Friday Faves Five & Saturday 9

1.Thankful for good church service  on Sunday. 

We grabbed lunch to take out and then met 

our son's family to see the movie called

 the Best Christmas Ever. It was really good!

2.Thankful for the Zoom Advent study I am doing online with friends.

3.Thankful to finish Christmas decorating.

4.Thankful for a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

We went with my son's family and my

 daughter in law's family was there too. Lots of great food!

We gave our grands their Christmas ornaments for this year.

5.Thankful that hubby took me Christmas shopping. 

I found things at Michael's, Target, and Kohls.

 Lots of great sales! The stores were busy but not too crowded.

We got home and had yummy left overs!

Saturday 9: Thank You (2000)

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

1) This week's song begins with Dido complaining about her day, but then she sees a photo of a loved one that reminds her "it's not so bad." What was the most recent photo you took? I take lots of pictures with my iPhone. Some are for ideas, but some are special like the one of my grands posted above.

2) She admits that between a hangover and her finances, she's got a headache. What's your go-to headache remedy? Tylenol.

3) Though her given name is Florian, her family started calling her Dido when she was very young, so she considers it her "real" name. Which is not to say she likes it. She said being christened one name but called another was confusing when she was a little girl. Plus, since neither Florian nor Dido are common monikers, she didn't appreciate the way her names made her stand out at school. "I used to wish I'd been named Claire," she says. Do you like your name? Do you feel it suits you? Yes, I like my name.

4) In 2000, the year this week's song was on the charts, AOL merged with media giant Time Warner. In 2022 it was estimated 70% of us check our personal (not business) email daily. That's down from 74% in 2020. How often do you check your email? Several times a day and more now that I am doing online shopping.

5) "Thank You" is this week's song because November 28 was Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for this year? Good health insurance and the medical people, my faith, family and friends.

6) At the first Thanksgiving, there were no forks. Pilgrims ate with spoons and knives. How many forks were at your Thursday place setting? 1 per person

7) It's estimated that nearly 50 million pumpkin pies are baked for Thanksgiving. Was it on your Thursday menu? Yes, but not homemade.

8) A recent poll revealed that we are a divided country, with cranberry sauce being named both most and least favorite Thanksgiving side dish. Where are you on this controversy? It is okay. My husband used canned this year and added pineapple and cashews. He has made it fresh, but no time this year.

9) The day after Thanksgiving is known as Black Friday, the unofficial start of the holiday shopping season and sales. Walmart, Best Buy and Target all advertise heavily on Black Friday. If you could have a $100 gift card from one of those stores, which would you choose? What would you buy? Walmart. I think I can get more for my money. But I was at Target on Balck Friday.

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the memes, links are on the left column.

Wednesday Hodgepodge-Thanksgiving.

1. Talking turkey...are you cooking the turkey this year? My daughter in law's dad is making the turkey. Does ham belong on a Thanksgiving Day menu? Yes, my husband is making that. When it comes to gravy do you pour it over your whole plate, skip it altogether, or land somewhere in between? Over the potatoes. Cranberries-homemade or jelled right out of the can? Hubby makes it, part canned, part whole cranberries. Do you look forward more to the main course, the savory sides, or the desserts? I love my stuffing and candied yams that I make every year! I also like the cranberry-raspberry Jello that I make either at Thanksgiving or Christmas. All my mom's recipes. 

2. Holiday movies...tell us your favorite and what it is about the film that makes you love it. We just watched It's a Wonderful Life. It is my husband's favorite. I love the 1951 version of a Christmas Carol and White Christmas.

Is it the film itself or a memory it stirs? The memories of the past, mostly with my parents. My mom loved musicals and so do I. But I also just enjoy the traditional movies. I love the old classics.

They will be showing Mary Poppins on Thanksgiving evening, and I remember when my whole family went to see it at the movies in 1965.

3. A favorite way to give back and help others? During the holidays we fill boxes for Operation Christmas Child. We also get a gift card for a foster child. We also donate toys for our church in Mexico.  During the year, we help with the monthly food give away. We pack the bags.

4. Name a place or setting you encountered this month that made you feel grateful. I have been to the doctors and physical therapy quite a few times this month. I am thankful for good health insurance. You don't realize how specialized our body is until something doesn't work.

5. Knowing what you know today, if you could redo yesterday what would you do differently? If you mean the past, I would have taken better care of my health. Eating better, less medications and more exercise/weight training. 

6. Spill your own random thought here. I know I have to eat better, and the doctor and physical therapist say I need to eat more protein. If I have a high protein meal, I am not hungry for a while so I don't usually snack. I do have snack around 8 and it is usually apples with peanut butter and milk. I had cottage cheese and peanut butter, and it tasted pretty good.

I used to play Farmville. I am growing cranberries. 

Thanks to Joyce for the meme, the link is on the left.

Friday's Fave Five & Saturday 9

1. Thankful for my grandkids who helped me decorate for Christmas!

Thankful that most of Christmas is up now. I bought some burlap with gold flecks in it. I am going to lay it on top of the piano and put my large Nativity on it. The set was a gift from my parents. They have each of their kids this set that we all treasure. I try to put a Nativity in each room. Even the bathroom.

Thankful for our married group. We had a great study on generosity and then we all went to Sizzlers for lunch. We always get the senior salad bar. It includes bread, beverage and dessert.

Thankful that hubby has been able to drive me around. We went to my orthopedic appointment for my finger. I was able to take the splint off so the doctor could test it. I have movement now, but I just barely moved it. I have to wear it for 6 more weeks, but now I can take it off to wash my finger and too just make a slight movement. I go back in 6 weeks after my cruise and then I will start PT. Thankful that the doctor was so nice. We end up talking about hair color and when so stop. 

Thankful to start my shoulder PT this week and I found out today I got approved for another round of PT for my lower back. Thankful that I have good insurance, the PT is under 10 minutes away and hubby can drive me. Thanking God for all He provides me with. 

And finally thankful for our furbaby Minnie who turned 8 today! Coco is next to her.

Saturday 9: My Baby Just Cares for Me (2016)

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

1) Michael Bublé sings that his lover doesn't care much about the theater or new clothes. Which have you done more recently -- attended a play or movie or added to your wardrobe? Movie, hubby and I saw the Conclave a couple of weeks ago.

2) This song was first performed in 1930, 45 years before Bublé was born. What pop song do you love that is far older than you are? Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy. (1941)

3) The video for this song features a spinning vinyl record. Do you still have a turntable? No, but I have been wanting to get one to play my albums and 45's.

4) Michael is currently appearing on The Voice. Are you watching this season? No, I have been watching Dances with the Stars.

5) Of all his albums, Michael Bublé's Christmas CD is his top seller. Now that we're in the month of November it's time for you to weigh in: When do you think it's appropriate to start playing holiday songs? My hubby found a station and we are listening to it now. We listen to a Christian music station now that will change over to Christian Christmas after Thanksgiving. I also listening to some channels on Pandora and YouTube.

6) He unwinds by fishing, and he's very good at it. Fishing is a sport that requires lots of gear. Is there anyone in your life that has a hobby or passion that makes them easy to shop for? My middle son likes food place gift cards like BJ's and Red Lobster. My older son's wife sent me a list and Legos was on the list. My daughter will give me a list.

7) Michael is a good cook and enjoys whipping up spaghetti Bolognese. What's on the menu at your home this weekend? Home made soup since we will have rainy weather for a few days.

8) In 2016, when Michael Bublé released this song, the United States Postal Service posthumously honored child star Shirley Temple with a postage stamp. Decades after leaving Hollywood, she served as US Ambassador to Ghana. Could you find Ghana on a map or globe? Yes.

9) Random question -- You neglected that soft drink and now it's gone flat. Do you drink it anyway or dump it down the drain? I stopped drinking sodas in 2010. It is not good if you have osteoporosis. I did drink hot Dr. Pepper once when I was in a warehouse decorating a Rose Parade Float for the Unites States Postal Service in the 1980's.

Thanks to Susanne, and Sam for the memes, link is on the left.

A Brown Hodgepodge

1. What was your favorite part about growing up in your hometown? All my family was there. My grands and aunts and uncles were nearby. Our church family was there too. Life was fun in the 60's when I was a kid. All the kids played together, and it was safe to walk school. I enjoyed the evening Christmas parade. The community pool. Life was easy and people enjoyed talking to one another. 

2. Do you prefer 'material' gifts or 'experience' gifts? If you answered experience, tell us about one you've received and truly enjoyed. I prefer material gifts because they last. My parents did gift me a 6-week trip to Mexico City with my friend. It was a great experience.  Hubby and I are gifting each other a weeklong cruise in January. We are going to the Mexican Riviera.

3. Is brown a color featured prominently in your home decor? I would not say it is my favorite, but we have older furniture that is brown. Our couches are tan. 

Your wardrobe? Only a few fall things.

What's a favorite brown thing you own? I like my China cabinet.

Of the brown foods listed here which one is your favorite and/or most often consumed... brown sugar, brown rice, pretzels, coffee, dates, cloves, German chocolate cake, whole wheat bread? Coffee would be number one. We ear pinto beans every week so that would be the next favorite food.

4. Which 'Charlie Brown' character do you relate to most? If you're not sure, you can take a fun quick quiz by clicking here-Which Charlie Brown Character Are You?  or the one found here-Charlie Brown Quiz. I got the same answer on both. I took the test twice. I am Charlie Brown and Marcie!

I love to do things with my friends. I once was a leader of my women's ministry for a number of years. I was also good at organizing and organized teas and retreats. I also liked the detail in things. I am very creative. When stepped down after 12 years. It was time to take care family. I learned to slow down a bit. I know what I can and can't go. I am older and sometimes I just need to say no and relax. I can still help out, but I don't over commit myself like I used to. I have to take care of myself. 

5. What's a favorite item you've purchased this year? We bought a cruise, does that count?

6. Insert your own random thought here. I was doing better with my back and then I hurt it again. I pushed the couch forward with my thighs. Though it moved easily, it was too much for my back. I mean the tingling came back and my physical therapist is going to recommend I continue therapy. My last appointment was on Monday. I start PT for my shoulder. It frustrates me because I am used to doing thing and I have to really stop and think about what I am doing before doing it! So, I am using a heating pad on my back and trying to take it easy.  Standing does not hurt. Sitting is more bothersome. With help from my grand, most of my house is now decorated for Christmas. Outside still has fall decor.

Friday Faves Five & Saturday 9

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the memes, links on the left.

Thankful that my family could get together for our grandson's birthday on Sunday.

Thankful for my physical therapy appointment on Monday. My back is doing better.

Thankful that my hubby could take me to doctor appointment on Tuesday and that it is only 5 minutes away! I also got to pick up some essential oils in the pharmacy!

Thankful that I could rest on Wednesday because I did not feel well and hubby made me some chicken soup. He also took me to my dermatology appointment on Thursday. My biopsy showed a precancerous growth and I had it frozen with nitrogen. It will heal in a couple of weeks. 

Thankful that hubby and grandson can help me get my Christmas decor in the house. My trees are up and the blankets and buffalo check decor in in place. My younger grands will come down on Sunday to help put the ornaments on the tree.

Saturday 9" My Girl (1965) 

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

1) Temptations' lead singer David Ruffin sings that he has sunshine on a cloudy day. How does the sky look where you are today? Saturday's forecast will be sunny and 62. 

2) He maintains that even when it's cold outside, to him it feels like the month of May. What's your favorite month? December.

3) In addition to their vocals, The Temptations were known for their stylish suits and choreography. Are you a better dancer or dresser? Dresser, I don't think I could do dancing and physical therapy!

4) Today, nearly 60 years since it's release, "My Girl" is one of the most popular karaoke songs. Do you know the words? Yes, and I have the 45.

5) The Temptations delighted Mets fans when they performed "My Girl" live at Citi Field during the playoffs last month. The World Series is now over and the 2024 season is on the books. How did your baseball team do? They won!

6) "My Girl" was written by Ronald White and Smokey Robinson. Smokey grew up with Aretha Franklin, and he's said they played together in the sandbox. When you were little, which playground activity was your favorite: sandbox, jungle gym, swings or slide? The Merry Go Round & Tether Ball.

7) In 1965, when "My Girl" topped the charts, Winston Churchill died. One of his favorite sayings was, "I am always ready to learn but I do not always like to be taught." What's something you learned recently? The history and customs of Hanukkah.

8) British-born comedian Stan Laurel also died in 1965. He's been cited as an influence on Jerry Lewis, Dick Van Dyke and Matt LeBlanc. Without looking it up, do you know who Stan Laurel's famous partner was? Oliver Hardy.

9) Random question: Imagine we Sat 9-ers are taking you to a restaurant for your birthday. Do you find servers who sing "Happy Birthday" cute or annoying? I like it. Not sure I would say cute, but it is fun and even better when they give you a free dessert!

Tuesday 4, Wednesday Hodgepodge

Happy 17th Birthday to my grandson Eddie. His uncle and aunt took him out on Thursday and the rest of us went to Downtown Disney on his birthday this past Sunday. We had beignets for dessert.

Remembering my dad and my aunt Rosie on Veteran's Day.

1. When was the last time you sat down and relaxed and allowed the weight of the world to melt away? 

Every so often I stay in pajamas and watch tv. I am retired so I get a lot of time to do nothing. I try to balance busy times with down times. I like to read before bed. I pray quick prayers during the day, ad a longer one at night. That helps me sleep.

2. What things do you find most relaxing?  How often do you get to do these things? I enjoy Bible journaling the most and I work in it every day. I love learning new things, especially from the Bible. I like to soak in my spa, but I have not been able to get in since I hurt my finger a month ago. The splint comes off on the 22nd of this month. Sometimes I will sit at my desk and look out the window. I like to see the palm trees sway or the birds at the birdbath. I will be setting up a Christmas trees and I love looking at the colored lights.

3.  What things wind you up and keep you from relaxing?  News-politics, the future of this country and how it will affect my family. 

4. When was the last time you treated yourself to something, anything that is special? I don't spend a lot on myself. But I have bought shoes in the last few months. I got some for a wedding in September that I can wear on the cruise. I also bought some black shoes I can wear to church that are nicer than tennis.

1. What's something you think is under appreciated. Explain.  Health. As I have aged, I realize how I took my health for granted. But now I realize because of that, I did not prepare my body for the physical challenges I have today. I am thankful that I have good insurance and using it!

2. As winter approaches how do you stay productive? I will be busy decorating for Christmas. I will be buying Christmas presents and thinking about making memories. I will be participating in various social events. I will be working on a couple of Advent devotions, one with a group. I will continue to downsize things in the garage. We don't get bad weather, so we can come and go as we need.  

3. What's a popular food you don't like? I like most foods. I can't think of anything except spicey things.

4. What do you think is more interesting-art or history? Elaborate. I like both subjects. One of my favorite classes in college was art history. I am more focused on Biblical history now. I get to experience art through my Bible journaling. 

5. What advice would you give to someone half your age? Take care of your body. Exercise and build muscle. Save more money and spend less. Make time for family, especially your parents. Get to really know them, their history because it is your history. Let them know you love them

6. Insert your own random thought here. I am seeing an improvement in my lower back and leg strength since I have been doing to physical therapy. I start physical therapy for my shoulder next week. I get my splint off my thumb on the 22, then I will have physical therapy for that. I do what I can do and ask for more help so I don't get hurt. Thankfully my grandson will help me decorate for Christmas. Meanwhile, I will enjoy the cooler weather we are getting.

My last post has family pictures from my aunt's celebration service.

Family, Friday's Fave Five, Saturday 9

I am writing this late Friday evening. Here is my weekly recap.

1. I am thankful that I could go to church and help out with Operation Christmas Child.

2. I am thankful that I had a good Physical Therapy appointment. Also that the PT department got my referral from the doctor to have work done on my shoulder. I will go to the same outpatient PT place that is just 5 minutes away. I have to wear my thumb splint for 3 more weeks. Then I will have physical therapy for that too and hopefully at the same place.

3. Thankful that the elections are over! God is in control.

4. Thankful to see my family at the celebration service of my aunt. She passed at the end of August. My cousin needed to grieve before she took on the task of planning her mom's service. Thankful that cremation makes this possible. 

5. Thankful to be able to have nothing planned on Saturday except a stop at Walmart. I am going to stock up on the printer paper I use for Bible journaling before the prices increase.

Saturday 9: Saving All My Love for You (1985)

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

1) This was Whitney Houston's first big hit, her introduction to a mass, national audience. But music was not her first career. While she was still in high school, Whitney was a model and Seventeen magazine cover girl. Is there a print magazine in your home right now? If yes, who is on the cover?

Yes, Automobile Club magazine. Title and picture on Japan.

2) During her modeling days, she also appeared on packaging for Simplicity patterns. Can you sew?

Yes. I learned in Jr hi. All girls were required to take a semester of sewing and a semester of cooking. I made lot of things and saved a lot of money. I mostly do craft sewing now. I made the outfit I am wearing in this picture with a Simplicity pattern. I think I was 17 here and I am dancing with Helmt, a foreign exchange student from Germany.

3) "Saving All My Love for You" was the record that made Whitney Houston a superstar in the UK. Let's flip that: Tell us about a British performer you enjoy listening to. Besides, the Beatles, I liked the Bee Gees. 

4) This song was composed by Michael Masser. He left his career as a stockbroker to pursue his passion for music and scored his first major hit with "Touch Me in the Morning" by Diana Ross. Do you feel you have a greater affinity for the analytical/logical or the creative/emotional? When I was teens to 40's I was more analytical/logical because I thought I had to be. But once I "let go, I was able to embrace my creative/emotional.

5) The lyrics were written by Gerald Goffin. He, too, took a circuitous route to music success. After high school he joined the Navy. When that stint was over, he went to college and studied chemistry. He worked in a lab for a while, but that was just to earn a regular paycheck until he could support himself with songwriting. What was your first job after you finished your education? How long did you stay at that job? I stayed at the postal service and worked part time as a preschool teacher after I graduated. I had to give up the teaching because I was trying to get pregnant and my infertility doctor recommended I quit, so I did. I worked 36 years for the post office. I threw mail for 10 years and worked in the marketing department. That opened the door to the worked of computers and graphics. I eventually did counseling at church for a few years. 

6) While this week's song was Whitney's first hit, it wasn't her biggest hit. That was "I Will Always Love You," from the soundtrack of her movie The Bodyguard. "I Will Always Love You" was written and originally recorded by Dolly Parton. The film's star and producer Kevin Costner called Dolly personally to get her permission to use her song, a courtesy she appreciated. Who has recently been thoughtful or kind to you? My cousin Joanie. She gave me a locket today at the reception. She had pictures of her mom at all the tables and let us take them home.

7) Whitney was a big fan of tomato soup. So is Barbra Streisand. (Maybe is bestows some kind of musical superpower!) What's your favorite soup for an autumn day like today? Our high this week is in the mid 70's. I might make some chicken soup this week. I have some hamburger meat in the refrigerator and maybe I will add some canned beans, and pasta and sauce and seasoning and make a pasta fagioli type soup.

8) 1985 wasn't just big for Whitney. It was also the year Bruce Willis became a household name when his TV series premiered on ABC. Can you name it? No

9) Random question: While dining out, have you ever sent food back? Yes. I have sent soup back if it was lukewarm. I have sent back burgers if the meet was not cooked well enough.