OUR WEDDING JULY 08, 2007

It was a beautiful day.

OUR MASCOT

He's a cute little guy.

TODAY IS GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY

Today is Greek Independence Day.
We remember the terrible sacrifices made by our forefathers in their struggle against the Turkish oppressor, so that we could live freely as Greeks and Orthodox Christians.

HE WAS THE BEST

 Luciano Pavarotti, he was the greatest singer of the Twentieth Century. Some folks will claim Placido Domingo was the superior operatic tenor, but I disagree. Nobody, and I mean nobody, could sing every high note like Pavarotti, and nobody had the same vocal ability and incredible breathing control needed to instantly go from a full throated bellow to a soft whisper. Below are some examples of the opera master's most popular arias.

This next one is one of my personal favorites. Pay close attention to his incredible power.

This was song was his signature aria. He took it from the realm of the commonplace and transformed it into something magical.

CHOOSING THE BETTER PROCESSED MEATS

Selecting a good quality meat can be a real challenge, even to the experienced shopper. I've been in the food service business for over 30 years, and I'm learning something new every day. Most of my meat purchasing knowledge is directed to fresh meats, for example I can immediately identify the quality of the steaks at a grocery store. However, I am not as knowledgeable when it comes to processed or cured meats, so I found this video to be quite informative. I will begin sharing more of these type videos, they are packed with good information.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Merry Christmas

Καλά Χριστούγεννα

Feliz Navidad

buon Natale

joyeux Noël

feliz Natal

Craciun Fericit

счастливого Рождества

Gëzuar Krishtlindjet

메리 크리스마스

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

THE DAY I COMPLAINED ABOUT OFFICER RUSTY

I TOLD THE TRUTH

(Names have been omitted to protect the innocent)

About 15 years ago, I made the acquaintance of a certain member of the Fredericksburg Police force. His name was Officer Rusty, for those of you that may have met him. This police officer was very aggressive and belligerent, with no gentlemanly social skills. He never spoke in a polite manner, and he constantly tried to intimidate everyone around him. I was never able to have a useful conversation with Officer Rusty, even after his retirement from active duty. 

Soon after I met Officer Rusty, a new police chief was brought in to lead the department.  The new chief was in town for no more than a month when some of his senior staff brought him to the 2400 Diner for lunch. I quickly introduced myself to the new chief. I always like to meet police, fire fighters, city council members, and other people like that, it's a good business practice to meet local authority figures. 

After I introduced myself, I explained to the police chief that I needed to report the behavior of one of his officers. 

I said "Chief, I need to report one of your officers. This officer tries to pick a fight with me every time he comes to our restaurant. He is not sociable to anyone, and many of my customers are afraid to go out in the parking lot when he is here. The previous chief would not deal with him, but since you are the new chief in town, perhaps you could talk to him and get him to calm down." 

The chief had a visibly concerned look and responded "Yeah I'd better look into this. What's his name?"

"Rusty." I provided.

The chief gave a perplexed look to his men and stated with some concern, "I don't know a Rusty." 

His staff shrugged their shoulders and feigned ignorance.

With a very business like attitude, and growing impatient with the report of this belligerent Officer Rusty, he pulled out a notepad and pen. He demanded information with a definite change in demeanor, "What does this guy look like?". 

I responded with as much detail as I could "He's got four paws, lots of sharp teeth and fur, and a tail."

The chief was completely taken aback, he exclaimed "What? What?!!" 

The officer sitting next to him nudged him gently, and provided the answer to all the riddles with a slight smile, "Chief, it's a K-9". 

 The chief's reaction is a classic. He face palmed himself, and gave a very audible "Ah!"

Officer Rusty was to retire a few short years later, and passed away soon after. I don't have any pictures of him, but the one below is a good representation. 

LET'S GO SALMON FISHING ON THE RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER

A TRUE FISH STORY

 

This happened few years ago, about 2006 or 2007.  I was working at the 2400 Diner one afternoon, and this gentleman came in and ordered a baked salmon. I prepared his salmon, and he was very appreciative of his meal. As a matter of fact, he was so appreciative of his meal, he told me how good it was...about six or seven times. I always appreciate it if someone compliments my cooking, but after the first few times it gets a bit uncomfortable. In order to steer the conversation into a different direction, I decided to throw him a curve ball. I told the gentleman that the secret to good salmon is to get it fresh, and that I catch fresh salmon from the Rappahannock River on a regular basis.

He responded with a certain degree of disbelief, he shook his head and exclaimed "I don't believe that for a second!".
This was a middle aged guy, not a young and naive fool. But I bravely pressed on. I gave him a bewildered look that would've made any actor proud, and tried to sound perfectly reasonable with my explanation.
I said "Look, when they blew up the Embrey Dam a few years back, all the salmon came out of the mountains. Now the river is full of great salmon." I continued with a conspiratorial whisper, "Why don't you get yourself a fishing pole, and go down to Old Mill Park and get yourself some fresh salmon?"
He was finally convinced, my showboating paid off. He looked at me straight in the eyes, and with a nod of his head "I think I'll try that."

(For those that don't know, salmon is an ocean fish, not a river fish. They visit fresh water rivers in Alaska and certain other cold climates in order to spawn. Regardless, there is no salmon within 1000 miles of Virginia.)

About a week later a police officer came to the Diner, and walked straight into the kitchen to pay me a visit. The officer was having a fit. He caught the man going into Old Mill Park with a fishing pole and all the normal supplies, looking for salmon. He even told the police officer that I sent him. It's been over ten years, and every time the police officer sees me he always asks if the salmon is still fresh. 

SPIDER-MAN IS WATCHING

We were at Gateway comics earlier today and we bought a few things.  As you can see from the picture, Spider-Man is watching closely and he is ready for action.

I WAS JUST REMEMBERING THINGS FROM LONG AGO

This song seems appropriate for my mood. 

This afternoon I was telling some customers and staff about things I've seen at the restaurant. There were so many people that have passed through our lives, but now it seems they are just shadows that haunt our memories. They were friends, neighbors, relatives, and customers. Many have passed on, others moved away, and a very few that are still with us.

MY AWESOME BREAKFAST THIS MORNING

 The above was my breakfast this morning. A deluxe patty melt and 2 fried eggs on grilled

 wheat bread, with cheddar cheese and onions.

My patty melt cooking on the grill. I prefer my patty to be about medium rare to medium.

As I was preparing my own breakfast, I was busy preparing this beauty. Country ham and eggs over medium, with freshly made home fries.

TODAY'S MUSIC SUCKS, IT LACKS SOUL

This is "GOOD" music!

THIS IS GOING TO BE AWESOME

I can't wait for the new Star Wars movie coming in December.
It looks awesome!

TODAY I MET THE MEANEST MAN IN TOWN

Today I met a man that reminded me of an old song. He was tall, broad shouldered, barrel chested, and had a cold, mean face that could scare zombies. He was just bad!

I DO THINGS MY WAY

One of my memes was recently removed by Facebook, people disagree with my opposition to gun control, the folks at work are giving me a hard time, and things are tough.
But I don't care, this is my inspiration!