Thursday, July 31, 2025

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

Another week has flown by! Joining Susanne and Sam for the following memes. Links on the left.


Thankful for my iPhone. I can refer back to it for pictures that help me remember events. The calendar on the IP helps too! I still use a pocket calendar too. 

Thankful for a nice lunch after church this pass Sunday! Also for going to my son's house later for dinner where my other grands were also there. They don't like to take pictures.

Thankful for Facebook Memories! This was from Farmville 2010. I loved playing this game. It started with the home farm. By 2020 when it ended, I had about 30 farms! It really appealed to the creative me. I was sad when it ended. I made friends from all over. I learned a lot about crops and trees from around the word. The Hawaii Farm was my favorite! Especially since I was playing it in 2012 when we sent to Hawaii. My dad would watch me play when I stayed with him after my mom passed.

Thankful for a week that I didn't have to go anywhere except Monday. I was able to get my kits ready for my next Bible journaling meet up on the 5th. 

Thankful for mild weather for July, mostly in the mid 80's. Not happy about the earthquake we had today(Thursday) Thankful that is was not nearby, but still to close at 31 miles away.  It was a 4.4 and I could feel my bed shaking. My husband was in the other room and he said the crystal in my China hutch was making noise. So glad I am not in a two story. I am from So CA and I have experienced many earthquakes, but you never get used to them. 


Saturday 9: Jive Talkin' (1975)

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

This month we're going to recall Summer Songs. 
These will all be records that topped the charts during August.

1) Number 1 on the charts in August 50 years ago, "Jive Talkin'" was originally called "Drive Talkin',"
 because it was inspired by the "chunka-chunka" sound the Bee Gees' car made as it rolled over the bridge from Biscayne Bay to Miami every morning. Tell us about a drive you make regularly. What do you love, or hate, about it? My husband takes one route to church, and I take another. His route has a long light and a big dip in the street. I am usually putting on makeup in the car at that time and that bump gets me every time! The driver chooses the route so I will just have to bump along.

2) Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb always enjoyed singing together and as kids, practiced their harmonies in the bathroom because that's where the acoustics were best. Do you sing in the shower?
Sometimes, but mostly at my desk when I am Bible journaling and listening to music.

3) Early in their career, the brothers wrote and recorded a radio jingle for Coca Cola. If we were to peer into your refrigerator right now, would we find any carbonated beverages? No, we don't buy them.

4) Though their sound depended on tight harmonies, all three Bee Gees were heavy smokers, which is bad for the throat. Do you smoke? Are there smokers/vapers in your life? No and no!

5) Robin Gibb agreed to perform on the CD Sesame Street Fever so his kids could meet Cookie Monster. Who is your favorite Muppet? Elmo.

6) In addition to younger brother Andy, who also scored hit records, the Bee Gees have a sister, Lesley. Unlike her siblings, she didn't go into show business. Instead she became a dog breeder. Tell us about a dog who holds a special place in your heart. First there is my current dog Minnie. Then my grand doggies, Coca and Daisy. Dogs in my life that have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. My Reina, and Missy. Grand doggies Rey and Pepper. Family doxie Mandy Belle. This is us with Missy in 1975.
Missy passed in 1992 and Reina in 2010. Minnie will be our last dog.

Reina



Let's look at the summer of 1975.

7) That summer, producer Lorne Michaels was auditioning talent for the Not Ready for Prime Time Players. This band of comedic performers would premiere that October in a new show called Saturday Night Live. In the days before DVRs and streaming, Saturday Night Live was considered "appointment television," a show you wanted to catch when it aired so you made sure you were in front of a TV to hear "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!" Is there a show you go out of your way to watch when it airs? Or is most of your viewing either recorded or streamed? Hubby and I try to be home when Survivor is on. But we do record our favorite shows to see them if we are out or they are on too late. We each like our own shows, so those are recorded to see when we are ready to see them.

8) The top movie at the box office that summer was Jaws. Have you seen it? Oh yes, we went the week it came out and we had to wait a long time. It scared me for sure and I did not go out far in the beach after watching it. Later, in the 80's we took our boys to Universal Studios and we saw the Jaws exhibit.
My middle son and his wife went in a shark cage in Oahu's Shark Cove while on their honeymoon. That was back in August 2016. In 2012, my sister and I went on a boat called Pride of Maui to Molokini Crater, about 2 miles from the shore. We went snorkeling and it was fun. If we got to far from the boat, a spotter would have us go back towards the boat. The next day we went on the Road to Hana tour. The tour guide told us they have people that feel sharks early in the morning  so they don't go hunting later. There were also people hired around the perimeter to spot for sharks. I am glad I did not know that until after the snorkeling event!



9) In 1975, Jim Palmer of the Baltimore Orioles was having a career season and won the second of his three Cy Young Awards. In 2012 he put all three trophies up for auction. As proud as he was of the awards, he said, "My priorities have changed," and the money would help pay for college for his grandchildren. Think about your belongings. Is there anything you would never part with at any price? There are things I have that mean a lot to me. But I can't take them when I leave to my eternal home. I plan to give things away starting next year now that I am turning 70. Most are thing that were from my parents or grandparents. My granddaughters have already asked for my teapots and teacups. My older grandson wants my Disney Castle and Characters I got for the 60th Disney Birthday. I have some stamp sets that I will give my son to son. The grands can pick out ornaments. I would like each of my grands to have one of my Bibles as well as my kids. Yes I have several study Bibles and I am about to start my 3rd journaling Bible in January. 



Tuesday, July 29, 2025

Tuesday 4 & Sunday Stealing


Let's talk about food this week shall we? Most people enjoy eating good food after all.


1.What is/are your favorite foods to eat? Homemade tacos with my mom's recipe.
It includes ground beef with diced potatoes and small bits of onion, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
I add it to warmed corn tortillas, fry in hot oil, then drain. Fill with lettuce, tomato, grated cheese and sliced olives. Top with hot salsa.

2.How often do you cook at home and what kind of meals do you make? I am trying to eat healthier. I have been eating a lot of protein to help build muscle. I eat eggs every day. I like salads, that I add chicken or tuna. Hubby usually cooks the meats I buy. He makes a pot of beans every week. I usually make the veggies and salad.

3. When you go out to eat what foods do you find yourself ordering most? I like to order a salad with my meal. I have tried to cut back on carbs. I like seafood. Though I like Italian, I don't eat it often because it is so high in carbs. If given my choice, I prefer seafood places.

4. Can you recommend a restaurant in your area?  Why do you like it? Our anniversary is August 10 and we are going to Newport Beach to eat at the Crab Cooker. It is across from the beach/pier. We have been going there since we started dating back in 1973. Newport Beach is about 35 miles away.  A new place just opened near us that we plan to try next week.




This week we stole from Follow That Dream. Bonnie, who posted it, admits she stole it from Stella. Now here it is, just waiting for you to steal it for your blog ...


Sunday Stealing  Stolen from Follow That Dream
 
1. My bestie and I once ...walked 8 miles in San Francisco

2. When I'm nervous ...my stomach hurts

3. My hair ...is curly, but I like when the way it looks when I straighten it.

4. When I turn to the left, I see ...my bookcase that holds my favorite books and Bibles.

5. My favorite aunt ...passed away a year ago. She was so nice to me.


6. I have a hard time understanding ...why a good friend decided to not be my friend.
I know that sounds so grade school. My bestie said it was not me, it was her.

7. You know I like you if ... I want to spend time with you.

8. When I was 5 years old ...I had my tonsils taken out.

Meme links are on the left. Thank you!

Friday, July 25, 2025

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9


Thankful for great weather all week! 80's is nice compared to the 90's plus that we usually have by now. 
But it is coming and it will last until October. I am glad I have solar to offset the high electric bills!

Thankful for all that I am learning with my Bible studies. I love learning new things!

Thankful for family group chats on our phones. One list is my kids and grands, the other is my sibs.

Thankful for a few nice relaxing times in the spa this week.

Thankful to be able to watch tv with hubby and finish watching the last of Mandalorian on the Disney+



Saturday 9: Rhythm of My Heart (1991)
Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.

1) Rod Stewart sings that the words "I love you" roll off his tongue. When did you most recently say, "I love you?" Friday night, to my son.
 
2) In "Rhythm of My Heart," he recalls running down the alley with his lady love. Does your neighborhood have alleys? Yes, there are a couple.
 
3) Rod is well known for his coif. Are you having a good hair day today? Bad. It needs to be colored.
 
4) Rod was the youngest of 5. He remembers that, as a family, they enjoyed singing with Al Jolson records. Did your family have singalongs? Not that I remember. But I did hear everyone singing at various times. Oh wait, I remember singing songs on long drives. Both of my boys have mentioned a memory of singing to Amy Grant on our way up to the mountains.

5) He is proud of his luxury car collection, which includes a Rolls Royce, a Ferrari and the one rumored to be his favorite: a classic mid-70s Lamborghini Countach LP400 Periscopio. Looking back on years as a driver and a car owner, which vehicle is your all-time favorite? I had a 1970 Chevelle SS and it was my first car. I was excited to have my own car. Did not know it would be a collector's car. I had two new cars that I really liked. A Toyota Camry sedan that we sold to get a Grand Caravan. When that died, I got a Toyota Highlander. Both were very comfortable!

6) Rod turned 80 this year and he's still touring. Once known for his hard partying, he takes better care of himself now and rides a stationery bike every day. What steps do you take to keep fit? 
Everyday steps around the house. I try to get up every 15 minutes. Today I went on my stair stepper a few times. I do strength training with exercise bands almost daily.

7) In 1991, when this song was popular, Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry died. Do you have a favorite Star Trek character? Spock and Uhura from the original series.

8) Also in 1991, Seinfeld was a big deal on network television. Today the entire series is available to stream and on DVD. When you binge a show, are you more likely to pop in a disc or turn to a streaming service? I record my favorite shows. I have all the When Calls the Heart and several Call the Midwife.
 
9) Random question: Have you ever cared for a hamster or a gerbil? (Extra non-existent Saturday 9 points for its name.) I used to raise hamsters when I was first married. They were cute. I would sell the babies to the petstore. Our first hamster was Elfie and my sister got a boy named Pepper. They had babies and we kept Ivory. That was 50 years ago!

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the memes. Links are on the left.

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Tuesday 4 & Wednesday Hodgepodge



1. Where have you traveled and what is the furthest you've been from home? I have traveled to Mexico City and Acapulco in 1970  Novia Scotia, Canada, while on a New England Cruise. Juneau Alaska while on a cruise and Puerto Vallarta Mexico while on a cruise. Hawaii, 2000, 2009, 2012 and 2018. The Mexican Riviera Cruise is listed above. I need to finish a couple of more days.

2. Is there a location other than where you are, that you think would be a nice place to live? Hawaii!

3. Do you have a photo or story from a favorite place to visit? I have photos and whole links to the pages I did at my Website. I linked a few at my last post. My website is linked on the left under the memes link. Ifo you go there and click on Site Map, it will take you to a page that list 100's of pages. The vacations are on the lower middle section.

4. What dream destination do you have tucked away in your heart? Do you think you'll be able to visit them one day or are plans in the making? Israel, Spain, Italy. I don't think I will go there physically, but there is a lot to see online. I am just traveling through. My final place is Heaven and one place I know I will get to in God's timing. I hope I smell plumerias there!

Waikiki




1. When does time pass slowly for you? When does time past quickly for you? The days just fly by now. I like to be busy for the most part. The day drags when I don't have anything to do.

2. Do you have a favorite beach? What's your favorite 'beach' activity? Tell us what we'd find in your beach bag. There are several beaches I like that are about 30 miles away from me. Takes about and hour to get there because of traffic. If I had to pick one that is local, I would say Corona Del Mar. I would go there while I was attending the University of Irvine. We would go in between classes or just miss a class because we could. It was a wonderful break from school and the reality that childhood was over. It is the beach we took our kids too. The water is a bit more calmer. We also went there with the grands.

Corona Del Mar

Huntington Beach


Balboa is another beach. Our kids liked walking the pier and playing in the water. Then we would leave the parking lot, what across the street, and head to the bay. There was a Ferris wheel at the boardwalk. We would get corndogs, pizza and Balboa bars, a favorite of mine. Sometimes we would drive our car to the ferry and go across to Balboa Island. We were last there with our married group in October. We took a bay cruise, but the captain took us out further towards a pod of dolphins which he estimated 200-300 dolphins. 

It was great! But my most favorite place is Hanauma Bay in Oahu Hawaii. I haven snorkeled there 3 times and loved it. Clear water, and lots of fish. The time with my husband in August of 2009 was the best. The water was warm compared to our Pacific Caost Beaches that are cold.





The grands are older and now the family goes to Newport and Huntington Beach. The piers are busy, and there are a lot of shops. And of course a lot of surfers! It's a lot harder to get a family day for the beach with everyone's schedule. When I go, I take one of several beach bags I have. I always take the basics like sunscreen, sunglasses, towel and water. The past few years I take a journal or travel Bible so I can watercolor in it. Hubby usually packs everything else. 

3. Your favorite book or movie with a beach setting? South Pacific comes to my mind along with From Here to Eternity.  I have seen the Halona beach cove from the love scene in that movie. This picture was taken in 2009 when we were on an Island your of Oahu.


4. What's a food you love, but find it's a pain to eat? Is it worth it? Pomegranates.

5.  Do you like roller coasters? What's the best (or worst) roller coaster you've been on? Yes, I do like roller coasters. I like to go on them at Disneyland. The tallest one was Magic Mountain. I think it was called the Colossus. The last one I went on was the Incredicoaster at Disney's California Adventure. It goes upside down and I liked the feeling. It actually made my neck feel better!

6. Insert your own random thought here. I love to be at the beach. The sounds and smell of the ocean are the best. I like to collect shells. I do not like the drive and hard to find parking. Hubby does not care for the beach for the same reason. I usually ask to go there for our anniversary. which is August 10 or for my birthday which is August 12. My family is giving me a pool n all party on the 9th. I will see how we feel on the 10th!


Thanks to Annie and Joyce for the Memes, links are on the left.

Friday, July 18, 2025

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9


1. Thankful for FB memories. A  day at Disneyland back in 2017

2.The view from my bedroom window. The brown thing behind the plants is the jacuzzi. This is where I do most of my Bible journaling and crafting. I love to see the birds at the birdbath. 

3.Thankful cooler weather. it was high 80's this week and better than 90's. It will be in the low 80's next week. We have just a touch of humidity, but we also have a breeze.

4.Thankful for the Wednesday night book study on the 12 strong women of the Bible. Also for the paint party and potluck at my friend's house and our lifegroup girls.

5. Thankful for my Minnie Mouse/Minnie Monster





Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here.
1) In this song, Shirley Bassey sings that she could be happy or sad. As you answer these questions, do lean more toward happy or sad? I was sad last night. I feel better today.
 
2) She tells us that she can save money or spend it. Do you try to stick to a budget? I try. I don't buy as many craft supplies because I don't really need more. Also because prices have gone up because of the tariffs.
 
3) By the time Shirley Bassey recorded "It All Depends on You," it was already an oldie, written back in 1926. Can you think of a song, book, or movie that you enjoy today that you believe audiences will relate to 2125? Gone With the Wind. A nation divided.
 
4) Though she has risen to the title Dame Commander of the British Empire (DBE), her childhood allowed her little education. She dropped out at 15 and got a factory job to help her family. How old were you when you got your first full-time job? What was it? When I was 14, I got to spend one summer working at Toy City. I had to get a student work permit. My mom was the manager of 9 stores. She would drop me off and visit the other stores. Harriet was the manager of the Santa Ana store. I worked 8 hours some day and the day went fast. I especially liked eating at Woolworths across the street. The only time I had a full time job was for 6 weeks in the summer of 1979. My sister and I got hired by the city to be day camp counselors. We were outside most of the time. I was already working part time for the postal service. I chose part time so I would be home with my kids during the day. I worked a lot of hours the last few years at the postal service. I was hired for 20 hours, but I would work 30-36 hours, but never 40 because I was not fulltime.

5) A favorite of the Royal Family, Shirley performed at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Party at Buckingham Palace. How would you like to celebrate your next anniversary or birthday? Are you in the mood for a big blow out, or would you prefer something low key? I will be 70 next month. My kids asked me what I wanted. 


 
6) Madame Tussaud's has two wax figurines of Shirley – one in London and a second in Las Vegas. Do you enjoy wax museums, or do you think they're creepy? I have been to one in San Francisco. This was taken in 2018 by Fisherman's Wharf,  with "Carlos Santana".

7) In 1959, when this song was popular, most women wore nylons on a daily basis and the average price per pair was $1. What socks or leg wear – if any – do you have on right now? I had short ankle socks earlier that I wore with my Sketcher's. I am barefoot as I write this Friday evening.

8) Also in 1959, Alaska became our 49th state. Today, cruise lines showcase Alaska on 4- or 7-night cruises. What do you consider the perfect length for a vacation trip? Is a 3-day weekend too short? Are two weeks away from home too long? What's your ideal? I have been on three 7 day trips and I would love to go on a 10 day. My link to my Alaska cruise is linked at the bottom.
 
9) Random question: Which cable channel would you watch more often – one that shows nothing but classic sitcoms, or one that shows nothing but new movies? New movies.

Happy Birthday Loki!

Click on the links on the left and the pictures will show in the middle of the page.


Mexican Riviera linked at the top under the header.
I still have to do day 6.



Friday, July 11, 2025

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9


Five things I am thankful for from this past week.

1. Thankful for Senior fellowship this past Wednesday. Lot of fun, food, testimonies, prayer and bingo.

2.Thankful for my friend Coreen who lets me take my grandkids to her house for swimming.



3. Thankful for the study I am doing on the book of Acts and the beginning of the church.
Thankful for simple things like birds at the birdbath and butterflies in the yard. Being able to take cuttings to create new pots of beauty. God has provided all these things for us to enjoy!

4. Thankful for People who put inspiration and positive things on social media. 

5. Thankful for the Word of God and the things that Jesus taught. Love one another.





Saturday 9: Since U Been Gone (2005)

Unfamiliar with this week's tune? Hear it here. I got that CD for my daughter when it came out.

1) In this song, Kelly Clarkson is dissatisfied with her relationship and she's moving on. What's something you've moved on from lately? It could be anything from a romance to the laundry detergent you've been using for years.I would say stuff in the garage. I am going through boxes that have paper and other products. It is slow going but satisfying. 
 
2) She sings that she can now breathe. Studies have shown that July can be a good month for allergy sufferers because trees and grasses are no longer pollinating. How are your eyes, ears, nose and throat this morning? I have dry eyes and it bothers me all year. My sinuses are a bit dry, but nothing serious. Ears and throat are doing well. I miss swimming under water because I can't get my ears wet.
 
3) Kelly complains that their romance reminds her of a "stupid love song." Let's be more positive: what love song do you associate with positive memories? So many songs to mention. The first would be Jesus Love Me. I learned it as a little child. I sang it to my kids and grandkids. Romantically speaking, there are lots of songs. A few remind me of old boyfriends, but more remind me of the dating and early days with my husband. Just My Imagination by the Temptations. Let's Stay Together by Al Green, Can't Take My Eyes off You by Franki Valli and the Four Seasons. You Make Me Feel Brand New by the Stylistics and Close to You by The Carpenters.

4) While Kelly's first love is music, she's established herself as a TV personality. In addition to her daytime talk show, she's been a judge on The Voice and hosted an awards show. Have you ever been on TV?  I have only been to tapings of shows. American Idol and America's Got Talent.

5) She has confessed a weakness for Doritos. Would we find salty snacks in your kitchen right now? 
Yes, Lays potato chips and pretzels.
 
6) Kelly has found her weight the source of public debate. Are you like Kelly, whose weight fluctuates? Or does it stay stable? Yes, it has fluctuated these past few years. Losing or gaining 5 pounds is a big deal for me. It is the difference between a size 4 and 6. I need the wait for my rear, but it wants to stay on my middle. I am short waisted so when I put weight on my middle, I feel uncomfortable. 
 
7) In 2005, when this song was popular, a motorist made news in Texas when he was ticketed for driving over 200 mph in a 75-mph zone. Have you ever been pulled over by the police? Yes, for making a lane change over a solid. Another time when I went through an intersection on an orange and it turned red. I was not going to argue with the officer. I paid my tickets and went to traffic school to  keep it off my record. Twice in 54 years is not too bad.
 
8) Also in 2005, Tom Cruise had a pop culture moment when he famously jumped on a sofa. Do you remember where he did this? I can picture this scene in my head but can't remember the name. I want to go see his new movie and will check if it is still in the movies. Oh, is it Risky Business?
 
9) Random question: Tell us about a photo you wish you'd taken, but didn't. I always say " I should have taken a picture of that or them or us. After we went swimming at my friends house, I realized I did not get a picture of the older grands in the pool. But we will go back and I will get one.

Thanks to Susanne and Sam for hosting the following memes. Links are on the left.