3 CHEERS FOR MR. POTATO HEAD

Good Monday Morning Guys and Dolls:


It’s Monday and the last day of April 2012 and we say goodbye to the April showers and hello to the May flowers. What a way with flowing words I should have been a poet. Humor me it’s Monday and we all can go for a little humor today. We celebrate the holiday of a favorite toy of many that seems to been around for ages, no not the yoyo but the one and only “MR. POTATO HEAD.” Mr. Potato head we all had one, I know I received one from Santa when I was little except we had to use a real potato for the body. The kids today have the entire plastic package to work with that includes the body. My grandson loves the Toy Story movies and has a Mr. Potato head that he plays with all the time, the simple toys makes a child’s life fun.

Today is also “RAISIN DAY”; you know those little dried up fruits in those small boxes that make a great pick- me-up snack. I was always a fan of the golden raisins but still won’t pass on the box of regular raisins. Raisins are a great snack for the little ones so pick up a pack and let them enjoy.

Here’s a good day “HAIRSTYLE APPRECIATION DAY” I appreciate this holiday because I still have my hair and hope to for a long time. My grandfather and my dad each had a full head of hair when they passed away and I hope the tradition passes on.

For you cookie lovers today is also “OATMEAL COOKIE DAY” not one of my favorites but if you like oatmeal have at them today. So for now I’ll say goodbye for today and so long to April. Have a great day Speakies.

WEEKEND WISHES

Happy Friday Speakies:

Well the last weekend in April is here and I have to start planning my May topics to write about. First things first let’s see what days we honor this weekend and as usual I’ll try to voice my non-sarcastic opinions on them.

WOODY WOODPECKER DAY – That bird was an annoying cartoon character to me with all that ah, ah stuff. I have to say one thing it was a colorful cartoon show. Speaking of woodpeckers I never saw one till we moved to Florida. There are some tall Queen Palms on the side of our house and this woodpecker comes by frequently tapping into the tree. It’s pretty neat to watch him go to town. Enough for birds.

TELL A STORY DAY – There’s a task for you Speakies with little ones today or tonight. A nice day time story from their favorite book or read them a bed time one before they go to sleep.

HAIRBALL APPRECIATION DAY – Go ask your cat to hack one up and the both of you can look and appreciate it. Maybe put it on a stand, light some incense and chant.

THE ZIPPER WAS PATENTED TODAY – One flick of the wrist upwards and your safe to go. I would hate using buttons to open and close my pants every day. Buttons are a pain on shirts as they are now.

SHRIMP SCAMPI DAY – I’ve eaten shrimp scampi in many restaurants but the best was the dish prepared at the La Gondola in Trenton, NJ. The shrimps were butterfly over toast points and covered in a light garlic and wine sauce the flavor and tenderness of the shrimp were out of this world. No wonder La Gondola was our favorite restaurant in the Burg.

Well as I dream of days of old and shrimp scampi I wish you all a great weekend.

HAPPY ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY

Good Morning Speakies:


Do you know what today is? It is “ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS DAY” originally known as National Secretary’s Day. Now I am an Administrative Professional and that entitles me to take the day off from writing or working hard and soak up the benefits of this marvelous holiday. So until tomorrow I’m out of here.

HONOR THY PLATES AND PHONES

HAPPY HUMP DAY GUYS AND DOLLS:

Well half of the week is over and I smell a good holiday for me tomorrow and others out there like me but that’s tomorrow’s news. Today we do honor to the license plate, even license plates have a holiday to celebrate. I remember in my younger days my grandmother’s house was not very far from the state prison whose inmate’s job was to make license plates. I don’t know if they still do it there or not but the prison is still standing and filled to capacity. Talking about license plates the good old Sunshine State of Florida has a total of 104 different plates, that’s a variety and some you can’t even read with all the pictures on them. We have the following:

18 – ENVIRONMENTAL (CONSISTING OF ALL THOSE SAVE THIS, SAVE THAT STUFF), I WANT TO ADD 1 MORE TO THE LIST “SAVE THE FIRE ANT”

40 – MISCELLANEOUS

9 – PROFESSIONAL SPORTS

36 – UNIVERSITIES

Joey Z feels states should only have one plate design and if you want vanity wording pay the price for it. The reason because if you get hit you’ll know what state zapped you. I can picture this to be true, “it was a blue car officer with one of those pro sports plates, was it the Rays, Dolphins, Jaguars, the Heat, I swear officer they all look alike.”

Today is also “NATIONAL TELEPHONE DAY.” You have to admit phones have come a long way. My mom and dad did not have a phone when I was real little. My grandmother’s phone was that heavy black dial type, not the plastic kind I’m talking heavy metal kind. Remember the party lines, I do and I was a bad little kid always picking up the handle and trying to listen to what they said or just picking up the handle every few minutes. I bet people thrilled to get rid of those party lines. Phones have come a long way and probably still will. Have a great fun day Guys and Dolls.

TALKING POLISH AGAIN, NIX THE PUPPETS

Happy Tuesday Guys and Dolls:

Let me start off today on a sarcastic note just because it’s “PUPPET DAY.” I hated puppets as a kid and I still do. I’d like to have a long pair of scissors and snip those strings as they are bouncing around in front of that curtain yelling with those high pitched voices. There I said it I hate puppets now give me a good ventriloquist act and I’m ready to go.

Now here is a holiday I can really relate to “PIGS IN A BLANKET DAY” or golabki as us Polish people like to call them. In the US the term “pigs in a blanket” refers to hot dogs or those Vienna sausages wrapped in biscuit dough or other dough and baked. There are a number of variations on pigs in a blanket from around the world but to me the one and only is the Polish golabki. My two grandmothers made complete opposite kinds of golabki, both I imagine used the same meat a combination of beef and pork. Granny O’s cabbage was a softer texture and covered with tomato sauce as a topping. Granny Z’s cabbage was firmer and no sauce on top more of a drier golabki but as good. Now my mother of course followed Granny O’s recipe and I have to admit made a good pig in the blanket. Our son Jeff tried making them a couple years ago as he dabbles in cooking and to our surprise created a great golabki dish. I’ve been told the secret is in the type of cabbage to use by my sweet Polish friend I work with. Roe and I located a Polish restaurant here in Florida and had lunch one day but were disappointed in the food very bland and lacked the right zip as I call it. Our search will continue as it is still going for the closest thing to a Trenton Tomato Pie.

I’m getting hungry now and it’s not even close to lunch think I’ll snack on some pretzels till then. Have a great day Guys and Dolls and as always be careful out there.

IT AIN'T OVER TILL THE FAT LADY SINGS

Good Monday Morning Speakies:


We are now entering which officially can be called the last week of April. I say that because there is only one day left after this week and that is Monday, April 30. We have some weekly holidays to mention today one of which is “MATTRESS TURNOVER WEEK.” It’s that job that makes us Guys shudder when we hear that sweet voice calling from the bedroom, “Oh Dear can you help me turn the mattress over?” Now here is a fun holiday for us Guys, “LINGERIE WEEK” and I’m sure for you Dolls too. We love the look and you love the surprise and the feel, it doesn’t get better than that. Now for some of today’s holidays:

SING OUT DAY – If you have a favorite song belt it out all day long and if you are like me that song stays in your head all day and night long and for the rest of the week.

PICNIC DAY – There’s an idea Guys if you and your Doll are off today, plan a nice picnic in the park. Bring the blanket, the basket, some cheese, some crackers, a little fruit and a bottle of wine. I remember as a teen the Beatty Street boys use to go to Washington Crossings Park for picnics in the summer; we had a loads of fun with the good eats and the ladies in our lives then.

Finally that great independence celebration called the Conch Republic. What is the Conch Republic you ask? It is a tongue-in-cheek secession of the city of Key West, Florida from the United States on April 23, 1982. The original protest was motivated by a US Border Patrol roadblock that inconvenienced the residents and tourism interest in the community. It is now a week-long celebration involving numerous businesses for a key tourism booster for Key West. If you are visiting Florida this week head down to Key West this week and celebrate.

Have a great day and evening and as usual be careful out there.

WEEKEND WISHES

WEEKEND WISHES GUYS AND DOLLS:


We have some holidays to celebrate but first more Dumb Laws today’s winner is Arizona let’s see what we can go to jail for.

Hunting camels is prohibited.

Any crime committed while wearing a red mask is considered a felony.

Possible 25 years in jail for cutting down a cactus.

Donkeys are forbidden to sleep in bathtubs.

You cannot refuse a person a glass of water.

No more than two dildos in a house. Wonder who made that law up? I can’t stands no more.

Now for the holidays for today and the weekend, get ready to raise our mugs to:

FOOD DAY – I’m all for that holiday each day of the week.

CUCKOO DAY – This is a two way holiday we honor those grand old German made clocks and the crazies that are running around loose on this planet.

TUNA RIGHTS DAY – Taking care of those big fish that are constantly being sought for Japanese sushi. I’ve got an idea eat some fake stuff for a while and let the tuna be or I’ll report you to the “BIG TUNA HIMSELF.” You football fans know who I mean.

RED BARON DAY – That great World War I ace Baron Manfred von Richthofen or the frozen pizza. Put your money on the ACE.

Sunday is “EARTH DAY” do what you can to start preserving our great planet from destruction one of these days.

Well I’m finished for today, but have a great weekend Speakies and be careful out there.

UP, UP AND AWAY

HI SPEAKIES: 

A FRIEND OF MINE SENT ME THIS PICTURE OF THE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY HEADING TO WASHINGTON, D.C. FROM KSC IN FLORIDA.  HIS FRIEND AT THE SPACE CENTER TOOK THE PICTURE.  SIT BACK AND ENJOY THE FLIGHT.

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR GARLIC TODAY

Welcome to Thursday Speakies:


If you are not a vampire you’ll love today because we celebrate “GARLIC DAY.” What is garlic? Officially it is Allium sativum a species in the onion genus. Its buddies include the onion, shallot, leek, chive and rakkyo. It is over 6,000 years old and is native of central Asia and has been used as a staple in the Mediterranean region. The Egyptians used it both for culinary and medicinal purposes. There you have it a little background on Mr. Garlic. Warning if you eat too much of it the smell will arise out of your body but the flavor is great in cooking. I always found a tomato pie from Papa’s with just garlic as a taste sensation.

To wash down that garlic taste how about a little Amaretto, that’s right we honor that great Italian liqueur today. It is a sweet almond-flavored liqueur made from apricots or almond pits. The creation of Amaretto involves an artist Bernardo Luini one of da Vinci’s students who was commissioned to paint a church sanctuary with frescoes in Saronno. The church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and he needed a model and picked a young widowed innkeeper who became his model and more. Out of affection she made him a gift of steeped apricot kernels in brandy thus Amaretto was born. To me it’s a great liqueur just on the rocks for sipping. I especially like it over the Christmas holidays to warm the body and soul.

Did you know it is also “ADULT FILM WEEK?” Joey Z is not going deep on this one, if you are a fan of adult films enjoy your week. I guess you can also say its rated films for adults only and not the XXX films. I’ll leave it to you imagination Guys and Dolls and wish you a great day.

GET YOUR SEAFOOD HERE, SEAFOOD HERE

Happy Hump Day Guys and Dolls:

“FUKI, YAKI, SAKI, WANT SOME SEAFOOD?” That’s right Speakies it is officially Week of the Oceans and to Joey Z that means seafood for eating. I must confess as I have mentioned in several posts my favorite food is from bountiful pleasures of the sea, how about those words? No kidding I’m a big seafood fan I think it all started when I was a wee Joey Z whose mother served him Mrs. Paul’s fish sticks and fries. Then came Granny O. who made those delicious salmon cakes served with her enormous French fries. Of course there was that wonderful flounder, fries and slaw that came every Friday when my mother ordered it for dinner from Top Road Tavern. I can still see wee Joey Z crossing Brunswick Ave. to pick-up our order at 5:00 p.m. The memories of catching Fluke out of the Atlantic Highlands and Roe preparing her beer battered fish for the family to enjoy. Seafood, seafood I could go on for hours but I would start to get real hungry and right now I don’t have access to seafood unless I skip out to Mickey D’s for a fast fish sandwich. Shall I name the rest of my favorite seafood delights, yes and they are as follows:

Shrimp – Anyway you cook them.

Scallops – Broiled in butter or fried.

Flounder – Fried, broiled, stuffed with crab and old time Joey Z favorite.

Lobster – My rich man’s delight when we are cruising.

Clams Casino – Crecco’s in Trenton, NJ had the best.

Mussels Marinara - LaGondola served the very best.

Sardines - Always great as a quick snack.

Oysters on the Half Shell – Never had one but it’s on my list if I don’t look at them first. Bucket List item to eat.

Enough seafood already there are more holidays to speak about like Animal Cracker Day but to me they are only cookies of my childhood past but in honor I promise to eat some one day. Have a great day Speakies and think Seafood.

GIVE ME A BLAH, GIVE ME A CHEESE BALL

Happy Tuesday Speakies:

Hoping you all had a pleasant Monday evening and the sun is blasting in your face as you start a brand new day. Most of the kiddy Spring breakers are on their way home here in Central Florida and maybe the roadways will be less crowded and all we have to face is our own local idiot drivers. You know who they are the Speeders, Cut You Off Guys, Tailgaters, Mr. or Mrs. Pull Out in front of you and go 10mph and the rest of you who want to cause a wreck NIMYOS. Let’s see the holidays for today.

CHEESE BALL DAY – The most cheese balls you’ll ever see is around the holidays Thanksgiving and Christmas. I like cheese balls but I wish most of them would leave off the nuts. Some great crackers and a sharp cheddar cheese ball could make a meal for me, along with a glass of wine.

BLAH, BLAH DAY – I personally take this several ways, boring day or somebody who will not shut up and keeps on yakking with their useless words of wisdom, blah, blah, blah.

BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB WEEK – I belonged to the Boys Club when I stayed with my grandmother during the summer. Our Boys Club was an old school that closed down years ago. One has to remember this club was located in the city, we had no grassy fields to play sports, we did have a cement playground outside that was our baseball field. Inside there were rooms for crafts and other various activities, a library and a basketball court. It was a great place to enjoy while on summer vacation and I think the membership was only a few dollars to join.  It's a fine organization to support Guys and Dolls.

Well I’ll just quit BLAH, BLAH, BLAH, and BLAHING for now and say goodbye and wish you all a great day. Be careful out there.

BOZO OF THE DAY AWARD

NEWS FLASH FROM JOEY Z.

HEARD THIS ON THE RADIO THIS MORNING.  MY CHOICE FOR BOZO OF THE DAY OR MAYBE THE WHOLE WEEK AWARD.

Tarpon Springs Police say two people were injured by glass and debris from a shed destroyed by the explosion early Sunday. Several nearby businesses reported having broken glass, cracked windows or other structural damage.


Police evacuated the street while bomb technicians worked the scene. Capt. Barb Templeton says a bag found nearby contained "suspicious materials related to this incident" that will be processed for forensic evidence.

Meanwhile, as emergency workers treated the injured, a man stole an ambulance from the scene. Police tracked the ambulance to a nearby water treatment facility, where Templeton says the man struggled with officers and brandished a flashlight and a potato. The man faces charges of grand theft, burglary and resisting arrest

PJ'S AND EGGS

Where’s Your PJ’s Speakies:

What you are working and don’t have your pajamas on? Come on Guys and Dolls today is “WEAR YOUR PAJAMAS TO WORK DAY.” Can you really see that happening we’d be out the door in a minute however, fantasy wise it’s not a bad idea to imagine. Wake up Joey Z and start pounding those keys.

For our food holiday we honor Eggs Benedict, to me I always thought Eggs Benedict was only for the wealthy and polished off with a flute of champagne. Eggs Benedict is a dish consisting of two halves of an English muffin, with ham or bacon, poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce. There are a few claims on how the dish came to be. One was by Lemuel Benedict, a retired Wall Street stock broker who walked into the Waldorf Hotel looking for a cure for his hangover which was buttered toast, poached eggs, bacon and Hollandaise sauce. Finally in 1967 a Mabel C. Butler of Massachusetts related the story of Mrs. Le Grand Benedict who dined every Saturday at Delmonico’s in NYC. One evening she wanted something different than the usual fare suggesting eggs on an English muffin with ham, Hollandaise sauce and some truffles on top thus the Eggs Benedict came about. Who knows what story to believe but if you are a fan of Eggs Benedict order some today? I’ve eaten Eggs Benedict on several cruises Roe have taken. The first time was delicious the others were hit and miss. I guess I prefer my eggs over medium, home fries, bacon crisp or sausage and toast.

Well I guess I’d better face reality today, no eggs for me nor seeing PJ’s at work. Have a great day Speakies.

WEEKEND WISHES EARLY

Weekend Wishes on a Thursday:

What’s this weekend wishes on a Thursday, yes Speakies I’ve decided not to write this Friday but call it a 3-day weekend. Maybe it’s because tomorrow is Friday the 13th and I want to watch horror movies all day long, no I just don’t feel like writing tomorrow. We have some holidays to celebrate and as usual I may inject my personal views concerning them so here is what we celebrate today and over the weekend.

BIG WILD DAY – Stumped on this one Speakies, go out and do something big and wild today. However, don’t do something stupid I need readers like you around.

LICORICE DAY – Back in my younger day’s one had only 2 choices black or red. I prefer the black licorice and we had various shapes of licorice. I remember the regular strips of licorice, the round red coins, black pipes, the black wheel with the red ball inside, cut pieces and the strings of licorice. Later as I remember came the strawberry and green licorice strips. Have some over the weekend and bring back those childhood days.

SCRABBLE DAY – I love that game Roe and I played it every weekend for a while. I would have to say our matches came out even in wins. The set I have is marked 1948.

PECAN DAY – Not crazy for pecans I’m a cashew man myself. In fact Pecan Pie is just too chewy and sweet for an old grump like me. For you pecan lovers out there dig in this is your day.

THE DAY THE TITANIC WENT DOWN – A great tragedy at sea but someone did not heed the words received from other ships in the area about icebergs. Hollywood made more money on that sinking probably than the White Star Line made while in existence.

Here are a few more holidays and I’ll pass on my comments except for the last one. FLY A KITE DAY, RUBBER ERASER DAY, THE FIRST MICKEY D’S OPENED AND FINALLY MY FAVORITE – HUSBAND APPRECIATION DAY. Hear that one Dolls do something nice for your Guy on Sunday.

DON’T FORGET THE TAX MAN COMETH THE 15TH.

OH WHAT A DAY

Happy Hump Wednesday Speakies:

Good Morning readers, hope you all had a pleasant evening and I’m advising you right now the holidays for today are blah, blah. Here are a few in case you would like to raise your glass and give toast to: BARBERSHOP QUARTET DAY, EIGHT TRACK TAPE DAY AND THANK YOUR SCHOOL LIBRARIAN. When I went to school we never had a librarian, we never had a library. So there you go Guys and Dolls something to celebrate if you like.

I want to wish all my Guys and Dolls who are celebrating their birthdays or anniversaries today with a big Joey Z “CONGRATS” with many more to come. Let’s check out some of the famous who are celebrating their birthdays today:

1901 – Theodor Rogalski – composer and he must be Polish with that name.

1907 – Paul Douglas – actor

1913 – Oleg Cassini – primo fashion designer

1925 – Ethel Kennedy – wife of Bobby

1932 – Joel Grey – actor Cabaret

1935 – Richard Berry – song writer, wrote that famous song “Louie, Louie”

1943 – John Montagu – 11th Earl of Sandwich, make mine an Egg salad on white toast

1959 – Richie Sambora – rocker

I can’t stands no more not so great holidays and famous birthday people. I’m calling it a day and wishing all of you a wonderful day and evening.

EAT EGG SALAD AND WRITE

Top of the Tuesday Speakies:

Did you know it is “EGG SALAD WEEK” which falls on the week right after Easter Sunday? Egg salad there is something that I haven’t had in years. I told Roe a few weeks ago I was thinking of making an egg salad sandwich but I didn’t want all the fuss and mess. She told me to go to a diner and order one only problem there are not many diners down south and I would have to purchase an egg salad sandwich at one of those gas station stores. Looks like Joey Z will be creating his own version of the Egg Salad sandwich shortly.

Today is “Encourage Young Writers Day” which is a great holiday to observe. I never considered myself a writer until I wanted to write a book just for fun and have it published. Later I started the blog and really enjoy writing each day and injecting my own sense of humor. Am I a great writer, no just having fun and if you know someone at a young age who enjoys putting their words on paper encourage them, they may write the next great American novel one day.

The birth stone for April is the Diamond and the White Sapphire. For those Guys out there who’s Dolls are having birthdays or you are celebrating your years together here’s a little hint from Joey Z, start saving for that special gift.

How about a few more great Country Songs:

I GOT THE HUNGRIES FOR YOUR LOVE AND I’M WAITIN IN YOUR WELFARE LINE.

I BOUGHT THE SHOES THAT JUST WALKED OUT ON ME.

I’D RATHER PASS A KIDNEY STONE THAN ANOTHER NIGHT WITH YOU.

IF YOU LEAVE ME CAN I COME TOO?

I’M HERE TO GET MY BABY OUT OF JAIL.

I can only take so much, have a great day Speakies.

BE KIND

Happy Monday Guys and Dolls:


Hoping you all had a great and blessed Easter with your family. Now you didn’t eat all that candy in the little one’s baskets did you and if you did may your stomach feel the pain today. Joey Z had a nice Easter too. In this second week of April we celebrate the following weekly holidays:

READING IS FUN – I love to write; hate to read unless the book has plenty of pictures. Do encourage the little ones to read, I know our granddaughter loves to read and calls Roe up and tells her all about the stories she has read.

NATIONAL GARDEN WEEK – Well I’ve been doing a little work in my flower garden, trying to rearrange the pots, planting a few new flowers and even started a radish planter. That’s my little world of relaxation and if it’s yours have fun this week.

BE KIND TO ANIMALS WEEK – We see the cruelty to dogs and cats on TV down here every week on the news. I would love to put those owners in cages and hang them high in a tree and let them rot. I just remember our dog Luee and how he filled our house fun and friendship. No matter what animal or pet you have be kind to them for one day when you meet the “Man Above” they might put a good word in for you.

As far as food goes today it is “POWDERED MILK DAY.” All I can say to that is forget it; if my milk doesn’t come from cows I don’t want it. I had enough powdered crap in the service. Well Speakies have a great day and enjoy the evening as well.

HAPPY EASTER GUYS AND DOLLS

HAPPY EASTER SPEAKIES:

Joey Z stopping by to wish all my Guys and Dolls and very Happy and Blessed Easter to you and your family. Easter the day to reflect upon the Good Lord, enjoy the children with their Easter egg hunts and candy filled baskets and all the good food and family around.

I recall some memories of my Easter Sundays and some of the Polish traditions my family kept. Holy Thursday you attended the evening Mass in remembrance of the Last Supper. On Good Friday when I served as an altar boy we had to maintain a one hour vigil in front of the altar and in the evening the Good Friday services and the kissing of the cross. On the Saturday before Easter there was the blessing of the food baskets every hour from morning till late afternoon. Come early Easter Sunday there was the Mass of the Resurrection at 6:00 a.m. Religion play a big part in Polish tradition of Easter and I’m proud I was a part of it.

Now for the food, Polish folk went crazy at Easter as I’m sure the Italians, Hungarians and other ethnic groups do. We had ham, hard boiled eggs, kielbasa, potato salad, cole slaw, pickles, beets, perogies, kruscIki and bobka’s. I remember my grandmother made a cheese similar in texture to a cottage cheese but firmer and in a round shape covered by cheese cloth. She also ordered from the local Polish store butter in the shape of a baby lamb. Some good memories except I better stop, I’m getting hungry.

HAPPY EASTER ONCE AGAIN AND HAVE A WONDER DAY.

WEEKEND WISHES

Happy Friday and Weekend Wishes to All:

Joey Z stopping by on the best day of the work week, yes Friday of course. We have holidays to talk and celebrate this weekend so let me get started.

FUN DAY AT WORK – This holiday seems to pop-up many times during the year. I declare we make it an official holiday every Friday of the work week and propose casual dress, long lunches and early dismissal. I vote yes all the way.

FRESH TOMATO DAY – I hope the tomatoes I eat are fresh would hate to bite into a rotten one. I love tomatoes; in fact a few years ago I tried to grow some but no luck on the big boys and success on the cherry tomatoes. Still miss those Jersey Beefsteak tomatoes. If you love tomatoes do what I did as a young kid, take a tomato by hand, pour a little salt and eat it like an apple.

TV DINNERS MADE THEIR DEBUT – I remember the old ones had aluminum over the food and it seemed there were 4 to 5 compartments for the entire dinner inside. TV dinners are great for work use or something in a snap, but watch the sodium on the label, I know I have to. Here’s an idea for you Speakies, grab a bunch of Hungry Man Dinners tonight, buy some old TV trays have dinner and watch the TV Land Channel as a family. Corny but it may be fun.

JUMP OVER THINGS DAY – Joey Z can’t do too much jumping any more but if I see hurdles coming at me I’ll give it a try. You the little ones out there teach them how to jump rope today.

NO HOUSE WORK DAY – This one falls on Saturday so Guys and Dolls take a break and relax. I would like to but it’s the only day I have off to get stuff done.

Last of all its “DRAW A BIRD DAY.” Get those bird books out, some paper and pencils and prove to yourself that you are a true artist. Give those kiddies some paper and crayons and just enjoy their imagination come to life.

That’s all for today Guys and Dolls, have a wonderful weekend and be careful out there.

YOU ARE STILL A WEED TO ME

Welcome to Thursday Speakies:

Hope you all had a pleasant evening and wishing you all a great Thursday. Pretty boring holidays today first of all we have “Bell Bottoms Day.” I’m sure most of us remember them; I purchased a few pairs of jeans when I got out of the service in 1970. I let my hair grow longer, had those wedged sideburns and grew a moustache. Hear my warning Speakies they will make a comeback in the future.

The next holiday is “DANDELION DAY” it’s always been just a weed to me but I know it is a favorite kind of salad for many. For you who want to try a dandelion salad it is recommended to pick the greens before the flower bloom; otherwise they acquire a bitter taste. Secondly do not eat the dandelion greens from a yard that has been sprayed with chemicals. Tell the little ones that play outside that some flowers are safe to eat and others are not. You could probably find some good dandelion salad recipes on the web if you are interested. To Joey Z the Dandelion will always be a weed.

Here is a better holiday to celebrate “NATIONAL BLT MONTH.” BLT that great bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich. I haven’t had a BLT in years and use to love the double decker ones served with French fries or potato chips. I remember mostly eating them in diners or in my younger years at the lunch counters of Woolworth’s Five and Dime. Well tomorrow is Friday but I leave you with good wishes for a great evening. Stay healthy and careful out there.

HONOR THE FROG

Happy Hump Day Guys and Dolls:


Let’s take a look at some of the monthly holidays for April.

GRILLED CHEESE MONTH – The grilled cheese sandwich is a favorite of millions. I like mine on Chicago Italian sliced bread with White American Cheese and slices of tomato inside. Grilled cheese and bacon is another favorite and when Roe and I were in Aruba, we had grilled cheese made with Gouda cheese that was delicious. I know the little ones are probably the biggest lovers of grilled cheese sandwiches, so Moms they ask make them one.

FRESH FLORIDA TOMATO MONTH – I going to receive some home grown Florida tomatoes from a friend shortly and I’ll let you know how they are. All the tomatoes in the local grocery stores are all imports, how I could go for a nice big Jersey tomato for a sandwich or a salad. I tried growing tomatoes one year down here, the bugs got to the larger tomatoes and I did have some luck with the cherry tomatoes. Now with spring and summer approaching enjoy those tomatoes to the fullest.

FROG MONTH – Yeah baby I’ve got frogs around my house, those lovely tree frogs that croak constantly on summer nights even more so after it rains. These frogs are like suction cups they stick on the side of your house and windows. If you ever played Frogger that’s what they remind me of.

For us food lovers today is “Cordon Bleu Day.” There is a famous cooking school called the Cordon Bleu but I imagine it’s to honor that dish known as “Chicken Cordon Bleu.” Chicken stuffed with ham, I’ve eaten it a few times but lately I’ve completely lost my taste for chicken in general, except for those whole roasted one that for us make 2 meals and soup to boot.

So much for today, have a great day and evening and be careful out there.

RAINBOWS AND NAPS

Happy Tuesday Speakies:


Hoping you had a pleasant Monday evening so let’s start off with the holidays for today:

FIND A RAINBOW DAY – Down here in Florida it’s very easy to spot rainbows after the spring and summer thundershowers. During the rainy season as we call it here one will likely see double rainbows. So if you are visiting the Sunshine State in the spring or summer keep an eye out for rainbows.

TWEED DAY – When I lived up in NJ I liked buying tweed sport coats to wear. They were always fashionable and went with every type of accessory. SO GO TRENDY TWEEDY TODAY.

WORKPLACE NAP DAY – When you are off from work or on a lazy Sunday and try to take a nap something always disturbs the efforts to fade into la-la-land. At work you could be working on the computer or trying to read a report and your eyes start to close, head goes bobbing up and down and you could zonk off in a second. That happens a lot to me but I arise only to complete my tasks for the day.

WORLD PARTY DAY – Let’s be honest the world is not really in a party mood right now and probably will never be again. Just watch the news and all you see is violence, war, corruption, hatred, racism and if a happy story comes along they are far and few between so treasure them when you see them.

Finally what would be my post if not for a food holiday? How about “CHOCOLATE MOOSE DAY?” Light, airy and so so good to eat as a dessert. My mother use to make a moose like dessert for my dad called Whip and Chill, which vanished off the planet; I also enjoyed it and if any of my Guys or Dolls spots it a grocery store send me a note on the blog. Have a great day and please be careful out there.

YO-YO'S AND FACTS

Good Monday Morning Speakies:

Welcome to the first Monday in April. I hope you were not the victims of too many April Fool’s jokes yesterday and I hope you played a few too on your buddies. In this first week of April we celebrate “Scoop the Poop” you know what that means no dog doo on your neighbor’s lawn. Here are a few more holidays we celebrate today:

FUN AT WORK DAY – If you work at a fun place double the fun today. At a not so fun place get the ball rolling and wind up your co-workers for a day of fun. You know the old saying “All work and no play makes Johnny a dull boy.”

YO-YO DAY – As many yo-yo’s I had as a kid I could never master the true art of doing much with them. The most up and downs I would make would be about five and forget the stuff like Walking the Dog, the old bounce on the ground and the thing comes back and all the rest of the fancy moves.

Now for something new Joey Z’s Facts That Are True. Just think you can impress your friends when certain subjects come up for discussion so here are some facts.

James Doohan (Scotty of Star Trek) did not have a right middle finger. He lost it during WWII.

In 2005, Advertising Age stated that Ronald McDonald as the number two top 10 advertising icons of the twentieth century. The Marlboro Man was number uno.

In the 1985 movie Day of the Dead, zombies are actually feasting on turkey legs that were barbecued to look like human flesh.

Each Christmas time there are approximately 20,000 “rent-a-Santa” across the US. They are all trained in maintaining a jolly attitude under pressure from the hum-bugs out in public, not to accept money from parents while the kids are looking and avoid eating garlic, onions or beans. All the magical toot-toot food.

The “Duke” John Wayne starred in 14 WWII movies; however due to a football injury, he never served in the war.

For you Foodie Speakies today is Peanut and Jelly Day, so if you and your family members love peanut butter and jelly make a big sandwich today. Have a great day all.

TAKING TIME OFF

HELLO SPEAKIES:


I’VE DECIDED TO TAKE A FEW MONTHS OFF FROM WRITING. I HAVE SOME NEW PROJECT S I WOULD LIKE TURN MY ATTENTION TO. I MAY BE BACK FROM TIME TO TIME TO SAY HELLO SO CHECK BACK. THANKS FOR READING THE BLOG.











APRIL FOOLS - I'M NOT GOING ANYWHERE AND HAVE NO PROJECTS.  JOEY Z JUST WANTS TO HAVE FUN.