOK UP THE NEW TOWER.  HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND SOUNDS LIKE IT WILL GET PRETTY WET HERE FOR THE NEXT FEW DAYS.  I SHALL RETURN WITH AUGUST HOLIDAYS AND MY USUAL FOOD REVIEWS.  BY THE WAY STOPPED FOR LUNCH TODAY, GOOD PIZZA AT:

TOMASINO'S PIZZA

2612 E. COLONIAL DR.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA

ROE HAD THE SPECIAL OF THE DAY A SLICE OF CHEESE STEAK PIZZA, OUT OF SIGHT ON THE TASTE.  TRY THE PLACE IF YOU ARE A LOCAL OR VISITING.

AS ALWAYS, BE GOOD AND BE CAREFUL OUT THERE.

Luau Photos

Just thought I'd share a few photos of my surprise 'luau retirement party' from Saturday night, July 28.

enough cake to feed the crowd

Roe and I

Best bud, JoeG

Nina and Ian 

Roe and girls..Sam, Elizabeth and Nina

HAPPY WEDNESDAY GUYS AND DOLLS

HELLO SPEAKIES:

My first official day of retirement, slept a little longer with no alarm clock to disturb my slumber.  A nice bowl of cereal and a cup of black coffee followed to start the day.  The rest of the day was spent getting gas for the cars, shopping for a new computer and finally purchasing a few lotto tickets hoping to get richer tonight..  The computer I'm using now we've had for a number of years and it is getting old and an upgrade was needed.  Roe and I enjoyed a late lunch at Longhorn Steakhouse with one of my many gift cards I received as gifts and now I'm just stopping by to say hello.

Retirement day was very nice and quite an honor for me yesterday.  I received a plaque from our Board of Directors for services rendered, photos were taken and I completed my exit interview with no problems.  Roe and I returned to the laboratory were I work and were treated to a fantastic luncheon saying goodbye to all the friend I made and worked with through out the years.  It was very special to me and I want to say "THANKS FELLOW LAB RATS."

Tomorrow I have an all day appointment schedule in Orlando so I promise to post again soon.  Have a great evening and as usual be careful out there.