Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Cardigan (2020)

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

1) When she's feeling low, Taylor Swift compares herself to an old cardigan, forgotten under the bed. Do you store anything under your bed? Or do you try to keep that area clear (except for dust bunnies)?

My bed is raised high and I have several storage boxes under it. Some have seasonal clothes in them and some have craft items.

2) The lyrics begin with a reference to a new phone. Do you foresee yourself getting a new phone before 2021 ends? Or are you happy with the one you've got? I am happy with the phone I have. It is an IPhone  8Plus with extra memory. 

 

3) She sings that her lover haunts all of her "what if's." Have you recently wondered, "what if?" What were you musing about? I do have some what if's. I think about what it would be like if we had stayed in our previous home. Would I be working, would I be healthier than I am now.

4) Taylor Swift admits that she rewinds after concerts by watching Friends reruns. What do you do to relax? Listen to music, craft/Bible journal, watch television movies I like. My favorites are coming back for the new season now.

5) Thinking of TV shows, Taylor appeared on a 2009 episode of CSI. That series was about crime-scene investigators who use forensics to solve murders. Do you enjoy crime shows? Yes! I watch some with my husband.

6) Taylor grew up on an 11-acre tree farm where she learned to ride. Her mother was a horsewoman and hoped riding was a passion they could share. When she was 12, Taylor admitted to her mother that she really wasn't that into it and wished she could spend more time on her music. Her mother was supportive. Tell us about a tough conversation you've had that turned out well. ??? Not at the moment.

7) She enjoys good, old-fashioned mysteries, especially those by Agatha Christie. Are you currently reading a book? Yes, it is called Angelwalk Trilogy. Roger Elwood gives us kingdom reality of angelic and demonic realms that we don't see.

8) In 2020, the year this song was released, Jeopardy host Alex Trebek died. The search for a new host has caused interest and even controversy. Would you enjoy the job? No way! I would rather watch it!

But it just isn't the same without Alex Trebek!

9)Random question: Of Superman's three superpowers -- tremendous strength, the ability to fly, and x-ray vision -- which would you choose? I know flying would be fun, but I need the strength more.

Saturday 9 I Left My Heart in S.F.

Saturday 9: I Left My Heart in San Francisco (1962)

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

1) This song is a valentine to the city of San Francisco. Songwriters George Cory and Douglas Cross moved to New York to find fame and fortune and found themselves homesick for the city by the bay. Have you ever been homesick? Or, in the parlance of the song, where have you left your heart? My heart is homesick for my parents. I think they went to a Tony Bennett Concert. I inherited some of there CD's. 

2) Cory and Cross were buddies with Ralph Sharon, a piano player who often worked with Tony Bennett. Ralph brought the song to Tony and the results were very happy for all involved. Have you more recently done, or been on the receiving end of, a favor? The only thing I can think of is giving a homeless woman some money the other day. 

 

3) The lyrics compare San Francisco to Paris, Rome and Manhattan. Have you visited those cities? I have been to San Francisco a few times. I was last there in 2018. I was in Manhattan in 2008. Does Paris, Las Vegas count? We ate at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. 

Banana Eiffel Tower Soufflés 

4) This week's artist, Tony Bennett, sang professionally for the last time in August. He retired after performing at Radio City Music Hall with Lady Gaga. Their musical collaboration dates back to when they both performed at President Obama's inauguration. Though 60 years apart in age, they became fast friends based on their shared love of jazz. Do you find that most of your friends are older than you, younger than you, or within 5 years of you? Most are within 5. But one of my friends is 10 years older than me.

5) While Lady Gaga grew up listening to Tony Bennett, as a young man Tony recalled listening to Bing Crosby, Judy Garland and Joe Venuti. Which singers did you enjoy during your teen years? Too many groups to mention. I did enjoy Motown Music like the Jackson 5.

6) While he's famous for singing about San Francisco, Tony is a proud son of New York. Born in Queens, he chose to end his career at Radio City Music Hall and was excited to perform "New York State of Mind" with Billy Joel at Shea Stadium in 2008. Do you have a favorite Billy Joel song? Yes Uptown Girl. Reminds me of Frankie Valli.

 

7) Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra may have been competitors but they shared mutual admiration. Sinatra called Bennett "the best singer in the business," and Bennett did a Sinatra homage album called Perfectly Frank. Think of people you have worked with over the years. Tell us about someone who has impressed you, and why. My supervisor Vera Parks made a big influence in my life. She brought me back to the Lord in the 80's when I was looking. She helped me a lot at work and taught me many things. She was like a mother figure. She helped me gain confidence in myself. I eventually took over one of her programs when she retired. 

8) The 1970s were a difficult period for Tony. During the days of disco and Studio 54, he said singing new songs made him feel like his mother, a talented seamstress, when she was forced to make a cheap dress. OK, so Tony doesn't like disco! Is there a genre of music you just don't care for? I  don't really care for country music. I have talked to a lot of native Californian's and they say the same things. Not sure why. There are a few sings and songs I like, but I would not choose that station. I don't mind a rap that I can understand, and don't like anything with bad language. I did like the rap in the musical Alexander. You do have to listen really well because they go so fast. I thought it was educational too! I have preset stations in my car for Broadway musicals, Classical, easy listening and Soul. Then there are stations for the 60's, 70's, 80's. I do not like heavy metal. I mostly listen to Christian music. 

9) Random question: Imagine you're the passenger in a long car ride. Are you more likely to be calm or fidgety? Calm because I am usually working on my crafts.

Tuesday 4

 Welcome to Tuesday 4, Toni Taddeo's once weekly questionnaire...

 This week's topic is home

 1.What makes a house a home? I like making it comfortable. When we moved to this smaller home,  I wanted it to be livable for everyone. At my other home, I had a formal living room and dining room. I let go of the things that would not work. The new owner bought my dining room table and I kept the large kitchen table that is very durable for our family with 4 grands. I gave my large coffee table to my sister and got a cozy leather storage ottoman. We got cozy sofas. We have two rooms for the grands, one for the boys and one for the girls. I like to decorate my house according to the seasons.

You can see the limestone table we have that is great for crafting. There are Legos on the table behind them. You can see the shelf I like to decorate seasonally. There is even a popcorn maker behind on the left!

The main thing that makes it a home is the family in it! 

This picture below was taken on Grandparent's Day this past Sunday. 

We were are my son's home in the playroom.

2. How to you keep your house neat, tidy and clean? Do you find it difficult? I use to be a perfectionist. Not anymore. But I do like a tidy house and so does hubby. We both do things to keep up with it. I sweet and he mops. We don't dust as often as we use to but it is done as needed by both of us. I don't mind a few dishes in the sink, but my hubby does so we wash as we go and I will wash whatever he hasn't and he outs things away in the morning. We don't run the dishwasher unless we have had everyone over and used dishes. When the grands are here, we let them take what they want out (Legos, dolls) Then they have to put it away when they are done. I can tolerate the tent that is pitched in the family room or in the bedroom. We have a laundry basket in the bathroom for them to use. They do have to pick up the room afterwards.

3.Are plants important in your home.. or collections.. or wall art?  Is there a theme you like to create? There are just a few plants in the house. I use to have a green thumb, but it just isn't my interest. Hubby has a lot of plants growing in the backyard. We have a lot of family pictures around and wall sayings. I am currently decorating the house for fall. I will do the outside when we are officially in the fall season.

4.What is a typical day/evening like in your home? Hubby and I have breakfast together and watch a bit of tv in the early day. He usually goes out to water in the morning before I wake up. While I am working on m Bible study or crafts, he is watching his programs. Lunchtimes can vary but we try to have dinner together. Then we watch a few programs on the TV that we both like. Some days we  go out for lunch or to the market. Our schedule also depends on whether we have grands to pick up or watch.

Remembering 9/11

I found this on the internet after 911 and put it on my webpage Tribute to 911.

I remember how I felt that day when I hear about the Twin Towers and NY. I was on the other side of the states and had never been to NY. But I felt deeply saddened that the US, my home was attacked. I felt the same way watching the news on Jan. 6 when the People's House was attacked. It was so hard to see knowing that we were attacked by the enemy within our country, not foreigners. I don't think the US. will ever be the same. Unlike 911, we have not come together. 

Just like back then and now, I am praying to God for His will. Luke 11:17 “Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: “Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall.” Sadly, we see this happening now. But what many don't see is that the real enemy is enjoying this division, because he is the mastermind of hate. If people are busy pointing the finger at each other, they are taking their eyes off the teachings of Jesus and are blinded by the lies of the enemy. I am not giving up. I love this nation and will continue to pray. God is in control and we may not understand what is going on, but we have to put our trust in Him and follow the teachings of Jesus. God is love.

My two older grandkids go to public school. My grand daughter is in choir and they sang for the assembly. They sang The Star Spangled Banner to remember Patriot's Day.  My grandkids will be in New York this winter and will get to visit the 9/11 Memorial and Freedom Tower. We will not forget. 

Tuesday 4

This is in front of the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego on Sunday. We came her for a couple of days on our honeymoon 47 years ago in August. I will post more pictures on Thursday.

Let's talk about The Wild West!

1. Do you have a favorite TV western you enjoyed? Tell us about it. I remember seeing Rifleman as a child. I also liked Bonanza. My husband and I went to the Ponderosa(Ponanza)Ranch Amusement park in Lake Tahoe when we were first married. We went horseback riding and ate some great hamburgers. We really enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Sadly it closed in 1984.

2. Lots of western movies... which was one you enjoyed?  Tombstone,  Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and  True Grit. I don't really watch many westerns. I will go if my husband wants too. I did enjoy the mini series Lonesome Dove. I also read the Wagon's West book series that would be considered a western. 

3. John Wayne was in many westerns and had many fans. What actor is your favorite? John Wayne comes to my mind. Probably because I have seen his house on a Balboa Bay(Newport Beach CA). He is also buried in Newport Beach(Corona Del Mar)

4. You are going to have to move to a western state that has cowboys! Which state will you choose and why?  Did you know they had/have cowboys in Hawaii. They are called Paniolo. Captain George Vancouver gave some Longhorns to the Hawaiian King in 1793. In 1893, Spanish-Mexican Vaqueros were brought to Hawaii so that the wild cattle could be controlled. While in Hawaii in 2000, we went the Kualoa Ranch and our guide told us all about Parker Ranch at the Big Island. In 2012 we went to Hawaii again. During that time I was also playing Farmville, and the theme was Hawaiian Paradise. I had a whole section on my farm that was about the Paniolo including Longhorn. Click on the picture below for more history.

Sunday Stealing

1.What's your favorite TV channel to watch in the middle of the night? I usually watch movies I have recorded. Most are Hallmark movies.

2.Which decade do you feel the most special connection to and why? The 70's was lots of fun because of High School, dating my husband, getting married, college, starting postal career and Disco! But 80's is when I had kids! 81, 83 and 89.

3.What is your favorite oldie/classic rock song? There are just too many to mention. I liked a lot of Motown music. My favorite Album would be Tapestry by Carole King. My mom bought me the album and I still have it. I need to get a record player.

4.What Disney villain are you the most like and why? The first thing that came to my mind is Mother Gothel from the movie Tangled.(Rapunzel) One day I told my grand daughter I had to color my hair and she asked why. I told her if I didn't my hair would be white. She said, "Oh, like Mother Gothel!" I was a bit surprised but then I started laughing because it was funny! I asked her if I acted like Mother Gothel and she said, "no, she is mean!" 

5.Have you ever been a girl scout/boy scout? Yes I was a Girl Scout for a couple of years. Not sure why I did not continue in Jr. High.

6.If you were traveling to another continent would you rather fly or take a boat? Fly to get there faster.

But I do want to take one more cruise. Hubby wants to go on a Mediterranean cruise for our 50th which is in 3 years. I would like to fly to Spain and then board there.

 

7. What are three of your favorite dog names of all time? Missy, Reina and Minnie!

8. How do you feel when you see a rainbow? I think of God God's promises He made. It gives me peace.

9. If you were in the Land of Oz would you want to live there or go home? "There is no place like home."

10. What is the first word that comes to mind when you see the word:

Air: plane

Meat: balls

Different: unique

Pink: Fussy Cutin' Cuties(my craft group)

Deserve: blessings

White: snow

Elvis: Presley

Magic: Show

Heart: after Jesus

Clash: of the Titans

Pulp: Orange juice

Saturday 9 and my School Days

A HARD DAY'S NIGHT (1964)

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

I loved I Want To Hold Your Hand. Hear it here. It takes me back to 4th grade.

I liked all the early songs I heard through 6th grade, Then there songs got a bit strange.

1) John Lennon sings that he's been working like a dog. What's the hardest job you've ever had? What made it so difficult?  Pulling/lifting heavy sacks of mail when I worked at the post office. I got hurt 3 times.

2) Despite the hard work, he likes his life and asks, "So why on earth should I moan?" What's the last thing you complained about? Who were you talking to? I was telling my husband how my neck hurts and how my arms go numb when I am sleeping. I called my doctor and she is referring me to get my neck checked out.

3) John was raised by his Aunt Mimi. She meant well when she told the teen-aged John, "The guitar's all right, but you'll never make a living out of it." What's the worst advice you've ever received? Take a loan out to fix up your house.

4) This week's song was cowritten and also sung with Paul McCartney. Paul's father was more supportive of the lads' show business aspirations than Aunt Mimi was, but he still worried that his son wouldn't be able fully support himself as a musician. To please his dad, 17-year-old Paul worked over the Christmas holiday season as the "second man" on a delivery truck. Paul would be the one to hop off the truck and drop off the packages while the driver could keep the motor running and the heat on. Where was the last package you received from? (Extra points if you share what was in it.) I got some Trappey's Louisiana Hot Sauce that I ordered from Amazon because I can no longer find it in any of my local markets. 

5) After Christmas was over, Dad insisted Paul get a full-time, year-around job. He ended up at a factory, winding heavy coils to be used in electric motors. He hated the work but enjoyed the lunch hours, eating jam sandwiches and, weather permitting, kicking a soccer ball around the yard with his coworkers. What's for lunch at your house today? Left over pineapple pizza.

6) In early March 1961, the Beatles accepted a booking to play lunch hour gigs at Liverpool's Cavern Club, and so February 28, after less than two full months, Paul said goodbye to factory work. What's the shortest you ever stayed at a job? 2 weeks. I got a job at the Treasurey in the hardware department. Then I got hired by the postal service part time while going to college.

7) Enough about these Brits! Labor Day was introduced to celebrate the achievements of the American worker. How many different employers have you had? 6

8) This weekend may offer a golden opportunity for napping and sleeping in. Do you snore? Sometimes, especially if my sinuses are inflamed.

9) Labor Day traditionally marks the beginning of the new school year. When she was a kid, Samantha was crazy for her brand new box of 96 Crayola Crayons. It even had a sharpener in the back! What do you remember about preparing to go back to school? If you're an educator, let us know how you get the classroom ready for the kids. In grade school it was getting a new lunchbox. Clothes was not a big deal. I hated wearing dresses, especially when playing outside. The only good thing is that I had a "parachute when I jumped out of the swings. For Jr. High, it was clothes, shoes and a purse. It was nice shopping at the new mall. I guess that would be the same for High School except now I was able to go shopping with friends instead of my mom. We could also finally wear pants to school! When I was a kid, we went back to school after Labor Day. Now the kids go back in mid August.

                In August I was in a Bible study called Bible University. 

                                               This was the intro. page.

This was a challenge page to decorate a locker.

  This was one of our study pages.

If you missed my last post, there are pictures from my Prom.