Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

Another week has flown by. Here are my answers to Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9. Thanks to Susanne and Sam for the memes and the links are on the left.

So thankful that Hubby and I went to the beach on Sunday after church. We found parking facing the water. Then we walked a few blocks to eat at our favorite restaurant there called The Crab Cooker. We have been going there since we were dating back in 1973. After we ate, we walked back to our car to get our chairs, umbrella and beach bag. We found a spot close to the water. Then I went to the bathroom to change. I put plenty of sunblock on my face and wore my hat. I wanted to really enjoy my time knowing I had to go for my biopsy on Monday. My husband took pictures of me on the beach to celebrate me turning 70 and feeling good to enjoy my time there. I only got my feet wet but it was great!

Thankful for insurance. I know I say that a lot.  I got my statement for July and they had the itemized break down of my blood work and ultrasound of my abdomen. That was over $2000 and I only paid $10.00 Thank You Lord!

Thankful for the birthday lunch with friends and Bible study on Tuesday night. We are in the book of Revelation, chapter 3 and we do a lot of cross referencing. 

Thankful for lunch with my friend Alice on Wednesday. We spent 3 hours catching up with life. Before I left, I got a phone call message and I had to call the doctor back up. I have basal skin cancer on my left cheek. It is not malignant and I am thanking God for that. Now I just need his peace for the next step. I have to let the biopsy heal and I will see an oncologist that specialized on surgeries for skin cancer that is the least evasive. It is called a MOHRS procedure. Thankful for the prayers of my family and friends. My kids all called me for the details and say they were praying for me. Thankful that I could still go to my Book study at church later. 

Thankful for a great worship night at church Thursday night. Our pastor prayed over people and I went up for prayer. I love seeing my granddaughter leading in worship. She really has a gift and stays humble about it. Thankful that her and her parents and brother are going to a resort at the beach for a few days. My son left Thursday to set things up for the work conference. Thankful that my daughter and her kids are doing most of the dog sitting. 

Thankful to get to see our granddaughter perform at the first football game of the season tonight. And for our granddogs along with our Minnie who love me.

She will be standing on this box set up at the game.

Saturday 9: We Belong Together (2005)

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 20 years ago, "We Belong Together" is about the end of this romantic relationship. Mariah sings that now she won't have anyone to talk to on the phone until the sun comes up. That was then. Today many people prefer to text than to talk on the phone. Are you one of those people? Texts are okay for short messages or when you know they can't be on the phone but they can check a quick message. I had two conversations by phone this week and both were over an hour long. Then I had 3 shorter conversations that were about 15 minutes long.

2) The video for this song features an elaborate wedding. Tell us about the last wedding you attended.

It was about a year ago, September. My Brother in law's daughter got married at a relative's winery.

3) Mariah believes she inherited her musical gifts from her mom, who was an opera singer and vocal coach. When things were hectic in their household, Mariah recalls that music helped bring her and her mom closer together. Share a happy childhood memory featuring you and one of your parents.

4) After graduating from high school in Long Island, Mariah Carey went to Manhattan in search of stardom. While waiting for her big break, she enrolled in beauty school and waited tables. Both stylists and servers receive gratuities for their services. Do you consider yourself a good tipper? I usually tip 20%. Sometimes I will pay more if the service is really good.

5) The Fresh Air Fund operates six camps in the New York area to provide kids with a chance to learn and explore outdoors. They named Camp Mariah in Ms. Carey's honor to thank her for her support. Here's your chance to toot your own horn. Tell us about an honor you received. (Anything from a major award to a handmade drawing that says "World's Best Mom" counts. We want to hear about it.) I got a several awards in high school. I got a few cash awards at work. The funniest award was the one I got at the servants banquet at church for 12 step computer geek or something like that. I have a picture somewhere and I know that trophy is around somewhere too. I think it was in the later 90's and pastor and others knew I worked on a computer at work and then would be on it writing the women's newsletter and other computer things. 

6) Mariah has mentioned she enjoys pizza and red wine. Will you be enjoying either pizza or red wine this weekend? No.

Let's look at the summer of 2005.

7) The biggest news story that summer was Hurricane Katrina. This deadly and destructive storm killed over 1,000 people and did more than $100 billion in damage. Have you ever endured a natural disaster (such as hurricane, flood, landslide, tornado, blizzard, wildfire)? Thankfully, no.

8) Popular that summer was Kingda Ka, the new roller coaster at Six Flags Great America in Jackson, NJ. At the time, it was the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the world. Have you been to any fairs or amusement parks this summer? No and I miss Disneyland. The last time I was there was December 2022, and I rode several roller coaster rides.

9) Award-winning American figure skater Alysa Liu was born in August of 2005. NBC Sports and their Peacock network report that figure skating events get high ratings. What's your favorite sport to watch on TV? Figure skating and gymnastics.

I shared my senior picture on the previous post along with my grandson's kinder/senior picture.

Currently and Tuesday 4

Currently started on

Outside my window... sunny, with a slight breeze and 91 degrees at 4:45 pm

 I am thinking... the biopsy I had on my cheek today.

 I am thankful for... good insurance and a nice day at the beach on Sunday.

 I am remembering...my parents and grandparents.

 On my mind...the heatwave coming on Wednesday-Sunday. Over 100!

I am pondering these words...Let go and let God.

 From the learning rooms.... trying to figure out my new printer.

 From the kitchen... Leftovers today. Seabass, shrimp, cheesy potatoes and coleslaw

 I am wearing... khaki shorts and white t-shirt.

 I am creating...the pages for my current Bible study called Lost & Found.

 I am going...get a little tray ready with my cleaning things for my biopsy wound.

 I am reading...Angelwalk.

 I am hoping...my biopsy incision heals well.

 I am hearing...the diffuser.

 Around the house...quiet now, hubby went to pick up grands.

 One of my favorite things...crafting/Bible journaling.

 A few plans for the rest of the week...lunch with friends, Bible study, lunch with a friend. Worship Night and my granddaughter is singing.

 Here is a picture thought I am sharing...My grandson first day of school. ASB VP  4.0 GPA wants to be a surgeon. Spent the summer as a volunteer at the local hospital. Class of 2026!

I was going to post a picture of me on the beach, but decided to go with this.

1. What gets your blood to boiling? Politics. It divides people. The actual battle is in the spiritual realm. I tend to be a peacekeeper, but at times I let it get to me. I go to God and remember that He is in control. 

2.What does a really good day look like for you? What makes you say, "That was a great day"?

Yesterday was a great day. We went to church, then went to the beach. We had lunch at our favorite place and then spent two hours close to the waves, enjoying the sights and the sounds. Some days we do nothing and that can be a great day, especially when we have been busy. My family birthday party on the 9th was a great day. 

3. Are you continuing to grow mentally, spiritually, talent wise or are you just marking time? I am thankful for each day. Now that I am 70, I will try to enjoy each day as I can. I want to keep growing with my relationship with God and live by the teachings of Jesus. I want to do what I can to take care of my physical body. I want to learn new things if the opportunity arises if I am able to do so.

4. Have you changed your hair style since high school?  Why or why not? Mother nature has changed my hair style since going grey. But I have colored my hair, and it is a lighter brown with a hint of red, just like my mom used to be. I wore it in different lengths in high school, even going to a pixie cut when I was on the swim team. I wear it curlier now, but do like to straighten it. 

Friday Fave 5 & Sat. 9

So hard to believe I am now 70! My mind doesn't feel that old, but my body does remind me I am. But I am trying to take care of myself better. I just can't believe how quickly the days and years go by now. I have been blogging since 2002, first at my website and then here at Blogger since 2021. So now for Friday Faves 5 and Saturday 9

1.Thankful to have lunch with my son Daniel and his wife Melinda last week. They did a great job planning the family birthday party! There were about 45 people and a few missing. It was just great to have the family together! I posted pictures on my previous post, but here is the whole family. I was also happy to see my cousin/bestie at my party and she took this family picture.

2.Thankful for our 51st wedding anniversary. We were going to go to the beach, but we were so tired, we just stayed home until dinner. Then we went to Kings Fish House in our own city.

3. Thankful for dinner at Hong Kongs on Monday since it was closed on Tuesday.  It was nice to go home and have cake and include the fur babies.

4. Thankful that my hubby took me to a scrap store and then Olive Garden for lunch. Renee picked up Eddie and Jazzy and took them out for Jazzy's birthday and shopping. I was able to go to Bible study.

5. Thankful to go to senior fellowship on Wednesday morning and a relaxing day in the spa today.

Saturday 9: Colors of the Wind (1995)

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

Summer Songs. These will all be records that topped the charts during August.

1) Number 1 on the charts in August 30 years ago, "Colors of the Wind" is from the Disney hit, Pocahontas. Have you seen it? Yes, we saw it at the El Capitan theater in Hollywood/LA when it came out. We bought the VHS when it came out and we have seen it on Disney channel. My daughter got all the Pocahontas things that Christmas. I think I still have some McD toys.

2) This song celebrates the glories of nature. Have you spent much time outdoors this summer? If yes, what have you enjoyed doing? I have not spent much time outside. Just a few times in the spa. I can see the hummingbirds and bees by the flowers. I can see the breeze blow the flags and chimes. It is peaceful out there. Oh, the family party was outside, and the weather was great! 

3) Lyricist Stephen Schwartz said he was inspired by the works of Chief Seattle, Henry David Thoreau, and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Who is your favorite author? Margaret Mitchell who wrote Gone with the Wind, James Michener and the men who wrote The Left Behind Series. Tim LaHaye and Gary Jenkins. His son Dallas Jenkins is the writer/producer of The Chosen.

4) This week's artist, Vanessa Williams, came to national attention as Miss America 1984. In the talent competition she sang "Happy Days Are Here Again." Over the years, contestants have sung, recited original poetry, danced, twirled batons, performed gymnastics and demonstrated martial arts. Which of your talents would wow the judges? Bible journaling.

5) Her family tree includes William A. Fields, who served in the Tennessee House of Representatives in the late 19th century. Are you interested in genealogy? I joined Ancestry.com to learn more about it. But only US information was included in the basic level. I did not want to spend money for the international. 

6) Vanessa supports the non-profit Dress for Success, which helps unemployed and underemployed women prepare with career coaching, networking and professional attire. Have you ever gone into a job interview found yourself unprepared? Or, if you prefer, tell us about an interview you confidently aced. It has been a long time since I had a job interview. 1975 for my post office job. The one that was more challenging was to be a day camp counselor in 1979. There were a lot of college applicants, and my sister and I both got in. It was for a 6 weeklong summer program or underprivilege kids. We took a weeklong vacation with the money we made, and the experience was rewarding.

Let's look at the summer of 1995.

7) 1995's best-selling new car was the Ford Taurus. That summer, dealers were promoting a 6.9% APR loan or $1,500 cash back with purchase. This summer, drivers with good credit might get a better deal because the average APR for new car loans is a little lower. Do you keep your eye on fluctuating interest rates? No

8) English yachtswoman Lisa Clayton made history by sailing solo around the world. It took her 10 months. Would you be comfortable spending months and months alone? No, but I would love to take another cruise!

9) Legendary New York Yankee Mickey Mantle died in 1995. How is your baseball team doing this season? The Angels are doing good, and the Dodgers have not done as well so far.

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

Currently & Tuesday 4

I am spending my last day of the 60's as I write this and I will post it on the 12th, my 70th birthday today along with my granddaughters' 16th. The big family birthday party this past Saturday was great!

Sunday we celebrated our 51st wedding anniversary! We had plans to go to the beach for seafood. But we were so tired we decided to watch church online, then catch up with several episodes of Andor, part of the Star Wars series on the Disney Plus channel. We went to Kings Fish House and had a great dinner.

On Monday we met at our favorite Chinese food place for dinner and then went back to our house for cake. All the dogs were there too and we were able to get a grands picture outside. 

1. What are some essential classic books that everyone should read at least once in their lifetime? 

I would say the Bible

2. Monday September 22 is the first day of Autumn. That is my dad's birthday. He and my mom were avid book readers and had bookcases filled with books. 

Would you make up a list for us of books that you think would make great Autumn reading? So I got a few books of theirs that I would be good reading for anytime. I have my mom's Gone with the Wind book. I have my dad's Michener's book called Mexico and Hawaii.

3 What genre will we find most in your library? Sci Fi, Romance, adventure, biography, non fiction, mystery? Historical fiction. What do you like most about the genre? I like history, especially Biblical My favorite series is the Left Behind(16) and AD Chronicles (12). My current library also has many Bibles in different versions. I also have my grandmother's Bibles and my dad's. Israel My Beloved by Kay Arthur is another favorite. It tells the history of the Jewish people in a love story.

4 What book would you like to see made into a movie? Any idea on who should be cast in the rolls?

I can't think of anything. But I would suggest the Chosen series. I might have to add the books to my library. I am glad that I did not know any of the cast. The producer/creator of the series is the son of one of the author's of the Left Behind series. They really do their research for their work.

Friday Faves 5 & Saturday 9

Joining Susanne to share 5 things I am thankful for from this week.

Joining Sam for the Saturday 9, both links on the left.

Thankful for church on Sunday. I have shared pictures of my granddaughter singing at church. This Sunday she spoke before singing the song called Centered. She spoke of Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus. She said it came to her after learning the song at practice. She asked the worship leader if she could speak and He said yes. Another time the Holy Spirit has touched her heart. 

Thankful for a women's worship night. Audrina was played the keyboards that night. I still remember putting her on my lap to play my piano. So thankful that she could play and sing in worship. I sang in school and church choir, but I could never play because of performance anxiety. A part of my walk has been letting go, in many areas. So, when they asked people to freely worship and even go forward, I did.

Thankful for my Bible journaling meet up on Tuesday. Several girls were missing for various reasons. So I got to sit on the main table and share about the kits and how the HS lead to a theme on Word and Jesus's baptism, I have been using names of Jesus each month. I shared how at Sunday's service, pastor read two of the verses I used, confirming my topics.

Thankful for time with the younger grands on Wednesday and my book study in the evening. and first day of school for the older grands on Thursday. Eddie is a senior and VP ASB. He has shorter hours this year, and will go back to his volunteer job once he is settled with his AP classes. Jazzy has a busy schedule with AP classes, Song leader and Sports health medicine. So thankful that all our grands are doing well! 

Thankful to have lunch with my middle son and his wife. They told us about their vacation to the Napa wine area of California. They also told me how the plans were coming along for the family birthday party this Saturday for me turning 70, my granddaughter Jazzy turning 16 and my grandnephew turning 10. The main thing is the whole family being together! 

Saturday 9: Shout (1985)

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 40 years ago, the lyrics to "Shout" encourage us to "let it all out." When is the last time you raised your voice? A week ago.

2) This week's featured artists, Tears for Fears, were a duo -- Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith -- who met as teenagers in Bath, the largest city in Somerset, England. Bath has been named one of The Great Spa Towns of Europe. Popular spa treatments include massages, facials, body scrubs and wraps, mineral baths, manicures and pedicures.  If you could treat yourself to a spa treatment today, which would you choose? A facial.

3) When they first met, one of the things Roland and Curt bonded over was that they were both raised by single mothers. Who was your best friend during your teen years? What did you two bond over? I had a few friends. Some were from church. I met my friend Lissette in 7th grade. She sat in front of me in math. She had just come from Cuba. I befriended her with my broken Spanish. She helped me with my math. We didn't have a lot of classes together, but always had GAA which was last period. We took that class through high school. We had lunch a couple of years ago. I also  met my friend Anita at school in 19th grade because she heard a conversation I had about my old boyfriend and his brother Tony. I met her at Christmas, and we had lunch together last year. We also keep in touch on FB. My other friend was Mary Beth and she was my maid of honor. We keep in touch on Facebook.

4) Curt's wife, Frances Pennington, has had a long career in marketing, beginning in the record business and transitioning to fashion. Which industry do you think you'd enjoy more -- music or fashion? Music!

5) Roland married his childhood sweetheart, Caroline Johnston. They were together for 35 years, until her death. Do you know whatever became of your childhood sweetheart? My first real boyfriend was Oscar in 7-8th grade. We mostly saw each other at church youth group. I ran into his sister about 15 years ago. Shee said that Oscar was a Fire captain in San Diego. I told her to say hi and that is the last time I heard from her.

Let's look at the summer of 1985.

6) That summer, Chicago teenager Balu Natarajan won the National Spelling Bee. Are you a good speller? I would say average.

7) Tinker Bell took her first nightly flight at Walt Disney World in Florida. Do you recall which Disney movie introduced us to Tinker Bell? Peter Pan.

8) Derek Hough was a baby in the summer of 1985. In 2007 he became a regular on Dancing with the Stars, acclaimed for his ballroom dancing. Are you good on the dance floor? I don't know about good, but I did like to dance. It is harder now because of my lower back disc problem.

9) In 1985, Michael J. Fox became the first actor to have the #1 movie at the box office and the #1 TV show in the ratings. The movie was Back to the Future and the TV show was Family Ties. Have you seen the movie? Were you a fan of the show? My husband and I both saw the movie at the show.

It was okay. My husband liked it more than I did. I did like to watch Family Ties.