National Toast Day Review

Toast Day is held each year on the 4th Thursday of February. It was begun in 2014 by The Tiptree World Bread Awards to celebrate toast and all the breads we make it with. (Tiptree is a brand of fruit preserves, conserves, and marmalade made in England by Wilkin & Sons Limited, so it makes sense they have an interest in toast.)

The organization is in the UK, but the popularity of this day has found a following in the United States.  

The Shades of Toast

Some people like their toast barely toasted (my mother, for one. I used to tell her that her version of toast was more like ‘warm bread’, LOL). 

Others like their toast almost burnt, which is a way I learned to eat it as a small child from my great-grandmother, Banny. At the time, the only toaster she had was a non-popup toaster used in the 1920s to 1930s. You lowered each side, inserted the bread, closed the doors and ‘watched’ it closely. Only one side was toasted at a time. One had to lower the doors, and flip the bread to toast the other side. And, yes, I do remember that toaster - it looked like the one pictured here. Banny, my GG, would wait until the smoke was coming out of the toaster (burnt), then toast the other side. Then she would lightly scrape the burnt part off.

It may sound weird to you today, but as a tiny child who adored her ‘Banny’, I thought it was great, and I loved the burnt flavor. The rest of the way we ate that toast was dipped in coffee (Banny) and cocoa (me). To this day, cocoa and toast is a favorite of mine. Although, I no longer eat my toast burnt! Most people prefer their toast toasted somewhere in between barely and burnt. 

Toast Toppings

Now, the toppings for toast are endless, and depend on your preference. Butter is a standard topping, but favorites run anywhere from jam/jellies to peanut butter to avocados. Then there are standards like poached eggs on toast and toasted sandwiches. 

Summary

So, if you like toast (and most of us do), mark the 4th Thursday of February on your calendar in order to celebrate this ‘toasty’ day! 

Related Holidays:

• National Cheese Toast Day - September 15
• National Bread Day - November 17

For more Holiday Reviews, Click 
on ReviewThisReviews: Holidays

*A review of National Toast Day was written by Wednesday Elf

*Images: 

• Vintage Toaster image from Rare Historical Photos/Vintage Toasters toasters/
• Toast/toaster images from Pixabay

 

Elite Gourmet ECT-3100 Long Slot 4 Slice Toaster, Reheat, 6 Toast Settings, Defrost, Cancel Functions, Built-in Warming Rack, Extra Wide Slots for Bagels & Waffles, Stainless Steel & Black

Oregon Growers, Marionberry Jam, Strawberry Jam, & Red Raspberry Jam Variety Pack - Marionberry Preserves, Strawberry Preserves, Red Raspberry Preserves, Organic Jelly - 12 Oz Each (Pack of 3)

Nature's Own Butterbread, Sliced White Bread, 20 oz Loaf

Thomas’ Plain Bagels, 6 Pre Sliced Bagels with No High Fructose Corn Syrup, 20 Oz Bag

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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The Cat in the Stacks Cozy Mystery Series Reviewed

 Starring volunteer librarian Charlie Harris and his rescue Maine Coon cat, Diesel. 

We first meet Charlie and Diesel in Book I - Murder Past Due, the 2010 debut of this charming and delightful series.

To date, author Miranda James has written 17 books in the series, with Something Whiskered having been published in 2025.

Series Synopses

Charlie Harris is recently retired from his position as a Library Director in Houston. Widowed, and with his two children grown and pursuing their own careers, Charlie decides to move back to his hometown, a small town near the coast in Mississippi where he has inherited a house from a great-aunt. 

The house is large, so Charlie rents out a couple of the rooms to boarders. His aunt’s housekeeper has run the house for years and stays on part time to tend to Charlie and his boarders, cleaning and cooking. Since Charlie adores her fine Southern cooking, this works out fine with him. 

To keep busy, Charlie volunteers a couple days a week at the local public library and also works one day a week as custodian of the rare books collection at the local college. 

One day, as Charlie parks at the library for one of his volunteer days, and anxious to get inside as it is pouring rain, he  spots movement under a nearby bush. Investigating, he discovers a very large, and rather wet, Maine Coon cat. He picks up the cat and takes him inside to dry him off.

As time goes by, Charlies tries to find out where the cat belongs, while taking care of him at his home. Unable to locate an owner, he ends up keeping the cat. Since the cat has a very deep and rumbling purr, Charlie names him Diesel. He decides he sounds just like a diesel engine. :) 

Then a murder happens and Charlie Harris and Diesel end up playing detective to solve the crime. 

Diesel goes everywhere with Charlie, including the library where he is a favorite with the children. He even walks on a lease when doing so would keep him safer. 

In subsequent books, Charlie and Diesel become involved in more unsolved murders.  The dynamic duo of genial librarian Charlies Harris and his smart and clever cat, Diesel, earn  the reputation of becoming quite good detectives. 

*You can find the entire collection available here on Amazon. 

Author Miranda  James

Miranda James is a pen name for Dean James, a former medical librarian of two decades. His professional background includes extensive published research on library science, medical history, and the mystery genre. In addition to the Cat in the Stacks series, he is the author of three other series of books. James lives in Texas. 

Summary

If you enjoy cozy mysteries and also like stories that include animals, you will be pleased with this Cat in the Stacks series. As time goes on, Charlie’s two kids move back to Charlie's small Mississippi town (the son, a lawyer, from Houston and the daughter, a striving actress, from California) and become a part of subsequent stories. As does the housekeeper’s daughter, who is a senior detective on the town’s police force and keeps bumping into Charlie when he somehow keeps finding bodies. 

Each story leads into the next, so reading them in sequence is recommended. The Cat in the Stacks series is a darling and light-hearted series of cozy mysteries. 

*Book Review of the “Cat in the Stack” series of cozy mysteries is written by Wednesday Elf

There's a cat in the stacks...

...and he makes the purr-fect partner for a librarian-turned-sleuth.

Murder Past Due (Cat in the Stacks Mystery)

Something Whiskered (Cat in the Stacks Mystery)

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Reviewing National Guitar Day

 February 11 is known as National Guitar Day, a day to honor that iconic and versatile instrument known as the guitar.

The guitar is a widely appreciated instrument, valued by beginners learning their first chords and professionals performing on stage. Its pleasant sound is enjoyed by many fans of guitar music.

The History of the Guitar

Dating back over 4,000 years to Mesopotamia and Egypt, the guitar evolved into its modern form in Spain and later gained worldwide popularity. Whether it's a classical, electric, or bass guitar, its influence spans a wide range of musical genres, including folk, rock, jazz, blues, and pop.

The Basic Guitar

Basic guitars have six steel or nylon strings that create different sounds. 

Experts recommend beginners start with an acoustic guitar, which produces sound via string vibration and helps build finger strength, while electric guitars are often preferred by more advanced players

My Love of the Guitar

I entered college in the the Fall of 1959, which was a time of the popularity of Folk Music performed by such iconic groups as The Kingston Trio, Peter, Paul and Mary, and dozens more. All of these groups had at least one member playing the guitar.  Having attended a Kingston Trio concert at my college in the Fall of 1959, I became an instant fan of both Folk Music and the guitar. My roommates and I played the recordings of these groups, particularly of the Kingston Trio, over and over, singing along until we knew all the words to each song!

By the next semester, I had met the guitar-playing, folk-music-loving guy that I ended up marrying. While in college, he played the guitar and sang folk songs, along with two fraternity brothers, all over campus. Over the years, he continued to play the guitar and sing, occasionally with friends, but mostly to me. Naturally, I loved it. :) 

As the years went by, hubby’s musical talent showed up in our youngest son, who played 3 instruments before settling on the guitar as his main musical outlet. Son had his own band for a bit, before life and family obligations took up the time. Now, one of his sons, who is proficient on the violin, is currently teaching himself how to play the guitar. From hubby, to son to grandson, the guitar has played a part in our family’s lives. It truly is an instrument we all have enjoyed, either playing or listening. 

Summary

So, on February 11th, get out your guitar and play, or simply listen to some good guitar music as a way to celebrate this musical holiday.

*This review of National Guitar Day has been written by Wednesday Elf

+Images in this article are from Pixabay and personal photos of Wednesday Elf

Guitars and related products..... 

Fender Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar - Natural Bundle with Gig Bag, Tuner, Strings, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

EASTROCK Guitar Stand - Guitar Stands Floor Adjustable Folding Guitar Stand for Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar Banjo Mandolin, Black Tripod with Foam Padding & Non-Slip Feet (1PACK)

Alfred's Easy Guitar Songs -- Rock & Pop: 50 Hits from Across the Decades

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Book Review of Dark Horse by Felix Francis

 Popular character, Sid Halley, makes a return in Dark Horse when he is brought in to investigate a stalking turned murder case. 

Synopsis

Dark Horse: A Dick Francis Novel

Rising Irish jump jockey Imogen Duffy is on the cusp of stardom, but her life is a nightmare. Her controlling and jealous ex-boyfriend, Liam, is stalking her, and when she tries to break free, his harassment turns violent. Fleeing to England, Imogen hopes to escape his shadow, but Liam refuses to let her go, also moving to England and continuing his harassment. 

Then, he is found murdered, a knife with Imogen's fingerprints left at the scene.

With the evidence stacked against her, Imogen's father enlists the help of former jockey turned private investigator Sid Halley. Reluctantly agreeing to the case, Halley's investigation soon becomes a life-or-death race against time. He discovers that he, too, is being watched and threatened, suggesting Liam's murder was part of a much larger and darker game. As the stakes get personal, Halley must uncover who is truly responsible for the murder and the new threats before the killer claims another victim.

Summary

Dark Horse is the latest in Felix Francis’ series of novels. It is an old-fashioned thriller with a horse-racing background. Written by Felix Francis in a manner similar to that of his famous father, Dick Francis, Felix brings back the beloved character Sid Halley. Fans of horse-racing, and of the Francis’ authors Dick and Felix, will enjoy this one. 

The ending is one that will surprise you!

*Book Review of Dark Horse is 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.”

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Reviewing Gramping Trips - Building Lifetime Memories

Definition of Gramping:  A special trip where grandparents and grandchildren vacation or travel together without the ‘Mid-Gen’ (parents) as a way to enhance and strengthen intergenerational bonds. While doing so, they share quality time and create lasting memories. 

Gramping - A Fun Adventure

Having had my own gramping trips with my beloved maternal grandparents as a child, and also having now experienced the other end of the spectrum ~ as a grandparent interacting with a grandchild one-on-one, I can fully attest to the fact that ‘Gramping’ is a fantastic experience. 

Skip-Generation Travel

This new travel trend has recently become popular, even though it is something that has been around for generations, long before someone gave a ‘name’ to it. :) 

Gramping trips can be as simple as a day trip to a local museum,  or as extensive as a journey to another country. There is no limit to the length and type of trips ‘gramps/grams’ and ‘grands’ can take together. The nicest part of ‘gramping’ is the focus it puts on grandparent-grandchild relationships. 

Sharing My ‘Gramping’ Memories As Examples of What Gramping Can Be

My Childhood Gramping Experience

When I was 14 (quite a few decades ago) and my brother was 13, my grandparents took us on a trip to New York City. My grandfather had a business meeting, but the rest of the time was exploring an amazing city we had never seen. To this day I remember every single moment of that trip, from the train ride from our home in western New York State to the unbelievable immensity of Grand Central Station, to the ride on the Staten Island Ferry, to seeing the Statue of Liberty, to viewing the city from the top of the Empire State Building. Memories, indeed, remain with you for a lifetime. 

My Children’s Childhood Gramping Experiences

When my own children were growing up, my parents decided that they wanted to spend individual time with each of my three youngsters. They picked age 12 as a time old enough to fly alone and flew my oldest son from our home (at that time) in South Carolina to their home in New York State. He spent a month with the grandparents and loved every minute of his trip.

In their time, his brother and sister had similar trips with the grandparents.

Me, as a Grandmother

Over the years I have had many day-trips with my grandchildren, but the first real and extended ‘gramping’ trip occurred quite accidentally. I was living in Georgia at the time (in my retirement years) and took a trip to Iowa to visit my oldest son and daughter-in-law. Grandson Ryan, 14 at the time, was bored that summer. He was too young to get a job, not old enough to drive, and both parents worked, so there was not a lot for him to do. 

One afternoon my DIL Kathie and I were chatting and Ryan came into the room to listen in. He kept interrupting with little funny lines as only young teenagers can do. Finally, his mom said (in mock frustration), “why don’t you just take Ryan back home with you”. I looked over at my grandson; he looked at me, and I thought ‘why not?’. So I said ‘OK’. It was all sort of ‘off the cuff’, but the more we all thought about it, it really did sound like a good idea. After a few discussions to work out details, at the end of my visit, Ryan came back to Georgia with me for over three weeks. 

As it turned out, he was a really fun travel companion and good company. We first drove from Iowa to my daughter’s place in St. Louis, staying overnight so Ryan could see the famous St. Louis Arch and get to visit with his Aunt & Uncle. Then back home in coastal Georgia, we had many days of beach time on Tybee Island, daily swims in my apartment pool, day trips to Savannah to see the sights, visit museums, eat out, and more. Evenings we played games and visited and planned what we would do the next day. He was an absolute joy to have around. I know Ryan enjoyed his trip as much as I enjoyed his company because nearly 10 years later he is still talking about it. 

At the end of the visit, I was on my way to Ohio to visit another son and met Ryan’s parents half-way to return him. A very happy and satisfying ‘gramping’ trip on both sides. 

Summary

If you ever get the opportunity to spend individual ‘gramping’ time (short or long) with your grandparent/grandchild, do not pass it up. You will never regret it.  

PS:  Gramping can also refer to a type of family holiday where grandparents, parents, and children (three generations) go camping or on a similar holiday together. But the most special moments, for both grandparent and grandchild, is when just these two generations spend time together.  

*Gramping Trips review written by Wednesday Elf

+Intro and Second Image are created with AI. Third image is a personal photo by Wednesday Elf

'Gramping' - Grandchildren/Grandparent Adventures

Traveling with Grandkids: A Complete and Fun-Filled Guide

Forever Connected: Adventures and Activities with Grandchildren

Matias' Adventures with Grandpa and Grandma in Miami: A heartwarming story about the unique bond between grandparents and grandchildren, the joy of exploring, and the magic of shared moments.

Treasured Travels: A Grandparent - Grandchild Travel and Memory Journal

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So Long Chester Wheeler - Book Review

A novel by New York Times Bestselling Author Catherine Ryan Hyde about a road trip with unlikely companions who end up forming an unexpected bond. 

Synopsis

So Long, Chester Wheeler: A Novel

As the story begins, Lewis Madigan, a software developer, is experiencing the worst day of his life!

His worst day began as he arrived at work. It was a day that he expected to be getting a promotion and a raise and instead ended up with a pink slip in his pay envelope. 

If the news of getting ‘laid off’  wasn’t enough, when Lewis got home that day, hoping for a bit of sympathy from his live-in boyfriend, he discovers the boyfriend is in the process of moving out and leaving for good. Afterwards, Lewis learns that the ex-boyfriend has also cleaned out their joint savings account! 

Faced with a horrendous job market, no money and few prospects, Lewis is uncertain what to do next. 

Chester Wheeler

Enter Chester Wheeler. Chester is Lewis’ hateful next-door neighbor; wheelchair-bound, cantankerous, and a constant source of irritation with his homophobic insults. 

Chester has worn through a number of caretakers—no one can stand to be around him. When the last caretaker walks out, Chester’s daughter is at her wits end. She needs to be with her daughter and newborn grandchild, not taking care of Chester. Knowing Lewis is out of work, she talks him into providing end-of-life care for her father.

Lewis doesn’t need the aggravation of caring for his insufferable homophobic neighbor, but he does need the money. Told that the only requirements are to run errands and be on call just until the daughter can work out other arrangements, Lewis agrees. 

Chester Wheelers Request

After several days of bickering, baiting, pushing buttons and exchanging barbs, Chester Wheeler decides to ask Lewis for a big favor. He wants Lewis to drive him, in his old Winnebago,  from his home in Buffalo, NY to Arizona. He wants to see his ex-wife for the first time in thirty-two years ~ for the last time. Lewis is unable to say no to a dying wish, and agrees. The journey spans one week and two thousand miles, and becomes an illuminating journey into the life and secrets of a vulnerable man.

Summary

So Long Chester Wheeler is a novel with characters who will fascinate you. The story is told with humor and a deep understanding that sometimes the last people in the world we would expect to connect with are those who need our help the most.  It will make you think about your own feelings and how they influence your life. 

*Book Review of “So Long Chester Wheeler” was 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.”

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National Black Cat Day Review

We celebrate National Black Cat Day each year on October 27th. On this day, leading up to Halloween, feline fans love showing off their love for this often misunderstood animal.

Misconceptions of Black Cats

Black cats  have been considered both good luck and bad luck, depending upon locale.

In the British Isles, and also in Japan, black cats are considered to be forebringers of good fortune and prosperity.  But in most other places, particularly in much of the Western world, black cats are thought to be the bringers of misfortune and wickedness. This belief appears to have begun in the historical times of witchhunts and the witch trials when people mistakenly believed that black cats served as companions to potion-brewing, spell-casting witches, thus, symbolizing supposed evils.

Enough of this negativity surrounding black cats continues to exist today to the point where they have lower rates of adoption compared to other cat breeds. Thus, National Black Cat Day was begun to bring awareness to the plight of black cats.

Myths and a Holiday Associated with Black Cats

Halloween has long been associated with black cats. It seems to come from these cats’ stealthy and nocturnal nature, combined with their dark fur. It led to the belief that black cats were either witches in disguise or were witches’ supernatural familiars. It all apparently became  symbols of evil and bad luck and, over the years, contributed to a spooky holiday imagery. 

Personal Black Cat Story

Our family had a series of black cats over the years. Our very first one was an all-black, half-Siamese cat we got as a tiny kitten. We named her Spooky. The name came from the owner of our kitten’s parent cats.  Catherine was from England and once told us stories of a haunted house she lived in there. She called the stories her ‘Spook Stories’, so “Spooky” seemed the perfect name for our new kitten. She was the ‘best cat ever!’ 🙂

Summary

It is time to discard the old-fashioned notion that crossing the path of a black cat, or just associating with black cats in general, brings bad luck. 

Therefore, National Black Cat Day becomes a terrific opportunity to change these wrong impressions of these beautiful black cats and demonstrates appreciation for these animals who could use a little luck themselves!

National Black Cat Day

October 27

Find more Review This Holiday Reviews here:
ReviewThisReviews: Holidays

*National Black Cat Day review was written by Wednesday Elf

+Black Cat images in this review are compliments of Pixabay

Black Cats Galore! Happy Halloween ~

bmuvghi Black Cat Canvas Tote Bag with Zipper Pockets Vintage Flowers Cute Tote Bag Aesthetic Reusable Shopping Grocery Bags Birthday Gifts for Women

XYDEG Black Cat Kitchen Towels, Decor for Kitchen Bathroom Home, Cute Hand Towels Dish Towels,Gifts for Cat Lovers,Waffle Weave Microfiber,16×24 Inches

Black Cats Blanket Throw Super Soft and Cozy Blankets for Home Decoration, Couch, Bed, Sofa 50"x40" Small for Kids for All Seasons

Manhattan Toy Lanky Cats Ziggy Black Cat Stuffed Animal 14 inch

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