NEW YEARS EVE DAY

HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE DAY TO ALL:

SOME OF US ARE GETTING READY TO PARTY TONIGHT, SOME EXPECTING FAMILY OVER TO CELEBRATE AND SOME OF US JUST PLAN TO STAY HOME AND SEE THE OLD BALL DROP FROM TIMES SQUARE IN NEW YORK CITY.  ROE AND I ARE PLANNING A QUITE EVENING AT HOME MAYBE HAVING SOME SHRIMP COCKTAIL AND WHAT OTHER GOODIES WE HAVE AROUND THE HOUSE.

I KNOW MANY FAMILY HAVE TRADITIONAL NEW YEARS DAY DINNER DEPENDING ON YOUR NATIONALITY.  ROE BEING FROM AN ITALIAN FAMILY ALWAYS HAD LASAGNA OR ANOTHER  MACARONI, ALONG WITH MEAT BALLS, SAUSAGE AND THOSE GREAT LITTLE DINNER ROLLS FROM THE ITALIAN BAKERY.

SOUTHERN RESIDENTS ENJOY HAM, SWEET POTATOES AND BLACK EYE PEAS AND GREENS FOR THEIR DINNERS USUALLY.

US POLISH PEOPLE USUALLY HAD A HAM, POTATO SALAD, COLE SLAW, PICKLES, AND OF COURSE PIEROGI.  WE ALSO HAD TO FINISH UP THOSE HOLIDAY BAKED COOKIES.

I JUST WANT TO REMIND YOU TO KEEP IT SAFE THIS EVENING, IF YOU DRINK A LOT DON'T DRIVE AND WATCH OUT FOR THE OTHER CRAZIES ON THE ROAD.  HAVE FUN TODAY AND TONIGHT.

FROM THE FINGERS OF THE ZIP

GOOD MORNING SPEAKIES FROM THE ZIPSTER:

FOR THOSE HAVING TO WORK AFTER THE HOLIDAYS, YOUR LAST DAY OF WORK IS FINALLY HERE AND THE WEEKEND IS A FEW HOURS AWAY.  I WISH YOU ALL A GREAT WEEKEND FILLED WITH FAMILY, FOOTBALL AND GOOD SNACKS.  THERE ARE A FEW HOLIDAYS TO CELEBRATE ON THIS 28TH OF DECEMBER SO LET US GET STARTED.

CARD PLAYING DAY - I REMEMBER PLAYING CARDS AS A KID WITH MY PARENTS  AND MY AUNT AND UNCLE.  WE PLAYED MICHIGAN RUMMY FOR PENNIES AND SPENT HOURS ENJOYING IT.  WHEN ROE AND I MET THERE WERE REGULAR FAMILY POKER GAMES WITH HER FAMILY.  ROE, JOEY, ELIZABETH AND I PLAY UNO OR THE MONOPOLY CARD GAMES NOW.

CALL A FRIEND DAY - MAYBE THERE IS SOMEONE YOU HAVEN'T SPOKEN TO IN MONTHS OR MAYBE YEARS, PICK UP THAT PHONE AND GIVE THEM A CALL.  IT MAY MAKE YOU AND THAT SPECIAL PERSON VERY HAPPY TO REUNITE AGAIN AND BRING BACK FOND MEMORIES.

NATIONAL CHOCOLATE CANDY DAY - RIGHT NOW I'M ENJOYING THOSE CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRIES.  THEY WERE ALWAYS MY FAVORITE HOLIDAY TREAT.  I'M SURE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE ON THIS PLANET WE ALL GET THAT CHOCOLATE URGE AND MINE IS NOW.  SO CHOCOLATE LOVERS EAT THEM UP TODAY AND REALLY ENJOY THEM, SO SAYS THE ZIP.

ONCE AGAIN HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND AND I'LL BE BACK ON NEW YEAR'S EVE DAY AND NEW YEARS DAY WITH MY HOLIDAY WISHES.

HOPE YOU HAD A GREAT CHRISTMAS

HI GUYS AND DOLLS:

CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS ARE OVER FOR THIS YEAR.  I HOPE YOU ALL HAD A GREAT HOLIDAY AND LOOKING FORWARD TO THE NEW YEAR.  TIME HAS SURELY FLOWN BY.  ROE AND I JUST RETURNED FROM VISITING MY SON, DAUGHTER-IN-LAW AND OUR GRAND KIDS ON THE GULF COAST.  HAD A GREAT TIME AND REALLY ENJOYED BEING WITH THE KIDS WHO ARE GROWING UP FAST.  WE PLAYED ICE HOCKEY, MY SON AND I HELPED BUILD MY GRANDSON'S ANGRY BIRD'S FORT OR WHATEVER IT WAS SO HE COULD KNOCK IT DOWN.  IT WAS JUST A FUN CHRISTMAS WITH OUR FAMILY.

ON CHRISTMAS EVE MY SON JOEY AND DAUGHTER-IN-LAW ELIZABETH CAME OVER FOR A GREAT DINNER OF COD, CRAB LEGS, FRENCH FRIES AND FRIED SHRIMP.  WE PLAYED UNO AND MONOPOLY CARD GAMES.  I FELT SORRY MY SON; HAD TO WORK MIDNIGHT ON CHRISTMAS EVE AND CHRISTMAS NIGHT.  ROE AND I HAD A GREAT CHRISTMAS BUT I THINK WE'LL HAVE A RELAXING NEW YEAR CELEBRATION.  WITH MY HEART PROBLEMS I HAVE TO TAKE IT EASY, BUT I WANTED TO WRITE AND TELL YOU ABOUT OUR HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS.

I HOPE YOU ALL HAD A GREAT ONE TOO.  I AM MAKING A LIST OF MORE COMMERCIALS ON TV THAT BUG ME AND WILL POST THEM SOON.  HAVE A GREAT DAY.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

TO ALL MY GUYS AND DOLLS, I WISH
YOU AND YOURS A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS.  MAY IT BE FILLED WITH LOVE, FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

A POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE

Wesolych Swiat Bozego Narodzenia!

Guys and Dolls wishing you a “Merry Christmas” in Polish.  I told you last year I wanted to write about how Polish people celebrate the beloved holiday and as I remember it growing up both at my grandparent’s and my parent’s homes.  Among the Polish people the most beloved of traditional festivities is that which takes place on Christmas Eve.  On Christmas Eve the dinner or Wigilia is served.  This was the favorite part of Christmas for my grandfather; he spent all day preparing the set up while my grandmother did all the cooking and last minute baking.  A large fold up table was placed in the dining room and covered with a white table cloth in memory of the Christ child in the manger.  In Poland a thin layer of hay is also placed under the table cloth in memory of him.   I can still remember the smells coming from the kitchen and my grandfather waiting for 5:30 p.m. to come for all the family to arrive.  I was off from school and usually stayed there because my parents worked and I helped as much as I could with the set up without getting in the way. 

I still see my grandfather dressed to a tee, he always wore neat slacks, a nice shirt and tie and a vested sweater, I’d call gramps a dapper gentleman, which he truly was along with being a kind and gentle man, I really loved him and my grandmother.  I’m sorry Roe and my sons never met him he died of a heart attack when I was in the 8^th grade.  Grandma hurried and changed to a better dress other than the house dress she wore cooking all day and finally they both sat down for a brief rest (probably five minutes).

The family finally arrived Mom and Dad and my Uncle Ed and Aunt Louise.  My mom had a brother who died and another who was a real loner and finally disappeared off the face of the earth.  They both were remembered fondly by everyone at Christmas Eve with a prayer. The presents were placed under the tree and the family gathered around the table or sneaked into the kitchen to see what was cooking.  Finally the food was placed on that big table but before sitting down everyone broke the traditional wafer or Oplatek and exchanged good wishes for health, wealth and happiness in the New Year.  The Oplatek is a thin wafer similar to Catholic Holy Communion with stamped figures of Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Holy Angels.  In Poland according to myth in no case must there be an odd number of guests at the table, otherwise it is said that some of the guests would not live to see another Christmas.  Personally we never believed in that one.
At that time the Christmas Eve meal was strictly meatless.  The menu usually would include a soup, my grandfather had to have beet soup instead of mushroom, but granny made them both to please everyone.  We had sledzie (pickled herring), fried fish usually flounder or cod, pierogi, kapusta (cabbage) and grandma made her famous French fries instead of boiled potatoes.  For dessert there was babka, cookies, candies and nuts.  All this was topped off with coffee, hot tea and blackberry brandy and rockin rye.  After dinner the dishes were washed and I waited to open my presents from Grandpa and grandma and my Uncle and Aunt. 

The topper for my grandfather was attending Midnight Mass or as it is called in Polish Pasterka, which means the Shepherds Watch.  The church was beautifully decorated as it was a Polish parish with hundreds of Poinsettias.  Listening to the Polish Carols or koledy sung by the choir was beautiful to listen to and when mass started all the lights were turned off and candles held by everyone while more songs and a brief procession occurred before mass.

When my grandfather passed away, my mom carried on the tradition of Christmas Eve dinner at our house, the meal basically the same but some of the spirit lost without grandpa being there, but yet enjoyed and shared with those you love.

Christmas Day for me was spent at home playing with all my new stuff and if any of the relatives wanted to come over they could, I was not moving, this was my day.   I hoped you enjoyed reading about a Polish Christmas Eve and later this week I’ll tell you about how Roe and I spent our Christmas Day.

To my cousin Tom, I know you spent this holiday the same way I did.  Merry Christmas to you, Linda and your family.

COMMERCIALS

GOOD DAY SPEAKIES:

BEING I HAVE TO REST I'M STARTING TO HATE SOME CHRISTMAS COMMERCIALS.

LAST YEAR, TARGET HAD THAT LADY IN RED WHICH I LIKED.  THIS YEAR IT IS THOSE TWO SINGERS SCREAMING LIKE THEY WERE BEING CHASED BY WOLVES.  I SHOULD WRITE COMMERCIALS BEING RETIRED OR MAYBE THE WORDS FOR CARDS.

THAT CARMAX COMMERCIAL, "WHERE DO I START."  START BY DRIVING YOUR CAR OVER THERE AND BUY ONE.  DON'T GO RUNNING DOWN THE STREETS AND INTERRUPTING SOME KID'S CHRISTMAS PLAY.

ONE OF THE NICEST COMMERCIALS FOR THOSE LIVING IN FLORIDA OR IN THE SOUTHERN STATES IS THE PUBLIX GROCERY STORE COMMERCIALS.  THEY ARE FILLED WITH A FAMILY CELEBRATIONS AND NICE BACK GROUND MUSIC.

SORRY SPEAKIES, I HAD TO VENT SOME ANGER AT THE MARKETING NIMYOS.

SORRY SPEAKIES

JUST CAME HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL AFTER 7 DAYS AND I PROMISE TO WRITE AGAIN SOON, NEED TO REST AND TAKE IT EASY FOR A FEW DAYS.  THANKS FOR STOPPING BY.

CHRISTMAS IS SNEAKING UP SPEAKIES

GOOD MORNING ALL:



TODAY IS DECEMBER 17, 2012, BUT LET'S GO BACK IN HISTORY TO ROMAN TIMES.  I LOVED ROMAN AND GREEK MYTHOLOGY AND IN ROME TODAY WAS CELEBRATED "SATURNALIA."  IT WAS AN ANCIENT ROMAN FESTIVAL IN HONOR OF THE DEITY OF SATURN HELD ON DECEMBER 17.  THE HOLIDAY WAS CELEBRATED WITH A SACRIFICE AT THE TEMPLE OF SATURN IN THE ROMAN FORUM AND WITH A PUBLIC BANQUET.  THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY GIFT GIVING, AND PARTY TIME ALL NIGHT LONG, SOMETHING LIKE THE CARNIVAL IN RIO IN SOUTH AMERICA.  GET THIS THE MASTERS PROVIDED TABLE SERVICE FOR THEIR SLAVES.  THE POET CATULLUS CALLED IT "THE BEST OF DAYS."  THE GREEKS ALSO HAD A FEAST THAT HONORED SATURN CALLED KRONIA.  CHECK THAT ONE OUT TOO.

FOR YOU FOOD FANS TODAY IS "MAPLE SYRUP DAY."  I GUESS THE ONLY THING I LIKE MAPLE SYRUP ON IS FRENCH TOAST OR PANCAKES.

I'M GOING TO MAKE THIS A QUICK MONDAY BECAUSE THIS WEEK IS A VERY BUSY ONE FOR ME WITH DOCTORS, A VISIT TO MY OLD JOB TO CELEBRATE A LUNCHEON WITH THEM AND JUST PLAIN GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS.  MY WRITING WILL BE SHORT AND SOME DAYS NONE AT ALL.  YOU SPEAKIES KNOW WHAT THE HOLIDAYS ARE LIKE.  HAVE TO GET READY FOR THAT POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE, HOWEVER IT WILL BE A LITTLE DIFFERENT THAN THE OLD ONE.  HAVE A GREAT DAY.

WEEKEND WISHES AND MONKEY DAY

GOOD MORNING GUYS AND DOLLS:

CHRISTMAS IS GETTING CLOSER BUT TODAY WE CELEBRATE MONKEY DAY.  HAVE SOME FUN WITH FRIENDS AND EAT BANANAS, SEND A WISH TO ALL THOSE YOU KNOW, SWING FROM YOUR CHRISTMAS TREES, ORNAMENTS OUTSIDE OR JUST MAKE AN ASS OF YOURSELF.  REMEMBER IT IS THE HOLIDAY SEASON AND DO WHAT YOU WANT.

TODAY ALL I AM GOING TO SAY IS START ENJOYING THE HOLIDAYS.  I MAY TAKE A BREAK, BUT I WILL BE PUBLISHING MY POLISH CHRISTMAS EVE MEMORIES ON CHRISTMAS EVE DAY.  I KNOW MY READER TOM WHO IS MY COUSIN AND I NEVER WILL FORGET THE GOOD TIMES WE SHARED ON BEATTY STREET OR AT HIS HOUSE THAT WAS ALWAYS OPEN TO ME AND OUR FRIENDS.  I'M SURE HE WILL AGREE THAT HIS YOUNGER DAY MEMORIES WERE THE SAME WHEN WE WERE LITTLE.  I THINK THE GOOD OLD DAY ARE GONE, BUT IN MY HEART I WILL REMEMBER THEM ALWAYS.  AS WE GROW OLDER NEW TRADITIONS START, BUT THE OLD WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN IN OUR HEARTS.  FOR THOSE FIRST STARTING OUT, MARK YOUR MEMORIES AND PASS THEM DOWN AND ONE DAY LOOK UPON THEM AS ONE HAPPY TIME IN YOUR LIFE.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

DECEMBER 13, 2012

HELLO SPEAKIES:




CHRISTMAS IS COMING FAST AND IF YOU HAVE NOT STARTED SHOPPING YET GET THOSE BUNS IN MOTION AND FINALIZE YOUR HOLIDAY PLANS.

TODAY IS COCOA DAY - I REMEMBER NESTLES HAS THE VERY BEST "CHOCOLATE."  I LOVED HOT COCOA AS A KID, MOM MADE IT WITH MILK AND NOT HOT WATER.  ROE LOVES HOT CHOCOLATE ESPECIALLY IF IT GETS A LITTLE CHILLY DOWN HERE IN THE SUNSHINE STATE.  SO FOR YOU GUYS AND DOLLS UP NORTH, MAKE SOME TONIGHT FOR YOURSELVES AND THE KIDDIES, THROW SOME COOKIES IN A PLATE AND ENJOY THE HOLIDAY SEASON.  REMEMBER SANTA WOULD RATHER HAVE SOME HOT COCOA INSTEAD OF MILK AND DO YOU KNOW WHY "BABY ITS COLD OUTSIDE."

THIS MONTH WE CELEBRATE "SAFE TOYS AND GIFTS."  WHEN YOU BUY FOR THE LITTLE SPEAKIES MAKE SURE YOU ONLY PURCHASE SAFE TOYS WITH NO SMALL PIECES FOR THEM TO SWALLOW OR GET INJURED WITH.

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR MONTH - I CAN'T COMPLAIN I HAVE SOME GREAT NEIGHBORS ESPECIALLY MY GOOD BUDDY GEORGE ACROSS THE STREET.  WE KEEP EYES OUT FOR EACH OTHERS HOMES WHEN WE ARE AWAY WITH NOT HAVING TO ASK.  HERE IS A FUNNY STORY WHEN ROE AND I FIRST MOVED INTO OUR HOUSE, WE HAD TO PURCHASE A MAILBOX AND STAND.  WELL HERE IS OLD CITY BOY JOEY Z GETTING OUT HIS NEWLY PURCHASED SHOVEL AND STARTING TO DIG A HOLE IN OUR FRONT LAWN.  I HEAR THIS VOICE CALL OUT, "HEY GOOD NEIGHBOR" YOU HAVE TO PUT YOUR MAILBOX ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STREET.  OF COURSE IT WAS GEORGE AND HE EVEN HELPED ME DIG THE HOLE.  HE, HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTER ARE REALLY GREAT PEOPLE AND ROE AND I ARE GLAD TO HAVE THEM IN OUR LIVES AS GOOD NEIGHBORS.  SO ENJOY YOUR GOOD NEIGHBORS SPEAKIES.

HAVE A GREAT DAY AND A WONDERFUL EVENING.

HAPPY DECEMBER 12

HELLO SPEAKIES:  TODAY IS THAT CHRISTMAS FLOWER HOLIDAY THE "POINSETTIA."  THE POINSETTIA IS A IMPORTANT PLANT OF THE DIVERSE SPURGE FAMILY THAT GROWS IN MEXICO AND CENTRAL AMERICA.  IT IS KNOWN FOR ITS RED AND GREEN FOLIAGE AND BASICALLY USED IN CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS.  THE NAME COMES FROM JOEL ROBERT POINSETT, THE FIRST US MINISTER TO MEXICO, WHO INTRODUCED THE PLANT TO THE US IN 1825.  I LOVE TO FOOL AROUND WITH FLOWERS AND PLANTS AND HAVE THREE GROWING, TWO INSIDE OUR SIDE SCREEN ROOM AND ONE ON OUR CART OUTSIDE OF THE HOUSE.  TWO ARE READY TO BLOOM AND IT HAS BEEN TWO YEARS SINCE THEY DID.  I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO THE COLORS OF THE FLOWERS.

THIS MONTH IS THE BIRTHDAY OF BINGO.  ROE PLAYS BINGO IN OUR COMMUNITY, I TRIED IT EARLIER THIS YEAR AND COULD NOT KEEP UP WITH THE NUMBERS BEING CALLED.  TOO MANY CARDS I FEAR FOR OLD JOEY Z TO KEEP UP WITH, I'LL TAKE POKER OR UNO ANY DAY.

AS FOR FOOD TODAY IT IS GINGERBREAD HOUSE DAY.  I COULD STAND TO EAT A COOKIE ONCE IN AWHILE BUT TO BUILD A HOUSE, NO WAY.  IF YOU GUYS AND DOLLS LOVE TO FOOL AROUND WITH THAT STUFF THIS IS YOUR DAY AND WEEK TO ENJOY.  AIN'T CHRISTMAS COMING FAST?  DO YOUR THINGS AND START TO RELAX YOU DO NOT NEED ALL THAT PRESSURE.

SEARCHING, I AM STILL SEARCHING

SPEAKIES:

JUST WANTED TO LET YOU ALL KNOW I AM STILL SEARCHING FOR MUSIC.  THE QUEST IS NOT PROMISING AND BESIDES THE WAY I FIGURE IT I WON'T HAVE TO SHUFFLE THE MUSIC AROUND EVERY OTHER DAY OR SO.  JOEY Z'S BLOG MAY NOT HAVE MUSIC IN THE FUTURE, BUT MY SONGS MAYBE JUST AROUND THE CORNER.

SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT

HELLO GUYS AND DOLLS:

FOR MANY YEARS BEFORE MOVING TO FLORIDA AND FINDING THE BEST JOB I HAVE EVER HAD, I WORKED IN THE CLAIMS DEPARTMENTS OF TWO GREAT INSURANCE COMPANIES IN NEW JERSEY.  I STARTED OUT AS A PHONE REPRESENTATIVE, MOVED TO AN ADJUSTER POSITION AND DUE TO OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES MOVED TO ANOTHER COMPANY WERE I WAS AN ADJUSTER, SUPERVISOR AND LITIGATION EXAMINER FOR MANY YEARS.  GREAT CAREER, WONDERFUL PEOPLE AND THEN FLORIDA CALLED AND HERE I AM WRITING THIS FOR ALL OF YOU.  FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT KNOW THE HISTORY OF INSURANCE, HERE IS A LEGEND.

ONE NIGHT IN ANCIENT TIMES, THREE HORSEMEN WERE RIDING ACROSS A DESERT.  AS THEY CROSSED THE DRY BED OF A RIVER, OUT OF THE DARKNESS A VOICE CALLED, "HALT!"

THEY OBEYED. THE VOICE THEN TOLD THEM TO DISMOUNT, PICK UP A HANDFUL OF PEBBLES, PUT THE PEBBLES IN THEIR POCKETS AND REMOUNT.  THE VOICE THEN SAID, "YOU HAVE DONE AS I COMMANDED.  TOMORROW AT SUN-UP YOU WILL BE BOTH GLAD AND SORRY."  MYSTIFIED, THE HORSEMEN RODE ON.  WHEN THE SUN ROSE, THEY REACHED INTO THEIR POCKETS AND FOUND THAT A MIRACLE HAD HAPPENED.  THE PEBBLES HAD BEEN TRANSFORMED INTO DIAMONDS, RUBIES, AND OTHER PRECIOUS STONES.  THEY REMEMBERED THE WARNING.  THEY WERE BOTH GLAD AND SORRY ---- GLAD THEY HAD TAKEN SOME, SORRY THEY HAD NOT TAKEN MORE.

COULD THIS ALSO BE A LESSON IN LIFE FOR ALL OF US, NOT FOR INSURANCE BUT TO ENJOY EACH DAY AS YOU WAKE UP.  AS OLD AS I AM, I'M LEARNING A LESSON EACH DAY FOR I WAS A FOOL FOR NOT BEING HAPPY AND ENJOYING LIFE MANY TIMES.  I HAVE TO THANK ROE ALLOWING ME TO SEE THE LIGHT AND THANK HER FOR THE MANY TIMES I FAILED AND YET SHE STUCK BY ME.  PLEASE  ENJOY LIFE WHO KNOWS WHAT IS BEYOND.

WELCOME TO A NEW WEEK IN DECEMBER

GOOD MORNING GUYS AND DOLLS:




NO MUSIC AS YET AND I REALLY WANTED TO PLAY SOME HOLIDAY SONGS ALONG WITH MY BORIS AND NATASHA SANTA BANDIT BUT THERE IS NOTHING I CAN DO SO LET US GET ON TO SOME HOLIDAYS FOR TODAY.

HERE ARE SOME IDEAS GUYS TO MAKE YOUR DOLLS LOVE YOU MORE OVER CHRISTMAS.  IF YOU PLAN TO GIVE HER FLOWERS THE DECEMBER FLOWER IS A NARCISSUS OR THE HOLLY, YOU BETTER THROW IN A FEW ROSES WITH THIS DEAL TO SEAL IT.  IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO PURCHASE A RING FOR HER AND IF IT IS NOT A DIAMOND THE BIRTH STONE IS A BLUE TOPAZ, NICE CHOICE.  PERSONALLY FOR ME BUYING JEWELRY FOR ROE IS LIKE BEING A BULL IN A CHINA SHOP.  I JUST TELL HER TO BUY WHAT HER HEART DESIRES AND USUALLY IT IS NOT JEWELRY BUT SOMETHING ELSE.  AFTER 34 YEARS WE KEEP IT SIMPLE AND DO THINGS TOGETHER WE LIKE FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.

TO MY JEWISH FRIENDS "HANUKKAH", BEGINS TODAY.  MAY YOUR HOLIDAY BE BLESSED WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND ALL THE JOY YOU SHARE WITH EACH OTHER.

LAGER DAY - MY SON JEFF INTRODUCED ME TO SAMUEL ADAMS WINTER LAGER, A REALLY GOOD TASTING BEER.  I'M NOT A BIG BEER DRINKER BUT THIS STUFF IS GOOD.  I USUALLY HAVE A BUD AFTER WORKING OUTSIDE IN THE SUMMER OR A GOOD MEXICAN BREW AT OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT.  SO LAGER GUYS ENJOY A BREW TODAY.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING FAST SO IF YOU ARE NOT OUT THERE SHOPPING GET STARTED NOW.  HAVE A GREAT DAY AS ALWAYS FROM JOEY Z.

THANK YOU JOEY AND ELIZABETH

JOEY AND ELIZABETH:

MOM AND I WANT TO THANK YOU BOTH FOR A WONDERFUL DINNER AT ROBATA JAPANESE RESTAURANT ON FRIDAY NIGHT.  THE SWEET HEART DINNER FOR TWO WAS GREAT AND WE BROUGHT BACK A FEW BOXES OF FOOD TO EAT TONIGHT.

IT WAS GREAT PLAYING BATTLE OF THE SEXES AND MAY I SAY THE MALE'S OF OUR FAMILY WON HANDS DOWN.  GOOD LUCK NEXT TIME LADIES.

ONCE AGAIN THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR A WONDERFUL DINNER AND EVENING.

REMEMBER THIS DAY OF INFAMY

GOOD MORNING GUYS AND DOLLS:




I GET EMOTIONAL WHEN I WATCH WAR MOVIES, I GUESS BECAUSE A LOT OF US GUYS WERE IN THE SERVICE.  I SERVED IN THE VIETNAM WAR, THERE ARE STILL KOREAN VETS AND I EVEN MET A WORLD WAR II VET ON THE CRUISE WHO SERVED IN THE NAVY.  LET US NOT FORGET THOSE IN IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN WHO ARE STILL SERVING AND MAY THEY RETURN HOME SOON TO THEIR LOVED ONES.

DECEMBER 7, 1941, WAS A DAY OF INFAMY AGAINST THE UNITED STATES WITH THE ATTACK OF PEARL HARBOR.  MANY AMERICAN LIVES WERE LOST AND I WAS THINKING SUPPOSE WE WERE BORN IN A DIFFERENT DECADE, WE COULD HAVE BEEN THERE TOO.

ALL I ASK IS A MOMENT TO REMEMBER THOSE SOULS LOST THIS DATE AND MAY THEY NEVER BE FORGOTTEN AND MAY WE NEVER ENTER INTO ANOTHER COUNTRIES BATTLES.  AMEN.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.

ZIP SAYS: I WISH I WERE IN THE LAND OF COTTON

ZIP IS BACK WITH HIS NEWEST QUIP:

ZIPPY WAS WATCHING THE NATIONAL NEWS LAST NIGHT AND SAW SOME STATES THAT WANT TO LEAVE THE UNION.  DID YOU GOOD OLD BOY'S FORGET YOU GOT YOUR ASSES KICKED IN THE CIVIL WAR AND FOR WHAT SLAVERY?  MOST OF THE  SOLDIERS NEVER HAD SLAVES AND WERE JUST PUPPETS OF THE SOUTH IMPLANTED WITH A DARE I SAY IT A FASCIST IDEA.  I HEARD TEXAS IS LEADING THE CHARGE ON THIS MOVEMENT.  MAYBE IF YOU ARE NOT CAREFUL THE MEXICANS MAY TAKE OVER THE ALAMO AGAIN FOR GOOD.  HOPE THEY CHANGE IT INTO A MISSION THAT IT REALLY WAS AND STILL BELIEVES IN THE FAITH OF GOD AND MAN AND NOT THE PREACHING OF BIBLE TOTTING MINISTERS WHO PRAISE THE LORD ON SUNDAYS AND HATE THE MINORITIES THE REST OF THE YEAR.

NOW OF COURSE THE REST OF THE SOUTH IS SINGING AWAY, "I WISH I WERE IN THE LAND OF COTTON, LONG TIMES THERE ARE NOT FORGOTTEN, LOOK AWAY, LOOK AWAY, LOOK AWAY DIXIE LAND."  I'M NOT MOCKING THE GOOD PEOPLE OF THE SOUTH BUT THE IDIOTS ELECTED WHO CAME UP THESE IDEAS.  ARE THEIR BRAINS ELSEWHERE?  YOU KNOW WHERE I MEAN!  BY THE WAY TELL THEM GENERAL GRANT AND GENERAL SHERMAN HAVE GREAT, GREAT, GREAT GRANDSONS WHO ARE READY TO MARCH JUST LIKE IN THE CIVIL WAR AND END THIS HATRED FOR GOOD.  FRANKLY MY DEAR YOU BETTER GIVE A DAMN WHAT HAPPENS TO DIXIE.

BETTER WATCH OUT AUNT FRAN'S FRUITCAKE COMES TODAY

HAPPY THURSDAY GUYS AND DOLLS:




DO YOU KNOW WHY I PUT THAT TITLE ON FOR TODAY, DECEMBER IS "FRUITCAKE MONTH."  PERSONALLY I AM NOT A FAN OF FRUITCAKE, HOWEVER I WILL A SMALL PIECE IF OFFERED TO ME NOT TO OFFEND THE HOSTESS.  THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON I WANT A BOWL OF NUTS OUT LIKE THE OLD DAYS AND MAYBE SOME RIBBON CANDY OR THOSE MULTI-COLORED SHAPED CANDIES.  BRING BACK THE DAYS OF OLD.  SO IF YOU ARE A FRUITCAKE LOVER THIS IS YOUR MONTH AND REMEMBER YOU CAN SAVE IT AND EAT IT NEXT YEAR.  JUST FREEZE IT.

TODAY WE DO HAVE SOME HOLIDAYS TO OBSERVE:

SPECIAL KIDS DAY - TO ROE AND I ALL KIDS ARE SPECIAL, WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL OUR BOYS AND OUR GRANDKIDS ARE IN FINE HEALTH AND MAY GOD BLESS THEM AND KEEP THEM THAT WAY, DON'T WORRY DAUGHTER-IN-LAWS YOU ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN OUR PRAYERS EVERY DAY.  FOR YOU PARENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS CHILDREN, MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH EVERY DAY TO CARE FOR THEM AND HAVE THE PATIENCE OF A SAINT.  I CAN NOT STAND THE ABUSE TO CHILDREN I SEE ON THE LOCAL NEWS EVERY DAY, THERE HAS TO BE A HELL FOR THOSE WHO MAKE THEIR LIVES A LIVING HELL ON EARTH.

PAWN BROKERS DAY - ALL I CAN SAY IS CROOKS.  HAVE A GREAT DAY BONZO'S.

ST. NICHOLAS DAY - ST. NICHOLAS IS REMEMBERED AND REVERED AMONG CATHOLIC AND ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS, ALONG WITH VARIOUS ANGLICAN AND LUTHERAN CHURCHES.  HE IS THE PATRON SAINT OF SAILORS, MERCHANTS, ARCHERS, THIEVES, CHILDREN, PAWNBROKERS (AT LEAST ST. NICK LOVES YOU) AND STUDENTS IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES IN THE BALKANS AND EASTERN EUROPE.  THIS INCLUDES POLAND, ROMANIA, RUSSIA AND MANY MORE.  A DAY TO HONOR GOOD SAINT NICK.

HAVE A GREAT DAY GUYS AND DOLLS AND BE CAREFUL OUT THERE.

HAPPY HUMP DAY SPEAKIES

JUST THINK GUYS AND DOLLS THE WORK WEEK IS HALF WAY GONE.  TO ME NO MORE HUMP DAYS AND ONE I ASSURE YOU THIS WILL BE A PLEASURE TO YOU AS YOU RETIRE.

AS I STATED IN A PREVIOUS POST, ROE AND I RECENTLY RETURNED FROM A FIVE DAY CRUISE TO COZUMEL, MEXICO AND KEY WEST ABOARD THE JEWEL OF THE SEAS.  GREAT SHIP, GREAT ACCOMMODATIONS AND EVERYTHING WAS TOP NOTCH.  BUT JOEY Z HAS SOME COMPLAINTS.  THE FIRST MORNING ROE AND I WENT TO THE DINING ROOM FOR BREAKFAST AND SHARED A TABLE OF EIGHT, NICE CONVERSATION AND I ORDERED MY PRUNE JUICE PRIOR TO BREAKFAST BEING SERVED.  ROE'S EGG'S BENEDICT A LITTLE TOO RUNNY BUT ALL IN ALL A NICE MORNING MEAL.  THE NEXT DAY WE DECIDED TO HAVE BREAKFAST AT THE BUFFET, GREAT SELECTION OF FOOD, EGGS ANY WAY YOU NAME IT. ALL THE REST OF THE BREAKFAST GOODIES WERE THERE, PLUS MORE.  I COULD NOT LOCATE PRUNE JUICE, I ASKED THE WAITER FOR A GLASS AND HE RETURNED STATING THAT WAS AN OPTION AND THE COST WOULD BE $2.25, NOT FAVORABLE FOR JOEY AT All ESPECIALLY IN THE MORNING HOURS SO SCRATCH 1 AGAINST ROYAL CARIBBEAN.  THERE ARE A FEW MORE EXTRA CHARGES LIKE  AFTER DINNER THE ONLY COFFEE AVAILABLE WAS THE HOUSE COFFEE, VERY GOOD AS I DO NOT DRINK A LOT OF JAVA ON MY OWN.  SPECIALTY COFFEE WAS AN EXTRA CHARGE.  I RECALL ALL THESE THINGS WERE ONCE INCLUDED IN THE COST OF CRUISING.  INFLATION I IMAGINE BUT OTHER THAN THE LITTLE PETTY STUFF, NOT TO MENTION THE COST OF PHOTOS TAKEN ON FORMAL NIGHT OR ANY OTHER TIME HAD REACHED A $20 PER PHOTO, UNLESS YOU PURCHASED THE SUPREME PACKAGE.  GLAD ROE AND HELEN HAD THEIR CAMERAS AND WE JUST CLICKED AWAY AND CAME HOME WITH NICE MEMORIES OF A GREAT CRUISE.  BY THE WAY JOEY Z CAUGHT SOME NICE ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ'S ON DECK ON A GREAT SMOOTH RIDE IN THE AFTERNOON.  REMEMBER GUYS AND DOLLS CRUISING IS A RELAXING VACATION AND IF YOU NEVER BOOKED A CRUISE IF ONLY FOR 3 DAYS DO IT.

I WILL BE WRITING MORE AND GETTING BACK TO MY GROOVE ONCE MORE AND POSTING SOME NEW PICTURES ON MY SITE.  THANKS TO YOU ALL FOR STOPPING BY WHILE I WAS GONE, YOU SPEAKIES ARE THE GREATEST.  PLEASE COMMENT, THIS IS WHY I WRITE AND I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM ALL OF YOU EVEN IF IT IS A SHORT LINE.  HAVE A GREAT DAY.

SO SORRY

SPEAKIES:

I HAD TO REMOVE MIXPOD, IT IS NO LONGER OF THIS EARTH AND FOR THE PRESENT TIME I CAN NO LOCATE MUSIC.  IF ANYTHING COMES AVAILABLE IT WILL BE ONCE AGAIN A PART OF JOEY Z'S SPEAK EASY.  JUST HUM.

GOOD MORNING GUYS AND DOLLS

HOPE YOU ALL HAD A PLEASANT MONDAY, ROE AND I DID A LITTLE SHOPPING BUT MOSTLY WE WILL DO IT ON LINE, SAVES TIME, GAS, NERVES AND MOST OF ALL THE RUDE ONES OF AMERICA.

FIRST OF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME A NEW SPEAKIE FROM MAKEDONSKI BROD.  I CAN HEAR YOU SAY WHERE IS MAKEDONSKI BROD?  FIRST OF ALL I THOUGHT IT WAS IN POLAND.  NOW HERE IS THE REAL POOP.  MAKEDONSKI BROD IS A MACEDONIAN TOWN LOCATED IN THE CENTRAL PART OF THE COUNTRY, ON THE SOUTHEASTERN PART OF SUVA GORA, WESTERN KARADZICA AND SOUTHWEST DAUTICA MOUNTAINS.  NOW THAT SHOULD GET THINGS RIGHT FOR YOU.

STILL HAVE TO LOCATE A SOURCE FOR MUSIC, I LOST ALL MY PLAYLISTS BUT WHAT CAN ONE DO, SO I HOPE TO HAVE MUSIC RUNNING, SOME FUNNY STUFF BUT IF NOT LAUGH AT MY WRITING AND HUM A SONG.

DECEMBER 4, 2012 AND TODAY WE CELEBRATE THE FOLLOWING HOLIDAYS:

COOKIE DAY - I MISS MY MOM'S HOMEMADE POLISH COOKIES.  EVERY YEAR SHE WOULD BRING OVER HER COOKIES IN A YELLOW PLASTIC CONTAINER THAT WAS LINED WITH WAX PAPER AND FILLED TO THE TOP WITH HER BAKING DELIGHTS.  I'M TRYING TO COAX ROE TO MAKE HER FAMOUS RUM BALLS WHICH I HAVE NOT HAD IN 2 YEARS.

SANTA'S LIST DAY - OK MOM AND DADS GET THOSE LISTS OUT TO SANTA TONIGHT OR YOU'LL BE ON THE NAUGHTY OR NICE LIST.

HUG DAY - ISN'T THE HOLIDAY SEASON FILLED WITH HUGS, KISSES, GOOD CHEER AND PEACE TO ALL MEN.  DO IT EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR.

FINALLY IT IS WEAR BROWN SHOES DAY -  SORRY FOR ME IT'S SNEAKERS, SHORTS AND A TEE SHIRT, THE WEATHER WILL BE IN THE LOW 8O'S AND BESIDES I'M NOT WORKING ANYMORE.  HAVE A GREAT DAY.

GLAD TO BE BACK

HAPPY MONDAY GUYS AND DOLLS:

WELCOME TO DECEMBER AND THE CHRISTMAS SEASON IS HERE.  THIS YEAR HAS REALLY FLOWN BY AND I HOPE ALL MY SPEAKIES ARE DOING FINE.  ROE AND I AND OUR GOOD FRIENDS TOM AND HELEN TOOK A CRUISE TO COZUMEL, MEXICO AND KEY WEST ALONG WITH 2 RELAXING DAYS AT SEA.  WE DID OUR FAVORITE CRUISE LINE ROYAL CARIBBEAN AND THE JEWEL OF SEAS WAS GREAT.  SERVICE, FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT WAS TOP NOTCH BUT WE DID NOTICE SOME EXTRA CHARGES THAT WERE FREE AT ONE TIME.

SINCE RETURNING WE HAVE BEEN BUSY SETTING UP OUR CHRISTMAS TREES AND HOUSE DECORATIONS.  I TAKE CARE OF THE OUTSIDE STUFF AND IT SEEMS EVERY DAY I'M ADDING SOME MORE LIGHTS.  NO I'M NOT MAKING MY HOUSE LOOK LIKE THE GRISWOLDS!

NOW I HAVE TO GO AND FIGURE OUT HOW TO GET MY MUSIC BACK.  SEEMS LIKE MIXPOD IS NO LONGER AND MAYBE JOEY Z WILL HAVE NO MORE MUSIC.  RIGHT BEFORE I LEFT I HAD MY CHRISTMAS MUSIC ALL LINED UP BUT NOW WHO KNOWS WHAT MUSIC I WILL FIND IF ANY.  HAVE A GREAT MONDAY AND I'LL BE WRITING AGAIN.