For the first six weeks after I broke my ankle I was in either a cast or compression boot with instructions to not remove it and to not put weight on it under any circumstances. It was torturous and uncomfortable. If a foot could feel claustrophobia, mine certainly did. Plus I had difficulty in getting … Continue reading FootNotes #8 – What a difference a week makes…
Month: July 2019
National Chicken Wing Day
Hard to imagine now but before the mid-sixties, chicken wings were relegated to be used for making chicken stock or soup flavoring. With meager bits of meat and no popular cooking methods they were toss-away portions of the bird. But something happened in Buffalo, New York that made their city known for a new appetizer … Continue reading National Chicken Wing Day
National BagelFest Day – TryThis – Ess-A-Bagel
It is ironic that BagelFest Day was established by Lender's Bagels (those faux bagels found in your freezer case) as the really good bagels, found right here in New York City, are a far cry than those handy but very cardboard tasting treats. Real NYC bagels are reputedly best due to the city water and … Continue reading National BagelFest Day – TryThis – Ess-A-Bagel
National Chili Dog Day
I've said it before and will happily say it again. My favorite Chili Dog is known as a Cheese Coney in Cincinnati Chili Parlors. Bun, stripe of yellow mustard, hot dog, diced onions, Cincinnati Chili*, generous heap of mild cheddar cheese. Deeeeeeelicious treat. You can find one in Edward's restaurant this Monday (Cincinnati brands every … Continue reading National Chili Dog Day
National Cousins Day
Happy National Cousins Day and luckily, I have a few to celebrate. To mark the occasion, I am including my favorite family portrait of all time. It was the summer of 1967 (I think it was the Fourth of July). It was scanned by my cousin Gigi who is helping us preserve family memories. It … Continue reading National Cousins Day
FootNotes #7 – Now we’re cooking with gas!
When I lost most of my mobility with the broken ankle I was confined to bed or a chair for most of the day. As Pamela came home to take care of me she could do many helpful things but she simply does not enjoy cooking. I love to cook and missed it terribly. As … Continue reading FootNotes #7 – Now we’re cooking with gas!
National Hammock Day
It is perfect that National Hammock Day falls in the middle of the dog days of summer. Strung between two shade trees, there is nothing more relaxing than a (yawn) hammock. As you slowly rock back and forth and the sun gently dapples your eyes (yaaaawn) one gets so verrrrry rrrrrestful. Mmmmble. It's just perfect. … Continue reading National Hammock Day
Summer Broadway Spotlight – Clearing the Boards
It is common that Broadway shows that were not winners at the Tony Awards shut down or close early. That certainly happened again this year but this summer feels a tad different. Yes, open end run musicals such as "Be More Chill," "The Prom," "The Cher Show," "King Kong," and "Pretty Woman" all could not … Continue reading Summer Broadway Spotlight – Clearing the Boards
National Caviar Day – TryThis – Taramasalata
We've all heard of the Sturgeon Roe (fish eggs) Caviar that is the classic and very expensive gourmet item we can't afford. But if you want a luxury taste for much cheaper, look for and try Taramasalata. It is a Greek dish (similar products are from the nearby Balkans and Turkey) that combine a salted … Continue reading National Caviar Day – TryThis – Taramasalata
World Emoji Day
Today is World Emoji Day and this calls for a Grumpy Old Man Rant. In ancient civilizations mankind used cave paintings, pictograms and hieroglyphics to express ourselves. About three millennia ago we created the alphabet and our ability to express ourselves soared and expanded with many different languages to choose from. However, with the growth … Continue reading World Emoji Day
FootNotes #6 – TMI Tuesdays?
There is a trend on social media to overshare online with the tag line "TMI (Too Much Information) Tuesday." Do not go looking for it if you are faint of heart. I've seen some pretty weird things I can't unlearn on other TMI Tuesday blogs. But I tend not to overshare. One follower of my … Continue reading FootNotes #6 – TMI Tuesdays?
National Tapioca Pudding Day
Tapioca pudding is a delicious and easy dessert option. My mom used to make it for me and my sister and brother when we were much younger. She would make a big double batch in a large bowl and keep it in the refrigerator. We all clamored for it and she allowed us to sample … Continue reading National Tapioca Pudding Day
Make travel plans to see Manhattanhenge
There are many reasons to come to Manhattan: to see a Broadway Play; to visit a world class museum; to experience maddening subway delays. Or maybe to take a picture of the sun perfectly framed in our concrete canyons. That phenomenon is known as Manhattanhenge, a name bestowed by our own Neil deGrasse Tyson (from … Continue reading Make travel plans to see Manhattanhenge
National 7-11 Day
This one is easy and a little silly. July 11 is 7-11 day. 7/11? Get it? I don't have much to say about it except that 7-11 has invaded and is beginning to colonize New York City. Just a decade ago we were quirky with little locally owned stores but are now being overrun by … Continue reading National 7-11 Day
EXPOSED! – Tootsie Roll Pops!
My Exposed! Series tackles a vexing subject each month and scientifically dismantles it. We've done Chapstick tubes and Pez Candy Dispensers so far. This month we tackle the age old question of "How many licks does it take to get to the Tootsie Roll center of a Tootsie Pop?" You know the genesis of this … Continue reading EXPOSED! – Tootsie Roll Pops!
FootNotes #5 – The Healing continues
My broken ankle is coming along. The doctors believe the best course is to let it heal naturally and that will take a few more weeks. There is not much pain involved, simply lots of boredom and impatience on my part. See, I'm not permitted to place any weight on it at all and that … Continue reading FootNotes #5 – The Healing continues
Mid-Season #ATOBTTR Update
Here we are just before the All-Star Game (where we Cincinnati Reds are woefully under-represented) and just past the numerical middle of the season. I've been rooting for my favorite team all year, convinced that a confluence of factors would lead us to a Championship Season. We're still under 500%, bottom of the division and … Continue reading Mid-Season #ATOBTTR Update
Start of the Long Reach Long Riders 2019 adventure
Today is the start of the Long Reach Long Riders 2019 Altimeter Tour, plying the twisties and scenic routes of Colorado. This is a group of theatre technicians and motorcycle enthusiasts that gather annually to tour different parts of the country each summer. I joined them for the tail end of their New England ride … Continue reading Start of the Long Reach Long Riders 2019 adventure
July is National Hot Dog Month and National Grilling Month
Warning: you may wish to avoid information at the end of this post if you easily get queasy about the food you eat... You may learn something about hot dogs you already suspected but did not want details about... Summer is certainly the season to grill and hot dogs are a popular item to serve … Continue reading July is National Hot Dog Month and National Grilling Month
Wishing you a very happy American Independence Day
National Be Nice to New Jersey Week
New Jersey has a long history of cruel jokes and demeaning attitudes. For the next week, please refrain from slights about New Jersey. I live just across the river from New Jersey and often cross the busiest bridge in the world (George Washington Bridge across the Hudson River) to visit. Let's see, what can I … Continue reading National Be Nice to New Jersey Week
FootNotes #4 – Next Steps…or no steps at all for a while!
Good news about my ankle break is that it is coming along nicely with slow progress. The doctors have chosen not to operate for a variety of reasons but assure me that with their care and binding that it will heal just fine. Just as well with me as surgery can always pose other risks. … Continue reading FootNotes #4 – Next Steps…or no steps at all for a while!
National Gingersnap Day
Today I will take a perfectly innocent cookie recipe and turn it carnivorous. I didn't invent this but also don't remember where I saw it. It is simply unusual and delicious. Do you save the grease created when cooking bacon? It is good to fry up other meats, and now to use in a cookie! … Continue reading National Gingersnap Day
Walter Thinnes 
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