I have made no secret about how I love summer strawberry desserts but oddly I have had little interaction with Strawberry Parfaits. So when today's National Day came up, I had no real inspiration. So I decided to put Artificial Intelligence to work. I have been fiddling with both ChatGPT and the Google program Bard. … Continue reading An Artificial Intelligence take on National Strawberry Parfait Day
Holidays/National Days
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
Happy Fathers Day with a mysterious picture in his early youth
If your father is still alive, cherish him and make his day special. For the rest of us (my dad passed three decades ago) I continue to riffle through old photos from his past. Here is a scan from an unmarked photo so there are some minor mysteries. A couple of things can be posited … Continue reading Happy Fathers Day with a mysterious picture in his early youth
National Strawberry Shortcake and a recipe, of sorts
Summer desserts are my favorite and of all those Strawberry Shortcake is my favorite. I have several fancy, involved recipes in my files, but honestly I do something simple. You likely do as well. Cut up some strawberries, sprinkle over some sugar to release juices and put back in the fridge. Get your handy Bisquick … Continue reading National Strawberry Shortcake and a recipe, of sorts
National Peanut Butter Cookie and a recipe…
Today's National Day recognizes a popular cookie with unique attributes. It is generally accepted that the cookie is baked only after using a fork to crisscross the top of the cookie ball. One assumes it was always thus. Apparently not. I happened upon this reference lately: The early peanut butter cookies were rolled thin and … Continue reading National Peanut Butter Cookie and a recipe…
National Corn on the Cob Day Redux
Today is National Corn on the Cob Day, the way God intended you to eat it, not creamed or mixed in succotash. One of my favorite memories is our family visits to the Ohio State Fair when I was young. Demolition Derby is a really cool concept when your age is in single digits. I … Continue reading National Corn on the Cob Day Redux
National Escargot Day sampled in NYC
I've spoken before about how much I enjoy the French dish of Escargot. Some people simply can't wrap their head around the fact that it is based on snails as food. But I can assure you that it is actually a handy platform on which to serve butter and garlic. As luck would have it … Continue reading National Escargot Day sampled in NYC
National Pizza Party Day
The third Friday in May is National Pizza Party Day. Apparently this is an end of work week suggestion for dinner plans when you are exhausted. Sounds good to me. Everyone can join in. There is not much easier in today's casual food culture than pizza delivered in a box. And easily one of the … Continue reading National Pizza Party Day
National Cherry Cobbler Day Redux
Today is National Cherry Cobbler Day. I have always marveled at these craftsmen and worry that automation will make them obsolete. You have heard the stories of the cobbler's kid who have no cherries? That's the pits. Okay, I know when I've worn out my welcome and driven this topic into the ground. Have a … Continue reading National Cherry Cobbler Day Redux
Remembering Mother’s Day
This is the first Mother's Day since mine passed away last year. Wanting to think happy thoughts took me back to 2009. Mom had just fought and won a hard battle with Lupus. Her doctor was proud of her changes in diet and exercise that helped the medical treatments she received. Her doctor recommended that … Continue reading Remembering Mother’s Day
National Lost Socks Memorial Day Redux
Today is National Lost Sock Memorial Day. Who knows what exactly is splitting up your beloved foot coverings? Laundry bag? Washing Machine? Dryer? Alien creature socknapping? Hard to know (because if you did, you wouldn't have lost your sock, now would you?). But whatever caused it, the sock is missing and you are left with … Continue reading National Lost Socks Memorial Day Redux
Public Service Announcement for a very special coming day…
National High Five Day
Today celebrates a now ubiquitous form of celebration whose origin is disputed - the "high-five" celebratory slap. It is everywhere in our culture and you likely never gave it another thought, yet happily call out "up-top" when you want to celebrate a winning moment. My favorite story involves one of my favorite former Cincinnati Reds … Continue reading National High Five Day
National Glazed Spiral Ham Day
This blog is not designed to give national brands a free advertising ride. Today's National Day was indeed inspired by a device that Harry J. Hoenselaar created in his basement in Detroit Michigan back in the 1950's. The fact that he went on to create the HoneyBaked Ham company doesn't need to be mentioned until … Continue reading National Glazed Spiral Ham Day
National Grilled Cheese Day
The grilled cheese is deceptively simple but in the right hands, a masterpiece of delicious comfort food. It is also endlessly creative as you can vary the bread and mix up the cheeses. You can also insert some tasty additions, like thinly sliced tomato, bacon or my favorite - sliced pickles right in the sandwich. … Continue reading National Grilled Cheese Day
International Louie Louie Day
You've heard the song (and if not, hurry to your music provider of choice, it will be there). It is a classic rock and roll standard, but admit it, you don't understand the lyrics. That is why it is perfect for slurring drunkly in accompaniment (see the movie "Animal House" for demonstration). The creator of … Continue reading International Louie Louie Day
Happy Easter – a throwback to a long time ago…
Happy Easter to all. One of the advantages of being the oldest is that parents tend to photo them more and I am lucky to have some in my possession. Here I am waking up for the search on Easter of 1961. Then searching and finding a bag full of jelly beans... And finally enjoying … Continue reading Happy Easter – a throwback to a long time ago…
National Read A Road Map Day
Do any young folk read my blog? If so, have you ever heard of a road map? It was this big paper sheet that showed the routes and cities where you planned to travel. If it was detailed enough, it covered too little territory. If it covered enough territory, it was too difficult to read. … Continue reading National Read A Road Map Day
National Little Red Wagon Day
Today is National Little Red Wagon Day. Not a surprise that this was established by Radio Flyer in honor of their classic children's toy first produced a century ago. We all have memories of our own Little Red Wagon that powered childhood dreams and carried all the important toys into wild backyard fields of play. … Continue reading National Little Red Wagon Day
National Chip & Dip Day and a delicious recipe
What better way to celebrate National Chip and Dip Day than a delicious Dip Recipe that can go with any Chip you try. You'll thank me later... ===============Roasted Garlic DipSUMMARY: Good with any chip, veggies, meats, and roasted potatoes INGREDIENTS: 3 heads garlic, unpeeled 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2 cup sour cream 1/4 cup mayonnaise … Continue reading National Chip & Dip Day and a delicious recipe
Happy St. Patrick’s Day
Yep, here we again. Another annual chance to celebrate green beer and corned beef with cabbage. I am agnostic on the holiday and usually wear green to avoid being pinched. I'm not a cabbage fan nor am I of Irish descent but will down a couple of Guinness Beers. Enjoy!
A belated welcome to Daylight Savings time.
Yep, it happened while you slept. An hour removed from your day and sleep. I know I should have warned you of it yesterday but time got away from me. Just like it did last night. So hang in there. The hour will be returned next fall but no interest accrued.
National Marching Music Day
Today we celebrating those parade happy musical groups who bring inspiration, uplift and excitement to our city streets. I have friends who have been in marching bands of universities and other organizations. They are rightly proud of their skills and accomplishments. I am happy to know them. But what I secretly enjoy about this day … Continue reading National Marching Music Day
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!
Walter Thinnes 
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