St. Augustine, Florida

St. Augustine, Florida
May 24, 2013

Luee

Luee
We adopted Luee from the Humane Society in 1996. He was 2 years old, but still a pup. He has slowed down a bit; his age is catching up to him. He is the best dog anyone could ever have. Luee had to be put to sleep on April 15, 2009. Rest in Peace Pup.

Christmas Eve 2012

Christmas Eve 2012

NINA HULA 7/28/2012

NINA HULA 7/28/2012

Jeff, Sam, Nina and Ian

Jeff, Sam, Nina and Ian
Ian's Graduation from Kindergarten

Luck Be A Lady

Luck Be A Lady

Little GQ 12/12

Little GQ 12/12

Christmas 2012

Christmas 2012

Joey and Elizabeth

Joey and Elizabeth

Nina June 2013

Nina June 2013

Thursday, January 31, 2013

THE END OF JANUARY HAS ARRIVED

Well Guys and Dolls, January will come to an end at midnight today.  I would first like to say Hi Dad, up there, he died this date in 2001, rest in peace Pop from all of us.  On a brighter side let us check out some holidays.

EAT BRUSSELS SPROUTS DAY - I call them little cabbages, and even hated to look at them as a wee pup.  Then Joey Z tried them and they were good.  Now mind you not every day, not every week maybe twice a year.  The farts come later in the day.

HELL FREEZES OVER DAY - It probably will with all the Global Warming, but I believe the old Devil will keep it hot for the trash of the world.  So my advice is to be good and be welcomed by St. Peter at those pearly gates.

JACKIE ROBINSON'S BIRTHDAY - The first black man to enter the Major Leagues.  Hated by many and loved by few until he proved to the world he was a baseball player with honesty, character and the enthusiasm to make the game for every race and color.  If you have a chance to see the Jackie Robinson Story on TV or rent it, please do.  TMC is probably the best chance to see it on.  Once is awhile, ESPN may show it.

BRANDY ALEXANDER DAY - Brandy Alexander is a sweet, brandy-based cocktail consisting of cognac and creme de cacao that became popular during the early 20th century.   It is a variation of an earlier, gin-based cocktail called simply an Alexander.  No other food to mention today.

Well Speakies I have to call it the end for today as Old Joey Z has a doctor appointment out of town.  Have a great day and evening and my weekend wishes will be posted tomorrow.

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

HAPPY JANUARY 30 SPEAKIES

Good Morning my fellow Speakies and hoping you are have a good day so far.  Nice weather here in Florida and hoping that most of you are enjoying a more pleasant day.  If you live in those top Northern states, hope the skiing is great.  January has really flown by and soon February will be knocking on our door.  Let's see what is happening for this date.

The flower for January is the Carnation and yes I did get Roe a vase of carnations to celebrate the month.  Garnet is the gemstone for January meaning constancy.  It is for both my Guys and Dolls, a regular person, a brick, a cornerstone that will not waiver so January Speakies be proud of this stone and your character traits.

INSANE ANSWERING MACHINE MESSAGES - First of all I love insane machine messages, I do not like all those who say, press 1 to 10 for any help.  Then you get some more numbers to choose from.  You want jobs in America, hire personnel that will answer when the phone rings instead of pushing numbers or being connected to a foreign nation.  Big corporations saving money to pay their top executives and shareholders.  Now to the lighter side of this.  Roe and I had several funny messages.  One is when we argued who has the phone and after we said we are not at home, came those words leave a message.

A few birthdays today so let's pay homage to:

1838 - Chief Osceola, head of the Seminole Tribe in Florida, dies in prison.  The U.S. should be ashamed  of what they did to the tribe nations of this country and its great leaders.

1894 - Boris III, Tsar of Bulgaria, sounds like a name to put fear in every one's heart living there at that time.

1931 - Actor Gene Hackman, loved him in all his movies, the Poseidon Adventure, Bird Cage, Hoosiers, Unforgiven and No Way Out just to name a few.  Happy B'Day Gene.

1941 - Dick Cheney, the butt head who shot a fellow gun shooter and also at his age received a heart transplant.  Regular people at his age would be denied the procedure.  It's fun to be a Repuke Dick.

Have a great day Guys and Dolls and remember to be kind to each other.


Tuesday, January 29, 2013

I HAVE TO QUIT WATCHING NATIONAL NEWS

HELLO SPEAKIES:

Once again while watching the national news one of their segments got my gander going.  I saw a story last night regarding the Boy Scouts of America.  A young man who was Gay for many years was denied his Eagle Badge when he admitted he was Gay.  Not once did this young man make any attempts on his fellow scouts through out those years of scouting.  His only goal was to receive the Eagle Badge and all of the honors he was awarded.  What happens, he was denied all honors.

Then on the same story came a preacher's comments from one of those conservative religion groups yelling about this young man should be denied any badges or honors.  Hey reverend ( Notice I do not capitalize his title, not worthy of it in my eyes).  How many times on the news have we heard about sexual abuse to young boys and girls by the clergy and other organizations.  This includes all religions, Catholic included and all those youth groups including scout leaders and summer camp counselors.

I believe in God and say my prayers, but being Catholic organized religion is only out for the $ signs too with all the rest.  Get rid of organized religion for a few decades and you won't have this abuse problem or bias attitudes to people trying to do their best and living the lives they want in peace without the interference of religious racism.

AMEN.

HAPPY TUESDAY GUYS AND DOLLS

Hello and I'm hoping you all had a great weekend and a non stressful Monday.  I want to thank the Zip for his comments yesterday and hope you enjoyed them.  Let's get started on some holidays for today.

January is "NATIONAL MEAT MONTH."  Where's the Beef?  I'm sure all the cattle ranchers and butchers are not truly being honored this day, but from a meat lover to you guys have a great holiday.  I like meat for dinner but I don't eat it everyday and certain cuts of meat are not my favorite.  Take BBQ, I only like ribs, no pulled pork or that other stuff.  I like fish most of all but this month is to pay honor and I have.

KISS A SHARK DAY - Now here is a holiday that really makes sense, which part of your face would you like to miss?  Lips, nose, eyes, cheeks or your whole head.  Maybe it also means kiss a Loan Shark before you have no life to live.  Better pay up and never do it again, the interest is too high.

SEEING EYE DOG DAY - Simply amazing how those dogs can protect the blind of the world.   Truly a man or woman's best friend and I am proud to mention this holiday today.

CARNATION DAY - Roe's favorite flower, if I find them I try pick up a bunch for her to enjoy.  So Guys if your Doll loves carnations or whatever kind of flowers, pick up a bouquet today for her and see the joy and the smile on her face.

Now for the food holiday today, it is "CORN CHIP DAY."  My favorite chips are the ones at Azteca De Oro.  Nice hot chips served with great salsa for dipping.  I always ask for another basket and salsa to bring home and enjoy later as a night snack.  There are so many corn chips out there so enjoy but the one I always will love are Frito's, the smell, the flavor and after taste one can not resist them at all.  Carnations and Frito's not a bad idea to purchase today.

Have a great day and be careful out there.

Monday, January 28, 2013

ZIP'S QUIPS HAS HAD ENOUGH

GOOD MORNING FELLOW ZIPSTERS:





It is about time to attack those stupid commercials and new reality shows once more.  Every time I turn on the tube there are new reality shows or programs I hate to hear are coming to ruin the tube once more.  Commercials will be judged after I sock it to the reality shows.  Here is a list of my favorites with comments of course:

HONEY BOO BOO - How would you like to live next door to a family like that?  They are profiting tons of money off the network and sponsors for this type of crap on TV.  Put the Honey on a diet.

DUCK DYNASTY - A bunch of quackers to me and making more money than most of us.

SWAMP PEOPLE - Never watched it, could not care but they must be some interesting folk to other swampers.

RED NECK ISLAND - The plane, the plane Bubba, here comes the plane.

BUCKWILD - A new one starting in January, sounds like College Girls Go Wild.

HOUSEWIVES - How many cities are they going to invade with their vain attitudes on life.

MOONSHINERS - Feds will get you one day just like Al Capone.

SNAKE AND ALLIGATOR PEOPLE - All Zip has to say is don't get bit, just get off the TV.
There's a few for you Zipsters out there to ponder on feel free to add yours.  Now comes my hated commercials.

COMMERCIALS THAT I REALLY LOVE TO SEE GO:

That soup commercial with the cans on a string and people calling into the maker.  I really love the ones with the can curlers or the one with just eat the soup to get a healthy heart, read the sodium level.

The pig on plane with his little toy has to go and also that comment, "I'll believe it when pigs fly."
The pig is already on the plane and ready to fly.  Stupid.

The gecko has to come up with better commercials or he's out of here like a home run.

The commercial with the vain blonde who has her friends over and they think she had some body work done.  My gosh only to find she did some remodeling to her house.  She becomes so thrilled and they all start drinking some plain old OJ making her feel like a million.

I'm waiting for baseball season to begin so I can see that cable network get that goofball fan to add a baseball field to his house just to watch all the games.  He did it for football and basketball nothing wrong with baseball.

The commercial that the food slaps people back in the mouth.  If that ever happened to me I'm going to an exorcist pronto.  Well there are some of mine, please send comments if you wish they are always welcomed, unless I hate them.  Have a great day.






Friday, January 25, 2013

HERE WE GO AGAIN, I'M GETTING TICKED

Hello Guys and Dolls:

It's time once again to write my complaints and here we go.  Overnight I received 35 e-mails by anonymous writers liking my blog but wanting me to advertise their sites or products.  Some in languages I have no idea they existed nor did they make any sense.  They could have been from a different planet as far as I know.  Please readers if you want to comment on my blog please do so, but I will not post your advertisements as comments.

Don't get me started today, I've seen TV ads for the new reality shows scheduled and wonder who in their right mind would watch this crap.  I will be posting a list next week which will be written by my  partner in crime "The Zip."

Once again have a great weekend and enjoy.

WEEKEND WISHES SPEAKIES

GUYS AND DOLLS:

Good morning and it is Friday once again with the weekend near.  Did you know the following:

TODAY IS FUN AT WORK DAY - Here are some of my suggestions on how to celebrate this day if you are working.  Dress up as a clown, have an ugly tie or bow tie day, the ugliest  one wins by the votes from the rest of the office, put a whoopee cushion on the bosses chair and fill the air with laughter as it goes off.  I'm sure you can come up with some great ideas too.

January is "HOBBY MONTH."  To me hobbies are expensive, I have interests only.  Interests in writing, fishing and doing whatever I please.

Over the weekend we have "PUNCH THE CLOCK DAY", TELEVISION'S BIRTHDAY and "CHOCOLATE CAKE DAY."  First of all punch the clock it is the weekend and you don't want to hear that ring go on.  Happy Birthday TV, what more can one say.  Chocolate cake is my favorite and I'm sure the favorite of many of my readers.  So enjoy.

As usual, I like to keep it quick and short on Fridays, have a great weekend and most of all be careful out there.  Thanks as always for stopping by and reading, it is my pleasure to write to you each day.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

HAPPY THURSDAY SPEAKIES

Good Morning Guys and Dolls:

Hope you are enjoying that first cup of coffee of the morning right now.  As for me, just a bowl of Cheerios is my breakfast usually.  Roe does make eggs and at times we enjoy some pancakes.  Whatever you do have a good breakfast to start off the day.  When I was working I would have coffee at work and we usually had donuts, cakes or whatever.  Sometimes I only had a cup of coffee, but I learned to have a solid breakfast now which is better for your health.  Let's see what is going on today.

BEER CAN APPRECIATION DAY - I'm not a big beer drinker, but I use to love Schlitz or Pabst Blue Ribbon in a can.  I found them locally and now they are not in stock anymore due to all the beers being marketed.  I guess I could always go to Total Wine and find them, but I'll settle for a draft when we are out to lunch or dinner.  I love a draft instead of canned beer.  I saw a show on The Travel Channel about this guy has an entire room devoted to beer cans, you name it and there it stood.  So can beer drinkers have yours today and enjoy.  For me now with my mustache and goatee and drinking a Dos Equis at time, I have become the most interesting man in the world.

ESKIMO PIE DAY - It is a nice ice cream treat, but I'd rather have a nice dish of ice cream instead.  I do enjoy a good Nutty Buddy Ice cone once in awhile as a change.  I get into ice cream moods, not having any in months and as summer approaches, I go crazy.  Take the little ones out for some Eskimo Pies today or treat them to their favorite ice cream.  I know those up North with the cold weather and snow would rather have hot chocolate, hey maybe with a small amount of  vanilla ice cream instead on whipped cream.

PEANUT BUTTER DAY - Smooth or Crunchy, I would say my favorite is the smooth type.  I haven't had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich since I was a kid.  I have jelly on toast once in awhile or peanut butter on crackers.  My sons are big peanut butter fans, they use to be, now I don't open their pantries to find any hidden stashes.  Have some today, me I have a can of peanuts we received as part of a basket for Christmas and I'll work on those first.

I leave you with these words:
Ancient Chinese philosopher say, "Hope is sunshine which illuminate darkest path."  

Have a great day Speakies. 

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

HAPPY HUMP DAY GUYS AND DOLLS

TOP OF THE MORNING TO ALL MY SPEAKIES:

I want to thank Zip for filling for me yesterday, it's nice to have an assistant.  I just took a day off from writing.  Let's see what is happening today.

CLEAN UP YOUR COMPUTER MONTH - I always get a bunch of junk e-mails they are the first to go.  Roe saves everything in a way its good, me if I don't need it in the old delete basket it goes.  Good idea for today is clean up for own computer.

MEASURE YOUR FEET DAY - When I was little we had a shoe store on Brunswick Ave and Spruce Street.  I can't remember the name, maybe the Skipster can help me there?  They had this X-Ray machine that showed you how much room you had in your shoes for growth.  For ages now I am a 9 1/2 D.  I have to be careful because some shoes hurt the sides of my foot.  Go to a store today they don't even measure your feet anymore unless it is a high fashion shop.  Get your feet checked out today.

SPOUSES DAY - Do something nice today for your spouse, I hope to take Roe to lunch or dinner today.  Don't forget them unless you are planning to divorce them or having an affair with some other Doll.

COMPLIMENT DAY - There is not a lot to thing about this day.  Be nice and pay compliments to those around you.  "Hey you look nice, nice haircut, did you lose weight, you are looking great."  See what I mean, maybe someone will pay you back one too.

PIE DAY - What is your favorite pie?  I like apple, blueberry, pumpkin, key lime, chocolate cream and assorted others.  So whatever your pie is, pick one up today and share.

HAVE A GREAT GUYS AND DOLLS.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

THIS IS TO MY MOM AND DAD

HOW ARE THINGS UP THERE, I KNOW YOU ARE WITH THE ANGELS.  YOU LED A GOOD LIFE, TEACHING ME THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RIGHT AND WRONG.  YOU HELPED ME GROW TO FOLLOW YOUR PATH IN LIFE.  ROE AND  I PASSED THAT TEACHING ON TO OUR SONS.   I'M HAPPY YOU SAW YOUR TWO GRANDSONS GROW AND HELPED ROE AND I WHEN WE NEEDED IT.  I'M SURE YOU CAN SEE YOUR GREAT GRANDCHILDREN FROM UP ABOVE, BUT I WISH YOU BOTH HAD A CHANCE TO SEE THEM IN PERSON GIVING THEM HUGS AND KISSES.  THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL.   LET YOUR INFLUENCE WITH THE TOP MAN ABOVE KEEP A VIGIL EYE ON THEM ALONG WITH JEFF, SAM, ROSEMARY, JOEY AND ELIZABETH.  THANK YOU FOR THE LOVE YOU SHARED WITH US.

REST IN PEACE MOM AND DAD.  LOVE YOU.

P.S. MOM WE ALL MISS YOUR CHRISTMAS COOKIES, JOEY AND JEFF MISS THE TURKEY ROLL AND ROE YOUR PEA SOUP.  DAD THANKS FOR THE FISHING BUG IT HAS BEEN PASSED DOWN TO JOEY, JEFF AND ME.

BOTH MY MOM AND DAD PASSED AWAY IN JANUARY 2001.  THIS IS MY TRIBUTE TO THEM.

A LITTLE OF ZIP'S QUIPS

HELLO FELLOW ZIPSTERS:




A happy Tuesday to your all.  I'm giving Joey Z a little rest today so I thought I might lay a little senior citizen stuff on you first.

Do you know the answers to the following questions?

1. When is a retiree's bedtime?
2. Why don't retirees mind being called seniors?
3. Among retirees, what is considered formal attire?
4. What is the common term for someone who enjoys work and refuses to retire?
5. What do retirees call a long lunch?

Answers will be listed down below.

Now here is a food holiday I like.  Today is "NATIONAL BLONDE BROWNIE DAY."  I would always welcome a good looking blonde selling brownies.  I know that's not the right answer to this holiday, but I can always fantasize that in my old brain. I guess if you like blonde brownies go out and find some and enjoy.

Here are the answers for the senior quiz:

1. Three hours after he falls asleep in his or her's chair.  (Can't leave my Zip's Dolls out).
2. The term comes with a 10% discount.
3. Tied shoes.
4. NUTS.
5. Normal

I leave you today with these wishes:

"Wherever there is happiness
  Hope you'll will be there too,
  Where ever there are friendly smiles
  Hope they'll smile on you,
  Whenever there is sunshine,
  Hope it shines especially for you to make each day
  for you as bright as it can be."

Zip is signing off, have a great day.
 

Monday, January 21, 2013

GUN LAWS, GUN LAWS AND OTHER THINGS

Good Morning Guys and Doll:

When will the mass murders and homicides end, 900 since the recent school slaughter?   Here goes Joey Z., I blame those in Congress especially  hard asses in the Republican Party, gun lobbyists and the NRA.  Get your crap (I have to keep it clean maybe little Speakies read this blog) also.  Let's get rid of the assault weapons and ammo unless you are planning to retake Normandy Beach.  Assault weapons are meant for war. I'm not against citizens owning guys for protection and hunting.   Let me tell you militia people when the end of the world comes there will be no zombies and you will die in a minute.  By the why my favorite comedian George Carlin said what a name for the head of the NRA, Wayne LaPierre, he should be making French crapes instead of supporting guns.  Just heard on the local news that a local county lost 77% percent on their regular budget for school upgrades and supplies.  Now with all the talk in Florida about having police in the schools they can not afford it.  Here is another real kicker, the Orlando Magic built a new arena with the cost mostly going to the citizens of Orange County.  The news recently reported that the management of the concession stands at the arena can not pay their bills nor ever received an approved loan.  Now the local county commissioners are depending upon the citizens to foot the bill.  Don't tell me there is a recession in this country, come to Florida and see all the visitors pumping those dollars in the economy.  Amen to this stuff.

Lets get serious now today we celebrate a couple of holidays I chose:

PENGUIN APPRECIATION DAY - I like penguins I think they are cute and wobble nice.  If I see one in Florida on the loose I will say hello and appreciate his reply.

CHEESE DAY - I love cheese but now have to watch the sodium.  My favorites are the White American Cheese not the yellow as they serve down south, tastes like Cheese Wiz to me.  How about a nice Swiss, a good Sharp Cheddar, a really smelly Provolone and others I can not mention.  Reply on your favorites.  Have a great day.


Friday, January 18, 2013

HAPPY FRIDAY AND A GOOD FOOTBALL WEEKEND

Hello Guys and Dolls:

The weekend is near and only a few working hours away.  I'm going to make this nice and sweet.  The right to play in the Super Bowl is this weekend so whatever your favorite team is good luck to them.  The Eagles are not there but I did enjoy the good games last week.

Remember to get those wings, chips, pretzels and those beers ready.  If anyone is having kielbasa and horseradish I'm coming over as your guest.  Just have a great weekend and enjoy.

Thursday, January 17, 2013

HOLIDAYS AND MORE SOUP PLEASE

Happy Thursday Speakies:

Hoping you are having a good day, not working to hard unless the boss is around checking up.
We have some holidays to chat about so here are a few we honor today:

JUDGEMENT DAY - I don't think it means the Lord is coming today.  I think we all should judge ourselves on this day and not others.  Think of how we treat our fellow men and try to improve.  Maybe we all should receive a visit from Jacob Marley just like Scrooge did to shake us up and change our way for better.

CUSTOMER SERVICE DAY - What can one say, we have good service and bad service at times. Some stores and businesses provide top notch service, others do not.  It is a hit and miss deal at times.

RID THE WORLD OF FAD DIETS AND GIMMICKS - Personally I'm getting tired about hearing all those weight loss foods that will shed pounds away.  You'll notice on TV the people telling you how much weight they lost are all actors, singers and sports figures.  Let's not forget that they have people to cook these meals and trainers to shape up their bodies.  The average person does not make the salary to hire these professionals to help.  My suggestion is watch what you eat.  Count your calories and sodium intake and exercise if you can and see yourself shedding those pounds.  Now for some of those gimmicks all kinds of exercise machines to make you look like Hercules are out there on the tube. Some ex military guys who will shape you up just like boot camp.  Finally all the dance exercises to tighten up your buns.  Enough said.

HOT BUTTERED RUM DAY - I've had Rum and Cokes and some fruit flavored rum in my days but a hot buttered rum.  Maybe one day, but for you frozen ones up North that should keep you warm with a nice fire burning.

January is "Soup Month" and was checking the various countries for soup.  Of course being Polish, there was a tomato soup called Pomidorowa which is a tomato base soup made with tomato concentrate.  Another one that sounds good is Maryland Crab Soup which includes vegetables, blue crab, Old Bay Seasoning in a tomato base.  One of my favorite Polish dishes that my grandmother made was Kapusta, some recipes make it a soup, but she made boiled cabbage with bacon and some other meat which I cannot remember.  Granny also served mash potatoes and topped with the Kapusta.

Have a great day and see you soon.


Wednesday, January 16, 2013

HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY

Good Morning Guys and Dolls:

I keep forgetting to do this and that is wish all you January Speakies a "HAPPY BIRTH DAY AND ANNIVERSARIES NO MATTER WHAT THEY THEY ARE."  I was looking up some dumb stuff for January and here is a little list of what I discovered.

  • Gene Simmons, of the shock-rock group Kiss, earned a B.A. in education and speaks four languages.  Never knew that for a fact.
  • The New York Board of Education barred the whipping of children in its schools on March 4, 1908.  Some states are still in debate over that today.



  • During the Stalin era, education in Russia was stressed. As a result, a majority of Russian women and men are very intelligent and hold degrees. In fact, Russia’s literacy rate is about 98 percent.  I think its too much Vodka.

    As far as holidays go today, it is "DO NOTHING DAY."  I can live with that idea and I'm sure those working have the same idea.  That means, no work, no homework for my little ones, no housework for my Dolls and no manual labor for my Guys.  Sit on your asses and rest easy.
    Now for us foodies out there it is "FIG NEWTON DAY."  I like them but haven't eaten one in a few years.  We also observe "HOT AND SPICY FOOD." There are so many hot and spicy foods where to you begin?  Here is my list, add a comment and tell me yours.
    Horse radish - that will open you sinus in a few seconds.  I love that stuff on a good piece of ham or roast beef.
    Dried Red Peppers on pizza.  That will make your nose open fast.
    The lowest form of hot peppers, Jalapeno's are okay.  Now my sons love all those hotter peppers and sauces on food.  I want to enjoy the flavor of the dish and not cry my eyes out.

    A good spicy chili and my favorite is Roe's homemade chili.  Good ingredients and just enough spices to keep you wanting more.  I am ready for some so as the weather changes to a bit cooler temperature.

    Dipping sauce with taco chips and one of our favorites is at Azetca De' Oro located near Orlando, FL. You can not beat the food, portions and that hot sauce.  I am finished for today, have a great one and stay safe.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

A NOTE FROM ZIP'S QUIPS

HELLO ZIP FOLLOWERS:

I JUST HEAR TO TELL YOU JOEY Z HAS FEW DOCTOR APPOINTMENTS TODAY AND ASKED ME TO FILL IN.  SO TODAY WE DO CELEBRATE A FEW HOLIDAYS:

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHER DAY - You are in opinion the first to reach these little minds.  Teach them with all the knowledge and schooling you have.  Remember after being with you and graduating they move on to middle school and may mix with the wrong crowd. Not only you teachers but inform the parents that they have to observe the actions of their children and also lead them down the right path of life.  I am truly grateful to Roe for being there when my sons grew up.  I praise her and all her teaching the boys the path of right or wrong.  To my sons and their wives you followed the right path well and remember to teach your little ones the same road to follow.

FRESH SQUEEZE JUICE DAY - The only one I remember as a youngster growing up was that white hand cranked orange juice squeezer my Mom had.  Now a days you name it and it can be squeezed.

Joey Z will be back and thanks for listening to the Zip.


Monday, January 14, 2013

WELCOME TO JANUARY 14, SPEAKIES

Hi Guys and Dolls:

Another Monday is before us now, but instead of complaining aren't you glad that you are not under the grass today.  I know I am I want to walk on it today.  Let's check out some history today and throw in some other stuff as well.

BIRTHDAYS TODAY:

1850 - Jan Mieczyslaw, a Polish Tenor.  You know me I have to throw in Polaks when I can.

1875 - Albert Schweitzer - a great doctor and humanitarian.

1906 - William Bendix - a great actor in my eyes.  He stared in the TV series back in the 1950's called the Life of Riley.  He played man roles like Babe Ruth and my favorite war movie "Guadalcanal Diary."  You will notice him in many films by watching TCM.

PASSED ON TODAY:

1961 - Humphrey Bogart, one of my favorite actors.  There are a great number of movies I saw him in.  Just to name a few, the tops to me were Casablanca, High Sierra, The Maltese Falcon and To Have and Have Not.  There are too many to mention, just one great actor in general.


1977 - Peter Finch, actor from Network.  If I'm right he won an Academy Award as best actor that year.

1986 - Actress Donna Reed, she starred in the Donna Reed Show on TV and played many great roles in movies.  One of my favorites was From Here to Eternity.

STUFF TODAY:

1954 - Marilyn Monroe marries Joe DiMaggio, the great Yankee baseball player.  When Roe and I lived in Trenton there was a corner bar and restaurant called Rossi's.  When in town, Joe always stopped in for a burger.  His pictures cover the wall, he was friends with Gill Rossi who played with the Washington Senators in the 50's.  The burgers are great, not like those chain style burgers down here.

1956 - Little Richard released "Tuttie Fruitti."  As old as he is he can still belt out the music.

Hey food lovers today is "Hot Pastrami Day."  They look so good, but to be honest with you, I have never eaten one.  One day I promise.  That is it for today, enjoy and be careful out there.

Sunday, January 13, 2013

GOOD GAMES AND GOOD PIZZA

HELLO SPEAKIES:

This one is for you to read but it is intended for my son Joey and his wife Elizabeth.  Yesterday we ordered some pizzas from Leo's Pizza.  They make a good pie with plenty of toppings and good sauce instead of a lot of chewing cheese.  If you visit Central Florida it is a small place but has good pizza. My Jeff and his wife Sam can also verify the fact.  I heard from Roe, my son Jeff makes a homemade pizza, next time we visit I want one.

We spent the rest of the evening playing Mexican Domino's and Mexican Poker.  Thanks Joey, Elizabeth and Roe for a great evening of fun.  It is always nice to have you over and play games.

Friday, January 11, 2013

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND

Hello Guys and Dolls:

It's Friday and the weekend is near.  Now that college football is over I'm looking forward to the real showdown the Pro's, fighting it out for the right to the Super Ball.  Maybe in a few years the Eagles may be ready to make a run at it.  Let's see what is happening today and this month as far as holidays go.

NATIONAL BOOK BLITZ MONTH -  There are plenty of good books out there and so is mine, so if you like a little humor buy the book or read it on line.  The only time I want to read a book is if it has pictures in it.  I'm just not a book reader type I have no interest in reading for a long time period.  Now Roe is a fan of Stephen King, has every book and still needs to read some of them.  I admire people who read, yet I love to write and have a second book ready but I'm not sure I want to send it in for publication.  Maybe I should be like Rick Castle and start writing a mystery story.

Here is a good celebration "STEP IN A PUDDLE AND SPLASH YOUR FRIENDS."  After doing that you may not have very many friends.  I remember when Roe and I were first dating we were heading to a favorite Italian restaurant of mine called "La Gondola."  I was trying to impress her and when we pulled up the restaurant it was pouring rain and as she opened her door, fell in the gutter filled with water.  We had to go to my apartment, order a pizza and had a great evening.

HOT TODDY DAY - I can only say, "A little Hot Toddy is good for the body."  The first time I heard that I have to give credit to a Sargent that I worked with in the Air Force.  He had some great sayings unfortunately I can not write them down in my blog.  He was a great guy and those were some good old days.

MILK DAY -  I still remember them delivering milk to my Grandmother' house in those bottles with the paper caps.  At St. Hedwig's School, we had our choice of White, Chocolate milk or a Orange flavored drink.  I always liked the chocolate milk.  Now I only like milk with cereal.  That is no excuse for you parents out there for not giving your little Guys and Dolls a glass of milk a day.  It is good for their bodies just like a Hot Toddy.

Well enough for today, but as always have a great weekend.  Being Notre Dame lost the Big Game, I now have to root for my favorite college basketball team, "GOOD OLD PRINCETON."  Why do you ask the question why I like Princeton University?  My Dad worked there and took me to many football games at Palmer Stadium.  I took my son Joey to Princeton basketball games on Saturday nights those were great days and nights to remember.  Today they are a memory I can't forget.


Thursday, January 10, 2013

HAPPY JANUARY 10 SPEAKIES

Good Morning to all my Guys and Dolls out there.  Today the holidays suck, but we do have some food stuff to celebrate.

January is "Oatmeal Month."  I have not eaten oatmeal in years, I am a man of cereal.  You ask what kind of cereal?  I like Cheerios, Rice Krispies, Wheaties and some other varieties that catch my eye when we are shopping. One has to have bananas in the cereal to make the breakfast complete.  I really enjoy eggs, over medium, omelets or scrambled eggs with some pork roll, ham and of course home fries.  But these days Joey Z is limited on sodium intake, but once in awhile I sneak it in mostly on cruises.  I have to admit Roe makes one great omelet, my son Joey could verify that fact. I forgot we are talking oatmeal today, I remember Mom making some great oatmeal from just the box and adding her own flavors.  So you oatmeal lovers enjoy it today.

January is also "Tea Month." I enjoy a cup of tea now and again especially a night.  Decaf of course as not to keep me up all night long.  Once in-a-while I sneak in a cup of coffee with a little treat.  I also have to drink tea when we go to a Chinese restaurant it adds flavor to the meal.  So tea lovers put up those little pinkie fingers up and enjoy yourself today or tonight.

Now as far as the food stuff goes it brought me back to the memory of Lisook's Jewish Deli (hoped I spelled it right or my reader the Skip will correct me) on Brunswick Ave., where I grew up.  The smell coming from there was great.  Giant Kosher pickles in a barrel, fresh lunch meat, sweets of all kinds.  The best part were the hard rolls and fresh bagels in the inside of the front windows.  They made for a great sandwich.  My favorite was a good hard roll with butter and a cup of coffee in the morning.  Near my Grandmother's house there were so many bakeries which specialized in their best products.  Sad to see them gone now.  Yesterday I went looking for fresh French hamburger buns for a good pork roll sandwich.  All of them were soggy so I had to pass those guys up.  Oh well enough of food for today, have a great one Speakies.

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

LET US SEE WHAT HAPPENS THIS DAY

Hello Guys and Dolls:

For those working it's Hump Day and I hope you have a  nice lazy day at work and a relaxing evening at home.  Today we have some goofy, some healthy and some holidays to really observe, so let's get started on those.

APRICOT DAY - I have eaten a few but not my favorite fruit.  Give me some grapes, apples, cherries, plumbs and I am set for fruit.  Throw in a banana for my morning cereal and I'm a happy guy.

January is "NATIONAL SOUP MONTH."  I'm a lover of soup however now-a-days I have to watch the sodium content.  Bring me back to the days of old.  Mom making her own Chicken Soup, Pea Soup, Vegetable Soup and once in awhile throw in Mrs. Grass chicken soup for a fast pick me up.
To me soup is medicine for the inner body.  My Mom's Pea Soup had ham, noodles, carrots, peas and the entire kitchen sink thrown in.  Roe loved that Pea soup the most and I wish for her she had the recipe how Mom made it.  I had to quit eating it one day when I had the flu and that soup did not sit well in the old stomach and I could never look at it again. Now Roe makes a mean Chicken Soup, just a good broth, some nice Dutch noodles, shredded chicken and carrots. So good on a cold Florida evening.  I use to like Progresso and Campbell's soups but just looking at the sodium I had to kiss those off.  Before you pick up a can at your local grocery check the sodium.  One can of soup can be your daily sodium intake.  I never thought sodium would hurt me but it can add plenty of fluid you don't need.

We honor today "SCHOOL CROSSING GUARDS."  Just like the postman, neither rain, sleet nor snow will stop them from doing their jobs.  Just think of all the children they watch over crossing the roads to safety.  They deserve honor today.  We have a grammar school and a middle school down the road from our house with a bit of stoppage at times, but safety comes first and yet there are still nimyos speeding down the road and ready to cause tragedy.  Just slow it down butt heads and save lives.

Well enough of my soapbox stuff for today.  Have a great day and enjoy your family tonight.                             

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

JOEY Z IS BACK IN BUSINESS

HELLO GUYS AND DOLLS:

I HAD SOME OF READERS BEING WARNED OF A MALWARE VIRUS.  SEEMS GOOGLE HAD THE PROBLEM AND ALL THOSE COMING TO MY SITE THAT HAD GOOGLE GOT THE VIRUS MESSAGE.  ROE SWITCHED ME FROM INTERNET EXPLORER TO FIREFOX AND ALL IS FINE.  THE PROBLEMS WAS THAT KID EATING SPAGHETTI CLIP ART PICTURE.  I MAY NOT POST ANY MORE PICTURES ON THIS BLOG.  THANKS FOR UNDERSTANDING

I HEARD FROM MY COUSIN ALL IS FINE NOW SO LET THOSE COMMENTS START FLOWING.  LET ME HEAR FROM MY SPEAKIES OUT THERE, THIS IS A NEW YEAR SO GET THE BALL ROLLING.

THANKS ROE FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM.  THANKS TOM FOR YOUR NOTIFICATIONS ALL IS UP AND WORKING.  HAVE A GREAT DAY.

DOWN WITH REALITY SHOWS SAYS THE ZIP

Hello Speakies:



I usually don't post anything on my blog over the weekends but I saw a major headline story on Yahoo the other day.  A new reality show puts "Honey Boo Boo" to shame.  I did not read the entire story but watching Honey Boo Boo was enough to make me as they say in Jersey "IT MAKES ME WANT TO THROW UP."  Have you seen the list of reality shows on TV now-a-days.  Well here is are a few along with Zip's comments:

WIFE SWAP - Put that one on cable and let's really see some action.

DANCE MOMS AND THOSE LITTLE GIRL PAGEANT SHOWS - Let little girls be tomboys, play with dolls, if they want to dress up like their hookers let them at age 21, but you better teach them what happens in the world.  Dance Moms just a sucking show some woman thinking she is Ginger Rodgers.

AX MEN - Save the environment, go and become a butcher.

ICE ROAD TRUCKER - I admire them for driving their deliveries but why show the dangers to the glued eye ones who want to be a truck driver.

JERSEY SHORE - Those nimyos are not even from New Jersey.  When the boardwalks are built once again, keep those bums off of it.

AMERICAN PICKERS - Never seen the show is it about music or picking their noses.

DEADLIEST CATCH - After so many seasons are there any fish or crabs left?

THE REAL HOUSEWIVES -  There are six of these shows on now from different cities, why not have one from every state as well.  All I can say is "Divas who can't even clean or cook."

THE BACHELOR AND THE FEMALE VERSION - I'd rather watch a Golden Girls Marathon and I never liked that show either.

EXTREME MAKEOVERS - There is nothing that's going to help some of these people.

FOOD CHANNEL AND THE COOKING CHANNEL - I really like these stations but cut out the competition ones, who cares who is the Iron Chef, Cupcake King or Queen and now I see Hollywood stars starting to compete as chefs. Please cut that Chopped Show that host is annoying and so are the judges.  Amen.

That is enough of Zip on his soap box today, so have a great day.

Monday, January 7, 2013

I MAY HAVE TO START OVER AGAIN

TO ALL MY SPEAKIES:

MY COUSIN WHO VISITS MY SITE EVERYDAY SENT ME A MESSAGE THAT THERE IS A MALWARE VIRUS ON MY SITE.  I DID NOTICE IT OVER THE WEEKEND AND CHANGED MY INTERNET DOMAIN TO FIREFOX.  THERE ARE WAYS TO CLEAR THE VIRUS, ROE WILL TRY TO FIX IT, IF NOT THE SPEAK EASY STARTS FROM SCRATCH AGAIN.  SO PLEASE IF YOU ARE HAVING PROBLEMS, LET ME KNOW AS A COMMENT.  THANKS SO MUCH.

HAPPY MONDAY SPEAKIES

Good Monday Morning Guys and Dolls:

Hope you all had a great weekend and ready to start the new week. There is a couple of holidays to talk about today.

NATIONAL THANKS TO CUSTOMERS DAY - This is a custom lost in some stores today.  We shop at a local grocery store named Publix, a big chain in Florida.  The customer service is great, everyone willing to help and always there is a hello and a thank you.  I've been in some stores were no one wants to give you the time of day.  Personally I think this holiday should be a thank you for everyone who does something nice for you.  I like Florida but courtesy is a lost art.  Give someone a break in traffic and one in ten says thank you.  Get some manners people.

FRUITCAKE TOSS DAY - I only had fruitcake a few times, however if I did have one around the house I would put it a cannon and blow it into the Caribbean.

ORGANIZE YOUR HOME - I'm an organizer, I like to have my records and the rest of my stuff in order.  So if you Guys and Dolls out there who are organizers this is your day.

Being it is a Monday and most of you are busy, I will wish you another happy day.  Good college game on tonight.  "GO IRISH."

Friday, January 4, 2013

PLEASE A LITTLE HELP HERE FROM ZIPPY

OKAY SPEAKIES ONE MORE TIME: 

I REALLY APPRECIATE YOU STOPPING BY AND READING MY BLOG.  I KNOW I HAVE CERTAIN FOLLOWERS AND I THANK YOU, IT MAKES ME WANT TO WRITE.

TODAY I RECEIVED 5 ANONYMOUS E-MAILS TRYING TO SELL ME STUFF AGAIN.  STOP IT.  IF YOU WANT TO COMMENT, PLEASE TO NOT USE ANONYMOUS.  YOU CAN SAY YOU ARE RAY, JACK, JOHN, BOBBIE, VINNIE, ANGELA, NANCY OR THE LONE RANGER.  I DON'T CARE AS LONG AS IT IS NOT ANONYMOUS.

THANKS GUYS AND DOLLS.

HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND ONCE AGAIN.

HAPPY FRIDAY GUYS AND DOLLS

Dear Guys and Dolls:





Do you know why I call you that at times?  I named my blog Joey Z's Speak Easy because of an old musical called Guys and Dolls that starred Frank Sinatra and Marlon Brando made back in 1955.  I like certain musicals and this one is very good.  If you have never seen it check out Turner Movie Classics on the web and check their monthly calendar of movies.

Tomorrow starts the weekend and there are some playoff football games to watch.  Sorry about my Eagles but they need to find players who have the desire to win.  I personally do not blame Andy Reid, he was a good coach and will be with another team soon.  It all boils down to money.  The team does not produce wins or make the playoffs and the coach is first go. Profit to the owners is their game, yet you'll those seats are filled to capacity every Sunday, win or lose and they are not cheap to purchase so money if being made.  Maybe Speaker John Boehner who is looking out only for rich of this country should be given a tryout as a coach.  Wonder what he would do on 4th down and one, punt or go for it. Hey John have you heard Governor Christie of New Jersey is waiting for you and other members of Congress to give aid to the people of his state for the disaster that the storm brought.  I say give it the old try for first down.  Enough of political stuff for today.  If you want real political debates I leave that up to Roe.

Lets see what we can celebrate over the weekend.  First of all let us start with:

Trivia Day - to me trivia questions and games are a lot of fun.  My son Joey has a new edition and it's pretty hard at times, but us guys defeated our dolls when last played.  Good moves Joey!

Sir Isaac Newton's Birthday -  all I can say is watch out Sir Isaac underneath that apple tree.

National Bird Day -I love birds but don't get real close to a Mocking bird's nest they will buzz you like a dive bomber.  I have seen this with my own eyes when cats are around.  We have a nice small tree near our screen porch.  There is an old nest now the home of a female dove sitting on her eggs.  I can go out and look at her and I'm sure she feels no one will harm her and the babies.  The last little birds were attacked by a falcon.

For you pasta lovers out there, I know of only one word macaroni and to me that means all the varieties.  So if you are a Spaghetti fan this weekend is all yours to boil the water, throw in the Spaghetti and add your favorite gravy and enjoy.  Have a great weekend Speakies, see you next week.

Thursday, January 3, 2013

A NOTE FROM THE ZIP



Good Day Speakies:

The Zip is getting tired of all those anonymous comments I receive on my e-mail notifications.  You know the ones Viagra, Canadian medicine, shoes and boots from Russia, handbags and the rest of the assorted crap.  I write this blog for my thoughts, information, family and fun facts.  If you nimyos out there want to make a comment do so but don't throw your advertisements at me.  The Zip is getting pissed, sorry but that's the only way I can say it honestly.

Have a great day.

WHERE IS THIS WEEK GOING

Good Morning Guys and Dolls:




I want to thank all of you for stopping by yesterday and reading my blog.  It makes writing more fun when you have readers that stop by every day.  Went to the cardiologist yesterday and things have not changed so I'm happy about that.  I took down the outside lights yesterday it went pretty smooth however it was sad.  I really enjoy the Christmas holidays with the tree and all the decorations that Roe uses to put the spirit inside our house.  The day after New Years is just not my favorite day of the year it is a long way till next Christmas rolls around.

On this day we celebrate "Festival of Sleep Day."  The purpose of this holiday is to learn how to get a good nights sleep.  I know when I was in the hospital in December I only had 4 hours sleep and finally one of the nurses said I was ordered a sleeping pill each night.  The first night I refused it and only had about 3 hours sleep.  The next night I took one and before I knew it was 6:00 a.m. and I was ready for my coffee and paper.  Great nursing staff at Florida Hospital they helped you in everyway possible.

January is also "Volunteer Blood Donor Month".  I'm sorry that because of my medication I can't donate my blood to save some one's life.  If you can donate blood do so this month and maybe save a life along the way.

For you foodies this day, we honor "Chocolate Covered Cherry Day."  Over the holidays we purchased about 4 boxes of Cella Chocolate Covered Cherries the dark chocolate kind.  I've been enjoying a few each day and still have a full box not opened.

Well Speakies enjoy your Thursday, don't work to hard and enjoy the evening as well.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

GOOD MORNING SPEAKIES

Hello Speakies:

I hope you all had a great New Years Eve and Day.  I know some of you are still suffering a sort of hangover, but off to work you go today.  As for me today starts seeing the doctors again in the new year.  I still wish you all the best for a new year.

Yesterday was "Z Day."  It honors all those whose surname begins with Z and that's me but I just celebrated the day at home with football games and leftovers from New Years Eve.  So a belated Happy Z day to all my Guys and Dolls whose last names begin with Z.

January is also "National Polka Month."  I remember the local polka programs growing up in Trenton, NJ.  My mother listened to Leon Fornal and of course "Mr. Sunday" Bernie Cosnoski.  That polka music played while Mom was cooking dinner for the entire week and even when we ate.  Grandma had the same going on at her house.  I also remember going to those old fashion Polish weddings where they always had a polka band playing and all the people out on the floor dancing, drinking beer and HiBalls.  The bands did through in an occasional slow dance to allow the people a brief rest.

Today we honor "Swiss Cheese."  I never liked the taste of Swiss Cheese until about 10 years ago.  I like it with crackers and some shrimp cocktail.  Roe makes the best French Dip sandwich with Swiss Cheese and I just love dunking that sandwich in the aus jus and enjoying every bite.  So Swiss Cheese lovers get and buy some today.  If you never tried it why not give it a go.

Finally it is "Science Fiction Day."  Most of my favorite shows are the Twilight Zone, which had a marathon on New Years Day.  I'm also a big fan of those 1950 science fiction movies like Them, Invaders from Mars, The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Thing from Another World just to name a few.  So science fiction Speakies find one on the tube today and enjoy.  Well it is time to go so I wish you all a great day and a pleasant evening.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

HAPPY NEW YEAR GUY AND DOLLS

WELL IT IS JANUARY 1, 2013 AND I'M WISHING ALL MY GUYS AND DOLLS A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR.  MAY IT BE FILLED WITH LOVE, HEALTH AND ALL THE BEST OF THINGS IN LIFE.

ROE, JOEY, ELIZABETH, JEFF, SAM, NINA AND IAN, I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST LIFE HAS IN STORE.  BE HAPPY, KIND TO EACH OTHER AND MOST OF ALL, TONS OF LOVE FROM ME.