Tuesday 4

Memorials...

Welcome to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4.

We celebrated Memorial Day on Monday... let's talk about memorials and memories.

1. Do you find memories comforting or troubling? Depends on the memory. While at the park with my family on Memorial Day, a song on the radio started playing. "Sabor a Mi." remind me of my parents. They played this song when they were teaching us to dance. We all danced to this at out weddings. It makes me think of them and I get sad because I miss them. But it also makes me think of our weddings and our kid's weddings. The funny thing is that we all grew up speaking English. We didn't understand most of what was being said. But we loved the music. I can still hear my mom singing it to my dad as they danced. Sabor a Mi can be translated a taste of me. A love with someone so strong, it lingers in your heart. We didn't really appreciate our heritage until we were all married in the 80's. We all went to see Linda Ronstadt when she performed Canciones de Mis Padres. So, see how one song can trigger special memories. Sadly, it doesn't mean anything to our grands. Maybe we need to teach our grands to slow dance to this song.

2.  Have you set up a memorial for a loved one or friend? I have set up a few special things of my loved ones in my room during my grieving process. We set up memory tables at our parent's services. I also did the video montages for their services. My brother added the music. I was able to show my dad his montage while he was dying. He was happy he could tell us what he wanted.

3.  What songs bring back good memories for you? Lots of them! When I hear military songs, I think of my dad. He had this one album that he played around 1960. We would march around the room while it played. My dad was very patriotic. My brother got his flag at his funeral and has it displayed at his home. 

4.  Have you visited Civil War or Revolutionary War sites? No, but we have been to Pearl Habor and the Cemetery of the Pacific in Hawaii. Pearl Harbor honors those that died while serving at Pearl Harbor. Survivors can be buried there too. We met a survivor in 2009 and 2012.

2012, Pearl Harbor Survivor

I could not let another day go by without saying hi. Here are my random thoughts for today.

My whole family will be meeting at the park today and I am happy about that. Visiting my friend in Texas was fun though it was neat 100 and humid. Not use to the humidity. I will do a post just for that later.

I have a few great uncles that served in WW2 and uncles that served in the Korean War. My dad was in the Navy. None died in battle.

My grandson promotes to high school this week. One granddaughter promotes to middle school. We will have the younger two here most of the summer.

So sad about the killing recent shootings in our country. Praying for the families and those that will suffer because of it. The classmates and teachers. the families, the mortuary people, the mental health people that will be trying to help so many. God help them all!

I have to go and get ready. God bless you all friends!

 

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: River of No Return (1954)

 

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

1) Marilyn Monroe performed this song in the 1954 western, River of No Return. In the movie (and at the beginning of this clip) she wears jeans. The wardrobe mistress bought the jeans off the rack at JC Penney's. Yet because of their connection to Marilyn, they are valuable memorabilia. Designer Tommy Hilfiger bought them for a reported $75,000 and today they hang in the closet of Britney Spears. Do you ever shop at thrift stores or websites for second-hand or vintage clothes?  Yes, I have picked out a few things. Great place for costumes. I did find a really cute shirt at a country store last year in Cambria. I am wearing it in this picture.

2) In this song, she sounds melancholy as she recalls a lover who has gone. We hope this morning you're feeling more chipper than Marilyn. In one word, describe your mood. Content

3) In real life, Marilyn's love life was sailing along. During the filming of this movie, her famous boyfriend, Joe DiMaggio, visited her on location in Canada and they were married by the time the movie was released. Joltin' Joe was of course one of baseball's greats. How is your baseball team doing this season? I like both the Angels and the Dodgers. Not sure how they are doing right now.

4) It was during her romance with Joe that Marilyn learned to cook. She enjoyed preparing Thanksgiving stuffing from scratch. Do you have a favorite recipe to share? I use my mom's stuffing recipe.  I also like her taco recipe. I need to look for the recipes.

 

5) Over her lifetime, Marilyn had 43 different addresses. She was always a renter until February 1962, when she bought her final home in Brentwood. If you're a renter, do you ever wish you owned? If you're an owner, do you ever think you'd be happier as a renter? I enjoyed our first apartment and duplex we rented. Life was much simpler now. I am content with our home now though I miss our last home. It was just too much for us once we retired. Our house has gone up in value and hopefully our kids will get a good return on it when we are gone. Meanwhile, we will make memories with family and friends.

 

6) Marilyn tended to her famous alabaster complexion with Nivea, which is still available at drugstores today. What's the last thing you purchased at a drugstore? Was it medication? Food or snacks? Health and beauty? Something else? Makeup and vitamins.

 

7) Her signature scent was Chanel No. 5. What fragrance do you wear most often? I am allergic to most fragrances. I use an essential oil blend that has vanilla and lemon in it.

8) The year Marilyn's recording was released; John Travolta was born. What's your favorite John Travolta movie? Saturday Night Fever was the first. 

 

9) Random question: What happened to your first car? (Sold? Traded in? Still in your garage?)I gave it back to my dad when I could not afford it when I was going to college. I sure wish I would have kept it! Malibu SS

Saturday 9

Saturday 9: Give a Little Love (1988)

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

In memory of Naomi Judd (1946-2022)

1) In this week's song, the Judds tell us they aren't impressed by diamonds or foreign travel. If you had your choice, would you prefer a $1,500 diamond pendant or a $1,500 voucher from United Airlines? The diamond pendant.

2) In the video for this song, the Judds are shown having fun on the beach. Do you have any trips to the beach planned for the upcoming summer months? Not planned at the moment, but we get there a few times in the summer. Also going to Austin and San Antonio Texas this week. Lake Tahoe/Reno Neveda in June. Texas and Las Vegas in July. Las Vegas in October.

3) Early in their career, this mother-daughter duo performed in clubs venues around San Francisco, where they called themselves The Hillbilly Women. Have you recently been to a bar or restaurant with live music? Last year we were in a Mexican restaurant, and they had a Mariachi band.

4) They moved to Nashville in 1979 in search of greater success. During the three years it took them to score a record contract, Naomi supported the family as a part-time nurse and occasional model. She enjoyed the flexibility so her schedule could accommodate auditions. Do you like having a pre-planned schedule? Or would you rather keep things loose? It depends on the activity and who I am with.

5) Wynona sang the Elvis classic "Burning Love" in 2002 Disney movie Lilo and Stitch. What's the most recent Disney movie you've seen? Encanto.

 

6) In 2011, Wynona wrote her first novel, Restless Heart, about a country singer struggling with the price of fame. Have you ever tried your hand at writing fiction? No. I have written poems.

7) Kid sister Ashley Judd is the only woman in her immediate family to not change her first name. Naomi was born Diana, and Wynona was originally Christina. Do you like your first name? Yes

 

8) In 1988, the year this song was popular, Sonny Bono went from entertainer to politician when he was elected Mayor of Palm Springs. Have you met the mayor of your town? No, only seen him from a distance. 

9) Random question: Were you a member of the Columbia House Record Club? Yes I was and that was a long time ago!

I am leaving Saturday at 7am, headed to Austin Texas. It is a 2 1/2 flight. I am going with 2 of my friends to visit another friend that moved there last year. I am not taking my laptop and won't be posting until I get back. Enjoy your week!

Thankful Thursday

This will be a short post before I go to my Bible journaling group. Topic Noah's Ark and the rainbow.

I am thankful for so many things! 

Thankful that God took the fear of flying away. I was 45 when I first flew. I think of the few things I missed because of my fear. Saturday, I fly to Texas with a couple of friends to visit another friend.

Thankful for the new friends I have made. Thankful to have overcome grief from the loss of a close friend, not from death, but by her choice. Thankful that God got me through it and keeping me from becoming bitter and withdrawn. 

Thankful for overcoming depression, Thankful for supporting friends, doctors and clergy that gave me wise council. Thankful to breakthrough stronghold that kept me fearful and depressed. 

Thankful for the verses that gave me strength. 

Thankful for all I have been through, and not free to be the real me. Still a bit messed up, still dealing with ADD along with things that go along with aging. 

Thankful for my family, 3 kids, 2 daughters in laws and 4 grand. We were married 6 years before we had our first son. We lost 3 before him and I will see them someday.

Thankful for my church, and all it does to foster community within and outside our body.

Thankful Tuesday Night study, Senior fellowship and Worship night tonight.

Thankful for a hubby that is okay with me coming and going. 

Thankful for those who remain positive and kind in spite of this crazy times we are living in.

Thankful for this computer that connects me with you!

Tuesday 4, Mother's Day

Tuesday 4 is below the pictures.

I had a great Mother's Day! I had lunch at Olive Garden with my son Daniel and his wife on Saturday.  My daughter took us out to lunch after church at our local favorite Chinese restaurant. Our oldest son was going to take us out to Red Lobster Monday but was sick so it will be on another day. He did give me a card at church. It was a little crazy special at church this past Sunday. Our granddaughter Audrina performed with the praise band for the first time, also being the youngest to ever play at age 11. We are so proud of her! You can hear the Praise Band at the link above titled Audrina. You can really hear her in the 3rd and favorite song. Devin, the girl in the middle is her piano teacher.

My daughter Renee

Daniel and Melinda

My fur baby Minnie!

Welcome to another Tuesday 4 . We keep Toni Taddeo's original idea alive here with 4 questions each week.  This week let's pretend we are in a book club but you choose your favorite book to talk about....

1. What book or novel did you like the most or which do you wish to discuss? Left Behind by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B Jenkins. It is the first book in the series.

2 If you were making a movie of your favorite book who would you cast in the parts? The book has been made into a movie twice. I would cast Rob Lowe as the pilot Raymond Steele. Chris Pine as Buck. Jennifer Lawrence, as Chloe Steele. 

3. Did the author of you favorite book/story write anything else? Yes they wrote a whole series. Have you read them? Yes I read all of them.

4. If you had to create a playlist of music for the book, which songs would you choose?

There is one song I can think of. Here is the video.

Saturday 9

 

Saturday 9: Your Mother Should Know (1967) Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) This week's featured artists, The Beatles, invite us to get up and dance to a song that was a hit before your mother was born. Do you enjoy the oldies? How old must a song be before you consider it "old?"

I think anything over 20 years old would be an oldie. The songs I listened to in the 70's and 60's are oldies but goodies to me.

2) Paul McCartney knew bandmate John Lennon's mom, Julia, and credits her with introducing him to the ukulele. Do you recall any of your childhood friends' mothers with fondness? I remember Mrs. Rozewski, she was friendly and a great baker. Coreen, lived on our block and she and her husband Hector were really close friends of my parents. Mrs. Harhay was nice and pretty, and quiet.

 

3) Paul's own mother, Mary, tried to instill in her son a sense of pride in his appearance and saw to it he always left the house in a clean, ironed shirt. Paul says that, to this day, when he smells fresh laundry, he thinks of his mum. Is there a scent or sound that reminds you of someone you love who is no longer with us? Fresh cut grass and chills roasting reminds me of my Grandpa David. Tortillas cooking on a stove reminds me of my grandma Louisa. Tacos frying reminds me of my mom. Fried bologna reminds me of my dad.

4) George Harrison was the only member of the band to have any formal musical training. His mother, Louise, supported her son's musical ambitions and made sure he got guitar lessons. Did you take music classes as a child? Yes, I took piano for about 8 years. I had performance anxiety and it kept me from really enjoying it. My granddaughter is great at it! I gave her my piano. This Mother's Day Sunday she will be the youngest person playing in the praise band.

5) Ringo Starr was a sickly and often hospitalized little boy. His mother, Elsie, took a job as a barmaid so she could work at night, leaving her days free during visiting hours. When were you most recently in a hospital? Were you an admitted patient, there for an outpatient procedure, or visiting someone? I was a patient having a colonoscopy a few months ago.

6) Mother Winters always gave our own Crazy Sam peppermint tea to calm her stomach. Do you have any tried-and-true home remedies to share? I used to drink tons of peppermint tea, but not anymore. it is really aggravating to the esophagus. I like to use local organic honey. I make my own lotions and scrubs with coconut oil and essential oils. I eat prunes to help with constipation and it is good for my osteoporosis.

7) Sam's mother always tips 15% in restaurants. Sam has worked in food service and is more judgmental, tipping between 10% and 25%, depending on the quality of the service. What's your tipping policy? 20% for the most part. Sometimes more or less depending on the service.

 

8) Sam's mother still gets the Sunday paper because of the sales fliers. She makes separate lists for each store, picking up grocery and household items where she knows they are on sale. Sam thinks her mother's strategy is a waste of time and gas and prefers one-stop shopping (even better, online one-stop shopping). Are you more like mother or daughter? I used to be like the mother, but now I am like the daughter. I do forgo certain things like getting my nails done so I can have money for crafts. I found a sheet of scrap paper on clearance and cut the flowers out. Found the girl on the web.

9) Sam is celebrating Mother's Day with her mother's favorite, Hershey Bars. Would you prefer classic milk chocolate, dark chocolate or chocolate with almonds? I like any chocolate but normally eat dark chocolate. I used to eat almonds every day but one day my throat felt scratchy and a bit swollen and I am afraid I might be allergic now. The same thing happened with pistachios. I can eat other nuts. I will spread some peanut butter on a small piece of Dove's dark chocolate. I just found out they make it with peanut butter!

Happy Mother's Day!

Linking with Rebecca Jo at

It is Thursday afternoon, and I am sitting in the recliner that was my dads. 

Hubby and I are watching a recording of Survivor. 

So here is what am I thankful for today.

A good nights' rest, always appreciated.

For the gardener that cuts our grass 

and the memory of my grandpa cutting grass.

For the book titled Mark's Story that I am reading based on the gospel of Mark.

For Facebook memories. Look who originally posted this.

For a great message at church on Sunday. Why do people angry?

Seeing all my grands at church.

For the lunch we had afterwards.

For a relaxing Monday, no place to go, just crafting.

For another 5 mile walk with my friends on Tuesday. 

Being surprised that one of the sheep had twins.

For a nice shower after my walk and a 3 hour nap!

For a great Bible study, studying John 4, the Samarian woman.

For time to work on my gratitude journal.

For the dinner my hubby made on Wednesday.

For my Lifegroup,  discussing Sundays message

For the lunch we had afterwards to celebrate Carole's birthday

 on Cinco De Mayo.

For having the time to say thank you to those who visit my blog, 

God bless you!

Thank you Lord for each day of life!