The traditional Chinese New Year happens later than usual this year because it is based on a lunar calendar so I wondered if the timing had any insight into the winner of tomorrow's Super Bowl. Hmmmm, would a Dragon prefer a win by the 49's or the Chiefs? Not sure there is angle here. Okay, time for a … Continue reading Happy Chinese (Lunar) New Year
Florida
On this date – the Longest Shootout in FBI History…
On the shore of Lake Weir, in the small town of Oklawaha in Central Florida, near where I currently reside, is a most amazing house. This simple wood frame home was the site of the longest gun battle in FBI history on this date, January 16, 1935. It is remarkable because it is in much the same … Continue reading On this date – the Longest Shootout in FBI History…
Look Locally for National Pizza Week
Today is the start of National Pizza Week and you can find one of America's favorite meals in just about any combination you can imagine. To celebrate I strongly recommend you skip the big national chains and find a local family parlor of distinction. I'll start with a hyper-local recommendation. Mamma Mia Pizzeria advertises and faithfully provides … Continue reading Look Locally for National Pizza Week
Have you been to a Buc-Ee’s?
The first I heard of Buc-Ee's was in a New York Times article which introduced me to this Texas institution. It noted that it was soon planning to expand beyond its home state. Soon enough, two were added to I-95 in Florida (one in Daytona Beach, another near Jacksonville). You'll only find them on an Interstate Highway because … Continue reading Have you been to a Buc-Ee’s?
In Memoriam – Jimmy Buffett
Woke up this morning to read that Jimmy Buffett had passed away. While I was never a Parrothead, I certainly enjoyed his music. It was so easy going and so evocative of the lifestyle he had built. And he had built an empire on his albums, restaurants, hotels, and even a Florida retirement village dedicated … Continue reading In Memoriam – Jimmy Buffett
Throwback Thursday – One year since Mom’s passing
Today marks one year since my mom's passing and therefore about two years since I arrived to live in Florida again. I am happy I had the chance to be with her so close in her last year and sorry we weren't granted more time. But now I celebrate her life and all the impacts … Continue reading Throwback Thursday – One year since Mom’s passing
Throwback Thursday – However did my Reds lose to Fish this week?
Rough stretch for my Cincinnati Reds. We've lost eight of our last nine and we are skidding south. Yesterday we lost the rubber match of a series with the Miami Marlins. Ouch. We'd better show back up to form or the season will slide away from us with just under 60 games left. It did … Continue reading Throwback Thursday – However did my Reds lose to Fish this week?
Time again for my favorite food – Chili Cheese Coneys
The last Thursday in July is National Chili Dog Day and there are many regional variations here in the United States. In Washington D.C. they serve up Half-Smokes, in Michigan they call it a Coney Island Dog, in Rhode Island it is known as a Hot Weiner, in North Carolina they add slaw (really?) and … Continue reading Time again for my favorite food – Chili Cheese Coneys
Throwback Thursday on National Handshake Day
National Handshake Day celebrates one of the most common and ancient means of greeting another person. It is theorized that shaking hands started by opponents grasping each other's wrist to mutually confirm they were not armed. In today's world there are strict rules of the handshake, not too limp, not overenthusiastic or lengthy. And definitely … Continue reading Throwback Thursday on National Handshake Day
Summer Solstice 2023 – gonna be a hot summer
Summer Solstice occurs today at 10:57 AM. Get ready for a long hot summer thanks to the ravages of global warming. Here in Florida, it almost never hits 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the month of May but this year it is a harbinger of things to some. If you are familiar with our usual climate … Continue reading Summer Solstice 2023 – gonna be a hot summer
Throwback Thursday – My Dad and Two Uncles
Looking ahead to Father's Day this weekend, an old photo from 1939. From left to right are the three brothers - my Uncle Reed, my Father Todd and my Uncle Jack playing in the Florida surf. Looks like they are having lots of fun!
Throwback Thursday – A Long Ago Graduate
Now that Mother's Day has passed all the card shops and candy shops are focused on gifts for graduates. Yep, late May and early June is all about pomp and circumstance. So get out your mortar boards and begin the procession. Below is yours truly bonding out of high school. What dweeb! Grow a beard … Continue reading Throwback Thursday – A Long Ago Graduate
Happy Birthday, Dad, I miss you so much
On this day my father would have turned 86 and it would have been a fine party. Unfortunately he died three decades ago in 1993 and so went much too young. I do have two old photos of him taken the year before I was born that I had never before seen. Not sure what … Continue reading Happy Birthday, Dad, I miss you so much
National Margarita Day
I've celebrated National Margarita Day previously on this blog but always combined it with some other event. Today I am only celebrating this wonderful day. Well, sorta. As far as I am concerned they are specifically designed for Mexican restaurants. There is nothing that goes so well with a Margarita as a Mexican menu. I … Continue reading National Margarita Day
National Cherry Pie Day and where I get mine free!
I've said it before and I will say it again. I love pie and my favorite is Cherry Pie! Today the National Cherry Pie Day comes on Monday and that is appropriate. Whenever possible I get mine free on Mondays. Here in Florida (and I assume nationwide) you get a free slice of pie on … Continue reading National Cherry Pie Day and where I get mine free!
First ever International Snowmobile Ride Day
Yep, they keep adding new Days to Celebrate and Nope, I have never ridden on a snowmobile. And I am unlikely to anytime soon since I have moved to Florida. But I am still excited. This day was established by BRP - Bombardier Recreational Products. Back in 1937 Joseph-Armand Bombardier invented and patented the snowmobile … Continue reading First ever International Snowmobile Ride Day
Ocala Spyder Ryders Cruise to the Yalaha Bakery
What a beautiful day for a ryde. What a great destination (I've recently posted about the great German Bakery here in Central Florida). What a nice group of people. There were a dozen Can-Am Spyders, from RT's to F3s. And, of course, there sits my Josephine in the far right of the group. And of … Continue reading Ocala Spyder Ryders Cruise to the Yalaha Bakery
Quick Ramble on Polar Vortexes and Florida Ryding
Way back in 2018 I rambled on about bomb cyclones and polar vortexes when I lived back in New York City. Pre-war buildings and steam heat worked wonders. NYC this weekend is about to get another severe winter freeze getting down to below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. For my friends there please stay inside and stay … Continue reading Quick Ramble on Polar Vortexes and Florida Ryding
I found a new location to celebrate National Croissant Day
When I moved from New York City about 18 months ago I seriously missed the many ethnic food shops that Central Florida simply does not have in abundance. Sure, after a few months here I came across an authentic French Bakery that I adored. However they soon closed after the landlord booted them out to … Continue reading I found a new location to celebrate National Croissant Day
Today is National Florida Day and all the strangeness that comes with it
National Florida Day celebrates the day this region of the US officially became a state. No wonder it happened during a winter month. Florida seems to attract an entire bevy of odd characters. Watching the local news is practically a three ring circus. This season is my favorite all year. Moderate, even warm, days make … Continue reading Today is National Florida Day and all the strangeness that comes with it
Luckily National Pie Day falls on a Monday
There are many Pies that are celebrating with their own National Days throughout the year, but today is a generic National Pie Day. You can bet I will be celebrating them throughout the calendar but today, let us celebrate all types and flavors of pie. And the fact it falls on a Monday is luck … Continue reading Luckily National Pie Day falls on a Monday
A Tour of the “Ma” Barker House
Tucked away in a clearing of the forest at the Carney Island Recreation & Conservation Area is a local Marion County gem that is hard to find and not very well known. It is known as the Bradford-Barker House and was the center of the longest shootout in FBI history. Want to know more? So … Continue reading A Tour of the “Ma” Barker House
Today is National Winter Skin Relief Day
Before recently moving to Florida, I had spent 27 winters in the northern US (and 15 winters earlier in my life). I can assure you that my skin dried out, developed cracks and was a major irritation. The cold dry weather and extra dry indoor heating is a major contributor to the condition. But here … Continue reading Today is National Winter Skin Relief Day
Today is National Technology Day
National Technology Day on January 6th recognizes how technology changes the world and looks to the future of technology. As usual I seem to spend more time looking to the past. After yesterday's post about old-time computer stuff from the 1980's another memory popped up and I wanted to continue the thread for National Technology … Continue reading Today is National Technology Day
Back to Blogging in the New Year
Yes, I've been missing from blogging for quite some time. Many reasons, no good excuses. A death in the family, a brush with COVID, lots of unexpected happenings, and general malaise all contributed. Once I stopped blogging it was hard to start back up. I didn't write blog posts, read other blogs, or even think … Continue reading Back to Blogging in the New Year
Walter Thinnes 
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