National Harvey Wallbanger Day

  Happy Harvey Wallbanger Day!

I wanted to make sure that everyone out there is celebrating today with me.  Of course, I'm starting early this morning, so I might be a few drinks ahead of you.

A Harvey Wallbanger is a fruity cocktail made with vodka, Galliano and orange juice.    It's basically a screw driver, but, a little fruitier.  Galliano is an Italian liqueur that contains Juniper, Anise, Mint and Vanilla.  If you are unable to locate Galliano, you can always substitute Kahlua, Triple Sec or peppermint Schnapps. 

Harvey Wallbangers originated in the sixties.  The story behind the drink goes something like this:  A bartender named Donato Antone created the drink and served it at a party.  The one person remaining after the party, Harvey, was banging his head against the wall.  There are a couple other stories floating around, but, I like that one the best.  The drink made it's debut to the rest of the world in 1968.  Galliano used Harvey in their marketing campaign in 1969 with, "Harvey Wallbanger is the name and I can be made."  The drink's name also became a metaphor to describe someone who goofs off or makes mistakes.  Harvey Wallbanger was also a frequent write in vote during elections.  

How can you observe Harvey Wallbanger Day?  Meet your friends at your local hang out and order a Harvey Wallbanger and toast good ol' Harvey (just don't be the one banging your head on the wall at the end of the night).  You can use #HarveyWallbangerDay when posting on social media.

How to make the perfect Harvey Wallbanger? 

1.5 oz Vodka
4 oz Orange juice
.5oz Galliano
cherry or orange slice for garnish

Mix vodka and orange juice.  Pour Galliano on top and don't mix it in the drink (you can pour over a spoon).  Garnish with a cherry or orange slice and serve.

Cheers!

Belly Ache Day

 Another Halloween has come and gone.  How much candy did you eat?

My Dad always called the day after Halloween, "Belly Ache Day."  The belly ache came from eating too much candy the day before (Halloween).  I never suffered on Belly Ache Day.  I was allowed a few pieces of candy on Halloween, and then the rest of my candy was squirreled away by my Mom.  Never to be seen again.  I think she probably threw it all in the garbage.  (Thanks, Mom)

If you have some energy and are looking for some ways to use up that Halloween candy (besides hiding it or throwing it away), check out my recipe for Halloween cupcakes.  You can make a few batches and give them out to the neighbors.   You can always donate some candy to a food pantry or bring candy to a nursing home (the seniors love getting the candy as a bingo prize!).

Here's hoping that you aren't suffering too much on this Belly Ache Day!

Happy Halloween!

 "Each year, the Great Pumpkin rises out of the pumpkin patch that he thinks is the most sincere.  He's gotta pick this one.  He's got to.  I don't see how a pumpkin patch can be more sincere than this one.  You can look around and there's not a sign of hypocrisy.  Nothing but sincerity as far as the eye can see. "  -  Linus van Pelt

My Weird Dog - Gets High

 A few posts back I wrote about my weird dog  Pippen and his pine needles  vacation.  If you recall, I mentioned his car anxiety problem and how enjoyable it was to have him in my back seat.  We decided to take another road trip (with Pippen).  I said I was not getting into the car with a weird  nervous dog for four hours, so I had to find a solution.

After talking to several dog owners, I purchased some CBD (for dogs).  On the way out for vacation, we put the CBD on some bread.  The bottle said it takes about 30 minutes to kick in.  Well, that was a lie.  We dealt with heavy panting for the majority of the ride.  I think Pippen finally calmed down the last half hour.

I was thinking about the return ride home the entire week and how I could make it go smoother.  (Maybe hitch a ride with someone else?)   You know, less heavy breathing.  I decided to put the CBD directly into Pippen's mouth and see how that works.  

Yes.  That's how CBD oil works.  I'm not sure why we put it on food.  And, prying open Pippen's mouth is a story in itself.  I was successful, with help from Bella.  I do have to say that this time I gave him more than his first dose.

I did not realize how quickly it would kick in.  Pippen sat up facing the back of the car and stared out the window.  He looked over at Bella and she said to lay down.  He fell towards her and didn't move for awhile.  I thought I might have killed my dog  help my dog to OD.  He was still breathing and he was very calm on the drive back home.  He did sit up and stare at Bella's shoulder for 10 minutes.  

I think he is looking forward to his next trip.

Student Driver

 We have a student driver in the house and we also have the car magnet to prove it.

We have survived two other student drivers without a magnet on the back of the car.  The magnet tells the world that there is a student driver and to please be patient.  One of our neighbors gave it to us and I thought I would try it out on vacation since it was a long drive and the student would be doing the majority of the driving.  I thought this would be a great idea.  Why not let other drivers know so they don't get road rage?

All was going well until we turned onto the expressway ramp.  We had a tail gaiter who sped by us once he had the chance.  I noticed that the drivers in Illinois are not as patient with student drivers as other states.  When we finally made it into Michigan, we had drivers who, as they were passing our car, smiled at us.  There was no road rage or aggression.

The other day, Bella was driving us home from the library.  She was trying to turn right onto a busy street and was doing great until "Mr. Impatient" pulled up behind us.  "Mr. Impatient" used this opportunity to honk his horn until Bella made her right turn.  Luckily, Bella isn't phased by any of the bad driving behaviors of others and turned when it was safe.

I keep the magnet on my car at all times.  I enjoy the reactions from the other drivers.  I drive the speed limit (most of the time) and obey traffic laws and still get the road rage and the honkers.

Do you respect cars with the "Student Driver" magnet or Do you show the student driver how not to behave on the road?

Rare American Collections and Sports Memorabilia

 With the holiday season soon approaching, it's time to start thinking about what gifts to get each of my loved ones.  RT has got to be the most difficult person to buy a gift for   It's difficult to find that perfect present for RT.   Ask him to give you some ideas and you will get,  “I’ll be happy with whatever you get me.”    So I usually end up buying a bag of chocolate, a couple of chocolate bars and some fancy cheese. 

This year, I wanted to steer away from the food (we don't need an expanding waist band) and do something different.  RT has a collection of sports memorabilia, including some autographed jerseys and photographs.  Maybe I could get him a special item to add to his collection?  I did a little investigation.  Over dinner (and a few drinks) I asked him about the memorabilia he currently has, about his favorite team and players and which players and what items he might want to add to his collection.  It may have seemed out of the blue to him.  It's early so I don't think I gave away my plan of buying him a Christmas present.

RT likes our local Chicago teams:  Bears, Bulls and Cubs (good thing, since we live here).  Oh, and anything from the Chicago Bears Super Bowl Team of 1985.  He was looking for some autographed photos of the lesser known players, like Gary Fencik.  I have to stay within budget an I know how some of this autographed sports merchandise can get very expensive.  I did a quick little Google search and found this sports memorabilia website called Rare American Collections.  They had exactly what I was looking for and more!  They hgave a wonderful selection of autographed football photos and jerseys, including several autographed photos of Gary Fencik.  And, the prices were very reasonable.  They also have some really helpful information about what to look for when buying autographed memorabilia including how to make sure that the signature is authentic (and not a fake). 

I'm so glad Rare American Collections had such a great selection.  I can now cross RT off my gift list.  OK, maybe after I buy him some chocolate.

Do you have any sports fans on your Christmas list?  Check out Rare American Collections for some great gift ideas!

Too Sexy

 I'm too sexy for my love

Too sexy for my love

Love's going to leave me

I believe the saying is, "Dress to Impress."  This is great to follow when you are headed out for a date or an interview where you want to make a good first impression.

I'm too sexy for my shirt 

Too sexy for my shirt

So sexy it hurts.

I think you know where this conversation is heading.

RT walked by wearing his usual uniform.  Shirt, shorts, long black socks and shoes.  The socks don't quite reach the knee (Thank God!).  I made the comment that the long socks and shoes are quite a sexy look and, " Maybe I should write a blog post?"

I'm too sexy for my socks

Too sexy for my socks

At least they aren't Crocs.

I would post a picture but, I wasn't getting good vibes from him.

Luckily we are heading into cooler weather and long pants and RT won't be exposing everyone to all of that sexiness.

And I'm too sexy for this song