Showing posts with label Holiday Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Holiday Reviews. Show all posts

Saturday, February 1, 2025

National Catchers Day Review


February 2nd is National Catchers Day.


Catcher and batter in baseball

In 2019,  Xan Barksdale created National Catchers Day. A minor league catcher for the Atlanta Braves, Xan went on to become a well-known catching coach and author of the best-selling book Catching-101. Xan’s aim in creating National Catchers Day was to celebrate baseball and softball catchers of the past and present.


Is Catcher the Hardest Position in Baseball?


In the very early years of baseball, catchers stood 20 feet or more behind the batter and wore no protective gear. Today, the defensive position of the catcher, crouched down between the umpire and the batter, has become the most important position in the game as catchers have more responsibilities than anyone else on the field. It is also the hardest position in baseball to play.


Well-Known Major League Baseball Catchers


Baseball catcher and batter in a baseball game

Image Source: Pixabay


There are many baseball catchers who have made a name for themselves over the years due to their outstanding achievements in that position. In this article, we will mention just a few of those past and present whose names baseball fans recognize. Every fan will have their favorites, so don’t be surprised if I include MY favorites as we recognize and celebrate baseball catchers on National Catchers Day. :) 


Jorge Posada


One of my most favorite catchers, who played 17 seasons with my favorite baseball team ~ the New York Yankees ~ is Jorge Posada. His MLB debut was in 1995 and he retired after the 2011 season. Posada established himself as a mainstay in the Yankees lineup as  a solid-hitting catcher (one of the Core Four players) who contributed to the Yankees’ winning seasons. 


Posada’s career stats included 275 home runs and 1,065 runs batted in. He played in 4 World Series as the Yankee’s catcher and his #20 has been retired by the NY Yankees. 


"If the world was perfect, it wouldn't be."


Johnny Bench


Ranked #1 in most polls of MLB best catchers ever, Johnny Bench played his entire baseball career as the catcher for the Cincinnati Reds (1967-1983). At the time of his retirement, he held the MLB record for number of home runs hit by a catcher. Bench still holds the Red’s team record of 389 home runs and 1,376 runs batted in.


"You wouldn’t have won if we’d beaten you."


Mike Piazza 


Piazza played 16 years as a catcher in major league baseball; his first seven years for the Dodgers (1992-1998). I remember him most during his six years (1998-2005) with the New York Mets, especially in the 2000 World Series against crosstown rivals, the NY Yankees. Mike became known as the greatest 'hitting' catcher in the history of baseball. 


Piazza is regarded as one of the best offensive catchers in baseball history. His uniform number 31 was retired by the Mets in 2016.


"When you come to a fork in the road.... take it."


Buster Posey


Gerald “Buster” Posey is another MLB catcher who spent his entire career with one team, playing twelve years with the San Francisco Giants from 2009 to 2021. Posey’s career saw him earn many awards, including Golden Glove and Silver Slugger, beginning with being named the 2010 NL Rookie of the Year. His MLB stats included 158 home runs and 729 RBIs and he was a 3x World Series champion.


Buster retired in 2011 and today is President of Baseball Operations for the San Francisco Giants.


“Ninety percent of the game is half mental."


Yadier Molena


“Yadi”, as fans chanted in many games during his career, was one of the most beloved of baseball catchers. Molena played his entire 19-year career for the St. Louis Cardinals. 


Molina ranked first in many categories among catchers.  He also holds the record, along with pitcher Adam Wainwright, for all-time most games started and won as a battery. He holds many awards and distinctions over his long career, including career stats of 2,168 hits, 176 home runs and 1,022 runs batted in. 


Yadier Molina is the product of a baseball family, beginning with his father who played second base as an amateur and was the all-time hits leader in Puerto Rican baseball. Yadi’s two older brothers also had standout major league baseball careers as catchers, Bengie for 4 different teams and Jose for the Cubs and the Angels. 


Molina retired in 2022 and today is the team's Special Assistant to the President of Baseball Operations, as well as the manager of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League. 


“I always thought the record would stand until it was broken."


Yogi Berra


Yogi Berra is a name everyone, fan and non-sports people, most know about, not just for his nearly 20 years as a professional baseball catcher, but also as a manager and a coach. His playing stats and managerial roles aside, what Yogi seems to be most remembered for is his zany use of the English Language. His ‘Yogisms’ have often been quoted and remain so to this day. You will find several of them sprinkled throughout this article. 


"I really didn't say everything I said!"


Summary


There you have a few fan favorites of baseball catchers in honor of National Catchers Day celebrated each year on February 2. 


Let me know which MLB catcher (or even Little League or softball league catchers in your family) are your favorites in the comments below and enjoy remembering them on this holiday. 


"It ain't over till it's over."


Stories of some baseball catchers: 


*National Catchers Day review written by Wednesday Elf, the Baseball  Contributor on ReviewThisReviews


 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, December 24, 2024

A Review Embracing Nature And Gratitude On Christmas Eve

 

Gold and white baubles on green Christmas tree

I always think Christmas Eve is a magical time, filled with anticipation and joy. It is one of my most favourite days over the Christmas period.

While it is often a busy day, it's lovely to take a moment to pause and reflect on the beauty around us, especially the wonders of nature, and to express gratitude for the blessings in our lives and remember those for whom this time is difficult.


The Beauty of Nature on Christmas Eve

Life and events and all the preparations for Christmas can be very hectic. By the time we reach Christmas Eve we may try to find a moment to rest, to find peace.

I love to take photographs to capture the particular beauty of the season. Appreciation will be different for everyone, it may be the crisp winter air, the beautiful blanket of snow in the garden, rain on a window pane when you are warm and cosy, or the distant stars in a dark sky. 

Nature reminds us of the simple beauty of our world. Whether you're in a snowy landscape or a milder climate, taking a moment to step outside and appreciate the natural surroundings can be a grounding and peaceful, even profound, experience.

Holly Hedge with red berries


Finding Gratitude in the Little Things

Christmas Eve is a perfect time to reflect on the past year and acknowledge the things we are grateful for. Sometimes life is lovely, other times it can be very hard and I am among those this year that have lost loved ones and miss them, this first Christmas without them. I am also grateful that they were in my life and what we meant to each other and that love never dies.

When life is hard, or even when it isn't, we don’t have to look to the big things to be grateful for. Especially at this time of year there can be many small day to day special moments. 

The warmth of a cosy fire, good food, the laughter of loved ones, the look of wonder in a child's eyes, a call or message from a friend or family member. 

We may find comfort in our faith, connecting with friends across the world, watching birds in the garden, listening to a lovely piece of music, carol singers, a starry night sky, or the quiet stillness of a winter night are all things we can be thankful for.


Connecting with Nature

One way to appreciate our Christmas Eve experience is to connect with nature.

This could be as simple as taking a walk in a nearby park appreciating the red and yellow winter berries and shapes of the trees branches against the sky. We might find a scented shrub with tiny flowers and a powerful perfume to amaze us.

It might be listening to the sounds of the night, an owl maybe or birds singing during the day. We may like to feed the birds and watch their appreciation or help at an animal sanctuary. Reindeers and Donkeys are of course also intrinsically linked to the Christmas story in their different ways. 

Even going out on a clear night to watch and maybe identify the stars and constellations. These activities can help us feel more connected to nature and a sense of our place in it.

Who knows some of us may even see Santa and his Reindeers running across the night sky with the sleigh! 

We also like to collect pine cones, berries and Holly in our garden and on our walks to decorate and bring nature in to our home.

Christmas Pine Wreath


Practicing Gratitude

Often it is easier to recall all the things that have not gone right and I am guilty of that too. However it is healthy to practice gratitude when we remember. 

We might write a list of things we have been thankful for this year or give someone close to you a genuine compliment to show them how much they mean to you. We might like to help at a charity for children or older people who need support or a listening ear or give local people who helped you a simple Thank you card or small gift. 

It can be useful to spend a few moments in quiet reflection thinking over the year that has gone, the good, the difficult, the special and the ordinary times. How we handled it all and how we have grown with the experiences.

Expressing gratitude in this way can improve our wellbeing, support our relationships, and enhance our well-being.


A Grateful Heart On Christmas Eve

As you celebrate Christmas Eve, whether we are with family, friends, alone or with our animal companions, a couple, single or part of a big family, working or at home, this day can be special to us. 

However you spend your day whether it is busy or quiet, whether you attend any religious or other celebrations or not, let the beauty of nature fill your heart with joy and peace.

It is lovely and fun to give gifts at Christmas and for many of us is a key part of the celebrations. The best part of the spirit of the season is in the love and connections we share with other people, animals and nature and the appreciation for the world around us.

May your Christmas Eve be a special time filled with the wonder of nature with love and joy and peace in your heart.

Christmas tree











Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, December 14, 2024

More Good Today Day - Holiday Review

Looking through a list of wacky, wild and funny holidays for December, I came across one for December 14th called "More Good Today Day".  Reading that it is a gratitude/share kindness/caring kind of day, it seemed to fit in this mid-December counting the days until Christmas time. We are all feeling 'good' as we prepare to celebrate the holidays with family/friends and it seems appropriate that we take a bit of time on December 14th to share those good feelings. 


The word L O V E with positive words


Holidays That Celebrate Kindness, Generosity and Caring


Learning about the More Good Today Day holiday, I discovered that there are a number of holidays throughout the year which focus on the positive words and acts of kindness that belong under the umbrella of More Good Today! Check out the following dates that encourage us all to be more caring and extend acts of kindness that help make this old world of ours a better place to live.


Friendship
Image: Pixabay


  • January 24th is known as National Compliment Day, a day to promote positivity by brightening someone’s day.
  • February 17 is National Random Acts of Kindness Day
  • June 1st is National Say Something Nice Day
  • June 7 - World Caring Day 
  • October 5th is National Do Something Nice Day
  • On the 4th Saturday in October, we are encouraged to participate in Make a Difference Day – which is a “national day of doing good”.
  • November 13 is World Kindness Day
  • November 28 is GivingTuesday - A day of global generosity
  • December 1st is known as World Generosity Day


Summary


So, pick a day to be extra kind, or caring or generous and discover how giving out positive vibes also makes YOU feel GOOD. That would seem to be the positive message behind this More Good Today Day! 


*More Kindness and Caring Reviews to Read and Embrace:




*Holiday review of More Good Today Day written by Wednesday Elf 





Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Festive Peppermint Oreo Cookies

 These Peppermint Oreo cookies are a perfect fit for the Holiday Season or any time of the year. They are loaded with peppermint candy, crushed Oreo cookies, and chocolate chips.

Fran and our daughter, Jamie, made these cookies for the local village Women's Club, cookie exchange.

Festive Peppermint Oreo Cookies
Peppermint Oreo Cookies - Reviewed

The recipe below makes five dozen cookies; you can cut it in half if you don't want to make that many.

Peppermint Oreo Cookies Ingredients:

  • 1 cup butter (Cold and cut into cubes)
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup white sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 cup crushed peppermint candy (We used peppermint candy canes crushed)
  • 16 Oreo Cookies chopped
Instructions:

  1. Cream the butter and brown sugar together. We used our KitchenAid Stand Mixer for this, but you can also use a hand mixer on medium speed.
  2. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and continue to mix until it's fluffy.
  3. Add the white sugar and continue mixing making sure all ingredients are combined.
  4. Add the baking powder, baking soda, cornstarch, and salt.  Then, add the flour one cup at a time. Mix until all is combined.
  5. Add the white and semi-sweet chocolate chips, almost all crushed peppermint candy, and Oreo cookies. (Reserve some of both for garnish before baking).
  6. Scoop the dough and roll it into about 1-inch or larger balls. Place them 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Add additional Oreo, and peppermint pieces to the tops before baking.
  7. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set.
  8. Allow them to cool on the cookie sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a rack to completely cool.

Cookies ready to bake

This photo is the size that Jamie rolled the cookie dough. It may be closer to 2-inch balls. The larger you make them the fewer cookies you going to yield.

Cooling on the rack
Peppermint Oreo cookies are cooling on the rack

These Peppermint Oreo cookies are a delight, they are crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. We will certainly be adding this cookie recipe to our Holiday list this year.

Find more Recipes on ReviewThis Here:



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, October 19, 2024

National Nut Day Review


We celebrate National Nut Day each year on October 22. This is NOT a story about squirrels, or about your nutty neighbor. It is a food holiday about a healthy and nutritious snack.


Mixed nuts


How Did This Holiday Begin?


National Nut Day was begun in 2015 by the UK-based Liberation Foods Company, a collective of small nut farmers around the world.  The company started this holiday as a way to encourage a healthy eating lifestyle. 


Benefits of Nuts


mixed nuts
Image of Mixed Nuts from Pixabay

Many kinds of nuts have been proven beneficial. Almonds, pecans and walnuts are at the top of the list of healthiest nuts you can eat.  Check out this link for the various benefits of almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, peanuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts, and pecans. It is nice to know that something that tastes so good, and comes in so many varieties, is also good FOR you.


Fun Facts About Nuts


Image of walnuts
Image of Walnuts via Pixabay

  • The oldest nut is the Walnut
  • The rarest nut is the Macademia
  • The world’s most favorite nut is the Almond
  • The nut which is in danger of becoming extinct is the Brazil Nut (as the Brazil Nut Tree is on the threatened species list due to deforestation)
  • The softest nut is the Cashew
  • The nut NOT a nut is the Peanut (it is actually a legume)


Other Nut Days We Celebrate


February 26 - National Pistachio Day

April 14 - National Pecan Day

May 17 - National Walnut Day

August 3 - National Grab Some Nuts Day

September 13 - National Peanut Day

November 23 - National Cashew Day


Related Reviews Featuring Nuts



National Pecan Day Review by Wednesday Elf

A Very Nutty Christmas Movie Review by Sylvestermouse

Honey Walnut Drops Cookie Recipe Review by Wednesday Elf


Summary


Image of Peanuts
Peanuts image from Pixabay

So, this is where I ask you ~ what is your favorite NUT? Be sure and stock up on it - or grab a bowl of mixed nuts if you cannot decide on a favorite - and enjoy a healthy snack as you celebrate National Nut Day on October 22. 


*National Nut Day is a Holiday Review written by Wednesday Elf

 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, September 21, 2024

A Review of Oktoberfest


A Cultural Folk Festival Holiday Review




A banner with the word Oktoberfest for this annual fall festival


What is Oktoberfest


Oktoberfest is a festival held each year in Munich, Germany. The origin of the festival began on October 12, 1810, to celebrate the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria (later known as King Louis I) to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.



Why is it called Oktoberfest when it is in September?


Because the weather in October in Germany is already getting colder, with the days being shorter, the festival coordinators elected to have the festival begin on the first Saturday after September 15 and last until the first Sunday in October. Thus, for this year, 2024, Oktoberfest begins Saturday, September 21 and ends on Sunday, October 6. 


This two centuries long event has become best known for featuring beer, pretzels, and German food. The fest includes a parade, music, and a traveling carnival. 


Costumes


Oktoberfest Costumes


The traditional costumes for Oktoberfest are:



  • For women - the costumes include the Trachtenblouse - a distinct blouse style due to the lace trim on the sleeves and neckline and a Dirndl skirt, which is characterized by its laced straps and circular cut, which starts at the waist and falls below the knee. A matching pinafore (or apron) is worn over the dirndl. 


*Important Note: The knot on the pinafore indicates your relationship status. If the knot is on your right side, that means you are taken. If you tie the knot on the left side, it means you are single. 


Oktoberfest Around the World


A number of U.S. cities, particularly those with large German American populations, hold Oktoberfests modeled on the original Munich festival. These popular celebrations, which feature beer and German food, are an attempt to reproduce the Bavarian sense of gemütlichkeit—cordiality.


Many of the U.S. Oktoberfests are shorter in length than the two weeks normally set aside for the Munich festival. For instance, the Kansas City Oktoberfest in 2024 is just a two-day event held on the final weekend of October 4-5, 2024. 


The German town of Hermann, Missouri celebrates the town’s German heritage every weekend in October by hosting Oktoberfest. The backdrop of Missouri fall colors this time of year also pays tribute to the Autumn season. What better way to celebrate than with good food, wine, beer and music. 


Summary


Whether you dress up in traditional costume or wear just regular clothes, the fun and happiness of this Fall Celebration will be a fun time of traditioning into the holiday season. 


Find an Oktoberfest near you ~ and enjoy. 


*Oktoberfest Holiday is review by Wednesday Elf





 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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