On This Date: Fort Tryon Park Dedication Ceremony!

On October 14, 1935, a dedication ceremony was held for the brand new Fort Tryon Park in Manhattan. It turns 85 years young today and looks amazing for its age! Nestled on a ridge between Inwood and Hudson Heights it has stunning views of the Hudson River and the George Washington Bridge. It is home … Continue reading On This Date: Fort Tryon Park Dedication Ceremony!

National Chili Week in National Chili Month

Chili con Carne is a wonderfully warming dish for this weather and celebrating both in this week and this month. There are endless varieties and recipes to be found for this favorite food. Personally, I love Cincinnati Chili but it is certainly an acquired taste. You likely remember the quick weeknight version cooked up with … Continue reading National Chili Week in National Chili Month

National Coffee Day Again Already?

There is nothing better than starting the day with a really fine coffee. My favorite coffee is Cafe du Monde, the chicory laced delight from New Orleans. The very finest. Whatever your pleasure, enjoy it and start your morning right! Happy National Coffee Day! As always you can find more at http://www.walterthinnes.com and on Twitter … Continue reading National Coffee Day Again Already?

It’s that time again for everything Pumpkin Spice

As fall approaches corporate American puts pumpkin spice flavoring into lattes, donuts, and anything that has no legs to run and hide. Some of us (like me) like those spices in pumpkin pie but in little else. Others can't get enough. To help you get your quota here is a simple recipe you can mix … Continue reading It’s that time again for everything Pumpkin Spice

National Sponge Cake Day and a disappointment

Of course, I knew that the sponges used since antiquity were harvested from the sea and had unique properties to absorb and hold water, helping for millennia to clean up around the house. And, of course, I knew that when humans were able to create artificial sponges using polyester and polyurethane, cleaning duties became much … Continue reading National Sponge Cake Day and a disappointment

On This Date – Artillery Added to Orchestras

Pyotr Tchaikovsky was a talented and innovative composer who looked at the orchestra talent list and said, and I quote, "Hmm, we have strings and woodwinds and brass and percussion. I will add artillery." And so cannons found their way onto stage when he premiered his 1812 Overture on August 20, 1882. It has long … Continue reading On This Date – Artillery Added to Orchestras

National Fajita Day and a Recipe to try at home!

We often imagine those sizzling fajita platters being carried through your favorite Mexican restaurant but with the limited dining options because of the pandemic, consider serving it at home with the recipe below. I recently tried it out myself and it went really well. ===============BEEF FAJITAS INGREDIENTS: MEAT and MARINADE 1/4 cup fresh lime juice4 … Continue reading National Fajita Day and a Recipe to try at home!

Book Review – The Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President

As my quarantine beard hews closer to that of James A. Garfield's, it is only fitting that my most recent read was this excellent book by Candice Millard. She fills out a fascinating story of our 20th president who only served for about half a year before being shot by Charles Guiteau. I had a … Continue reading Book Review – The Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President