CCRockhopper Blog

National Chocolate Souffle Day

Holidays & Observances:

Floral Design Day
National Chili Day
Public Sleeping Day
National Tooth Fairy Day

Floral Design Day
Girl Scout Cookie Weekend: 28-3/1 Link (Note: Used to be a Day event on First Friday in Feb.)
National Customized Wheel and Tire Day: 28
*National Tooth Fairy Day: 28 Link Link (Not August 22)
Shabbat Across America/Canada: 28 Link
Skip The Straw Day: 28 Link (4th Friday)
Tartar Sauce Day: 28 Link (First Friday after Lent Begins)
US Snow Shoe Days: 28

National Frog Legs Day - 29

National Surf & Turf Day - 29

Leap Day -2020 is a Leap Year!!! It's once every four years - 29
Open That Bottle Night - 29

International Sword Swallowers Day - 29
International Tongue Twister Day - 29
Open That Bottle Night - 29
Rare Disease Day - 29
Bachelor's Day - 29
International Underlings Day - 29
National Time Refund Day - 29
Saliolum - 29
Superman's Birthday - 29 (Per Action Comics @149)

National Peanut Butter Lover’s Day - 3/1

National Fruit Compote Day - 3/1

Namesake Day - 3/1
National Pig Day - 3/1
Peace Corps Day - 3/1
World Compliment Day - 3/1
Asiatic Fleet Memorial Day - 1
Baby Sleep Day - 1
Breast Implant Illness Awareness Day - 1
Dadgum That's Good Day - 1
Daughters' and Sons' Day - 1
Endometriosis Day or Wear Yellow Day - 1
Finisher's Medal Day - 1
National Black Women in Jazz & The Arts Day - 1
National Horse Protection Day - 1
Orthodox Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare Sunday) - 1
Plan a Solo Vacation Day - 1
Refired, Not Retired Day - 1
Saint David's Day - 1
Self-injury Awareness Day - 1
Zero Discrimination Day - 1

Celebrate Your Name Week: 1-7
Hearing Awareness Week: 1-7
LGBT Health Awareness Week: 1-7
National Cheerleading Week: 1-7
National Consumer Protection Week: 1-7
National Ghostwriters Week: 1-7
National Dental Assistants Recognition Week: 1-7
National Invest in a Veteran Week: 1-7
National Pet Sitters Week: 1-7
National Procrastination Week: 1-7
National Schools Social Work Week: 1-7
National Words Matter Week: 1-7
National Write A Letter of Appreciation Week: 1-7
Read an E-Book Week: 1-7
Return The Borrowed Books Week: 1-7
Save Your Vision Week: 1-7
Telecommuter Appreciation Week: 1-7
Universal Human Beings Week: 1-7
Will Eisner Week: 1-7
Women in Construction Week: 1-7
Women of Aviation Worldwide Week: 1-8

22715

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Dark Thursday // 2-27-2020

Dark Thursday EveryOne

Thunderous thrashing Thursday has tamely twinkled its way into our morning without much ta-do about it. We have made it over the hump of Wednesday and are now slowly gathering speed as we head down the mountain towards our way to Friday. So may the claps of thunder and quakes that can shake the earth stay far away today and may the sun shine down on your journey throughout the day. Happy to be here, you bet, anything exciting to share, just another day in life to experience all that is good and to help make a difference. Some days are good to experience in the now and present without a lot of fanfare. So with that thought, not much else to be said, just seek the sun and its warmth and be a reflection of its brightness. See someone in true need, stop and help, and to everyone else give thanks for all that is good. And may you have a most blessed Happy, Happy of days.

Your Morning Penguin

Steve Gimmi

Holidays & Observances;

National Strawberry Day
National Kahlua Day

National Protein Day

Polar Bear Day
No Brainer Day

Anosomia Awareness Day
Digital Learning Day
International Toast Day
National Chili Day
National Retro Day
World NGO Day

National Money Show: 27-29

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Sun Up to Vacation Up & Chocolate Fudge Rum Balls / 2-26-2020

Well, another day, another happy memory to make right here on Cape Cod. From sun rises to sun sets. they are all spectacular. Although I will say right now the sun is rising just as I am getting into my office, and it likes to peek it's rays right over the top of the neighbors house across the street and would like to blind me. Last several days I have enjoyed seeing that blue sky and that oranges and yellows all across the horizon. But I have to tell you, when the sun actually starts to creep above the roof line it is unreal. So I have to lower my blinds just enough so I can continue to work and see my computer screen. Have you seen the crocuses out yet? Or the daffodils blooming especially up against some homes? And to think it is still February, here on Cape Cod. Ya,, where spring normally does not stick its head out till at least April. And year since I have moved here I have seen it snow on Easter morning at Sunrise services on Nauset Beach. So with all this happy warm talk, let's not loose sight that winter is not over yet and we can still experience winter for a few more months. Really? Humm. I wonder. Anyway with all the warm weather are you thinking of vacation time. Are you making your plans for this summer? You know we are now only 3 months away from Memorial Day and the unofficial start to summer. I urge you to start thinking about and make those plans to ensure you get the time you want. Then start talking to the kids about what they want to do, what funds do you need to save up to do the things you want. Whale watching is absolutely a wicked awesome thing to do, but it ain't cheap, but well worth it. What about a canal cruise, what about a charter fishing trip? What about playing golf every morning? Now that ain't cheap either. The point is, if you want to do some of these things plan ahead and save up. But remember there are plenty of things to do free or very inexpensively. So here is to warm weather now and fun in the sun to come, and where else would you want to be than right here on old Cape Cod. Hope to see you soon.

Small and or local business report time. Now I am always looking for year round places, you know quite a few of us actually live here hear round and well without these places open some of us just could not do our days right. We start out with the Chatham Perk, located at 307 Orleans Rd, in North Chatham, or online at https://www.chathamperk.com/. Hours Monday - Friday 6:30 - 3 and Saturdays 7 - 3, closed Sundays. They do have breakfast sandwiches and items to go with that coffee, and they also do lunch grills and sandwiches. So if you are in or around Chatham and need a get me going, stop into the the Chatham Perk and get perked up and going.

Most folks thing that farmers markets are only 3 season projects, well the Orleans Farmers Market goes year round. from December - April they meet at Nauset Middle School on Saturday mornings from 9-Noon. Then from May to November they gather on Old Colony Way over by Hot Chocolate Sparrows and across from Rock Harbor Grill. So don't forget our friends and go support you local vendors.

And last up but not least are our friends at Cook's Seafood Restaurant will be opening this weekend. As someone said a sure sign that spring is just around the corner. Folks, I have different places for different foods. But I have to admit that Cook's is one of my favorites when it comes to fried seafood and we love their clam chowder, second only to the wife's. Ok her recipe, I do all the rest from raking in the clams to peeling and cutting potatoes and onions as well as cooking and chopping the clams. But Cook's does that all for you, and you don't have the mess to clean up afterwards. Their specials are terrific and they do not skimp on the portions. So if you're ready for some wicked good fried seafood, get ready for Cook's opening this weekend. Watch for them on Facebook as they count down the days and post pics of scrumptious offerings.

Well hello my friends, I hope that as we traverse this final week of February that you are doing well, fine, good, (whatever grammar rule fits your preference). With this changing weather I know the sniffles, drippy noses and sinus issues are having a heyday. And with all this other stuff floating around, all I can say is, stay as medicated and health precocious as you can. I know around here we are taking the time to wipe down everything with disinfectant after each school group and bus group we have right now. So if you have one of your little ones coming to visit, know that we are taking time to be safe. Well, other than that, there are no whales about, no sharks, no major runs on schools of fish, and the lobster are just be lazy about it all. But I am still getting reports that the shellfish collecting is going well and there are still oysters in some areas for the taking. But I am still hearing that mussels are few and far between, which I am still not understanding why? But anyway, no big ocean issues, no seagoing vessels having problems, and no wicked storms to upset the apple cart or the fish tub. What can I say, the beacon is still doing her thing, her life partner foggy toots his nose from time to time as needed and that is about it. So that is the grand and wonderful of it this winter. Don't forget we have an extra day this year to enjoy the Cape that much more, So if you get a chance, come on out and stop by, The grounds are accessible, it's just the station and tower that are not open the public right now. But if the skies turn out as bright as they are suppose to be, it might be a bit nippy but the views should be for miles and a wonderful day to hike down to the beach and do some combing. That's all for now my friends, please have a great and wonderful and especially if you can do it right here on Old Cape Cod.

Now tis is a dessert I can get into in so many ways. I love cookies balls, fudge balls, truffles (the dessert kind not the fungi kind for this section. Truffle mushrooms is a whole nother issue and so tasty yet so expensive more on that another time.) So that is why I went this direction this year, I don't think you can ever have too many or find a time of year that they don't work. So let's face it, adults love their fudgy chocolate desserts, add some booze to it and it becomes even a hotter topic. No with all that, warning the alcohol stays in these as these are not baked, so they are not recommended for under age drinkers. So, before I dribble all over the keyboard, let's get on with the show.

This week's recipe: Chocolate Fudge Rum Balls

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, (Use a quality top line chocolate)

1/2 cup   powdered sugar
2 Tbsp   light corn syrup
1/2   tsp   vanilla extract
1/2   cup   dark rum
3   cups   vanilla wafers crushed
1   cup   pecans crushed
1/2   tsp   salt

Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. Start by microwaving the chocolate for 35 seconds. Stir the chocolate and microwave it for an additional 20 seconds. Repeat until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. Pour the powdered sugar into the melted chocolate through a sifter or a strainer. Stir the powdered sugar into the melted chocolate. Pour the dark rum, corn syrup and vanilla into the chocolate mixture. Mix everything together until it is smooth. In a separate bowl, mix together crushed vanilla wafers, crushed pecans and salt. Stir the vanilla wafer mixture into the chocolate mixture until everything is evenly distributed. Cover the mixture and chill it for 20-30 minutes.
Remove the mixture from the refrigerator and roll 1 inch balls, chill them in the refrigerator until firm and serve. (Now, you can dust with confectionary sugar, roll in jimmies, or nuts, an just about any other topping you can think of. The nuts and jimmies do as final step before refrigerating. Powdered sugar do right before you service otherwise the sugar will dissolve into the Rum Balls. The idea here is to have fun and go with the holiday or season.)

Pale Wednesday Morning // 2-26-2020

Pale Wednesday Morning EveryOne

It’s hump day and oh what a beautiful day, to think we could be kneed deep in white stuff with wind chills and bitter temperatures. But rain is the name of the game along with mild warmth for the end of February. But regardless of what it is doing outside we have a job to do inside, Ok some of you might be outdoor workers but the majority of us are indoor workers. We have places to go, things to do and people to see, life does not take a vacation because of the weather, and this mountain needs to be crossed and downward trek begin. This is hump day, this is mid-way hurdle day, this is up and over day, and the list goes on. So we need to get those hikers pulled on, laced up and tightened down. We still have half a day trek to the top, them we get to take a short breather, take the time to turn and look back and see just how far we have come. Then turn map out were we need to go then get moving for the second half of the day. Just think when we hit that peak, one stop over the line and we are that much closer to the end than back to the beginning. So let's pack it up, and make our way to the starting line. Along the way as we come on those in a hurting way we open to lending a hand in any way we can, see them to the next care center and move on. That's life, that what we need to do, that is how we need to lend a hand to society and our fellow brothers and sisters of humanity. Now Let's go conquer this hill and this day and make the most of whatever comes our way.

Your Morning Guru

Steve Gimmi

Holidays & Observances:

National Pistachio Day

Ash Wednesday
Carnival Day
Tell a Fairy Tale Day

For Pete's Sake Day
Inconvenience Yourself Day
Levi Strauss Day
National Personal Chef's Day
Pink Shirt Day

Lent: 26-4/11

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Vintage Tuesday // 2-25-2020

Vintage Tuesday EveryOne

Hello Morning, So are you excited to be up and about, here it is about zero with wind chills well below zero. Just think no hay fever, not grass and tree allergies, there are primarily no flying stingy things out. I say it is a pretty good morning, The temperatures are up, the sun is shining and there is still no snow on the ground. What's wrong with this picture? Is the last week of February and I am still waiting for other other shoe to drop. But Spring really is coming and so is the summer heat, but for now we have that which is before us. I would normally say, as in the summer when give lemons we make lemonade, for this time of year whenever given snow and cold we need to grab the vanilla and make snow ice cream with a shot of peppermint schnapps to go with it. But that's not working for us either, so the thought that life is not always the way you want it and until you are able or have the abilities to change it you may have to just roll with it. Some will say you can’t make up your mind others might say you are wishy washy but you know you are staying the course until the season changes. Then again if your season is there regardless of the elements one needs to take action. So today enjoy the unusual warmth, be thankful for the suns warming, take it all in and go do what you have to to make through this wild and weird weather we are having in what should be a snowing and cold time of year. Now, if you come on one in true need, stop and help, and to all others greet with great joy, and may you have a most Happy, Happy all day long.

Your Morning Trainer

Steve Gimmi

Holidays & Observances:

National Chocolate-Covered Peanuts Day
National Clam Chowder Day

Mardi Gras / Fat Tuesday
Paczki Day in the U.S.
Pistol Patent Day

IHOP National Pancake Day
International Pancake Day
Pancake Day Race
Paczki Day

Rubber Ducky Day
World Spay Day USA

Cordova Ice Worm Days: 25-3/1
International Petroleum Week: 25-27

22415

Monday, February 24, 2020

Clear Monday // 2-24-2020

Clear Monday EveryOne

Welcome to a beautiful Monday morning, you survived the weekend, you have arisen to see your way to the office this morning or where ever you are reading this, you most likely have had or are about to have to your first beverage this morning, you were able to get dressed, and you have also been able to make many choices on your own. So as we started this wonderful wacky week, lose not the sight that we are bless each and every day, sometimes we need to look as the simple what we call mundane things that we so often take for granted but at the bottom line they are all blessings giving us another opportunity to make a new beginning each and every day. Now go be a joy both to yourself and to others and be spread a little sunshine in someone else life today. If you come on one in true need, lend them a hand to the best you are able and to all the others be of great cheer. And may you have a most Happy, Happy all day long.

Your Morning Rooster

Steve Gimmi

National Tortilla Chip Day

Holidays & Observances:

World Bartender Day

Fasching: 24-25
Forget Me Not Day
Losar: 24-26
Museum Advocacy Day: 24-25
National Cupcake Day (Canada)
National Dance Day
Play More Cards Day
Shrove Monday

22315

Friday, February 21, 2020

Lutz Green Leaf Friday / 2-21-2020

Lutz Green Leaf Friday EveryOne

Celebrate, Celebrate, dance to the music, cause it’s FRI-DAY, yes sir-ree Bob it’s FRI-DAY, Boom chuck-a-luck-a-la, Boom chick-a-luck-a-la, besides I need to dance to get the morning juices flowing, But at least it is not snowing and that I am grateful for. But anyway I am in the happy my place today as it is Paradise Friday and the end of the standard work week. So let’s make this short sweet and simple KISS the whole day long, nothing hard, nothing, deep, nothing radical, just sweep up the week, tie it all up with a nice bow and put it out for the woodland critters to carry away. Do it right, do it well, and let’s but a great finish onto a long week. Have a great day and an even better weekend and see you at the party at the end. Oh the Theme of the week? They are all varieties of heirloom beets, you hear me right, beets, I love beens, you name the way and I will most likely eat them. Even in a box with a fox, I will eat my beets. Thank you Dr Seuss. We can-not forget those in true need, please lend a hand when the time comes and to all the rest bring them along for the party the more the merrier. And may you have a most Happy, Happy day and weekend.

Your Morning Jester

Steve Gimmi

Holidays & Observances:

National Sticky Bun Day

Card Reading Day

International Mother Language Day
National Caregivers Day
National Grain Free Day
World Information Architecture Day

Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering: 21-22

National Margarita Day - 22
National Cook a Sweet Potato Day - 22

George Washington's Birthday -22
Be Humble Day - 22
International World Thinking Day - 22

Walking the Dog Day - 22
George Washington's Birthday - 22
National Wildlife Day - 22
Tex Avery Day - 22
Women in Blue Jeans Days; 21-22
Woolworth's Day - 22

National Banana Bread Day - 23
International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day - 23
Tennis Day - 23

Curling is Cool Day - 23
Diesel Engine Day - 23
Iwo Jima Day (flag raised) - 23
Orthodox Meatfare Sunday - 23
National Tile Day - 23
Shrovetide: 23-25
Single Tasking Day - 23
Tootsie Roll Day - 23

Bird Health Awareness Week: 23-29
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week: 23-29
National Invasive Species Awareness Week: 23-29
National Justice for Animals Week: 23-29

22015

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Ruby Queen Thursday / 2-20-2020

Ruby Queen Thursday EveryOne

Up in the sky, is it a bird? Is it a plan? No it’s the Sun, that great ball of fire in the sky that comes to bring our continued warmth. To think 5 years ago we were looking for a thaw from the deep freeze. Now we are wondering if we will get any snow by the end of the season. But I have to remind myself, it is a privilege to have health, to be under a roof, to have enough for my stomach, to have shoes for the feet, get the point? Sometimes we find the darnedest things to complain about to wallow in, things we cannot change and forget all the good that is around us. So today let’s not find ourselves wallowing in with the pigs in the mud hole of things we cannot change but looking, seeking all the good that is around us. It’s Thursday, that stretch of roadway, of path, that tracks that gets us from the mountain top to Paradise Friday, let’s make the best of the journey, give our best and be the best that we can, if nothing else than to look out what we have done and can take excellence in a job well done. Have a great and wonderful today, remember to lend a hand to one in true need and be a friend to all the rest. And may you have a most Happy, Happy when it is all said and done.

Your Morning Penguin

Steve Gimmi

Holidays & Observances:

National Cherry Pie Day
National Muffin Day

Hoodie Hoo Day
Love Your Pet Day

Discover Girl Day
International PechaKucha Day
Introduce A Girl to Engineering Day
Love Your Pet Day
Northern Hemisphere Hoodie Hoo Day
The Great American Spit Out
World Day for Social Justice

American Birkenbreiner Race: 20-23