Saturday 9: This Haunted House (1964)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Loretta Lynn wrote this song to help her cope with the sudden death of her friend, Patsy Cline. When they first met, Patsy was already a star and she helped Loretta become established. Did you more recently advise or receive advice? I gave advice on Friday to a friend.

2) She sings that Patsy's is the face she sees when she turns out the light. Do you remember who or what you were thinking about when you fell asleep last night? I was thinking about my heart and what is going on with it and why I have not heard back from the test I took. I went for a blood test on Thursday and my cholesterol is normal now that I have been on medication. My blood sugar is borderline so I need to eat better.

3) Loretta maintains her TN ranch is haunted. She says "the moaning woman" is a harmless apparition, dressed in white. Do you believe in ghosts? No.

4) Loretta Lynn's ranch is now open to the public. In addition to horseback riding, fishing and camping, Loretta's ranch features shops that sell locally-sourced jams, jellies and sauces, as well as Loretta Lynn CDs and "Coal Miner's Daughter" glassware and t-shirts. Have you ever brought home an edible souvenir? Or do you prefer to remember your trips with something more lasting, like a coffee mug or t-shirt? Last year we went to Yosemite and we brought back souvenirs for family members. We also brought back some huckleberry jam, taffy and licorice.

5) According to Reader's Digest, The Exorcist is the scariest movie of all time. Have you seen it, and if so, did it scare you? Yes I saw it when I was in college with my husband and friend. I did not like the movie. It was scary and I told my husband I did not want to see anymore scary movies!

6) Which do you find spookier: haunted houses or cemeteries? I have only been to the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland and there are a few creepy things there. I like going to the cemetery my family is buried at. But I don't think I would want to go at night.

7) What's the most recent Halloween costume you wore? I was a hippie and my husband was a biker. This was from last October at our church Trunk N Treat.

 

8) When you were a kid, did you trade your Halloween candy with siblings or friends? Yes

                                I shared this the other day. I am sitting to my dad's left.

9) Random question: You meet your very friendly new neighbor. She invites you over for a "get acquainted" cup of coffee tomorrow afternoon and you accept. Then you learn that she was once on trial for an axe murder ... but acquitted. Would you still go over to her house? I might, but I would take someone with me.

Wednesday Hodgepodge has pictures from my husband's birthday lunch.

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1. Boo, boo-hoo, make a boo-boo, boo(ze)...pick one and tell us how it relates to life lately. I would day Boo! Not sure what the grands are going to do this year for Halloween, but we will have candy for them. We were thinking of hiding candy in the backyard for them to find.

2. Do you like the color orange? Would we find this color in your home? Your wardrobe? Peach-pumpkin-tangeringe...your favorite shade of the three listed? I like more of a burnt orange. I like the shades of orange in fall. It is not a color I normally use.

3. October 28th is National Chocolate Day. What's the last chocolate something you tasted? On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being out of this world delicious, how would you rate it? I don't eat much chocolate because it is not good for acid reflux. I might have to indulge today.

4. Life is like a box of chocolates or so says Forrest Gump's mama. Would you agree? Aside from the pandemic fallout tell us one way this saying has played out in your life.  There are different types of chocolates. I like some more than others and I have had to give up some completely. When I first gave up chocolate, I was sad. Over time I realized I was okay with it. I have learned that about me during this Covid experience and life in general.

5. As October winds down tell us three things you loved about the month we're bidding adieu.I love decorating for fall, I love my scarecrows and I enjoy pumpkin spice in my coffee.

6.  Insert your own random thought here.  Sunday was my husband's birthday and he was so happy that all our kids and grandkids were able to meet for lunch at one of his favorite Mexican food place. They already had an outside covered patio that we could enjoy since we can't eat in restaurants in our county.  The birthday boy was happy when the staff came out to sing t him and gave him a free flan dessert. We were near a lake so after lunch we took the grands to feed the ducks. Later they all came to our house and we watched a show on Hawaii ans the grands played in the guestrooms. One room has all the girl things and the other has the boy things. They will be back this coming weekend so I let them keep the tent up that they made.

 

 

If you click the Fun Things option on the bar above, you will find something all about chocolates.

 

 

Reading Part 2

1. Kindle or hard cover/paper back? Paper back.  But I  do have the Kindle too.

2. Have you read a series like Harry Potter and if so which series and what did you think of the stories? Can you recommend them and why? No. I prefer historical fiction and Christian fiction. I have read the Left Behind Series and the AD Chronicles series. 

3. Do you have a library, book shelves etc in your home? I had several book cases at my previous home. I am down to one large book case and one small one for my devotionals. My other book case is in the guest room and houses Disney items and Lego sets for the grands.

4. Is there a book you just really disliked ? Why did you dislike it? College text books that I had to read. They were not interesting and I had a lot of reading to do that first year.

 

Here is a page I did at my website on some of the books I have read.

Happy Birthday to my husband! We are going out for lunch at a restaurant that he likes. It has a lake next to it  that has ducks and turtles. He knows the grands like to feed them. We will be eating out in the patio since our county closed indoor eating again. They have a nice covered patio which is great since the weather will be cool for us in the low 60's. Our church is still meeting outside and the service is in the evening.

 

1. What is your favorite spooky song Thriller by Michael Jackson

2. What do you want etched on your tombstone? Beloved Wife, Mom and Mema

3. Who is your favorite horror movie villain Frankenstein.  I watched the older scary movies when I was a kid, but I stopped watching scary things after The Exorcist

4. Have you ever seen a ghost? No

5. Do you prefer gore, thrillers or supernatural movies? Thrillers

6. What is your favorite scary book? The Oath, by Frank Peretti This is a fictional book about the battle between the angels and the demonic forces of this world. 

7. Have you ever had a tarot card reading?  Was it accurate? No.

8. Are you superstitious? No

9. Have you ever used a voodoo doll? No

10. Have you ever participated in a seance? No

11. Have you ever heard voices when no one was around except you? No

12. What is your favorite Halloween candy? Kit Kat Pumpkin flavor and Candy Corn.

13. What was your most memorable Halloween costume? My hippie one that I wore to a family party I went to with my dad and sister in 2012. He passed away 4 months later. I wore that same outfit last year at our church Trunk N Treat Event. It is a fun safe Halloween alternative. The kids go from trunk trunk to collect candy. We can't have it this year because of Covid. Not sure what our grands are doing this year. We will have candy for them.

                                                Can you guess which one is me?

14. Do you like going through haunted houses (not real ones)? The Haunted Mansion at Disneyland.
15. If someone dared you to spend the night in a haunted house (a real one) would you do it? No!

A few years ago I was in a group called Chatterbug University. My blogger friend Lori was in the group and so was our dear friend Toni who passed away last Dec. We had to write a scary story for fun. You can find that page here.

 

Saturday 9: Lights (2011)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? 

Hear it here.

1) This song was inspired by a young Ellie Goulding's fear of the dark. What scared you when you were a kid?  Does math count as an answer?
 
2) She thinks back to the room where her brother and sister slept and she felt safe. Did you share a room when you were growing up?
I  a room with my younger sister. We are 3 1/2 years apart. We did okay when we were young, but we could get into when we were teenagers. My sister that is 16 months younger than me had to have her own room because of her asthma.

3) Ellie Goulding grew up in public housing and worked her way through the University of Kent in Canterbury. Back in those days, her favorite job was theater usher because it offered her the perk of seeing plays for free. What's the most recent "freebie" you scored? (This includes a buy one/get one deal, extra points on your credit card, etc.) When I went to the beach with my friends, one of them bought my desert, a Balboa bar. A small block of vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate and then rolled in what you want. I chose chopped almonds and almond brittle.
 
4) Even though today she is an international music star, Ellie still lives modestly. She describes herself as "still in university mode," and limits herself to $10/day for lunch. Where do you economize? I color my own hair and I don't have my nail done. I buy things with coupons or on sale. We make meals last a few days.

5) Ellie has proclaimed herself "a cat lady" and often posts pictures of her cats to her Instagram account. What's the most recent photo you took? My son came over with his kids and Minne was so happy to see them! Elijah was playing with her on the bed and I had to take this picture. Look how she is looking at him ♥

6) Ellie appeared on Sesame Street. She, Elmo and Abby thanked clouds for raindrops, lakes, and the water we drink. Would you be thankful for a little rain this weekend? Yes I would! We have finally cooled down and rain was forecast for Sunday but it fizzled out.

7) In 2011, the year "Lights" was a hit, Prince William married Kate Middleton. Ellie not only attended the wedding, she sang Elton John's "Your Song" for the couple's first dance. Tell us a song that reminds you of a romance in your life. Color My World by Chicago.
It was the dance we did with our wedding party. I have a large wedding party. At the reception. Each couple walked in and formed a line and then they created an
arch that we went through. After we went through each coupe separated and then when they were done they formed a circle around us. Then toward the end they because couples and
dance around us until the song ended.
 
8) Also in 2011, AT&T abandoned their attempt to buy T-Mobile. Which company is your cell phone carrier? Are you happy with them? We have Verizon with my daughter's work discount. I am happy with them. I have had good reception over the years.

9) Random question: What recent experience made you feel old? My mind does not feel old but my body reminds me I am. I have lost a lot of muscle and my Dr said it is because of aging and dealing with osteoporosis. Hopefully I don't have to add heart problems to the list. I basically stopped exercising with this pandemic and I have know one to blame except my lazy self. Now that the weather is cooling off, I plan to go walking.

If you missed my last post, there are pictures from our Yosemite trip, October 2019.

 

1. Just your weekly mid-week reminder that it's fall y'all and it's my favorite. I love nearly all the flavors of fall but let's weigh in with an either or today...pumpkin or cranberry? hot apple cider or pumpkin spice latte? cinnamon or maple? apple or pear? ginger or sage?  carrot or butternut squash? Yes you have to choose. What's a favorite dish made with one of the flavors listed here? 

~Cranberry Raspberry JELL-O Dessert~

1(6 oz.) JELL-O Raspberry Flavor Gelatin

2 cups boiled water

1 can  (16 oz.) whole berry cranberry sauce

1 can  (20 oz.) DOLE crushed pineapple, un-drained

1 (11 oz.) can of mandarin oranges in light syrup, drained.

1 apple, chopped in small pieces.

2/3 cup  walnuts

Mix Jello with boiling water. Let it cool. Add the pineapple and cranberries.

Put it in the fridge for a few hours, mixing occasionally.

Peel and dice the apple.  Take out Jello from the fridge, add apple and walnuts.

3- Refrigerate overnight or until firm.

I remember my mom making this in a beautiful mold. She would place some pretty dark green lettuce down on a plate and then turn the mold over the lettuce. It was so pretty!

2. Do you miss traveling? In this season of almost no travel do you think you've grown anxious or fearful about traveling again? Or has all this staying home not going anywhere made you restless to get out and see the world? What book have you read or what movie have you watched that has inspired you to travel? We were suppose to go back to Lake Tahoe this fall, but decided to wait. We were there last year this time. We spent a few days there and then two days in Yosemite and one day at Pismo Beach. My husband and I took a virtual tour of South Caroling this summer. I even made a travel journal for a crafting assignment. It was fun to watch YouTube videos on So Carolina. Since it was virtual, we could choose a hotel and restaurants with not budget. 

Yosemite October 21, 2019

 

 

 

3. A time you felt like you were 'flying by the seat of your pants'? Explain. I think we are doing that now by living with Covid.

4. Do you struggle with road rage or are you more of a 'Sunday driver'? Do you like to be 'in the driver's seat (literally and/or figuratively speaking) ? I don't drive as much as I use to in the past few years. My husband and I are retired and we take a few day trips and he goes all the driving. I don't struggle with road rage

5. Something you've recently 'put the brakes on'? Spending money! I don't go out as much as I use to. When I do, I really thing twice before spending my money.

6. Insert your own random thought here. I wore my heart monitor for the required 72 hours  and of course my palpitations were minimal. But the day after I took it off I had some fast beats and a little labored breathing. I feel better today. Don't know what is going on. But I do know all the signs of a heart attack. The advise nurse will call me back tomorrow. Of course if it was really bad, the fire department is a minute away.

 

 

Reading...

 Welcome to Tuesday 4 in memory of it's founder, our friend Toni Taddeo..

1 .How do you relax in the evening after dinner?  My husband and I watch tv together. I am usually crafting while watching if it is news.  Right now I am knitting a scarf.

2. Do you read in bed? What kind of books do you read? In the evening I like to read my Bible before bed.

3. Do you have a list of books you look forward to reading? I am busy working on a Bible study a so right now I am just reading the Bible

4. What is the best book you've ever read and why? I am currently reading through the Bible for the 4th time so that is my most favorite book.  I have also read Gone With The Wind seven times.  My mom let me read her book and I was hooked. When the movie was in the theaters, she took me to see it. We would talk about the characters. I had a crush on Rhett Butler! I like historical fiction and I really like series book, In the 80's I read the Wagon's West series and the White Indian Series. I would finish a book and then give it to my grandpa to read. It was nice being able to talk with my grandpa about the characters in the book. I still have those books. I also have my Trixie Belden Mystery series that I started reading in elementary school. I am going to see if my grand daughter wants to read them. I also enjoyed the Left Behind series and AD Chronicles series.

The last book I read was called Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers. They are currently making a movie about it. It is based on the Biblical book of Hosea. I use to have 3 book cases filled with books. When we moved the this smaller home,  gave away lots of book. I have one large book case and one small one for my devotional books. My parents had a library in the last home I lived in with them. My brother inherited my parents large custom shelves. One of my favorite memories was going in my parents room at night to say good night and they would both be reading. Dad liked James Patterson books. My mom loved Biography's and British and European history. My sibling and I all have book cases. I married a non reader. He loves watching  and learning from the TV.  My grandkids all love to read books too.

 You can go here to see a list of some of the books I have read.  

 

 

1. What kinds of things do you like to write? I like to write Bible verses in devotionals. I will write in my Bible. I like to write out little cards and I like to journal.

 2. What is your favorite genre of movie? I like adventure movies like Star Wars, romantic movies and movies on history like The Right Stuff or Hidden Figures. I love musicals like The Greatest Showmen. I like Disney movies too, both animated and real people fairytales.

3. Your favorite song? That is a hard one because I love so many songs. The first one that came to my mind is Amazing Grace.

4. During what situation do your eyes shine the brightest? When I am with all my kids, grandkids and siblings.

5. Summer or Winter? Winter

6. What do you do when you are angry? Depends on the situation. There is a time and place for everything.

7, Sleep with lights on or off ? Off

8. Are you ok with eating alone in a restaurant? I have when I was working and on a lunch break. I am retired. If I am out shopping, I might stop to get something to eat.

9. Texting or calling? Both, depends on the situation and who I am speaking with.

10. What’s your favorite thing about yourself? I am a Christian and I like my creativity and giving gifts that I make.

11. How do you act when you’re scared? I get pensive, I pray and keep busy!

12. When you look at the sky do you first look at the moon, or the stars? Depends, but usually the moon because I like to go out to see the full moon. This is a picture I took this month.

13. Do you approach strangers when you are lost? I have asked people for directions.

14. Tea or Coffee? 1 cup of decaff in the morning, tea in the evening when I am cold.

15. With sugar? Milk? Lemon? Anything else? Coffee with creamer, honey with tea if needed.

 Happy Sunday!

 

 

 

Saturday 9: Vision of Love (1990)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) The lyrics refer to "sweet destiny." Do you believe in destiny? I believe that I am a child of God and He has a purpose for me. It may change through the years, but I feel He guides me and hopefully I stay on His course.

2) This week's artist, Mariah Carey, has something to fall back on. She studied cosmetology and worked as a hair sweeper in a salon. When you get your hair cut, do you socialize with the stylist? Normally I do, but it is hard to talk with a mask on. So I was in and out of there pretty quickly.
 
3) She isn't likely to turn to cosmetology any time soon. Mariah is currently on the best seller list with her autobiography, The Meaning of Mariah Carey. Was the last book you finished fiction or non-fiction? Biblical fiction, Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers, based on the Biblical book of Hosea.

4) So far, more than 800 people have reviewed Mariah's book on Amazon. Do you review products/services online? Yes I like to review products before I order them. I buy more thing on Etsy.

5) When she was a high school student, she was nicknamed "Mirage" because she skipped class so often. Did you ever play hooky? Only once.

6) Mariah doesn't apologize for spoiling her dogs, who have been known to travel by limo. Do you know anyone who treats their pets like people? We have a loved and spoiled dog. She is well cared for, but we don't take her everywhere with us. We have a special heart for doxies.

7) In 1990, the year this song was popular, Martina Navratilova won the Wimbledon Women's Singles Tournament. How's your tennis game? I haven't played since High School.

8) Also in 1990, Pope John Paul II toured Mexico. Have you ever visited our neighbor south of the border? I think we were there about 18 years ago. Our church rented a bus and we went to Puerto Nuevo to eat Lobster and shop. We got to see movies on the bus. I think one was Remember the Titans. Oh and I went on a 3 day cruise to Ensenada in 2004. 

In 1971, I went to Mexico City with a friend and her family because her sister was getting married. We went by car and it was a great learning experience for me. I took a novel with me to read. I think it was Nicolas and Alexandria by Robert K Massie.(The last of the Romanov Dynasty) 

I am not fluent in Spanish. I learned most of it in school and some from one of my grandparents. I was able to practice while I was there. We went to several beach cities where I first tried fresh shrimp and fish from the sea. We went to Guadalajara were we went shopping in a huge open air farmers market. I tried new foods and I made new friends. We drove through Taxco, a well know silver city. We drove to Acapulco and saw the cliff divers. We got to stay one night at the Swimmers village from the 1968 Olympics. Each apartment had its own mini hot spa/pool. They had a great botanical garden there. I ate black beans instead of pinto beans. The family I stayed with were Christians and we had dinner together as a family and the grandma, the matriarch said the prayer. I just checked and it is 2280 miles from Los Angeles to Acapulco. It is a trip I will never forget. I did miss my family. My mom was so happy she bought me the Carole King Tapestry album to welcome me back. I still have that album!

9) Random question(s): There are Gofundme campaigns for many purposes. Have you ever solicited funds online? Would you? I never have. I don't know if I would. Guess it depends. I have helped others. I don't want my kids to do that for us so we have already made the arrangements for our funerals and all expenses paid. They would just have to get food for the gathering. 

 It was almost 100 today. Will someone send their fall weather our way please.

1. Let's start things off right...Wednesday is National Dessert Day. What are we having? How often do you  make/serve dessert? Store bought or from scratch? We don't eat many deserts that are store bought. We might get a few things for our grandkids or for special occasions. We mostly eat fresh fruit for a dessert. But once in awhile I do indulge!

2. Slow as molasses, icing on the cake, that's the way the cookie crumbles, have your cake and eat it too, half-baked idea, that takes the cake...which phrase might be applied to something in your life in recent days? Explain. I would say have your cake and eat it too. On Monday a few of my friends went to the beach to celebrate the birthday of one of the girls. She rented a and we cruised the bay for 2 hours. The weather was beautiful and in the low 80's. Afterwards we ate lunch at the Rusty Pelican and we sang Happy Birthday to our friend. We saved desert later. We all had Balboa bars. Vanilla ice cream dipped in hot chocolate and then rolled in your topping of your choice. Better than cake!

3. Something that's 'easy as pie' for you to do? Make a mess? I am a crafter and when I am working on a craft, it doesn't take long to have things all over. My crating friends say we just have our creative ideas spread all over. The not so easy thing to do is put it all away!

4. Are you someone who likes to 'sugarcoat' news you think might not be well received, or are you more of a tell it like it is and let the chips fall where they may? Do you like to receive your news the same way you give it? I am an realist and I try to be honest. But I use wisdom in most things I do. I try not sugar coat things, but I am careful with my words. But on occasion I blow it and will take whatever comes. No blaming, just accepting things and being real.

5. Something you did recently that made you feel like a 'smart cookie'? I rested. Monday was a fun and busy day. I got up early and we were on the road at 10am and we got back home around 9pm. I  stayed up late to catch up with some tv recordings and then my Bible reading. For some reason I was having a little problem with breathing. So today was a pj day. I also got my heart monitor in the mail so I will start that Wednesday after breakfast.

6. Insert your own random thought here. I am glad I was able to celebrate my friends birthday at the beach. The Duffy bay cruise was so much fun. It was nice to see all the fancy homes and boats. Several celebrities live in these homes. I like the home of the late John Wayne the most.

John Wayne's home

 

 

 

The Rusty Pelican

 

My previous post has pictures of my siblings/parents and my grands from 11 years ago.