Saturday 9

I Would Be in Love (Anyway) 1970

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

1) Frank Sinatra sings, "If I knew then what I know now." If you were giving advice to a recent high school grad, based on that phrase, what would you say? Don't rush things. Enjoy your college years. Be yourself. Don't do things to please others. Learn things about yourself. Ask your parents questions about you and them. Document your life.

2) This song is about a man looking back on his marriage, which has ended. While he is sad, he is not sorry he loved her. Do you believe that it's better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all?

For the most part I do. I lost a close friendship, not by my choice and it was very painful. After I went through the stages if grief, I could finally accept the past and not feel so hurt. She was there for long season. I am still glad we had what we did for the years we had. I always say "life happens" It is up to me to make the most of the time I have with my life. 

3) Sinatra married four times. He met his first wife, Nancy, when he was 19. He saw a pretty girl sitting on her front porch, giving herself a pedicure, and he rushed home for his ukulele so he could serenade her. Have you ever sung to anyone? Has anyone ever sung to you? When my husband and I were dating, we would mail each other letters. We would write song titles on the envelope. "Just My Imagination" and other songs that were popular. Does Happy Birthday count? I sang to all my children and grandchildren as I rocked them. Most were Bible songs.

 

4) According to Barbara, his final wife, they met when they were neighbors in Rancho Mirage, California. Sinatra had his own tennis court, needed a fourth for doubles with his houseguests, and invited the lady next door to play. Tell us about your neighbors. When I grew up, everyone knew everyone. We made friends easily in our first few homes because we had young kids. We know our immediate neighbors.  One of my friends lives on my block. One neighbor knows everything about everyone. She is in her 80's and in good shape.

5) When not performing before an audience or cameras, Sinatra often wore hats and caps because his hair was thin, and his toupee annoyed him. Is there anything you wear for "dress up" that you're happy to ditch when you go casual? Makeup.

6) Frank had a sweet tooth and to the end of his life, he enjoyed chocolate-covered apricots, ordered from Lepore's in his hometown of Hoboken, NJ. If you could have any sweet treat right now, what would you request? Creme Brulee.

7) This song was written specifically for Sinatra by Bob Gaudio, best known as a member of The Four Seasons. That 1960s quartet is now legendary. In addition to 25 Top Ten Hits, they are in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and inspired the Broadway play and movie musical, Jersey Boys. Do you have a favorite Four Seasons song? Can't Take My Eyes Off You.  I loved all their songs.  I was so sad I missed the Jersey Boys musical in Las Vegas. It was closed the night we were there. By the time we got back to Vegas, it was gone. I do have a Franki Valli Radio station on my Pandora playlist. 

8) In 1970, the year this record was released, The Mary Tyler Moore Show premiered. Were you a fan? Yes I loved watching her show! I used to watch her on the Dick Van Dyke Show too!

9) Random question: Have you ever named your car or truck? No

Thankful Thursday

The weeks fly by way to fast now.  I haven't been going out as much lately. I am happy to be crafting!

I am thankful to be able to get a few projects done, a few started and enjoying my Bible study.

I am thankful for having his computer to help me with my projects.

I am thankful for my printer. It prints great pictures!

I am thankful to have found a Bible online that I can copy to print for a study I will be doing.

I am thankful to be studying from the Book of John with our church.

Thankful to find a free study online and we will start the book of Daniel on August first. the study includes free graphics. It is on Facebook, and you can find it here.

I am thankful that our weather has stayed in the low 90's with just a slight humidity.

I am thankful for getting over Covid as quickly as I did with mile symptoms.

I am thankful that I was able to go to a family party to celebrate my grandnieces first birthday.

I am thankful for my siblings and their spouses and how we all love each other.

I am thankful that our family is close, and our focus is on family love.

I am thankful that though hubby could not go because of a headache, it wasn't Covid!

I am thankful for the food we had, and the quiet time I had by the pool.

I am thankful that my sister Terry has asked me to bring my grands over to swim, spend the night and swim some more. She was blessed to inherit our dad's home and open it up to family.

I am thankful to be able to make friends here on the net.

I thank God for each day I get in life!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

From This Side of the Pond

1. According to author Gary Chapman there are five love languages-words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and receiving gifts. Which one is yours? Physical activity is mine and gifts is second. My husbands are acts of helping and quality time.

2. What are five foods you eat every day? Egg, fruit, veggie, milk/dairy Nuts/peanut butter

3. Five places you'd love to visit? Hawaii, Washington DC and New York again. I would love to go to Yellowstone. I would love to cruise the Mexican Riveira, Then, Israel, Spain, and Italy. I know that is more than 5. I can dream right?

4. Something you've done recently that deserved a 'high five'? I went to a Crafting Camp in Texas and slept in a retro Camper. I flew back by myself.

5.  Give us five 5-letter words that describe your July. Plane, Craft, Girls, Spend, Covid

6. Insert your own random thought here. The whole love language thing is interesting, but you can't put people in boxes. How we express our languages also depends on the people we are with. I love to give gifts and enjoy getting them. Both have to be done with the heart. My husband's love language is service. Though I would love to receive gifts, I do appreciate his acts of service. He really showed that when I had Covid. I had the best meals served daily! 

Saturday 9: Diamonds (2012)

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

1) In this song, Rihanna sings that when she looks at her lover, she sees the light in his eyes. The internet is filled with makeup tips for making your eyes look brighter. Drugstores sell eye drops that promise to get the red out. Are you bright-eyed this morning? No, I went to bed late. I also have dry eyes and need drops for that.

2) She likens him to a shooting star. Astronomers tell us that shooting stars aren't that rare at all. They occur when dust, asteroids or comets enter the earth's atmosphere, and are often visible on clear, pollution-free nights. Have you ever seen a shooting star? Yes, several times.

 

3) In ancient Rome, shooting stars were considered good luck, especially for those going into battle, while some tribes in East Africa believed shooting stars were a harbinger of doom. Are you superstitious? No

4) The singer of "Diamonds" hosted a lavish Diamond Ball to raise funds for education programs in Malawi, Senegal, and the country of her birth, Barbados. Rhianna named her charity initiative the Clara Lionel Foundation after her grandparents. If you were to name your foundation after your grandparents, what would it be called? What would you ideally like to do in their honor? My Grandma Louisa was a sharp businesswoman. When we were getting ready to buy our first home, we were short with the down. She gave us a loan through her bank with a minimal interest. She said that my giving us a loan, we could pay her back so she could help others. I would call a foundation Grandma Louisa's Loving Loans.  My Grandpa David on my mom's side was also a loving generous man. All the kids on our block called him Grandpa as he would buy them all ice cream from the ice-cream truck. He was very loving. Many kids on our block did not have grandparents nearby and we were lucky we did. I would name a foundation Grandpa David's Love for You!

 

5) Rhianna recently had her first baby, a boy. According to the Social Security Administration, the top names for baby boys in 2021 were Liam and Noah. Is there a Liam or Noah in your life? I have a few Noah's Arks collectibles. Does that count?

 

6) When she was still in her teens, Rhianna entered a beauty pageant on a dare, and won! Can you recall a time you acted on a dare? In my younger days I was very competitive and would take a dare. Not so much now.

7) While on tour, she likes to sneak out into the audience, just to get the vibe from out there. To disguise herself, Rhianna slips on a black oversized hoodie. Are hoodies a staple of your wardrobe? I don't like the kind that go over your head. I like zippered sweatshirts. I have been known to pull over the hood when I am cold.

  

8) In 2012, the year this song topped the charts, London hosted the Olympic Games. If you won a trip to London, what would you like to see? Westminster Abbey, St Paul's Cathedral and the Big Ben.  I would like to take a trip to the home of CS. Lewis. He is known for his book series, The Chronicles of Narnia. A Double Decker tour would be fun! Oh, and at least one tea house. 

 

9) Random question: Did either or both your parents go to college? My dad went to Jr College and took many extension courses through Long Beach State and UCI. I don't think my mom went to college. She did get her realtor's license and was a multi-million-dollar sales agent. Dad went on to become the Director for HUD for Orange Country and met several times with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in Washington DC. Mom and Dad opened up their own Real Estate business called SMS Mission Realty. They had a beautiful office with decor of the early Ca Mission Style. They were very successful because they were bi-lingual. One year they got each of us(4) a grandfather's clock.

I am the first in my family to get a 4-year degree from UC Irvine.

This morning I woke up feeling fine. I made my own breakfast since I saw hubby out in the yard.

I am thankful that hubby made me healthy meals!

I am thankful that I got a mild version of Covid. 

I am thankful that I got vaxed by my choice and believe 

everyone has to do what is best for them.

I am thankful to have a choice in my healthcare. 

Thankful that I have a good insurance.

I am thankful for the prayers of family and friends.

I am thankful that I did not get sick before my camp.

I am thankful that I had free test to take after camp

I am thankful that I got to go to camp in spite of getting sick.

I am thankful for being able to meet so many wonderful, creative, friendly women!

I am thankful to the women who put it all together.

I am thankful for the pictures I have to remind me of those few days.

I thankful to have the time to work on my pictures and hope to get them on here soon.

I am thankful for everyday that God gives me!

Tuesday 4, Inquiring Minds....

Tuesday 4 is after a few pictures.

I am feeling much better now, almost normal. Hubby has been feeding me really well!

I am working on getting pictures from my phone to the computer because I am running out of space. Here is one picture. This is what we slept in at camp. 2 girls per camper or tent.

Let's inquire about stuff....

1. What gets your blood to boiling? Politics. It does nothing but divide.  I try to stay away from that.

Things are a mess everywhere. There are other things that can get to me if I let it. I try to give my feelings to God and concentrate on what I am grateful for.  Our Cutie group does not talk about Politics. We speak what we enjoy and that is crafting.

2.What does a really good day look like for you? What makes you say, "That was a great day"? Being around family and friends. Sometimes it is just enjoying nature. Sometimes it is crafting and Bible journaling. Attitude has a lot to do with it.

3. Are you continuing to grow mentally, spiritually, talent wise or are you just marking time? Yes, spiritually and still trying to learn new things. Physically is another story.

4. Have you changed your hair style since high school?   Why or why not? Yes, I use to wear it long and straight. I have curly hair and the longer, the straighter like. Now I wear it more natural with the curls. I do blow it out once awhile. I just cut it because shorter is easier to take care of. I do like longer hair, especially in the winter. The first picture is with the shorter version from last week. I used a blow dryer to try to "relax it" Then add some curl. This was in Round Top Texas. I did not by the hat.

This is in Lake Tahoe a few weeks earlier. See how curly my hair is?

See how it is longer too, Oh and one other change. Hair color!

My craft group is called the

Fussy Cutting Cuties.

We like to cut paper!

.

Saturday 9

I had a great time at camp in Texas. I will share pictures later.

Oh and besides bringing craft stuff back, I also came back with Covid!

So, I am resting and being taken care of by my family while in isolation.

It feels like a cold, stuffy nose, low grade fever and sinus pressure.

My appetite is good, and I can taste what they are making me. Lots of soup!

Saturday 9: Brandy (1972)

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

1) This song opens in a bar where lonely sailors reminisce about their homes. How long have you lived at your current residence? Does it feel like home?

It will be 7 years. I do miss my last home. Anyplace your family is, is home.

2) Brandy is a waitress at the bar. Have you ever worked at a job where you received tips? No

 

3) Brandy wears a locket on a braided chain. Are you wearing any jewelry as you answer these 9 questions?  I have 4 piercings in each ear and each one has an earring. I have 3 rings on and my Fitbit watch,

4) According to the lyrics, the sailors seem to prefer whisky or wine. What's your go-to adult beverage? I rarely drink. Once in a while I will share a margarita with my husband. I am a light weight

and am several meds. It is not good for diabetes or osteoporosis.

5) This song was such a big hit that, after its release, Brandy became a popular name for newborn girls. Do you know anyone named Brandy? No.

6) Barry Manilow scored a hit in 1974 with "Mandy." That song was initially called "Brandy," but it was changed to avoid confusion with this record. Do you have a favorite Barry Manilow song? I do love Many. I had a dog by that name. I also like Copacabana

 

7) In 1972, when this song was popular, residents of South Dakota endured a catastrophic flood when Rapid Creek overflowed. Give us a little geography lesson: what body of water is nearest you? Newport Beach on the Pacific Ocean. It is about 34 miles away. I have a spa and two birdbaths at home if you want the closest.

 

8) Also in 1972, the first women were permitted to run in the Boston marathon. Have you ever visited Boston? Yes in 2008 while on a New England Cruise.

9) Random summertime question: Would you prefer to swim in a pool, a lake/river, or the ocean? A pool, but I love to go to the beach. Any body of water is peaceful.

Saturday 9 Time for Livin'

Saturday 9: Time for Livin' (1968)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. I loved their song called Never My Love.

1) This song is about taking "time for life." Do you have a busy, highly-scheduled Saturday planned? Or will you have an opportunity to just relax and enjoy?

Saturday will be superbusy for me. I am flying out of Los Angeles airport at am and headed to Austin Texas. I am going to a glamping crafting event at the Lone Star Glamp Inn at Round Top Texas.

 

2) Lead singer Larry Ramos begins by telling us he likes to kick off his shoes and go barefoot. How about you? Do you like to feel "the good earth under your feet?" I used to go barefoot all the time,

but my feet are more sensitive now, so I wear my flip flop most of the time. 

 

3) He sings that once he took off his watch, he found he had all the time in the world. Tell us about your watch. I have a Fitbit watch. It has a white band and black face. It was a Christmas gift.

4) With lyrics that include words like "grooving" and "hang-ups," this song is very much a product of its time. Share some of the slang you used during your adolescent years. I remember at the end

of 9th grade, people signed the saying "have a bitchen summer" I remember far out, groovy, bummer,  can you dig it. 

 

5) He sings that his attitude has been rearranged. What is something you have changed your mind about? Lots of things, 

 

6) This week's group, The Association, was founded in Hawaii. Hawaii produces more pineapple than other state in the union. When did you most recently have pineapple? I had it last week. I also like pineapple juice. This picture was taken in November of 2018 after hiking Diamond Head Crater.

7) In 1968, when this song was popular, Jacqueline Kennedy married Aristotle Onassis. Think about the last wedding you attended. Were you closer to the bride or to the groom, or were you equally close to both? I can't think of any that I have been to in quite awhile.

 

8) In 1968, when this song was popular, Laugh In was America's #1 TV show and it made a star of Goldie Hawn. Do you have a favorite Goldie Hawn movie? Christmas Chronicles 2 is the first thing that came to my mind.

 

9) Random question: Who is the most recent person you made smile, and what did you do? My grandson Elijah. He was sitting on my computer chair going around while playing his game.

All the grands were here on Thursday, and we got to Bible journal Pslam 32:12

The lighting is really bad in this picture. 

So proud of how they really worked on their pages after discussing freedom. 

Thankful Thursday

I woke up with a sinus headache today. Thankful for my nose spray.

I was working on my swaps yesterday and realized I was short by 18! Thankful that Hobby Lobby had what I need. Thankful that it takes less than 15 minutes to get there. Thankful that I got my swaps finished and packed. All 108 of them! I leave to my craft camp on Saturday morning. Hubby is dropping me off at the Los Angeles airport around 7 am. We will leave the house at 6am. I will be meeting a camp friend at the airport. She has rented a car for us and got a hotel room for Saturday. Camp starts on Sunday at noon. We plan to do some shopping that day and stop at Bucceess. 

Thankful for hubby taking me to the airport. 

Thankful for being able to meet my online friend. 

Thankful that she has made the arrangements and will drive!

Thankful that the grands will be here today, and we can Bible journal.

Thankful that I was able to color my hair last night.

Thankful to have most of my packing done.

Thankful for Facebook memories from 4 years ago today.

Thankful for my family and friends!

Tuesday 4

Happy Fourth of July and welcome once again to Toni Taddeo's Tuesday 4!     

Let's talk about Independence Day.

1. In previous times every family read the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights on July 4 to keep in mind the huge price paid by a minority of patriots for freedom and liberty. What do you think about this tradition?  I hope you will institute it and value it.  It is so important. I have only read it a few times. I think the kids learn about it in 5th grade when they learn about the Revolutionary was and the Constitution. During the Covid lockdown, my granddaughter had to watch videos on it. I watched with her. We also watched Alexander Hamilton on the Disney channel. The grands said they had a better understanding of what happened. I remember my grandparents telling me how they had to learn this when they became citizens.

2. Fresh made lemonade was a huge deal in the Midwest when Laura Ingalls Wilder was a young girl. It was a very special treat. Every family brought a dish to the town celebration.  What foods and drinks will you have on this important day? We had hamburger, hot dog, chips and pork n beans. I drank water with pineapple juice. We had a quiet day to ourselves. Oldest son's family getting over Covid. Other son had to work. Daughter and family went to a friend's house. I am trying to say heathy for my craft vacation that begins on the 9th. We stay home because our dog gets really scared with the fireworks.

3. Will you be watching fireworks.. a great American tradition on this day?  They are deeply rooted in the American tradition. We could see some from our backyard. We watched it on tv as it was on various channels. I like the ones that play patriotic music while the fireworks are going off. The music always reminds me of my dad and how he loved patriotic music. He would put on his album, and we would march around the living room. 

4.  Will your flag be out?   Do you own one? Yes, we own a flag and put it out throughout the year. I took a picture that does not show the big flag. I do have various small banners that are for the 4th. I also decorate my home with a patriotic theme. My seasonal tree has red, white and blue lights. It also had red, white and blue stars. My patriotic decor stays up until Labor Day weekend.

 Quick 4th fact: Did you know that the term Commander in Chief cannot be used except in times of Congressionally declared war? A president has no authority over the military until then.   Thank Goodness!  

Saturday 9 Back in the USA

SATURDAY 9: BACK IN THE USA (1978)

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

From the archives, with some tweaks

1) This song lists seven cities -- New York, Los Angeles, Detroit, Chicago, Chattanooga, Baton Rouge and St. Louis -- that Linda just loves. How many have you visited? Los Angeles and New York.

2) The lyrics refer to hamburgers sizzling on the grill. What toppings do you believe make a perfect burger? Lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard and ketchup.

3) The original recording of this song by Chuck Berry has always been one of Linda Ronstadt's favorites, one she used to enjoy singing along with in the car. What's the most recent song you sang?

It was an oldies from the Spinners. I can't remember because it was several days ago.

4) Linda performed The National Anthem at Game 3 of the 1977 World Series. The New York Yankees won both that game and the series. How is your baseball team doing this season? I really don't know. The last team I saw play was the Angels.

 5) On the sleeve for this record, Linda was photographed on roller skates. Emergency rooms report a spike in wrist injuries, with people falling off skates and skateboards and jamming their wrists catching softballs. Have you recently been to the Emergency Room or Urgent Care? No 

 

6) It's July, so summer is in full swing. Bug bites are a big summer annoyance. Are you itching and scratching this morning? I have eczema in my ears, and it was bothering me. We have had those awful ankle biter mosquitoes that came with Covid.

Since this is our last Saturday 9 before Independence Day, let's ask some questions related to the holiday. 

 

6) The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first newspaper to print the Declaration of Independence. What's the most recent printed media you have read (newspaper, magazine, newsletter, etc.)? Several travel magazines about Lake Tahoe and lakes in California.

7) In high school, Sam was crazy about American history and got good grades. Science was her worst subject. In high school, where did you shine? In what subject were your grades not so hot? I did well in anatomy and physiology and bombed chemistry. I loved science, but not math. I loved history and

and competitive athletics.

8) The first 4th of July parade each year is held at 12:01 AM in Gatlinburg, TN. Will you attend a parade or fireworks to celebrate the 4th?  We normally go to the city parade which goes down MainStreet which we live off of. We can see the fireworks from our house that are fired at the park near us.

9) Americans love to celebrate our independence. In fact, there are more than 30 towns all across the US called Independence. There are two in MN alone (one outside Duluth, the other west of Minneapolis). Please google it and let us know: does your state have an Independence?

Yes, it does, and we drove through it while on our vacation. It is near several likes, and the Eastern Sierra Neveda Mountains. It is in Central California, part of the high desert. It is the country seat for Inyo County.

Independence is about 15 miles from Lone Pine on this map. It is by the tall tree. I live by the lower left by the Disney Ears. We went up to Lake Tahoe which is about 3/4 up on the map. It took us 10 hours to get to Lake Tahoe with several stops.